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Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. The high rate of recurrence is associated with a low survival rate for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. There is thus an urgent need to identify effective predictive biomarkers of disease recurrence.Methods: A total of 116 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were recruited at Beijing Children's Hospital between February 2015 and December 2017. All patients received multidisciplinary treatment, were evaluated for the therapeutic response, and then initiated on maintenance treatment. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of maintenance treatment, every 3 months thereafter, and at the time of disease recurrence. Plasma levels of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) were quantified by qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of plasma cfDNA concentration to predict recurrence.Results: Of the 116 patients, 36 (31.0%) developed recurrence during maintenance treatment. The median time to recurrence was 19.00, 9.00, and 8.00 months for patients who had achieved complete response (n = 6), partial response (n = 25), and stable disease (n = 5), respectively, after multidisciplinary treatment. The median plasma cfDNA concentration at the time of recurrence was significantly higher than the concentration in recurrence-free patients throughout maintenance treatment (29.34 ng/mL vs 10.32 ng/mL). Patients recorded a plasma cfDNA level ≥ 29 ng/mL an average of 0.55 months before diagnosis of disease recurrence. ROC analysis of the power of plasma cfDNA to distinguish between patients with or without recurrence yielded an area under the curve of 0.825, with optimal sensitivity and specificity of 80.6 and 71.3%, respectively, at a cfDNA level of 12.93 ng/mL.Conclusions: High plasma cfDNA concentration is a potential molecular marker to signal disease recurrence in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2D lead(II) metal–organic framework, namely [PbL(NO3)]n (namely complex 1), was successfully prepared based on 5-aminonicotinic acid (HL) ligand using the solvothermal method. The as-synthesized sample was studied and characterised in detail by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis (C, H and N), powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and luminescent property. Thanks to the solid stability and luminescent property, the as-synthesized sample can be applied and considered as a bifunctional luminescent sensor for selective sensing of nitroaromatic compounds and detecting the temperature. The corresponding Ksv value of picric acid (namely PA) was accurately calculated about 1.1 × 104 M−1; meanwhile, the detection limit of complex 1 for PA can achieve as low as 1.68 × 10−5 mol L−1. Complex 1 also has good stability and recyclability even after four runs. In addition, the luminescent signals of complex 1 shown a good linear with the temperature from 20 to 150 K with R2 = 0.9961. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of species is an important micro process in vacuum discharge equipment. This paper focuses on the investigation into the characteristics of species in a vacuum arc based on modeling and simulation technology. The simulation model in this paper considers that the vacuum arc is multi-species including atoms and ions of various categories and ions of various charge states. The model combines the MHD process and the species transport equation, which enables the acquisition of arc parameters as well as species characteristics. In species transport equations, ionization-recombination and species diffusion are the main factors that influence the distribution of arc species. Ionization-recombination is mainly caused by the collisions between ions and electrons. The species diffusion included the influence of an external body force on the ion species. Through this model, the distribution of ion and atom species can be obtained with and without an external transverse magnetic field (TMF). The simulation results reveal that the rise of the Cr concentration in the CuCr arc leads to the increase in triply charged ions with the electron number density, which weakens the Hall effect and enables the current to be distributed more uniformly at the anode. The lighter ions move faster than heavier ions, which results from the difference of the species distribution. Without the TMF, more ions with a lighter mass gather at the anode center than heavier ions. Under the TMF, the deflection of ions with higher specific charge is more significant. According to the comparison, our simulation is in good agreement with the experimental results from other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different structural (Ti,Al,Si)N coatings were designed and deposited on WC-Co cemented carbide by the technology of multiarc ion plating. Monolayered (Ti,Al,Si)N coating was deposited using cathode of Ti 0. 5 Al 0. 4 Si 0. 1 . Multilayered (Ti,Al)N/ (Ti,Al,Si)N coating and (Ti,Al,Si)N coating with gradual silicon content were deposited using two cathodes of Ti 0. 5 Al 0. 5 and Ti 0. 5 Al 0. 4 Si 0. 1 simultaneously. The surface and cross-section morphology, compositions, and phase structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The dense (Ti,Al,Si)N coatings with droplets on the surface and without obvious columnar structure on the cross-sections were obtained. All coatings had the strong peaks of (200) orientation. The different angular shift occurred with different combination of cathodes and processes. The introduction of multilayered and gradient structure effectively reduced the lattice distortion of coatings. Meanwhile, the coating-substrate adhesion strength increased from 38.57 N to 60.17 N with a coating thickness of approximately 3.5  μ m by scratch tests. The highest hardness of (Ti,Al,Si)N coating obtained in this paper were 3 9. 4 0 ± 0. 6 4  GPa by nanoindentation. The multilayered coating showed better toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the plasma decay process is simulated with a two-dimensional kinetic model. The charged particles including electrons and singly charged copper ions are processed with the particle-in-cell method, and the electric field is solved in cylindrically symmetric coordinates. When the residual magnetic field is not taken into consideration, electrons react to the transient recovery voltage instantaneously, leaving an ion sheath in the vicinity of the postarc cathode where the electric field is significantly enhanced. The sheath expanding velocity increases as the overall plasma density decreases. Charged particles move not only along the axial direction but also toward the shield of the arc chamber. When the shield is at postarc cathode potential, the radial expansion of electrons is reduced, while that of ions is facilitated. In addition, postarc current is higher than that in simulation with the shield at postarc anode potential. These results are consistent with those in previously published works. When the axial magnetic field is applied, electrons rotate around the magnetic lines and instabilities develop, resulting in density fluctuations. Besides that, the postarc current is higher than those in the case without the magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-free La 0.6 Sr 0.4 FeO 3-δ (LSFNb 0) and La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Fe 0.9 Nb 0.1 O 3-δ (LSFNb 0.1) perovskite oxides were prepared by a standard solid-state reaction method. The structural stability and electrochemical performance of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Fe 0.9 Nb 0.1 O 3-δ as both cathode and anode were studied. Nb dopant in LSFNb 0 significantly enhances the structural and chemical stability in anode condition. At 800 °C, the polarization resistances (Rp) of LSFNb 0.1 symmetric electrode based on YSZ electrolyte are 0.5 and 0.05 Ω cm2 in H 2 and air, respectively. The peak power densities of LSFNb 0.1 based on LSGM electrolyte-supported SSOFCs are 934 and 707 mW cm−2 at 850 °C in H 2 (3% H 2 O) and dry CO, respectively. Moreover, the symmetric cell exhibits reasonable stability in both H 2 and CO fuel, suggesting that La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Fe 0.9 Nb 0.1 O 3-δ may be a potential symmetric electrode material for hydrogen and carbon monoxide SOFCs. • The substitution of Nb improves the structural stability of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 FeO 3 in H 2. • The polarization resistances of LSFNb symmetric cells are 0.5 and 0.05 Ω cm2 in H 2 and air, respectively. • The peak power densities of LSFNb symmetric cell are 934 and 707 mW cm−2 at 850 °C in H 2 (3% H 2 O) and dry CO, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) samples were collected at urban and suburban sites in Xi'an City from December 2016 to November 2017. Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with PM 2.5 and PM 10 were analyzed for their seasonal variations, sources, health risks, and influencing factors. The results showed that the annual average concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 111 and 185 μg/m3, respectively, exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of China (35 μg/m3 for PM 2.5 and 70 μg/m3 for PM 10 in Grade II). The annual averages of PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound total PAHs were 63.1 and 66.8 ng/m3, respectively, with a PM 2.5 decrease in the order of winter (115 ng/m3) > > spring (47.6 ng/m3) > summer (33.2 ng/m3) > autumn (30.8 ng/m3) and a PM 10 decrease in the order of winter (127 ng/m3) > > spring (55.6 ng/m3) > autumn (32.6 ng/m3) > summer (30.2 ng/m3). The most abundant PAHs were benzo[ a ]anthracene, benzo[ b ]fluoranthene, and fluoranthene. The PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound PAHs were originated mainly from traffic emissions (51.0% and 43.4%), followed by combustion of biomass (20.4% and 23.6%) and coal (16.8% and 23.1%). Pressure and relative humidity were positively correlated with PM 2.5 and PM 10 as well as PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound PAHs, while temperature, visibility and wind speed had negative correlations. The annual means of TEQs (toxic equivalency quantities) for the 16 PAHs in PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 10.1 and 10.2 ng/m3, respectively, being attributed to 7 carcinogenic PAHs (> 95%). The ECRs (lifetime excess cancer risks) for PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound PAHs were 1.12 × 10−3 and 1.17 × 10−3, i.e., 1125 and 1169 lung cancer cases per million, respectively. The ILCRs (incremental lifetime cancer risks) due to PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound PAHs for adults (1.21 × 10−6 and 1.26 × 10−6) were larger than those for children (2.09 × 10−7 and 2.17 × 10−7), with acceptable carcinogenic risks. The ambient levels of PM and most PM-bound PAHs as well as their TEQs, ECRs and ILCRs exhibited a spatial pattern of the suburban site > the urban site and a seasonality with winter and spring > summer and autumn. The results suggest that it is important to control PM 2.5 and PM 10 for local air quality improvement and special attention should be paid to PM and PM-bound PAHs in suburban areas, particularly in winter and spring. • PM 2.5 - and PM 10 -bound PAHs were investigated in a semi-arid city, Xi'an of China. • PM and PM-bound PAH levels were higher in suburb, particularly in winter and spring. • PM-bound PAHs were dominated by high molecular weight PAHs, i.e., BaA, BbF and Fla. • Meteorological conditions had significant influences on the PM and PM-bound PAHs. • PM-bound PAHs incurred a high lung cancer risk in Xi'an relative to other study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of actuator failure of flexible joint manipulator, adaptive fault-tolerant control for a flexible manipulator with bounded disturbance is proposed, both actuator partial failure and actuator stuck are considered. The control lows are devised by means of the dynamic surface technique, and the bounded disturbance is compensated via the design of robust items. The stability of the control system is guaranteed via the Lyapunov method. The effectiveness of the theoretical schemes is finally verified by two simulation examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2,7-Dibromocarbazole (2,7-DBCB) and 3,6-dibromocarbazole (3,6-DBCB) are emerging environmental pollutants, being potentially high risks to human health. In this study, interactions of the two compounds with human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by molecular modeling, density functional theory calculations (DFT) and multispectral techniques. The static quenching interaction deduced in the fluorescence quenching experiment is confirmed by the time-resolved analyses. The interactions of the two compounds with HSA/BSA induce molecular microenvironment and conformation changes, as assessed by synchronous and 3D fluorescence spectra, together with a destruction of polypeptide carbonyl hydrogen bond network by circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared analyses. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the spontaneous interaction was hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces. The binding constant Ka at 298 K was 3.54 × 105 M−1 in HSA-2,7-DBCB, 6.63 × 105 M−1 in HSA-3,6-DBCB, 1.32 × 105 M−1 in BSA-2,7-DBCB and 2.17 × 105 M−1 in BSA-3,6-DBCB. These results indicates that 3,6-DBCB binds HSA/BSA more strongly than 2,7-DBCB, which was estimated with DFT calculations. Site marker competition experiments coupled with molecular modeling studies confirmed that both compounds bind HSA/BSA at site I (subdomain IIA). The results suggest that interactions between 2,7-DBCB and 3,6-DBCB with HSA and BSA may affect the normal physiological activities in human and animals. Unlabelled Image • 3,6-DBCB binds HSA and BSA stronger than 2,7-DBCB. • 2,7-DBCB and 3,6-DBCB bind HSA and BSA at site I (subdomain IIA). • The bindings changed the microenvironment and conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P2-type Na2/3Co0.25Mn0.705Si0.045O2 (Si-NCM) high-rate cathode was designed by using silicon of the nonmetallic element as dopant and developed by the simple solid-state route for sodium-ion batteries. XRD refinements confirm the P2-type hexagonal structure with space group (SG: P63/mmc), in which Si4+ ions substitute the Mn site of P2-Na2/3Co0.25Mn0.75O2 (NCM) lattice without any impurity phases of Si-related substances. Si-NCM delivers the initial capacity of 144 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with the capacity retention of 80.1% after 100 cycles, and the discharge capacity of 120 mAh g−1 at 1 C with 83.4% retention at 200th cycle. Particularly, excellent capacity retentions of 90.2% after 260 cycles and 85.8% after 500 cycles at 5 C have been achieved. Si-doping can expedite the superior cycle stability of Si-NCM compared to NCM, which is attributed to the more powerful Si–O, TM–O and O–O bonds, more stable occupancy rate in the Nae site of unit cell and particularly ascribed to the reversible two-phase transition of P2–P3–P2 in the process of Na+ extraction and intercalation. Hence, SiO2 as dopant is a novel strategy with regard to the development of high-rate cathode materials for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SF6 has good insulation performance and is widely used in power equipment. But as climate change intensifies, the need for substitute gases is growing. While a lot of research focusing on the insulation performance of substitute gases has been done, little has been focused on their effects on temperature rise, though temperature rise is important for the safe operation of the power equipment. In this article, a 40.5-kV medium-voltage cubic gas-insulator switchgear (C-GIS) is modeled and simulated by the electromagnetic-fluid-temperature multiphysical coupled method. By implementing CFX Expression Language (CEL), the influence of temperature on thermal conductivity, density, viscosity, and specific heat capacity of gas is able to be coupled into the simulations, thus improving the accuracy of the simulations. The airflow and temperature distribution of the C-GIS with SF6 are obtained, and the temperature rise distribution is verified by experimental results. On this basis, simulation studies are conducted to analyze the influence of different filling gases on the temperature rise of the C-GIS. First, the influence of single filling gases including N2, CO2, and pressurized air is analyzed by the simulations. Second, the temperature rise distributions of the C-GIS when filled with a mixture of SF6 and N2 with different proportions of mole fraction are also obtained. By analyzing the changes in temperature rise distribution under different situations, it can be found that the temperature rise with N2, CO2, or pressurized air is relatively high. When the gas mixture is used, the maximum temperature tends to decrease with the increase of SF6 usage. According to the results of this article, it can provide a reference for selecting suitable substitute gas of SF6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium slag contains several critical elements like V, Ti, Cr, Fe and Mn. In our previous work, V and Cr have been enriched by selective chlorination, increasing from 10.05% to 14.95% and 5.84%–8.69% separately. V and Cr still maintain the trivalence state in molten salt. In the current work, the electrodeposition behaviors of V3+ and Cr3+ in NaCl–KCl molten salt at 800 °C were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) with a tungsten electrode. It was found that the reduction processes of V3+ and Cr3+ consist of two steps, M3+/M2+, M2+/M. The diffusion coefficients of V3+ and Cr3+ in NaCl–KCl molten salt were measured by CV. The effect of VCl 3 /CrCl 3 mass ratio on VCr alloy was investigated by a two-electrode under constant voltage. Pure Cr can be obtained at 2.8 V in the NaCl–KCl molten salt, while VCr alloy (3.71 mass % V-94.28 mass% Cr-2.01 mass % O) was obtained when electrolysis voltage was controlled to 2.8 V at 800 °C. The composition of VCr alloy can be designed by changing the molten salt composition. This method can be applied for direct preparation of VCr alloy from vanadium slag, thus offering the use of low cost raw materials with direct environmental benefits. • The main composition of chlorinated vanadium slag were the VCl 3 and CrCl 3. • The electrochemical behaviors of V3+ and Cr3+ in molten salt were investigated. • The diffusion coefficients of V3+ in NaCl–KCl molten salt were 8.72✕10−5 cm2s−1. • The diffusion coefficients of Cr3+ in NaCl–KCl molten salt were 26.5✕10−5 cm2s−1. • Alloys with different ratios of V to Cr were prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the flame-resistant epoxy syntactic foams with different content of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) were prepared by using aluminum diisobutylphosphinate (AlPBu) as flame retardant. