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Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) plays a cytoprotective role during mitophagy by detoxifying superfluous reactive oxygen species (ROS), and its concentration fluctuates in this process. However, no work has been reported to reveal the variation in H 2 S levels during autophagic fusion of lysosomes and mitochondria. Herein, we present a lysosome-targeted fluorogenic probe, named NA-HS, for real-time monitoring of H 2 S fluctuation for the first time. The newly synthesized probe exhibits good selectivity and high sensitivity (detection limit of 23.6 nM). Fluorescence imaging results demonstrated that NA-HS could image exogenous and endogenous H 2 S in living cells. Interestingly, the colocalization results revealed that the level of H 2 S was upregulated after autophagy began because of the cytoprotective effect, and was finally gradually reduced during subsequent autophagic fusion. This work not only affords a powerful fluorescence tool to monitor the variations in H 2 S levels during mitophagy, but also offers new insights into targeting small molecules for elaborating the complex cellular signal pathways. The variation of H 2 S during autophagic fusion of lysosome and mitochondria was revealed by a lysosome-targeting fluorogenic probe. [Display omitted] • H 2 S fluctuation during mitophagy was revealed by a synthetic fluorescence probe. • The endogenous and exogenous H 2 S can be imaged with this fluorescence probe. • The level of H 2 S was revealed to upregulate and then reduced during mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Kinetic hydrogen isotope of ZrCo-based beds are investigated on a full-scale SDS. • ZrCo-based beds present kinetic isotope effect scarcely during adsorption. • Compensation strategy is proposed to reduce H/D fluctuation during rapid delivery. ZrCo-based bed, commonly exploited to efficiently process large quantities of mixed hydrogen isotope gases, is one of crucial component in the storage and delivery system (SDS) of the tritium plant in fusion reactor. However, the hydrogen isotope effect on the desorption and adsorption processes of the ZrCo based assemblies has not yet clearly addressed, especially for a full-scale (100 g of Tritium) bed assembly. Herein, the kinetic hydrogen isotope effect of the full-scale ZrCo-based chemical beds, including ZrCo, Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co, Zr 0.8 Hf 0.2 Co, with different hydrogen isotope ratios in SDS demo-system are investigated in detail. This work shows that the kinetic adsorption isotope effect of all ZrCo based beds are independent of pressure, temperature, and hydrogen isotope ratio. Conversely, the kinetic hydrogen isotope fluctuation is prominent during hydrogen desorption, where the proportion of protium is relatively high at the initial stage. After that, deuterium is easier to release. Finally, the protium gradually increases. The fluctuating degree is in the sequence of Zr 0.8 Ti 0.2 Co > ZrCo > Zr 0.8 Hf 0.2 Co for types of chemical beds, and 50%D + 50%H > 90%D + 10%H > 10%D + 90%H for isotope components. Based on experimental details, a flow compensation approach to ensure a stable ratio of hydrogen isotope gas is proposed. This work is of crucial significance for practical-scale SDS system operation, which is the prerequisite for the steady-state running of the fusion reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose an interpretable partial differential network for SPLT-3D, where both horizontal and vertical interactions are modeled effectively. • We develop the theory of formulating 3D spatiotemporal dynamics with PDEs and design an effective strategy to apply it. • Experimental results show that our method can not only achieve better prediction performance, but also learn the correct PDEs. Neural network-based methods have been widely applied to spatiotemporal prediction tasks, such as video prediction and weather forecasting. However, most existing works are designed for prediction in 2D space, and 3D prediction has not been extensively studied. In this paper, we propose to leverage 3D partial differential equations (PDEs) for spatiotemporal prediction in 3D space, and further develop a novel 3D neural partial differential network. This is inspired by that 3D PDEs can model both horizontal and vertical information interactions by various partial derivatives. Moreover, they can also formulate physical knowledge by equations. To integrate 3D PDEs in neural networks, we first develop the theory of approximating 3D partial derivatives by 3D convolutions, and further present an effective strategy to utilize the theory in practice. Then based on the theory and strategy, we propose a novel 3D Neural Partial Differential Network for prediction, named NPDN-3D. Specifically, NPDN-3D consists of two pivotal modules: (1) a neural partial differential module for capturing low-order spatiotemporal dynamics. This module is the key for prediction, where the dynamics are formulated by commonly-used low-order 3D PDEs. (2) A residual module for capturing the remaining non-low-order dynamics. This module performs as an extensible plug-in to enhance the expressiveness of our model. Extensive experiments on two simulated datasets and two real datasets show that our method not only achieves better prediction but also learns the correct PDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical indications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in immunosuppressed patients are not clear. This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of ECMO and to identify the risk factors for the mortality of ECMO in immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure. Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included 46 confirmed immunocompromised patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure treated with ECMO between July 2014 and August 2020. The clinical features and outcomes of the survival group and the non‐survival group were statistically analysed. Results: The mean age of the enrolled patients was 60.0 (50.0, 66.0) years; male patients accounted for 60.9% of patients, and the mean CD4 level was 213 cells/μL (150.3, 325.3). The hospital mortality rate of the cohort was 67.4% (31/46 patients). Patients in the survival group showed a higher rate of receiving awake ECMO (11/15 vs. 4/31; p = 0.006), a lower rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (1/15 vs. 12/31; p = 0.035), fewer platelet transfusion units (0/15 vs. 2/31 units; p = 0.039) and a lower rate of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (2/15 vs. 19/31; p = 0.006). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis model, intubated ECMO (hazard ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.34–2.32, p < 0.001) and AKI requiring CRRT (1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.61, p = 0.003) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: In‐hospital mortality has remained high in ECMO‐treated immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory failure. Intubated ECMO and AKI receiving CRRT during ECMO treatment may predict ECMO failure in immunocompromised patients with ARF. A primarily awake ECMO strategy seems feasible in some selected immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms frequently rupture in small size (<7 mm). The aim of the study is to demonstrate morphometric and hemodynamic analyses in ruptured and unruptured PCoA aneurysms to improve predictive accuracy for rupture. Geometrical models were reconstructed from rotational DSA images of 57 ruptured and 22 unruptured side-wall PCoA aneurysms, which were classified into four two-dimensional (2D) groups by a combination of H/D and H/S ratios (H: dome height, D: dome diameter, and S: semi-axis height). Surface area ratio (SAR) of low time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS, ≤4 dynes cm −2 ) and high oscillatory shear index (OSI, ≥0.15) were computed in aneurysms. We hypothesized that a two-step analysis method, i.e., one-dimensionally morphometric and hemodynamic analyses in each 2D group, can enhance accuracy of PCoA aneurysm rupture evaluation. There was the highest incidence of H/D > 1 and H/S ≤ 2 with the largest surface area and SAR-TAWSS, but the lowest incidence of H/D ≤ 1 and H/S > 2 with the smallest surface area and SAR-TAWSS in ruptured PCoA aneurysms. PCoA aneurysms of H/D > 1 and H/S ≤ 2 with surface area > 70 mm 2 , H/D ≤ 1 and H/S > 2 with neck diameter > 2.3 mm, H/D ≤ 1 and H/S ≤ 2 with aneurysmal height/parent diameter ratio > 1.0, and H/D > 1 and H/S > 2 with aneurysmal angle > 115° need special attention for clinical