Search

Explosion deflection has recently become an important topic in hazardous asteroid deflection. Changes in asteroid velocity and angular velocity, as well as the degree of structural damage, should be fully considered in the explosion deflection scheme. This study investigates the effect of explosion position on the deflection of the asteroid 25143 Itokawa. First, we propose a mathematical model to quickly determine the changes in the angular velocity of Itokawa with explosions at different positions, and verified its reliability through numerical simulations. Mathematical model indicated a maximum 349-fold difference in Itokawa's angular velocity change under explosions at different positions, and revealed that the decisive factor is the force arm (maximum 850-fold difference), not the moment of inertia (maximum 4.01-fold difference). Then, to demonstrate the effect of porosity on shock wave propagation, we established a mesoscopic model based on the porosities of Itokawa's head and body. We used the single-material arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) and finite element-smoothed particle hydrodynamics (FE-SPH) adaptive methods to simulate the deflection of the asteroid with a 300-kt TNT-equivalent explosion at different positions 10 m underground. The simulated changes in asteroid velocity and angular velocity were consistent with the predictions of the mathematical model. Finally, we investigated the effects of the asteroid geometry and material composition on the shock wave propagation and asteroid damage evolution (material response and structural response). • The Effect of explosion position on the angular velocity change of Itokawa is investigated. • A mesoscopic model is established to better demonstrate the effect of porosity on shock wave propagation. • The effects of asteroid geometry and material composition on asteroid material and structural responses are explored. • The damage evolution of Itokawa with explosions at different positions is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fractional gradient direction replaces additional plastic potential. • The FEM implementation of the fractional elastoplastic constitutive model is presented. • The influence of the fractional order on the strain localization is investigated. • Examples are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the implementation process. The plastic strain localization phenomenon is of critical importance for rock-like materials when undergoing non-homogeneous deformation. This paper presents a fractional plastic framework which is applied to take into account the plastic strain localization of rock-like materials. The novelty of the presented framework lies in the non-coaxial plastic flow that is controlled by the RiemannLiouville (RL) fractional derivative without additional plastic potential. The hardening response is described by a function of the generalized plastic shear strain. The capability of the fractional constitutive model to predict the main mechanical behaviors of rock-like materials is assessed by the conventional triaxial compression test data of Vosges sandstones from the literature. With the help of a MATLAB-based finite element method, several numerical examples (i.e., a plate, a plate with a hole, and a plate with a crack) are implemented, compared and analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and the influence of the fractional order on the strain localization. It can be found from the numerical application of the twin-tunnel that the fractional model is promising to flexibly capture the strain localization zone for rock-like materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Knockout of BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 resulted retarded growth of B. napus. • BnaPPT1 is required for membrane lipid synthesis and chloroplast development in leaves. • Overexpression of BnaC08.PPT1 significantly elevated the seed oil content. • BnaPPT1 plays an important role in maintaining plant growth and seed oil accumulation in B. napus. Phosphoenolpyruvate/phosphate translocator (PPT) transports phosphoenolpyruvate from the cytosol into the plastid for fatty acid (FA) and other metabolites biosynthesis. This study investigated PPTs' functions in plant growth and seed oil biosynthesis in oilseed crop Brassica napus. We created over-expression and mutant material of BnaPPT1. The plant development, oil content, lipids, metabolites and ultrastructure of seeds were compared to evaluate the gene function. The plastid membrane localized BnaPPT1 was found to be required for normal growth of B. napus. The plants grew slower with yellowish leaves in BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 double mutant plants. The results of chloroplast ultrastructural observation and lipid analysis show that BnaPPT1 plays an essential role in membrane lipid synthesis and chloroplast development in leaves, thereby affecting photosynthesis. Moreover, the analysis of primary metabolites and lipids in developing seeds showed that BnaPPT1 could impact seed glycolytic metabolism and lipid level. Knockout of BnaA08.PPT1 and BnaC08.PPT1 resulted in decreasing of the seed oil content by 2.2 to 9.1%, while overexpression of BnaC08.PPT1 significantly promoted the seed oil content by 2.1 to 3.3%. Our results suggest that BnaPPT1 is necessary for plant chloroplast development, and it plays an important role in maintaining plant growth and promoting seed oil accumulation in B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina–silica composite aerogels have drawn vast attention due to their enhanced thermal stability compared to pristine alumina aerogels. However, they are generally weakly-crystallized and tend to experience inevitable sintering and significant surface area loss especially above 1200 °C. In this study, we developed a hydrothermal treatment and supercritical drying strategy for synthesizing novel, well-crystallized, silica-modified boehmite aerogels and fiber-reinforced composites. For the prepared aerogel, network coarsening was significantly hindered and the α -Al 2 O 3 transition was completely prevented even at 1400 °C. As a result, the aerogel exhibits extremely high surface area maintenance (87 % and 53 % after 1300 °C and 1400 °C calcination, respectively) and low linear shrinkage (14 % after 1300 °C calcination) at elevated temperatures. The composite with good toughness shows excellent heat resistance and thermal insulating performance up to 1500 °C. These findings provide a general, direct new idea to improve the thermal tolerance of alumina-based aerogels and extend their applications to higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TRPP2 (PC2, PKD2 or Polycytin-2), encoded by PKD2 gene, belongs to the nonselective cation channel TRP family. Recently, the three-dimensional structure of TRPP2 was constructed. TRPP2 mainly functions in three subcellular compartments: endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane and primary cilia. TRPP2 can act as a calcium-activated intracellular calcium release channel on the endoplasmic reticulum. TRPP2 also interacts with other Ca2+ release channels to regulate calcium release, like IP3R and RyR2. TRPP2 acts as an ion channel regulated by epidermal growth factor through activation of downstream factors in the plasma membrane. TRPP2 binding to TRPC1 in the plasma membrane or endoplasmic reticulum is associated with mechanosensitivity. In cilium, TRPP2 was found to combine with PKD1 and TRPV4 to form a complex related to mechanosensitivity. Because TRPP2 is involved in regulating intracellular ion concentration, TRPP2 mutations often lead to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, which may also be associated with cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we review the molecular structure of TRPP2, the subcellular localization of TRPP2, the related functions and mechanisms of TRPP2 at different sites, and the diseases related to TRPP2. • The Structure of TRPP2: the voltage-sensing domain, the pore structural domain, and the TOP domain. • The main subcellular localization and function of TRPP2 in the endoplasmic reticulum, plasma membrane and cilia. • Mutations in TRPP2 have been reported to be associated with a variety of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a multi-factor reaction thermal risk model and a safety optimization method based on partial least squares (PLS) method were proposed. First, orthogonal experiments of key influencing factors were designed to obtain the correlation data between influencing factors and characteristic indicators of thermal risk. Then, the PLS method was employed to establish the reaction thermal risk model between them. Finally, this model was utilized to predict the worst-case scenario and optimize the permissible scope of influencing factors. The proposed method was applied to an arylamine diazo reaction as a representative example. The influencing factors included sulfuric acid concentration and diazonium salt concentration, while the characteristic indicator of thermal risk was the initiation temperature of adiabatic induction period of x hours (T D x). Setting T D24 > 30 °C, T D8 > 35 °C, T D4 > 40 °C, and T D1 > 45 °C as constraints, the optimal result was sulfuric acid concentration ≥ 72.8% and diazonium salt concentration ≤ 41.2%. Moreover, if 5% industrial deviation was tolerated, the optimal result was sulfuric acid concentration ≥ 76.2% and diazonium salt concentration ≤ 38.2%. • Partial least squares-based multi-factor reaction thermal risk model was designed. • The worst-case scenario via PLS-based reaction thermal risk model was proposed. • A solution for thermal risk assessment of an abnormal case was provided. • A safety optimization method with fault tolerance was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, amino-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were prepared by one-pot method and magnetic molecularly imprinted materials were prepared by self-polymerization method for specific adsorption of template molecule CAP. [Display omitted] Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a potent antibiotic used to treat infections in livestock and humans, but its residues can be hazardous to human health. In this study, amino-modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles were prepared by a single-pot method, and magnetic molecularly imprinted materials were prepared by self-polymerization for imprinting with CAP. The imprinted thin layer was prepared by polymerization of dopamine (DA) and 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) copolymers, which improved the elution efficiency of the template. Dopamine generated under alkaline conditions replaces the crosslinker and can be adsorbed on the surface of magnetic carriers. The aromatic groups in dopamine make it difficult to degrade and fall off after adsorption on the magnetic carrier surface. The maximum adsorption amount of CAP on magnetic materials was 6.5 mg/g. After several adsorption cycles, the CAP-MMIPs still had good stability. The results showed that the method can both specifically recognize and enrich the separation of the target antibiotics, which greatly reduced the pretreatment time of the samples and provided a new approach for the pretreatment of CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several confinement strength models have been proposed for concrete