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fracture surface of different epoxy syntactic foams showed that AlPBu particles had good compatibility with the matrix due to their similar polarities. And the limiting oxygen index, UL 94 test, cone calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to characterize the flame retardation and thermal behavior of the foams. These results showed that AlPBu improved the flame retardancy of epoxy syntactic foams, while the HGM exhibit a complicated influence on the flame retardation, although both AlPBu and HGM enhanced the char residues and decreased the peak heat release rate as well as the total heat release of composites. In addition, swollen char layers mainly containing the HGM were generated after adding AlPBu. Then, the char residues of the foams after combustion were observed by SEM, and the results were applied to reveal the different fire behaviors of foams with different densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is an emerging anticancer drug target for specific anticancer therapy as a promising approach to overcome drug resistance and promote chemotherapy antitumor efficacy. A series of bromophenol-thiazolylhydrazone hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antitumor activities. Among of them, the most potent compound 3e (EGPI - 1) could inhibit the eIF4E/eIF4G interaction. Further mechanism study demonstrated EGPI - 1 played an antitumor role in multiple modes of action including regulating the activity of eIF4E by inhibiting the phosphorylation of eIF4E and 4EBP1, disrupting mitochondrial function through the mTOR/4EBP1 signaling pathway, and inducing autophagy, apoptosis and ROS generation. Moreover, EGPI - 1 showed good safety and favorable pharmacokinetic properties in vivo. These observations demonstrate that EGPI - 1 may serve as an excellent lead compound for the development of new anticancer drugs that target the eIF4E/eIF4G interface and as a chemical genetic probe to investigate the role of the eIF4E in biological processes and human diseases. Image 1 • A series of bromophenol-thiazolylhydrazone hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activities. • Compound 3e (EGPI - 1) showed eIF4E/eIF4G interaction-inhibitory activity. • EGPI - 1 exhibited excellent anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. • EGPI - 1 played an anticancer role through multiple anticancer mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare visual performance and visual quality outcomes after phacoemulsification with two different clear corneal incision (CCI) distances anterior to the limbus in senile cataract patients. Methods. Retrospective case series. Patients who had undergone phacoemulsification were divided into two groups according to the CCI distances anterior to the limbus. The CCI distances in group A range from 1 mm to 1.5 mm, while those in group B range from 0.5 mm to 1 mm. The visual acuity, refraction, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), corneal aberrations, anterior segment parameters, and subjective vision quality were evaluated. Results. This study enrolled 54 eyes, with 27 eyes per group. Both groups had significant improvement in postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in postoperative UDVA, CDVA, SIA, corneal aberrations, anterior segment parameters, or VF-QOL questionnaire performance (P>0.05). Conclusions. The phacoemulsification with CCI distances ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm is an effective and safe therapy to senile cataract. The CCI distance anterior to the limbus that ranges from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm is recommended for routine phacoemulsification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The secondary cell wall is an important carbon sink in higher plants and its biosynthesis requires coordination of metabolic fluxes in the phenylpropanoid pathway. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), MYB75 and the KNOX transcription factor KNAT7 form functional complexes to regulate secondary cell wall formation in the inflorescence stem. However, the molecular mechanism by which these transcription factors control different branches of the phenylpropanoid pathway remains poorly understood in woody species. We isolated an R2R3‐MYB transcription factor MYB6 from Populus tomentosa and determined that it was expressed predominately in young leaves. Overexpression of MYB6 in transgenic poplar upregulated flavonoid biosynthetic gene expression, resulting in significantly increased accumulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidins. MYB6‐overexpression plants showed reduced secondary cell wall deposition, accompanied by repressed expression of secondary cell wall biosynthetic genes. We further showed that MYB6 interacted physically with KNAT7 and formed functional complexes that acted to repress secondary cell wall development in poplar and Arabidopsis. The results provide an insight into the transcriptional mechanisms involved in the regulation of the metabolic fluxes between the flavonoid and lignin biosynthetic pathways in poplar. Significance Statement: The poplar MYB6 transcription factor is involved in the positive regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis but the inhibition of secondary cell wall formation with KNAT7 repressor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling and numerical simulation is an important tool for the research of the physical mechanisms of the vacuum arc (VA). Compared with the experiments of the VA, numerical simulation is more efficient and economical. Axial magnetic fields (AMFs) are also the most popular control technology in vacuum interrupters and other application fields. First, the model of VA was reviewed from a relatively simple zero-order one to 2-D one, and then a 3-D one, which gives us a more comprehensive understanding of VA. Second, the influence of spatial distribution of magnetic fields on VA behavior is also studied. VA behavior under different commercial AMF contacts was simulated and compared based on 3-D magnetohydro-dynamic model. Influence of the radial slots and magnetic field generated by adjacent phase and bus bar on arc characteristics has been reviewed. Third, the VA modeling with active anode is reviewed and discussed. Anode vapor can cool arc plasma, and leads to changed distribution of current density and plasma parameters. Model and simulation technology of anode activity have also been reviewed in this paper, from 1-D, 2-D, to 3-D, and then the deformation of anode melting pool is considered. Deformation of anode melting pool will make anode temperature more reasonable. Finally, the challenge and research direction of VA modeling is also given and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si), stands out for its abundant resources, eco‐friendliness, affordability, high capacity, and low operating potential, making it a prime candidate for high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Notably, the breakthrough use of nanostructured Si (nSi) has paved the way for the commercialization of Si anodes. Despite this, challenges like high processing costs, severe side reactions, and low volumetric energy density have impeded widespread industrial adoption. Micron‐scale Si (µSi) has always faced setbacks compared to nSi due to its greater volume expansion. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of interest in µSi‐based anodes. Capitalizing on its inherent advantages, including low cost and high tap density, µSi has once again captured the attention of both academic and industrial communities. This review begins by contrasting the strengths and weaknesses of µSi and nSi, then outline potential solutions to enhance µSi performance, covering aspects like structural regulation, composite anodes, binder design, and electrolyte exploration. Additionally, this work explores the application of machine learning‐assisted high‐throughput screening. Concluding the review, this work provides insights into the future prospects of µSi in LIBs, outlining challenges and proposing integrated coping strategies. This review anticipates that it will provide valuable perspectives for the commercial application of high‐energy‐density Si‐based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophrenia, a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, frequently experiences a high rate of misdiagnosis due to subjective symptom assessment. Consequently, there is an urgent need for innovative and objective diagnostic tools. In this study, we used cutting-edge extracellular vesicles' (EVs) proteome profiling and XGBoost-based machine learning to develop new markers and personalized discrimination scores for schizophrenia diagnosis and prediction of treatment response. We analysed plasma and plasma-derived EVs from 343 participants, including 100 individuals with chronic schizophrenia, 34 first-episode and drug-naïve patients, 35 individuals with bipolar disorder, 25 individuals with major depressive disorder and 149 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Our innovative approach uncovered EVs-based complement changes in patients, specific to their disease-type and status. The EV-based biomarkers outperformed their plasma counterparts, accurately distinguishing schizophrenia individuals from healthy controls with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.895, 83.5% accuracy, 85.3% sensitivity and 82.0% specificity. Moreover, they effectively differentiated schizophrenia from bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, with AUCs of 0.966 and 0.893, respectively. The personalized discrimination scores provided a personalized diagnostic index for schizophrenia and exhibited a significant association with patients' antipsychotic treatment response in the follow-up cohort. Overall, our study represents a significant advancement in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders, demonstrating the potential of EV-based biomarkers in guiding personalized diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a magnetohydrodynamic model, a numerical simulation of high-current vacuum arc (HCVA) is carried out. In this model, the kinetic energy terms and ion viscosity terms in energy conservation equations are considered. Compared with the supersonic constricted vacuum arc, the ion flow in HCVA is in the subsonic status. Therefore, boundary conditions of cathode and anode sides have to be adjusted for HCVA. According to the simulation results of HCVA, we can find that the maximal plasma pressure appears near the cathode side. The characteristics of HCVA are significantly different from those of supersonic vacuum arc. Then, we make the comparisons between simulation results and experimental results (such as electron number density, electron temperature, ion temperature, high speed charge-coupled device photographs, and so on). The simulation results are in agreement with the experimental results. In addition, we also analyze the influence of different arc models on the distribution of current density in the anode side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intense infrared absorption band has been observed in a hydrothermally grown ZnO crystal. At 12 K, the band peaks near 3577.3 cm-1 and has a half width of 0.40 cm-1, and at 300 K, the band peaks at 3547 cm-1 and has a half width of 41.3 cm-1. This absorption band is highly polarized, with its maximum intensity occurring when the electric field of the measuring light is parallel to the c axis of the crystal. Photoinduced electron-paramagnetic-resonance experiments show that the crystal contains lithium acceptors (i.e., lithium ions occupying zinc sites). Lithium and OH- ions are present in the crystal because lithium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide are used as solvents during the hydrothermal growth. In the as-grown crystal, some of the lithium acceptors will have an OH- ion located at an adjacent axial oxygen site (to serve as a passivator), and we assign the 3577.3-cm-1 band observed at 12 K to these neutral complexes. Our results illustrate the role of hydrogen as a charge compensator for singly ionized acceptors in ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopies are used to track the temperature dependence of the A exciton energy (E[SUBXA]) in undoped bulk ZnO crystals grown by the seeded-chemical-vapor-transport method. For T>150 K, the edge emission becomes broad as the A exciton recombination and its longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon replica become superimposed. We use PLE to determine the temperature dependence of E[SUBXA] by monitoring the broad green emission commonly observed in as-grown ZnO crystals, and thus have established the energy difference between the E[SUBXA] and PL emission peak energies. The PL emission at 3.26 eV at room temperature is shown to be offset by about 50 meV to lower energy than the actual E[SUBXA] transition. The temperature dependence of the energy difference between the E[SUBXA] and PL peaks is compared)with predictions based on the lineshape function for the E[[SUBXA]- LO recombination. At 300 K, the PL is predominantly composed of E[SUBXA]- LO recombination. Further, the temperature dependence of the E[SUBXA] transition energy can be described using standard expressions and the Debye and Einstein temperatures are found to be 700±30 and 240±5 K, respectively. The slope of the E[SUBXA] versus T curve for ZnO approaches a constant value of De[SUBXA]/Dt=-0.35 meV/K near room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) has been used to investigate molecular nitrogen and isolated nitrogen acceptors in single crystals of ZnO. These samples were grown by the seeded chemical vapor transport method with N[sub 2] added to the gas stream. A five-line EPR spectrum is observed at low temperature in the as-grown bulk crystals and is assigned to N[sup -, sub 2] molecules substituting for oxygen. This structure arises from nearly equal hyperfine interactions with two nitrogen nuclei ([sup 14]N, 99.63% abundant, I = 1). The spin Hamiltonian parameters for the N[sup -, sub 2] center are g[sub ] = 2.0036, g[sub ⊥] = 1.9935, A[sub ⊥] = 9.8 MHz, and A[sub ⊥] = 20.1 MHz, with the unique directions parallel to the c axis. Laser excitation at 9 K, with 325 or 442 nm light, eliminates the N[sup -, sub 2] spectrum (when the N[sup -, sub 2] convert to N[sup 0, sub 2]) and independently introduces the EPR spectrum due to isolated nitrogen acceptors (when N[sup -] acceptors convert to N[sup 0]). Removing the laser light and warming to approximately 100 K restores the crystal to its preilluminated state. In separate experiments, heating between 600 and 800 °C increases the number of N[sup -, sub 2] and N[sup 0] acceptors that can be observed. We suggest that the activation of these nitrogen acceptors occurs when complexes of hydrogen and nitrogen thermally dissociate. Further heating above 800 °C drives the two nitrogen acceptors to inactive forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulk ZnGeP[sub 2] crystals were diffusion doped with copper and investigated using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, photoluminescence excitation (PLE), and Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy. A PL band at 1.3 eV at 5 K was observed. The temperature dependence of the 1.3-eV PL band gives a thermal activation energy of 0.11 ± 0.01 eV. PLE data show a resonance in intensity occurred at 0.1 eV below the conduction band when monitoring the 1.3-eV band. The 1.3-eV emission band is found to be unpolarized in contrast to PL bands observed in nominally undoped ZnGeP[sub 2] crystals. The copper-diffused samples have an absorption band at 10 K peaking at about 0.62 eV. We suggest that the 1.3-eV luminescence band is donor-acceptor-pair recombination with the donor energy level about 0.1 eV below the conduction band and a Cu acceptor energy level about 0.62 eV above the valence band. This transition model is also supported by optical quenching experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep networks have been proved to encode high-level features with semantic meaning and delivered superior performance in salient object detection. In this paper, we take one step further by developing a new saliency detection method based on recurrent fully convolutional networks (RFCNs). Compared with existing deep network based methods, the proposed network is able to incorpor- ate saliency prior knowledge for more accurate inference. In addition, the recurrent architecture enables our method to automatically learn to refine the saliency map by iteratively correcting its previous errors, yielding more reliable final predictions. To train such a netw- ork with numerous parameters, we propose a pre-training strategy using semantic segmentation data, which simultaneously leverages the strong supervision of segmentation tasks for effective training and enables the network to capture generic representations to chara- cterize category-agnostic objects for saliency detection. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that the proposed method compares favorably against state-of-the-art saliency detection approaches. Additional validations are also performed to study the impact of the recurrent architecture and pre-training strategy on both saliency detection and semantic segmentation, which provides important knowledge for network design and training in the future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anode spot (AS) and anode plume (AP) phenomena are widely observed in vacuum arc experiments and are related to anode melting and evaporation under strong heating from the arc column. Anode vapor will then strongly influence the arc column through ionization-recombination and energy exchange among atoms, ions, and electrons. This work investigated the characteristics of the vacuum arc with AS or AP using the two-dimensional magnetohydro dynamic model. Formation of the AS and AP modes was studied and analyzed using numerical simulation. Friction forces between ions and atoms were also taken into account. Simulation results show that anode vapor expansion depends on the pressure balance between the anode jet and cathode plasma. Higher anode temperature produces a larger neutral atom vapor area (NAVA), which was dominated by neutral atoms. Inside the NAVA, ion and electron temperatures were low in the AS and AP mode due to ionization and energy exchange. Electric conductivity in this area was also so low that the location of the maximal current density was near the edge of the anode instead of the anode center. The asymmetric appearance of an AP was mainly caused by the asymmetric anode temperature distribution with respect to the AS center. Qualitative comparisons show that the simulation results are consistent with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, macroparticle (MP) characteristics in vacuum arc jet (VAJ) before current zero under the influence of the axial magnetic field (AMF) are investigated by numerical simulation. The magnetohydrodynamic model is used to describe the VAJ, while MPs are treated as the discrete phase. The model for MPs is established considering the charging process, motion process, heat transfer process, and rotation process. Simulation results show that smaller MPs are more likely to reach higher velocity and rotate faster. But the MP cannot rotate once due to the short flight distance. Both a higher VAJ current and a smaller VAJ angle can lead to a stronger heating process, evaporation process, and acceleration process of the MP because of higher plasma density and temperature. Although AMF can affect plasma parameters obviously, it can hardly change the MP motion direction. Since plasma density is rarefied far from the cathode center, most MP parameters tend to become steady after some flight distance. Some small MPs can reach the anode with high velocity instead of being evaporated completely. The collision between these MPs and the electrode may be harmful to the postarc period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH) play many crucial physiological roles in organisms. Their abnormal levels can cause and indicate various diseases. In the present study, a small-molecule fluorescent probe 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)phenyl acrylate (IPPA) was designed, synthesized and characterized by NMR, FT-IR and HRMS. IPPA can selectively detect Cys over other analytes because of an approximately 76 times enhancement in fluorescence intensity. The limit of detection of IPPA for Cys was 0.33 μM. The pseudo-first-order rate constant of the reaction between IPPA and Cys was approximately 10 times that of the reaction between IPPA and Hcy (K Cys 3.18 × 10−3 S−1 vs K Hcy 4.92 × 10−4 S−1), indicating that Cys can be distinguished from Hcy. In addition, IPPA exhibits strong anti-interference ability, small molecular weight, high efficiency, low toxicity and good cell permeability. It was successfully used in imaging HepG2 cells and zebrafish. The fluorescence response of IPPA for calf serum are powerful proofs for practical application. Therefore, IPPA has high potential for bioassay applications. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • 2-(Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)phenyl acrylate (IPPA) is a novel fluorescent probe. • IPPA can detect Cys over Hcy, GSH and other analytes. • IPPA can selectively detect as low as 0.33 μM of Cys in DMSO/HEPES buffer. • IPPA has been successfully utilized to image living cells and zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an effective vaccine against HIV infection remains a global priority. Dendritic cell (DC)-based HIV immunotherapeutic vaccine is a promising approach which aims at optimizing the HIV-specific immune response using primed DCs to promote and enhance both the cellular and humoral arms of immunity. Since the Ebola virus envelope glycoprotein (EboGP) has strong DC-targeting ability, we investigated whether EboGP is able to direct HIV particles towards DCs efficiently and promote potent HIV-specific immune responses. Our results indicate that the incorporation of EboGP into non-replicating virus-like particles (VLPs) enhances their ability to target human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Also, a mucin-like domain deleted EboGP (EboGPΔM) can further enhanced the MDDCs and MDMs-targeting ability. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of EboGP on HIV immunogenicity in mice, and the results revealed a significantly stronger HIV-specific humoral immune response when immunized with EboGP-pseudotyped HIV VLPs compared with those immunized with HIV VLPs. Splenocytes harvested from mice immunized with EboGP-pseudotyped HIV VLPs secreted increased levels of macrophage inflammatory proteins-1α (MIP-1α) and IL-4 upon stimulation with HIV Env and/or Gag peptides compared with those harvested from mice immunized with HIV VLPs. Collectively, this study provides evidence for the first time that the incorporation of EboGP in HIV VLPs can facilitate DC and macrophage targeting and induce more potent immune responses against HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum alloy honeycomb structures were designed based on origami technology, and the specimens were fabricated by a new fabrication technology (i.e. a press and folding process). In folding process, a new folding device was successfully developed to achieve automatic fabrication of honeycomb structure. To prove the practicability of developed device, the honeycomb cores with claws were fabricated by this device, which were used to compare the mechanical properties with that bonded by common adhesive. The deformation behaviors and mechanical properties of honeycomb structures were investigated by the flatwise compressive test and three-point bending test. The load–displacement curve obtained at the room temperature showed that the load increased to a peak value and then tended rapidly to a constant. Besides, the deformation process approximately categorized into three zones, namely linear-elastic zone, plastic-plateau zone, and densification zone. The experimental results suggested that regardless of specimen type, the bending stiffness and compressive strengths were approximately 0.32 KN·m2and 0.39 MPa, respectively; revealing the bonded method by aluminum claws did not dramatically affect the mechanical properties of honeycomb structure. Moreover, the elastic deformation of honeycomb structure was numerically studied by the finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel bromophenol derivative, 3-(3-bromo-5-methoxy-4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzylidene)-N-(4-bromophenyl)-2-oxoindoline-5-sulfonamide (BOS-93), was synthesized in the CAS Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Qingdao, China). Experimental studies have demonstrated that it could induce apoptosis and autophagy in human A549 lung cancer cells, and it could also inhibit tumor growth in human A549 lung cancer xenograft models. In the present study, the molecular pathways underlying these effects were identified. The results demonstrated that BOS-93 could inhibit cell proliferation in A549 cells and block A549 cells at the G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, BOS-93 could induce apoptosis, activate caspase-3 and poly ADP ribose polymerase, and increase the B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2 associated X protein/Bcl-2 ratio. Notably, BOS-93 could also induce autophagy in A549 cells. BOS-93-induced autophagy was confirmed by detecting light chain 3 (LC3)-I/LC3-II conversion and increasing expression of beclin1 and autophagy-related gene 14. Notably, BOS-93-induced autophagy could be inhibited by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blot analysis indicated that BOS-93 induced apoptosis and autophagy activities by deactivating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin and activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. The present findings indicated that BOS-93 might be a novel anti-cancer agent for treatment of human lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, as environmental protection requirements have