diagnosis and treatment. The study highlighted the importance of the two-step analysis method for clinical evaluation of PCoA aneurysm rupture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antipsychotic drug (APD) prescription/use in children has increased significantly worldwide, despite limited insight into potential long-term effects of treatment on adult brain functioning. While initial long-term studies have uncovered alterations to behaviors following early APD treatment, further investigations into potential changes to receptor density levels of related neurotransmitter (NT) systems are required. Methods: The current investigation utilized an animal model for early APD treatment with aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone in male and female juvenile rats to investigate potential long-term changes to the adult serotonin (5-HT) NT system. Levels of 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and hippocampus via Western Blot and receptor autoradiography. Results: In the male cohort, long-term changes to 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors were found mostly across hippocampal and cortical brain regions following early aripiprazole and olanzapine treatment, while early risperidone treatment changed 5-HT1A receptor levels in the NAc and PFC. Lesser effects were uncovered in the female cohort with aripiprazole, olanzapine and risperidone to alter 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors in NAc and hippocampal brain regions, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that early treatment of various APDs in juvenile rats may cause gender and brain regional specific changes in 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the adult brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exudates by marine phytoplankton and metals coexist in the seawater, but little is known about their interaction. In this study, cultures of Prorocentrum donghaiense Lu were grown in urea and ammonium, and then exposed to different Ni ion levels in order to study the effects of Ni ions on algal growth. The regulatory mechanisms of P. donghaiense Lu for coping with different Ni ion levels was investigating by characterizing dissolved organic carbon (DOC), carbohydrate and protein content released per cell, hydropathy properties (hydrophilic and hydrophobic fractions) and thiol compounds (cysteine-like or glutathione-like). Lower levels of Ni ions (pNi>10.0) significantly promoted the growth of P. donghaiense Lu when incubated in urea; however, the same was not true for P. donghaiense Lu cultivated in ammonium. An increased presence of hydrophobic fractions and thiol compounds (cysteine-like or glutathione-like compounds) induced by low Ni ions (pNi>10.0) in urea cultures suggest that the activation of cellular mechanisms in response to insufficient Ni ion stress enhances Ni bioavailability. Furthermore, the abundance of carbohydrates and proteins released by cells when exposed to higher Ni ions levels (from pNi = 10.0 to pNi = 8.0) both in urea and ammonium cultures suggests that algal cells may utilize exudate to complex Ni cations and reduce their toxicity. Therefore, it can be speculated that phytoplankton can produce large amounts of specific exudate, which may accelerate the metal bioavailability (insufficient levels) and reduce metal toxicity (excess levels) to maintain an equilibrium with metals in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional energy pile (solid energy pile) has been implemented for decades. However, the design of different kinds of energy piles is still not well understood. In this study, a series of model tests were performed on an aluminum pipe energy pile (PEP) in dry sandy soil to investigate the thermal effects on the mechanical behaviors of pipe energy pile. The thermal responses of the PEP were also analyzed. Steady temperatures of the PEP under different working conditions were also compared with that of the solid energy pile. Different loading tests were carried out on four pipe energy piles under three different temperatures of 5, 35, and 50°C, respectively. The bearing capacity change can be interpreted through the load-displacement curves. Experiment results were also compared with the solid energy pile to evaluate bearing capacities of the PEP and the solid energy pile under different temperature conditions. The mobilized shaft resistance was also calculated and compared with the solid energy pile data and the results show that the PEP has a similar load transfer mechanism with the solid energy pile. It could also be found that, for PEPs under working load, plastic displacement would appear after a whole heating cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the residential mobility of China’s rural–urban migrants in light of evidence from Yangzhou, a medium-sized city in Jiangsu province. To evaluate the effects of forced moves induced by demolition-led redevelopment, these outcomes are compared to those of voluntary moves. The evaluation is specifically concerned with dwelling attributes and location characteristics. Dwelling attributes consist of tenure and housing facilities, while commuting distance, distance to the city centre and the length of a child’s trip to school comprise the location characteristics. Logistic regression of data from a 2012–2013 survey shows that a voluntary relocation and the intention to move prior to notification of intended demolition are likely to result in positive outcomes. The migrants’ relocation strategy involves making a trade-off between better dwelling attributes and a better location. When housing improvement is their major concern, they tend to move to peripheral areas. However, it seems that children’s educational opportunities are being factored into the trade-off. In that case, migrants purchase an apartment in a specific school district or at least move closer to it. For the sake of their children, they relegate other motives to second place. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Key points: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) from murine colonic muscles express genes encoding inwardly rectifying K+ channels. Transcripts of Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2) were found in colonic ICC. A conductance with properties consistent with Kir2 channels was observed in ICC but not in smooth muscle cells (SMC). Despite expression of gene transcripts, G‐protein gated K+ channel (Kir3) and KATP (Kir6) currents were not resolved in ICC. KATP is a conductance prominent in SMC. Kir2 antagonist caused depolarization of freshly dispersed ICC and colonic smooth muscles, suggesting that this conductance is active under resting conditions in colonic muscles. The conclusion of the present study is that ICC express the Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in colonic muscles. This conductance is most probably a result of heterotetramers of Kir2 gene products, with this regulating resting potentials and the excitability of colonic muscles. Abstract: Membrane potentials of gastrointestinal muscles are important because voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels in smooth muscle cells (SMC) provide the Ca2+ that triggers contraction. Regulation of membrane potential is complicated because SMC are electrically coupled to interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and PDGFRα+ cells. Activation of conductances in any of these cells affects the excitability of the syncytium. We explored the role of inward rectifier K+ conductances in colonic ICC that might contribute to regulation of membrane potential. ICC expressed Kcnj2 (Kir2.1), Kcnj4 (Kir2.3), Kcnj14 (Kir2.4), Kcnj5 (Kir3.4), Kcnj8 (Kir 6.1) and Kcnj11 (Kir6.2). Voltage clamp experiments showed activation of inward current when extracellular K+ ([K+]o) was increased. The current was inwardly rectifying and inhibited by Ba2+ (10 μ m) and ML‐133 (10 μ m). A similar current was not available in SMC. The current activated in ICC by elevated [K+]o was not affected by Tertiapin‐Q. Gβγ, when dialysed into cells, failed to activate a unique, Tertiapin‐Q‐sensitive conductance. Freshly dispersed ICC showed no evidence of functional KATP. Pinacidil failed to activate current and the inward current activated by elevated [K+]o was insensitive to glibenclamide. Under current clamp, ML‐133 caused the depolarization of isolated ICC and also that of cells impaled with microelectrodes in intact muscle strips. These findings show that ICC, when isolated freshly from colonic muscles, expressed a Ba2+‐sensitive, inwardly rectifying K+ conductance. This conductance is most probably a result of the expression of multiple