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• Loss of PA-X expression enhances viral replication and viral polymerase activity. • Loss of PA-X expression significantly alleviates host shutoff activity mediated by PA. • Loss of PA-X expression has no obvious effect on viral virulence in mice. • PA-X has slight effect on virus-induced lung innate immune response in mice. PA-X is a novel discovered accessory protein encoded by the PA mRNA of the influenza A virus. Accumulated studies have demonstrated the crucial role of this protein in regulating the virulence of various subtypes of influenza virus, including H1N1, H5N1, H9N2, H1N2, H3N8 and H3N2 virus. However, the role of PA-X protein in regulating the virulence of the highly pathogenic avian H7N9 virus was unknown. In this study, we firstly generated two recombinant H7N9 viruses which have lower PA-X expression level than the parental H7N9 virus. We then systematically compared their difference in virus replication, polymerase activity, virulence and virus-induced host immune responses in mice. The results showed that the PA-X deficient viruses significantly increased viral replication in madin darby canine kidney cells and slightly increased viral replication in mouse lung. In addition, loss of PA-X expression significantly increased viral polymerase activity and alleviated the host-shutoff activity mediated by the parental PA protein. However, in contrast with the usual function of PA-X in regulating the virulence in different subtype influenza virus, no obvious effect on viral virulence in mice was observed by H7N9 PA-X protein. Furthermore, among the 12 kinds of cytokines and 2 kinds of complement derived components that we tested, the PA-X deficiency viruses only induced significantly higher expression levels of MX1 than the parental virus. Altogether, these results showed that PA-X has little effect on viral virulence and viral induced innate immune response of the H7N9 subtype virus. Our study adds further information for the growing understanding of the complexity of PA-X in regulating viral virulence and host innate immune response of different influenza virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid improvements in industrialization and urbanization, antibiotics are now extensively used to prevent and treat human and animal diseases and husbandry and aquaculture. Some research has been conducted to assess the environmental distribution and risk level of antibiotics, but their distribution remains largely uncharacterized. Thus, this study investigated the distribution and abundance of 39 antibiotics belonging to five groups, and their associated risks in surface water around Luoma Lake in the north of Jiangsu province, China. Nineteen antibiotics were detected, at a detection frequency (DF) ranging from 2.27% to 100%. The total antibiotics (ΣABs) concentrations ranged from 34.91 to 825.93 ng/L, with a median concentration of 195.45 ng/L. Among these antibiotics, chlortetracycline (DF: 100%; median: 172.02 ng/L) was the dominant antibiotic, accounting for a median percentage of 91.0% of ΣABs concentrations. Spearman rank correlation method found a significant correlation between clindamycin (DF: 72.7%; median: 2.01 ng/L) and lincomycin (DF: 79.5%; median: 4.58 ng/L). The ecological risk quotient (RQ) values for two out of 44 sampling sites were higher than 1, indicating a high risk; 11.4% of the RQ values fell between 0.1 and 1, indicating a medium risk. Moreover, roxithromycin was found to be the dominant contributor to the ecological risk, accounting for a median of 79.7% of ΣABs. However, the total non-carcinogenic (<6.54 × 10−4) and carcinogenic risks (<1.64 × 10−7) of ΣABs were negligible at the detected concentrations. Image 1 • Concentrations and distributions of 39 antibiotics around Luoma Lake were revealed. • Chlortetracyclin was found to be the dominant antibiotic, with a median of 172.02 ng/L. • Ecological risks of antibiotics were at medium level (11.4%) or slightly high level (4.6%). • Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of antibiotics were low at the detected concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HBC was prepared using KOH/urea dissolution system. • HBC self-assembled into nanoparticles between 4−37 °C. • HBC nanoparticles exhibit superior flocculation capacity of anions. • Excellent antibacterial, hemostatic, antioxidant and water treatment capabilities. • HBC nanoparticles could be applied in biomedicine and water treatment. Hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) with different degree of substitution (DS) were prepared using a homogeneous reaction system (KOH/urea), which could achieve temperature-dependent reversible morphological transition in aqueous solution. During hydrophobic assembly, amino groups on HBC chains exposed on the surface of nanoparticles formed a poly-cationic structure. The structure of HBCs was characterized by FTIR, 13C NMR, XRD, TGA and rheology. The morphology and assembly mechanism of HBC nanoparticles were studied by TEM, AFM and DLS. Also, the results of coagulation, bacteriostatic, superoxide anion clearance and anionic contaminant removal tests suggested that HBC nanoparticles had excellent flocculation and removal effect of anionic composites. Moreover, the cytocompatibility test indicated that HBC could effectively promote proliferation and division of mouse fibroblast, mouse embryonic fibroblast and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These cationic HBC nanoparticles exhibited great potential in multi-functional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT At constant temperatures (5 to 45°C) browning rate patterns of 22 amino acids, induced during dehydration in presence of glucose and celite, pH 6.4, Aw 0.60 to 0.85, were classified into three types: 1. (lysine, histidine, and glycine) showed high rates over a broad aw range. 2. (Cysteine and methionine) had intermediate browning rates and a pattern of multiple maxima. 3. Amino acids (glutamine, valine and tryptophan) had low browning rates and showed a single sharp browning maximum. Squid mantle had broad browning maxima over the intermediate a range resembling type 1, which comprised 75% of the total free amino acids in squid. Browning of squid was accelerated at ≥ 23°C, with aw 0.60 to 0.90. Activation energy of the model systems was 10 to 35 kcal/mole, and Q10 were 1 to 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the internal and external stresses which accompany the gradual shift of responsibility from local boards of health to a possible eventual domination by the state health department. Fifty seven members of boards of health in 14 communities in one county in Eastern Pennsylvania were interviewed on the present functions of the local boards of health. Our finding suggests that the local board of health is not simply an organization. It is symbolic of a way of life in a community and it represents many things-a part of town, individualism, self-rule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of sulfur fumigation and heating desulfurization on CR's quality were studied. • Untargeted/targeted metabolomics and targeted glycomics were integrated to address the effects. • The two processes changed CR's non-saccharide small-molecule metabolome and glycome. • The two processes significantly affected the quality of CR in different ways. • Researches on heating desulfurization and saccharides should be more conducted. Sulfur fumigation and heating desulfurization are used together in the post-harvest processing of many medicinal herbs. However, little is known about the effects of sulfur fumigation on saccharide components, nor about the effects of heating desulfurization on all herbal constituents. In this study, metabolomics and glycomics were integrated to investigate the effects of these two processes on the chemistry of Codonopsis Radix (CR) as a pilot study. The results showed that both sulfur fumigation and heating desulfurization significantly changed the non-saccharide small-molecule metabolome and the glycome of CR in different ways. Chemical mechanisms, such as esterification, glycosidic hydrolysis, esterolysis, amide bond hydrolysis, oxidation and dehydration, are proposed to be involved. These facts strongly inspire that, in addition to investigations of how sulfur fumigation impacts non-saccharide small-molecule metabolites, researches on heating desulfurization and saccharides should be conducted so as to enable