expanded, SF6/N2 mixed gases have been selected as an insulating medium for high-voltage equipment such as GIL (gas insulated transmission line) without undertaking breaking tasks, which is superior in terms of insulation, economy and environmental protection. The development of streamers and the two-dimensional distribution of positive and negative ions over time in an SF6/N2 mixed gas system are shown in this research. The SF6/N2 mixed gas is adopted as the research object, and the discharge model for a needle-plate electrode under mixed gas conditions is built. COMSOL Multiphysics is used to develop a fluid dynamics model for the SF6/N2 mixed gas discharge in a non-uniform field. The spatio-temporal evolution processes for the electron, positive ion and negative ion densities and the electric field strength during discharge are obtained through numerical simulations. At the same time, the influence of the voltage amplitude and mixed gas ratio on the development process of streamers is studied. The presented simulation results can provide a certain microscopic interpretation for the needle-plate discharge defects that appear in power equipment using SF6/N2 mixed gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) possessing chiral nematic structures have been developed as liquid crystal templates for optical materials and devices. These templates provide materials with advanced structural and optical properties, leading to numerous promising discoveries of new functional materials. In this work, the chiral nematic CNC/silver nanoparticles (CNC/AgNPs) composite membranes were prepared and displayed striking iridescent colors. The addition of AgNPs strengthened the chiral structure of CNC-based composites by adjusting the pitch of the chiral nematic structure. As the AgNPs content decreased from 8 to 2 wt%, a redshift of the reflection wavelength was observed from 475 to 773 nm, and the distance between the two adjacent layers of the membrane increased from 155 to 254 nm, according to a fitted linear function. Therefore, this composite membrane exhibited excellent chiral optical properties, and the chiral reflectance could be tuned accurately by regulating the content ratio of CNCs to AgNPs. New insights into designing advanced functional optics were provided, herein to show their potential applications, such as in smart windows and anti-counterfeit labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum interrupter is widely used in the medium-voltage power system. Controlling the arc by the magnetic field is an effective method to improve the breaking capacity. The transverse magnetic field (TMF) forces the constricted arc to rotate to reduce local overheating. In this paper, three kinds of TMF contacts, which are Swastika-type contact, cup-shaped contact, and double-TMF contact that combines Swastika-type and cup-shaped contacts coaxially, are investigated in a demountable vacuum chamber with a high-speed camera. The arc voltage and current are also recorded. The experiments were conducted with circuit currents from 5 to 20 kA (root mean square) with a frequency of 50 Hz. There are four current levels in the experiment, which are 5, 10, 15, and 20 kA, and at least three tests are taken for each current level. The results showed that under low current (I = 10 kA), the arc of the three TMF contacts did not rotate. Under high current (I = 20 kA), it was observed that the arc of Swastika-type and double-TMF contacts rotated in the gap. The arc speed of double-TMF contacts is higher than that of Swastika-type contacts. The cup-shaped contacts have the highest arc voltage and noise among the three TMF contacts. The Swastika-type contacts were eroded most seriously. The simulation results show the force distribution of the arc on different locations. The resultant force makes the arc rotate counterclockwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat transfer performance of a tube heat exchanger has great significance for the metal smelting, catalytic cracking and combustion performance in the fluidized bed reactor. In this paper, a three dimensional Eulerian–Eulerian simulation for the vertical heater tube to bed heat transfer within a baffle type internal circulating fluidized bed (ICFB) was conducted numerically and the results were compared to experimental ones. Gidaspow's drag correlation was adopted to describe the interaction between the gas and solid phases in the ICFB. Temperature and heat transfer coefficient were numerically analyzed under different operating conditions as same as the experimental setup. The effects on the heat transfer characteristic of input heat flux, air inlet velocity, and initial solid packing height were investigated as the average temperature was compared with the experimental data in the literature. The simulation results showed that along the height of the bed, the velocity of the solid particles increases, lateral movement of the particles from the low-speed area to the high-speed area can be observed at the bottom of the acceleration area. The convective heat transfer coefficient of solid particles is the main component of heat transfer in the dense phase zone, with the increase of the initial solid packing height, the average convection heat transfer coefficient between the fluid and the heated surface is shown an upward trend. By comparing the experimental datas, it can be concluded that the numerical simulation of the flow and heat transfer process of the inner circulating fluidized bed by the Eulerian-Eulerian method is in good agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air arc impinging to chamber shell during interruption current process were studied by experiments and numerical simulation. Firstly, strain characteristics of chamber shell were measured by the strain gauge, and the strain changing with times were lagging behind the pressure in arc chamber. Experiment strain results 0.0035 and 0.0025 were slightly smaller than the calculation results 0.0055 and 0.0035. Furthermore, the thermal field mathematics model of chamber shell was proposed, and it was found that there was a large temperature gradient in the thickness of the chamber shell. Lastly, stresses-strains of three kinds of coupling methods, which were the fluid-structure coupling, the thermal-structure coupling and the fluid-thermal-structure coupling were compared. It was confirmed that the mechanical stress was concentrated in the middle of the side wall, while the maximum thermal stress was distributed on the vent area. Total stress and total strain were not equal to the algebraic sum of mechanical field and thermal field. The effect of different fixed supports on the thermal field was greater than the effect on the fluid field, and outer side wall fixed support had minimal displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To make energy efficiency policies for consumers, changes in the demands for multiple goods or services and the corresponding cumulative energy consumptions should be considered together to estimate residential rebound effects. A hybrid methodology, which combines the consumer's expenditure re-allocation with cumulative energy consumption through integrating a re-spending framework and an input–output analysis under different scenarios, is often used to estimate residential rebound effects. However, the specifications of the expenditure change caused by the re-spending effect are controversial. By introducing the Hicks decomposition of price effect both in absolute and elasticity forms, we have explained the re-spending effect and re-examined the hybrid methodology. We find that determinants such as the proportion of energy efficiency improvement, non-compensated price and income elasticities, income shares, cumulative energy intensities of each final demand, and energy intensity of investment would influence the combined rebound effect. We also find that the direct rebound effect may not be necessarily represented as the negative value of the own-price elasticity of energy service. The parameter of the extent to which the energy efficiency has improved and other energy intensity variables should also be considered. Thus, it would be risky to use only elasticity to indicate the direct rebound effect when the hybrid methodology is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To improve cure rates for neuroblastoma (NB), it is important and necessary to evaluate therapy response. Our investigation focuses on using plasma cell free DNA (cfDNA) as a biomarker to determine tumor burden and minimal residual disease (MRD) of NB patients during chemotherapy. Methods: Total 58 NB patients were recruited from July 2016 to December 2017. Therapy regime and risk classification were based on COG standard and BCH‐NB‐2007 protocol. RECIST study was used to judge response to therapy at the end of fourth cycle of chemotherapy (CC4) and maintenance stage (MS) respectively. Serial quantifications of cfDNA, NSE, and LDH were examined at four stages, including newly diagnosed, second and CC4, and maintenance. Results: During