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Our study explores the current state of machine learning (ML) as applied to predicting and designing organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. We outline key considerations for selecting the method of encoding a molecular structure and selecting the algorithm while also emphasizing important aspects of training and rigorously evaluating ML models. This work presents the first comprehensive dataset of OPV device fabrication data mined from the literature. The top models achieve state-of-the-art predictive performance. In particular, we identify an algorithm that is used less frequently, but may be particularly well suited to similar datasets. However, predictive performance remains modest (R2 ≅ 0.6) overall. An in-depth analysis of the dataset attributes this limitation to challenges relating to the size of the dataset, as well as data quality and sparsity. These aspects are directly tied to difficulties imposed by current reporting and publication practices. Advocating for standardized reporting of OPV device fabrication data reporting in publications emerges as crucial to streamline literature mining and foster ML adoption. This comprehensive investigation emphasizes the critical role of both data quantity and quality, and highlights the need for collective efforts to unlock ML's potential to drive advancements in OPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper takes the frame as the research object and explores the vibration characteristics of the frame to address the vibration problem of a 1-MSD straw-crushing and residual film recycling machine in the field operation process, and an accurate identification of the modal parameters of the frame is carried out to solve the resonance problem of the machine, which can achieve cost reduction and increase income to a certain extent. The first six natural frequencies of the frame are extracted by finite element modal identification and modal tests, respectively. The rationality of the modal test results is verified using the comprehensive modal and frequency response confidences. The maximum frequency error of modal frequency results of the two methods is only 6.61%, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimal design of the frame. In order to further analyze the resonance problem of the machine, the external excitation frequency of the machine during normal operation in the field is solved and compared with the first six natural frequencies of the frame. The results show that the first natural frequency of the frame (18.89 Hz) is close to the external excitation generated by the stripping roller (16.67 Hz). The first natural frequency and the volume of the frame are set as the optimization objectives, and the optimal optimization scheme is obtained by using the Optistruct solver, sensitivity method, and grey correlation method. The results indicate the first-order natural frequency of the optimized frame is 21.89 Hz, an increase of 15.882%, which is much higher than the excitation frequency of 16.67 Hz, and resonance can be avoided. The corresponding frame volume is 9.975 × 107 mm3, and the volume reduction is 3.46%; the optimized frame has good dynamic performance, which avoids the resonance of the machine and conforms to the lightweight design criteria of agricultural machinery structures. The research results can provide some theoretical reference for this kind of machine in solving the resonance problem and carrying out related vibration characteristics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability of hourly PM2.5 data obtained from air quality monitoring stations is compromised as a result of the missing values, thereby impeding the thorough examination of crucial information. In this paper, we present a spatiotemporal (ST) stacking machine learning (ML) method with daily‐cycle restrictions for reconstructing missing hourly PM2.5 records. First, the ST neighbors for the target station with missing values are selected at a daily scale. Subsequently, the non‐null data within the ST neighbors undergo an iterative P‐BSHADE interpolation process for re‐interpolation. Next, a stacking ML model is constructed using the re‐interpolation values and several environmental factors associated with PM2.5 as the predictors, while the observed PM2.5 is taken as the independent variable. Finally, the missing values are reconstructed by inputting the predictors into the trained stacking model. The study utilized hourly PM2.5 data in the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei region as a case study to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, using daily missing ratios of 10%, 30%, and 50%, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed method was then compared to four contemporary ST interpolation methods. The results indicate that the proposed method exhibits superior performance compared to the classical methods. Specifically, it achieves a reduction in the average root mean square error and mean absolute error by at least 40.6% and 40.1%, respectively. Additionally, the proposed method demonstrates the successful recovery of extreme values in the hourly PM2.5 records, in contrast to the classical methods which often exhibit a tendency to overestimate low values and underestimate high values. Overall, the