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Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common and aggressive subtype of lung cancer, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a serious public health threat worldwide. Patients with LUAD and COVID-19 have a poor prognosis. Therefore, finding medications that can be used to treat COVID-19/LUAD patients is essential. Bioinformatics analysis was used to identify 20 possible metformin target genes for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD. PTEN and mTOR may serve as hub target genes of metformin. Metformin may be able to cure COVID-19/LUAD comorbidity through energy metabolism, oxidoreductase NADH activity, FoxO signalling pathway, AMPK signalling system, and mTOR signalling pathway, among other pathways, according to the results of bioinformatic research. Metformin has ability to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells, according to the results of colony formation and proliferation assays. In A549 cells, metformin increased glucose uptake and lactate generation, while decreasing ATP synthesis and the NAD+/NADH ratio. In summary, PTEN and mTOR may be potential targets of metformin for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD. The mechanism by which metformin inhibits lung adenocarcinoma cell proliferation may be related to glucose metabolism regulated by PI3K/AKT signalling and mTOR signalling pathways. Our study provides a new theoretical basis for the treatment of COVID-19/LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Wuda coal fire in Inner Mongolia, China, is a global catastrophic event. It emits a huge volume of organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), which are widely concerning due to their physiological toxicity and environmental persistence. However, there is no systematic study on the enrichment and migration patterns of PACs emitted from coal fires. Here, we compared samples from coal fire sponges and surrounding soil, and analyzed 47 PACs using GC × GC-TOFMS. Data analysis showed that the average content of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs) in the coal fire sponge was 15400.65 ng/g, which is about 4.2 times higher than that in the surrounding soil. Meanwhile, 31 PACs were detected at levels far exceeding those of 16PAHs. The distribution pattern of PACs showed that coal fire sources are more likely to produce and store 16PAHs while surrounding soils are more likely to be enriched with PAH derivatives. The cancer risk assessment revealed a significant cancer risk in both the coal fires and the surrounding soil. The formation mechanism of oxygenated PAHs was also explored, and it was found that coal fires emit 16PAHs and alkylated PAHs, which oxidize to form oxygenated PAHs during migration to surrounding soils. The value of naphthaldehyde/alkylated naphthalene (< 2) can be referenced as characteristic markers of coal fire pollution. This provides a new perspective on the sources of PACs in the current environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The replacement intervals for infusion sets may differ among healthcare institutions, which may have an impact on the occurrence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Nevertheless, there exists a limited amount of high-quality evidence available to assist clinicians in determining the most suitable replacement intervals for infusion sets. Therefore, the objective of this trial is to compare the efficacy of 24-h and 96-h replacement intervals for infusion sets on CLABSI among critically ill adults who have central venous access devices. Methods: This is a multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial that will investigate the effect of infusion set replacement intervals on CLABSI in adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The study will enroll 1240 participants who meet the inclusion criteria, which includes being 18 years or older, expected to stay in the ICU for longer than 96 h, and in need of central venous access. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving a 96-h replacement interval or a treatment group receiving a 24-h replacement interval. Planned Outcome: The primary outcome of this trial is the rate of CLABSI within 28 days after randomization. Conclusion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of infusion set replacement at 24-h and 96-h intervals on CLABSI in ICU patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT05359601. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) pollution has been regarded as a global environmental concern. More than 80% of the global population is exposed to light pollution. Exacerbating this issue, artificially lit outdoor areas are growing by 2.2% per year, while continuously lit areas have brightened by 2.2% each year due to rapid population growth and expanding urbanization. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of night shift work and smart device usage contributes to the inescapable influence of ALAN. Studies have shown that ALAN can disrupt endogenous biological clocks, resulting in a disturbance of the circadian rhythm, which ultimately affects various physiological functions. Up until now, scholars have studied various disease mechanisms caused by ALAN that may be related to the response of the circadian system to light. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms by which ALAN causes circadian rhythm abnormalities in sleep disorders, endocrine diseases, cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune impairment, depression, anxiety and cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenols (BPs) are potential thyroid disruptors that are widely used in many consumer products, leading to their widespread exposure in the general population. Current cross-sectional and case-control studies have found associations between exposure to BPs and serum thyroid function, but the results were contradictory. The objectives of this study are to describe demographic characteristics, BP exposure levels, and thyroid function measurements in potentially exposed and control districts and to investigate the association of urinary BPs with thyroid function. Data were collected from a general population aged 3–79 years (N = 281) recruited by the Zhejiang Human Biomonitoring Program (ZJHBP). The concentrations of 10 kinds of BPs in urine and serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total thyroxine (TT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) in serum were measured. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to estimate the relationship between single and mixed exposure of BPs and thyroid function. Bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol P (BPP) were detected, respectively, in 82.73%, 94.24%, and 55.40% of the population in the exposed area and 81.69%, 61.27%, and 43.66% of the population in the control area. Among adult females, serum TT3 was negatively associated with urinary BPA (β = −0.033, 95% CI = −0.071, −0.008, P = 0.021). Among minor females, FT4 and Tg levels were negatively associated with the urinary BPA (β = −0.026, 95% CI = −0.051, −0.002, P = 0.032 for FT4; β = −0.129, 95% CI = −0.248, −0.009, P = 0.035 for Tg), and TPOAb was positively associated with urinary BPA (β = 0.104, 95% CI = 0.006, 0.203, P = 0.039). In WQS models, BPs mixture was positively associated with FT3 (βWQS = 0.022, 95% CI = 0.002, 0.042) and TT3 (βWQS = 0.033, 95% CI = 0.004, 0.062), and negatively associated with FT4 (βWQS = −0.024, 95% CI = −0.044, 0.004). We found widespread exposure to BPA, BPS, and BPP in the general population of Zhejiang province and found an association between BPA and thyroid hormones. This association is gender- and age-dependent and needs to be confirmed in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting the upper and lower motor neurons, which can lead to death from respiratory failure within 3–5 years after the onset of this disease. Nowadays, no drug can effectively slow down the progression of this disease. High-calorie therapy, an emerging complementary alternative treatment, has been reported in studies to prolong the survival time of patients, prevent muscle atrophy and provide a better prognosis. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to summarize the evidence of this therapy. This meta-analysis comprehensively evaluates the effectiveness and safety of high-calorie therapy for treating ALS. Methods: We searched the electronic databases from inception to 1 April 2023: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Ovid/Medline, and ProQuest. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria were performed by meta-analysis. All statistical analyses were performed in STATA software. Results: A total of six eligible RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, involving 370 ALS patients. The meta-analyses showed that high-calorie therapy had superiority in improving body weight (SMD = 1, 95% CI 0.36, 1.65) and BMI (SMD = 0.83, 95% CI 0.02, 1.63). With respect to safety, there was no difference between the high-calorie therapy and the control group regarding the number of adverse events (RR = 3.61, 95% CI 0.08, 162.49). However, ALSFRS-R scores (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI − 0.4, 1.08), survival rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.98, 1.55), and lipid profile (LDL: SMD = 0.21, 95% CI − 0.33, 0.75; HDL: SMD = 0.17, 95% CI − 0.37, 0.71; TC: SMD = 0.21, 95% CI − 0.33, 0.75), CRP (SMD = 0.85, 95% CI − 1.37, 3.06) showed no significant difference compared to the control groups. Conclusions: High-calorie therapy is effective in gaining weight and BMI with few side effects. However, no significant superiority was detected in ALSFRS-R scores, survival time, lipid profile, and CRP indicator. The overall quality of the included studies is high, and the results have some credibility, but future corroboration by high-quality RCTs is also expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the distribution of soil organic carbon and nitrogen (OC(N)) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and specific surface area (SSA) in different soil particle sizes is crucial for studying soil fertility and properties. In this study, we investigated the distribution characteristics of the OC(N), CECand SSA in different particles of yellow–brown soil under different methods. The result revealed that as the particle size decreased, the soil OC(N), SSA and CEC content gradually increase. The content of OC and ON different soil particles ranged from 1.50–28.16 g·kg−1 to 0.18–3.78 g·kg−1, respectively, and exhibited significant differences between different particles. We observed good linear relationships between OC and ON in different particle sizes of yellow–brown soil under different utilization methods, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.86 to 0.98, reaching a very significant level (n = 12, p < 0.01). The ranges of SSA and CEC in different particles of the four soils were 0.30–94.70 m2·g−1 and 0.70–62.91 cmol·kg−1, respectively. Additionally, we found logarithmic relationships between SSA (CEC) and the equivalent diameter for the four soils, with correlation coefficients (r2) higher than 0.91. Furthermore, there was an extremely significant linear relationship between CEC and SSA of the four soils, with correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.92–0.97 (n = 12, p < 0.01). These results highlight the close relationship between soil particle size and soil OC(N), SSA, and CEC. The conclusions drawn from this study provide valuable data support and a theoretical basis for further understanding soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal gangue is a by-product of coal, the output of which is as high as 30% of raw coal, whereas only 30% of it is recycled. The leftover remains in the environment from gangue backfilling areas and overlap with residential, agricultural, and industrial areas. Coal gangue accumulated in the environment is easily weathered and oxidized and becomes a source of various pollutants. In this paper, 30 coal gangue samples (fresh and weathered coal gangues) were collected from three mine areas in Huaibei, Anhui province, China. Gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) was used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze thirty polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16PAHs), preferentially controlled by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and the corresponding alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (a-PAHs). The results showed that PACs existed objectively in coal gangue, and the content of a-PAHs was higher than that of 16PAHs (average values for 16PAHs ranged from 77.8 to 581 ng/g; average values for a-PAHs ranged from 97.4 to 3179 ng/g). Moreover, coal types not only affected the content and type of PACs but also affected the distribution pattern of a-PAHs at different substitution sites. With the increase of gangue weathering degree, the composition of a-PAHs kept changing; the low ring a-PAHs were more easily diffused to the environment, and the high ring a-PAHs remained enriched in the weathered coal gangue. The correlation analysis showed that the correlation between fluoranthene (FLU) and alkylated fluoranthene (a-FLU) was as high as 94%, and the calculated ratios were not more than 1.5. The basic conclusion is that not only 16PAHs and a-PAHs objectively existed in the coal gangue, but also the characteristic compound belonging to the pollution source of coal gangue oxidation have been discovered. The results of the study provide a new perspective for the analysis of existing pollution sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Ecological stoichiometry plays an important role in biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functions. However, we know little of fine-root stoichiometry responses to nitrogen (N) addition and whether the responses are similar to those of leaves. Methods: We conducted a field experiment to explore the effects of N addition on carbon: N: phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometric ratios and homeostasis in green leaves, fine roots and soil as well as the regulatory effects of plant and soil stoichiometric ratios on forest growth in poplar plantations on the eastern Chinese coast. Results: We found that N addition increased soil organic C (SOC), soil available N and P, and soil N:P and decreased soil C:N. We also found that N addition increased leaf C and N, N:P and C:P of green leaves and fine roots, while it decreased fine root C and P as well as green leaf and fine root C:N. The consistent responses of green leaf and fine root stoichiometry to N addition were attributed to stoichiometric homeostasis. That diameter at breast height (DBH) and fine root biomass (FRB) growth contradicted C:N:P stoichiometry appeared to be because of their different nutrient uptake and utilization efficiencies. Conclusions: The C:N:P stoichiometry of green leaves and fine roots was generally consistent in response to N addition. These findings contribute to our understanding of the biogeochemical cycles of plantation ecosystems and provide basic data for plantation cultivation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016 in Zhejiang Province, China, to evaluate the body burdens of metals and metalloids associated with renal dysfunction in populations living near electroplating industries. We recruited 236 subjects and performed physical examinations, determined the blood and urinary levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), and selenium (Se) by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), and measured three renal impairment biomarkers, namely nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and β2-microglobulin (BMG). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms in the exposure group (10.1%) was much higher than in the control group (0; p < 0.05). The blood and urinary levels of As, Cd, and Se in the exposure group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood levels of Mn and Pb, as well as the urinary levels of Cr and Ni, were significantly higher in the exposure group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The exposure group demonstrated higher levels of NAG, RBP, and BMG than the control group (0.51 vs. 0.14 mg/g creatinine, 12.79 vs. 9.26 IU/g creatinine, and 1.39 vs. 0.78 mg/g creatinine, respectively; p < 0.05). Urinary BMG was positively correlated with urinary Cd levels (r = 0.223, p < 0.05), while urinary RBP was correlated with blood Cd levels (r = 0.151, p < 0.05) and urinary Cd, Cr, Ni, and Se levels (r = 0.220, 0.303, 0.162, and 0.306, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study indicated that a population living in the vicinity of electroplating industries had high body burdens of certain metals and metalloids associated with non-negligible renal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to further investigate the single and cumulative associations of SO2 on outpatient visits for conjunctivitis. Data from outpatient visits, air pollutants, and meteorology was collected by the Eye Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the Environmental Protection Department of Zhejiang Province, and the Meteorological Administration of Zhejiang Province from July 1, 2014, to November 30, 2019. A Poisson generalized linear regression model (PGLM), combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM), was employed to analyze the association between SO2 and outpatient visits for conjunctivitis using PM2.5 and NO2 as covariates. Of the 539,649 outpatients for conjunctivitis recruited for analysis, 58.1% were female. Obvious single associations of SO2 were observed in outpatient visits for conjunctivitis, which is consistent with our previous results using a time-stratified case crossover design. A delay in the associations of SO2 on outpatient visits for conjunctivitis was further confirmed, with the longest lag being 12 days. The strongest lag effect was found at lag 0-11 with RR95th vs 25th = 1.30 (1.24, 1.37), and RR90h vs 25th = 1.23 (1.18, 1.28). Furthermore, the results showed that old people may be more sensitive to the associations of SO2 than adults and the younger ones. Our study provides the first evidence that outpatient visits for conjunctivitis are positively associated with both single and cumulative air pollutant SO2 exposure, suggesting that people especially elders had better to decrease outdoor activities when the SO2 concentration is above safe level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zinc oxide (ZnO) film as electron transport layer (ETL) is modified by various alcohol molecules in inverted organic solar cells. The conduction band minimum of the ZnO is reduced by the surface modifiers to enhance charge transfer and electron extraction. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of ZnO shows that alcohol molecules are successfully incorporated with reduced hydroxyl groups for improved hydrophobicity of the ZnO film. The improved roughness of modified ZnO films provides better interfacial adhesion and intimate contact between the ETL and active layer which is deposited subsequently. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images have shown that the morphology of the active layer on the ZnO/1,3-propanediol (ZnO/PDO) exhibits most moderate phase separation and interpenetrating network structure for better light absorption (external quantum efficiency (EQE) = 79%, improvement of 22%), more favorable for the exciton separation and charge transfer with the highest electron mobility of ~ 1.07 × 10–2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and lowest charge transfer resistance of ~ 1334 Ω (decreased by 34%). Therefore, the ZnO/PDO-based device exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency of 7.05% improved by 28%, with 13% and 15% increases in short-circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor (FF), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice vinegar is typical cereal vinegar with widespread consumption. Rice vinegar from different regions has similar appearance. Therefore, chemosensory characteristics are crucial for the discrimination among different rice vinegars. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemosensory characteristics among popular Chinese rice vinegars in different regions (Beijing rice vinegar (BRV); Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV); Zhejiang rose vinegar (ZRV)) by multiple strategies. The analysis of taste characteristics combined taste activity value verified that the numbers of free amino acids that contributed to taste in BRV, ZAV, and ZRV were 2, 4, and 3, respectively; the numbers of organic acids that contributed to the taste in BRV, ZAV, and ZRV were 7, 7, and 5, respectively. Furthermore, partial least squares discrimination analysis coupled with odor activity value revealed that 3, 3, and 1 volatile compounds were identified as aroma markers to distinguish the three kinds of rice vinegars. The approach using multiple strategies indicated a better discrimination for distinguishing the complex sensory information in rice vinegars, which can be used in the quality control and provide alternative products identification information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunotherapy has revolutionised the field of cancer therapy and immunology, but has demonstrated limited therapeutic efficacy in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Methods: Multi-omics data of 495 TCGA HGSOC tumours and RNA-seq data of 1708 HGSOC tumours were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and meta-analyses were used to identify prognostic genes. The immune microenvironment was characterised using the ssGSEA methods for 28 immune cell types. Immunohistochemistry staining of tumour tissues of 14 patients was used to validate the key findings further. Results: A total of 1142 genes were identified as favourable prognostic genes, which are prevailing in immune-related pathways and the infiltration of most immune subpopulations was observed to be associated with a favourable prognosis suggesting that tumour immunogenicity was the most prominent factor associated with improved clinical outcomes and response to chemotherapy of HGSOC. We identified multiple genomic and transcriptomic determinants of immunogenicity, including the copy loss of chromosome 4q and deficiencies of the homologous recombination pathway. Finally, an immunological subtype characterised by increased infiltration of activated CD8 T cells and decreased Tregs was associated with favourable prognosis and improved therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions: Our study characterised the immunogenomic landscape and refined the immunological classifications of HGSOC. This may improve the selection of patients with HGSOC who are suitable candidates for immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of adequate X-ray observing capability is seriously impeding the