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The turn-of-the-year or January effect is a phenomenon that refers to the unusual large returns exhibited by small stocks in the beginning days of January. The direct relation between institutional trading behavior in the United States equity market and anomalous turn-of-the-year return patterns of small stocks is examined. The empirical results of the study on this relation utilizing data from CDA Investment Technologies, Inc. and the Center for Research in Security Prices are presented.

Pesticide loss triggered by runoff is one of the most important sources of non-point pollution. The effects of grass hedges ( Melilotus albus and Pennisetum alopecuroides ) on atrazine runoff under different rain intensities and slope gradients were evaluated. The plot-scale experiments were carried out on a maize ( Zea mays ) field on slopes with 15% and 20% gradients using simulated rainfall (rain intensity of 30 and 45 mm h −1 ). Atrazine residues were investigated in runoff water and soil taken from three depths (0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm) in the middle and base of the slope after runoff events. Total atrazine loss in runoff water ranged from 2.3% to 4.9% of that applied from plots without grass hedges. Grass hedges decreased atrazine loss by 37%-76% and surface runoff by 27%-72%, and Pennisetum showed better efficacy than Melilotus, especially under higher rain intensity. Atrazine loss showed a significant positive linear correlation with surface runoff volume. Grass hedges had a more significant effect on atrazine loss than rain intensity and slope gradient. But they functioned less effectively if used under intense rain or/and steep slope conditions. Atrazine residues remained in the surface 15 cm soil were higher for the plots with grass hedges than the control plots. These results suggest that grass hedges not only significantly reduced atrazine loss by reducing the surface runoff, but also reduced the amount of atrazine leaching to deeper soil layer. P. alopecuroides was a suitable grass-hedge species for controlling atrazine losses in northern China and similar regions. Other management practices or control measures should be integrated with grass hedges in strongly sloping cropland in high-rainfall areas to maintain pesticide losses at an acceptable level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment, reproduction, dispersal, and distribution of alien plants are affected by various factors during the transition from being newly introduced in a habitat to being invasive. In the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China, comprising farmlands and natural grasslands, the biological characteristics of alien plant species were the key intrinsic factors (propagation characteristics and competitive ability), followed by such extrinsic factors as human interference and environmental heterogeneity. Among biological characteristics, the life form may be an important and useful indicator of the invasive ability of a species, and the risk of invasion is greater from alien species that are poisonous, inedible, and have traits that facilitate wide dispersal. Farmlands may serve as initial shelters for alien species, from which they spread into neighbouring habitats, whereas natural grassland may act as a barrier to plant invasions. Management practices detrimental to grasslands, including overgrazing, reclamation, and road construction, often facilitate the invasions; therefore, counter measures such as reseeding and a ban on grazing need special attention. Environmental factors including precipitation, nutrients, prevailing winds, fires, and topography may be other factors that promote or block the process of invasion. In studying ways of preventing or controlling such invasions, alien plants with short life cycle, prolific seed production, and strong competitiveness, deserve particular attention and so do human activities that may damage the environment and fragile habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate short-term wind power prediction is crucial for the efficient and safe operation of wind power systems. To enhance the accuracy of short-term wind power prediction, this paper proposes a hybrid short-term wind power prediction model, IDBO-VMD-TCN-GRU-Attention, based on the Improved Dung Beetle Optimizer algorithm (IDBO), Variational Modal Decomposition (VMD), Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN), Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), and Attention Mechanism. The IDBO is used to optimize the parameters of the VMD. Then the optimized IDBO-VMD is used to decompose the original data into modal components with lower volatility to fully extract the data features. These modal components are inputted into the TCN-GRU-Attention to predict the short-term wind power and obtain the final prediction value. The model is tested and validated using real data from four different months and compared against 11 other models. Results demonstrate that our proposed model significantly reduces the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) by an average of at least 22.86 %, 18.82 %, and 19.99 %, respectively, across the four different months. This indicates that the proposed model provides a superior fit to the data, offers higher prediction accuracy, and holds significant practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-term photovoltaic power forecasting (PVPF) is crucial in the scheduling and functioning of contemporary electrical systems. A short-term PVPF model based on correlation analysis, similar day clustering, mode decomposition and hybrid deep learning is proposed to address the volatility and stochasticity of PV output. To construct a similar day clustering model, the Kendall rank correlation coefficient is used to select weather features for clustering. Subsequently, the K-means++ clustering method is used to divide the dataset into sunny, cloudy, and rainy days, thereby improving the similarity of the training samples. PV power sequences are decomposed into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) via improved variational mode decomposition (IVMD), reducing non-stationarity and complexity. Introducing the improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) for optimal