proposed method presents a viable and efficient approach to recover missing values in the hourly PM2.5 records that demonstrate evident daily periodic patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rice classification method for the fast and non-destructive differentiation of different varieties is significant in research at present. In this study, fluorescence hyperspectral technology combined with machine learning techniques was used to distinguish five rice varieties by analyzing the fluorescence hyperspectral features of Thai jasmine rice and four rice varieties with a similar appearance to Thai jasmine rice in the wavelength range of 475–1000 nm. The fluorescence hyperspectral data were preprocessed by a first-order derivative (FD) to reduce the background and baseline drift effects of the rice samples. Then, a principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighborhood embedding (t-SNE) were used for feature reduction and 3D visualization display. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), BP neural network (BP), and random forest (RF) were used to build the rice classification models. The RF classification model parameters were optimized using the gray wolf algorithm (GWO). The results show that FD-t-SNE-GWO-RF is the best model for rice classification, with accuracy values of 99.8% and 95.3% for the training and test sets, respectively. The fluorescence hyperspectral technique combined with machine learning is feasible for classifying rice varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the minimum supercooling temperature (Tsc) of unsaturated saline soils is the key scientific problem in cold‐region agricultural and engineering, and theoretical models with good predictability are urgently needed. This study establishes a framework for pore solution freezing nucleation in unsaturated saline soils, the chemical potential energy balance equation was established by determining phase transition driving force and potential energy barrier for the formation of stable crystal embryos. Finally, the physical model was constructed. By citing 46 sets of data from different researchers, the validity of the prediction results of this paper's model under different soil types and cooling rates is demonstrated, and the microscopic mechanism of supercooling occurring in the pore solution of positive permafrost is elucidated. The analysis found that electrolyte action restricts the free diffusion of molecules and promotes nucleation to occur, so that a maximum value of Tsc exists during the growth of salinity (in NaCl saline soils occurs at a solution concentration of 0.26 mol/L). Too fast cooling rate will lead to a lag in crystallization time and an increase in supercooling. The combined water content determines the Tsc when rc < 1 μm (pore size), and the effect of changes in water content and cooling rate on supercooling is more significant in small pores; the electrolyte concentration determines the Tsc when rc > 1 μm, Tsc‐max from concentration changes will be more significant in large pores. This study can provide theoretical reserves for controlling the freezing process of soils, studying the mechanism of freezing‐thawing hysteresis, and improving the related numerical calculation models. Plain Language Summary: Permafrost and seasonal permafrost cover more than 50% of land area in the world. The engineering problems caused by freezing‐thawing cycles seriously affect engineering safety and people's well‐being in many countries. Therefore, an in‐depth study of the soil freezing‐thawing cycle is necessary. The water in the soil pore space remains sometimes in liquid state when it is below the freezing temperature. This phenomenon is usually referred to as supercooling. There is still a lack of quantitative studies on the minimum temperature that can be reached by this phenomenon. In this paper, a model that can reasonably predict the minimum subcooling temperature of soil is developed based on thermodynamic methods. The model is verified to be of good accuracy by means of measured data from different researchers. Subsequently, the supercooling characteristics of the soil are discussed based on the model and the microscopic mechanism of the gradual development of freezing in the supercooling state is described. This study will help to recognize and control the soil freezing process in engineering and agricultural construction, and serve to protect engineering structures. Key Points: A physical model is proposed to quantify the supercooling degree of unsaturated saline soilsA maximum value of soil minimum supercooling temperature will occur with increasing salt concentrationToo fast cooling rate will lead to a lag in crystallization time and an increase in supercooling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clarification of freezing in a soil‐water system is critical for assessing the formation of a freezing zone and liquid water flow. The supercooling phenomenon of soil pore solutions has been found during the freezing process, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we propose a free energy function of soil‐water systems based on the Classical Nucleation Theory. The analytical solution of the critical nucleation problem of saline soil‐water system is obtained by combining the initial freezing temperature