Kir2 family paralogues, and the inwardly rectifying conductance contributes to the regulation of resting potentials and excitability of colonic muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simplified analytical model for determining the critical stress of distortional buckling of lipped channel-sections with stiffened web made from cold-form steel (CFS). Lipped channel-section with stiffened web have been shown to have a distinct advantage in resisting local buckling and are associated with the higher distortional buckling stress, when compared to the channel-section without stiffeners. It is widely used as a substitution for standard channel-section in cold form steel construction applications. In the current work, CFS channel-sections with stiffened web are investigated based on the flange–lip model. In order to determine the stiffness of rotational springs representing the restraining effect of the web to the flange–lip system, the web with different type of stiffeners is modeled as an orthopedic plate. Using the total potential energy principle, the formula for calculating the local buckling stress of the stiffened web considering loading scenarios including a pure compression and a pure bending moment are derived. The stiffness of rotational spring can be obtained. Finally, the prediction of distortional buckling critical stress of lipped channel-section with different type of stiffened webs is carried out, which is shown to be in good agreement with those calculated by the finite strip method (FSM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aim: Obesity impairs leptin‐induced regulation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and synaptogenesis, which has been considered to be associated with the incidence of neuronal degenerative diseases, cognitive decline, and depression. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1), a major bioactive component of ginseng, is known to have an antiobesity effect and improve cognition. This study examined whether Rb1 can improve central leptin effects on BDNF expression and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex during obesity using an in vivo and an in vitro model. Result: Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) chronic treatment improved central leptin sensitivity, leptin‐JAK2‐STAT3 signaling, and leptin‐induced regulation of BDNF expression in the prefrontal cortex of high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. In cultured prefrontal cortical neurons, palmitic acid, the saturated fat, impaired leptin‐induced BDNF expression, reduced the immunoreactivity and mRNA expression of synaptic proteins, and impaired leptin‐induced neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis. Importantly, Rb1 significantly prevented these pernicious effects induced by palmitic acid. Conclusion: These results indicate that Rb1 reverses central leptin resistance and improves leptin‐BDNF‐neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortical neurons. Thus, Rb1 supplementation may be a beneficial avenue to treat obesity‐associated neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) exhibit circadian variation in their neuronal activities. Here, we show that their input synapses undergo daily regulation. We discovered daily variation in the frequencies, but not the peak amplitudes, of miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) for both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. In addition, the changes in the frequencies of mPSCs from glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses were antiphasic: An increase in the glutamatergic mPSC frequency and a decrease in the GABAergic mPSC frequency co-occurred during the dark phase of the light-dark cycle. Through optogenetic stimulation of presynaptic glutamatergic axonal terminals, we demonstrated that the elicited quantal size glutamatergic PSC could evoke action potentials in postsynaptic SCN neurons with higher probability during the light phase than during the dark phase. To investigate whether the intrinsic clock or the light-dark cycle mediates the daily rhythm of input synapses, we examined the mPSCs under light masking and skeleton photoperiod schemes. A prolonged light pulse (3 h) at the beginning of the subjective night suppressed the changes in mPSCs frequencies for both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses; under the skeleton photoperiod, no significant differences were observed in mPSCs frequencies between the subjective day and night. Furthermore, we discovered that the plasticity of these concurrent quantal events occurred primarily in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) neurons. This work provides evidence for light-dependent synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic and GABAergic input synapses of ventral SCN neurons. This concurrent synaptic plasticity could serve as one mechanism for regulating the responsiveness of SCN neurons to the wide range of light input over the day and night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organo-lead perovskite materials as light harvesters have represented a hot field of research on high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. In such cells, the quality of organo-lead perovskite films is most critial to device performance, essentially affected by varying halide composition. Meanwhile, the understanding of formation mechanisms and basic properties of these hybrid perovskites is still ongoing. Herein, we report a one-step solution-processing strategy to investigate the role of precursor in the context of hybrid perovskites, in which the molar ratio of the methylammonium compound and lead salts is closely correlated to the characteristics of the hybrid perovskite films. We investigate the molar ratio dependence of the mixed-halides incorporation of three organolead trihalide perovskite absorbers, CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−a Br a , CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3−a Cl a and CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3−a Cl a , and compare them with three pure (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 , and CH 3 NH 3 PbCl 3 ) perovskites. We find the versatility of the hybrid perovskites affected by excess organic compounds. Specifically, the synergistic effect of the mixed-halides in tuning perovskite composition demonstrated that the different perovskite compositions deserved more in-depth understanding from with the varying of the crystal transformation, morphological framework, thermal decomposition and optical performance of the hybrid perovskites. Moreover, this work provides visual evidence for the design of the mixed halide perovskites based on these hybrids, which paves a way for improvements with selective properties in lead halide perovskite-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We give a numerical simulation of the generation of the magnetic field and the charge-separation signal due to the chiral magnetic effect (CME) — the induction of an electric current by the magnetic field in a parity-odd matter — in the collisions of isobaric nuclei, 96 44 Ru + 96 44 Ru and 96 40 Zr + 96 40 Zr, at s NN = 200 GeV . We show that such collisions provide an ideal tool to disentangle the CME signal from the possible elliptic-flow driven background effects. We also discuss some other effects that can be tested by using the isobaric collisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite-time controllers are proposed in this paper for underactuated spacecraft hovering in the absence of the radial or in-track thrust. The indirect method, which is generally adopted to solve the singularity problem in the conventional terminal sliding mode, is modified to ensure the continuity of the high-order time derivative of the sliding surface at the switch points. Rigorous proofs via the Lyapunov-based approaches verify the finite-time stability of the closed-loop system. By comparisons with the asymptotic controllers, the advantages of the finite-time ones in faster convergence rate and enhanced control precision have also been substantiated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The forming temperature of cross-wedge rolling (CWR) usually ranges from 950 to 1150 °C, but reducing the forming temperature has some advantages. This paper presents a comprehensive study of warm and hot cross-wedge rolling by using high-strength bolts as a case. Numerical simulation and experimental trials were conducted to make a detailed comparison of warm and hot cross-wedge rolling. Forming quality, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the rolled rods