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[Display omitted] • Fish sludge solubilization and phototrophic bioconversion is tested in aquaponics. • Anaerobic solubilization is superior to aerobic one in providing volatile fatty acids. • Phototrophic bioconversion is conducted using purple phototrophic bacteria. • Light-anaerobic condition achieves the desired biomass and mineral nutrients. • A novel multiloop aquaponics is proposed for the reuse of phototrophic nutrients. Nutrient recovery from fish sludge in aquaponics is crucial to improve the economic output of a system sustainably and hygienically. Currently, fish sludge is treated using conventional anaerobic and aerobic mineralization, which does not allow the recovery of valuable nutrients in fish wastes. In this study, a two-stage approach (named as solubilization process and phototrophic bioconversion) is proposed to convert fish sludge into mineral nutrients and biomass nutrients using purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB), thereby promoting the growth of plants and fish simultaneously in aquaponics. Anaerobic and aerobic solubilization methods are tested to pretreat the fish sludge, generating substrates for PPB. Anaerobic solubilization yields 2.1 times more soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and 3.7 times more total volatile fatty acid (t-VFA) from fish sludge compared with aerobic solubilization. The anaerobic solubilization effluent indicates a COD t-VFA /SCOD of 60% and a VFA comprising 13.3% acetate and 49.0% propionate for PPB. The phototrophic bioconversion using anaerobic solubilization effluent under the light-anaerobic condition results in the highest biomass yield (0.94 g COD biomass /g COD removed) and the highest PPB dominance (Ectothiorhodospira , 58.7%). The anaerobic solubilization and light-anaerobic phototrophic bioconversion achieves 54.1% of carbon recovery efficiency (CRE) (in terms of COD), as well as 44.8% and 91.3% of nutrient recovery efficiency (NRE) for N and P. A novel multiloop aquaponic system combined with PPB-based nutrient recovery is proposed for the reuse of mineral nutrients and PPB biomass generated from fish sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate predictions from deep neural networks are crucial for distinguishing clean data and correcting noisy labels in current label noise learning methods. However, the conventional Softmax classifier used in most relevant works is highly sensitive to label noise due to its inherent competition-prompting mechanism, i.e., similar categories are encouraged to compete for limited confidence scores during class activation, especially between the noisy classes and the ground-truth, which can inevitably lead to suboptimal predictions and eventually hamper model performance. To address this inter-class competition problem, we propose a novel Sigmoid-based Sample Selection and Correction method named SigCo for learning with noisy labels. Different from previous works, we develop a Sigmoid-based network in which each Sigmoid classifier independently predicts its respective class, improving the reliability of the selection and correction process through more accurate predictions. Besides, in order to mitigate the negative impact of noisy labels, we design a noise-adaptive learning strategy by imposing stringent class masking constraints on clean samples to enhance the learning of discriminative features, while adopting a loose masking strategy for noisy data to improve the robustness to label noise. Additionally, we introduce a co-training strategy between our Sigmoid-based network and the conventional Softmax-based network to implicitly boost the generalization capability of the model. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world benchmarks show that SigCo consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods. Especially on CIFAR-100N with 80% and 90% symmetric noise ratios, it improves test accuracy by 5.10% and 18.44%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub encroachment, characterized by the proliferation of shrubs into grasslands, is a challenge faced by grasslands worldwide that significantly impacts livestock production and ecosystem functions. Rapid and accurate estimation of shrub dominance is important for understanding changes in plant community structures and formulating grassland management policies. However, the limited spatial resolution of commonly used satellite imagery poses a challenge when estimating shrub dominance at the landscape scale. The rapid development of Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has opened up new opportunities for cross-scale observations of shrub encroachment in grasslands by effectively bridging the scale gap between ground sampling and satellite image pixels while reducing the required groundwork. This study utilized ground reference data, UAV data (RGB, hyperspectral, and LiDAR), and satellite data (Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2) to estimate shrub and total above-ground biomass (AGB) in temperate grasslands to map the shrub dominance. First, UAV data were applied at the plot scale for the classification of shrub and herbaceous vegetation using the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt), estimation of shrub AGB by employing the vegetation index weighted canopy volume model (CVM VI), and estimation of herbaceous AGB based on the partial least squares regression (PLSR). Second, UAV AGB mapping results were upscaled as samples at the landscape scale and integrated with satellite imagery to establish the shrub and total AGB models using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Finally, shrub dominance, represented as shrub AGB/total AGB, was mapped across the study area. We found that at the plot scale, the MaxEnt model achieved an overall accuracy of 0.990 for object-based classification. The CVM VI combined with canopy height model and narrow-band vegetation index achieved the highest accuracy for estimating shrub AGB (R2 = 0.821, RMSE = 30.1 g). The PLSR combined with features derived from all UAV data achieved the highest accuracy for estimating herbaceous AGB (R2 = 0.856, RMSE = 9.1 g/m2). At the landscape scale, the XGBoost achieved high accuracy for estimating both the shrub AGB (R2 = 0.719, RMSE = 4.2 g/m2) and total AGB (R2 = 0.961, RMSE = 5.0 g/m2). The high-precision mapping results further facilitate the generation of shrub dominance maps at a landscape scale. This study presents a more accurate and efficient framework for mapping shrub AGB, total AGB, and shrub dominance using multi-scale remote sensing data, which offers new approaches for large-scale grassland AGB mapping and monitoring of shrub encroachment in grasslands. • Multisensory UAV data were evaluated for shrub and herbaceous AGB estimation at the plot scale. • SAR and multispectral satellite data were used to map AGB and shrub dominance at the landscape scale. • Our multi-scale framework outperformed the traditional AGB estimation method. • Assessing shrub dominance is important for understanding shrub encroachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One water exopolysaccharide, designated G-EPS, was secreted by Rhodopseudomonas palustris GJ-22 culture media. The structure of G-EPS was characterized with HPGPC, GC–MS, methylation, 1D and 2D NMR, along with UV and FT-IR spectrum. The G-EPS molecular weight was 10.026 kilodalton, and is composed of D-mannose (92.8%) and d -glucose (7.2%). The purified G-EPS promoted plant growth and induced systemic resistance against TMV in Nicotiana benthamiana. These results suggested that G-EPS is an important active component of the bio-control capacity of GJ-22. • R. palustris GJ-22 secretes G-EPS, an exopolysaccharide, into culture media. • G-EPS is structurally composed of mannose and glucose. • G-EPS exhibits pro-growth and antiviral activities. • G-EPS induced systemic resistance that involved both the SA and JA/ET two signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along with the prevalence of drug combination therapies, an increasing number of cases about drug-drug interactions (DDI) have been reported, which has drawn a lot of attention due to the potential toxicity and/or therapeutic failure. Pharmacokinetic interactions based on drug metabolic enzymes should be responsible for a great many of DDI. UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) as the main phase II metabolic enzymes are involved in the metabolism of many endogenous and exogenous substrates. Herein, we designed and optimized a validated cocktail method for the simultaneous evaluation of drug-mediated inhibition of the main five UGT isoforms using respective specific probe substrates (estradiol for UGT1A1, chenodeoxycholic acid for UGT1A3, serotonin for