accurate, comprehensive evaluation of the quality of sulfur-fumigated herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PA-X inhibits NF-κB transcriptional activity in a dose dependent manner. • PA-X impedes NF-κB activity through suppressing NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. • PA-X restrains the activation of endogenous p65 subunits in the nucleus. • PA-X suppresses the innate immune genes that are located at the downstream of the NF-κB pathway. • PA-X protein can serve as an IFN antagonist by suppressing IFN-β production. PA-X is a fusion protein of influenza virus which plays a crucial role in modulating influenza virus-induced host innate immune response and subsequent pathogenicity. However, the potential mechanism of PA-X regulation of the host innate immune response remains largely unknown. It is well known that NF-κB signal pathway is crucial for the immediate early step of immune responses activation, while the specific role of PA-X in NF-κB transcriptional activity is totally unknown. In this study, we initially showed that PA-X inhibits NF-κB transcription that stimulated by poly(I:C). We then further determined that the inhibitory effect on NF-κB activation mediated by PA-X was characterized by restricting NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and nuclear NF-κB p65 activity but not by impeding the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Correspondingly, PA-X decreases the amount of NF-κB signaling pathway-associated genes, including TNF-α, Nos2, IL-6 and IL-2. Moreover, PA-X also suppresses both the mRNA and protein expression level of IFN-β, suggesting the direct contribution of PA-X to the inhibition of NF-κB-regulated IFN-β expression. Together, our study sheds light on the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of host NF-κB activity by PA-X and also identifies a novel functional role for PA-X in counteracting the host innate immune response. However, further exploration of the more elaborate mechanism of PA-X-mediated inhibition of NF-κB activity and the associated signaling pathway may help to elucidate its precise mechanism of evading and subverting the host immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LMB is a widely utilized material for the management of sediment-derived phosphorus (P) in eutrophic lakes. However, the properties of organic P at the sediment-water interface and the effect of LMB on organic P fractions in sediments are still unclear. The batch studies reported here indicate that LMB has good adsorption properties toward organic P (Glucose-6-phosphate), and the tentative adsorption mechanism relies on chemisorption. Laboratory microcosmic experiments were conducted to study the immobilization effect of LMB on the organic P in water and sediments. The results indicated that the concentration of total P, labile P and organic P in overlying water and pore water could be effectively reduced by LMB capping of sediments. After treatment, the optimal immobilization effects appeared on the 7th day and until the 60th day. However, the fractions of organic P change during the capping time. Active organic P eluted with NaHCO 3 transforms into moderately labile or non-labile P through the physical and chemical processes, as well as microbial action. Microbial community analysis showed that the addition of LMB had inhibitory effect on the phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, which also affected the transformation between various forms of organic P. This study provided new insights of LMB in situ capping of organic P and the mechanisms of the migration and cycling of internal organic P, which is beneficial for the management of eutrophic lakes. Unlabelled Image • Characteristics of LMB on organic P was first observed. • Zr-oxide DGT was used for 2D measurement of labile P in the vertical sediment. • LMB has effect on the species of organic P during different incubation time. • Microbial communities are observed and be found changed after amendment of LMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. The immune-related genes (IRGs) are crucial to immunocytes tumor infiltration. This study aimed to construct a IRG-related prediction signature in EAC. Methods: The related data of EAC patients and IRGs were obtained from the TCGA and ImmPort database, respectively. The cox regression analysis constructed the prediction signature and explored the transcription factors regulatory network through the Cistrome database. TIMER database and CIBERSORT analytical tool were utilized to explore the immunocytes infiltration analysis. Results: The prediction signature with 12 IRGs (ADRM1, CXCL1, SEMG1, CCL26, CCL24, AREG, IL23A, UCN2, FGFR4, IL17RB, TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF21) was constructed. Overall survival (OS) curves indicate that the survival rate of the high-risk group is significantly shorter than the low-risk group (P = 7.26e−07), and the AUC of 1-, 3- and 5- year survival prediction rates is 0.871, 0.924, and 0.961, respectively. Compared with traditional features, the ROC curve of the risk score in the EAC patients (0.967) is significant than T (0.57), N (0.738), M (0.568), and Stage (0.768). Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis and Nomogram of risk score are indicated that the 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients are accurate by the combined analysis of the risk score, Sex, M stage, and Stage (The AUC of 1- and 3-years are 0.911, and 0.853). Conclusion: The 12 prognosis-related IRGs might be promising therapeutic targets for EAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic and potassium species were considered as the major poisons for V 2 O 5 -WO 3 /TiO 2 catalyst deactivation. However, their synergistic impacts were rarely reported and the role of anions (Cl−, SO 4 2− and NO 3 −) were ignored. Therefore, a series of work were conducted in this research. Results indicated that the co-effect of (As+K) was more serious than the additive effect of single poison. Both physical and chemical properties changes were responsible for this phenomenon. Except for the negative effect of As 2 O 3 and K cation, different anions also presented different impacts on catalyst redox ability and ammonia adsorption capacity, which further inhibited NH 3 -SCR reactions. Unlabelled Image • Synergistic effect of As 2 O 3 and K were more severe than their additive effect. • Cl− and SO 4 2− promoted the oxidation of As3+ to As5+, NO 3 − slightly suppress it. • SO 4 2− anion promoted catalyst reducibility over co-poisoned catalysts. • Potassium species inhibited oxygen transfer efficiency in co-poisoned catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic cotton that has been engineered to produce insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and so to resist the pest cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) has been widely planted in Asia. Analysis of the population dynamics of H. armigera from 1992 to 2007 in China indicated that a marked decrease in regional outbreaks of this pest in multiple crops was associated with the planting of Bt cotton. The study area included six provinces in northern China with an annual total of 3 million hectares of cotton and 22 million hectares of other crops (corn, peanuts, soybeans, and vegetables) grown by more than 10 million resource-poor farmers. Our data suggest that Bt cotton not only controls H. armigera on transgenic cotton designed to resist this pest but also may reduce its presence on other host crops and may decrease the need for insecticide sprays in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reuse of pulp-and-paper industry wastewater as reclaimed water is an effective way to mitigate water resource shortage. In this study, the feasibility and safety of papermaking wastewater for the use as ecological water supplement after the treatment by fluidized-bed Fenton (FBF) coupled with constructed wetland (CW), were investigated from laboratory-scale to large-scale field. The optimum pH, H 2 O 2 , H 2 O 2 /Fe2+ ratio and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of FBF were 3.5, 0.93 mL/L, 4 and 60 min, respectively, based on reduction of both total organic carbon (TOC) and genotoxicity. Furthermore, the safety of effluent was evaluated using SOS/umu assay and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in zebrafish. Results showed FBF followed by CW improved the conventional water quality indicators and reduced the toxicity. Average removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH 3 -N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and colority were 87.3%, 93.59%, 51.73%, 84.75% and 95.86%, respectively. The equivalent concentration of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4-NQO-EQ) decreased from 30.6 ± 1.6 μg/L in influent to 12.4 ± 1.0 μg/L after treated by FBF, then decreased to 5.9 ± 0.4 μg/L after treated by CW and to 3.2 ± 0.3 μg/L after 12-km downstream self-purification. The chronic survival rates of 21-d zebrafish significantly increased from 0.0% in influent to 58.8 ± 4.0% in effluent of CW and gradually increased to 68.8 ± 2.6% after 12-km downstream self-purification. Similarly, 8-OHdG level in zebrafish decreased from 120.0 ± 19.3 ng/L in effluent of ecological oxidation pond to 94.0 ± 7.5 ng/L in effluent of CW and gradually decreased to 42.0 ± 3.0 ng/L after 12-km downstream self-purification. The study concluded that FBF-CW is an efficient detoxication and water quality improvement technology for papermaking wastewater to be used as an ecological water supplement. • Optimum operating conditions of FBF were conducted based on both TOC and genotoxicity reduction. • Safety of effluent as ecological water supplement after FBF-CW was evaluated using in vivo and vitro bioassay. • Toxicity and water quality after 12-km downstream self-purification of river were further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed from an enriched partial genomic library for the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), one of the most important cotton pests in the world. The total number of alleles ranged from two to 12 for a sample of 50 individuals and the expected heterozygosity at these loci ranged from 0.042 to 0.830. Although the presence of null alleles in some loci is suspected, these polymorphic markers are likely to provide useful tools for the population genetic studies of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note, a simple identity with some of its applications is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a well-recognized factor affecting the prognosis of chronic liver disease, but its impact on acute decompensation underlying chronic liver disease is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of sarcopenia on short-term mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). One hundred and seventy-one ACLF patients who underwent abdominal CT between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively included in this study. Skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebrae (L3-SMI) was used to diagnose sarcopenia.The ACLF patients in this study had a L3-SMI of 41.2 ± 8.3 cm2/m2 and sarcopenia was present in 95/171 (55.6%) patients. Body mass index (BMI), cirrhosis, and higher serum bilirubin were independently associated with sarcopenia. Following multivariate Cox regression analysis, cirrhosis (hazard ratio (HR) 2.758, 95%CI 1.323–5.750), serum bilirubin (HR 1.049, 95%CI 1.026–1.073), and international normalized ratio (INR) (HR 1.725, 95%CI 1.263–2.355) were associated with 3-month mortality (P < 0.05), whereas L3-SMI and sarcopenia were not. A subgroup analysis of the factors related to sarcopenia showed that sarcopenia was still not predictive of short-term outcome in ACLF patients. L3-SMI and sarcopenia are not associated with short-term mortality in patients with ACLF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To analyze genetic characters of migratory dragonflies, we used 10 microsatellite markers and a partial sequence of the mitochondrial gene Cytb to investigate genetic diversity and demographic history among 19 populations of P. flavescens in eastern the monsoon region of China. In a Bayesian clustering analysis of the microsatellite data, three distinct clades were present, and each population consisted of a mixture of individuals from the three clusters. An AMOVA of the data from both the microsatellite loci and Cytb revealed that genetic variation was mainly within each population. For the 543 individuals from the 19 regions, 77 unique haplotypes were obtained by DnaSP 4.0, and a median-joining network showed no obvious geographical pattern and displayed high gene flow and minimal population genetic structure among the 19 populations. According to a Mantel test, there was no significant association between genetic distance and geographic distribution and no isolation by distance. Mismatch distribution and neutrality tests showed no demographic expansion for the 19 populations. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA data suggested there was high gene flow and low differentiation among the populations. These results will help provide valuable information to study the migratory route of insects, especially important agricultural pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, a new dual-band filtering power divider (FPD) with high isolation and high frequency selectivity by using self-packaged substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) technology has been developed. Both passbands of the proposed FPD can be designed and controlled individually. A pair of transmission zeros at either passband which are due to the multiple coupling paths with electric/magnetic couplings have been realised. The dual-band FPD has been fabricated layer by layer and then assembled, and the design has been demonstrated by experiment. The self-packaged SISL dual-band FPD has a circuit size of 0.41λg × 0.25λg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study related to combinatorial screening of biochemical and physical signals for phenotypic regulation of stem cell–based cartilage tissue engineering. It mentions that faster-degrading, soft matrices promoted articular cartilage tissue formation of hMSCs by inducing their proliferation and maturation, while slower-degrading, stiff matrices promoted cells to differentiate into hypertrophic chondrocytes through Yes-associated protein (YAP)–dependent mechanotransduction.

Colloidal particles in lake waters interact inevitably with cyanobacterial extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which will change their behavior and fate. Quantitative prediction of the effects of cyanobacterial EPS on colloidal behavior is difficult due to its variability and heterogeneity. To explore the effects of molecular weight (MW) fractions and chemical properties of cyanobacterial EPS on aggregation kinetics of colloidal particles, time-series cyanobacterial samples were collected in Lake Taihu, China, from April to November (during blooming and maintenance period), with the bulk EPS matrix fractionating into low MW (LMW–, <1 nm) and high MW (HMW–, 1 nm–0.45 μm) fractions. HMW–EPS was generally characterized with higher absorbance and predominant distribution of protein-like substances, while LMW–EPS contained mainly the humic- and fulvic-like substances. The absorbance, molecular size, and humification degree for each MW fraction consistently increased from April to November, showing obvious temporal variations from blooming period to maintenance period. As for the MW-dependent aggregation behaviors, the HMW–EPS provided better stability against aggregation than the LMW–EPS, and the bulk EPS matrix that consisted of HMW– and LMW–fractions exhibited the effects intermediate between that of each fraction alone. Regardless of MW fractions, the effects of EPS-induced stability enhancement were more evident in maintenance period than in blooming period. Further analysis showed that the colloidal stability was correlated positively with SUVA 254 (R 2 = 0.82–0.93) but negatively with Slope 275–295 (R 2 = 0.53–0.91) of UV–Vis absorption spectra, indicating that aromaticity and MWs were two critical parameters controlling colloidal aggregation. Therefore, cyanobacterial EPS can exhibit variable effects on colloidal stability, and characterization of MW distribution is strongly required in predicating the behavior and fate of colloidal particles in water environments. Unlabelled Image • Effects of MWs and chemical properties of cyanobacterial EPS on colloidal stability were studied. • The concentration and chemical properties in each MW fraction showed obvious temporal variations. • HMW–EPS provided better stability against aggregation than bulk and LMW–EPS. • Colloidal stability was positively correlated with aromaticity and MWs for each MW fraction. • Characterization of MW distribution was required in future studies on colloidal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitrate was used to migrate AVS in the sediment from a black odorous river. • The optimum nitrate dosage for AVS control was 1.6 times the theoretical value. • Higher temperatures were beneficial to the rapid removal of AVS in sediment. • Higher Fe2+ slowed nitrate reduction and induced an increase in NH 4 +. • A universal equation for nitrate dosage calculation is needed for remediation. At present, nitrates were widely used to remediate sulfur-rich sediment in black odorous rivers. However, the optimal nitrate dosage and influencing factors during remediation have not been fully investigated. In this study, various nitrate dosages and possible influencing factors were investigated for their efficiency in treating sulfur-rich sediment. The results indicated that acceptable remedial efficiency (the percentage of acid volatile sulfide (AVS) oxidation and the residual ammonium production) can be achieved when 1.6 times the theoretical nitrate dosage is used. Large amounts of AVS cannot be oxidized if too little nitrate is used and will regenerate after several days of remediation. Conversely, high concentrations of ammonium will form if too much nitrate is used. The results of this study indicated that a rapid AVS oxidation rate will be achieved in higher temperatures; no significant treatment efficiency was found when temperatures were in the range of 15–35 °C. Organic matter slowed the rate of nitrate reduction but did not affect its remedial efficiency for AVS oxidation in sediment. A high concentration of ferrous iron primarily influenced nitrate treatment efficiency in the oxidation of AVS in sediment, simultaneously causing the production of a high ammonium concentration. This study once again proved that microbial mediation of the autotrophic sulfide-driven denitrification dominates AVS oxidation in sediment. This study indicated that a universal nitrate dosage calculation equation should be established, and that factors such as ferrous iron concentration should be considered in future remediation of black odorous rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, variety of statistical methods were performed to reveal the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of pollutants and parsing pollution sources of the coastal water in Hong Kong. The temporal-spatial distribution characteristics of the water pollution were various among the three distinct areas, which might be ascribed to the different dominant pollution sources. Cluster and network analysis showed preliminary pollution sources in these areas, and also indicated the temporal characteristics of Deep Bay water pollution, which could divided into two parts before and after 2010. According to the principal component analysis/factor analysis results, three factors in Deep Bay, Tolo Harbour and Victoria Harbour could explained 68.72%, 54.87% and 72.28% of the total variances, respectively. The contribution rate of different pollution source on water quality variables in each area had calculated by absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression model. The contribution rate was roughly ranked as: point source pollution > non-point source pollution > overland runoff > river input. It is the first time to combine multivariate statistical methods, network analysis and regression model to profoundly analyze spatiotemporal variation of seawater quality and parsing the pollution sources. This novel analysis method can provide reference for the water quality evaluation and management of other water bodies. Image 1 • The three dimensional figure and heat map clarified spatial and temporal patterns. • Network analysis defined different pollution categories and showed timeline division. • PCA/FA method identified potential contamination sources in three different areas. • The APCS-MLR model apportioned the contributions of each potential pollution source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling the release of sediment phosphorus (P) using chemical agents is a promising method for controlling internal P in eutrophic lakes. However, mineral P formation and changes in the organic P composition after sediment amendment with P-inactivation agents remain poorly understood. Furthermore, little is known about the changes in the sediment microbial community composition after remediation. Here, various ratios of poly aluminum chloride (PAC) and lanthanum-modified bentonite (LMB) were added to nutrient-rich sediments and incubated. Sequential P extraction, solution/solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and microbial analyses were periodically performed on the inactivated sediments. The results indicate that PAC and LMB effectively reduced sediment iron-bound P and organic P, respectively, markedly increasing the content of aluminum- and calcium-bound P in the sediment, respectively. Solid-state 31P NMR results confirmed the formation of rhabdophane (LaPO 4. nH 2 O) in the LMB-amended sediment. Solution 31P NMR results showed that PAC preferentially reduced the organic P fractions of pyrophosphate, whereas LMB efficiently reduced the organic P fractions of orthophosphate, monoesters, and diesters in the sediment. Compared with the control sediment, PAC addition can cause short-term negative effects on sediment microbes at high doses, whereas LMB addition can increase bacterial diversity or richness in the sediment. These results provide a deeper understanding of the differences between PAC and LMB in internal sediment P control. [Display omitted] • PAC and LMB can control mobile P, but induce different P composition in sediment. • Solid state 31P NMR confirmed formation of rhabdophane in LMB amended sediment. • PAC prefer to reduce pyro-P, but LMB reduce other sediment organic P efficiently. • PAC decrease sediment microbial diversity shortly, but LMB behave the opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ball-end milling cutter is widely used in the machining of various complex curved surfaces and grooves. In order to meet the machining requirements of SiCp/Al, the mathematical model of ball end milling cutter, grinding track of grinding wheel and parameters in the actual machining process are optimized, and the experiment of milling SiCp/Al is designed. The results show that the surface roughness processed by the grinding tool is small. In the process of milling SiCp/Al, the main wear position of ball end milling cutter is the flank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • MW-dependent adsorption fractionation of NOMs on ferrihydrite colloids was studied. • HMW-NOM exhibited higher adsorption capacity than the bulk and LWM-counterparts. • Different fluorescent components exhibited different MW-dependent adsorption affinity. • An enhanced aromaticity in residual solutions was observed during adsorption. • Preferential adsorption of carbohydrates and aliphatic accounted for the enhanced aromaticity. Abstract Natural organic matter (NOM), a heterogeneous mixture with various organic components and continuous molecular weight (MW) distribution, is omnipresent in natural waters. To date, understanding of the MW-dependent adsorption fractionation of NOM samples on colloids is limited due to the lack of NOM fractionation and characterization methods. In this study, the ultrafiltration technique was applied to fractionate the bulk NOM samples into low MW (LMW-, <1 kDa) and high MW (HMW-, 1 kDa–0.45 μm) fractions, whose adsorption behaviors on ferrihydrite colloids were comparatively examined via using total organic carbon, chromophoric, fluorescent emission-excitation matrix-parallel factor (EEM–PARAFAC), and two dimension FTIR correlation spectroscopy (2D–FITR–COS). The adsorption behaviors of all samples can be reasonably explained by Langmuir and Frendlich isotherm models, and the HMW-NOM exhibited higher adsorption capacities and affinities (4.71 mg-C/g) than the bulk (3.88 mg-C/g) and LMW- (2.44 mg-C/g) counterparts. Irrespective of MWs, the non-aromatic moieties were preferentially adsorbed by ferrihydrites, causing an enhanced aromaticity for the residual solutions. Two humic-like and one protein-like component were identified by EEM–PARAFAC, and a increase and decrease trend of K a (adsorption affinity) were observed for humic- and protein-like components, respectively, in the order of LMW-, bulk, and HMW-NOM, showing obvious MW- and component-dependent adsorption fractionation of NOM on ferrihydrite colloids. 