model and Pitzer activity coefficients model in electrolyte solutions. Then, the freezing‐thawing experiments of saline soil with various salt contents were conducted for verifying the analytical solution. The derived boundary nucleation rate is the quantitative solution of the critical condition for the supercooling. The findings suggested that the theory results agreed well with the experiment results. For the salt‐free soil‐water system, the critical maximum radius of supercooling was 7.15 nm. We compared eight classical ice‐water interfacial tension models, and the "Reinhardt & Doye" and "DeMott & Rogers" models showed excellent performance when using the new free energy theoretical framework to predict the crystallization nucleation rate of soil‐water systems. A positive correlation between the boundary nucleation rate and soil‐water potential is detected. According to the influencing factors, the boundary nucleation rate of soil‐water system can be divided into three zones: salt nature control zone (R > 100 μm), salt‐pore mixed control zone (100 μm > R > 100 nm), and pore size control zone (R < 100 nm). Plain Language Summary: Unfrozen water refers to the soil moisture that still exists in the form of liquid water in the soil at negative temperatures, which is critical for determining the material properties of frozen soil. The phenomenon of soil water not being able to freeze as soon as the temperature falls below the freezing temperature is referred to as "supercooling." However, the critical condition of supercooling is still unclear. In this paper, we developed a nucleation model that can be applied to saline soils based on the thermodynamic approach. Subsequently, the critical conditions were verified by freezing‐thawing tests of soil samples with different salt contents. We further optimized the model of this paper by selecting the best model for the intermediate variables. Quantitative relationships between the initiation condition of supercooling and soil properties were established. We also delineated pore size intervals for distinguishing differences in supercooling properties at different pore sizes. The proposed theoretical framework is developed from Classical Nucleation Theory, which may provide a theoretical reference for revealing the freezing‐thawing mechanism of soil‐water systems. Key Points: There is supercooling in the freezing process and not supercooling‐jump phenomenon in the melting processThe boundary nucleation rate is proportional to the soil water potentialThere exists a critical pore size for the non‐saline soil where supercooling‐jump occurs, and the value is at the 10 nm level (7.15 nm) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ALAS1 is a member of the α‐oxoamine synthase family, which is the first rate‐limiting enzyme for heme synthesis and is important for maintaining intracellular heme levels. In the ovary, ALAS1 is associated with the regulation of ovulation‐related mitochondrial P450 cytochromes, steroid metabolism, and steroid hormone production. However, there are few studies on the relationship between ALAS1 and reproductive traits in goats. In this study, a mutation located in the promoter region of ALAS1 (g.48791372C>A) was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the kidding number of Yunshang black goats. Specifically, the mean kidding number in the first three litters and the kidding numbers of all three litters were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in individuals with the CA genotype or AA genotype than in those with the CC genotype. To further investigate the regulatory mechanism of ALAS1, the expression of ALAS1 in goat ovarian tissues with different genotypes was verified by real‐time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of ALAS1 was significantly higher in the ovaries of individuals with AA genotype than those with AC and CC genotypes (p < 0.01), and the expression trend of transcription factor ASCL2 was consistent with ALAS1. Additionally, the ALAS1 g.48791372C>A mutation created a new binding site for the transcription factor ASCL2. The luciferase activity assay indicated that the mutation increased the promoter activity of ALAS1. Overexpression of the transcription factor ASCL2 induced increased expression of ALAS1 in goat granulosa cells (p < 0.05). The opposite trend was shown for the inhibition of ASCL2 expression. The results of real‐time quantitative PCR, EdU and Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays indicated that the transcription factor ASCL2 increased the proliferation of goat granulosa cells by mediating the expression of ALAS1. In conclusion, the transcription factor ASCL2 positively regulated the transcriptional activity and expression levels of ALAS1, altering granulosa cell proliferation and the kidding number in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanomaterials have been widely used for improving the physicochemical properties of geomaterials. However, quantitative interpretation of the microscopic mechanisms is still not well understood. In this study, a statistical principle was applied to study the microscopic characteristics of nano-silica (NS) modified silty clay. We use mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) to measure the micro-pore parameters (median pore diameter and cumulative volume of