Search

Due to the particularity of mine spaces and the limitations of underground ventilation, the gas in disaster areas changes greatly after a fire occurs. Rapid sealing technology is beneficial for preventing the development of fires and gas explosions by controlling oxygen. Using the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP), in this research, we analyzed the three most effective rapid sealing processes, conducted experimental research on the three sealing processes, and developed a further optimized design. At the same time, according to different stages of blasting damage, the change characteristics and migration laws of explosive hazardous gases in a disaster area were analyzed using fluent numerical simulation. Additionally, the ability of the three optimal processes to create an airtight area was measured in this research. The applicable scenarios and scope of the three technologies were found, which provides a wider range of application scenarios and more diverse options for rapid airtightness during catastrophic periods, mine fire prevention, and explosion protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to implore the association among clinical features, long-term fertility outcomes and the anatomical location of adenomyosis identified by ultrasound. We collected data of non-pregnant patients between 20 and 40 years old who had undergone surgical exploration for benign gynecological conditions at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017. A total of 158 women met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into three groups according to the ultrasound-determined adenomyosis anatomical location: anterior (Group A), posterior (Group B), both posterior and anterior (Group C). 44.3% (70/158) adenomyosis was located at the posterior side. History of miscarriage and parity were significantly higher in Group C (p = 0.036 and 0.001 respectively). Group C also had a higher concurrence rate of ovarian endometrioma (OEM) (80.4%, p = 0.002), pelvic adhesion (80.4%, P = 0.003) and the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) Score (median64, range2-100, P < 0.001), while a significantly lower rate of concurrent peritoneal endometriosis (P = 0.01). Group B showed a relative higher rate of coexistent heavy menstrual bleeding (28.6%, p = 0.04) and oviduct obstruction (24.3%, P = 0.038). Group A had a higher proportion of coexistent leiomyoma (53.1%, P = 0.002). There were no significant differences between group A, B, and C in terms of pain symptoms, endometrial polyps, operation time, and endometriosis fertility index score and other basic characters (p > 0.05). During the follow-up, 59.2% (61/103) patients had clinical pregnancies, and 26.2% (16/61) of them experienced pregnancy loss. Total in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy rate was 64.6% (42/65) and spontaneous pregnancy rate was 50.0% (19/38). The Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significant lower cumulative pregnancy rate in Group C than Group A and Group B (p = 0.01). Severe obstetric complications such as placenta previa, placenta accreta, preeclampsia, and preterm birth were only found in women with adenomyosis located in the posterior side. In conclusion, types of adenomyosis based on sonographic location had different clinical features and pregnancy outcome. Patients with adenomyosis lesion in both anterior and posterior sides had higher combination of OEM, pelvic adhesion and rAFS score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract During an examination of the Mo ss (Mo solid solution) + Mo 5 SiB 2 + Mo 2 B three phase alloys a lattice constant expansion was observed for the Mo ss. To identify the origin of the expansion, high precision analysis of scanning transmission electron microscopy images was carried out to determine the solid solution type of B atoms. A quantitative analysis of the non-rigid registration image demonstrates that the B is located at the octahedral sites of the Mo lattice. This conclusion is consistent with the expansion of lattice constant and the small solid solubility limit of B in Mo ss. Graphical abstract A quantitative analysis of the non-rigid registration image demonstrates that the B is located at the octahedral site (O) of the BCC Mo lattice and not on the tetrahedral site (T). Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infiltration of regulatory T (Treg) cells, an immunosuppressive population of CD4+ T cells, into solid cancers represents a barrier to cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine receptors are critical for Treg cell recruitment and cell-cell interactions in inflamed tissues, including cancer, and thus are an ideal therapeutic target. Here, we show in multiple cancer models that CXCR3+ Treg cells were increased in tumors compared with lymphoid tissues, exhibited an activated phenotype, and interacted preferentially with CXCL9-producing BATF3+ dendritic cells (DCs). Genetic ablation of CXCR3 in Treg cells disrupted DC1-Treg cell interactions and concomitantly increased DC-CD8+ T cell interactions. Mechanistically, CXCR3 ablation in Treg cells increased tumor antigen-specific cross-presentation by DC1s, increasing CD8+ T cell priming and reactivation in tumors. This ultimately impaired tumor progression, especially in combination with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Overall, CXCR3 is shown to be a critical chemokine receptor for Treg cell accumulation and immune suppression in tumors. [Display omitted] • CXCR3 is elevated on Treg cells within draining lymph nodes and tumors • CXCR3+ Treg cells co-localize with CXCL9-producing type 1 DCs in tumors • Disrupting CXCR3 in Tregs increases tumor antigen cross-presentation by DC1s in tumors • Loss of CXCR3 in Treg cells boosts tumor CD8+ T cells and slows cancer progression Regulatory T (Treg) cell accumulation in tumors suppresses antitumor immunity, but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, Moreno Ayala et al. show that CXCR3 expression on Treg cells puts them in close proximity to CXCL9-producing dendritic cells in tumors, where they suppress tumor antigen presentation and impede the antitumor CD8+ T cell response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A large-scale samples and multi-year, multi-point data was used to characterize the variation of amino acids in tea plant. • The potential effects of tree age on the accumulation of amino acid components in tea plants was investigated in two hybrid populations. • The accumulation of amino acids in tea plant was closely related to leaf color variation and the tree age during growing period. Albino tea has been receiving growing attention on the tea market due to its attractive appearance and fresh taste, mainly caused by high amino acid contents. Here, variations in the contents of five free amino acids in relation to pigment contents and tree age in two hybrid populations'Longjin 43′(♀) × 'Baijiguan'(♂) and 'Longjin 43′(♀) ×'Huangjinya'(♂) with 334 first filial generation individuals including chlorophyll-deficient and normal tea plants were investigated. The data showed that the contents of main amino acids in all filial generation gradually decreased as plant age increased. Principal component analysis indicated that the amino acid content of individual plant tended to be stable with the growth of plants. Correlation analysis clarified that several main amino acids were significantly negatively correlated with chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b and carotenoid contents. Our results showed that the accumulation of amino acids in tea plant was closely related to leaf color variation and the tree age during growing period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial morbidity and mortality are associated with postcardiac arrest brain injury (PCABI). MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are essential regulators of neuronal metabolism processes and have been shown to contribute to alleviated neurological injury after cardiac arrest. In this study, we identified miRNAs related to the prognosis of patients with neurological dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation based on data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we explored the effects of miR-483-5p on mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis, and oxidative stress levels after ischemia‒reperfusion injury in vitro and in vivo. MiR-483-5p was downregulated in PC12 cells and hippocampal samples compared with that in normal group cells and hippocampi. Overexpression of miR-483-5p increased the viability of PC12 cells after ischemia‒reperfusion injury and reduced the proportion of dead cells. A western blot analysis showed that miR-483-5p increased the protein expression of PCG-1, NRF1, and TFAM and reduced the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, inhibiting the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and alleviating oxidative stress injury by inhibiting the production of ROS and reducing MDA