progress in understanding the hot phase of circumgalactic medium (CGM), which is predicted to extend to the virial radius of a galaxy or beyond, and thus in acquiring key boundary conditions for studying galaxy evolution. To this end, the Hot Universe Baryon Surveyor (HUBS) is proposed. HUBS is designed to probe hot CGM by detecting its emission or absorption lines with a non-dispersive X-ray spectrometer of high resolution and high throughput. The spectrometer consists of a 60 × 60 array of microcalorimeters, with each detector providing an energy resolution of 2 eV, and is placed in the focal plane of an X-ray telescope of 1∘ field-of-view. With such a design, the spectrometer is highly optimized for detecting X-ray-emitting hot gas in the CGM of local galaxies, as well as in intra-group medium (IGrM), intra-cluster medium (ICM), or intergalactic medium (IGM). To assess the scientific potential of HUBS, in this work, we created mock observations of galaxies, groups, and clusters at different redshifts with the IllustrisTNG simulation. Focusing exclusively on emission studies, we took into account the effects of light cone, Galactic foreground emission, and background AGN contribution in the mock observations. From the observations, we made mock X-ray images and spectra, analyzed them to derive the properties of the emitting gas in each case, and compared the results with the input parameters from the simulation. The results show that HUBS is well suited for studying hot CGM at low redshifts. The redshift range is significantly extended for measuring IGrM and ICM. The sensitivity limits are also presented for detecting extended emission of low surface brightness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a large body of literature has focused on the positive effect of work effort on improving individual performance and organizational effectiveness, little is known about how work effort produces the negative outcome, such as unethical pro-organizational behavior. Our study proposes that work effort will activate the moral licensing mechanism through moral credential to increase unethical pro-organizational behavior, and leader Confucian value negatively moderates this relationship. Through the single-factor two-level experimental research (study 1) and the multi-time point investigation data analysis (study 2), the mediation model and the moderated mediation model proposed in both two studies have been supported by observation data. These findings are significant to further understanding of the psychological mechanism and boundary condition of unethical pro-organizational behavior, and provide practical guidance for managers to effectively control employee's unethical pro-organizational behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Monitoring biophysical signals such as body or organ movements and other physical phenomena is necessary for patient rehabilitation. However, stretchable flexible pressure sensors with high sensitivity and a broad range that can meet these requirements are still lacking. Herein, we successfully monitored various vital biophysical features and implemented in-sensor dynamic deep learning for knee rehabilitation using an ultrabroad linear range and high-sensitivity stretchable iontronic pressure sensor (SIPS). We optimized the topological structure and material composition of the electrode to build a fully stretching on-skin sensor. The high sensitivity (12.43 kPa−1), ultrabroad linear sensing range (1 MPa), high pressure resolution (6.4 Pa), long-term durability (no decay after 12000 cycles), and excellent stretchability (up to 20%) allow the sensor to maintain operating stability, even in emergency cases with a high sudden impact force (near 1 MPa) applied to the sensor. As a practical demonstration, the SIPS can positively track biophysical signals such as pulse waves, muscle movements, and plantar pressure. Importantly, with the help of a neuro-inspired fully convolutional network algorithm, the SIPS can accurately predict knee joint postures for better rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery. Our SIPS has potential as a promising candidate for wearable electronics and artificial intelligent medical engineering owing to its unique high signal-to-noise ratio and ultrabroad linear range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between ambient particulate matters (PMs) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality. generalized additive mixed model was employed to investigate the effects of ambient fine and coarse PMs on COPD mortality using 13,066 deaths from 2014 to 2016 among six cities in Zhejiang Province in Southeastern China. The daily average death count due to COPD was 3, varying from 1 to 7 among six cities. The daily 24-h mean concentrations were diverse among cities, from 29.7 to 56.8 μg/m3 for PM2.5, 16.7 to 30.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5–10, and 50.3 to 87.1 μg/m3 for PM10, respectively. The analysis showed that daily exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with increased mortality due to COPD and that weak effects were observed between PM2.5–10 and COPD mortality. Our results provided solid evidence that the fine particles in air pollution have stronger functions on adverse health effects other than coarser particles in Southeastern China, which may be considered as a potential clinic target in PM-associated COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have proved that particulate air pollution was related to adverse cardiovascular effects. However, most studies focused on the acute effects of short-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and the general population. Evidence from long-term cohort studies based on the cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients was scarce. Our study aimed to explore the impact of long-term exposure to PM2.5 on the mortality among post-CVD patients. This is a cohort study that involved 5143 post-CVD patients in Beijing, China. We collected records of CVD patients from hospitals in Beijing, China from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2012 and followed up these patients from hospital admission until December 31, 2016. The vital status of the patients was determined using the National Death Surveillance Point System (DSPs). The PM2.5 concentrations were obtained from the Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group. The Cox regression models were used for data analyses. Our findings suggested that increased mortality of CVD patients with an HR of 1.43 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.63) was related to long-term exposure to PM2.5. The association was stronger for cardiovascular-related mortality, especially for mortality from myocardial infarction (MI). The HR for any CVD mortality was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.27, 1.94), HR for MI mortality was 1.82 (95% CI: 1.16, 2.83). Long-term PM2.5 exposure may significantly affect the survival of CVD patients. Compared with the general population, patients with CVD are more susceptible to PM2.5 exposure. Increased attention to the management of CVD patients is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsized carbon spheres with the refined interior structure are highly desired, while it is challenging to achieve controllability limited to synthetic strategy. Herein, a novel architectural approach is proposed for developing interior multi-chamber carbon microspheres (MCMs) with the help of a liquid template. We focus on building "rooms" in fruit wine yeast and yielding "fungi house," which apply to other kinds of yeast. The size and number of the "room" can be controlled. To the best