confined by fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) transverse reinforcements, these models show considerable scatter and discrepancies in the estimation of experimental data. Machine learning (ML) techniques may present an alternative prediction approach, but challenges arise due to insufficient experimental data. This study, therefore, develops a transfer learning-based model for predicting the confinement strength of concrete confined by FRP transverse reinforcements. Firstly, a literature review was conducted to collect a target dataset of FRP-confined concrete columns and a source dataset of steel-confined concrete columns used for knowledge transfer. Subsequently, a transfer learning algorithm was proposed to construct an ML confinement strength model for FRP-confined concrete. Finally, the performance of the proposed model was compared to that of six ML models and seven physics-based models. The model evaluation based on one-time random split indicated that the proposed model provided more accurate predictions for the confinement strength than other models considered in this study, achieving an R 2 of 0.9089 on the test dataset. Shuffle split evaluation demonstrated that the proposed model exhibited superior stability and robustness compared to other models considered. Based on the proposed transfer learning-based model, the importance of the input parameters was obtained, further confirming the robustness of the proposed model. • Propose a transfer learning algorithm to address the issue of insufficient data. • Develop a machine learning model to determine confinement strength of concrete confined by FRP transverse reinforcements. • Compare the performance of various machine learning models and physics-based models. • Assess the robustness of machine learning models based on shuffle split. • Determine the influential input parameters affecting FRP-confined concrete strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japanese puffer, Takifugu rubripes , is a commercially important fish species in China that is under serious threat from white spot disease (cyptocaryoniasis), which leads to heavy economic losses. We previously found that interleukin-1β (IL-1β), an important cytokine with a potential role in resistance against pathogens, was one of the most significantly differentially up-regulated proteins in the gills and spleen of T. rubripes infected by the protozoan parasite Cryptocaryon irritans. In this study, we assessed the potential function of T. rubripes IL-1β (TrIL-1β) in fish infected with C. irritans. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the TrIL-1β protein sequence was most closely related to that of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) (67.2 %). The incubation experiments revealed that TrIL-1β may reduce trophont activity by destroying membranes. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that recombinant TrIL-1β promoted the expression of endogenous IL-1β, which penetrated and disrupted the cell membranes of trophonts. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the IL-1β group had less tissue damage compared with control groups of fish. IL-1β-small interfering RNA and IL-1β overexpression experiments were performed in head kidney primary cells, and challenge experiments were performed in vitro. Quantitative RT-PCR results showed that TrIL-1β regulated and activated MyD88/NF-κB and MyD88/MAPK/p38 signaling pathways during C. irritans infection. TrIL-1β also promoted the differential expression of IgM , showing that it was involved in humoral immunity of T. rubripes. The cumulative mortality experiment show that TrIL-1β could protect fish against C. irritans infection. These results enrich current knowledge about the molecular structure of TrIL-1β. They also suggested that recombinant TrIL-1β could be used as an adjuvant in a subunit vaccine against C. irritans infection, which is of profound importance for the prevention and control of parasitic diseases in T. rubripes. • The incubation experiments revealed that TrIL-1β may reduce trophont activity by destroying membranes. • Immunofluorescence experiments showed that recombinant TrIL-1β penetrated and disrupted the cell membranes of trophonts. • Transmission electron microscopy showed that the IL-1β group had less tissue damage compared with control groups of fish. • Quantitative RT-PCR results showed that TrIL-1β regulated and activated MyD88/NF-κB and MyD88/MAPK/p38 signaling pathways during C. irritans infection. • The cumulative mortality experiment show that TrIL-1β could protect fish against C. irritans infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystins (MCs) have a significant influence on aquatic ecosystems, but little is known about their terrestrial fate and impact. Here, we investigated the fate of two MCs (MC-LR and MC-RR) in the soil-earthworm system, with consideration of their congener-specific impact on earthworm health, soil bacteria, and soil metabolome. Although MCs had little acute lethal effect on earthworms, they caused obvious growth inhibition and setae rupture. Relative to MC-RR, MC-LR exhibited higher bioaccumulation and the resulting dermal lesions and deformation of longitudinal muscles. While the incorporation of both MCs into soils stimulated pathogenic bacteria and depressed oxidative stress tolerant bacteria, the response among soil nitrification and glutathione metabolism differed between the two congeners. The dissipation kinetics of MCs obeyed the first-order model. Earthworms stimulated soil N-cycling enzyme activities, increased the abundance of MC-degrading bacteria, and promoted bacterial metabolic functions related to glutathione metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation, and metabolism of amino acids that comprise MCs, which accelerated the dissipation of MC-LR and MC-RR by 227% and 82%, respectively. These results provide evidence of significant congener differences in the terrestrial fate and impact of MCs, which will enable a better understanding of their role in mediating soil functions and ecosystem services. [Display omitted] • Microcystins have a congener-specific fate and impact in soil-earthworm systems. • Environmental levels of MCs are unlikely to have acute lethal effects on E. fetida. • Response in soil nitrification and GSH metabolism differs between the two MCs. • E. fetida promotes the microbial degradation of MCs in soil, especially for MC-LR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four tomato varieties were obtained by breeding based on different phenotypes. • Taste differences including sourness and bitterness were identified by E-tongue. • Amino acids and organic acids were quantified and correlated with taste. • Metabolites related to taste differences were screened and discussed. Breeding of tomato varieties based on phenotypic traits can potentially lead to a decline in taste and nutritional values, thereby impacting consumer acceptance. However, taste is an intrinsic characteristic of tomatoes. Its decoding requires the identification of crucial compounds and the associated metabolic pathways implicated in taste development and formation. In this study, the taste parameter differences of four tomato varieties were distinguished using an electronic tongue. The content of organic acids and free amino acids, which were closely associated with taste variations, was quantitatively analyzed. Several important taste metabolites and metabolic pathways were identified based on LC-MS metabolomics and enrichment analysis. Through correlation analysis, it was determined that there existed significant associations between the taste, compounds, and metabolites of tomato varieties with different phenotypes. This study could provide references and theoretical basis for tomato breeding, as well as the control and evaluation of taste and quality of tomato varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since synovial hypoxic microenvironment significantly promotes the pathological progress of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) has been emerged as a promising target for the development of novel therapeutic agents for RA treatment. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of diaryl substituted isoquinolin-1(2H)-one derivatives as HIF-1 signaling inhibitors using scaffold-hopping strategy. By modifying the substituents on N -atom and 6-position of isoquinolin-1-one, we discovered compound 17q with the most potent activities against HIF-1 (IC 50 = 0.55 μM) in a hypoxia-reactive element (HRE) luciferase reporter assay. Further pharmacological studies revealed that 17q concentration-dependently blocked hypoxia-induced HIF-1α protein accumulation, reduced inflammation response, inhibited cellular invasiveness and promoted VHL-dependent HIF-1α degradation in human RA synovial cell line. Moreover, 17q improved the pathological injury of ankle joints, decreased angiogenesis and attenuated inflammation response in the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model, indicating the promising therapeutic potential of compound 17q as an effective HIF-1 inhibitor for RA therapy. [Display omitted] • A series of isoquinolinone derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their inhibition on HIF-1 signaling. • 17q showed enhanced inhibition on HIF-1 signaling than its parent compound in inflammatory synovial cell line. • 17q improved the pathological injury of ankle joints, decreased angiogenesis and attenuated the inflammation in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high ductility of high ductility cementitious composites (HDCC) relies on both fiber dispersion uniformity and defect size distribution. While fiber dispersion is often prioritized in HDCC design, the impact of defect distribution, particularly pore structure, is overlooked. Correspondingly, there is scant information available on the connection between pore structure and mechanical properties of high ductility cementitous composites under rheological adjusting. This paper aims to explore the correlation between rheological properties, pore structure, and mechanical characteristics of HDCC. By adjusting fly ash (FA) dosage, water-binder ratio (W/B), and additive dosage, rheological properties are modified to optimize fiber dispersion and pore structure. Results show that increased harmful porosity (>20 nm) correlates with heightened HDCC tensile ductility, while greater harmless porosity is associated with elevated initial crack strength and fracture toughness, albeit at the expense of reduced tensile ductility. Higher plastic viscosity (0.21 Pa·s∼2.38 Pa·s) and lower yield stress (1.24 Pa∼15.35 Pa) increase harmful pore formation, reducing matrix fracture toughness but enhancing HDCC tensile ductility. Considering both fiber dispersion and pore structure alterations is crucial in HDCC design. Under specified conditions, adjusted rheological parameters yield HDCC with over 40% harmful pores, over 90% fiber dispersion, compressive strength up to 30 MPa, and 5% ductility, with crack widths below 100 μm and an average spacing of 2.37 mm, indicating multislit cracking close to saturation. These findings provide valuable insights for HDCC ratio design. • A method to optimize HDCC's mechanical properties by analyzing preferred rheological parameters and harmful pores. • The significant determinants that influence the tensile ductility of HDCC encompass the fiber dispersion and harmful pore proportions. • High plastic viscosity and low yield stress foster harmful pore formation, reduce fracture toughness, and enhance tensile ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The therapeutic value and long-term application of doxorubicin (DOX) were hampered by its severe irreversible cardiotoxicity. Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE 1) was reported as a new member of the phospholipase C (PLC) family which controls the level of phosphoinositides in cells. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered inflammatory type of regulated cell death. Recent studies have consolidated that chemotherapeutic drugs lead to pyroptosis. Additionally, the phosphoinositide signaling system has remarkable effects on the execution of cell death. We aim to investigate the role of PLCE1 and the mechanism of pyroptosis from the context of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In the current study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to dissect the underlying mechanism of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during DOX-induced cardiac injury. The molecular mechanism of PLCE1 was identified by the human cardiomyocyte AC16 cell line and C57BL/6 mouse model. The results here indicated that PLCE1 high expressed and pyroptotic cell death presented in cardiomyocytes after DOX application, which was negatively correlated to heart function. DOX-induced cell model disclosed pyroptosis mediated by Gasdermin E (GSDME) protein and involved in mitochondrial damage. Conversely, the deletion of PLCE1 ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction by suppressing ROS accumulation and reversing mitochondrial membrane potential, and then increased cell viability effectively. More importantly, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that inhibition of PLCE1 reduced pyroptotic cell death and improved heart effect. We discovered firstly that PLCE1 inhibition protected cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced pyroptotic injury and promoted cardiac function. This information offers a theoretical basis for promising therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry (LRIMS) developed in the laboratory, a preliminary method was established to determine Pu isotope ratios. A three-color-three-photon resonance ionization scheme was confirmed, and the laser wavelengths of each excitation/ionization step were λ 1 = 586.654 nm, λ 2 = 606.181 nm and λ 3 = 642.722 nm. The selective ionization of 238Pu/238U was realized by testing the Pu and U mixed sample, a selectivity ratio of over 107 was obtained. More effective electrothermal atomization of Pu was implemented by loading graphene oxide solution on the Pu sample surface, and the total detection efficiency of ∼40 ng Pu sample was above 3 × 10−4, which was three orders of magnitude higher than the efficiency of the unloaded graphene oxide solution Pu sample. Results showed that the relative standard deviation of 238Pu/239Pu ratio was ∼0.20%, indicating that LRIMS could effectively avoid the isobaric interference of 238U faced by other commercial mass spectrometers such as TIMS and ICP-MS, and could achieve precise measurement of 238Pu/239Pu ratio. [Display omitted] • Developed a magnetic-electric double-focusing laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry to detect 238Pu/239Pu. • Presented a further refinement of LRIMS by introducing a thermal ion suppression mechanism. • A three-color, three-photon resonance ionization scheme for Pu with a greater ionization section was obtained. • More effective electrothermal atomization of Pu was implemented by mixing the samples and graphene oxide solution. • Proposed an analytical method to achieve high-precision measurement of trace amounts of 238Pu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose a distorted wave method in the relativistic framework to analyze the electron collision ionization process under the influence of strongly coupled semi-classical plasmas. A pseudopotential is used to represent the screened interactions between the core and outer electron, together with solving the Dirac equation to take care of the relativistic effects. This potential characterizes the plasma in terms of the Debye screening length and the de Broglie wavelength, which takes into account both the quantum mechanical effects of diffraction (short distance) and the collective effects (long distance). With this method, the traditional central-field potential is modified, the bound- and continuum-electron wavefunctions and the collision matrix elements are estimated under a relativistic Dirac–Coulomb framework. The strongly coupled semi-classical plasma effects on the energies, transition rates, and the electron impact ionization cross sections are investigated in detail, using the hydrogen atom as an example. Our results agree well with other available theoretical data. The reported results and the computational scheme are not only of interest to the communities such as atomic and plasma physics, but also have implications for many other areas, including astrophysical objects, inertial confinement fusion plasmas, etc. • Effects of strongly coupled semi-classical plasmas on the hydrogen atom is studied. • Our method yielding plasma dependent energies and ionization cross sections. • This study has far-reaching implications for astrophysical objects, fusion plasmas, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina aerogels in previous studies which are generally weakly-crystallized tend to experience framework coarsening and corundum formation above 1000 °C. In this work, a straightforward strategy, including hydrothermal treatment and supercritical drying, is developed for tailoring the crystallinity of boehmite colloid and for synthesizing heat resistant, well-crystallized alumina aerogels. Thermal evolution of the aerogel and factors influencing the thermal stability were investigated and discussed in detail. Compared to reported pristine alumina aerogels, the aerogel after calcination at 1300 °C for 2 h shows quite high specific surface area (95 m2/g) and pore volume (0.28 cm3/g), which are 38% and 61% of the corresponding maintenance of the samples at 300 °C, respectively, with α -Al 2 O 3 transition significantly retarded. These findings represent a general rule towards the improvement of heat-resistance of alumina aerogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock provides cue-independent anticipatory signals for diurnal rhythms of baseline glucose levels and glucose tolerance. The central circadian clock is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which comprises primarily GABAergic neurons. The SCN clock regulates physiological diurnal rhythms of endogenous glucose production (EGP) and hepatic insulin sensitivity through neurohumoral mechanisms. Disruption of the molecular circadian clock is associated with the extended dawn phenomenon (DP) in type 2 diabetes (T2D), referring to hyperglycemia in the early morning without nocturnal hypoglycemia. The DP affects nearly half of patients with diabetes, with poorly defined etiology and a lack of targeted therapy. Here we review neural and secreted factors in physiological diurnal rhythms of glucose metabolism and their pathological implications for the DP. Signals from the central circadian clock regulate diurnal rhythms of baseline glucose levels and glucose tolerance. Baseline pre-meal blood glucose levels have a diurnal rhythm that peaks at waking. Insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production also displays a diurnal rhythm that peaks at waking. The diurnal glucose metabolic rhythms can be separated from sleep and eating behaviors. The central circadian clock in the hypothalamus regulates the diurnal rhythm of hepatic insulin sensitivity. The dawn phenomenon (DP), referring to hyperglycemia limited to the early morning, affects nearly half of the diabetes patient population. Disruption of the molecular circadian clock could contribute to the extended DP in type 2 diabetes. Multiple neurohumoral mechanisms could contribute to the connection between the central circadian clock and peripheral metabolic organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the scarcity and costliness of noble metal dopants, carbon (C) doping, as a low-cost alternative, was achieved by absorbent cotton when the alpha (α)-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules were synthesized with a facile hydrothermal method and necessary calcination. The absorbent cotton not only provided carbon source but controlled the microtubular morphology of α-Fe 2 O 3. Meanwhile, for comparison, a pure α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles sample was also prepared without using absorbent cotton. Numerous techniques were employed to characterize the element composition and microstructures. The consequences demonstrated that carbon had been successfully incorporated into the porous hollow α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules composed of many nanoparticles. Compared with the α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, the carbon-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules possessed the unique morphology, large specific surface area and pore size, and abundant oxygen vacancies (O V). To reveal the function of the carbon-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules and α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, two chemical gas sensors were manufactured and researched systematically. Forasmuch as those advantages mentioned above, the sensor based on the carbon-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules exhibited better gas sensing properties to acetic acid vapor at a lower optimal operating temperature of 260 °C, such as higher response value, shorter response and recovery time, good repeatability, and stability. And thence the carbon-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules product could be considered as an excellent acetic acid vapor sensor in the future. In addition, the possible grown mechanism and gas sensing mechanism of the carbon-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 microtubules were discussed in detail. The work provides a new strategy to improve the gas sensing performance of α-Fe 2 O 3 material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic policy reform that started in China in early 1980s also affected its movie industry. Like other sectors, movie industry is also not fully liberalized. The industry is required to ensure that movie contents are consistent with core socialist and cultural values and locally produced movies are also financially viable. However, cultural and politically motivated regulation can adversely affect box-office revenues. Using a recently available dataset, which covers the period of 2009–2018, we investigate the box-office performance of Chinese domestic movies. We start by examining the role of movie quality signals (such as star power, internet media evaluation and industry recognition) in our empirical analysis of the relationship between family-friendly content of movies and box-office revenues. We then match the movie contents with its financial performance records. Our novel approach reveals that the explicit sex and profanity in movies have a negative and statistically significant impact on box-office revenues, which confirms the role of cultural values