activity. We confirmed that miR-483-5p targeted TNFSF8 to regulate the AMPK/JNK pathway, thereby playing a neuroprotective role after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hence, this study provides further insights into strategies for inhibiting neurological impairment after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and suggests a potential therapeutic target for PCABI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis and combined herbs extracts on the physiological and immune characteristics, intestinal microbiota, and vibriosis resistance of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. The sea cucumbers were fed with basal diets supplemented with B. licheniformis (B group), combined herbs extracts (C group), or both (BC group). The BC group exhibited the better growth performance and higher digestive and immune enzyme activities, whereas the lowest parameters appeared in the control group. This revealed that dietary B. licheniformis and combined herbs extracts in combination could improve digestion, food intake, phosphatase-responsiveness, and oxidation resistance more efficiently compared with the other groups. The BC group was also more capable of regulating intestinal flora balance of sea cucumbers by increasing the beneficial bacteria related to energy synthesis and metabolic conversion, and inhibiting the potential pathogens associated with organic damage and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the BC group showed greater ability of improving disease resistance by reducing the cumulative mortality rates and the counts of Vibrio splendidus. These results collectively demonstrated that dietary B. licheniformis and combined herbs extracts could improve the physiological and immune parameters, optimize the microbial community, and enhance the resistance to vibriosis of sea cucumbers, and the health-promoting effects were more obvious by supplying them in combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer ranks first among female cancers and has become a major public health problem in the current society. More studies indicated that these cancers are related to the change in the gut microbiome that can cause metabolic and immune system disorders in the body. However, there are few studies on the changes in gut microbiome caused by the onset of breast cancer, and the relationship between breast cancer and gut microbiome needs to be further clarified. In this study, we inoculated 4T1 breast cancer cells to induce breast cancer tumorigenesis in mice and collected their feces samples at different stages during this process. These intestinal florae were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the results showed that at the phylum level, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes decreased with the development of the tumor; at the family level, the intestinal microbiome had obvious variations of Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, etc. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and COG annotation demonstrated that decreased abundance of cancer-related signaling pathways. This study elucidated the relationship between breast cancer and intestinal microbiome, and the research results can be used as an important biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between isolated hypothyroxinemia (IH) in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes is controversial, with no consensus on the need for treatment. Summary: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in women with IH in pregnancy. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for publications from inception to December 2022. Randomized clinical trials and cohort studies were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to estimate pooled relative risks (RRs) for each outcome. We included 21 articles, of which 19 investigated the relationship between IH and maternal and neonatal outcomes and 4 investigated the efficacy of levothyroxine (LT4) treatment. Compared with euthyroid pregnancies, IH pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (RR 1.35 [confidence interval, CI, 1.16–1.56]; I2 = 9%), premature rupture of membranes (RR 1.41 [CI 1.08–1.84]; I2 = 0%), gestational diabetes (RR 1.34 [CI 1.07–1.67]; I2 = 76%), macrosomia (RR 1.62 [CI 1.31–2.02]; I2 = 42%), and fetal distress (RR 1.72 [CI 1.15–2.56]; I2 = 0%). However, no statistically significant differences were noted in adverse outcomes according to LT4 treatment status. Conclusions: There is evidence suggesting that IH in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. However, it is unclear whether LT4 may mitigate the risk of these adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a serious, chronic disorder where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain and infertility. It affects 11% of women. Endometriosis is a multifactorial disorder of unclear etiology, although retrograde menstruation plays a major role. It has a genetic component with over 40 genetic risk factors mapped, although their mechanism of action is still emerging. New evidence suggests a role for retrograde menstruation of endometrial stem/progenitor cells, now that identifying markers of these cells are available. Recent lineage tracing and tissue clearing microscopy and 3D reconstruction has provided new understanding of endometrial glandular structure, particularly the horizontal orientation and interconnection of basalis glands. New sequencing technologies, particularly whole genome DNA sequencing are revealing somatic mutations, including in cancer driver genes, in normal and eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis, as well as ectopic endometriotic lesions. Methylome sequencing is offering insight into the regulation of genes and the role of the environmental factors. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals the transcriptome of individual endometrial cells, shedding new light on the diversity and range of cellular subpopulations of the major cell types present in the endometrium and in endometriotic lesions. New endometrial epithelial organoid cultures replicating glandular epithelium are providing tractable models for studying endometriosis. Organoids derived from menstrual fluid offer a non‐invasive source of endometrial tissue and a new avenue for testing drugs and developing personalized medicine for treating endometriosis. These new approaches are rapidly advancing our understanding of endometriosis etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The RIIβ subunit of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is expressed in the brain and adipose tissue. RIIβ‐knockout mice show leanness and increased UCP1 in brown adipose tissue. The authors have previously reported that RIIβ reexpression in hypothalamic GABAergic neurons rescues the leanness. However, whether white adipose tissue (WAT) browning contributes to the leanness and whether RIIβ‐PKA in these neurons governs WAT browning are unknown. Here, this work reports that RIIβ‐KO mice exhibit a robust WAT browning. RIIβ reexpression in dorsal median hypothalamic GABAergic neurons (DMH GABAergic neurons) abrogates WAT browning. Single‐cell sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and electrophysiological studies show increased GABAergic activity in DMH GABAergic neurons of RIIβ‐KO mice. Activation of DMH GABAergic neurons or inhibition of PKA in these neurons elicits WAT browning and thus lowers body weight. These findings reveal that RIIβ‐PKA in DMH GABAergic neurons regulates WAT browning. Targeting RIIβ‐PKA in DMH GABAergic neurons may offer a clinically useful way to promote WAT browning for treating obesity and other metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, carbon fibers with hydrophilic surface modification were added into cement mortar through ultrasonic treatment. The mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber filled cement mortar were tested to examine the reinforcing effect of carbon fiber. In order to understand the underlying modification mechanisms of carbon fibers to cement mortar at micro scale and in theory, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation and theoretical calculations were carried out. Test results indicate that the adding of carbon fibers into cement mortar enhances the mechanical strength (especially compressive strength), and decreases the electrical resistivity of carbon fiber filled cement mortar. SEM results show that the enhancement of the properties of carbon fiber filled cement mortar owes to fiber ability of restraining the growth of microcracks and absorbing energy by overcoming its pulling out. The enhancing mechanism of carbon fibers on the properties of cement mortar analyzed by the calculated fiber numbers per unit volume, average center distance between two carbon fibers and the critical pull-out length well matches the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isothermal and cyclic oxidation behavior of Mo-6Si-12B-(1, 2, 4, 8)Al samples was investigated from 800 to 1300 ℃. With increasing Al content, the isothermal oxidation resistance is enhanced and the pesting behavior is suppressed at 800 ℃. The Mo-6Si-12B–4Al alloy with an oxide layer of both an alumino-borosilicate glasses and mullite has the best overall oxidation performance. An oxidation kinetics model was developed based upon the contributions of the individual phase oxidation rates weighted by their relative amounts and sizes that provides a good account of the oxidation behavior. • With increasing Al content, isothermal oxidation resistance is enhanced but the cyclic oxidation resistance is degraded. • A model was developed to analyze the transient oxidation stage of Mo-Si-B-Al alloys. • The mullite/Al-doped borosilicate glass interface is characterized by atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aortic dissection (AD) is a rare disease with high mortality for which no effective diagnostic biomarkers are available. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is an important cause of the occurrence and progression of many diseases, but the relationship between HCMV infection and AD is not clear. Methods: In this study, we first used quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to determine the expression profile of 25 HCMV-encoded microRNAs (HCMV miRNAs) in the plasma within a training set consisting of 20 AD patients and 20 healthy controls. Then, abnormal expressed HCMV miRNAs were verified in a validation set of 12 AD patients and 12 healthy controls. In addition, HCMV infection was detected in the third cohort consisting of 20 AD patients and 20 healthy controls. Results: The 95% quantile of the expression levels of HCMV miRNAs in the training set was used as the threshold for distinction between AD patients and healthy controls. The proportion of individuals with high level of five types of HCMV miRNAs was significantly different between AD patients and healthy controls. In the validation set, only the proportion of individuals with high levels of hcmv-miR-UL112-5p and hcmv-miR-UL22A-5p, two of the five HCMV miRNAs obtained in the preliminary screening, showed significant difference between AD patients and healthy controls. In the third cohort, there was no significant difference in HCMV DNA levels and anti-HCMV IgG concentrations between AD patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: The HCMV miRNAs levels in plasma differed in AD patients and healthy controls. This finding may contribute to a further understanding of the relationship between HCMV infection and AD and are worthy of future research on the diagnosis and etiology of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To review the use of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists and synthesize their efficacy and safety parameters for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Not applicable. Premenopausal women with endometriosis who had experienced moderate or severe pain. The Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and MEDLINE were searched until April 10, 2022. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2. A Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis was used to perform indirect comparisons. I2 was used to assess the global heterogeneity. Relative treatment estimates were performed. Treatment ranking was performed through the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. Endometriosis-associated pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and noncyclic pelvic pain reduction. (s): Five studies and 6 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 2,796 women and 10 different doses of oral GnRH antagonist treatments, were eligible for inclusion. All studies were considered to have a low risk of bias. Almost all efficacy- and safety-related outcomes showed a dose-response relationship. Regarding endometriosis-associated pain, the top 3 treatments were elagolix 400 mg, linzagolix 75 mg, and linzagolix 200 mg, with mean differences of −1.26 (95% credible interval [CrI], −1.70 to −0.79), −0.98 (95% CrI, −1.84 to −0.15), and −0.98 (95% CrI, −1.90 to −0.064), respectively. The top 3 treatments to decrease dysmenorrhea were relugolix 40 mg, elagolix 400 mg, and relugolix 20 mg, with mean differences of −1.60 (95% CrI, −2.07 to −1.14), −1.25 (95% CrI, −1.56 to −0.95), and −1.10 (95% CrI, −1.59 to −0.62), respectively. However, only high-dose treatments were significantly associated with most quality of life– and adverse effect–related outcomes. Relugolix 40 and 20 mg and elagolix 400 mg, with odds ratios of 6.88 (95% CrI, 2.18–24.58), 1.60 (95% CrI, 0.62–4.13), and 1.85 (95% CrI, 1.05–3.30), had a significantly increased incidence of adverse events. (s): Oral GnRH antagonists are effective for endometriosis-associated pain and dysmenorrhea and the patient global impression. The incidence of ovarian hypoestrogenic effects in a short-term duration was significant in a dose-effect response, particularly the highest dose. International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews registration number CRD42022332904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curved composite twin-girder bridges are suitable for mountainous areas, due to their advantages of light self-weight, excellent mechanical performance, and fewer construction requirements. It has been found that many composite twin-girder bridges collapsed due to fatigue failure. However, the literature review showed no relevant studies on the fatigue performance of curved composite twin-girder bridges. Because of this, the specimen of 1:2 scale curved composite twin-girder bridge in accordance with the design scheme of Xizhen Bridge in China was designed and tested. Three possible fatigue details were selected: cruciform connections, transverse attachments, and transverse splices named Class I, Class II, and Class III. For the test data of nominal stress (NS), equations were proposed to convert the strain value into the internal force of the fatigue detail position. The stress caused by torsion accounts for 2.8% of the total stress, which is almost negligible. The fatigue evaluation process based on the hot spot stress (HSS) S-N curve method is presented. The HSS method is more conservative than the NS S-N curve method in predicting the fatigue life of complex structures with high-stress concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the safety of train collisions with live intruders under high-speed operation, a new 3D finite element laminated model of live intruder filling was constructed based on reconstruction using physical 3D scanning, with three outer layers of the model simulating the skin, three inner layers simulating bone, and internal filling simulating internal organs. The model was simulated in LS-DYNA with pendulum side collision, and the force–time and force–displacement curves of the collision between the pendulum and the living intruder were obtained, which were consistent with the curve trend of the results of the cadaver pendulum collision test by Viano in 1989, and the accuracy of the finite element model of the intruder was verified. Through the simulation calculation of high-speed collision between the train and two kinds of living intrusions, the maximum acceleration of the train body, the maximum lifting of the wheel pair, the deformation of the cowcatcher, and the maximum central load on the cowcatcher during the collision can be obtained. The results of the study show that at a collision speed of 110 km/h and different collision positions, the collision risk factor between the train and heavier organisms is relatively high, and the risk arising from frontal collisions is generally greater than that of offset collisions; despite this, all the indicators such as the maximum acceleration of the train, the maximum lift of the wheel pairs, the reduction in the length of the cowcatcher discharge per 5 m of space, and the maximum central load borne by the cowcatcher discharge are lower than the EN15227 standard. Additionally, the safety of the train is not affected and the components can work reliably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Basic principles and affecting parameters of electrospinning process are overviewed. • Summary of application of electrospinning biohybrid technology. • Applications of electrospinning biohybrid technology targeting different pollutants. • Microbial selection, fabricating routes of electrospinning biohybrid composites. • Bioremediation capacity of electrospinning biohybrid technology in water treatment. • The actual state and future challenges of electrospinning biohybrid technology. With the rapid development of nanotechnology and additive manufacturing industries, electrospinning for the fabrication of high-performance nanofibers has attracted increasing attention. The rapid development of biohybrid environmental remediation technology has led to sustainable water treatment materials aimed at different pollutants and application scenarios. The coupling of biohybrid materials with electrospinning