of our knowledge, such biomass-derived carbon spheres with defined interior structures have never been reported yet. When used as electrodes for supercapacitors and capacitive deionization, the exemplified MCM exhibits specific capacitance 339.31 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a salt adsorption capacity of 21.61 mg g−1 at 1.2 V, as well as excellent rate performance and cycle stability. Given the structure-dependent property, the architectural approach broadens the avenue to develop advanced materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CO2 emission control is one of the most vital parts of environment management. China owns the largest CO2 emission in the world. For the sake of clarifying China's emission sharing responsibilities and set emission reduction targets, a considerable number of scholars have worked to project China's embodied CO2 emission. Single Regional Input–output (SRIO) model is widely used for investigating CO2 emission issues. Considering the ubiquitous time lag of input–output data, entropy optimization model is introduced to estimate SRIO tables. However, the uncertainty in the corresponding model parameters necessarily has a serious impact on the estimation results. To consider the impact of uncertainties, we introduce robust optimization into entropy minimization model for SRIO table estimation. Based on three different uncertainty sets, we constructed three robust entropy minimization models to construct 2016 China's SRIO tables and calculate China's embodied CO2 emission based on those tables. The estimation results show that the model based on the ball uncertainty set has the best performance with less uncertainty, while the model based on the budgeted uncertainty set performances more 'robust' facing greater uncertainty, which means its performance is less volatile at different levels of uncertainty. Moreover, the embodied carbon emission is predicted to reach 9632.57 Mt CO2. The top emitter is the sector of supply of electricity, heating and water, which accounts for more than 40% of total CO2 emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the body burdens of cadmium (Cd) associated with potential health impairment in residents living near electroplating industries. A total of 269 residents from exposure area and 106 from control area were recruited. We measured the blood and urinary Cd levels using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS); performed physical examinations; determined the urinary levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), Nacetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG); and evaluated the associations between Cd and these biomarkers. Blood and urinary Cd levels in exposure group were statistically higher than in control group (1.712 vs. 1.159 μg/L; 1.980 vs. 1.740 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.05). Urinary β2-MG and 8-OHdG levels in exposure group were also statistically higher (0.448 vs. 0.090 mg/L; 12.759 vs. 12.115 μg/L, respectively, p < 0.05), but urinary NAG levels showed no significant difference between the two groups (13.614 vs. 8.246 IU/L, p > 0.05). The proportion of abnormal nasal symptoms occurring in exposed subjects (88.8%) was much higher than in control subjects (78.2%, p < 0.05). Urinary Cd levels were positively correlated with blood Cd levels, urinary 8-OHdG, and NAG levels (r = 0.307, r = 0.185, r = 0.150, p < 0.05), but not correlated with urinary β2-MG levels (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed that residents living in close proximity to electroplating industries had elevated body burdens of Cd levels, as well as slight renal dysfunction and DNA oxidation damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground coal fires are considered an ecological disaster. While underground coal fires are prevalent in coal-producing areas throughout the world, they are most problematic in northern China. Previous studies have shown that underground coal fires stimulate the formation of cracks or gas outlets on the surface, as well as coal fire sponges (CFS) on the soil layer surface, which collect coal-fired pollutants. Herein, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was used in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze CFS samples collected from the No. 8 fire zone, located in Wuda coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China. The results show that CFS contain 233 oxy-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (O-PAHs), e.g., naphthaldehyde; 40 oxapolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs), e.g., dibenzofuran; 40 alkyl-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (R-PAHs); and 11 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PPAHs). Thus, CFS are primarily composed of O-PAHs, which are 25 times and 5 times more prevalent than PPAHs and R-PAHs, respectively. As such, a high relative abundance of varied O-PAHs are discharged from underground coal fires, which is significantly different from what is released during industrial coal burning. Owing to their water solubility and condensability, the new facts disclosed in this paper may provide a new perspective for understanding complex organic pollutants from underground coal fires and their environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An emerging body of evidence has recently recognized the coexistence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune response. However, a systems-level view and survey of the interplay between EMT and immune escape program, and their impact on tumor behavior and clinical outcome across various types of cancer is lacking. Here, we performed comprehensive multi-omics analyses to characterize the landscape of crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion and their clinical relevance across 17 types of solid cancer. Our study showed the presence of complex and dynamic immunomodulatory crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion shared by pan-cancer, and the crosstalk was significantly associated with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response. Integrative quantitative analyses of genomics and immunogenomics revealed that cellular composition of immune infiltrates, non-synonymous mutation burden, chromosomal instability and oncogenic gene alterations are associated with the balance between EMT and immune evasion. Finally, we proposed a scoring model termed EMT-CYT Index (ECI) to quantify the EMT-immunity axis, which was a superior predictor of prognosis and immunotherapy response across different malignancies. By providing a systematic overview of crosstalk between EMT and immune evasion, our study highlights the potential of pan-cancer EMT-immunity crosstalk as a paradigm for dissecting molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression and guiding more effective and generalized immunotherapy strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are involved in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced neuronal apoptosis. Mitophagy is the main method to eliminate dysfunctional mitochondria. Apelin-36, a type of neuropeptide, has been reported to exert protective effects in cerebral I/R (I/R) injury, but its precise mechanisms remain to be elucidated. To study the effects of Apelin-36 on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in cerebral I/R injury, the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model with 6 h of ischemia and 6 h of reperfusion was established in HT22 cells. Results demonstrated that Apelin-36 protected against OGD/R injury by improving cell viability, decreasing the apoptotic cells ratio and increasing the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. In