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Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae), including nymphs and adults, are one of the dominant predators and have a significant role in the biological control of leafhoppers and planthoppers in irrigated rice. In this study, we investigated the antennal morphology, structure and sensilla distribution of C. lividipennis in different instars using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of both five different nymphal stages and adults were filiform in shape, which consisted of the scape, pedicel and flagellum with two flagellomeres. There were significant differences found in the types of antennal sensilla between nymphs and adults. The multiporous placodea sensilla (MPLA), basiconica sensilla II (BAS II), and sensory pits (SP) only occurred on the antennae of adult C. lividipennis of both sexes. Moreover, there was chaetica sensilla III (CHA III) only observed in males. Sixteen types of antennal sensilla were recorded altogether. They were microtrichia sensilla (MIC), three types of trichoidea sensilla (TRI I-III), three types of chaetica sensilla (CHA I-III), three types of basiconica sensilla (BAS I-III), two types of coeloconica sensilla (COE I and COE II), placodea sensilla (PLA), campaniform sensilla (CAM), MPLA, and SP. In the five different nymphal stages of C. lividipennis, the length of their antennae was significantly increased with the increase of the instar, as well as the number of the TRI II and TRI III. Moreover, sexual dimorphism usually occurred not only in the distribution (CHA III and SP) and the number of antennal sensilla (MIC, BAS II, TRI II, TRI III and MPLA), but also in the length of flagellum (F1 and F2). The possible functions of antennal sensilla are discussed. Those observations could contribute to a better understanding of the development of the olfactory system, and facilitate future studies on the antennal functions in C. lividipennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial cluster theory has important guiding significance for regional industrial development and industrial agglomeration advantages. Cooperation among enterprises is the corner stone of industrial clusters. The purpose of the paper is to explore the effects of cluster informal contracts on cluster enterprises and the behavior of external partners. Based on the dynamic evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a model, which incorporates several main factors influencing the innovative cooperation among local and external cluster enterprises. By calculating the replicator dynamics equations and analyzing the evolutionary stable strategies, this paper discusses the evolution process of cooperation strategies of enterprises in different situation. Furthermore, by using MATLAB software to simulate the model, this paper verifies the accuracy and reliability of the game model. Results show that, in addition to the formal market contract, effective implementations of cluster informal contracts can reduce opportunistic behavior in innovative cooperation among internal and external enterprises. Meanwhile, we should pay attention to strengthen the external innovative cooperation, increase severity of penalties, enhance the credit network externality, and avoid the relevant risks. The paper enriches our understanding about how informal contracts can help promote and cultivate good cooperative order in innovative cooperation of clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyse the risk of congenital anomalies (CAs) in infants conceived by infertile women through assisted reproductive technology (ART). A total of 9,013 clinical pregnancy cycles resulting in 9,101 live births between 2004 and 2014 were analysed. Congenital anomalies were evaluated and compared with spontaneous pregnancies in infertile women. A total of 9,101 infants were born following ART. Three subgroups were established: In vitro fertilisation fresh embryo transfer (IVF-ET), n=2,919, intracytoplasmic sperm injection fresh embryo transfer (ICSI), n=1,996 and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), n=4,186. No significant differences in perinatal outcomes were observed between the three subgroups. A total of 105 (1.15%) infants were born with CAs. The birth defect rate was slightly higher in the IVF-ET subgroup compared with the other subgroups. Among infants in the IVF-ET and ICSI-ET subgroup, the probability of birth defects increased with increased maternal age (>35 years), male factors and diminished ovarian reserve. In the FET group, the risk of birth defects was significantly increased with multiple births and maternal age >35 years. The risk of congenital anomalies following ART was not significantly different compared with spontaneous conceptions within the infertile study population. The results of the present study may provide guidance for patients who are considering treatment for infertility in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The concentrations and distribution of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in the whole blood of eight typical terrestrial meat animals (chicken, duck, rabbit, pig, cattle, sheep, horse and donkey) consumed daily in our life were investigated. The total