in financial success of motion pictures in China. However, in the case of large-budget movies involving celebrity superstars, the violent and gore (graphic violence) content attracts viewers and hence the box-office revenue increases. Our work highlights the contradictory nature of China's movie industry policy, which binds the industry to strict cultural and politically motivated regulation while insisting on financial success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary cell wall (SCW) formation is regulated by a multilevel transcriptional regulatory network, in which MYB transcription factors (TFs) play key roles. In woody plants, hundreds of MYB TFs have been identified, most of which have unknown functions in wood SCW biosynthesis. Here, we characterized the function of a Populus MYB gene, PtoMYB10. PtoMYB10 was found to encode an R2R3-MYB TF and exhibit dominant expression in xylem tissues. PtoMYB10 was determined to be located in the nucleus with the ability to activate transcription. Overexpression of PtoMYB10 in Populus resulted in a drastic increase in SCW thickening in xylem fiber cells as well as ectopic deposition of lignin in cortex cells. The expression of genes associated with lignin biosynthesis was induced in PtoMYB10 overexpressing plants, whereas repressed gene expression was found with the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Lignin and anthocyanin are both produced from metabolites of the phenylpropanoid pathway. Accordingly, the anthocyanin content of Populus overexpressing PtoMYB10 decreased by more than 68%. These results indicate that PtoMYB10 can positively regulate xylary fiber SCW thickening, accompanied by the reprogramming of phenylpropanoid metabolism, which redirects metabolic flux from anthocyanin biosynthesis to monolignol biosynthesis. • OE- PtoMYB10 induces SCW thickening and ectopic deposition of lignin. • OE- PtoMYB10 promotes lignin biosynthesis gene expression. • OE- PtoMYB10 represses the anthocyanin accumulation. • OE- PtoMYB10 reprograms phenylpropanoid biosynthesis by redirecting metabolic flux. • Functional diversity between PtoMYB10 and its Arabidopsis counterpart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively reviews 63 selenite compounds with bandgaps above 4.2 eV in four major categories. The focus is on their structures, optical properties, and design strategies, offering valuable insights for the future development of UV selenites. [Display omitted] • This article provides the first comprehensive review of UV selenite materials. • The article emphasizes the classification, structure, optical property, and design strategy of UV selenite. • We have summarized UV selenites' distribution by space group, symmetry, chemical composition, and optical properties. • We have offered guidance for UV selenites development, encompassing synthesis, design strategies, and so on. Nonlinear optical materials and birefringent materials are essential components of modern industrial technology. Selenites, owing to the unique stereochemical activity of the lone pair electrons, have a history spanning several decades as both linear and nonlinear optical materials. Up to now (January 16, 2024), nearly 1100 selenite materials have been discovered, some of which exhibit strong second-harmonic generation effects or large birefringence. With the strategic layout of nations and the rapid advancement of modern industrial technology, the demands on the transparency range of linear and nonlinear optical crystals have become increasingly stringent. Crystals transparent only in the visible spectrum are no longer adequate to meet current requirements. Selenites, which have a long history in the field, seem to have encountered a bottleneck in their recent development, primarily due to an excessive focus on their applications in the visible and near-infrared regions while neglecting their potential uses in the ultraviolet (UV) window. To explore new development directions of selenites, our research group is actively investigating their application as UV optical materials. Through a fluorination control strategy, we successfully synthesized a UV nonlinear optical crystal Y 3 F(SeO 3) 4 and a birefringent crystal CaYF(SeO 3) 2 , thereby developing the application of selenites in the UV region. Additionally, we found that some previously reported selenites with band gaps larger than 4.2 eV have not received sufficient attention from researchers, and their potential application in the UV region have been overlooked. To further promote the research progress of UV selenite materials, this paper comprehensively summarizes the reported selenite materials with bandgaps larger than 4.2 eV, totaling 63 compounds across 6 crystal systems and 19 space groups. We provide a detailed analysis of their structures, optical properties, and design strategies. These materials can be classified into four categories based on different anionic groups: simple selenites, fluoride selenites, selenites with tetrahedral groups, and other selenite compounds. Through a comprehensive review of UV selenites, we have identified ions or groups conducive to expanding the band gaps of selenites, proposed several reliable design methods for UV selenites, and offered useful suggestions for the development of UV selenites. Despite having a long history, selenite systems still hold significant untapped potential for further exploration. We hope this review provides valuable guidance and insights for the future development of inorganic selenites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total amount of carbon emissions is limited by a fixed-sum constraint in the context of China's dual carbon target, a factor ignored in previous studies on carbon productivity. To address this gap, this study proposes a bootstrapped Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index approach with fixed-sum undesirable outputs. The proposed method not only considers the fixed-sum feature of undesirable outputs; it also reduces the calculation error caused by small samples and improves the accuracy of the measurement. We then apply the proposed approach to measure the carbon productivity growth of the thermal power industry in 30 provincial regions in China from 2011 to 2020 and analyze the driving forces of carbon productivity growth. The empirical results show that during the study period, China's overall carbon productivity increased with an annual average growth rate of 0.61 % due to CO 2 emission efficiency improvement and technological progress. Additionally, 18 provincial thermal power industries had average carbon productivity growth rates between 0.06 % and 4.86 %, while the remaining 12 provinces showed carbon productivity declines at rates ranging from 0.03 % to 2.90 %. The driving forces of such growth differ among the 30 provinces. Policy suggestions are given for improving the carbon productivity of China's thermal power industry. • This study proposes a novel Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index approach. • The proposed approach considers the fixed-sum CO 2 emission constraint. • The proposed approach integrates the bootstrap technique. • We measure the carbon productivity growth of China's thermal power industry. • Targeted countermeasures are provided to improve the carbon productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The infralimbic (IL) cortex dysfunction has been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD), yet the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of layer V pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of MDD induced by repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Our results demonstrate that three days of systemic LPS administration induced depressive-like behavior and upregulated mRNA levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in the IL cortex. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a significant decrease in the intrinsic excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons in the IL following systemic LPS exposure. Importantly, chemogenetic activation of IL pyramidal neurons ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior. Additionally, LPS administration significantly increased microglial activity in the IL, as evidenced by a greater number of Ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1)-positive cells. Morphometric analysis further unveiled enlarged soma, decreased branch numbers, and shorter branch lengths of microglial cells in the IL cortex following LPS exposure. Moreover, the activation of pyramidal neurons by clozapine-N-oxide increased the microglia branch length but did not change branch number or cytosolic area. These results collectively suggest that targeted activation of pyramidal neurons in the IL cortex mitigates microglial response and ameliorates depressive-like behaviors induced by systemic LPS administration. Therefore, our findings offer potential therapeutic targets for the development of interventions aimed at alleviating depressive symptoms by modulating IL cortical circuitry and microglial activity. • Systemic LPS injection induced depression and upregulated mRNA levels of IL-1β , TNF-α , and TGF-β in the IL cortex. • LPS administration decreased the intrinsic excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons in the IL. • Chemogenetic activation of IL pyramidal neurons ameliorated LPS-induced depressive-like behavior. • LPS administration increased microglial activity in the IL. • Activation of pyramidal neurons by clozapine-N-oxide induced alterations in microglial morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical core-shell hetero-arrays with well-controlled morphology, rational combination of hybrid electrochemical active materials are regarded as promising candidate electrodes for supercapacitors due to their excellent redox activity and electrical conductivity. However, their inferior rate performance and poor long-term cycling stability hinder their practical applications and still of great challenge. In this work, three hierarchical core-shell CuTCNQ@MWO 4 /CF (TCNQ = 7,7,8,8-Tetracyanoquinonedimethane; M = Cu, Co and Ni) hetero-arrays on Cu foam with different morphology are successfully constructed by in situ conductive metal-organic framework templated synthetic route of an inter-facial growth and a hydrothermal synthesis process. The crystallinity of MWO 4 decorated on the conductive CuTCNQ nanoarrays plays important role in their electrochemical performances. Especially, the hierarchical tree-like CuTCNQ@CuWO 4 /CF hetero-arrays electrode can be used as high-performance positive electrode materials for supercapacitor, which exhibits excellent electrochemical properties with a high area capacitance (1073.3 mF/cm2 at 1 mA/cm2), excellent rate capability, low resistances and outstanding cycling stability with capacitance retention of 88.6% at 30 mA/cm2 after 10000 cycles. What's more, the CuTCNQ@CuWO 4 //AC ASC device delivers a high energy density of 0.075 mW h/cm2 (45 W h/kg) at a power density of 0.8 mW/cm2 (480 W/kg) and still achieves a energy density of 0.053 mW h/cm2 (32.1 W h/kg) at a power density of 4.00 mW/cm2 (2424 W/kg). Thus, this work demonstrates that a rational and effective strategy is explored to prepare hierarchical hetero-arrays with different morphology from conductive MOF-templated for high-performance energy storage in practical application. Three hierarchical core-shell