addition, Apelin-36 treatment inhibited oxidative stress by downregulating the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). And Apelin-36 also activated the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Mitochondrial apoptosis was also alleviated with Apelin-36 treatment detected by the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the expression of Cytochrome c (Cyt c), Cleaved caspase-9, and Cleaved caspase-3. Furthermore, the SIRT1-mediated PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy was activated by Apelin-36 treatment with the downregulation of p62 and upregulation of LC3B-II and Beclin1. Both EX527 and Cyclosporine A (CsA), which are inhibitors of SIRT1 and mitophagy, markedly alleviated the inhibition of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by Apelin-36. These findings suggest that SIRT1-mediated PINK1/Parkin-dependent mitophagy is involved in the neuroprotective effects of Apelin-36 on OGD/R-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the cardiopulmonary alterations associated with personal exposed PM2.5-bound heavy meals, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 2018 on 54 general residents. For each subject, PM2.5 exposure filter was collected by a low-volume sampler for 24 h; blood and urine samples were collected subsequently. Heavy metals in PM2.5, blood, and urine samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. PM2.5-bound Mn, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Ni levels were 20.5, 9.27, 9.59, 28.3, and 16.9 ng/m3, respectively. The distribution of these metals followed the order: Pb (33.47%) > Mn (24.24%) > Ni (19.99%) > Sb (11.34%) > Cd (10.96%). The distribution of heavy meals in PM2.5, blood, and urine differed from each other. PM2.5-bound Cd, Pb levels were positively correlated with blood Cd, Pb levels (r = 0.323, r = 0.334, p < 0.05), respectively. PM2.5-bound Cd level was significantly higher in smoking group than non-smoking group (28.8 vs. 7.27 ng/m3, p < 0.01), same as Sb level (12.0 vs. 9.34 ng/m3, p < 0.01). Cd and Pb exposure might interact with cardiovascular function through autonomic regulation. No significant correlation was observed between metal exposure and pulmonary function. In conclusion, our data suggested that personal exposure to specific PM2.5-bound heavy metals might interact with profound cardiovascular alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The iontronic pressure sensor achieved an ultrahigh sensitivity (Smin > 200 kPa−1, Smax > 45,000 kPa−1). The iontronic pressure sensor exhibited a broad sensing range of over 1.4 MPa. Pseudocapacitive iontronic pressure sensor using MXene was proposed. Flexible pressure sensors are unprecedentedly studied on monitoring human physical activities and robotics. Simultaneously, improving the response sensitivity and sensing range of flexible pressure sensors is a great challenge, which hinders the devices’ practical application. Targeting this obstacle, we developed a Ti3C2Tx-derived iontronic pressure sensor (TIPS) by taking the advantages of the high intercalation pseudocapacitance under high pressure and rationally designed structural configuration. TIPS achieved an ultrahigh sensitivity (Smin > 200 kPa−1, Smax > 45,000 kPa−1) in a broad sensing range of over 1.4 MPa and low limit of detection of 20 Pa as well as stable long-term working durability for 10,000 cycles. The practical application of TIPS in physical activity monitoring and flexible robot manifested its versatile potential. This study provides a demonstration for exploring pseudocapacitive materials for building flexible iontronic sensors with ultrahigh sensitivity and sensing range to advance the development of high-performance wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although artemisinin combination therapies have succeeded in reducing the global burden of malaria, multidrug resistance of the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is emerging worldwide. Innovative antimalarial drugs that kill all life-cycle stages of malaria parasites are urgently needed. Here, we report the discovery of the compound JX21108 with broad antiplasmodial activity against multiple life-cycle stages of malaria parasites. JX21108 was developed from chemical optimization of quisinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor. We identified P. falciparum histone deacetylase 1 (PfHDAC1), an epigenetic regulator essential for parasite growth and invasion, as a molecular target of JX21108. PfHDAC1 knockdown leads to the downregulation of essential parasite genes, which is highly consistent with the transcriptomic changes induced by JX21108 treatment. Collectively, our data support that PfHDAC1 is a potential drug target for overcoming multidrug resistance and that JX21108 treats malaria and blocks parasite transmission simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a more severe type of NAFLD. Exercise improves NASH, by reversing steatosis, and may arrest fibrosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these interactions are unknown. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a fuel-sensing enzyme that is activated by energy stress. Mammalian target of rapamycin in complex 1 (mTORC1) is a nutrient sensor that regulates protein synthesis. In NASH, AMPK activity is low and mTORC1 is high. In healthy persons, exercise activates AMPK and suppresses mTORC1. We examined the effects of exercise on hepatic ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, a downstream target of AMPK and mTORC1 in patients with NASH. Methods: Three subjects with biopsy-proven NASH underwent a structured, 20-week aerobic exercise intervention, five-days a week for 30-min at a moderate intensity (40–55% of VO2max). Immunofluorescence staining for rpS6 phosphorylation in hepatic tissue was quantified by ImageJ software. Results: Following 20-weeks of aerobic exercise, rpS6 levels were significantly attenuated (3.9 ± 1.9 pre-exercise vs. 1.4 +/0.4 post-exercise, p = 0.04). Conclusions: These findings suggest exercise modulates the AMPK/mTORC1 pathway in patients with NASH and may guide the design of future studies into the mechanism of how exercise improves NASH and possibly reverses fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of cutaneous protothecosis caused by Prototheca wickerhamii infection. The patient was a 72-year-old man with hypoalbuminemia. He responded well to fluconazole treatment. We reviewed this case along with 17 other cases of cutaneous protothecosis reported from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Of the 18 cases, 7 each occurred in mainland China and Taiwan, and 4 occurred in Hong Kong. Thirteen cases were caused by P. wickerhamii (72.2%), and three were caused by P. zopfii (16.7%); in two cases, the species was not identified (11.1%). In all, 9 (50%) patients were immunocompromised, and 10 (55.5%) patients denied having a history of trauma. All patients presented with polymorphic skin lesions, and erythematous papules, plaques, or nodules was the most common presentation (15/18, 83.3%). Genotyping was performed in five cases, mostly by means of small subunit ribosomal DNA amplification (four cases). Susceptibility tests (6 patients) showed that P. wickerhamii was sensitive to amphotericin B and voriconazole but resistant to fluconazole or itraconazole. Treatment succeeded in 15 (83.3%) patients and failed in 3 (16.7%). Our data indicate that the number of cutaneous protothecosis cases is underestimated in China, and the skin lesions have some diagnostic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel high conversion gain, low power, current-mirror-based bulk-driven mixer implemented