pore diameters smaller than 0.1 µm) based on various NS-modified silty clays (NS mass contents 0, 0.25%, 1%, and 3%). The test results indicate two micro-pore parameters have significant randomness and uncertainty, and soil pores become smaller and more compacted. Furthermore, four potential probability distributions were selected to compare with measured data. All distributions agree excellently with the experimental data, and three distributions satisfy the hypothesis testing, except the Weibull distribution. Finally, according to the information spread estimation method and chi-square test effect evaluation indexes, the normal distribution was proposed because it has the optimal described effect for the statistical characteristics of NS-modified silty clay. These results have important implications for understanding the randomness and evolution of microstructures of NS geomaterials, which are helpful to guide the evaluation of freezing process and water transport in modified soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Middle-Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi Formation in the Sichuan Basin is regarded as an important reservoir with great potential for hydrocarbon exploration. It is previously indicated that the Xixiangchi carbonates have experienced extensive dolomitization, however, the origin of dolomitizing fluids and the dolomitization mechanism still remain uncertain. In this study, a set of petrographic and geochemical examinations, including rare earth elements (REE) and isotopic (C, O, and Sr) compositions were used to trace the origins of dolomitizing fluids and associated diagenetic processes. The petrographic examination revealed three types of matrix dolomites (D1, D2, D3) and one cement saddle dolomite (SD). These phases have crystal size ranges of less than 30 μm (very fine to fine crystals, D1), 30–100 μm (fine to medium crystals, D2), 100–300 μm (medium to coarsely crystalline dolomite, D3), and 0.3–4 mm (fracture filling cements, SD), respectively. D1 is characterized by non to very weak luminescence, weakly negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.84 ± 0.02), strongly negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.65 ± 0.03), and high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.71062 ± 0.00122). In combination with δ13C (−1.5‰ ± 0.2‰) and δ18O (−9.7‰ ± 0.5‰) compositions, D1 is interpreted to be formed by penecontemporaneous dolomitization in the near-surface environment with seawater as the dolomitizing fluid. In contrast, D2 is characterized by intercrystalline pores, dirty crystal surfaces, similar δ13C (−1.4‰ ± 0.4‰) compositions but higher δ18O (−8.9‰ ± 0.7‰) compositions, and lower 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70992 ± 0.00035), similar Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.87 ± 0.04) and higher Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.85 ± 0.04). The coarser D2 is regarded to be formed by the post-penecontemporaneous seepage-reflux dolomitization or by recrystallization of D1 dolomite in a near-surface or shallow burial environment. D3 is distinguished by a cloudy core with clear rims, showing slightly higher Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.88 ± 0.02) and similar Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.88 ± 0.02) than those of D1 and D2. Combined with the δ18O compositions (−10.4‰ ± 0.4‰) and 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70989 ± 0.00048), D3 is thought to be formed by the overgrowth or recrystallization of D1 and D2 dolomites in a shallow to moderate burial environment. The fractures filling SD dolomite consists of nonplanar and much coarser crystals with undulatory extinctions and brighter red luminescence. The lower δ18O (−11.1‰ ± 0.3‰) compositions, lower negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.70 ± 0.01) of SD than the matrix dolomites, and similar Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.83 ± 0.01) are indicative of hydrothermal dolomitization, with possible fluids associated with the magma during the period of Emei taphrogenic movement. In addition, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70941 ± 0.00003) of SD suggest probable origin from the coeval seawater partially. Therefore, SD dolomite is interpreted to be formed by hydrothermal dolomitization with mixed dolomitizing fluid of seawater and hydrothermal fluids. In summary, all the matrix dolomites have almost the same ΣREE concentrations and exhibit similar near-flat REE partition patterns with weak LREE enrichments, weakly negative Ce anomalies, and negative Eu anomalies. Such characteristics of REE compositions are indicative of similar evolved dolomitizing fluid, such as seawater or seawater- derived fluids. By contrast, SD dolomites have a different REE partition pattern with left-leaning characteristics, LREE depletions, and negative Eu anomalies, thus suggesting a different dolomitizing fluid source from the matrix dolomites. In addition, the development of intercrystalline pores associated with D2 dolomite makes it more likely to be a potential reservoir, indicating that the dolomitizing history of carbonate has a strong influence on the quality of potential dolomite reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of goat meat is determined by the growth speed