were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile testing. The results show that the rolling force and torque of warm cross-wedge rolling (WCWR) are more than three times greater than those of hot cross-wedge rolling (HCWR), and the workpiece rolled by WCWR shows more pit and stacking defects but fewer central cavities. The dispersing spheroidized cementite on ferrite matrix generated in WCWR results in decreased hardness and tensile strength of the rolled rods and a significant increase of elongation, which improves subsequent machinability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate isometric extension problem in general normed space. We prove that an isometry between spheres can be extended to a linear isometry between the spaces if and only if the natural positive homogeneous extension is additive on spheres. Moreover, this conclusion still holds provided that the additivity holds on a restricted domain of spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the effects of residential relocation on China’s rural–urban migrants’ social networks in light of evidence from Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. Our study contrasts voluntary moves with forced moves driven by demolition-led redevelopment of urban villages. Based on data from a survey conducted between 2012 and 2013, the regression analysis shows that voluntarily relocated migrants are more likely than forced movers to use phone/computer to contact their former neighbours, and communication technology allows them to maintain the frequency of their contact. Furthermore, when moving to a gated neighbourhood, voluntary movers are more likely than forced movers to participate in public activities, to have more contact with new neighbours and thereby to get more help from the residents’ committee and new neighbours. The results suggest that forced moves have negative effects on migrants’ social networks in the neighbourhood and that the demolition-led redevelopment programmes do not promote the migrants’ integration in the city. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper investigates the output feedback control problem of underactuated spacecraft hovering in circular orbits subject to unmatched disturbances and input saturation. Two underactuated cases without either the radial or in-track thrust are considered. Besides the unavailability of velocity information, the simultaneous loss of velocity measurements and thrust also gives rise to unknown system parameters, a problem not observed in fully-actuated hovering control. To address the lack of velocity measurements, a filter is designed to generate velocity signals. An augmented system is then proposed to deal with the input saturation. By using the inherent coupling of system states, the adaptive backstepping technique is then adopted to estimate the resulting unknown system parameter and design the velocity-free underactuated controller for either case. A Lyapunov-based approach is utilized to prove the stability of the overall closed-loop system, which indicates that all state errors, parameter and velocity estimation errors are asymptotically convergent in the absence of disturbances; and are uniformly ultimately bounded in the presence of disturbances. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results of a computational study of oxy-fuel spray jet flames. An experimental database on flames of ethanol burning in a coflow of a O 2 –CO 2 mixture, created at CORIA (Rouen, France), is used for model validation (Cléon et al., 2015). Depending on the coflow composition and velocity the flames in these experiments start at nozzle (type A), just above the tip of the liquid sheet (type B) or are lifted (type C) and the challenge is to predict their structure and the transitions between them. The two-phase flow field is solved with an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach, with gas phase turbulence solved by Large Eddy Simulation (LES). The turbulence-chemistry interaction is accounted for using the Flamelet Generated Manifolds (FGM) method. The primary breakup process of the liquid fuel is neglected in the current study; instead droplets are directly injected at the location of the atomizer exit at the boundary of the simulation domain. It is found that for the type C flame, which is stabilized far downstream the dense region, some major features are successfully captured, e.g. the gas phase velocity field and flame structure. The flame lift-off height of type B flame is over-predicted. The type A flame, where the flame stabilizes inside the liquid sheet, cannot be described well by the current simulation model. A detailed analysis of the droplet properties along Lagrangian tracks has been carried out in order to explain the predicted flame structure and discuss the agreement with experiment. This analysis shows that differences in predicted flame structure are well-explained by the combined effects of droplet heating, dispersion and evaporation as function of droplet size. It is concluded that a possible reason for the difficulty to predict the type A and B flames is that strong atomization-combustion interaction exists in these flames, modifying the droplet formation process. This suggests that atomization-combustion interaction should be taken into account in future study of these flame types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the collision-free distributed coordination control of six-DOF spacecraft formation flying. Dual quaternions are used to develop the kinematic and dynamic models of relative translational and rotational motion between spacecraft. By assuming that the reference relative orbit and attitude information is only available to a subset of members in formation, an observer is introduced to estimate the reference information in finite time. With the estimates provided by the observer, a sliding mode controller is then designed for the coordination of six-DOF formation flying. Meanwhile, the artificial potential function method is employed to design evasive maneuvers in case of any collisions during orbital maneuvering. The overall stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed by a Lyapunov-based method. The feasibility of the proposed control scheme is then demonstrated by a typical formation reconfiguration mission in a low Earth orbit environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the inherent coupling of system states, backstepping controllers are designed for underactuated spacecraft hovering without either the radial or in-track thrust and in the presence of input saturation and unmatched disturbances. Feasible hovering positions for either saturated underactuated case are derived. A Lyapunov-based approach is used to prove the asymptotical convergence of state errors and system robustness against unmatched disturbances. The validity of theoretical analysis is verified by simulations in a J2 -perturbed environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Principle of Maximum Conformality (PMC), which generalizes the conventional Gell-Mann-Low method for scale-setting in perturbative QED to non-Abelian QCD, provides a rigorous method for achieving unambiguous scheme-independent, fixed-order predictions for physical observables consistent with the principles of the renormalization group. In addition to the original multi-scale-setting approach (PMCm), two variations of the PMC have been proposed to deal with ambiguities associated with the uncalculated higher order terms in the pQCD series, i.e. the single-scale-setting approach (PMCs) and the procedures based on "intrinsic conformality" (PMC ∞). In this paper, we will give a detailed comparison of these PMC approaches by comparing their predictions for three important quantities R e + e − , R τ , and Γ (H → b b ¯) up to four-loop pQCD corrections. The PMCs approach determines an overall effective running coupling α s (Q) by the recursive use of the renormalization group equation, whose argument Q represents the actual momentum flow of the process. Our numerical results show that the PMCs method, which involves a somewhat simpler analysis, can serve as a reliable substitute for the full multi-scale PMCm method, and that it leads to more precise pQCD predictions with small residual scale dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), a class of molecules that are widespread in our environment, may adversely affect the endocrine system. Exploring the interactions between these compounds and their potential targets is important for assessing their role in the organism. Focused on the human estrogen-related receptor γ (hERRγ) with BPA, BPB, HPTE, BPE, BP(2,2)(Et), and