CuTCNQ@MWO 4 /CF (M = Cu, Co and Ni) hetero-arrays on Cu foam with different morphologies are successfully obtained by in situ conductive metal-organic framework templated synthetic route of an inter-facial growth and a hydrothermal synthesis process. The crystallinity of MWO 4 decorated on the conductive CuTCNQ nanoarrays plays important role in their electrochemical performances. Among them, the hierarchical tree-like CuTCNQ@CuWO 4 /CF hetero-arrays electrode displays excellent electrochemical properties with high area capacitance, good rate capability, low resistances and remarkable cycling stability. [Display omitted] • Three hierarchical CuTCNQ@MWO 4 /CF (M = Cu , Co and Ni) hetero-arrays are fabricated. • The CuTCNQ@CuWO 4 /CF electrode displays excellent electrochemical properties. • It shows excellent rate capability, good conductivity and high cycling stability. • The device delivers a high energy density of 0.075 mW h/cm2 at 0.8 mW/cm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PFAS biotransformation was investigated in water-saturated flow-through columns. • Longer residence time and flow interruptions enhanced 6:2 FTS biotransformation. • Biotransformation rates during the column experiments were mathematically modelled. • Planktonic microbial communities in the columns remained relatively stable. • Porous media attached microbial community composition shifted along the flow path. Nearly all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) biotransformation studies reported to date have been limited to laboratory-scale batch reactors. The fate and transport of PFAS in systems that more closely represent field conditions, i.e., in saturated porous media under flowing conditions, remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), a representative PFAS of widespread environmental occurrence, in one-dimensional water-saturated flow-through columns packed with soil obtained from a PFAS-contaminated site. The 305-day column experiments demonstrated that 6:2 FTS biotransformation was rate-limited, where a decrease in pore-water velocity from 3.7 to 2.4 cm/day, resulted in a 21.7–26.1 % decrease in effluent concentrations of 6:2 FTS and higher yields (1.0–1.4 mol% vs. 0.3 mol%) of late-stage biotransformation products (C 4 C 7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates). Flow interruptions (2 and 7 days) were found to enhance 6:2 FTS biotransformation during the 6–7 pore volumes following flow resumption. Model-fitted 6:2 FTS column biotransformation rates (0.039–0.041 cm w 3 / g s / d) were ∼3.5 times smaller than those observed in microcosms (0.137 cm w 3 / g s / d). Additionally, during column experiments, planktonic microbial communities remained relatively stable, whereas the composition of the attached microbial communities shifted along the flow path, which may have been attributed to oxygen availability and the toxicity of 6:2 FTS and associated biotransformation products. Genus Pseudomonas dominated in planktonic microbial communities, while in the attached microbial communities, Rhodococcus decreased and Pelotomaculum increased along the flow path, suggesting their potential involvement in early- and late-stage 6:2 FTS biotransformation, respectively. Overall, this study highlights the importance of incorporating realistic environmental conditions into experimental systems to obtain a more representative assessment of in-situ PFAS biotransformation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In support of sustainable development strategies, engineering construction on remote islands is conductive to promoting the development of marine resources and mitigating increasingly severe resource conflicts. However, marine engineering, facing extreme weather and natural disasters, necessitates concrete with high ductility, durability and crack control capacity. This study evaluates the feasibility of using seawater and coral sand instead of fresh water and river sand to prepare the high ductility cementitious composites (SCS-HDCC). The results indicate that increased coral sand substitution introduces defects and expands the aggregate-matrix interfacial zone due to its rough surface, high specific area, and low strength. Coral sand's internal curing enhances compactness and reduces harmful pores. The dual action of seawater and coral sand, SCS-HDCC matrix is more tenacious, and the damage and blockage during the fiber pull-out process becomes obvious, and the slip hardening coefficient of fiber-matrix interfacial zone increases. SCS-HDCC achieves satisfactory ductility (up to 1.18 %) with initial cracking strength of 4.18 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 5.66 MPa, and crack width of 71.2 ± 6.74 μm, average crack spacing of 6.02 mm. The SCS-HDCCs prepared in this study offers economic and environmental benefits by reducing economic costs and carbon emissions through transporting raw materials from the continent. The research results have guiding significance for the construction of islands and reefs by SCS-HDCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to study the vibration and sound radiation of the acoustic black hole (ABH) beams on Pasternak foundations. We focus on the influences of the foundations on the ABH effect because foundations are essential and common parts of mechanical systems. To this end, we derive the exact transfer matrix of the ABH beam on the viscoelastic Pasternak foundation based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Using the presented method, we explore the influences of Pasternak foundations on the natural frequencies, modal damping factors, and mode shapes of ABH beams. In addition, the sound radiation behavior of ABH beams on Pasternak foundations is also investigated. Several case studies are presented to demonstrate the effects of nonuniform foundations on wavenumber-domain properties and the vibroacoustic response of ABH beams. The results suggest that viscoelastic Pasternak foundations can greatly influence vibration characteristics and increase the modal damping factors due to the shear effect of the Pasternak foundation, which enriches the physical understanding of the ABH structures. Finally, the experimental results are used to validate the presented model. • Vibroacoustic analysis of ABH beams on the viscoelastic Pasternak foundation. • The exact transfer matrix method for the ABH on the Pasternak foundation. • The effects of the foundations on the vibroacoustic properties of ABH beams are investigated. • Experimental validation of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Informal recycling of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries has caused severe environmental pollution and tax losses. Linear models and static strategies have difficulty capturing complex relationships and regional heterogeneity. Therefore, we aim to suggest an optimal subregional joint policy under fiscal constraints. This study uses agent-based modeling with geographic information systems to construct a cross-regional recycling system model that assesses the economic and environmental effects of policies. Based on actual data, the model considers four subsystems, multiple region types, two battery types, and six stakeholders. The results show that: (1) The optimal subregional joint policy can increase the average formal recycling rate from 28.44 % to 48.58 % and achieve an emission reduction rate of 19.81 %; (2) In underdeveloped regions, allocating 70–80 % of fiscal funds to supervision can achieve optimal economic and environmental benefits; and (3) For the local governments with few formal sectors, investing in a unit subsidy exceeding $1.4/kWh will diminish economic efficiency. Provincial governments in economically developed areas with formal business clusters should provide higher subsidies, while other regions should allocate more fiscal expenditure for supervision. This cross-regional recycling system model can improve solid waste management in countries with large areas and decentralized facilities. [Display omitted] • This model considers four subsystems, six various agents, and two batteries. • The economic, social, and geographic attributes of the agents are incorporated. • This study simulates the effects of subregional policies under limited funding. • Specific subsidies and supervision levels are provided based on benefit targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distinct 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates were measured in two AFFF-impacted soils. • Aerobic 6:2 FTS biotransformation pathways in AFFF-impacted soil were proposed. • Desulfobacterota may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. • Species in Sphingomonas may be potential 6:2 FTS degraders. Although 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) is a common ingredient in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) formulations, its environmental fate at AFFF-impacted sites remains poorly understood. This study investigated the biotransformation of 6:2 FTS in microcosms prepared with soils collected from two AFFF-impacted sites; the former Loring Air Force Base (AFB) and Robins AFB. The half-life of 6:2 FTS in Loring soil was 43.3 days; while >60 mol% of initially spiked 6:2 FTS remained in Robins soil microcosms after a 224-day incubation. Differences in initial sulfate concentrations and the depletion of sulfate over the incubation likely contributed to the different 6:2 FTS biotransformation rates between the two soils. At day 224, stable transformation products, i.e., C 4 C 7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, were formed with combined molar yields of 13.8 mol% and 1.2 mol% in Loring and Robins soils, respectively. Based on all detected transformation products, the biotransformation pathways of 6:2 FTS in the two soils were proposed. Microbial community analysis suggests that Desulfobacterota microorganisms may promote 6:2 FTS biotransformation via more efficient desulfonation. In addition, species from the genus Sphingomonas, which exhibited higher tolerance to elevated concentrations of 6:2 FTS and its biotransformation products, are likely to have contributed to 6:2 FTS biotransformation. This study demonstrates the potential role of biotransformation processes on the fate of 6:2 FTS at AFFF-impacted sites and highlights the need to characterize site biogeochemical properties for improved assessment of 6:2 FTS biotransformation behavior. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) is the node of alleviating global climate change and supporting living organisms on Earth. Currently, the warming climate and the growing population demand enhanced CO 2 fixation for a sustainable future, which stimulates innovations in biotechnology to tackle these challenges. To this endeavor, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are enabling a promising approach to engineer synthetic carbon fixation in heterotrophic organisms combining the advantages of both autotrophs and heterotrophs. Here, we review the current advances in constructing synthetic CO 2 fixation pathways and discuss the underlying design principles with confronting challenges. Moreover, we highlight the application scenarios of these designs at different concentrations of CO 2 , and how sustainable bioproduction can be improved. We also foresee the future of engineering synthetic carbon fixation pathways for carbon recycling. [Display omitted] ● Reconstruction of carbon fixation in heterotrophs promotes carbon recycling. ● Synthetic carbon fixation pathways have been built in various heterotrophic hosts. ● Energy, reducing power, and the compatibility of metabolisms are essential. ● The source and concentration of CO 2 orchestrate synthetic carbon fixation. ● The recycled carbon can be redirected for enhanced bioproduction of chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D pathways of IGF are identified with an assessment on flow rates. • IGF contributes 36%∼59% to the baseflow and 32%∼52% to the streamflow in the studied river. • Infiltration recharge and aquifer properties affect the development of IGF. Inter-basin groundwater flow (IGF), defined as groundwater flows across the topographic divides, occurs in nature as a common phenomenon, and seriously affect water balance and solute transport in a basin. Although the existence of IGF has been checked in drainage basins with indirect methods, such as using information of hydrogeochemistry, few studies are conducted to directly identify and quantify the IGF in the three-dimensional (3D) space using numerical modeling of groundwater flow. In this study, we identify, partition and quantify IGF based on a regional-scale 3D groundwater flow model covering several traditional surface water basins. The investigation is focused on the Hailiutu River, a groundwater-fed stream in the Ordos Plateau, China. It is the first time that the source zones and 3D paths of IGF as well as its contribution to the streamflow are fully captured for a groundwater-fed stream. Results indicate that the IGF contributes 36%∼59% to the baseflow and 32%∼52% to the streamflow of the Hailiutu River, through different groups of circulation paths with the maximum depth up to ∼ 1000 m. Uncertainty analyses of the model show that the contribution of IGF to the streamflow is positively correlated to the infiltration recharge and hydraulic conductivities of the aquifer media. Several indirect methods are also checked for comparison, but they could only be used to assess the potential contribution of IGF, not the IGF paths. This study will facilitate in deeply understanding the evolution mechanism of the inter-basin groundwater circulation and the interaction between surface water and groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is a common gaseous pollutant that significantly threatens environmental pollution and human health. Meanwhile, viscosity is an essential parameter of the intracellular microenvironment, manipulating many physiological roles such as nutrient transport, metabolism, signaling regulation and apoptosis. Currently, most of the fluorescent probes used for detecting SO 2 derivatives and viscosity are single-emission probes or probes based on the ICT mechanism, which suffer from short emission wavelengths, small Stokes shifts or susceptibility to environmental background. Therefore, the development of powerful high-performance probes for real-time monitoring of sulfur dioxide derivatives and viscosity is of great significance for human health. In this research, we designed the fluorescent probe QQC to detect SO 2 derivatives and viscosity based on FRET platform with quinolinium salt as donor and quinolinium-carbazole as acceptor. QQC exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence response to SO 2 with a low detection limit (0.09 μM), large Stokes shift (186 nm) and high energy transfer efficiency (95 %), indicating that probe QQC had good sensitivity and specificity. In addition, QQC was sensitive to viscosity, with an 9.10-folds enhancement of orange fluorescence and an excellent linear relationship (R2 = 0.98) between the logarithm of fluorescence intensity at 592 nm and viscosity. Importantly, QQC could not only recognize SO 2 derivatives in real water samples and food, but also detect viscosity changes caused by food thickeners and thereby had broad market application prospects. We have developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the FRET platform for detecting sulfur dioxide derivatives and viscosity. QQC could not only successfully detect SO 2 derivatives in food and water samples, but also be made into test strips for detecting HSO 3 −/SO 3 2− solution. In addition, the probe was also used to detect viscosity changes caused by food thickeners. Therefore, this novel probe had significant value in food and environmental detection applications. [Display omitted] • Showing a dual-function ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the FRET platform. • Large Stokes shift of 186 nm and wide detection rang of 0.09–50 μM. • Showing high sensitivity and selectivity. • Achieving the visual sensing for rapid detection of SO 2 derivatives and viscosity. • Achieving the application in food, water samples and thickeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for solar energy conversion into chemical fuels has attracted intense research attention. The semiconductor hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3), with its earth abundance, chemical stability, and efficient light harvesting, stands out as a promising photoanode material. Unfortunately, its electron affinity is too deep for overall water splitting, requiring additional bias. Interface engineering has been used to reduce the onset potential of hematite photoelectrode. Here we focus instead on energy band engineering hematite by shrinking the crystal lattice, and the water-splitting onset potential can be decreased from 1.14 to 0.61 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode. It is the lowest record reported for a pristine hematite photoanode without surface modification. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic properties suggest the redistribution of 3 d electrons in the as-synthesized grey hematite electrode. Density function theory studies herein show that the smaller-lattice-constant hematite benefits from raised energy bands, which accounts for the reduced onset potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four novel BRCA variants identified in breast cancer patients. • The four variants enhanced migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. • BRCA Glu432fs leading to the defects in the HR pathway. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Patients carrying mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) account for 5–10% of all breast cancer patients. Therefore, screening for susceptibility genes may reduce the incidence of breast cancer and improve prognosis. To provide evidence for mutation interpretation and targeted drug use in breast cancer patients, gene mutations were screened in 78 women diagnosed with sporadic breast cancer using a next-generation sequencing panel, confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Then the pathogenicity of the identified novel variants was explored using in vitro experiments including western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation and cell-migration assays. Four novel variants (BRCA2 L1390W, BRCA2 Glu432fs, BRCA1 P706L, and BRCA1 Cys882fs) were identified. BRCA2 Glu432fs decreased the expression of BRCA2 protein, enhanced cell migration and invasion ability, and prevented the protein from interacting with RAD51, resulting in a defect in the homologous recombination pathway. The identification of these novel BRCA variants and the confirmation of their pathogenicity have enriched the genetic database of breast cancer, especially in the Chinese population. Moreover, the variants are the genetic risk factors for hereditary breast cancer. Therefore, BRCA variant detection and genetic counseling for breast cancer patients are meaningful and important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Owing to the government's effective epidemic control measures, universities in some areas of China gradually resumed offline teaching six months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Although attention should now be paid to the experiences of students after they returned to campus, few studies have explored the factors and mechanisms that have influenced these students' school adaptation. The present study investigated the multiple roles of social support and resilience in mediating associations the relationship between Chinese university students' interpersonal relationships and their school adaptation during COVID-19 control period.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 4534 Chinese university students (Mage = 19.70, SD = 1.14) at two universities in Jiangxi provinces. The independent variable was interpersonal relationships; mediating variables were social support and resilience; and the dependent variable was school adaptation. Multiple mediation analysis was performed using the MPlus software.Results: Controlling for demographic variables, the quality of students' interpersonal relationships was significantly and positively related to their school adaptation, with students' ratings of social support and resilience mediating these associations. More interestingly, social support and resilience played multiple mediating roles in the relationship between interpersonal relationships and school adaptation.Limitations: The age stage of the sample and the methods in which the data were collected may affect the generalizability of the results.Conclusions: During COVID-19 control period, interpersonal relationships can influence school adaptation either directly or indirectly by enhancing social support or resilience (parallel mediation) or by activating resilience via the experience of social support (serial mediation). This study's results emphasize the role of interpersonal relationships, as well as the contributions of positive external and internal factors on students' school adaptation during the epidemic control period. Accordingly, these findings may have implications for the mental health education of college students in the post-epidemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Astragali Radix and Spatholobi Caulis herb pair (ARSC) is one of the most commonly used herbal combinations for bone marrow suppression. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Astragali Radix strengthens the spleen and replenishes qi, while Spatholobi Caulis is a hematinic agent that promotes blood circulation and enrichment. The compatibility of the two helps the body to tonify the spleen and kidneys and compensate for visceral deficiencies. However, the multi-target mechanism of ARSC in bone marrow suppression has remained largely unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the key targets and signaling pathways of the traditional Chinese herbal pair ARSC for the treatment of bone marrow suppression. The active components of ARSC and targets for myelosuppression were screened using network databases. Cytoscape 3.8.0 was used to construct compound-target, compound-disease-target and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Go-function and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential mechanism. In vivo animal experiments were conducted to verify the molecular mechanisms. The 36 active compounds were identified from the ARSC, and a total of 108 genes involved in myelosuppression were screened. VEGFA, IL6, TNF, JUN, STAT3, PTGS2, CASP3 and MMP9 genes were identified as potential drug targets in the PPI network analyzed by CytoHubba. Enrichment analysis indicated that ARSC may treat myelosuppression through various biological processes, such as apoptosis, TNF-α signaling pathway via NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, P53 signaling pathway and G2/M checkpoint signaling pathway. The results of the experiment showed that the aqueous extract of ARSC significantly alleviated myelosuppression, reduced the apoptosis rate of bone marrow cells, upregulated the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF, and promoted NF-κB phosphorylation in myelosuppressed mice. This study identified the active components and relevant mechanisms of ARSC in the treatment of myelosuppression. Our findings predicted that ARSC could treat bone marrow suppression through multiple components, multiple targets and multiple pathways. Pharmacological experiments showed that ARSC alleviated fluorouracil-induced myelosuppression by reducing the apoptosis rate of bone marrow cells and regulating the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Network analysis indicated that ARSC may show a synergistic effect on multiple targets in the treatment of bone marrow suppression. • ARSC alleviated myelosuppression by reducing the apoptosis rate of bone marrow cells and regulating TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. • These data provide evidence that ARSC is a promising therapeutic intervention for the management of myelosuppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• B 5 O 7 − and B 5 O 8 − clusters are studied using quantum chemical calculations. • Both species have a heterocyclic B 3 O 3 core and feature weak 6π aromaticity. • Three unsaturated B sites in them are terminated by boronyl, OBO, and O− ligands. • These clusters are boron-based inorganic analogs of phenolate anion. • Dual 3c-4e hypervalent π bonds and superhalogen anion character are demonstrated. Boron oxide clusters show structural diversity, unique electronic properties, and exotic chemical bonding, owing to boron's intrinsic electron deficiency. We report on the structural, electronic, and bonding properties of two boron oxide clusters, B 5 O 7 − and B 5 O 8 −, using computer global-minimum (GM) searches and quantum chemical calculations. These clusters have a heteroatomic B 3 O 3 hexagonal ring as their structural core, which is terminated and chemically saturated by the boronyl, OBO, and O− ligands. Chemical bonding analyses reveal a π sextet in the clusters, thus rendering them new members of the "inorganic benzene" family, or more precisely, inorganic analogs of phenolate anion. The latter chemical identity gives rise to their extremely high electron binding energies beyond 5.3 eV, which are electronically robust and can be classified as superhalogen anions. The terminal OBO ligands also have dual three-center four-electron (3c-4e) hypervalent π bonds, which are a crucial mechanism that helps stabilize these boron oxide species. [Display omitted] Boron-based B 5 O 7 − and B 5 O 8 − clusters are inorganic benzenes or phenolate anions with a heteroatomic hexagonal ring, featuring weak 6π aromaticity. They have dual 3c-4e hypervalent π bonds and demonstrate superhalogen anion character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the start microstructure of full martensite and dual phases comprising ferrite and martensite were introduced into quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel to tailor the microstructural characteristics and mechanical behaviors, which was achieved by means of a pre-quenching treatment with various temperatures. It is revealed that the conventional Q&P sample possessed bimodal microstructure with predominantly blocky feature, while gradually changed from combination of blocky and lath structures into individually lath feature in pre-quenched Q&P samples. The reversed austenite presented different variants, which predominantly reproduced the orientation of parent austenite and occasionally possessed twin relationship, low angle misorientation or extraneous with parent austenite. The twin-related austenite included annealing twin and reversed twin, whilst the latter showed twin relationship with both neighbored annealing twin and parent austenite. The variant type of reversed austenite significantly influenced the characteristics of its orientation relationship with neighbored pre-quenched martensite. The pre-quenching treatment was favorable to improve the carbon content of meta-stable austenite before Q&P treatment, while the final carbon content in retained austenite was mainly controlled by the synergistic carbon partitioning of martensite and bainite on basis of thermodynamic calculation, accompanied with the partitioning of Mn and Si elements. Moreover, the pre-quenched martensite deformed coordinately in a unit of martensite packet and was beneficial to retard necking to improve ductility. The optimal mechanical properties were obtained with pre-quenching temperature near Ac 3 , possessing yielding strength of 623 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 861 MPa and product of strength and elongation exceeding 28 GPa%, attributing to the positive TRIP effect originating from lath-like retained austenite with high carbon content and multi-level hierarchical microstructure inherited from pre-quenched martensite. • Reversed austenite showed variants with different characteristics of orientation. • Synergistic partitioning of C, Mn and Si determined final austenitic carbon content. • Mechanical properties were improved via TRIP effect and martensitic inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The meat production of broilers is crucial to economic benefits of broiler industries, while the slaughter performance of broilers is directly determined by skeletal muscle development. Hence, the broiler breeding for growth traits shows a great importance. As a kind of small noncoding RNA, microRNA (miRNA) can regulate the expression of multiple genes and perform a wide range of regulation in organisms. Currently, more and more studies have confirmed that miRNAs are closely associated with skeletal muscle development of chickens. Based on our previous miR-seq analysis (accession number: PRJNA668199), miR-460b-5p was screened as one of the key miRNAs probably involved in the growth regulation of chickens. However, the regulatory effect of miR-460b-5p on the development of chicken skeletal muscles is still unclear. Therefore, miR-460b-5p was further used for functional validation at the cellular level in this study. The expression pattern of miR-460b-5p was investigated in proliferation and differentiation stages of chicken primary myoblasts. It was showed that the expression level of miR-460b-5p gradually decreased from the proliferation stage (GM 50%) to the lowest at 24 h of differentiation. As differentiation proceeded, miR-460b-5p expression increased significantly, reaching the highest and stabilizing at 72 h and 96 h of differentiation. Through mRNA quantitative analysis of proliferation marker genes, CCK-8 and Edu assays, miR-460b-5p was found to significantly facilitate the transition of myoblasts from G1 to S phase and promote chicken myoblast proliferation. mRNA and protein quantitative analysis of differentiation marker genes, as well as the indirect immunofluorescence results of myotubes, revealed that miR-460b-5p significantly stimulated myotube development and promote chicken myoblast differentiation. In addition, the target relationship was validated for miR-460b-5p according to the dual-luciferase reporter assay and mRNA quantitative analysis, which indicates that miR-460b-5p was able to regulate RBM19 expression by specifically binding to the 3′ UTR of RBM19. In summary, miR-460b-5p has positive regulatory effects on the proliferation and differentiation of chicken myoblasts, and RBM19 is a target gene of miR-460b-5p. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Patients with severe intrarenal arteriolosclerosis were older and had higher levels of creatinine, C3 and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis. • Serum sonic hedgehog concentration was an independent predictor of intrarenal arteriolosclerosis in IgA nephropathy. • The level of serum sonic hedgehog is related to the severity of intrarenal arteriolosclerosis. Intrarenal arteriolar disease is a major risk factor for poor prognosis in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The morphologic factor sonic hedgehog (SHH) plays an important role in a variety of vascular diseases, so it may be directly or indirectly involved in the process of renal arteriolar disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum SHH levels and renal arteriole disease in patients with IgAN. Subjects with primary IgAN diagnosed by renal biopsy performed between October 2018 and August 2019 at the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital were recruited. Blood specimens were collected from the patients within 1 week before renal biopsy after they signed an informed consent form, and healthy controls were recruited for blood specimen collection during the same period. The concentration of serum SHH was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in this population. Serum SHH levels were significantly lower in the IgAN group than in the control group. 41 of the 94 subjects diagnosed with IgAN had severe renal arteriolosclerosis and, compared to their less severely affected counterparts, were older, more hypertensive, and characterized by lower levels of SHH, higher levels of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis and a higher Lee's classification. Serum SHH concentration was found to be an independent predictor of severe intrarenal arteriolosclerosis in IgAN subjects after correction using multivariate analysis. In this study, serum SHH levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with IgAN than in healthy subjects. Serum SHH may serve as a noninvasive biomarker of intrarenal arteriolosclerosis in patients with IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the flexural behavior of continuous externally prestressed steel–concrete composite (EPSCC) beams, flexural tests were conducted on two two-span continuous beams with a total length of 9.8 m. The test parameter focused on the number of deviators in each span. With the aid of detailed measurement of deviator displacement, slip distribution on the steel-slab interface and strain along shear connectors, the shear mechanism of headed studs and the second-order effect in continuous EPSCC beams were evaluated. The test results indicated that both beams underwent concrete cracking over their interior supports, followed by the formation of a plastic hinge in the hogging moment zone, the subsequent formation of a plastic hinge in the sagging moment zone, and ultimately the crushing of concrete slabs in the sagging moment zone. Prior to failure, full plasticity was developed at both the mid-span section and interior support section of each beam. The local moment acting on the shear studs reached its maximum hogging values at the shank root, while its maximum sagging value was attained at approximately the mid-height of the shank. Due to the second-order effect, the removal of deviators at midspans resulted in a 7.1% decrease in the sagging moment of the beam. At the ultimate limit state, the measured degree of moment redistribution values for hogging moment ranged between 52% and 58%, which were higher than the specified limits in current design guidelines. The predictions of the ultimate hogging and sagging moment calculated from plastic theory were consistent with experimental results. • Flexural test results on two-span continuous externally prestressed steel–concrete composite beams are presented. • Second-order effect due to change in effective depths of external tendons is evaluated. • Shear mechanism of shear connections in composite beams is investigated. • Moment redistribution of continuous externally prestressed steel–concrete composite beams is assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MAGEMin thermodynamic modeling was performed on Emeishan mafic-felsic igneous complex. • Early Fe-Ti-rich melt separation could have happened for the layered intrusions. • The isotopically depleted granitoids formed by fractionation and perthite cumulation. • The isotopically enriched granitoids formed by juvenile and ancient crust melting. Many Late Permian world-class Fe-Ti oxide-bearing layered intrusions in the Pan-Xi region, SW China are commonly considered to be fractionation products of the Emeishan mantle plume-related high-Ti basaltic melts. These layered intrusions coexist spatially and temporally with A-type granitoids, which consist of syenites and granites and are further classified into isotopically depleted metaluminous to peralkaline and isotopically enriched peraluminous to metaluminous groups. The petrogenesis of these mafic-felsic igneous complexes has been controversial. This study investigates geochemical correlations of the microgabbros at the margin of the Baima layered intrusions and the intruding isotopically enriched granitoids. The amphiboles at both sides of the contact zone are calcic (CaO = 10.4 to 12.5 wt.