of muscle fibers, and the autophagy and apoptosis of myoblast cells is a crucial process in the growth of muscle fibers. The rapid growth of muscle fibers occurs from one month old to nine months old in goats; however, the mechanisms of myoblast cells' autophagy and apoptosis in this process are still unknown. To identify candidate genes and signaling pathway mechanisms involved in myoblast apoptosis and autophagy, we compared the expression characteristics of longissimus dorsi tissues from Wu'an goats—a native goat breed of China—at 1 month old (mon1 group) and 9 months old (mon9 group). Herein, a total of 182 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) in the mon1 vs. mon9 comparison, along with the KEGG enrichments, showed that the PI3K-Akt pathway associated with autophagy and apoptosis was significantly enriched. Among these DEGs, expression of vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1)—a key gene for the PI3K-Akt pathway—was significantly upregulated in the older goats relative to the 1-month-old goats. We demonstrated that VMP1 promotes the proliferation and autophagy of myoblasts, and inhibits their apoptosis. The integration analysis of miRNA–mRNA showed that miR-124a was a regulator of VMP1 in muscle tissue, and overexpression and inhibition of miR-124a suppressed the proliferation and autophagy of myoblasts. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was an important pathway for cell autophagy. Additionally, the activator of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, the expression of VMP1, and ULK1 were higher than the negative control, and the expression of mTOR was depressed. The expression of VMP1, ULK1, and mTOR was the opposite when the inhibitor was added to the myoblasts. These results show that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway promoted the expression of VMP1 and ULK1. By using adenovirus-mediated apoptosis and proliferation assays, we found that that miR-124a inhibits myoblast proliferation and autophagy, and promotes their apoptosis by targeting VMP1. In conclusion, our results indicated that VMP1 was highly expressed in the LD muscle tissues of nine-month-old goats, and that it was regulated by miR-124a to inhibit myoblast cells' apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and to promote proliferation and autophagy. These findings contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in myoblast proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The granulosa cell (GC) is the basic functional unit of follicles, and it is important for promoting follicle growth and sex hormones, as well as growth factor secretion in the process of reproduction. A variety of factors influence granulocyte proliferation, yet there are still many gaps to be filled in target and non-coding RNA regulation. In our study, the differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs and miRNAs were detected by using RNA-seq, and we constructed a mRNA–miRNA network related to goat prolificacy. Then, the goat primary GCs were isolated from the follicle for the function validation of candidate genes and their regulator miRNAs. A total of 2,968 DE mRNAs and 99 DE miRNAs were identified in the high- and low-prolificacy goat by RNA-seq, of which there were 1,553 upregulated and 1,415 downregulated mRNAs, and 80 upregulated and 19 downregulated miRNAs, respectively. JAK3 was identified as highly expressed in the low-prolificacy goats (3 times higher than high-prolificacy goats), and the integrated analysis showed that chi-miR-493-3p was a potential regulator of JAK3. The analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed that JAK3 was involved in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the Jak-STAT signaling pathway, and signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells. In particular, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was a typical pathway for cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. We found that the chi-miR-493-3p targets JAK3 directly via RT-qPCR, dual fluorescence assays, and Western blot. Furthermore, the expression of JAK3 was significantly decreased by the chi-miR-493-3p mimic and increased by the chi-miR-493-3p inhibitor. The CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of JAK3 promoted cell proliferation, while inhibiting JAK3 had the opposite effect. The expression of cell proliferation markers CDK4 and cyclin D2 also showed the same results. Moreover, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that steroid hormones E2 and PROG were increased by overexpressing JAK3 and decreased by inhibiting JAK3. Therefore, our results identified a chi-miR-439-3p-JAK3 regulatory pathway, which provided a new insight into the GC proliferation and prolificacy of goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal function of inflammation is cellular defence against 'danger signals' such as tissue injury and pathogen infection to maintain the homeostasis of the organism. The initiation and progression of inflammation are not autonomous as there is substantial evidence that inflammation is known to be strongly influenced by 'neuroimmune crosstalk', involving the production and expression of soluble signalling molecules that interact with cell surface receptors. In addition, microbiota have been found to be involved