technology further addresses potential drawbacks of traditional biomaterials, such as low activity, poor diffusion, and loss of biological activity. In recent years, advanced techniques for constructing biohybrid fibers have been achieved through electrospinning methods such as fiber encapsulation, microtube encapsulation, and co-electrospinning, utilizing microbial cells (bacteria, algae, yeast, etc.). In this review, we firstly introduce the basic principle of electrospinning technology and parameters affecting spinning process. Then systematically analyze the microbial selection, material synthesis routes, and degradation efficiency of electrospinning biohybrid technology in water treatment processes targeting different pollutants, while assessing the application prospects or drawbacks of each case. Finally, we summarize and prospect the technical characteristics, current issues, and industrial prospects of electrospinning biohybrid technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in sediments has caused a potential threat to sediment biota. However, differences in the effects of MPs and heavy metals on microbes and plants in sediments under different sediment conditions remain unclear. Hence, we investigated the influence of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) MPs on microbial community structure, Pb bioavailability, and wheatgrass traits under sequential incubation of sediments (i.e., flood, drainage, and planting stages). Results showed that the sediment enzyme activities presented a dose-dependent effect of MPs. Besides, 10 % PLA MPs significantly increased the F1 fractions in three stages by 11.13 %, 30.10 %, and 17.26 %, respectively, thus resulting in higher Pb mobility and biotoxicity. MPs altered sediment bacterial composition and structures, and bacterial community differences were evident in different incubation stages. Moreover, the co-exposure of PLA MPs and Pb significantly decreased the shoot length and total biomass of wheatgrass and correspondingly activated the antioxidant enzyme activity. Further correlation analysis demonstrated that community structure induced by MPs was mainly driven by sediment enzyme activity. This study contributes to elucidating the combined effects of MPs and heavy metals on sediment ecosystems under different sediment conditions. [Display omitted] • Effects on enzyme activities varied with MPs types and sediment conditions. • 10 % PLA MPs significantly increased the bioavailability of Pb in sediment. • MPs reduced the complexity and stability of bacterial co-occurrence networks. • Co-exposure PLA MPs and Pb exhibited stronger negative impact on wheatgrass growth. • The bacterial structures were mainly driven by sediment enzyme activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Non-Synchronous Measurements is particularly effective at expanding the operating frequency range of a single microphone array. The completed cross-spectral matrix of the synthetic array, when combined with high-resolution imaging algorithms, can yield accurate sound source identification results. However, when matrix completion algorithms are applied to large synthetic arrays, their computational complexity increases significantly. Furthermore, existing integrations with high-resolution imaging algorithms often encounter difficulties in the presence of coherent sound sources. To address this problem, this paper introduces the accelerated gradient descent algorithm for the covariance matrix fitting by orthogonal least squares. The matrix completion model for non-synchronous measurements is initially simplified through matrix decomposition, thereby enabling the rapid completion of the cross-spectral matrix using the accelerated gradient descent algorithm. This is then followed by the application of the covariance matrix fitting by orthogonal least squares to achieve quick and precise identification of coherent sound sources employing the completed cross-spectral matrix. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated using numerical simulations and validated through loudspeaker experiments in an anechoic chamber. The results from these simulations and experiments reveal that the proposed algorithm not only improves matrix completion performance on large synthetic arrays but also accurately identifies the locations and correlation coefficients of coherent sound sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise localization of the infrasound source is important for infrasound event monitoring. The localization of infrasound sources is influenced by the atmospheric propagation environment and infrasound measurement equipment in the large-scale global distribution of infrasound arrays. A distributed infrasound source localization method based on sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) and Bayesian information fusion is proposed to reduce the localization error. First, the arrival azimuth of the infrasound source is obtained based on the SBL algorithm. Then, the infrasound source localization result is obtained by the Bayesian information fusion algorithm. The localization error of the infrasound source can be reduced by this infrasound source method, which incorporates the uncertainty of the infrasound propagation environment and infrasound measurement equipment into the infrasound source localization results. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was validated using rocket motor explosion data from the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR). The experimental results show that the arrival azimuth estimation error can be within 2° and the localization distance error is 3.5 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pig blood-derived N-self-doped carbon catalyst is successfully fabricated with aid of metal iron in the synthetic process. The prepared catalyst shows an excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance with high onset potential (E onset = −0.04 V) and half-wave potential (E 1/2 = −0.16 V), which very approaches that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst (E onset = −0.03 V, E 1/2 = −0.14 V) in alkaline electrolytes. Particularly, the catalyst possesses a significantly superior stability and immunity for methanol crossover and CO poisoning than that of Pt/C. The synthetic method is simple and cost-effective, providing a great opportunity to produce an eco-friendly and cheaper non-platinum fuel cell catalyst by using abundant natural biological resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-stationary noise source localization of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) is investigated. • Spatial acoustic maps of PMSMs at a characteristic order can be restored. • Physical insights into the non-stationary noise mechanism of the motors can be revealed. • Experimental results with two industrial PMSMs verify the efficacy of the proposed method. Noise source localization of rotating machinery plays an important role in machinery noise diagnosis and control. Various beamforming methods have been developed for stationary sound source localization. However, for rotating machinery working under time-varying speed conditions, the radiated acoustic signals are typically nonstationary. Under these conditions, characterizing and localizing nonstationary sound sources remains a challenge. Permanent magnet synchronous motors are one of the most widely used rotating machinery in modern industries and often work under variable speed conditions. Herein, the noise source localization problem of motors under time-varying speed conditions was studied. A nonstationary noise source localization method based on the Vold-Kalman filter and time-domain beamforming is proposed to restore the spatial acoustic maps of permanent magnet synchronous motors(PMSMs) at a characteristic order. First, the Vold-Kalman filter is adopted to extract acoustic signals at a characteristic order from the nonstationary measurements using a microphone array. Then, the filtered multichannel acoustic signals are fed into the time-domain beamforming algorithm to obtain the noise source localization result in a characteristic order. Combining Vold-Kalman filter with time-domain beamforming enables the characterization of non-stationary sound sources in the time, spatial, and order domains. The experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in noise source localization for motors under time-varying speed conditions. In addition, the experimental case with two motors further proves that the proposed method can simultaneously realize noise source separation at different characteristic orders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment is heterogeneous in cellular and acellular components, particularly structural features and their gene expression at the inter-and intra-tumor levels. Main text: Single-cell RNA sequencing profiles single-cell transcriptomes to reveal cell proportions and trajectories while spatial information is lacking. Spatially resolved transcriptomics redeems this lack