2D–FTIR–COS provided further information that, with increasing site limitation, the C–O in carbohydrate was adsorbed prior to the amide I in proteins, which testified the MW-dependent adsorption fractionation of NOM samples and accounted for the enhanced aromaticity in the residual solutions. This study highlighted the importance of MWs in NOM adsorption, which can enhance our understanding of the biogeochemical cycles of colloids and contaminants in aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Colloidal particles are omnipresent in lake sediments and substantially influence the retention, transportation, and fate of contaminants in lake ecosystems. In this study, the abundance, chemical composition and adsorption behavior of sedimentary colloids (including total and inorganic colloids) from different ecological regions, were for the first time investigated via ultrasonic extraction, spectral analysis and batch absorption experiments. Results showed that the extraction efficiencies of sedimentary colloids showed an ultrasonic energy-dependent enhancement, and the algae-dominated area contained comparable colloidal abundance with the macrophyte-dominated area (i.e., 198.5 vs. 183.3 mg/g). Despite the different ecosystems, these sedimentary colloids usually had a wide size distribution of 30–200 nm, and were characterized with montmorillonite-, kaolin-, volkonskoite-, and quartz-rich chemical compositions. Batch experiment showed that the total pristine colloids exhibited higher adsorption capacity for Pb(II) than the inorganic colloids both for the macrophyte- and algae-dominated sediments, and the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm, irrespective of different colloidal types. Thus, sedimentary colloids can immobilize the heavy metals in sediment and decrease their release into the water column, which can be considered as a sink for contaminants. This study highlighted the significance of sedimentary colloids in determining the physicochemical properties of lake sediments and in evaluating the environmental behavior and fate of contaminants in lake ecosystems. Highlights • Abundance, composition and adsorption properties of sedimentary colloids were studied. • The ultrasonic-induced extraction efficiency enhancement was related to colloidal composition and sediment type. • Sedimentary colloids had Fe-, Al- and Si-containing mineralogical structures with various conformations. • Total colloids exhibited higher adsorption capacity for Pb(II) than the inorganic colloids. • Langmuir isotherm, pseudo-second-order kinetics, and chemical mechanism accounted for the adsorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • SO 2 content and quality/efficacy/toxicity of sulfur-fumigated ginseng were examined. • SO 2 content did not necessarily correlate with the quality, efficacy and toxicity. • SO 2 content cannot characterize the quality, efficacy and toxicity variations. • SO 2 content alone may be inadequate for quality control of sulfur-fumigated herbs. • Other indicators that can exactly reflect herbal efficacy and safety are necessary. Abstract Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is a hazardous residue in sulfur-fumigated herbs. Standards limiting SO 2 content have been adopted worldwide for quality control of sulfur-fumigated herbs, and herbs with less SO 2 are believed to be better. However, the standards are based only on the safe dose of SO 2 and may not characterize changes in herbal quality, thereby the efficacy and toxicity, resulting from sulfur fumigation. To confirm this, here the correlation of residual SO 2 content with the quality/efficacy/toxicity of sulfur-fumigated herb was investigated, and ginseng was selected as a pilot study object. Four sulfur-fumigated ginseng samples with different SO 2 contents were systemically compared regarding their quality, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock and anti-stress efficacies, as well as acute and chronic toxicities. The results demonstrated that the SO 2 content did not correlate with the quality, efficacy and toxicity changes of ginseng; more specifically, less SO 2 residue did not indicate higher quality, better efficacy nor weaker toxicity. This fact suggests that SO 2 content cannot characterize the variations in quality, efficacy and toxicity of sulfur-fumigated herbs. Therefore, the standard limiting SO 2 content alone may be inadequate for quality control of sulfur-fumigated herbs, and new standards including other indicators that can exactly reflect herbal efficacy and safety are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the possibility of optimizing genuine tripartite quantum steering inequalities via machine learning. In particular, we consider two types of hybrid scenarios: one-sided device-independent scenario (where one party is considered to be untrusted) and two-sided device-independent scenario (where two parties are considered to be untrusted). In both scenarios, we apply a method of machine learning, known as artificial neuron networks, to optimize the quantum steering inequalities for the family of noisy Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger states and noisy W states. The results show that the optimized steering classifiers can verify quantum steering well with only a small number of Pauli measurements, which can be easily realized in experiment. The method can be generalized to other multipartite or high-dimensional quantum systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The codling moth Cydia pomonella is a major pest of global significance impacting pome fruits and walnuts. It threatens the apple industry in the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay in China. Sterile insect technique (SIT) could overcome the limitations set by environmentally compatible area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) approaches such as mating disruption and attract-kill that are difficult to suppress in a high-density pest population, as well as the development of insecticide resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of X-ray irradiation (183, 366, 549 Gy) on the fecundity and fertility of a laboratory strain of C. pomonella , using a newly developed irradiator, to evaluate the possibility of X-rays as a replacement for Cobalt60 (60Co- γ) and the expanded future role of this approach in codling moth control. Results show that the 8th-day is the optimal age for irradiation of male pupae. The fecundity decreased significantly as the dosage of radiation increased. The mating ratio and mating number were not influenced. However, treated females were sub-sterile at a radiation dose of 183 Gy (20.93%), and were almost 100% sterile at a radiation dose of 366 Gy or higher. Although exposure to a radiation dose of 366 Gy resulted in a significant reduction in the mating competitiveness of male moths, our radiation biology results suggest that this new generation of X-ray irradiator has potential applications in SIT programs for future codling moth control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda has become a global problem. Sterile insect technology is an effective means to prevent invasive insects, but at present, the research on this pest is not perfect. Our results showed that egg sterility in offspring reached 74% when the ratio of those given a 250 Gy dose of X-ray radiation to the non-irradiated males was 12:1, and there was no significant difference in mating competitiveness between irradiated males of different ages. Additional cornfield cage studies confirmed this finding by showing that release ratios from 12:1 to 20:1 significantly reduced larval populations in the field, with a 48 to 69% leaf protection effect and a 58 to 83% insect population reduction. This study provides fundamental information for the management of S. frugiperda through the use of sterile insect techniques. Spodoptera frugiperda, an invasive pest, has a huge impact on food production in Asia and Africa. The potential and advantages of sterile insect techniques for the permanent control of S. frugiperda have been demonstrated, but the methods for their field application are still unavailable. For the purposes of this study, male pupae of S. frugiperda were irradiated with an X-ray dose of 250 Gy to examine the effects of both the release ratio and the age of the irradiated males on the sterility of their offspring. The control effect of the irradiated male release ratio on S. frugiperda was evaluated using field-cage experiments in a cornfield. The results showed that when the ratio of