UGT1A6, propofol for UGT1A9/PROG and zidovudine for UGT2B7/AZTG) in human and rat liver microsomes by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS). Moreover, we investigated the risk of interactions among UGT probe substrates, and validated the cocktail method by known positive inhibitors of UGT isoforms. To minimize the substrates interaction, we developed two cocktail subgroups which were further optimized via exploring the experimental conditions. In particular, the cocktail inhibition assay for rapid assessment of in vitro rat UGTs was firstly reported and the values of K m in the liver microsomes from humans and rats were close to each other in the specific UGT subtype. In conclusion, this study has successfully established the cocktail approach to explore UGT activity, especially for UGT inhibition in a fast and efficient way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the effect of nanoparticle-diesel fuel blends on combustion characteristics, performances and exhaust emissions of a four-stroke single-cylinder diesel engine. Three types of nanoparticles employed in this experiment were aluminium oxide, carbon nanotubes and silicon oxide. The nanoparticles were dispersed in a dosage of 25 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm with pure diesel and were labelled as DA25, DA50, DA100 (aluminium oxide blends), DC25, DC50, DC100 (carbon nanotubes blends) and DS25, DS50, DS100 (silicon oxide blends). The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer analysis was done for 200 h to quantify the stability of the nanoparticle-diesel fuel blends. The blended fuels were experimentally tested with YANMAR TF120M diesel engine at engine loads of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% at a constant 1800 rpm engine speed. The results revealed that the brake specific fuel consumption reduced by up to 19.8% and brake thermal efficiency enhanced by 18.8%. Silicon oxide blends show better results than aluminium oxide blends in many aspects, such as higher combustion pressure, lower brake specific fuel consumption and lower carbon monoxide emissions. Aluminium oxide and silicon oxide show stable blend conditions with 28.1% and 22.0% absorption ratio at 200 h sedimentation time, while carbon nanotube blends were least stable with absorption ratio reducing to less than 30% after 10 h. Combustion analysis of carbon nanotube blends with diesel show that carbon nanotubes have the potential to be further researched as an additive for diesel fuel due to significant combustion improvement in NO x emissions. However, the issue on the stability of carbon nanotube blends must be resolved before its potential can be fully utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone pigment extracted from roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Sieb. et Zucc. (Boraginaceae), and possesses various pharmaceutical activities, such as anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. In addition, shikonin as a natural red colorant for food garnishment and cosmetics ingredient is widely used in the world. However, the inhibition risk of shikonin on cytochrome P450 (CYP) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential inhibition of shikonin against CYP1A2, CYP2B1/6, CYP2C9/11, CYP2D1/6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A2/4 activities in human and rat liver microsomes through cocktail approach in vitro. The results demonstrated that shikonin exhibited no time-dependent inhibition of CYP activities. In human liver microsomes, shikonin was not only a mixed inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, but also a competitive inhibitor of CYP2E1, with K i values no more than 7.72 μM. In rat liver microsomes, shikonin also exhibited the mixed inhibition on CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2C11, CYP2D1, and the competitive inhibition on CYP2E1. Interestingly, shikonin presented an atypical kinetic inhibition of CYP3A2-mediated midazolam 1-hydroxylation in rats. In conclusion, the relatively low K i values of shikonin would have a high risk potential to cause the possible toxicity, especially drug-drug or food-drug interactions based on the potent inhibition of CYP enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that interest in knowledge facilitates students' academic achievement in learning. Because individual interest is often based on how much one knows, in other words existing or prior knowledge, studying adolescents' interest in health-enhancing physical activity and its benefits should address the relation between the interest and their existing or prior physical activity knowledge. Understanding this relationship may help us facilitate students to not only develop interest in knowing more about but also actual adopt a healthy, active lifestyle. This study used a large-sample structural equation design to identify the relationship between middle school students' interest in physical activity knowledge and their prior physical activity knowledge, and to assess the change of this relationship over time. Guided by the declarative-procedural knowledge framework, latent growth models were developed and tested on data collected from a random sample of 3882 students from ten middle schools. The latent growth curve model indicated that, 1) on average, students experienced a significant interest decline in both procedural and declarative knowledge; 2) prior knowledge helped slow the decline and facilitated interest growth in knowledgeable students. The results suggest that existing knowledge determined the interest change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new method is proposed for sizing aerosols without refractive index. • The LSIF is used to characterize unconstrained PSD and refractive index. • Deep learning is adopted to retrieve unconstrained PSD efficiently (about 100 ms). • An integrated and cost-effective prototype is designed and verified. Existing light-based aerosol size analyzers suffer from measurement errors or even fail to measure particle size distribution (PSD) when the refractive index is unknown. To overcome this limitation, we introduced a new aerosol sizing method without the prior refractive index using the light scattering intensity field (LSIF) and deep learning. The LSIF is the intensity distribution of the light scattered in all directions around aerosol particles, which can be used to simultaneously characterize the PSD and the refractive index. A PSD retrieval approach based on deep learning was developed to efficiently retrieve (about 100 ms) the unconstrained PSD (141 independent channels). Our proof-of-concept prototype was tested on various aerosol samples with different particle sizes and refractive indices, where the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the particle size was 1.94% in the test of monodisperse aerosols and the Kullback-Leibler divergence of PSD was 0.13 in the test of polydisperse aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands are important habitats on biodiversity protection. In this study, the relationship between wetland and avifauna changes in the Yellow River Delta Wetland was studied. Remote sensing and geographic information system provided an advanced platform for the research. After the avifauna survey was performed from 2012 to 2013, the birds’ variation and driving factors were analyzed. The results showed that the flow into the wetland increased continuously from 2000, and the increased of artificial wetland prevented the wetland degradation, although at the same time the total wetland area decreased. Medium grassland, tidal flat and pond are the three main landscapes which are beneficial for the habitation of birds. The migrating numbers of red-crowned crane increased significantly from 2005, and the overwintering numbers increased from 2009. The study results show that the key land use types for protecting endangered species of birds are medium grassland, tidal flat and pond landscapes. Wetland changes are sensitive to the birds and significantly affected by the flow. We suggest that the artificial wetland project should enhance the three land use type area to ensure the wetland restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lubricating oil improves the reliability of compressors and systems, whereas increases the system complexity. Compared with other types of compressors that have oil-free models, a rolling piston compressor has more leakage paths and bigger leakage loss. Therefore, the leakage is an important problem to be solved in order to develop an oil-free rolling piston compressor. The paper put forward a new structure of rotary compressor adopting a low pressure shell, connecting the cavities within piston and behind vane to the cavity at suction pressure and using radial