%) and display obvious mixing trends. Thermodynamical modeling using the MAGEMin program indicates that fractionation of basaltic melts compositionally similar to the Baima microgabbros seems incapable to crystallize olivine compositions comparable to those of the layered intrusions, but can be reconciled by early separation of 7.5 to 10 wt.% Fe-Ti-rich melts. Continued differentiation of the basaltic melts may lead to formation of the isotopically depleted granitoids, among which perthite accumulation in water-rich environments could result in the formation of metaluminous granitoids with high Na, K and Al contents and positive Eu anomalies. The isotopically enriched granitoids, on the other hand, can be produced by anatexis of the juvenile mafic lower crust together with the Yangtze ancient lower crust. Our study therefore provides a panoramic view on the complicated petrogenesis of the igneous complexes related to Emeishan mantle plume impingement through thermodynamic modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The oxygen atom spillovers from interface to Ru metal by assistance of Pd. • Oxygen self-spillover phenomenon promotes the oxidation of CH x but inhibits C H bond broken. • Self-spillover Oxygen has the strong resistance of coke deposition. • The model of oxygen self-spillover has better TOF rate and the greater selectivity of DRM. • The high catalytic activity is mainly due to the low coverage of CH*/C*. Carbon deposition negatively affects the dry reforming of methane (DRM). Thus, here, palladium (Pd) was doped to Ru/CeO 2 to enhance the oxygen self-spillover behavior on the interface, and the obtained effects were studied using the density functional theory (DFT) and microkinetic modeling. After doping Pd, the lattice oxygen was active. To simulate conditions closer to those of an experiment, a dynamic model under realistic conditions and a static model were considered. For the dynamic model, lattice oxygen atoms spilled over from the surface to the Ru spontaneously. DFT calculations demonstrated that interfacial oxygen self-spillover plays a pivotal role in increasing C-O formation and enhancing the DRM reaction rate while inhibiting the rapid decomposition of CH x , which hinders C* formation. Coke formation analysis indicated that oxygen spillover inhibits the coupling of C*-C* (C*+C*→C 2 *), leading to strong resistance to coke deposition and preventing the deactivation of catalysts. Microkinetic simulations showed that the dynamic model has a higher turnover frequency (TOF) rate and a higher selectivity for the DRM reaction. The high catalytic activity of the dynamic model is mainly due to the low coverage by CH*/C* on the catalyst's surface. We expect that our results will provide a strategy for the design of DRM catalysts by enhancing interfacial oxygen self-spillover, using doped atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three half-sandwich pincer-type complexes of m -carborane with B(3)-H activation have been synthesized. • The addition reaction and substitution reaction of these pincer-type complexes have been explored. • The single-crystal structure of several typical complexes have been determined and resolved. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a series pincer-type half-sandwich complexes containing selective B(3)-H activation of m -carborane. Four pincer-type complexes containing Cp*M (M = Ir/Rh) and (η6-pcym)Ru metal-corner, ionic Cp*M[ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3) 2 ](CF 3 SO 3) (M = Ir (2), Rh (3)), (η6-pcym)Ru[ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3) 2 ](CF 3 SO 3) (4) and neutral solvolysis product Cp*Ir[ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3)(COS)] (Complex 5), have been prepared. The addition reaction of MeO− toward 2 3 and 4 causes the formation of moderately stable neutral unsymmetrical pincer-type complexes Cp*M{ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3)[CS(SCH 3)(OCH 3)]} (M = Ir (6), Rh (7)) and (η6-pcym)Ru{ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3)[CS(SCH 3)(OCH 3)]} (8). The substitution reaction of 2 3 and 4 have also been also explored, unsymmetrical chelate complexes Cp*M(tBuNC)[ m -C 2 B 10 H 9 (CS 2 CH 3) 2 ](BPh 4) (M = Ir (9), Rh (10)) can be obtained by using tBuNC and NaBPh 4. All of these complexes have been characterized, including X-Ray single crystal diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis methods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The technology of pulse pressure N 2 injection enhanced gas extraction is proposed. • The migration pattern of gas components during the whole process of CH 4 displacement by N 2 injection is quantitatively characterized. • The influence pattern and sensitivity of N 2 injection pressure on the effect of CH 4 displacement are analyzed. • The economic benefits of N 2 injection by uniform pressure / pulse pressure to displace CH 4 are explored. Gas extraction is the fundamental way to prevent and control gas as well as to obtain clean energy. Based on the analysis of the mechanism of conventional negative-pressure gas extraction technology and N 2 injection enhanced gas extraction technology, the technology of pulse pressure N 2 injection enhanced gas extraction is proposed. The experiments of CH 4 displacement by uniform pressure/pulse pressure N 2 injection are carried out. The migration pattern of gas components during the whole process of CH 4 displacement by N 2 injection is quantitatively characterized. The influence pattern and sensitivity of N 2 injection pressure on the effect of CH 4 displacement are analyzed. The economic benefits of N 2 injection by uniform pressure/pulse pressure to displace CH 4 are investigated. The results indicate that conventional negative-pressure gas extraction technology has disadvantages such as insufficient seepage power and gas extraction will soon enter the exhaustion stage. While N 2 injection enhanced gas extraction technology not only has the flow increasing effect of gas itself factors but also has the flow increasing effect of injected energy for changing coal properties. During the process of displacing CH 4 by uniform pressure/pulse pressure N 2 injection, the CH 4 volume fraction decreases and the N 2 volume fraction increases as the N 2 injection pressure increases. Increasing the injection pressure of two N 2 injection methods can effectively shorten the T 50% (the time when the CH 4 volume fraction is equal to the N 2 volume fraction is equal to 50%), but with a reduced degree of impact. Increasing injection pressure not only increases the amount of CH 4 precipitation but also increases the amount of N 2 precipitation, which is not conducive to the later utilization of the precipitated CH 4. With the increase of N 2 injection pressure, the sensitivity of CH 4 displacement efficiency by uniform pressure N 2 injection decreases, the sensitivity of CH 4 displacement efficiency by pulse pressure N 2 injection remains the same, and the sensitivity of CH 4 displacement ratio by uniform pressure/pulse pressure N 2 injection decreases. The CH 4 prevent and control effect, N 2 injection cost, and CH 4 resource utilization of pulse pressure N 2 injection are better than that of uniform pressure N 2 injection. The technology of enhanced gas extraction by pulse pressure N 2 injection not only improves the CH 4 prevent and control effect but also reduces N 2 injection cost. At the same time, it promotes the efficient utilization of CH 4 resources. The research results have great significance and value for improving the level of gas disaster prevention and resource development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fully relativistic approach is proposed/suggested to precisely predict the electronic structures and collision processes. • The present method incorporating the plasma fluctuation is applied to the He- α (1 s 2 p → 1 s 2) line shift of A l 11 + ions. • The present work not only contributes an insight into the plasma shielding effect in extreme conditions, but also has important applications in laboratory and space plasmas. Studies demonstrated significant discrepancies between the experimental observations of Stillman et al. [Phys. Rev. E 95 , 063,204 (2017)] and almost all recent state-of-the art theoretical predictions for the He- α (1 s 2 p → 1 s 2) line shift of Al 11 + ions placed in a hot dense plasma environment. Here, we suggest a new distorted wave method to determine the electronic structure and collision dynamics of highly stripped ions placed in plasmas. The method incorporating the plasma fluctuation, which yields modification term to the calculation of the central-field potential, is applied to the above problem. By adjusting the parameter q , which characterizes the intensity of the plasma fluctuation, we reproduce the experimental line shifts well over the whole range (of temperature and density) measured. In addition, we perform a calculation by incorporating the screened potential of Stanton and Murillo [Phys. Rev. E 91 , 033,104 (2015)] and the current results (from ab-initio calculations) are in much better agreement with the experimental data than most previous theoretical results. Finally, we perform the calculation of electron collisional excitation and ionisation dynamic processes, where the continuous electron wave function is obtained by numerically solving the modified coupled Dirac equation. A careful investigation of the effect of plasma fluctuation on the integrated cross sections is made. The present work not only leads to further stimulation of the development of shielding models in extreme conditions, but also has important applications in laboratory and space plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]