in a 0.18 μm CMOS technology is presented in this paper. The architecture of the proposed mixer consists of the four complementary CMOS current-mirrors that are connected to form a double-balanced bulk-driven down-conversion mixer. The radio frequency (RF) signals are applied to the input terminals of the current-mirrors, and the local oscillator signals are applied directly to the bulk terminals of the current-mirrors’ output transistors, while the intermediate frequency (IF) signals are from the output terminals of the current-mirrors. With the input RF frequency range from 0.5 to 6.0 GHz and the fixed IF frequency of 100 MHz, the simulation results show that the proposed mixer achieves a power conversion gain of 14.0-15.1 dB, an input third-order intercept point of − 3.8 to − 3.0 dBm, and a double-sideband noise figure of 12.1-13.4 dB. A good port-to-port isolation is also achieved across the entire frequency band. The mixer has a compact chip area of 0.25 mm2 without the inductance passive components, and the mixer core dissipates only 3.1 mW under a supply voltage of 1.0 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zoige wetland ecosystem of the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is the largest plateau peat bog worldwide and an important biodiversity conservation centre in China. Nevertheless, limited information is available about this Alpine wetland aquatic ecosystem, including its food-web structure and complexity. In this study, we analysed the trophic interactions among dominant organisms in the food web of this Alpine wetland aquatic ecosystem and assessed the importance of allochthonous and autochthonous carbon sources during the wet season using δ13C and δ15N analysis. The results supported the hypothesis that the food web of the Zoige Alpine wetland is largely maintained by allochthonous carbon sources rather than autochthonous food sources during the wet season when the allochthonous resource availability is relatively high. The food web contains approximately three trophic levels, and Schizopygopsis pylzovi (a genus of cyprinid fish) is the top predator. Intermediate trophic positions, including zooplankton and macroinvertebrates, represent the primary animal community in the food web. The allochthonous carbon sources are transferred to the food web via these macroinvertebrates (e.g., Ecdyonurus sp. and Sigara substriata). Although our findings show a low biodiversity in the Zoige wetland during the wet season, the trophic redundancy in the food-web structure could support the stability of the Zoige Alpine wetland aquatic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous microspheres (3DOMMs) with copolymer skeletons have been successfully fabricated using a colloidal crystal templating method. The spherical SiO2 colloidal crystal was firstly self-assembled as template via the evaporation-induced self-assembly process in a water/oil suspension system. The 3DOMMs were obtained by sealing the silica colloidal crystal template with polyethylene glycol 1500 (PEG 1500) after the infiltration of the precursor into the interstice of the template. The compositions of the precursor had an important effect on the structural order and integrity of the 3DOMMs. The structural strength of the microspheres was obviously improved by adding 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (KH570) into the precursor. The chromatographic column packed with the 3DOMMs showed higher permeability and lower backpressure compared with the column packed with the traditional bulk materials and was suitable for the fast chromatographic separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) and reduced lung function parameters has been reported in many works. However, few studies have been conducted in developing countries with high levels of air pollution like China, and little attention has been paid to the acute effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on lung function. The study design consisted of a panel comprising 86 children from the same school in Nanjing, China. Four measurements of lung function were performed. A mixed-effects regression model with study participant as a random effect was used to investigate the relationship between PM2.5 and lung function. An increase in the current day, 1-day and 2-day moving average PM2.5 concentration was associated with decreases in lung function indicators. The greatest effect of PM2.5 on lung function was detected at 1-day moving average PM2.5 exposure. An increase of 10 μg/m3 in the 1-day moving average PM2.5 concentration was associated with a 23.22 mL decrease (95% CI: 13.19, 33.25) in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), a 18.93 mL decrease (95% CI: 9.34, 28.52) in 1-s Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1), a 29.38 mL/s decrease (95% CI: -0.40, 59.15) in Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and a 27.21 mL/s decrease (95% CI: 8.38, 46.04) in forced expiratory flow 25-75% (FEF25-75%). The effects of PM2.5 on lung function had significant lag effects. After an air pollution event, the health effects last for several days and we still need to pay attention to health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

His-Asn-His (HNH) proteins are a very common family of small nucleic acid-binding proteins that are generally associated with endonuclease activity and are found in all kingdoms of life. Although HNH endonucleases from mesophiles have been widely investigated, the biochemical functions of HNH endonucleases from thermophilic bacteriophages remain unknown. Here, we characterized the biochemical properties of a thermostable HNH endonuclease from deep-sea thermophilic bacteriophage GVE2. The recombinant GVE2 HNH endonuclease exhibited non-specific cleavage activity at high temperature. The optimal temperature of the GVE2 HNH endonuclease for cleaving DNA was 60-65 °C, and the enzyme retained its DNA cleavage activity even after heating at 100 °C for 30 min, suggesting the enzyme is a thermostable endonuclease. The GVE2 HNH endonuclease cleaved DNA over a wide pH spectrum, ranging from 5.5 to 9.0, and the optimal pH for the enzyme activity was 8.0-9.0. Furthermore, the GVE2 HNH endonuclease activity was dependent on a divalent metal ion. While the enzyme is inactive in the presence of Cu, the GVE2 HNH endonuclease displayed cleavage activity of varied efficiency with Mn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Zn, and Ni. The GVE2 HNH endonuclease activity was inhibited by NaCl. This study provides the basis for determining the role of this endonuclease in life cycle of the bacteriophage GVE2 and suggests the potential application of the enzyme in molecular biology and biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turbot ( Scophthalmus maximus L.), a carnivorous fish species with high dietary protein requirement, was chosen to examine the expression pattern of peptide and amino acid transporter genes along its digestive tract which was divided into six segments including stomach, pyloric caeca, rectum, and three equal parts of the remainder of the intestine. The results showed that the expression of two peptide and eleven amino acid transporters genes exhibited distinct patterns. Peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) was rich in proximal intestine while peptide transporter 2 (PepT2) was abundant in distal intestine. A number of neutral and cationic amino acid transporters expressed richly in whole intestine including B-type amino acid transporter 1 (BAT1), L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2), T-type amino acid transporter 1 (TAT1), proton-coupled amino acid transporter 1 (PAT1), yL-type amino acid