compliance mechanisms. Then the leakage models were developed to calculate the mass flow rates within both the present rolling piston compressor without any oil as sealant and the new structure of oil free compressor. Results showed that by the new structure, the influences of leakage on the performance of a R290 oil free rolling piston compressor can be largely decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Physical education and health education are relevant avenues for adolescents to learn knowledge and behavior related to energy-balanced living. Grounded in the framework theory of conceptual change, this study examined ninth graders' energy balance knowledge (i.e., concepts, principles, and strategies underlying the scientific mechanism and the outcome of energy balanced/imbalanced living) and physical activity in a healthful-living curriculum (i.e. combination of physical education and health). The students (N =195) were measured using concept mapping, accelerometers, and three-day physical activity recall. It was found that the students differed in energy balance knowledge where most (83%) lacked a higher-order relational understanding. Physical activity in physical education class or after school did not significantly differ by students' mental model levels concerning energy balance knowledge. The findings suggest that an ecological learning context with moderate physical activity should be provided to help students make sense of energy balance knowledge through lived experiences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The RSDI is suitable for monitoring aeolian desertification. • The areas with significant restoration (34.1%) exceeded those with significant deterioration (6%) in the NSPB. • In the areas with significant restoration, 57.4% of the land was mainly affected by human activities. The northern sand-prevention belt (NSPB) is the key area for sand control in China, and the various ecological projects conducted there are important to the Chinese strategy for ecological security. In this paper, a new remote sensing-based desertification index (RSDI) based on principal component analysis was constructed from four aspects of vegetation greenness, surface moisture, soil grain size, and surface radiation. The overall evaluation accuracy of the index was 89.2%, and the kappa coefficient was 0.80, indicating high sensitivity to different degrees of aeolian desertification and suitability for multiscale research. The coefficient of variation, Mann–Kendall test, Theil–Sen median trend analysis, and residual analysis were used to analyze the spatiotemporal changes and driving forces of the RSDI in the NSPB from 2000 to 2020. The RSDI was used to compare aeolian desertification in different subregions, land use types, and ecological project areas. The important results are as follows: (1) the trend of the average RSDI was downward, but it increased significantly in 2008–2009 and 2013–2014; (2) the RSDI was characterized by relatively high volatility in 28.9% and moderate volatility in 27.1% of the area; (3) the areas with significant restoration (34.1%) greatly exceeded those with significant deterioration (6%), whereas 59.9% of the total area was stable; and (4) within the area with significant restoration, 57.4% was primarily affected by human activities, and 42.4% was primarily affected by climate change; however, most of the area with significant deterioration (71.1%) was affected by human activities. In general, the degree of aeolian desertification in the NSPB has decreased in the past 20 years and its ecological quality has continued to recover. However, unreasonable human activities still need to be reduced, and the ecological management of areas under serious threat of desertification needs to be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study reports adolescent expectancy-value motivation, and its relation to fitness knowledge and psychomotor skill learning in physical education. Students (N =854) from 12 middle schools provided data on expectancy-value motivation, fitness knowledge and psychomotor skill learning. Results from dependent t-test and MANOVA indicated that 8th grade students rated task values significantly lower than 6th grade while their expectancy beliefs did not significantly differ. Students gained sizable fitness knowledge (d =0.58, p <0.05) and badminton skill (d =1.40, p <0.05). Multiple regression analyses revealed that expectancy-value motivation did not significantly predict learning in fitness knowledge or psychomotor skills. These findings suggest that expectancy-value motivation might predict engagement and performance, but not necessarily learning achievement in physical education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ceramic samples with nominal compositions of (Ca1− x Sr x )0.9Pr0.001Zn0.099TiO3 (x =0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) were prepared by a mixed oxide method. When examined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the samples revealed a main CaTiO3 phase with small amounts of a second Zn2TiO4 phase. All of the ceramic samples emitted red phosphorescent light at about 613nm when excited by light of a wide wavelength range (200nm to about 500nm). The partial substitution of Sr for Ca, up to approximately 10at%, significantly enhanced the phosphorescence intensity and lifetime. The long lasting phosphorescence could be observed with naked eyes in dark room for more than 10min in both air and water at room temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Achievement goals and interests are recognized as primary motivators for learning in physical education. The study examined the dynamics of the motivators as associated with organized outside-school physical activity experiences and learning outcomes. Data of achievement goals, personal interest, learning outcomes, and outside-school experiences were gathered from students (N=104) randomly selected from two middle schools. The correlation analysis revealed a complex relationship among the motivators and learning outcomes. The MANOVA showed that the students participating in organized outside-school physical activities had a stronger ego-goal orientation and were more physically active in learning. Their knowledge and skill assessment outcomes did not differ from other students. The findings suggest that participation in outside-school programs may result in an active engagement, but may not lead to a paralleled learning achievement. These findings depicted a complex and dynamic web of relationships between the motivators and learning outcomes that needs to be addressed in future research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• LC–MS/MS analysis method was developed for arachidonic acid metabolome. • The method was firstly applied for eicosanoids determination in a mouse model of breast cancer. • Significant content differences of arachidonic acid and its metabolites were found. • Eicosanoids may be used as new biomarkers to assist for breast cancer diagnosis. Arachidonic acid (AA) is closely associated with breast cancer. In addition to the two metabolic pathways regulated by cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, AA has a third metabolic pathway through which cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes produce hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). The targeted CYP-mediated pathway of AA can not only kill cancer cells but also inhibit the interstitial microenvironment around a tumor. Therefore, it makes sense to identify potential biomarkers from the AA metabolome for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This study established a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the analysis of AA and its main metabolites, EETs and HETEs, in MMTV-PyMT mice, a spontaneous breast cancer mouse model. The results showed that there were significant differences in the concentrations of AA, 12-HETE, 19-HETE and 8,9-EET in plasma and tumor tissues between normal and MMTV-PyMT mice. Therefore, the eicosanoids mentioned above may be used as new biomarkers for breast cancer diagnosis. This study provides a new perspective for the recognition and diagnosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory behaviors provide useful measures of lung health. The current methods have limited capabilities of continuous characterization of respiratory behaviors, often required to assess respiratory disorders and diseases. This work presents a system equipped with a machine learning algorithm, capable of continuously monitoring respiratory behaviors. The system, consisting of two wireless wearable sensors, accurately extracts and classifies the features of respiratory behaviors of subjects within various postures, wirelessly transmitting the temporal respiratory