in the development and function of the nervous and immune systems and play an important role in health and disease. Herein, we provide an outline of the mechanisms of neuroimmune communication in the regulation of inflammation and immune response and then provide evidence for the involvement of microbiota in the development and functions of the host nervous and immune systems. It appears that the nervous and immune systems in multicellular organisms have co‐evolved with the microbiota, such that all components are in communication to maximise the ability of the organism to adapt to a wide range of environmental stresses to maintain or restore tissue homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reverse osmosis (RO) membrane process has been extensively used for leachate treatment both in incineration plants and landfills. However, operation and maintenance costs caused by membrane pollution limit the wide application of RO membrane. In order to further understand membrane fouling, this study analyzes the influent, effluent, concentrated liquid pollutants and membrane fouling of typical waste incineration plants and landfills in Chongqing, a city in the west of China based on the comparison of three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix fluorescence (3DEEM) and nanometer particle size. In addition, this paper discusses the change law of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and main pollutants in membrane fouling in the disc tube reverse osmosis (DTRO) system in a single operation cycle, analyzes the main components of membrane fouling, and draws the accumulation of RO membrane pollutants, in order to provide a reference for understanding the composition, formation and control of membrane fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All living organisms have developed processes to sense and address environmental changes to maintain a stable internal state (homeostasis). When activated, the p53 tumour suppressor maintains cell and organ integrity and functions in response to homeostasis disruptors (stresses) such as infection, metabolic alterations and cellular damage. Thus, p53 plays a fundamental physiological role in maintaining organismal homeostasis. The TP53 gene encodes a network of proteins (p53 isoforms) with similar and distinct biochemical functions. The p53 network carries out multiple biological activities enabling cooperation between individual cells required for long‐term survival of multicellular organisms (animals) in response to an ever‐changing environment caused by mutation, infection, metabolic alteration or damage. In this review, we suggest that the p53 network has evolved as an adaptive response to pathogen infections and other environmental selection pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because there is no effective treatment for late‐stage prostate cancer (PCa) at this moment, identifying novel targets for therapy of advanced PCa is urgently needed. A new network‐based systems biology approach, XDeath, is developed to detect crosstalk of signaling pathways associated with PCa progression. This unique integrated network merges gene causal regulation networks and protein‐protein interactions to identify novel co‐targets for PCa treatment. The results show that polo‐like kinase 1 (Plk1) and DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3a)‐related signaling pathways are robustly enhanced during PCa progression and together they regulate autophagy as a common death mode. Mechanistically, it is shown that Plk1 phosphorylation of DNMT3a leads to its degradation in mitosis and that DNMT3a represses Plk1 transcription to inhibit autophagy in interphase, suggesting a negative feedback loop between these two proteins. Finally, a combination of the DNMT inhibitor 5‐Aza‐2'‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza) with inhibition of Plk1 suppresses PCa synergistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed knowledge of the effects of temperature on the thermal conductivity (λ) of rocks is essential for investigating the geothermal regime of basins and their thermal evolution. In this study, the λ of four rock types (carbonate, clastic, intrusive, and volcanic rocks) were measured at temperatures of 25°C, 50°C, 100°C, 150°C, 200°C, 250°C, and 300°C using the Transient Plane Source (TPS) approach, which is accurate to ±3%. Experimental results demonstrate that the λ of carbonate and clastic specimens decrease strongly with increasing temperature. In contrast, the λ of intrusive and volcanic rocks are relatively insensitive to temperature. The temperature (T) dependence of λ can be classified into three groups in terms of the value of λ at 25°C. The first group is composed of rocks characterized by high λ (>4.5 W/m·K) at room temperature, for which the curves of λ − T exhibit a concave pattern. The second group consists of rocks with a moderate λ (2.5~3.5 W/m·K), in which the curves tend to be a straight line. The last group comprises rocks with a low λ (<2.5 W/m·K), exhibiting convex curves. There exists a close relationship between the λ at 25°C and its rate of decrease (α). The absolute value of α increases with the λ at 25°C rising. The relationship between the two values can be fitted by the equation y = a x + b 1 / x + c to derive the fitting parameters a , b , and c ; by this equation with known fitting parameters, the λ of the deep carbonate rocks of the Tarim Basin have been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, thermal conductivities of 128 rock samples located in the Xiong'an New Area and Tarim Basin were measured using the optical scanning and transient plane source methods. The thermal conductivities of the Xiong'an New Area samples range from 1.14 to 6.69 W/(m·K), in which the mean thermal conductivities of dolomite and sandstone are 4.95 ± 1.19 and 1.80 ± 0.44 W / m · K , respectively. In the Tarim Basin, sandstone samples have thermal conductivities ranging from 1.21 to 3.56 W/(m·K) with a mean value of 2.51 ± 0.66 W / m · K . The results can provide helpful reference data for studies of geothermics and petroleum geology. Calculation correction and water-saturated measurements were conducted to acquire in situ rock thermal conductivity, and good consistency was found between both. Compaction diagenesis enhances bulk thermal conductivity of sedimentary rocks, particularly sandstones, by decreasing the rock porosity and mineral particle size. Finally, correction factors with respect to mineral grains were proposed to correct the thermal resistance of intergrain contacts and degree of intactness of crystals, and an optimized formula was adopted to calculate the thermal conductivity of sedimentary rock based on rock structure and mineral constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objects. To investigate the lncRNA-mediated trans- and cis-regulation of genes expression underlying leukocyte functions and characteristics, especially the leukocyte-related biomarkers implicated in the linkage between traditional Chinese medicine- (TCM-) defined qi-deficiency constitution (QDC) and Pi-qi-deficiency syndrome (PQDS) of chronic superficial gastritis (CSG). Methods. We adopted RNA-sequencing approach to identify differential lncRNAs and genes in leukocytes, clustered expression profiles, and analyzed biological functions and pathways of differential genes to decode their potential roles in contributing to characteristics and functions of leukocytes. In addition, interaction networks were created to detail the interactions between differential genes. In particular, we explored differential lncRNAs-mediated regulation of differential genes and predicted the subcellular location of lncRNAs to reveal their potential roles. Results. Compared with TCM-defined balanced constitution (BC), 183 and 93 genes as well as 749 and 651 lncRNAs were differentially expressed (P < 0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥1) in leukocytes of individuals from case populations 1 (QDC) and 2 (PQDS), respectively. Of them, 12 genes and 111 lncRNAs were common to each case population. Several networks were created to detail the interactions among case-specific genes, especially case-specific lncRNAs-mediated regulation of case-specific genes. Also, interaction networks were created for the common lncRNAs and genes. HCL analyses showed that differential genes and lncRNAs, especially the common genes and lncRNAs, kept similar expression patterns in both case populations. Furthermore, function enrichment analyses just indicated the common biological processes, namely, extracellular matrix organization and cell adhesion via plasma membrane adhesion molecules. In addition, most common genes underwent very tight and complex regulation of many trans- and cis-acting lncRNAs. In particular, of them, ADAMTSL5, COL26A1, COL27A1, MSH5, and LOC390937 could be regulated by multiple case-specific and common lncRNAs, including the means that directs binding of the common lncRNAs to their coded proteins. The common changes in the extracellular matrix and integral components of plasma membrane related to cell-cell adhesion/junction and communication may implicate the linkage between QDC and PQDS, contributing to alterations in characteristics and functions of leukocytes. Conclusions. These results may provide new insights into the characteristic and functional changes of leukocytes in QDC and PQDS, especially the mechanism underlying the linkage of QDC to PQDS, with potential leukocytes biomarkers for future application in integrative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphatic capillaries develop discontinuous cell-cell junctions that permit the absorption of large macromolecules, chylomicrons, and fluid from the interstitium. While excessive vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGFR2) signaling can remodel and seal these junctions, whether and how VEGFR3 can alter lymphatic junctions remains incompletely understood. Here, we use lymphatic-specific Flt4 knockout mice to investigate VEGFR3 signaling in lymphatic junctions. We show that loss of Flt4 prevents specialized button junction formation in multiple tissues and impairs interstitial absorption. Knockdown of FLT4 in human lymphatic endothelial cells results in impaired NOTCH1 expression and activation, and overexpression of the NOTCH1 intracellular domain in Flt4 knockout vessels rescues the formation of button junctions and absorption of interstitial molecules. Together, our data reveal a requirement for VEGFR3 and NOTCH1 signaling in the development of button junctions during postnatal development and may hold clinical relevance to lymphatic