hyperparameters of BiLSTM, and an Attention mechanism is incorporated for effective key information capture. Finally, the IVMD-IWOA-BiLSTM-Attention prediction model is constructed, and the prediction results of each IMF are summed and reconstructed to obtain the final PV power prediction results. Compared with the benchmark model, the hybrid prediction model reduces the RMSE by an average of 86.54 %, 71.01 % and 72.71 % for sunny, cloudy and rainy days, respectively. This approach is of significant importance for decision-making and scheduling in photovoltaic grid connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data centers require continuous cooling throughout the year and produce a large amount of low-grade waste heat. How to fully utilize the waste heat while ensuring the efficiency of air conditioning is a problem that needs to be addressed. In this paper, a data center air conditioning with heat recovery function was constructed, and the application scheme of the novel system that considers both high-efficiency cooling and waste heat recovery was proposed. The feasibility analysis was conducted at a data center in Shenyang, with the heat pipe/vapor compression high-efficiency system for cooling and the coal-fired boiler for heating as the comparison scheme. The results show that although adding heat recovery function realizes the utilization of waste heat in data centers, it also increases the energy consumption of the system. The centralized application scheme composed of a single large system reduces annual carbon emissions by 0.9 % and increases operating costs by 12.6 %. The distributed application scheme composed of multiple small systems reduces annual carbon emissions by 14.6 % and reduces operating costs by 3.5 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of VERU-111 in vitro and in vivo model systems of cervical cancer. VERU-111 treatment inhibited cell proliferation and, clonogenic potential, induce accumulation of p53 and down regulated the expression of HPV E6/E7 expression in cervical cancer cells. In addition, VERU-111 treatment also decreased the phosphorylation of Jak2(Tyr1007/1008) and STAT3 at Tyr705 and Ser727. VERU-111 treatment arrested cell cycle in the G2/M phase and modulated cell cycle regulatory proteins (cyclin B1, p21, p34cdc2 and pcdk1). Moreover, VERU-111 treatment induced apoptosis and modulated the expression of Bid, Bcl-xl, Survivin, Bax, Bcl2 and cleavage in PARP. In functional assays, VERU-111 markedly reduced the migratory and invasive potential of cervical cancer cells via modulations of MMPs. VERU-111 treatment also showed significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of orthotopic xenograft tumor growth in athymic nude mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potent anti-cancer efficacy of VERU-111 in experimental cervical cancer models.Thus, VERU-111 can be explored as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the main complications of diabetes. However, effective therapy to block or slow down the progression of DN is still lacking. San-Huang-Yi-Shen capsule (SHYS) has been shown to significantly improve renal function and delay the progression of DN. However, the mechanism of SHYS on DN is still unclear. In this study, we established a mouse model of DN. Then, we investigated the anti-ferroptotic effects of SHYS including the reduction of iron overload and the activation of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis. Finally, we used a GPX4 inhibitor (RSL3) and ferroptosis inhibitor (ferrostatin-1) to determine whether SHYS ameliorates DN through inhibiting ferroptosis. The results showed that SHYS treatment was effective for mice with DN in terms of improving renal function, and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Besides, SHYS treatment reduced iron overload and upregulated the expression of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis-related factors in kidney. Moreover, SHYS exhibited similar therapeutic effect on DN as ferrostatin-1, RSL3 could abolish the therapeutic and anti- ferroptotic effects of SHYS on DN. In conclusion, SHYS can be used to treat mice with DN. Furthermore, SHYS could inhibit ferroptosis in DN through reducing iron overload and upregulating the expression of cystine/GSH/GPX4 axis. [Display omitted] • San-Huang-Yi-Shen capsule (SHYS) ameliorated diabetic nephropathy (DN). • SHYS reduced ferroptosis in the kidney of DN mice. • SHYS inhibited ferroptosis through reducing iron overload and upregulating GPX4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional air-conditioners in data centers generally have the problems of high energy consumption and poor cooling effect. In this paper, a composite cooling system with pump-driven heat pipe and vapor compression operation modes is proposed to solve the above problems. The system adopts pump supply liquid technology and rack-level terminals. The cooling effect, energy efficiency, and annual performance of the system are analyzed in this paper. In terms of energy efficiency, the coefficient of performance in vapor compression mode is 6.6–3.8 (outside temperature is 15–35 °C); the coefficient of performance in heat pipe mode is 15.8–9.7 (outside temperature is −15–15 °C). In terms of the cooling effect, the novel system performs well for temperature control accuracy, and the on-demand supply cooling of each rack can be realized. In terms of the annual performance of the typical city, the annual average coefficient of performance of the novel system in vapor compression mode increases by 8.5% compared with the system adopting direct expansion technology. The power usage effectiveness of the data center that adopts the novel cooling system can reach 1.23 which satisfies the current standard. • A rack-level data center cooling system adopting pump supply liquid technology is presented. • The cooling effect and energy efficiency performance are analyzed through experimental study. • The on-demand supply cooling of each rack can be realized. • The power usage effectiveness of the data center adopting the novel cooling system can reach 1.23 in the typical city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) shows great bioenergy potential and provides multiple ecological services. However, its severe seed shedding causes biomass waste and seed