BP(2,2)(MeO) complexes, respectively, we groped for the mechanisms of conformational changes and interactions of hERRγ when binding to these six EEDs by combining multiple molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with energy prediction (MM-PBSA and solvated interaction energy (SIE)). Dynamics analysis results revealed these six EEDs have different effects on the internal dynamics of hERRγ, resulting in significant changes in the interaction of key residues around Leu268, Val313, Leu345, and Phe435 with EEDs, and thus affected its binding energy with these EEDs. The energy calculations further demonstrated that van der Waals interactions are critical for these EEDs binding to hERRγ. These results present detailed molecular insight into the interaction features between EEDs and hERRγ and help guide the search for safer alternatives to BPA. [Display omitted] • Multiple MD Simulations Unveil the conformational dynamics between hERRγ and EED. • MMPBSA and SIE predict the binding mechanism between hERRγ and six EED. • BPA, BPB, HPTE, BPE BPEt, and BPMeO exert different impacts on internal dynamics of hERRγ. • Residues Leu268, Val313, Leu345, and Phe435 play critical roles in binding to EED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of uranium as a hydrogen storage material has attracted much attention. Herein, the hydrogen absorption properties of depleted uranium in impure hydrogen containing He, Ar, CH 4 , N 2 , CO, CO 2 and O 2 were studied by PVT method and XPS analysis. When these impurity gases were mixed in H 2 at low concentrations (0.1%∼1.5%), their behavior can be classified into three categories. The He, CH 4 and Ar were chemically inert to the activated uranium powder under room condition. These three gases inhibited the absorption kinetics during the whole stage by hindering the diffusion of H 2 molecules, showing a blanketing effect. The N 2 and O 2 did not affect the absorption kinetics but reduced the capacity by forming nitrides and oxides. The poisoning effect of N 2 was weaker than that of O 2. The CO and CO 2 not only affected the hydrogen absorption capacity, but also strongly inhibited the absorption kinetics. These two gases are chemically adsorbed on the uranium surface to form passivation layers, thus inhibiting the adsorption and dissociation of H 2 molecules and the diffusion of H atoms. The poisoning and retardation effect of CO 2 were much stronger than that of CO. The above conclusions are important to further study the reactivity of mixed gas with uranium, and can also be used as a reference for other hydrogen storage systems. [Display omitted] • The absorption of impure hydrogen by uranium was investigated. • Seven common impurity gases correspond to three kinds of mechanisms. • Blanketing effect inhibits the dynamics process. (He, CH 4 , Ar). • Poisoning effect reduces the hydrogen absorption capacity. (N 2 , O 2). • CO and CO 2 show poisoning & retardation effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are an important research object for surveying, mapping, cartography, space science, and ecological remote sensing. Automatic mountain segmentation is one of the most critical techniques in large-scale mountain analyses. However, several factors limit the segmentation accuracy, such as the complexity of mountains, the noise of geospatial data, and the confusion in distinguishing non-mountainous objects with similar features. In order to improve the accuracy of mountain segmentation against these limiting factors, we impose the cloth constraint over the digital elevation model (DEM) with the underlying assumption that the mountain has a sizeable relative elevation and slope. We propose a robust mountain segmentation method with the cloth simulation constraint. The core algorithm extracts the relative elevation of the region using a cloth simulation filtering algorithm by transforming the mountain segmentation problem into an optimization problem based on the global energy function consisting of the relative elevation and slope. Experiments on a wide range of Earth and lunar elevation datasets with some of the aforementioned limitations show that the proposed method can extract complex mountain baselines, avoid the misclassification of lunar craters, and significantly improve the robustness and accuracy of mountain segmentation. Compared to three state-of-the-art methods (the Lunar Mountain Detection Method, the Landform Mask Method in SNAP™ from European Space Agency (located in Paris, France), and the Multiscale Segmentation Method in eCognition™ from Definiens Imaging (located in Munich, Germany), the F1 and IoU improved by 14.70% and 20.46% on average and 29.07% and 38.94% at most, respectively, which validates that the proposed method has a better all-around performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creativity is important for a group's success, and thus, groups often demand that their members contribute creativity by setting up group goals. Group goal external regulation arises when individual members feel that their behavior is externally initiated and enforced. While research from the self-determination perspective suggests that such external regulation undermines creativity, emerging research also suggests the opposite: external regulation has motivational functions boosting creativity. To integrate these seemingly contradictory perspectives, we developed a contingency model (based on social dilemma theory) to explain the impacts of group goal external regulation. Specifically, conceiving creativity in the individual-group context of multiple goals, we suggest that group goal external regulation can prompt or hinder individual member creativity, depending on their individual goal progress ("concern for me") and group identification ("concern for us"). We found support from two studies that when group identification is high, individuals demonstrate higher levels of creativity, irrespective of their individual goal progress and group goal external regulation experienced. When group identification is low, individuals demonstrate more contingent responses—that is, external regulation is positively (negatively) related to individual member creativity when their individual goal progress is poor (good). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate measurement of the junction temperature Tj is crucial for ensuring safe operation and evaluating the performance of silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). In this paper, the junction temperature of a half-bridge is monitored by combining transient voltage and current peaks across the lower device. Both theoretical analysis and switch tests validate that the peak induced voltage and peak reversed current during the commutation transient exhibit a linear relationship with the temperature of the corresponding devices. The impact of load current and bus voltage on the measurement results is also investigated. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by carrying out tests at different temperatures, and the feasibility of online implementation is discussed. The experimental results show that the proposed method has high linearity and sensitivity and can simultaneously provide temperature information for both devices of a half-bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the central question of this study? The present study investigated the relationship between H2S and NO in regulation of gastric fundus tension., What is the main finding and its importance? Endogenous or exogenous H2S and NO have opposite effects on fundus tension, and H2S-induced gastric fundus tension enhancements are mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. These results are very important in exploring the mechanism of physiological accommodation and accommodation disorder., Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is considered a new gasotransmitter, along with NO and CO. It was recently confirmed that H2S and NO play important roles in the regulation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle tension. The present study was designed to elucidate the interactions between H2S and NO with respect to the regulation of gastric fundus smooth muscle tension using Western blotting, physiological and electrochemical techniques. Real-time H2S and NO generation was detected in gastric smooth muscle tissue. NaHS, an H2S donor, enhanced fundus smooth muscle tension, whereas SNP, an NO donor, decreased fundus smooth muscle tension in a dose-dependent manner. NaHS-induced increases in fundus smooth muscle tension were suppressed by l-NAME, an NO synthase inhibitor. Aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), a cystathionine β-synthase inhibitor, exerted inhibitory effects on fundus smooth muscle tension; these effects were also suppressed by l-NAME. Real-time NO generation was significantly potentiated by AOAA. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly inhibited by NaHS. LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, blocked these NaHS-mediated effects. However, eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473 were significantly potentiated by AOAA. Cystathionine β-synthase siRNA interference significantly increased eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 and Akt phosphorylation at serine 308 and threonine 473. Cystathionine β-synthase siRNA interference also increased total eNOS protein expression levels but did not significantly change total Akt kinase protein expression levels. These results suggest that H2S-induced enhancement of gastric fundus tension is mediated by inhibition of NO generation through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient removal and microbial response during the treatment of antibiotics-enriched swine wastewater by vertical flow constructed wetlands with different water flow directions and substrates. Better NH 4 -N and TN removal were achieved in down-flow and up-flow treatments, respectively. The concentrations of all the chemical properties including oxytetracycline (OTC), difloxacin (DIF), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), nitrite/nitrate, sulphate and total organic carbon (TOC) in down-flow treatment soils were significantly higher than those in up-flow treatments on day 30, 60 and 90 (p < 0.05). Bacterial α-diversity indices in soils were negatively correlated with the concentrations of OTC, DIF, Cu and Zn significantly (p < 0.05). Among experimental factors, substrate type significantly contributed to variation of bacterial communities in waters, while water flow direction and sampling time significantly contributed to those in soils (p < 0.01). Among environmental factors, OTC + DIF, Cu + Zn, nitrate/nitrite and sulphate significantly contributed to variation of bacterial communities in soils (p < 0.05). The taxonomy assignment indicated that antibiotics accumulation in soils promoted the growth of 19 dominant genera, including several antibiotic-resistant or degrading bacteria, which however were generally not dominant in effluents. In addition, although the TN and NH 4 -N removals were reduced when antibiotic concentrations in soils increased, the available community data cannot strongly support the inhibition effect of antibiotics on nitrogen transformation. Further assessment found that some dominant genera in water samples and those enriched under the stress of antibiotics in soils tended to increase their abundances in the effluents of oyster shell-based CWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the long-term performance of a typical CANDU® 1 ®Registered trademark of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) used under exclusive license by Candu Energy Inc., a Member of the SNC-Lavalin Group. 1 containment structure. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model was built to realistically evaluate the performance of the structure under service load as well as a hypothetical beyond-design level internal pressure. Consideration is given to the time-dependent effects, such as shrinkage, creep, and relaxation of prestressing tendons, over a 60-year timeframe. In addition, the sensitivity of the response of the containment structure against support condition, internal temperature profile and temporary construction openings was also investigated. The accuracy of the numerical model was validated against structural measurements made during a routine leak rate test. The analysis results show that the containment structure would develop a ductile mechanism if the internal pressure significantly exceeded the design pressure. The pressure-deformation relationship of the structure is sensitive to the considered time-dependent parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various scientific studies have investigated the causal link between solar activity (SS) and the earth’s temperature (GT). Results from literature indicate that both the detected structural breaks and existing trend have significant effects on the causality detection outcomes. In this paper, we make a contribution to this literature by evaluating and comparing seven trend extraction methods covering various aspects of trend extraction studies to date. In addition, we extend previous work by using Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM) - an advanced non-parametric causality detection technique to provide evidence on the effect of existing trend in global temperature on the causality detection outcome. This paper illustrates the use of a method to find the most reliable trend extraction approach for data preprocessing, as well as provides detailed analyses of the causality detection of each component by this approach to achieve a better understanding of the causal link between SS and GT. Furthermore, the corresponding CCM results indicate increasing significance of causal effect from SS to GT since 1880 to recent years, which provide solid evidences that may contribute on explaining the escalating global tendency of warming up recent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underactuated collision-free controllers are proposed in this paper for multiple spacecraft formation reconfiguration in circular orbits with the loss of either the radial or in-track thrust. A nonlinear dynamical model of underactuated formation flying is introduced, which is then linearized about circular orbits for controllability and feasibility analyses on underactuated formation reconfiguration. By using the inherent dynamics coupling of system states, reduced-order sliding mode controllers are then designed for either case to indirectly stabilize the system trajectories to the desired formations. In consideration of the collision-avoidance requirement, the artificial potential function method is then employed to design novel underactuated collision-avoidance maneuvers. Rigorous proof substantiates the capabilities of such maneuvers in preventing collisions even in the absence of radial or in-track thrust. Furthermore, a Lyapunov-based analysis ensures the asymptotic stability of the overall closed-loop system. Numerical simulations are performed in a J 2 -perturbed environment to verify the validity of the proposed underactuated control schemes for collision-free reconfiguration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly crystalline methylammonium lead halides (MALHs) perovskite has large carrier diffusion length and thus minimal charge loss within the MALHs layers. But the charge extraction from the perovskite to the charge extraction layers can be significantly influenced by the interfacial contact. Since the fast-crystalized MALHs usually have a rough surface with numerous trap-states and crystal grain boundaries near the top surface, which will deteriorate the electrical coherence and physical contact with the top electron extraction layer (EEL) in the conventional device structure. In this study, we introduced an ionic liquid methyltrioctylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate (MATS) to passivate the traps and boundaries at the interface of the i-n junction. The photoluminance results demonstrated an improved electron extraction upon the MATS surface treatment. And the impedance measurements also showed a reduced charge transfer resistance within the MATS treated device. Consequently, the conventional planar heterojunction solar cells based on the MALHs perovskite treated by MATS, showed an enhanced device efficiency of 16.10%. Moreover, after heating at elevated temperatures under 2 V forward bias and cooling down to room temperature, we found the MATS modified solar cell devices exhibit a further efficiency improvement to 17.51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lorentz force acting on an electrostatically charged spacecraft provides a new means of propulsion for orbital maneuvers such as Lorentz-augmented spacecraft formation flying. Modeling the Earth's magnetic field as a tilted dipole corotating with Earth, a nonlinear dynamical model that describes the orbital motion of a Lorentz spacecraft about an arbitrary elliptic orbit is developed. Then, the optimal open-loop control trajectories of formation establishment are solved by the pseudospectral method. To guarantee trajectory tracking in the presence of external perturbations and system uncertainties, a closed-loop neural network-based adaptive second order fast terminal sliding