behaviors to a laptop. The sensors were attached on the midway of the xiphoid process and the costal margin, and 1 cm above the umbilicus, respectively. The wireless wearable sensor, consisting of ultrasound emitter, ultrasound receiver, data acquisition and wireless transmitter, has a small footprint and light weight. The sensors correlate the mechanical strain at wearing sites to lung volume by measuring the local circumference changes of the chest and abdominal walls simultaneously. Eleven subjects were recruited to evaluate the wireless wearable sensors. Three different random forest classifiers, including generic, individual, and weighted-adaptive classifiers, were used to process the wireless data of the subjects at four different postures. The results demonstrate the respiratory behaviors are individual- and posture-dependent. The generic classifier merely reaches the accuracy of classifying postures of 21.9 ± 1.7% while individual and weighted-adaptive classifiers mark substantially high, up to 98.9 ± 0.6% and 98.8 ± 0.6%, respectively. The accurate monitoring of respiratory behaviors can track the progression of respiratory disorders and diseases, including chronic respiratory obstructive disease (COPD), asthma, apnea, and others for timely and objective approaches for control. • Continuously monitor and extract features of respiratory behaviors completely and accurately. • Machine-learning enabled study of individuality of respiratory behaviors. • Postures recognition based on general respiration contributing to monitor posture-related respiratory diseases, like apnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A selection strategy for base-period images of spatio-temporal fusion was proposed. • The spatio-temporal inconsistency between field samples and images was reduced. • The estimation accuracy of grassland aboveground biomass was improved. The accurate estimation of the aboveground biomass (AGB) is crucial for the sustainable utilization and management of grassland resources. Spatio-temporal inconsistencies between field samples and satellite images are major source of error in the estimation of grassland AGB. To solve this problem, this study selected the Three Rivers Headwater Region as the study area and proposed a selection strategy for base-period images of spatio-temporal fusion that was suitable for use at a large spatial scale in which cloud-free images are difficult to obtain. The spatial and temporal adaptive reflectance fusion model (STARFM) based on the selection strategy was used to generate a synthetic Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) dataset with high spatial-temporal resolution by using the maximum value composite of GF-1 NDVI and MODIS NDVI to enhance the spatial-temporal quality of the images for field-scale application. Three estimation models for grassland AGB were then constructed by the random forest algorithm using synthetic NDVI, MODIS NDVI, GF-1 NDVI respectively, together with ancillary data. Following this, the estimation model with the highest accuracy was used to generate a 16-m eight-day time-series AGB in the growing season. The results showed: (1) The synthetic NDVI was correlated closely with the observed GF-1 NDVI, with an average R of 0.825 and a RMSE of 0.087. The temporal trend of the synthetic NDVI for each grassland type was highly consistent with that of the MODIS NDVI in the growing season with a correlation higher than 0.9. (2) The synthetic NDVI reduced the spatial difference between field samples and images to 16-fold, and the temporal difference was controlled to within four days under ideal conditions. (3) The synthetic NDVI improved the estimation accuracy of grassland AGB by about 15.9% and 19.7% (R2), and 13.7% and 17.5% (RMSE) relative to MODIS NDVI and GF-1 NDVI, respectively. (4) The time-series AGB revealed accurately the spatial distribution of and seasonal temporal variations in the grassland biomass. The results of this study may serve as scientific guidance for timely monitoring of grassland conditions and precise management of grassland resources in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibition of CYP enzymes is thought to be the most common cause of drug–drug and/or herb–drug interactions. To characterize the inhibition of CYP enzymes activities by chemicals, enzyme inhibition kinetic experiments are usually carried out. The purpose of this letter is to call attention to evaluate the enzyme inhibition kinetics in drug–drug interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The inhibition risk of shikonin on UGT enzymes was firstly investigated. • Shikonin significantly inhibited UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A9/PROG, and UGT2B7/AZTG activities in human and rat liver microsomes. • Shikonin exhibited no time-dependent inhibition on UGT activities. • Shikonin displayed competitive inhibition on UGT isoforms. Shikonin, a natural red colorant, is widely used for food garnishment and cosmetic ingredient in the world. Shikonin also possesses a variety of pharmacological actions, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activities. However, little is known about its effects on the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of shikonin on the UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A6, UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 activities via the human and rat liver microsomal assay and cocktail approach. The results showed shikonin inhibited human and rat liver microsomal UGT activity only in a dose-dependent manner. The further enzyme kinetic studies demonstrated that shikonin was not only a competitive inhibitor of human UGT1A1, UGT1A9, and UGT2B7, but also presented competitive inhibition on rat UGT1A1 and AZTG reactions. In conclusion, shikonin as a reversible inhibitor of UGT enzyme has a high-risk potential to cause the possible toxicity, especially drug-drug or food-drug interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new topology optimization technique for the design of compliant mechanisms that are efficient in transferring motion, force, or energy while being sufficiently strong to resist yield or fatigue failure. Generally, flexure hinges are efficient in transferring motion, force, or energy but are weak in resisting yield or fatigue failure while slender beams are relatively inefficient but strong. Thus, our philosophy is that a compliant mechanism may benefit from the above complimentary properties of flexure hinges and slender beams if they are connected and sized in a rational way. This requires a design approach with both flexure hinges and beams as constructional elements, and the design approach should include criteria on both efficiency and strength. Therefore, in the proposed technique, a mixed mesh of flexure hinges and beams was employed to discretize the design domain, and their connectivity, locations, and sizes were simultaneously determined to fulfill both the so-called stiffness-flexibility criterion (for efficiency) and a newly proposed input stroke criterion (for strength). The input stroke of a compliant mechanism, defined per the von-Mises yield criterion, is inversely proportional to the maximum stress per input displacement and represents the mechanism's maximum input displacement before yield failure. Both theoretical explorations and design examples demonstrate that the strength of compliant mechanisms can be significantly improved without compromising the efficiency, and trade-off designs that are better balanced between strength and efficiency can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Light-scattering angular spectrum is proposed for high-resolution particle sizing. • A compacted and lens-free optical system is designed for LSAS sampling. • The particle size distribution is inversed with high accuracy (D KL < 0.05). • The sensor is low-cost and portable for in-situ aerosol contamination measurement. In the study of aerosols, great concern has been focused on the particle size distribution (PSD) as a crucial factor of the physical and chemical properties of the aerosols. There are strong and growing demands for on-line and in-situ aerosol analysis technologies, but existing portable aerosol sensors can hardly provide high-resolution and accurate PSD measurement with limited volume and cost. To address this challenge, we introduce the concept of a new optical aerosol sensing method using light-scattering angular spectrum (LSAS), which describes the angular dependence of the scattering light intensity. The key novelty is a compacted LSAS sampling module for collecting the scattering light up to the observing angles. According to the wide-range LSAS sampled by our sensor, high-resolution PSD is predicted by non-negative regularization inversion algorithm. To validate