irradiated males to non-irradiated males reached 12:1, the egg-hatching rate of the offspring of S. frugiperda decreased to less than 26%, and there was also no significant difference in mating competitiveness among the different ages. Field-cage testing showed that when irradiated males were released at ratios of 12:1–20:1 to normal males, the leaf protection effect for the corn reached 48–69% and the reduction in the insect population reached 58–83%. In this study, an appropriate release ratio is suggested, and the mating competitiveness of irradiated and non-irradiated males of S. frugiperda is investigated, thus providing a theoretical basis for the use of sterile insect techniques to control S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are expected to promote ecological restoration while simultaneously improving human livelihoods. As an adaptive management tool, PES programs should be dynamic and adjusted according to changing natural and socio‐economic contexts. Taking the implementation of China's famous ecological restoration policy known as the Grain for Green Program (GGP) in the Wolong National Nature Reserve as an example, we analyzed changes in the livelihood capitals and strategies of local households that had participated in the GGP over a 10‐year period and discussed the implications of these changes for the next stage of the program's implementation. Data were collected from a locally implemented questionnaire in both 2004 and 2015. We found that local livelihood capitals and strategies had experienced dramatic change over the 10‐year period. Natural capital decreased and was unequally distributed among local respondents. In terms of financial capital, despite that agricultural and nonagricultural income increased, compensation from the GGP decreased and did not keep pace with increasing cost of cropland, household income and more broadly national economic development and inflation. Regarding human capital, the local labor force is facing huge transformational pressures. In particular, there is a increase in the supply of local labor force aged between 21 and 40 and the implications of this for the future of the GGP should be given more attention. The findings have demonstrated that: Some changes in participants’ livelihood were expected by the GGP but were not evenly distributed among the participants; and PES programs are embedded in changing and multi‐dimensional socio‐economic contexts, and so their design and implementation must be coordinated with other related policies if they are to achieve long‐term success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of excess fluoride in the environment poses serious health risks to plants, animals, and humans. This endangers human health, affects organism growth and development, and negatively impacts the food chain, thereby affecting ecological balance. In recent years, numerous studies focused on the molecular mechanisms associated with fluoride toxicity. These studies have demonstrated that fluoride can induce oxidative stress, regulate intracellular redox homeostasis, and lead to mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress and alter gene expression. This paper reviews the present research on the potential adverse effects of overdose fluoride on various organisms and aims to improve our understanding of fluoride toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) inactivation agents (PIAs) have been widely used in lakes for eutrophic management. However, the interactions of riverine suspended particulate matter (SPM) with PIAs have not been elucidated to the point of complete confidence in the success of PIA application to eutrophic lakes. In this study, a long-term field incubation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of riverine SPM on sediment internal P management. Fluorescence excitation emission matrix coupled with parallel factor (EEM–PARAFAC) was used to characterize dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from SPM/sediment, and to study its complexation with La (III) and Ca (II) contained in two PIAs. The analysis identified one protein-and two humic-like components in these samples, which show variable quenching effects by La (III) and Ca (II). The continuous settling of SPM can bury PIAs deeper into the sediment layers and while increasing the mobile P content in surface sediments. This consequently made an increase of P fluxes and surface sediment reactivity, which was witnessed by the increased labile P concentration measured by diffusive gradient in film (DGT). However, the binding capacity of PIAs towards sediment mobile P was kept in a buried layer during the six months’ field experiment. This study indicates that the influence mechanism of riverine SPM on PIAs was through a decrease of the reactive sorption sites of PIAs by complexing with DOM and continuously increasing the mobile P content in surface sediment thereby largely surpassing their maximum P sorption capacity. Repeated dosing at scheduled times would be better for turbid eutrophic lake remediation with high input of riverine SPM in long-term management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbohydrates and ginsenosides in ginseng are biologically interrelated. Their synchronous analysis is therefore essential in chemical research on ginseng to characterize its “holistic” quality. Here we investigated the processing chemistry of red ginseng (RG), a ginseng product processed by water-steaming, for which both carbohydrates and ginsenosides were qualitatively and quantitatively determined through multiple analytical techniques. Results revealed that the steam-processing not only qualitatively and quantitatively altered the ginsenosides but also affected the polymeric carbohydrates via changing their physiochemical parameters, i.e. water-solubility, molecular size, types and ratios of constituent monosaccharides. Potential mechanisms involved in the transformation of ginseng chemicals are proposed and discussed, including hydrolysis (deglycosylation, demalonylation, deacetylation), dehydration, polymerization, volatilization, reduction and the Maillard reaction. The study strengthens the research on the processing chemistry of RG, and therefore should be helpful for elucidating the scientific basis of RG preparation and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic properties of five DyIII-MII 3d-4f complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn) were studied in detail by comparison due to the same molecule construction. The DyIII-MII assemble (M = Mn, Fe and Ni) behave as field-induced SMMs resulting from the ferromagnetic coupling between DyIII and MII ions, while DyIII-ZnII is SIM and DyIII-CoII does not show the magnetic relaxation. [Display omitted] • In this paper, A series of DyIII-MII 3d-4f complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Zn) were synthesized. • Their magnetic properties were compared by the magnetostructural correlation. • The coupling between DyIII and MII ions (M = Mn, Fe and Ni) is ferromagnetic. Four Dy-based 3d-4f complexes [MIIDyIII(H 2 L)(NO 3) 3 ](CH 3 OH) 2 (H 4 L = N , N' , N'' , N''' -tetra(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylbenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, M = Mn (2), Fe (3), Co (4) and Ni (5), the solvent of compound 5 is uncertain) were synthesized through the reference method of complex [ZnIILnIII(H 2 L)(NO 3) 3 ](CH 3 OH) 2 (1). The magnetic properties of all the five complexes were measured for comparison. The magnetic results show that all the complexes except 4 behave as single-molecule magnets (SMMs). The magnetostructural analysis and theoretical calculation indicate the ferromagnetic coupling in 2 , 3 and 5 as well as the antiferromagnetic coupling in 4 between DyIII and transition metal ions, while the SMM properties of 1 are caused by the anisotropy of single DyIII ions only. Unexpectedly, neither of the magnetic anisotropic ions in one molecule, namely DyIII and CoII, provides greater advantages for SMM performance. This investigation experimentally proves that the coexistence of magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide ions and ferromagnetic coupling between lanthanide and transition metal ions is important for the design of 3d-4f SMMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolusite tailings (PTs) is a solid waste discharged from the mining of high grade pyrolusite, and is also regraded as an important secondary resource of manganese. However, its extraction requires an expensive reductant used for the reduction of Mn(IV) to low valence. In this paper, an innovative process using in situ redox interaction of PTs with waste copperas (as reductant and sulfating agent) followed by water leaching for efficient manganese extraction was proposed. The in situ redox interaction mechanism was investigated systematically. At lower temperatures (＜500 °C), Fe(II) was the main reductant by direct solid-to-solid reaction. In the temperature range of 500–650 °C, the Mn(IV) in PTs was reduced to Mn(II) due to the synergistic effect of Fe(II) and SO 2 , and then Mn(II) was sulfated into water-soluble MnSO 4. The reduction of Fe(III) into Fe(II) by SO 2 occurred i.e. the Fe(II)⇌Fe(III) redox cycle. And the generated FeSO 4 continued to react with PTs, indicating that the Fe(II)⇌Fe(III) redox cycle facilitated the extraction of manganese. Furthermore, high roasting temperatures caused MnSO 4 to decompose into insoluble Mn 2 O 3 , inhibiting the extraction. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrombin generation assays and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)-based clot waveform analysis (CWA), are some examples of global coagulation assays. Each modality evaluates different aspects of the clot forming process to globally define haemostasis with exclusive measurement parameters. Data on CWA are emerging, but its performance against other haemostatic assays is yet to be ascertained. This study evaluates the correlation between aPTT-based CWA and CAT parameters across a range of INR in warfarin-treated patients. A prospective study consisting of patients on warfarin anticoagulation with varying INR levels. CWA and CAT were performed for the study subjects. 54 samples were included covering an INR range from 1.33–6.89, with a mean of 4.31 +/- 1.13. For CAT parameters, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak thrombin were assessed. Both unadjusted and adjusted (adjusted for final plateau transmittance) aPTT-based CWA were evaluated for parameters min1 (maximum velocity), min2 (maximum acceleration) and max2 (maximum deceleration). Peak thrombin showed significant correlation with all CWA parameters (min1: r = 0.435, P<0.001; min2: r = 0.485, P<0.001; max2: r = 0.578, P<0.001; adjusted min1: r = 0.734, P<0.001, adjusted min2: r = 0.693, P<0.001; adjusted max2: r = 0.751, P<0.001). ETP correlated significantly with all CWA parameters except unadjusted min1 (min1: r = 0.235, P = 0.087; min2: r = 0.326, P = 0.016; max2: r = 0.437, P<0.001; adjusted min1: r = 0.610, P<0.001, adjusted min2: r = 0.563, P<0.001; adjusted max2: r = 0.642, P<0.001). We demonstrated a modest correlation between CAT and CWA parameters. Adjusted CWA improved this correlation. These findings provide additional understanding of CWA and it's role in the evaluation of global haemostatic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cicadae Periostracum (CP) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the slough that is molted from the nymph of the insect Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius. Washing with water to remove residual silt is a primary processing method of CP that is recommended by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, but how washing methods affect the quality and bioactivity of CP is unknown. In this study, the quality and bioactivity of non-washed CP (CP-NW), post-molting-washed CP (CP-WAT), and pre-molting-washed CP (CP-WBT) were comparatively investigated. The quality of these CP samples was evaluated in terms of the UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-based chemical profiling and semi-quantification of 39 N-acetyldopamine oligomers (belonging to six chemical types), the HPLC-UV-based quantification of 17 amino acids, the ICP-MS-based quantification of four heavy metals, and the contents of ash; the bioactivities of the samples were compared regarding their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It was found that, compared with CP-NW, both CP-WBT and CP-WAT had significantly lower contents of ash and heavy metals. Moreover, compared with CP-WAT, CP-WBT contained lower levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and heavy metals and higher contents of N-acetyldopamine oligomers and amino acids. It also had enhanced anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A Spearman's correlation analysis found that the contents of N-acetyldopamine oligomers and free amino acids were positively correlated with the anti-oxidant/-inflammatory activities of CP. All these results suggest that pre-molting washing can not only remove the residual silt but can also avoid the loss of the bioactive components and assure higher bioactivities. It is concluded that pre-molting washing could enhance the quality and bioactivity of CP and should be a superior alternative method for the primary processing of qualified CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of sediment resuspension and phosphorus (P) release on phytoplankton growth under different kinds of wind-wave disturbance conditions in the large and shallow eutrophic Lake Taihu in China. Short-term strong wind (STSW) conditions, long-term moderate wind (LTMW) conditions, and static/calm conditions were investigated. To address this objective, we (1) monitored changes in surface water P composition during field-based sediment resuspension caused by STSW conditions in Lake Taihu, and also conducted (2) a series of laboratory-based sediment resuspension experiments to simulate LTMW and calm conditions. The results showed that under both strong and moderate wind-wave conditions, suspended solids (SS) and total phosphorus (TP) in the water column increased significantly, but total dissolved phosphorus (TDP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) remained low throughout the experiments, indicating that the P released from sediments mainly existed in particulate forms. In STSW conditions, alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) and enzymatically hydrolysable phosphorus (EHP) increased rapidly, with the peak value occurring following the peak value of wind speed for 1–2 days, and then rapidly decreased after the wind stopped. Under LTMW conditions, APA and EHP increased steadily, and by the end of the laboratory experiments, APA increased by 11 times and EHP increased by 5 times. Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) in LTMW conditions increased significantly, but remained low under STSW conditions, demonstrating that the former type of sediment P release promoted phytoplankton growth more effectively, and the latter type did not. Despite the fact that STSW conditions resulted in the release of more TP, TP settled to the bottom rapidly with SS after the wind stopped, and did not promote algal growth. Under LTMW conditions, suspended particulate P was hydrolyzed to SRP by phosphatase and promoted algae growth. Algal growth in turn secreted more phosphatase and accelerated particulate P regeneration, which may be the main mechanism of sediment bio-available P release that promotes phytoplankton growth in shallow lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recommender system (RS) has become an active research area driven by the enormous industrial demands. Meanwhile, with the rapid development of microblogging system, various kinds of social data are available, which provide opportunities as well as challenges for traditional RSs. In this paper, we introduce the social recommendation (SR) problem utilizing microblogging data. We study this problem via multi-view user preference learning. Specifically, we first model user preference by learning a low-dimensional common representation of multi-view information including rating information, social relations, item side information, tagging information, and then recommend items based on the learnt user preference. We also develop an efficient alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) scheme to solve the proposed model. We empirically evaluate our approach using two real world datasets to demonstrate the significant improvement of our proposed approach against the state-of-the-art algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new lanthanide(III) complexes were designed and synthesized: DAS[M(TTA)4]–, (M = Sm [1], M = Eu [2]), each of them contained one trans-4-[4′-(N, N-dimethylamino)styryl]-N-methyl pyridinium (DAS) cationic moiety, four 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone anions (TTA-), and one cationic lanthanide(III). Herein, the structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The results revealed that the central lanthanide(III) atom was fashionable eight-coordinated with square-antiprismatic coordination environment. Meanwhile, the photophysical properties of1and2were investigated by fluorescence spectra. It was proposed that there was an antenna effect and the energy transfer took place from the DAS cationic moiety to lanthanide(III) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents a characterization of the exponential distribution in terms of the means of the left-truncated values of the random variable concerned. This characterizing property leads to the Cauchy equation just as in the case of the lack of memory characterization. While the latter characterization assumes somewhat less easily accessible information concerning the probability distribution, the former only requires more readily available information regarding the expected values. The present characterization will be particularly useful in testing exponentiality for a failure model. A similar characterization is given for the geometric distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a dual-harmonic pole-changing (PC) motor with split permanent magnet (PM) poles (DHPCM-SPMPs). By adopting a split PM pole structure, the amplitude of the third PM flux density is increased greatly. Therefore, when a PC winding is adopted to couple with the fundamental and third PM flux density components, respectively, the proposed motor can work as a PC PM motor to satisfy operating demands of electric tractors. The design and effect of the proposed split PM pole structure is introduced first. The winding topology is then designed according to the slot vector diagrams of the two PM flux density components, and the PC operation can be realized by electric switches. Aiming at a torque ratio design objective, the PM structure parameters can be determined based on mathematical derivation, and the speed-widening capability is proved based on the operation characteristic analysis. Finally, the electromagnetic performance of the DHPCM-SPMPs is investigated and compared by finite element analysis, which shows the high torque capability in eight-pole mode and the wide speed range in twenty-four-pole mode benefiting from the PC operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects interact with their environment and respond to the changes in host plant conditions using semiochemicals. Such ecological interactions are facilitated by the olfactory sensilla and the use of olfactory recognition proteins. The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii can change its phenotype in response to ecological conditions. They reproduce mainly as wingless asexual morphs but develop wings to find mates or new plant hosts under the influence of environmental factors such as temperature, plant nutrition and population density. Two groups of small soluble proteins, odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are believed to be involved in the initial biochemical recognition steps in semiochemical perception. However, the exact molecular roles that these proteins play in insect olfaction remain to be discovered. In this study, we compared the transcriptomes of three asexual developmental stages (wingless spring and summer morphs and winged adults) and characterised 9 OBP and 9 CSP genes. The gene structure analysis showed that the number and length of introns in these genes are much higher and this appears to be unique feature of aphid OBP and CSP genes in general. Another unique feature in aphids is a higher abundance of CSP transcripts than OBP transcripts, suggesting an important role of CSPs in aphid physiology and ecology. We showed that some of the transcripts are overexpressed in the antennae in comparison to the bodies and highly expressed in the winged aphids compared to wingless morphs, suggesting a role in host location. We examined the differential expression of these olfactory genes in ten aphid species and compared the expression profile with the RNA-seq analyses of 25 pea aphid transcriptome libraries hosted on AphidBase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant threat of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to aquatic environments health has been widely acknowledged. To date, several studies have focused on the distribution and diversity of ARGs in a single river while their profiles in complex river networks are largely known. Here, the spatiotemporal dynamics of ARG profiles in a canal network were examined using high-throughput quantitative PCR, and the underlying assembly processes and its main environmental influencing factors were elucidated using multiple statistical analyses. The results demonstrated significant seasonal dynamics with greater richness and relative abundance of ARGs observed during the dry season compared to the wet season. ARG profiles exhibited a pronounced distance-decay pattern in the dry season, whereas no such pattern was evident in the wet season. Null model analysis indicated that deterministic processes, in contrast to stochastic processes, had a significant impact on shaping the ARG profiles. Furthermore, it was found that Firmicutes and pH emerged as the foremost factors influencing these profiles. This study enhanced our comprehension of the variations in ARG profiles within canal networks, which may contribute to the design of efficient management approaches aimed at restraining the propagation of ARGs. [Display omitted] • 131 ARGs were detected with higher abundances in the dry season than wet season. • Deterministic processes dominated assembly of ARGs communities in river networks. • Firmicutes and pH mainly shaped ARGs communities in river networks (p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dinuclear complex with the formula Dy2L2(H2L)Cl2(EtOH)2 (Dy2) has been synthesized by reacting DyCl3·H2O with a ligand H2L (H2L = N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneimine)) using ethanol as the solvent. Its crystal structure can be viewed as a dimer of two Dy(III) fragments, where each Dy(III) site shows a N2O6Cl coordination sphere with a pentagonal bipyramid geometry (D5h). Magnetic measurements reveal that Dy2 behaves as a single-ion magnet (SIM) under a zero field. When the field is applied, the ac magnetic susceptibilities show double and triple peaks under high (≥600 Oe) and low (<600 Oe) dc fields, respectively. In contrast to the common double relaxation pathways in SIMs, such multiple and intricate relaxation pathways have not been reported yet in the previous literature. In this work, by experimental analysis of the ac signals, we attribute the three slow relaxation pathways to quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM), intermolecular dipole–dipole interaction and spin reversal, respectively. In addition, ab initio calculations are used to elucidate the magnetic behaviours of Dy2. Overall, our work indicates that the interpretation of the relaxation process using double relaxation pathways is incomplete and difficult in previously reported literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Patients with liver failure often have energy metabolism disorders and malnutrition, which lead to poor prognosis, rendering nutritional interventions essential.Methods and Study Design: Individualized nutritional interventions were offered according to the resting energy expenditure (REE) of patients with liver failure, and the patients were followed up for 180 days.Results: Sixty patients with liver failure were enrolled and grouped by their prognosis and energy intake. Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score and body fat mass of the nonsurvival group were significantly higher than those of the survival group (p<0.05), whereas the mean energy intake/REE (MEI/REE) and mean respiratory quotient (RQ) of the nonsurvival group were significantly lower than those of the survival group (p<0.01). Prediction REE (PredREE) was calculated using the Harris-Benedict formula. Most patients in the nonsurvival and survival groups had hypometabolic (REE/PredREE <0.9) and normal metabolic status (0.9Conclusions: Hypometabolism state and insufficient energy intake predict poor prognosis in patients with liver failure. Individualized nutritional interventions with energy intake ≥1.2 REE may improve the RQ and prognosis of such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]