early chemotherapy, 65.5% of NB kids responded well. Consistently, cfDNA, NSE, and LDH levels were down‐regulated in NB patients with partial remission (PR) compared to those with stable disease (SD). In both training and predicting sets, the levels of cfDNA were significantly comparable between PR and SD only at CC4 stage. To predict the insufficient response to early chemotherapy, the optimal AUC value of cfDNA was 0.732 and 0.747 in training and predicting sets respectively, with a sensitivity of 63.2% and 80% specificity at 11.59 ng/ml and a sensitivity of 68.4% and 90% specificity at 10.35 ng/ml. At MS, responded NB patients were slightly increased up to 70%. This evaluation was confirmed by further decrease in cfDNA and NSE levels during intermediate chemotherapy in comparison with early stage. Conclusion: The dynamic change of cfDNA was considered as a surrogate biomarker to evaluate tumor burden and MRD of NB during early and intermediate therapy periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic data visualization and analysis can help the domain experts, e.g., geologists and oil or gas exploration experts, to explore the distribution of petroleum or gas. It assists them to get a better understanding of stratigraphic structures and the distribution of the geological materials, e.g., underground flow path (UFP) and the contexts of UFPs (river delta, floodplain, slump fan, oil well, etc.). UFPs are one of the significant stratigraphic structures according to the domain experts, because they are closely related to the distribution and the migration of oil or gas. We design a quadratic-surface distance query scheme to explore UFPs and their contexts within a local region. First, it just needs to share parameters of quadratic surfaces to the rendering modules instead of all volume data or all subvolume data to conduct distance queries, and it is flexible to perform multiple complex logic operations through the quadratic surface-based queries. Second, it enables one to perform domain-specific interactions after distance queries such as the flexible switching of multiple display modes. Third, it enables one to perform local transfer function on different subvolumes different query results or their arbitrary combinations. We have evaluated the approach by comparing them with existing methods by performance evaluation and result evaluation. Results show that the proposed approach is capable of performing complex distance queries and fulfilling the domain-specific interactions getting better results and timing performance.© 2019 SPIE and IS&T [DOI:10.1117/1.JEI.28.2.021009] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract SHP2 is a ubiquitously expressed protein tyrosine phosphatase, which is involved in many signaling pathways to regulate the skeletal development. In endochondral ossification, SHP2 is known to modify the osteogenic fate of osteochondroprogenitors and to impair the osteoblastic transdifferentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes. However, how SHP2 regulates osteoblast differentiation in intramembranous ossification remains incompletely understood. To address this question, we generated a mouse model to ablate SHP2 in the Prrx1-expressing mesenchymal progenitors by using "Cre-loxP"-mediated gene excision and examined the development of calvarial bone, in which the main process of bone formation is intramembranous ossification. Phenotypic characterization showed that SHP2 mutants have severe defects in calvarial bone formation. Cell lineage tracing and in situ hybridization data showed less osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal cells and reduced osteogenic genes expression, respectively. Further mechanistic studies revealed enhanced TGFβ and suppressed BMP2 signaling in SHP2 ablated mesenchymal progenitors and their derivatives. Our study uncovered the critical role of SHP2 in osteoblast differentiation through intramembranous ossification and might provide a potential target to treat craniofacial skeleton disorders. Highlights • SHP2 is required for intramembranous ossification. • SHP2 regulates the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitors. • SHP2 in Prrx1+ mesenchymal progenitors modifies BMP2 and TGFβ signaling and osteogenic transcription factor expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, a three dimensional Eulerian–Eulerian simulation, for the vertical heater wall to bed heat transfer in a cylindrical fluidized bed, was conducted numerically with the results compared to the experimental ones. In this process, the understanding of the heat transfer mechanism of gas-solid flow in the fluidized bed is deepened, which provides a reference for the design and operation of practical fluidized bed burner equipment. Gidaspow's drag correlation was adopted to describe the interaction between the gas and the solid phases in the fluidized bed. Moreover, a user-defined function (UDF) of the gas-solid inter-phase exchange coefficient was derived obtain the temperature and heat transfer characteristics in the fluid area, with different particle shapes. Temperature and heat transfer coefficient were numerically analyzed under different operating conditions that are consistent with the experimental setups. The effects of initial solid packing height onto the heat transfer characteristic, together with the average total and convective heat transfer coefficient, were investigated, where the average temperature was compared with the experimental data in the literature. The simulation results showed that the average temperature and heat transfer coefficient well agree with the experimental data, and the average heat transfer coefficient is increased by about 60% with the increasing initial solid packing height. Therefore, it is essential to obtain the distribution of temperature in annular horizontal cross-section as well as solid flow characteristics with the varying time for comprehensive understanding of the heat transfer process. The instantaneous variations between the local heat transfer coefficient and the solid volume fraction were analyzed under different gas inlet velocity. Highlights • The heat transfer coefficient was compiled by User-Defined Function (UDF) to characterize the heat flux. • Introduce different particle shapes to explore the influence on the heat transfer. • Using the particle sphericity to investigate the convective heat transfer coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Carotene has been reported to alleviate hepatic steatosis (SS), inflammation, and fibrosis in vivo and vitro studies. However, the clinical relevance of serum β-carotene and β-carotene-to-retinol (SC/SR) ratio with histological severity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients is unknown. This case-control study enrolled 24 control subjects and 62 NAFLD patients. Liver biopsies were collected and histological characteristics were assessed. Information with regard to demographic, anthropometric and dietary intake was assessed by face-to-face interviews with questionnaire. Serum β-carotene and retinol concentrations were determined by the HPLC method. Serum β-carotene and SC/SR levels in NAFLD patients were significantly lower than these in controls (0.23 ± 0.01 vs. 0.35 ± 0.04 μmol/L, 0.38 ± 0.03 vs. 0.84 ± 0.10). Compared with individuals without SS, both β-carotene and SC/SR levels were significantly decreased in those with moderate SS (0.34 ± 0.03 vs. 0.21 ± 0.02 μmol/L, 0.76 ± 0.09 vs. 0.37 ± 0.05). Subjects with mild inflammation had a significantly lower β-carotene and SC/SR levels than those without inflammation (0.23 ± 0.01 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04 μmol/L, 0.77 ± 0.09 vs. 0.38 ± 0.03). Serum SC/SR was significantly lower in patients with mild fibrosis than those without fibrosis (0.45 [0.27–0.83] vs. 0.34 [0.26–0.51]). According to the NAFLD Activity Scoring score, both β-carotene and SC/SR gradually decreased with disease progression from normal liver, simple SS to steatohepatitis borderline (ptrend ≤ 0.001). These results show that NAFLD patients have lower circulating β-carotene concentration and SC/SR ratio, which are associated with the histological severity of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • New tetraphenylethylene monomer, dimer and 3D trimer based triptycene have been constructed. • Irregular fluorescence behaviors at different temperatures and solutions were reported. • The fluorescence quantum yields in aggregation increased as the increasing of the triphenylethylene blocks. Abstract A series of new tetraphenylethylene monomer, dimer and three-dimensional trimer based triptycene-bridged triphenylethenes has been constructed. Their structures were clearly confirmed and the irregular fluorescent behaviors at different temperatures and solvents were investigated. Results showed the new tetraphenylethylenes performed remarkable aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties and the emission intensities are dependent on temperature and viscosity. Compared with the model tetraphenylethylene