diffusion risk. Questions arise as to the production performance of switchgrass after panicle removal (PR), which remains unknown. We revealed switchgrass growth responses to PR and illustrated physiological reasons. Compared to the untreated switchgrass, PR significantly stimulated stem elongation (32.13%) and increased tiller number (39.70%), as well as aboveground biomass (24.69%). Importantly, PR significantly increased contents of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in the stem, which was directly beneficial to the ethanol conversion, and in the rhizome and root. The chlorophyll contents, net photosynthetic efficiency, and photochemical quantum efficiencies of flag leaf increased significantly. PR switchgrass allocated more assimilates into the stem, root, rhizome, and NSCs. Activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, ribulose-1, 5-diphosphate carboxylase, sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) in flag leaf and adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and SPS in the stem and rhizome all increased significantly. In contrast, activities of the AGPase in flag leaf and sheath decreased significantly. Contents of zeatin nucleoside, gibberellins, and indoleacetic acid in flag leaf, stem, and rhizome all increased. Abscisic acid contents in flag leaf and stem decreased significantly while increased significantly in the rhizome. In conclusion, growth-promoting hormones delayed plant senescence, enhanced leaf photosynthesis, and enhanced vegetative growth through regulating assimilates-metabolism-related enzymes, which increased biomass accumulation in PR switchgrass. This work provided new insights for yield and digestibility improvement in switchgrass through field management practices, hormones regulation, or genetic modification strategies. [Display omitted] • Panicle removal (PR) retarded plant senescence in switchgrass. • PR increased biomass dry weights of switchgrass. • PR increased contents of nonstructural carbohydrates in stem, root and rhizome. • AGPase and SPS facilitated storage and transport of C assimilates in PR switchgrass. • Growth promoting hormones played critical roles in delaying plant senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Two-dose varicella vaccination has been available in Beijing since 2012 in the private sector. We investigated a varicella outbreak in a highly vaccinated elementary school population. Methods A cohort study was carried out and a varicella case was defined as an acute onset of generalized maculopapulovesicular rash without other apparent cause in a student attending the school from March 29 through May 17, 2015. Breakthrough varicella was defined as varicella >42 days after the last vaccine dose among both 1- or 2-dose varicella vaccine recipients. Vaccination information was collected from immunization records; information on prior varicella and clinical presentations was collected by surveying students’ parents. Results Of the 1056 students in the school, 1027 (97.3%) reported no history of varicella. Prior to the outbreak, 98.6% of students had received ≥1 dose of varicella vaccine, and most (63.2%) students received two doses. Twenty varicella cases were identified for an overall attack rate of 2.0%. Half of the cases occurred in the classroom of the index case-patient, a two-dose recipient who was not isolated after symptom onset. Breakthrough varicella accounted for 95% of cases (19/20) with attack rates of 14.3% (1/7), 1.6% (6/362) and 2.0% (13/649) among unvaccinated, one-dose, and two-dose students, respectively. Most case-patients (18/20, 90%) had <50 lesions. No difference in clinical presentations was found between one-dose and two-dose recipients with breakthrough varicella. Conclusion Moderate two-dose varicella vaccine coverage was insufficient to prevent a varicella outbreak. Two-dose recipients with breakthrough varicella are contagious. High two-dose varicella vaccine coverage and timely isolation of cases may be needed for varicella outbreak prevention in the two-dose era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CircRNAs identification in mice kidney samples. • Silencing mmu_circ_0000943 inhibited the inflammation response induced by H/R in TKPTS cells. • Mmu_circ_0000943 acts as a sponge for miR-377-3p. • MiR-377-3p mediated the effects of mmu_circ_0000943 on inflammation response and oxidative stress in H/R-treated TKPTS cells via targeting Egr2 3'UTR. • Mmu_circ_0000943 participated in inflammation response by increasing Egr2. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a widely pathophysiological state triggered by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) during kidney transplant. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently been shown to exert crucial roles in IRI. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is mainly undefined. Differentially expressed circRNAs between IRI and sham group were identified by analyzing RNA-sequencing data in mice. Next, in vitro functional experiments were carried out to investigate the role of mmu_circ_0000943 in mouse kindey proximal tubule cell (TKPTS) apoptosis, inflammation response and oxidative stress using CCK-8, flow cytometry and ELISA assays, respectively. Moreover, bioinformatic prediction, western blot, luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to examine the network among mmu_circ_0000943, miR-377-3p and early growth response 2 (Egr2). Mmu_circ_0000943 was upregulated in renal IRI tissues and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated TKPTS cells. Knockdown of mmu_circ_0000943 inhibited cell apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress upon H/R treatment. Mechanistically, co-transfection of siRNA targeting mmu_circ_0000943 and miR-377-3p inhibitor could counteract the anti-IRI effect. Furthermore, mmu_circ_0000943 regulated the expression of Egr2 by sponging miR-377-3p to alleviate H/R-induced TKPTS cell damage. This study suggested that mmu_circ_0000943 participated in progression of renal IRI by sponging miR-377-3p with Egr2, providing a new insight into AKI treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the role of molecule imprinting polymer with high chiral selectivity. Indication of functional monomers; Stability of acetonitrile; Purification of the polar solvent.