mode controller is designed using state feedback, which simultaneously solves the singularity and chattering problems that generally exist in conventional terminal sliding mode. Neural networks are employed to approximate the unknown nonlinearities in the system dynamics. Meanwhile, to ensure closed-loop tracking control without velocity measurements, an output feedback controller is also proposed with an observer introduced to capture the velocity signals. The overall stabilities for both control schemes are proved by a Lyapunov-based method. Numerical simulations are presented to verify the performance of the proposed controllers. Furthermore, the controllers could be applied to other Lorentz-augmented relative orbital control problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile liquid phase deposition (LPD) method was developed to prepare the SnO 2 -TiO 2 bilayer composite films in this paper. The phase structure, surface morphology, and chemical composition of the as-prepared films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. It was observed that, the underlying TiO 2 film consisted of nanorods and showed an acicular surface morphology, whereas the outer SnO 2 layer consisted of tiny SnO 2 nanosheets and exhibited a network-like surface morphology. The XPS results confirmed that the as-prepared LPD-derived SnO 2 -TiO 2 composite films were co-doped with nitrogen and fluorine. Moreover, the photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that a typical n-type photoeffect were observed for the as-prepared LPD-derived films when illuminated by light. It was also found that, the photoelectrochemical performances of the SnO 2 -TiO 2 bilayer composite films prepared with 0.1 M and 0.002 M (NH 4 ) 2 TiF 6 solutions could be relatively enhanced than that of the TiO 2 monolayer films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in constructed wetlands has received more concerns recently. This study aimed to assess the influence of hydraulic flow direction (down-flow or up-flow) and substrate type (brick rubble or oyster shell) on removal of antibiotics and ARGs from swine wastewater. For antibiotic removal, all of treatments can remove more than 84% of oxytetracycline and difloxacin during two stages of operation. Brick-based columns had stronger antibiotic removal capacity due to properties of brick, including large porosity and micropore size and 32% of Fe 2 O 3 . The surface soils tended to adsorb much more oxytetracycline than difloxacin, as was opposite to brick and oyster shell. For ARGs removal, the removal efficiencies of tetracycline-resistance genes ( tet ) and integrase gene of Class 1 integrons ranged from 33.2 to 99.1%, without significant difference among treatments (p > 0.05). However, most of ∑ tet relative abundances in effluents of up-flow treatments were higher than those in influents, which indicated a risk to release relatively more antibiotic-resistant bacteria in proportion to total bacteria into environment. Significantly correlated with antibiotic concentrations, ARGs relative abundances in surface soils increased as the time progressed for all the treatments. Our results demonstrate that antibiotic removal using constructed wetlands is greatly affected by substrate type, whereas variation of ARG relative abundances in effluents and soils are determined by hydraulic flow direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Brønsted acid controlled Diels-Alder reaction of 3-vinylchromones with arynes has been developed. By employing different kinds and amounts of acid, 9-aryl-9 H -xanthen-9-ols or ortho -hydroxybenzophenones could be controllably furnished in good yields in an atom- and step-economic manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen nutrients and nickel(Ni) are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, and they are important for primary production of ocean ecosystem. This study examined the interaction of nitrogen nutrients (specifically urea and nitrate) and Ni on chlorophyll (Chl a ) concentration and photosynthesis parameters values of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Skeletonema costatum . The data presented here indicate that low concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum can enhance both Chl a concentration and photosynthesis parameters values when grown in urea containing environment. Despite this increase there was also an observed depression in both species tested when incubated in high concentration of Ni for P. donghaiense and S. costatum regardless of incubating in urea or nitrate. Additionally, EC 50 values of Chl a and Fv/Fm for Ni at different time intervals were calculated in this study. These observations indicated that the Ni tolerance was higher in P. donghaiense as compared to S. costatum . The Ni tolerance of P. donghaiense incubated in urea was higher than that incubating in nitrate. The same phenomenon was not observed in S. costatum , which indicated that the influence of urea was dependent on the species investigated. Thus, urea input could impact Ni bioavailability and toxicity, and then affect the biodynamics thereafter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) with single layer was moderately reduced at 200 °C for 4 h under N 2 . Then the moderately reduced graphene oxide (rGO) water solution was employed as an additive to tune the properties of conventional poly(ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) solution. It's found that the incorporation of rGO into PEDOT:PSS nearly did not change its transparency, hydrophilic property, or the surface roughness. So, the rGO/PEDOT:PSS composite was used as a hole transport layer (HTL) to fabricate perovskite solar cells (PSCs). As a result, PSCs with rGO/PEDOT:PSS as HTL exhibit improved power conversion efficiency than that of PSCs with PEDOT:PSS as HTL. Our findings show that moderately reduced rGO/PEDOT:PSS could be an efficient HTL to improve power conversion efficiency of PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is pathognomonically elevated in patients with POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes) syndrome. However, its source of overproduction is unclear. As clinical improvement is almost always associated with VEGF reduction after anti-plasma cell therapy, its increase at diagnosis has been attributed to the underlying monoclonal gammopathy, although direct evidence is still lacking. In the current study, we systemically measured VEGF levels in POEMS patients, before and after treatment. Bone marrow plasma cells showed remarkable VEGF expression, in both mRNA and protein levels, which decreased gradually in response to therapy. Of note, statistically linear correlations were observed between serum and bone marrow plasma cell VEGF levels (mRNA vs . serum, rho 0.343, p = 0.003; protein vs . serum, rho 0.644, p < 0.0001), supporting bone marrow plasma cells as the main source of circulating VEGF. Intriguingly, immunophenotyping revealed that bone marrow plasma cells were polyclonal in most patients at diagnosis. A clear monoclonal population, coexistent with polytypic cells, was only detectable in 11 cases (18%), in which comparable intracellular VEGF expression was observed between these two plasma cell populations ( p = 0.594), while monoclonal cells showed higher intracellular interleukin-6 expression ( p = 0.006). These patients had more serum monoclonal protein, less post-therapeutic complete remission, and inferior overall ( p = 0.027) and progression-free survival ( p = 0.002). Collectively, bone marrow plasma cells, mainly polyclonal population, are the major source of VEGF overproduction in POEMS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper, Gupta et al., (2015), analyzed whether sunspot numbers cause global temperatures based on monthly data covering the period 1880:1–2013:9. The authors find that standard time domain Granger causality test fails to reject the null hypothesis that sunspot numbers do not cause global temperatures for both full and sub-samples, namely 1880:1–1936:2, ​1936:3–1986:11 and 1986:12–2013:9 (identified based on tests of structural breaks). However, frequency domain causality test detects predictability for the full-sample at short (2–2.6 months) cycle lengths, but not the sub-samples. But since, full-sample causality cannot be relied upon due to structural breaks, Gupta et al., (2015) conclude that the evidence of causality running from sunspot numbers to global temperatures is weak and inconclusive. Given the importance of the issue of global warming, our current paper aims to revisit this issue of whether sunspot numbers cause global temperatures, using the same data set and