the performance of our sensor, monodisperse di-ethyl-hexyl-sebacate aerosols (DEHS) samples of different sizes and smokes of smoldering cotton rope were tested. The maximum relative error (RE) of LSAS was smaller than 12.02%, while the Kullback-Leibler Divergence (D KL) between inversed and reference PSDs were smaller than 0.05. Without using any particulate pre-separation module and optical lens, we build a novel low-cost and miniaturized sensor only composed of a mirror, a linear charge coupled device (CCD) and a semiconductor laser, which has significant potential for high-resolution aerosol sizing in routine field measurements outside a laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenolic resin cross-linked nonionic polyacrylamide (NPAM) gel used for in-depth profile control was systematically analyzed. Long gelation time and strong gel strength of the gel system was obtained by adjusting NPAM or cross-linker concentration. An increase in temperature and salt concentration accelerated the gelation process and improved the gel strength. Although shearing brings a negative effect on gel performance, the gel system still had strong gel strength which could make it long-term stability in in-depth formation. Differential scanning calorimetry determined that this gel system should be used for oilfield application at temperatures below 143 °C. A compact three-dimensional network structure was formed in the bulk gel system and in porous media which contributed to long-term gel stability in the formation. Sand-pack flow experiments showed that the NPAM gel had a good plugging capacity and could selectively plug high permeability zones. By retention, adsorption, and bridging across the pore throats, the gel systems effectively reduced the permeability of porous media in high permeability zones and diverted fluid into low permeability zones, and thus improved the formation profile. Furthermore, this gel system for in-depth profile control treatment was successfully used in the Xinjiang oilfield of China which provided a reference for other similar high water cut oilfields for water control worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riverine wetlands provide important habitats and travel corridors for resident and transient species, playing a key role in maintaining the diversity of entire landscapes. This paper assessed a long-term (1990–2013) landscape changes and avifauna community dynamics in the Yellow River wetland natural reserves, China. Remote sensing information was combined with field surveys to collect critical data on land use and avifaunal populations. The results reveal that land use has dramatic changes during 1990–2013. Utilized water features have significantly decreased over 20 years, whereas artificial land features such as paddy, dry field and built-up area have shown a steady increasing trend in the three riverine wetlands. The spatial landscape patterns of the three wetlands have become fragmented and notably heterogeneous as results of rapid economic development. With the changes of utilized water features, avifauna data show that some overwintering and transient species are becoming permanent residents. Though there is an abundant and diverse array of bird species utilizing the wetlands, migrating traits of these avifauna species have changed. This study can provide basic information for making effective and sustainable conservation plans for the entire Yellow River wetland natural reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetostrictive patch transducers (MPT) are widely used in non-destructive testing for flexibility, reputability, and durability. Based on the theory of magnetostriction, we developed a method for the design and optimization of axial magnetized MPTs for the transduction of L(0,2) ultrasonic guided waves. To get the optimum static bias magnetic field, we conducted experiments with different magnetostrictive patch aspect ratios, which were based on the theory of demagnetization. Furthermore, we analyzed the variations in solenoid coil parameters with changes in the dynamic alternating magnetic field and induced voltage via simulations and experiments. An optimized MPT was obtained, with its performance improved by 2.79 times compared with those of transducers without magnetostrictive patch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the responses of two types of neutron detector in mixed gamma-ray and neutron radiation fields around a 150-MeV electron linear accelerator (LINAC). The detectors were self-assembled, high efficiency, and designed in two configurations: (1) a conventional moderated-type neutron detector based on a large cylindrical He-3 proportional counter; and (2) an extended-range version with an embedded layer of lead in the moderator to increase the detector’s sensitivity to high-energy neutrons. Two sets of the detectors were used to measure neutrons at the downstream and lateral locations simultaneously, where the radiation fields differed considerably in intensities and spectra of gamma rays and neutrons. Analyzing the detector responses through a comparison between calculations and measurements indicated that not only neutrons but also high-energy gamma rays (>5 MeV) triggered the detectors because of photoneutrons produced in the detector materials. In the lateral direction, the contribution of photoneutrons to both detectors was negligible. Downstream of the LINAC, where high-energy photons were abundant, photoneutrons contributed approximately 6% of the response of the conventional neutron detector; however, almost 50% of the registered counts of the extended-range neutron detector were from photoneutrons because of the presence of the detector rather than the effect of the neutron field. Dose readings delivered by extended-range neutron detectors should be interpreted cautiously when used in radiation fields containing a mixture of neutrons and high-energy gamma rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Students'' different perceptions of task values influence their learning experience and achievement in physical education. Framed using the subjective task value construct, this study was conducted to determine the extent to which male and female Chinese middle schoolers with different body sizes differed in their perception of the task values. A second goal of the study was to identify the extent to which the task values along with gender and body size predicted students'' performance on knowledge and physical skill tests. Data from a random sample of students (N =860) from eight Chinese middle schools revealed that the boys appreciated intrinsic (p =.001) and utility values (p =02); both boys and girls, however, equally appreciated the attainment value (p =.73). The boys performed better in physical skill tests than the girls (p =.001), whereas the girls scored higher in knowledge tests than the boys (p =.04). Regression analyses revealed that gender is the only predictor for performance on both knowledge and skill tests. Utility value and body size were predictors for skill, not for knowledge. These findings indicate that Chinese middle school boys and girls differed in valuing and achieving in physical education. The findings imply that Chinese boys need to strengthen cognitive learning and girls need to strengthen psychomotor skill development in physical education. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Residue levels of eighteen pesticides during Chinese Baijiu production were assessed. • Pesticide residues were obviously removed in steeping and steaming step. • Fermentation reduced pesticide residues by 39.8–74.2% owing to microbial degradation. • Distillation step was proved to be effective for decreasing pesticide residues. • PFs of eighteen pesticides were clarified during Chinese Baijiu production. The fate of eighteen pesticides in field-collected rice samples during Chinese Baijiu production was systematically studied. The results indicated that steeping decreased flonicamid residue by 73.2% due to its high water-solubility and low octanol/water partition coefficient. The steaming step reduced pesticide residues by 32.0%–75.3% through evaporation or thermal degradation. After steaming, the pesticide residues were further reduced by 39.8–74.2% in fermentation which might be caused by biological degradation. In addition, distillation was shown to be most effective, responsible for greater than 90% losses of the remaining pesticide residues. The processing factors (PFs) were generally lower than 1 for different processes and the whole procedure. These results revealed that the procedure of Chinese Baijiu production could dramatically decrease residues of all the eighteen pesticides. Overall, this study provide important references for monitoring pesticide residue levels