with limited coverage or depth of transcripts. Hence, the integration of single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial data makes the best use of their strengths, having insights into exploring diverse tissue architectures and interactions in a complicated network. We review applications of integrating the two methods, especially in cellular components in the tumor microenvironment, showing each role in cancer initiation and progression, which provides clinical relevance in prognosis, optimal treatment, and potential therapeutic targets. Conclusion: The integration of two approaches may break the bottlenecks in the spatial resolution of neighboring cell subpopulations in cancer, and help to describe the signaling circuitry about the intercommunication and its exact mechanisms in producing different types and malignant stages of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing prevalence of obesity has resulted in demands for the development of new effective strategies for obesity treatment. Withaferin A (WA) shows a great potential for prevention of obesity by sensitizing leptin signaling in the hypothalamus. However, the mechanism underlying the weight- and adiposity-reducing effects of WA remains to be elucidated. In this study, we report that WA treatment induced white adipose tissue (WAT) browning, elevated energy expenditure, decreased respiratory exchange ratio, and prevented high-fat diet-induced obesity. The sympathetic chemical denervation dampened the WAT browning and also impeded the reduction of adiposity in WA-treated mice. WA markedly upregulated the levels of Prdm16 and FATP1 (Slc27a1) in the inguinal WAT (iWAT), and this was blocked by sympathetic denervation. Prdm16 or FATP1 knockdown in iWAT abrogated the WAT browning-inducing effects of WA and restored the weight gain and adiposity in WA-treated mice. Together, these findings suggest that WA induces WAT browning through the sympathetic nerve-adipose axis, and the adipocytic Prdm16-FATP1 pathway mediates the promotive effects of WA on white adipose browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the impact of microbial interactions on Monascus pigment (MP) production. We established diverse microbial consortia involving Monascus purpureus and Lactobacillus fermentum. The addition of Lactobacillus fermentum (4% at 48 h) to the submerged fermentation of M. purpureus resulted in a significantly higher MP production compared to that achieved using the single-fermentation system. Co-cultivation with immobilized L. fermentum led to a remarkable increase of 59.18% in extracellular MP production, while mixed fermentation with free L. fermentum caused a significant decrease of 66.93% in intracellular MPs, contrasting with a marginal increase of 4.52% observed during co-cultivation with immobilized L. fermentum and the control group respectively. The findings indicate an evident enhancement in cell membrane permeability of M. purpureus when co-cultivated with immobilized L. fementum. Moreover, integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underlying MP biosynthesis and secretion following inoculation with immobilized L. fementum , with specific emphasis on glycolysis, steroid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and energy metabolism. [Display omitted] • Various engineered microbial consortia were established. • Inoculation of immobilized L. fermentum enhances extracellular MPs yield. • Repeated batch fermentation was performed to increase MPs productivity. • Multi-omics analysis revealed the regulating mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A core–shell QQ-encapsulated structure was prepared by a standardized method. • SIPN shell enables excellent biocontainment with physical and chemical stability. • The anti-biofouling and phosphorus removal were enhanced in QQ microcapsule MBR. • QQ microcapsule promoted the application of QQ media for anti-biofouling in MBR. Microbial quorum quenching (QQ) has been proven to be a sustainable anti-biological fouling strategy for membrane bioreactors (MBR), but the long-term stability and practical application in MBR were uncertain. We reported a novel semi-interpenetrating network (SIPN) hydrogels-based design of QQ bacteria (Rhodococcus sp. BH4) encapsulation for both biofouling control and enhancement of organic pollutants removal in MBR. The microcapsule included the alginate core, chitosan thin intermediate compartment and SIPN (sodium alginate / polyacrylamide) shell, which exhibited near-perfect biocontainment, including preventing detectable QQ bacteria escape and improving mechanical strength. The QQ-microcapsules in the MBR demonstrated its significant anti-biofouling effect for treating synthetic wastewater (i.e., membrane fouling was delayed by 233%-280% compared to the control MBR membrane). Meanwhile, the efficiency of phosphorus removal was developed in QQ-microcapsule MBR because of the enhanced phosphorus removal triggered by the flocculation of polyacrylamide (PAM) fraction in SIPN. This promising QQ media brings the broad potential for biofouling control and long-term efficient operation in actual MBR wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the leading killer of life and health, stroke leads to limb paralysis, speech disorder, dysphagia, cognitive impairment, mental depression and other symptoms, which entail a significant financial burden to society and families. At present, physiology, clinical medicine, engineering, and materials science, advanced biomaterials standing on the foothold of these interdisciplinary disciplines provide new opportunities and possibilities for the cure of stroke. Among them, hydrogels have been endowed with more possibilities. It is well-known that hydrogels can be employed as potential biosensors, medication delivery vectors, and cell transporters or matrices in tissue engineering in tissue engineering, and outperform many traditional therapeutic drugs, surgery, and materials. Therefore, hydrogels become a popular scaffolding treatment option for stroke. Diverse synthetic hydrogels were designed according to different pathophysiological mechanisms from the recently reported literature will be thoroughly explored. The biological uses of several types of hydrogels will be highlighted, including pro-angiogenesis, pro-neurogenesis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. Finally, considerations and challenges of using hydrogels in the treatment of stroke are summarized. [Display omitted] • Hydrogels can play a role in stroke treatment by pro-angiogenesis, pro-neurogenesis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis. • Hydrogel treatments have significant potential in treating ferroptosis, blood toxicity, reactive gliosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction following a stroke. • Hydrogels can provide significant benefits in individual and clinical stroke treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise source localization is considered a key technology for the low-noise design of machinery and equipment. The spatial resolution of conventional beamforming localization methods is effectively improved by the fast iterative shrinkage thresholding algorithm(FISTA). The application of FISTA for sound source localization in reverberant environments is limited by the selection of reflection parameters. In this paper, FISTA extends to FISTA-Net and is proposed to solve the problem of adaptive fitting of reflection parameters to improve the performance of sound source localization in a reverberant environment. In FISTA-Net, the network model can be established by expanding and truncating the FISTA algorithm based on a fixed number of iterations. The parameter iteration steps, shrinkage thresholds and update operators are updated in the FISTA-Net model by training. A series of simulations are conducted for various frequencies, reverberation times, and signal-to-noise ratios and compared to several de-reverberation algorithms to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm. The loudspeaker source localization experiment was conducted in a closed room to verify the effectiveness of FISTA-Net in real-world scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) accumulation in sediments has posed a huge threat to freshwater ecosystems. However, it is still unclear the effect of MPs on riparian sediment structures and contaminant adsorption under different hydrological processes. In this study, three concentrations of polyamide (PA) MPs-treated sediments (0.1%, 1%, and 10%, w/w) were subjected to natural (NA) exposure, dry-wet (DW) cycles, and freeze-thaw (FT) cycles. The results indicated that PA MPs-added sediment increased the micro-aggregates by 10.1%−18.6% after FT cycles, leading to a decrease in aggregate stability. The pH, OM, and DOC of sediments were significantly increased in DW and FT treatments. In addition, the increasing concentration of PA MPs showed an obvious decrease in aromaticity, humification, and molecular weight of sediment DOM in FT