without connecting triphenylethylene, the fluorescence quantum yields of the titled triptycene-scaffolded tetraphenylethylenes in aggregation are greater than tetraphenylethylene and increased as the increasing of the triphenylethylene units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A broadband and fabrication-tolerant polarization splitter and rotator (PSR) using a counter-tapered coupler is proposed and demonstrated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. Compared to previously reported PSRs based on a conventional directional coupler, which suffer from relatively low bandwidth and stringent fabrication requirements, the introduced counter-tapered structure can be used to enlarge the bandwidth and fabrication tolerance. The proposed PSR can be fabricated through a single step of lithography and etching, with a total length of 170 μ m. The measured results show that the fundamental transverse magnetic (TM 0) to fundamental transverse electric (TE 0) polarization conversion loss is less than 0.8 dB, while the TE 0 -TE 0 insertion loss is less than 0.5 dB, over the wavelength range from 1520 to 1580 nm. The polarization crosstalk is lower than -20/-18 dB for TE 0 /TM 0 mode, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using magnetic fields to control the vacuum arc is a major way to improve the breaking capacity of vacuum interrupters. Besides the single transverse magnetic field (TMF) and single axial magnetic field (AMF), new type of TMF-AMF contact and TMF-TMF contact structures have been put forward to control the vacuum arc in recent years. In this paper, three different structural contacts are used in the experiments. The arc evolution was captured by an high-speed digital video camera, and at the same time, the arc current and arc voltage wave were recorded. The experiment was conducted under current ranging from 5 to 20 kA (root mean square) and 10 mm of gap distance. There are 12 current shots performed on one contact design. There are four current levels in the experiment which are 5, 10, 15, and 20 kA, and three tests are taken for each current level. The results showed that for TMF-AMF contacts, under low current (I = 5 or 10 kA), the arcs of the two kinds of contacts both kept diffused and rotating. Under high current (I = 20 kA), the arc of the TMF-AMF contact with six slots was constricted and rotated on the plate, and the melting was uniform and slight. As for the eight-slot contacts, the arc was constricted but did not rotate which resulted in significant melting in the local region. As for TMF-TMF contacts, the result is similar under low current, while the arc was constricted and rotated quickly on the inner plate under high current. The simulation results show that when the arc core is located on the outer plate; the total Lorentz force is near zero. When the arc core is located on the inner plate, the direction of total force is counterclockwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The staggering complexity of the genome controls for developmental processes is revealed through massively parallel cis-regulatory analysis using new methods of perturbation and readout. The choice of combinations of these new methods is tailored to the system, question and resources at hand. Our focus is on issues that include the necessity or sufficiency of given cis-regulatory modules, cis-regulatory function in the normal spatial genomic context, and easily accessible high throughput and multiplexed analysis methods. In the sea urchin embryonic model, recombineered BACs offer new opportunities for consecutive modes of cis-regulatory analyses that answer these requirements, as we here demonstrate on a diverse suite of previously unstudied sea urchin effector genes expressed in skeletogenic cells. Positively active cis-regulatory modules were located in single Nanostring experiments per BAC containing the gene of interest, by application of our previously reported "barcode" tag vectors of which> 100 can be analyzed at one time. Computational analysis of DNA sequences that drive expression, based on the known skeletogenic regulatory state, then permitted effective identification of functional target site clusters. Deletion of these sub-regions from the parent BACs revealed module necessity, as simultaneous tests of the same regions in short constructs revealed sufficiency. Predicted functional inputs were then confirmed by site mutations, all generated and tested in multiplex formats. There emerged the simple conclusion that each effector gene utilizes a small subset of inputs from the skeletogenic GRN. These inputs may function to only adjust expression levels or in some cases necessary for expression. Since we know the GRN architecture upstream of the effector genes, we could then conceptually isolate and compare the wiring of the effector gene driver sub-circuits and identify the inputs whose removal abolish expression. Highlights • Recombineered BAC clones are useful for rapid gene regulatory network analysis. • High throughput methods using BACs quickly reveal cis-regulatory function. • BAC reporters can assess the necessity or sufficiency of cis-regulatory modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Gambogic acid (GA) is insecticidal and cytotoxic to various cancer cells. This study focused on mechanisms of interactions between GA and human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). Spectra of steady-state fluorescence, UV–Vis, and time-resolved fluorescence indicated that GA binding to HSA/BSA is a static process. The site maker experiments suggest that the binding for HSA-GA and BSA-GA systems both occurs at site II (subdomain IIIA). The complex of GA with HSA/BSA can distribute efficiently in vivo under the value of binding constants in the intermediate range. Thermodynamic parameters illustrate that the binding of GA to HSA/BSA is collaboratively driven by van der Waals force and a hydrogen bond in a spontaneous process. Molecular modeling studies revealed that the binding of GA to the site II via hydrogen bond and π-cation interactions. Such interactions between GA and HSA/BSA are informational for use of gambogic acid as a lead compound for insecticide development. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • GA-HSA/BSA interactions in vitro were studied by multispectroscopy techniques. • GA induces the conformational changes of HSA/BSA. • GA binds to the site II of HSA/BSA via hydrogen bond and π-cation interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method that combines Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm (SFLA) with Support Vector Machine (SVM) method in order to identify the fault types of rolling bearing in the gearbox. The proposed method improves the accuracy of fault diagnosis identification after processing the collected vibration signals through wavelet threshold denoising. The global optimization and high computational efficiency of SFLA are applied to the SVM model. Simulation results show that the SFLA-SVM algorithm is effective in fault diagnosis. Compared with SVM and Particle Swarm Optimization SVM (PSO-SVM) algorithms, it is demonstrated that the SFLA-SVM algorithm has the advantages of better global optimization, higher accuracy, and better reliability of diagnosis. Its accuracy is further improved through the integration of the wavelet threshold denoising method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The effect of the addition of hydrogen (H 2) on the combustion process and nitric oxide (NO) formation in a H 2 -diesel dual fuel engine was numerically investigated. The model developed using AVL FIRE as a platform was validated against the cylinder pressure and heat release rate measured with the addition of up to 6% (vol.) H 2 into the intake mixture of a heavy-duty diesel engine with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The validated model was applied to further explore the effect of the addition of 6%–18% (vol.) H 2 on the combustion process and formation of NO in H 2 -diesel dual fuel engines. When the engine was at N = 1200 rpm and 70% load, the simulation results showed that the addition of H 2 prolonged ignition delay, enhanced premixed combustion, and promoted diffusion combustion of the diesel fuel. The maximum peak cylinder pressure was observed with addition of 12% (vol.) H 2. In comparison, the maximum peak heat release rate was observed with the addition of 16% (vol.) H 2. The addition of H 2 was a crucial factor dominating the increased NO emissions. Meanwhile, the addition of H 2 reduced soot emissions substantially, which may be due to the reduced diesel fuel burned each cycle. Furthermore, proper combination of adding H 2 with EGR can improve combustion performance and reduce NO emissions. Highlights • Numerical model used to explore effect of H 2 addition on diesel engine performance. • H 2 addition improves combustion, reduces soot, but increases NOx emissions. • Combined H 2 addition/EGR improves combustion performance, reduces NOx emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]