during the production of Chinese Baijiu from rice, and ensuring proper risk assessment from pesticide contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The novel phenomena in nanophotonic materials, such as the angle-dependent reflection and negative refraction effect, are closely related to the photonic dispersions E (p). E (p) describes the relation between energy E and momentum p of photonic eigenmodes, and essentially determines the optical properties of materials. As E (p) is defined in momentum space (k -space), the experimental method to detect the energy distribution, that is the spectrum, in a momentum-resolved manner is highly required. In this review, the momentum-space imaging spectroscopy (MSIS) system is presented, which can directly study the spectral information in momentum space. Using the MSIS system, the photonic dispersion can be captured in one shot with high energy and momentum resolution. From the experimental momentum-resolved spectrum data, other key features of photonic eigenmodes, such as quality factors and polarization states, can also be extracted through the post-processing algorithm based on the coupled mode theory. In addition, the interference configurations of the MSIS system enable the measurement of coherence properties and phase information of nanophotonic materials, which is important for the study of light-matter interaction and beam shaping with nanostructures. The MSIS system can give the comprehensive information of nanophotonic materials, and is greatly useful for the study of novel photonic phenomena and the development of nanophotonic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The northwest area of the BTSSCP suffered severe dust-affected zones based on the dust flow trajectory. • The ESs in severe dust-affected areas were relatively poor. • ESs and the dust flow trajectory were integrated to identify ecological governance zones. • Governance suggestions were proposed for the ecological management zone combined with the driving forces. Achieving ecological conservation and governance based on ecosystem services (ESs) can balance regional ecological protection and development, which is of great significance for sustainable development. Existing research has mainly focused on the extraction of priority ecological conservation areas, thereby neglecting to consider the classification and management of ecological engineering areas. To improve regional ecological governance, we combine ESs and dust movement trajectory, using the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project (BTSSCP) as the research object to generate watersheds' ecological governance zones. Six ESs were assessed to determine ecological zones. Trajectory simulation of dust movement, using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and potential source contribution function, was used to determined zones affected by dust. By combining these two aspects, five main ecological governance clusters were identified. We found that: (1) the area with low ESs in the northwest of the BTSSCP suffered from severe dust impacts; (2) slight dust-affected zones were mainly distributed in the eastern of the BTSSCP, and in the area, ESs gradually decreased from south to north; (3) ESs in the region was primarily influenced by natural factors and the influencing factors of ESs vary among different zones. These findings will not only contribute to the overall planning and governance of the BTSSCP, but can offer general guidance for the formulation of targeted ecological protection and restoration measures in other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays 3D bioprinting, due to its high structural reconstruction and low cost, has been a promising technology and gained expectation in the treatment of vascular diseases. Although some studies have reported that 3D printing of large-sized blood vessels in the human body has been achieved, there are still some problems to be solved urgently, such as the unfulfilled microvascular simulation and inferior biocompatibility and mechanical strength of scaffold materials. In this paper, the hybrid bioink prepared with gelatin, sodium alginate and carbon nanotubes were manufactured into cylindrical scaffolds through the collaboration between the vertical directional extrusion of printing nozzle and axial rotation of stepper motor module. Mouse epidermal fibroblasts were inoculated into the inner and outer walls of hollow tubular scaffolds to fabricate engineered blood vessels. The internal diameters of the bionic circular tubes printed in batches were 3 mm with an average wall thickness of 0.5 mm and a length of 7–10 cm. Results demonstrated that the proper doping of carbon nanotubes could effectively increase the mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds. Also, quantitative experiments proved that a small amount of doping of carbon nanotubes had little effect on cytotoxicity, and the constructs could meet the requirements of biomimetic vascular. Schematic illustration of the synthesis and 3D printing of the gelatin-based alginate/carbon nanotubes vessel constructs. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, insect biofuel from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil was investigated as a potential alternative fuel in a single cylinder direct injection compression ignition (CI) engine. The neat of BSFL oil and its blends (B25, B50, B75, and B100) were utilized in the engine, in order to identify its combustion, performance, and emission characteristics. This was followed by an experimental performance at a constant speed with variable engine loads. The result showed a slight decrease by 3.28% in the cylinder pressure, with an 8.21% reduction in brake thermal efficiency; while an increment in the brake specific fuel consumption was noticed. Furthermore, there was a decreasing trend of about 19.62% and 1.84% in NO x and O 2 respectively. Nevertheless, an increase in CO, CO 2 , HC, and exhaust gas temperature was also discovered. It could be concluded that, the BSFL oil possesses a high potential to be utilized as an alternative fuel for CI engines in the future. • Insect biofuel is produced from black soldier fly larvae oil. • The cylinder pressure and brake thermal efficiency were lowered by 3.28% and 8.21%. • The brake specific fuel consumption was 47.57% higher than diesel fuel. • Nitrogen oxides indicate improvement by 19.62% as compared to diesel fuel. • Carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions increased with addition of BSFL oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volume fracturing in the Mahu conglomerate reservoir, double-wing fractures are generated, resulting in inadequate proppant laying effect and low fracture conductivity. Experiments are designed to explore methods for improving the conductivity of conglomerate-supported fractures. Real triaxial indoor experiments are conducted to explore the effects of displacement, stress difference, and weak surfaces. The proppant diversion experiment explores the diversion ability under the conditions of single proppant, mixed proppant, and multiple sand-laying concentrations. Attention is focused on the impact of proppant embedding and fragmentation on conductivity. Research has shown that (1) stepped variable displacement fracturing is beneficial for controlling the generation of fractures. High displacement is beneficial for activating naturally weak surfaces. Small displacements are beneficial for identifying naturally weak surfaces and controlling the speed of crack extension. (2) Embedding of proppants mainly affects the conductivity of mixed base-supported conglomerates. Crushing mainly affects the conductivity of particles supporting conglomerate fractures. (3) Quartz sand or quartz sand-mixed ceramsite is used for conglomerate reservoirs with low effective closure stress and a complex matrix. Ceramic particles can are reduce the impact of fragmentation on the conductivity of particle-supported conglomerate reservoirs. Study aims to provide scientific guidance for the efficient development of the Mahu reservoir. • Experiments are employed to optimize the conglomerate reservoir fracturing. • Variable displacement fracturing is beneficial to activate the natural fractures. • A method for high conductivity support-type fracture was developed. • The basis for selecting proppant for the Mahu reservoir was formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Fire detection based on Sauter mean diameter (SMD) instead of smoke concentration. • Optical sensing method of SMD based on dual wavelength technology. • Correction model of SMD for different size distributions and refractive indices. Abstract Existing fire smoke detectors utilize the intensity of scattering light as the indicator of fire smokes