sub-samples used by Gupta et al., (2015), based on an nonparametric Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA)-based causality test. Based on this test, we however, show that sunspot numbers have predictive ability for global temperatures for the three sub-samples, over and above the full-sample. Thus, generally speaking, our non-parametric SSA-based causality test outperformed both time domain and frequency domain causality tests and highlighted that sunspot numbers have always been important in predicting global temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins are glycosides with triterpenoid or spirostane aglycones that demonstrate various pharmacological effects against mammalian diseases. To promote the research and development of anticancer agents from saponins, this review focuses on the anticancer properties of several typical naturally derived triterpenoid saponins (ginsenosides and saikosaponins) and steroid saponins (dioscin, polyphyllin, and timosaponin) isolated from Chinese medicines. These saponins exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects, such as anti-proliferation, anti-metastasis, anti-angiogenesis, anti-multidrug resistance, and autophagy regulation actions. In addition, related signaling pathways and target proteins involved in the anticancer effects of saponins are also summarized in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-fat (HF) diet modulates gut microbiota and increases plasma concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) which is associated with obesity and its related low-grade inflammation and cognitive decline. Rhein is the main ingredient of the rhubarb plant which has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent for several millennia. However, the potential effects of rhein against HF diet-induced obesity and its associated alteration of gut microbiota, inflammation and cognitive decline have not been studied. In this study, C57BL/6J male mice were fed an HF diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity, and then treated with oral rhein (120 mg/kg body weight/day in HF diet) for a further 6 weeks. Chronic rhein treatment prevented the HF diet-induced recognition memory impairment assessed by the novel object recognition test, neuroinflammation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) deficits in the perirhinal cortex. Furthermore, rhein inhibited the HF diet-induced increased plasma LPS level and the proinflammatory macrophage accumulation in the colon and alteration of microbiota, including decreasing Bacteroides-Prevotella spp. and Desulfovibrios spp. DNA and increasing Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. DNA. Moreover, rhein also reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance in HF diet-induced obese mice. In conclusion, rhein improved recognition memory and prevented obesity in mice on a chronic HF diet. These beneficial effects occur via the modulation of microbiota, hypoendotoxinemia, inhibition of macrophage accumulation, anti-neuroinflammation and the improvement of BDNF expression. Therefore, supplementation with rhein-enriched food or herbal medicine could be beneficial as a preventive strategy for chronic HF diet-induced cognitive decline, microbiota alteration and neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycosylation of monolignols has been found to be widespread in land plants since the 1970s. However, whether monolignol glycosylation is crucial for cell wall lignification and how it exerts effects are still unknown. Here, we report the identification of a mutant ugt72b1 showing aggravated and ectopic lignification in floral stems along with arrested growth and anthocyanin accumulation. Histochemical assays and thioacidolysis analysis confirmed the enhanced lignification and increased lignin biosynthesis in the ugt72b1 mutant. The loss of UDP-glycosyltransferase UGT72B1 function was responsible for the lignification phenotype, as demonstrated by complementation experiments. Enzyme activity analysis indicated that UGT72B1 could catalyze the glucose conjugation of monolignols, especially coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde, which was confirmed by analyzing monolignol glucosides of UGT72B1 transgenic plants. Furthermore, the UGT72B1 gene was strongly expressed in young stem tissues, especially xylem tissues. However, UGT72B1 paralogs, such as UGT72B2 and UGT72B3, had weak enzyme activity toward monolignols and weak expression in stem tissues. Transcriptomic profiling showed that UGT72B1 knockout resulted in extensively increased transcript levels of genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis, lignin polymerization and cell wall-related transcription factors, which was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR assays. These results provided evidence that monolignol glucosylation catalyzed by UGT72B1 was essential for normal cell wall lignification, thus offering insight into the molecular mechanism of cell wall development and cell wall lignification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes the output feedback control schemes for underactuated spacecraft hovering without either the radial or the in-track thrust. In contrast to the conventional fully actuated output feedback hovering control that only lacks velocity signals, a new problem is observed in the underactuated case that the simultaneous loss of velocity measurements and thrust does not only result in the loss of velocity information but also gives rise to unknown system parameters’ effects. Furthermore, due to the loss of thrust, the disturbances turn into unmatched ones. To achieve velocity-free hovering control for the underactuated cases, a novel adaptive reduced-order observer is first proposed for the purpose of velocity and parameter estimation. With the estimates provided by the observer, an output feedback controller is then designed by using the inherent coupling of system states. The asymptotic stability of the overall closed-loop system for either case is guaranteed by a Lyapunov-based method. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed controllers for hovering perturbed by the unmatched disturbances with the simultaneous loss of velocity measurements and thrust. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Image matching is one of the key technologies for digital Earth. This paper presents a combined image matching method for Chinese satellite images. This method includes the following four steps: (1) a modified Wallis-type filter is proposed to determine parameters adaptively while avoiding over-enhancement; (2) a mismatch detection procedure based on a global-local strategy is introduced to remove outliers generated by the Scale-invariant feature transform algorithm, and geometric orientation with bundle block adjustment is employed to compensate for the systematic errors of the position and attitude observations; (3) we design a novel similarity measure (distance, angle and the Normalized Cross-Correlation similarities, DANCC) which considers geometric similarity and textural similarity; and (4) we introduce a hierarchical matching strategy to refine the matching result level by level. Four typical image pairs acquired from Mapping Satellite-1, ZY-1 02C, ZY-3 and GeoEye-1, respectively, are used for experimental analysis. A comparison with the two current main matching algorithms for satellite imagery confirms that the proposed method is capable of producing reliable and accurate matching results on different terrains from not only Chinese satellite images, but also foreign satellite images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charged liquid droplets are typically generated by a high-voltage power supply. Herein, a previously unreported method is used for charging liquid droplets: by transferring charge from an insulating solid surface charged by contact electrification to the droplets. Charging the solid surface by contact electrification involves bringing it into contact with another solid surface for generating static charge. Subsequently, water droplets that flow across the surface are found to be charged-thus, the charge is readily transferred from solid to liquid. The charge of the droplets can be tuned continuously from positive to negative by varying the way the solid surface is charged. The amount of charge generated is sufficient for manipulating, coalescing, and sorting the water droplets by solid surfaces charged by contact electrification. This method of generating charged droplets is general, simple, inexpensive, and does not need any additional equipment or power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]