transporter 1 (yLAT1), and cationic amino acid transporter 2 (CAT2) while ASC amino acid transporter 2 (ASCT2), sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2), and yL-type amino acid transporter 2 (yLAT2) abundantly expressed in stomach. In addition, system b transporters (rBAT and bAT) existed richly in distal intestine. These findings comprehensively characterized the distribution of solute carrier family proteins, which revealed the relative importance of peptide and amino acid absorption through luminal membrane. Our findings are helpful to understand the mechanism of the utilization of dietary protein in fish with a short digestive tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-pillared pentasil (SPP) zeolite is a hierarchically-structured zeolite comprised of single-unit cell thick MFI nanosheets arranged in a 'house of cards' structure. The nucleation and growth of SPP proceeds through three phases involving the evolution of precursor amorphous nanoparticles to MFI nanosheets and then rotational intergrowth of sheets to produce the SPP morphology. This paper expands upon an earlier report to extend understanding of nucleation and growth events throughout the entire preparation process, from hydrolysis of the silica source to high conversion to crystals. Common aspects with the extensively investigated clear-sol silicalite-1 system are identified. Evaporation of co-solvent ethanol was found to accelerate the crystallization significantly. Furthermore, robust synthesis of SPP with high density of well-developed single-unit cell domains has been achieved with addition of potassium and sodium to the synthesis sols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Bi2S3/(BiO)2CO3 composite photocatalysts with different loadings of amorphous Bi2S3 were successfully synthesized through an ultrasonic-assisted ion-exchange reaction between thioacetamide (CHCSNH) and (BiO)2CO3 , and characterized by XRD, XPS, BET, EELS, EDX, SEM, TEM/HRTEM, UV-Vis, and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. The results of TEM/HRTEM, EELS, and EDX indicate that the composite catalyst Bi2S3/(BiO)2CO3 has been successfully synthesized with the deposited Bi2S3 present in amorphous state on the surface of (BiO)2CO3. The activities of the catalysts for RhB degradation under visible light show that the catalyst prepared under ultrasonic is more active than the one synthesized without ultrasonic. The optimized sample Bi2S3/(BiO)2CO3 (U5.0) exhibits a much higher activity, about 4.8 times to that of pure (BiO)2CO3 . Based upon the band structures of Bi2S3/(BiO)2CO3, it is deduced that the migration of the visible light-induced electrons from the conduction band of Bi2S3 to that of (BiO)2CO3 should have facilitated the separation of photogenerated carriers, as confirmed by the suppressed photoluminescence spectra. Using different scavengers, the ·O2- and holes are clearly identified as the main oxidative species for RhB photodegradation. In light of these observations, a potential photocatalytic mechanism of RhB degradation over Bi2S3/(BiO)2CO3 is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conventional extended finite element method (XFEM) is enhanced in this paper to simulate dynamic crack branching, which is a top challenge issue in fracture mechanics and finite element method. XFEM uses the enriched shape functions with special characteristics to represent the discontinuity in computation field. In order to describe branched cracks, it is necessary to set up the additional enrichment. Here we have developed two kinds of branched elements, namely the 'element crossed by two separated cracks' and 'element embedded by a junction'. Another series of enriched degrees of freedom are introduced to seize the additional discontinuity in the elements. A shifted enrichment scheme is used to avoid the treatment of blending element. Correspondingly a new mass lumping method is developed for the branched elements based on the kinetic conservation. The derivation of the mass matrix of a four-node quadrilateral element which contains two strong discontinuities is specially presented. Then by choosing crack speed as the branching criterion, the branching process of a single mode I crack is simulated. The results including the branching angle and propagation routes are compared with that obtained by the conventionally used element deletion method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuum-based (CB) shell theory is combined with the extended finite element method (X-FEM) in this paper to model crack propagation in shells under static and dynamic situations. Both jump function and asymptotic crack tip solution are adopted for describing the discontinuity and singularity of the crack in shells. Level set method (LSM) is used to represent the crack surface and define the enriched shape functions. Stress intensity factors (SIFs) are calculated by the displacement interpolation technique to prove the capability of the method and the maximum strain is applied for the fracture criterion. Also, an efficient integration scheme for the CB shell element with cracks is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CeCaSrO( x = 0, 0.03 and 0.06) were synthesized via citrate-nitrate combustion method. Samples were first characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD and SEM results showed that a complete solid solution formed in fluorite structure and CeCaSrO had homogeneous distribution of particle with grain size in the range of 2.5 to 3 μm. The electrical conductivities of CeCaSrO were evaluated for its use as a solid electrolyte in the intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells by complex plane impedance measurements. Impedance measurements were made in the frequency range 1 MHz-0.1 Hz and temperature range 300-700 °C. It was found that CeCaSrO showed highest conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frost predictions are needed to help the deicing operation decide. The mechanism of frost formation on aircraft surface under icing conditions has been analyzed. A simple theoretical frost growth prediction model by heat and mass transfer analysis has been presented. It produces a method to forecast the frost growth tendency. An experimental system for atmospheric frost reproduction is also presented. Effects of aircraft surface temperatures, air temperature on the frost growth is evaluated by this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Amur catfish, Silurus asotus, is an economically important fish species in East Asia, but few genetic studies have been conducted on this species, especially those based on nuclear markers. Here, we isolated and characterized 47 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the genome of S. asotus using 454 sequencing. We screened 70 primers and 48 of them generated amplification products. Forty-seven of the amplification products were polymorphic in a population of 40 collected from the upper Yangtze River. The number of alleles varied from 3 to 15, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.300 to 0.800 and 0.305 to 0.866, respectively. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) of all loci was 0.682, indicating high levels of polymorphism. In addition, cross-species amplification in a congener species, Silurus meridionalis showed a high level of transferability (79.2 %), which confirmed that the microsatellite markers developed here could be used effectively for other related catfish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article was published with erroneous author affiliation information (1) and missing reference information (2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]