diseases with impaired VEGFR3 signaling. [Display omitted] • VEGFR3 is required for the development of lymphatic capillary button junctions • VEGFR3 is not required for maintaining button junctions after their formation • Failure to form buttons impedes the absorption of interstitial molecules • NOTCH1 signaling can rescue button formation and function in the absence of VEGFR3 Lymphatic capillaries form discontinuous junctions called buttons to enable absorption of interstitial contents. Jannaway et al. show that vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) expression is required for the formation of button junctions and that NOTCH1 signaling can fully rescue button formation in the absence of VEGFR3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported is a highly chemoselective intermolecular annulation of indole‐based biaryls with bromoalkyl alkynes by using palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis. This reaction is realized through a sequence of Catellani‐type C−H alkylation, alkyne insertion, and indole dearomatization, by forming two C(sp2)−C(sp3) and one C(sp2)−C(sp2) bonds in a single chemical operation, thus providing a diverse range of pentacyclic molecules, containing a spiroindolenine fragment, in good yields with excellent functional‐group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that C−H bond cleavage is likely involved in the rate‐determining step, and the indole dearomatization might take place through an olefin coordination/insertion and β‐hydride elimination Heck‐type pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reported is a highly chemoselective intermolecular annulation of indole‐based biaryls with bromoalkyl alkynes by using palladium/norbornene (Pd/NBE) cooperative catalysis. This reaction is realized through a sequence of Catellani‐type C−H alkylation, alkyne insertion, and indole dearomatization, by forming two C(sp2)−C(sp3) and one C(sp2)−C(sp2) bonds in a single chemical operation, thus providing a diverse range of pentacyclic molecules, containing a spiroindolenine fragment, in good yields with excellent functional‐group tolerance. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that C−H bond cleavage is likely involved in the rate‐determining step, and the indole dearomatization might take place through an olefin coordination/insertion and β‐hydride elimination Heck‐type pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, carbon/SiO 2 composites, using amylose and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as raw materials, were successfully prepared by a facial hydrothermal carbonization process. The carbon/SiO 2 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), N 2 adsorption and Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The composites, which were made up of amorphous SiO 2 and amorphous carbon, were found to have hierarchical porous structures. The mass ratios of amylose and SiO 2 and the hydrothermal carbonization time had significant effects on the morphology of the composites, which had three shapes including monodispersed spheres, porous pieces and the nano-fibers combined with nano-spheres structures. The adsorption performance of the composites was studied using Pb 2+ as simulated contaminants from water. When the mass ratio of amylose and SiO 2 was 9/1, the hydrothermal time was 30 h and the hydrothermal temperature was 180 °C, the adsorption capacity of the composites achieved to 52 mg/g. Experimental data show that adsorption kinetics of the carbon/SiO 2 composites can be fitted well by the Elovich model, while the isothermal data can be perfectly described by the Langmuir adsorption model and Freundlich adsorption model. The maximum adsorption capacity of the carbon/SiO 2 composites is 56.18 mg g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the hypothesis that transient microinjury to the brain elicits cellular and humoral responses that stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis. Brief stereotaxic insertion and removal of a microneedle into the right hippocampus resulted in (a) significantly increased expression of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), the chemokine MIP-la, and the proinflammatory cytokine IL12p40; (b) pronounced activation of microglia and astrocytes; and (c) increase in hippocampal neurogenesis. This study describes immediate and early humoral and cellular mechanisms of the brain's response to microinjury that will be useful for the investigation of potential neuroprotective and deleterious effects of deep brain stimulation in various neuropsychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The living environment of marine plankton and benthos has been affected by reclamation projects. The investigation of living environment of marine plankton and benthos in Tianjin Harbor Industrial Zone was carried out three times from 2006 to 2008. The results showed that the Shannon-Weaver diversity index of phytoplankton and zooplankton decreased from 3.01 to 1.71 and 1.7 to 0.58, respectively. In addition, the diversity index of Shannon-Weaver of benthos decreased to zero from 1.28. The results showed that reclamation projects would change the living environment of marine organism, decrease the diversity of biology and change the structure of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]