to trigger fire alarms, but a false fire alarm would be triggered by non-fire aerosols due to their similar concentration characteristics. According to the measurement results of our experiments and related works, the Sauter mean diameters of fire smokes are usually smaller than those of non-fire aerosols. Instead of the smoke concentration detector, a new type of Sauter mean diameter sensor is developed based on dual wavelength technology for fire detection. In order to measure the aerosol samples with different particle size distribution and refractive indices, an extra correction channel is added to reduce the measurement error from 39.1% to 7.61%. The sensor is calibrated by the DEHS (Di-Ethyl-Hexyl-Sebacat) aerosols in different sizes and tested by several typical fire smokes and non-fire aerosols, the results show that the sensor can timely trigger a fire alarm to fire smokes and avoid the false alarm caused by non-fire aerosols. With simple mechanical structure and high accuracy, this sensor improves the performance of optical fire smoke detector with high sensitivity, low-cost and unique ability to resist the false alarms caused by non-fire aerosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changed land use patterns are the most direct manifestation of ecological engineering implemented by humans, being among the driving factors for changes in ecosystem services (ESs). However, different ecological engineering governance measures can lead to different changes in land use, resulting in corresponding changes to ESs and ecosystem service value (ESV), yet these changes is the content that needs to be clarified. In this study, four kinds of ESs, namely water yield, soil conservation, carbon storage and water purification, were quantified in part region of the Beijing-Tianjin Sandstorm Source Control Project (BTSSCP). In addition, eight scenarios were simulated according to the land use change caused by engineering management measures, and the ESs and ESV ensuing under these differing scenarios quantified accordingly. The results show that the main land use types in the study area from 2000 to 2020 were cropland and forestland, while during this period land use change mainly consisted of the expansion of grassland (+466.79 km2) and loss of cropland (−2095.27 km2). For different engineering management measures, protective governance will play a greater role in improving ESs than restoration governance. Protecting the existing governance outcomes from degrading can maintain a water yield of 36.85 × 108 m3, soil conservation of 73.72 × 106 t, carbon storage of 89.01 × 106 t, the purified water nitrogen content of 1.21 × 106 t, with the total ESV maintained at 54.237 billion yuan. Moreover, the high-investment counties clearly engage in ecological restoration that provides high ESV. Yet, there are still some counties with high project investment where the gains in ESV are low, such as Luanping county and Pingquan county. Therefore, it should be reasonably distributed based on the existing governance results in the next round of project investment allocation. In the past 20 years, engineering governance measures have significantly improved the ESs in the region. Nevertheless, looking ahead, it remains necessary to strengthen the emphasis on protecting governance outcomes. [Display omitted] • Scenario simulations were run under governance measures for ecological engineering. • Ecosystem service value (ESV) under differing governance measures were simulated. • ESV is higher when ecological protection rather than restoration measures are used. • Project investment vis-à-vis ESV under the different scenarios were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, biogenic Mn oxides (BioMnO x) are considered as the promising degradation agents for environmental organic contaminants. However, little information is available for the degradation of atrazine by BioMnO x. In this work, BioMnO x , generated by a soil-derived Mn(II)-oxidizing bacterium, Providencia sp. LLDRA6, was explored to degrade atrazine. To begin with, collective results from mineral characterization analyses demonstrated that this BioMnO x was biogenic bixbyite-type Mn 2 O 3. After that, purified biogenic Mn 2 O 3 was found to exhibit a much higher removal efficiency for atrazine in aqueous phase, as compared to unpurified biogenic Mn 2 O 3 and LLDRA6 biomass. During the atrazine removal by biogenic Mn 2 O 3 , six intermediate degradation products were discovered, comprising deethylatrazine (DEA), hydroxylatrazine (HA), deethylhydroxyatrazine (DEHA), ammeline, cyanuric acid, and 5-methylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine-2-thione (MTT). Particularly, the intermediate, MTT, was considered as a new degradation product of atrazine, which was not described previously. Meanwhile, Mn(II) ions were released from biogenic Mn 2 O 3 , and on the surface of biogenic Mn 2 O 3 , the content of hydroxyl O species increased at the expense of that of lattice and water O species, but the fundamental crystalline structure of this Mn oxide remained unchanged. Additionally, no dissociative Mn(III) was found to involve in atrazine degradation. In summary, these results demonstrated that both the non-oxidative and oxidative reactions underlay the degradation of atrazine by biogenic Mn 2 O 3. [Display omitted] • Providencia sp. LLDRA6 can produce biogenic bixbyite-type Mn 2 O 3. • Purified biogenic Mn 2 O 3 exhibited the greatest removal efficiency for atrazine. • A new intermediate, MTT, was reported in atrazine degradation by biogenic Mn 2 O 3. • The atrazine degradation included the non-oxidative and oxidative reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term stability of gel enhanced foam as an in-depth profile control agent in high temperature reservoirs was successfully prepared by adding comb polymer gel. The increased viscosity of gel brings a negative effect on surface tension which reduces the gel enhanced foam volume. In turn, the increased viscosity could enhance the thickness and strength of foam film which increases foam stability and plugging capacity in porous media. The morphology results show that the gel enhanced foam has a thicker bubble film which enhances its foam stability. The effect of injection mode, gas–liquid ratio, gas injection velocity and formation permeability on the plugging capacity was investigated by single sand-pack experiments. When the gas–liquid ratio and gas injection velocity were respectively set at 1:1 and 0.5 ml/min, co-injection of gel enhanced foaming solution and gas could obtain a better plugging capacity in high permeability sand-packs. Parallel sand-pack experiments show that the profile improvement capacity of high formation permeability ratio is much better than that of low formation permeability ratio. The visual simulation experiment was also conducted to illustrate the flowing behavior of gel enhanced foam. By Jiamin effect or Jamin superimposed effect, directly plugging and bridging in the large pore space, the gel enhanced foam can effectively reduce the permeability of porous media in high permeability zones and divert fluid into low permeability zones, thus increases the swept volume. The treatment has been successfully used in Henan oilfield of China which provides a reference to water production control in other similar high temperature oilfields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A numerical study with large-eddy simulation (LES) method is performed on the aerodynamic effects of bio-inspired leading-edge serrations on a wing in heaving motion at a low Reynolds number of Re = 2 × 10 4. During the research, rigorous contrastive simulations are performed for the baseline wing and the serrated ones. The baseline wing has a NACA0012 profile and the serrated ones are obtained by stretching/shrinking the leading portion of the baseline sinusoidally. Conclusive results show that leading-edge serrations can help reduce aerodynamic hysteresis and suppress dynamic-stall-induced load oscillations effectively. More importantly, serrated wings can be more efficient in lift production than the baseline, especially for relatively high reduced frequencies. In the currently covered parameter space, the largest lift efficiency improvement achieved by the leading-edge serrations can reach 15.92%, and the least improvement is 2.73%. Along with these good properties, the leading-edge serrations have induced larger drag, which indicates they are undesirable for propulsive motivations. Visualization of the flow fields reveals that a series of counter-rotating streamwise vortex pairs are dynamically induced by the leading-edge serrations. These streamwise vortices can act as momentum transporters and help enhance momentum exchange between low-energy boundary layer and