treatments. Also, high level of MPs was more likely to inhibit the formation of humic-like substances and tryptophan-like proteins. For DW and FT cycles, 0.1% and 1% PA MPs-treated sediments slightly increased the adsorption capacity of Cd(II), which may be ascribed to the aging of MPs. Further correlation analysis found that DW and FT altered the link between DOM indicators, and aggregate stability was directly related to the changes in sediment organic carbon. Our findings revealed the ecological risk of MPs accumulating in riparian sediments under typical hydrological processes. [Display omitted] • Macro-aggregate and aggregate stability significantly reduced by combined FT cycles and MPs. • DW and FT cycles showed an obvious increase in sediment properties. • The aromaticity and humification degree of DOM were significantly decreased in 10% MPs-treated sediment. • DW and FT cycles slightly increased the Cd(II) adsorption onto 0.1% and 1% MPs-treated sediments. • There was a relationship between aggregate stability and sediment organic carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new quorum quenching strain LZX01 was isolated and produce intracellular lactonase. • LZX01 can rapidly degrade AHL and effectively mitigated membrane biofouling. • LZX01 decreased activated sludge TB-EPS and enhances its hydrophilicity. • LZX01 affected the growth of biofilm-associated bacteria but not MBR performance. • LZX01 still has high QQ activity in the environment rich in some toxic substances. Significant progress has been made in mitigating membrane biofouling by microbial quorum quenching (QQ). More efficient and survivable QQ strains need to be discovered. A new strain named Bacillus thuringiensis LZX01 was isolated in this study using a low carbon source concentration "starving" method from a membrane bioreactor (MBR). LZX01 secreted intracellular lactonase to enable QQ behavior and was capable of degrading 90 % of C8-HSL (200 ng/mL) within 30 min, which effectively delayed biofouling by inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with biofouling and improving the hydrophilicity of bound extracellular polymeric substances. As a result, the membrane biofouling rate of MBR adding LZX01 was four times slower than that of the control MBR. Importantly, LZX01 maintains its QQ activity even in environments contaminated with typical toxic pollutants. Therefore, with high efficiency, toxicity resistance, and easy culture, LZX01 holds great potential and significant promise for biofouling control applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • N/S-GQDs/KMnO 4 hybrid was used as a dual-signal responsive probe. • The N/S-GQDs/KMnO 4 hybrid showed excellent fluorescence and colorimetric responses. • The as-proposed probe showed excellent sensitivity for the detection of ascorbic acid. • Also, the N/S-GQDs/KMnO 4 presented good applicability in detection of ascorbic acid in real samples. A nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene quantum dots (N/S-GQDs) and permanganate was employed to prepare a N/S-GQDs/KMnO 4 dual-signal readout colorimetric and fluorescent probe for sensitive detection of ascorbic acid (AA). In the detection system, the addition of KMnO 4 quenched significantly the fluorescence (FL) of N/S-GQDs, meanwhile, the transparent aqueous dispersion of N/S-GQDs changed into yellow–brown with new absorption peak (maximum absorption at 338 nm). Interestingly, introduction of AA into the N/S-GQDs/KMnO 4 system could recover the quenched fluorescence and result in a decrease in the absorbance (at 338 nm) of the test solution in a concentration dependent manner, and hence demonstrated the potential practical use of the sensing system for AA detection. Based on various spectroscopic studies, it has been concluded that the static as well as inner filter effect was the main quenching mechanisms in the detection system. The dual-response sensor showed linear response in the concentration range between 0.01 and 30 µM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 8.3 nM and 100 nM, respectively, for the fluorescent and colorimetric detections. In addition, the proposed detection system has been successfully applied to the detection of AA in vitamin C tablets. Moreover, the proposed detection strategy is convenient and fast, prevents complex and tedious probe preparation procedure, and capable of visual detection of AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We aimed to examine the association between sleep duration and impaired cognitive function in different cognitive domains in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A total of 1591 participants (≥60 years) were divided into five groups: ≤6 hours (very short sleep duration), >6 to 7 hours (short sleep duration), ≥7 to 8 hours (moderate sleep duration), >8 to 9 hours (moderately long sleep duration), and >9 hours (long sleep duration), according to sleep duration. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Long sleep duration significantly increased the likelihood of cognitive impairment. In addition to attention, long sleep duration was negatively related to poorer global cognition and other cognitive domain functions. With the stratification of age groups, long sleep duration was negatively associated with other cognitive domain functions except delayed recall in older elderly (≥75 years) people, but not in younger elderly (60-74 years) people. Long sleep duration was associated with higher rates of cognitive impairment, poorer global cognition, and declined orientation, memory, language ability, and executive function in Chinese community-dwelling older adults, which was more significant in older elderly people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] LWHTH (Leu-Trp-His-Thr-His) is an antioxidant pentapeptide isolated from Styela clava tissue. Based on LWHTH, we designed and synthesized a series of novel peptides using the alanine scanning technique and determined the pharmacological activities of these derivatives. Among the ten newly synthesized LWHTH analogs, peptide CWHTH was identified as the most potent compound with prominent antioxidant activity. CWHTH not only showed the ability to scavenge several biologically important radicals, protected cells from H 2 O 2 or APAP-induced damage by activating the PI3K/Akt and suppressing the JNK/c-Jun pathways, but also exerted strong in vivo hepatoprotective effects in an APAP-induced liver injury model in mice. Moreover, it was demonstrated that CWHTH possesses potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and high stability against gastrointestinal proteases. In summary, CWHTH is a promising antioxidant peptide worthy of further investigation as a potential hepatoprotective and antihypertensive agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies relating obesity to cognition in older people show conflicting results, which may be explained by the choice of obesity indicators. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity-related indicators and cognitive impairment, especially between different age or gender subgroups, and explore whether obesity-related indicators were related to specific cognitive domains. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on 1753 participants aged ≥ 60 years (41.0% men; aged 71.36 ± 5.96 years). Obesity-related indicators included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), calf circumference (CC), waist to hip ratio (WHR), waist to calf circumstance ratio (WCR), fat to fat-free mass ratio (FM/FFM). The Mini-Mental State Examination scale (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function. Cognitive impairment was defined as a score ≤ 17 for illiterates, ≤ 20 for participants with primary school education, and ≤ 24 for those with junior high school degrees or above. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were used to analyze and visualize the linear relationships. Results: The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 18.77%. In the fully adjusted model, CC was negatively associated with cognitive impairment (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90−0.98). Further analysis showed that CC correlated positively with recall and place orientation. A higher FM/FFM was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 0.88–2.35, P for trend = 0.029); this association was notable in women (P for trend = 0.002) and the oldest (P for trend = 0.009), and so did the potential effect of BMI on cognitive impairment (70–80 years: P for trend = 0.011; ≥ 80 years: P for trend = 0.013). No statistically significant association was found between cognitive impairment and WC, WHR, or WCR. Conclusion: CC and FM/FFM were associated with cognitive impairment in older people. Future research needs to distinguish the effects of fat and muscle mass on cognitive function, with special attention to different ages and genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy systems with the characteristics of flexible scheduling, high reliability, and high efficiency have been widely studied because it can absorb abundant renewable energy and solve long‐distance energy transmission loss. Wind power, photovoltaic power, and user load power have obvious intermittently and volatility, which brings difficulties to the dispatching and control of distributed energy systems. This work focuses on the optimal control problem of a distributed energy system considering multiple disturbance inputs. A discrete system model suitable for developing optimal control is established and solved by minimizing performance function in the process of iterating disturbance inputs and its function vector. Based on the optimal control results, a method for stabilizing the output power is designed to consider operating cost and loss. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by different disturbance inputs and compared with the classical optimization algorithm. The results indicate that the optimal control model can effectively suppress disturbance influences and obtain a fast and satisfactory control effect. The output stabilization method can save operating costs and reduce equipment loss. Compared with the optimization algorithm, the proposed method is more stable and reliable. This work provides a new insight into multi‐disturbance suppression of the distributed energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It was the most comprehensive study to analyze irAEs based on FAERS. • Lung toxicities and endocrine toxicities generated signals in all ICI regimens. • Pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease were the most frequently reported irAEs. Immune-related adverse events were reported in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, with the increasing number of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), the differences of each immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen had not been fully assessed. Disproportionality analysis was used in data mining of the suspected adverse events after ICIs administration based on the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from January 2004 to December 2019. The onset time and fatality proportion of ICI-associated irAEs were further evaluated. A total of 32,441 reports of ICI-associated irAEs were gathered. This study showed that all ICI regimens generated lung toxicity and endocrine toxicity signals. Colitis, pneumonitis and interstitial lung disease were the most common ICI-associated irAEs. Five regimens including durvalumab monotherapy, ipilimumab monotherapy, ipilimumab plus nivolumab, ipilimumab plus pembrolizumab, durvalumab plus tremelimumab were associated with irAEs. Anti-PD-1 agents generated more signals of ocular toxicities than anti-PD-L1 agents, while anti-PD-L1 agents reported more signals of hematologic toxicities. Anti-CTLA-4 agents showed more signals of gastrointestinal toxicities compared with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 agents. The highest fatality proportion of lung toxicities with durvalumab monotherapy, hematological toxicities with avelumab monotherapy, renal and skin toxicities with cemiplimab monotherapy were found. Our results demonstrated that each ICI regimen had different characteristics of irAEs. Pembrolizumab had the highest fatality proportion. Ipilimumab plus pembrolizumab had the shortest median time to onset irAEs. Further studies were expected to assess whether there were clinically relevant differences exist among ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ameliorate the deficiencies (e.g. solubility, membrane permeability and non-selective cytotoxicity) of paclitaxel (PTX), we synthesized a "smart" PDC (peptide-drug conjugate), by linking PTX with a multifunctional peptide consisting of a tumor targeting peptide (TTP) and a cell penetrating peptide (CPP), to construct the TTP-CPP-PTX conjugate, LTP-1. LTP-1 could intelligently deliver PTX into LHRH receptor-overexpressed MCF-7 cells, showing 2 times higher cellular uptake than PTX, and enhanced cytotoxicity with IC 50 of 3.8 nM (vs 6.6 nM for PTX). LTP-1 exhibited less cytotoxicity to normal cells and the ability to overcome PTX-resistance. Furthermore, LTP-1 had higher in vivo antitumor efficacy than PTX (TGI of 83.4% and 65.7% for LTP-1 and PTX, respectively, at 12 mmol/kg) without apparent toxicities. In summary, we proposed and testified the concept of constructing a novel PDC molecule, which can potentially conquer the drawbacks of PTX. LTP-1 represents a new class of antitumor PDC deserving further investigation. Image 1 • A "smart" PDC (peptide-drug conjugate) was synthesized by linking paclitaxel (PTX) with a multifunctional peptide consisting of a tumor targeting peptide (TTP) and a cell penetrating peptide (CPP), to construct the TTP-CPP-PTX conjugate, LTP-1. • LTP-1 could intelligently deliver PTX into LHRH receptor-overexpressed MCF-7 cells, showing higher cellular uptake than PTX, and enhanced cytotoxicity. • LTP-1 exhibited less cytotoxicity to normal cells and the ability to overcome PTX-resistance. • LTP-1 showed higher in vivo antitumor efficacy than PTX (TGI of 83.4% and 65.7% for LTP-1 and PTX at 12 mmol/kg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The PV/T-PCM system with a novel latent heat solar collector was proposed in Shanghai. • The energy and exergy efficiencies were comprehensively compared among five cases. • The thermal regulation strategy played a key role for the energy conversion improvement. • The 45 ℃ intermittent thermal regulation performed best for the PV/T-PCM system. The photoelectric conversion efficiency generally decreases with increasing temperature of a photovoltaic (PV) panel; therefore, temperature control is the key issue in the photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system. We experimentally analyzed the energy conversion performance of a PV/T system combined with a latent heat solar collector under the real outdoor climate of Shanghai. The solar collector was filled with the phase change material (PCM) of fatty acid for cooling the PV panel. Five cases under different thermal regulation strategies for the PV/T-PCM system were comprehensively analyzed to optimize the system performance. The results indicated that the temperature stratification of PCM was still significant in the solar collector even when metal fins were employed. The temperature fluctuation of the PV panel can be well alleviated by PCM; however, the PCM was easily overheated under long-term operation of the PV/T-PCM system. Among the five cases, the overall energy efficiency of the PV/T-PCM system with full-time thermal regulation was 5.4% and 22.2% higher than the two systems without thermal regulation, respectively. The relatively low temperature setting of the thermal regulation strategy facilitated the heat transfer from the PCM. In comparison with the full-time thermal regulation strategy, the 45 °C intermittent thermal regulation strategy (Case 4) demonstrated the best performance. The total energy and exergy efficiencies of Case 4 were 86.3% and 15.5%. The exergy efficiency of thermal energy varied slightly in the range of 1.1%–1.4% for the five cases. It was concluded that the energy conversion performance of the PV/T-PCM system could be significantly improved by a suitable intermittent thermal regulation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fan noise is the primary component of aero-engine noise. Duct acoustic modal identification is essential for analyzing the mechanism of fan noise generation and propagation. The acoustic modal in the duct can be identified by the measurement of the microphone array mounted on the duct wall. It is generally assumed in the conventional modal identification methods that the modal coefficients are independent of each other. However, the realistic duct acoustic modal coefficients exhibit significant statistical dependence. A Boltzmann machine(BM) model considering the statistical dependence between modal coefficients is proposed for recovering the modal coefficients in this paper. The modal coefficients are estimated using a block coordinate optimization method in a Bayesian framework. Moreover, the modal Boltzmann parameters can be learned iteratively by the BM. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulations and experimental tests. It turns out that the modal coefficients can be accurately identified by the proposed method, and a more significant sparsity is shown by the results. In addition, the statistical dependence between the modal coefficients can be captured by the BM. • A Boltzmann machine modeling method that considers the statistical dependence between the modal coefficients is proposed. • The modal coefficients and the modal Boltzmann parameters can be estimated adaptively and iteratively. • The accuracy and robustness of the modal identification results are analyzed. • The proposed method is evaluated in Spinning Mode Synthesizer experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents design, fabrication and cold test of an ultra-wide band travelling wave tube (TWT) with planar alignment multiple pencil beams. The fundamental double-mode of staggered double vane slow wave structure (SDV-SWS) rather than the only one mode are put forward and adopted to match with the same electron beam to increase the bandwidth greatly. Simultaneous planar alignment multiple pencil beam tunnels are designed to improve interaction impedance and then to enhance output power, gain, efficiency, growth rate. The transmission performance of a two-stage 51-period SDV-TWT in G-band with structure attenuator between two sections shows that it indeed has an ultra-wideband performance from 81 to 110 GHz. By using computer numerical control machining, the SDV-SWS was manufactured and a detailed cold test was conducted. Good agreement is found at the wide band, where S21 is above − 5 dB and S11 is below − 10 dB. 3D PIC simulations with double-mode multiple-beam SDV-TWT within total length of 70 mm show that it can get a nearly 2120 W peak output power, a 42.5 dB corresponding gain and a 10.7% electron efficiency at 94 GHz with a 22.1 kV beam voltage and a 3 × 0.15A beam current. The 3 dB bandwidth of our double-mode SDV-TWT can achieve about 29 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germanium (Ge) is a widely distributed but rare element on earth. Organic germanium is the most widely used form of germanium. Compared to the common metal (mercury, cadmium, lead, etc.), organic germanium is much less toxic to humans than others. Since its discovery in 1886, organic germanium and relative compounds have caused many medically related problems across the globe. In most cases, organic germanium exists in the natural environment in an oxidation state. The size of organic germanium and its compounds is extremely small in natural water, for which organic germanium can easily enter the environment through the flow of water. Because organic germanium owns unique chemical properties and is potentially ecotoxic, so there are have special environmental problems. Considering the fact that people does not know much about organic germanium, along with the lack of systematic research, this paper starts with a brief introduction of the chemical composition, distribution, and threat to human health of organic germanium. Then, the new and common technologies for the recovery and removal of germanium as referred to in various literatures introduced and with detail description of their performance, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. It is of great significance for people to understand organic germanium and its pollution control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage sag is one of the most serious problems in power quality. The occurrence of voltage sag will lead to a huge loss in the social economy and have a serious effect on people's daily life. The identification of sag types is the basis for solving the problem and ensuring the safe grid operation. Therefore, with the measured data uploaded by the sag monitoring system, this paper proposes a sag type identification algorithm based on K-means-Singular Value Decomposition (K-SVD) and Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LS-SVM). Firstly; each phase of the sag sample RMS data is sparsely coded by the K-SVD algorithm and the sparse coding information of each phase data is used as the feature matrix of the sag sample. Then the LS-SVM classifier is used to identify the sag type. This method not only works without any dependence on the sag data feature extraction by artificial ways, but can also judge the short-circuit fault phase, providing more effective information for the repair of grid faults. Finally, based on a comparison with existing methods, the accuracy advantages of the proposed algorithm with be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-supervised voltage sag source identification method based on a convolution neural network is proposed in this study. In addition, a self-supervised CNN (Convolutional Neural Networks) voltage sag source identification model is constructed on the basis of the convolution neural network and AutoEncoder. The convolution layer and pool layer in CNN are used to extract the voltage sag characteristics, and the self-supervised network training process is realized based on the principle of AE. In the constructed mode, features which reflect the data characteristics are used rather than artificial features, thus improving the accuracy of practical application. It is unnecessary to input a lot of correct labels before the self-supervised training process. The model can meet the requirements of sag source identification on timeliness, practicability, diversity, and versatility in the context of modern big data. In this study, three-phase asymmetric sag sources in sag sources are classified into more detailed categories according to different fault phases. Therefore, the proposed method can not only identify the voltage sag source, but also accurately determine the specific fault phase. Finally, the optimal parameters of the model are recognized through a case study, and a self-supervised CNN model is established based on the data type of voltage sag. This model extracts features and identifies sag sources through the measured sag data. The superiority of the proposed method is verified by a comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Introduing N defects over g-C 3 N 4 significantly increased photocatalytic activity. • An IEF was built to further strengthened the transport of photoexcited carriers. • The excellent O 2 adsorption capacity promoted H 2 O 2 production via 2e− ORR. • A possible H 2 O 2 generation pathway formed via 1O 2 was proposed. The development of photocatalysts for the efficient generation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and degradation of antibiotic pollutants is a mutual-beneficial solution to the chemical resource demands and environmental remediation. Herein, efficient visible-light-driven H 2 O 2 production and antibiotic degradation are achieved by using nitrogen-deficient modified polymeric carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) to facilitate the reduction of dioxygen. The N defects modified g-C 3 N 4 reached an excellent H 2 O 2 generation rate of 623.5 μmol g−1h−1 without O 2 bubbling. The structural features and entire photocatalytic conversion process were systematically studied via experiments and theoretical calculations. It was found that the N defects in the framework constructed a giant internal electric field (IEF), which effectively inhibited carrier recombination. Revealed the neglected H 2 O 2 production via 1O 2 pathway, which effectively promoting the selective 2e− oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). More interestingly, the N defects structure greatly improved the O 2 adsorption ability and O 2 production ability of the material, while inhibiting the in situ generated H 2 O 2 from being decomposed and maintaining high efficiency of H 2 O 2 production under air conditions. This study thoroughly revealed the synergistic effects of the terminal cyano group and nitrogen vacancies over g-C 3 N 4 for efficient H 2 O 2 photogeneration photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel method of electrospinning was employed to enhance quorum quenching hydrogel. • QQ-ECHB performs excellent physical stability and environmental-tolerance. • Stable and long-lasting quorum quenching can be effected at low dosage of QQ-ECHB. • MBR biofouling greatly mitigated and extended service cycle with QQ media addition. Bacterial quorum quenching (QQ) is an effective strategy for controlling biofouling in membrane bioreactor (MBR) by interfering the releasing and degradation of signal molecules during quorum sensing (QS) process. However, due to the framework feature of QQ media, the maintenance of QQ activity and the restriction of mass transfer threshold, it has been difficult to design a more stable and better performing structure in a long period of time. In this research, electrospun fiber coated hydrogel QQ beads (QQ-ECHB) were fabricated by using electrospun nanofiber coated hydrogel to strengthen layers of QQ carriers for the first time. The robust porous PVDF 3D nanofiber membrane was coated on the surface of millimeter-scale QQ hydrogel beads. Biocompatible hydrogel entrapping quorum quenching bacteria (sp.BH4) was employed as the core of the QQ-ECHB. In MBR with the addition of QQ-ECHB, the time to reach transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 40 kPa was 4 times longer than conventional MBR. The robust coating and porous microstructure of QQ-ECHB contributed to keeping a lasting QQ activity and stable physical washing effect at a very low dosage (10g beads/5L MBR). Physical stability and environmental-tolerance tests also verified that the carrier can maintain the structural strength and keep the core bacteria stable when suffering long-term cyclic compression and great fluctuations in sewage quality. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]