high-energy outer flows, which can affect the flow structures as well as the aerodynamics of a heaving wing greatly. The current results may provide inspirations for improving aerodynamics, economies and stabilities of bionic underwater/aerial micro robots or any other devices which have heaving/flapping parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refrigeration rotary compressors are widely used in air-conditioners. A rotary compressor has a special rotor-bearing system, since the elastic cantilevered crankshaft is under dynamic transverse forces on different planes. The large deformation of the crankshaft would affect the thickness of the oil film, wear the bearings down or even induce the rotor-to-stator rubs. It is considered as a non-linear fluid–structure interaction problem. To ensure the compressor operating well, the dynamic behaviors of both single-cylinder and twin-cylinder compressors' crankshafts at various speeds are analyzed. The influence of configuration of balancers on the reliability of rotor system is investigated for the further. Calculation results suggest that the vulnerable sections of crankshaft vary with the rotational speed. It is also found that 80% of the dynamic balance is the optimum design condition to reduce the transverse forces on crankshaft and the wear-out of journal bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal ischemia/reperfusion and ATP depletion/repletion in LLC-PK[sub 1] cells result in phosphorylation of FKHR and FKHRL1. Background. Cell death and survival pathways are critical determinants of epithelial cell fate after ischemia. Forkhead proteins have been implicated in the regulation of cellular survival. Methods and Results. We have found that none of the forkhead family of proteins, FKHR, is phosphorylated after ischemia/reperfusion in the rat kidney. The time course of phosphorylation is similar to the time course of activation of the forkhead protein kinase Akt/protein kinase B (PKB), with maximal phosphorylation at 24 to 48 hours postreperfusion when the process of regeneration peaks. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation has also been implicated as prosurvival in the injured kidney. ERK1/2 were phosphorylated in postischemic kidneys at 5, 30, and 90 minutes of reperfusion, with phosphorylation decreased by 24 and 48 hours. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed increased phospho-ERK1/2 in the thick ascending limb and isolated cells of the S3 segment, which have lost apical actin staining. To understand the relationship between forkhead phosphorylation, Akt, and ERK1/2, an in vitro model of injury was employed. After 40 minutes of chemical anoxia followed by dextrose addition for 20 minutes to replete adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, FKHR and FKHRL1 are phosphorylated. The levels of phospho-Akt are increased for at least 120 minutes after dextrose addition with a maximum at 20 minutes. Phosphorylation of Akt, FKHR, and FKHRL1 are phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) dependent since phosphorylation is reduced by the PI 3-kinase inhibitors, wortmannin, or LY294002. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK kinase (MEK1/2), the upstream activator of ERK1/2, has no effect on forkhead protein phosphorylation after chemical anoxia/dextrose addition. Conclusion. We conclude that PI 3-kinase and Akt are activated after renal ischemia/reperfusion and that Akt phosphorylation leads to phosphorylation of FKHR and FKHRL1, which may affect epithelial cell fate in acute renal failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• With the help of SERS, urine can largely reflect the metabolic status of the body. • Co-analysis of supernatant and sediment makes the diagnosis more accurate. • The present results suggest high potential for SERS to detect BCa from urine. Metabolites present in urine reflect the current phenotype of the cancer state. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used in urine supernatant or sediment to largely reflect the metabolic status of the body. Materials & methods: SERS was performed to detect bladder cancer (BCa) and predict tumour grade from urine supernatant, which contains various system metabolites, as well as from urine sediment, which contains exfoliated tumour cells. Results & discussion: Upon combining the urinary supernatant and sediment results, the total diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of SERS were 100% and 98.85%, respectively, for high-grade tumours and 97.53% and 90.80%, respectively, for low-grade tumours. Conclusion: The present results suggest high potential for SERS to detect BCa from urine, especially when combining both urinary supernatant and sediment results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydraulic fracturing is required during development of tight oil reservoir. Flowback fluid, usually surfactant, is generally used in fracturing fluid to accelerate the fluid flow back. For the reservoir with matrix and fracture construction, this flow of surfactant is dynamic imbibition. Betaine surfactant has good salt and temperature tolerance. In this study, a betaine surfactant was characterized from interfacial tension and wettability. In order to simulate complex fracture conditions, a matrix-fracture network model was established. It was featuring adjustable fracture width from 476.5 to 72.8 μm through changing the confining pressure. Then series of experiments were carried out on the dynamic imbibition in tight oil fracture network model with the aid of surfactant. Various factors that impact on the oil recovery during dynamic imbibition of models were examined. The oil recovery by dynamic imbibition was gradually increased with the increasing concentration of surfactant, matrix permeability, and temperature. The oil recovery reached to 22.6% with surfactant concentration of 0.5 wt%. With various surfactant flow rate, the oil production reached to 18.1% at a flow rate of 0.1 mL/min during dynamic imbibition. The oil distribution in the matrix and fracture was analyzed using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method. It showed that the surfactant can effectively improve the oil recovery in the matrix near fracture during dynamic imbibition. The study would provide further understanding for the dynamic imbibition with aid of surfactant in tight oil sandstone reservoir after fracturing. • A fracture network tightsand model is developed, featuring controllable fracture width. • The dynamic imbibition behavior of an amphoteric surfactant in fracture network is clarified with various factors. • An amphoteric surfactant is characterized from interfacial tension and wettability. • The oil saturation in fracture and rock matrix during dynamic imbibition is illustrated by MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual knowledge development in physical education is critical to helping learners become physically literate. Understanding physical education learners' long-term knowledge development is one of the first steps in designing effective curriculum. Guided by the constructivist learning theory, this study aimed to determining the extent to which the cardiorespiratory fitness knowledge learned in the first year contributed to further knowledge development in the second year. A two-year longitudinal design was adopted to track 716 students' learning documented in their physical education workbook from sixth grade to seventh grade. Canonical correlation and multivariate multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationship of learning during the two years. The results showed that student knowledge development in the first year did facilitate their knowledge development in the second year (R c = 0.54; Wilks' λ = 0.69, F (9, 1728.1) = 30.99, p <.01, η 2 =.31). Specifically, students' three types of knowledge development (descriptive, relational, and reasoning) were all significant contributors (descriptive: Wilks' λ = 0.96, F (3, 710) = 9.34, p <.01, η 2 =.04; relational: Wilks' λ = 0.98, F (3, 710) = 4.44, p <.01, η 2 =.02; reasoning: Wilks' λ = 0.90, F (3, 710) = 26.13, p <.01, η 2 =.10) to their further learning with the knowledge development from the reasoning assignments to be the strongest facilitator. Students' overall learning in the first year significantly contributed to their descriptive (R 2 = 0.12), relational (R 2 = 0.26), and reasoning (R 2 = 0.21) knowledge learning in the second year. • The nature of the learning task influences students' further learning • Knowledge learning from the high-level cognitive tasks was a stronger facilitator for further knowledge learning • Cognitive learning tasks can be integrated in physical education to further knowledge learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]