concentrations (on a liquid volume basis) of PCNs were in a range from 305 to 987 pg/L. Donkey blood contained the highest PCN concentrations. Mono-CNs were the dominant homolog group, accounting for 38%–71% PCNs. Apart from the mono-CNs and tri-CNs homolog groups, two hepta-CNs (mean: 9.5%) contributed most, followed by tetra-CNs (mean: 6.5%). The congeners CN1, 5/7, 24/14, 27/30, 52/60, 66/67, and 73 were the most abundant congeners or congener groups. The highest toxicity equivalencies (TEQs) were observed in cattle blood (117.4 fg TEQ/L) then chicken blood (117.1 fg TEQ/L). CN73 contributed 65% to total TEQs, followed by CN70 (20%) and CN66/67 (14%). The dietary intakes of PCNs were also estimated. Chicken meat, which forms the second largest component of meat product consumption in China, contributed most to the total TEQs (61%), followed by beef (27%) and pork (5.9%). The consumption of chicken might pose the highest risk from exposure to PCNs than other types of meat to populations who prefer to eat chicken meat. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica campestris Male Fertility 20 ( BcMF20 ) is a typical zinc-finger transcription factor that was previously isolated from flower buds of Chinese cabbage ( Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis ). By applying expression pattern analysis, it can be known that BcMF20 was specifically and strongly expressed in tapetum and pollen, beginning from the uninucleate stage, and was maintained during the mature-pollen stage. As BcMF20 was highly conserved in Cruciferae, it can be indicated that this zinc-finger transcription factor is important during the growth of Cruciferae. In this study, 12 C2H2-type zinc-finger TFs which shared high homology with BcMF20 were found from NCBI via BLAST. A new molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed by the comparison between BcMF20 and these 12 C2H2-type zinc-finger TFs with NJ method. By analyzing this phylogenetic tree, the evolution of BcMF20 was discussed. Then, antisense RNA technology was applied in the transgenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana to get the deletion mutants of BcMF20 , so that its function during the pollen development can be identified. The results showed: BcMF20 are in the same clade with three genes from Arabidopsis. The inhibition of BcMF20 expression led to smaller amounts of and lower rate in germination of pollen and lower rate in fruit setting in certain transgenetic plants. This also led to the complete collapse of pollen grains. By SEM and TEM, pollen morphology and anther development processes were observed. In the middle uninucleate microspore stage, a relatively thin or even no primexine was formed in microspores. This may result in the malformation of the pollen wall and finally cause the deformity of pollens. Above all, it can be indicated that BcMF20 may act as a part of regulation mechanisms of TAZ1 and MS1 . Together they play a role in a genetic pathway in the tapetum to act on proliferation of tapetal cells and keep the normal development of pollens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rapid approaches to detect prognostic markers is significant in reducing the morbidity and mortality of cancer. In this paper, we describe a rapid and specific biosensing platform for target DNA (p53 gene as a model) detection based on reverse strand displacement amplification (R-SDA). When the p53 gene is added, multifuctional molecular beacon (MMB) is unfolded via the hybridization with p53 gene. With the assist of Klenow fragment (KF) and Nt.BbvCI (the nicking endonuclease), p53 gene recycling could be initiated and considerable amount of complementary sequences for the MMBs (Nicked fragments, NFs) could be formed, generating enhanced fluorescence signal. Using this amplification strategy, the proposed biosensor displays the detection limit of 1 nM and a wide linear range from 1 to 100 nM, even if only one type of probe is involved. Notably, remarkable detection specificity for single-base mismatched target p53 gene is achieved. Moreover, the described biosensor also exhibited the stability in real biological samples (human serum). The rapid detection strategy can be performed less than 30 min without harsh reaction conditions or expensive nanoparticles. This biosensor shows great potential for application in clinic assay, especially, for early cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three standalone tetrahedral copper hydride clusters, [Cu4(μ4-H)(μ2-X)2(PPh2Py)4]+ (X = Cl, Br; Py = pyridyl), containing a tetrahedral [Cu4(μ4-H)] unit have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The six Cu-Cu distances of the [Cu4(μ4-H)] unit can be divided into three groups (2.65, 2.85, and 2.95 Å), lowering the idealized point group of the Cu4 core to D2 symmetry, thereby resulting in intrinsically chiral metal clusters which exist as racemic pairs of enantiomers in the centrosymmetric crystal structures. Strong photoluminescence (attributable to the existence of the two short Cu-Cu distances of 2.65 Å) was observed in solution and in the solid state upon near-UV irradiation. According to the Jellium model, the title clusters can be considered as two-shell Jelliumatic systems with superatomic electron counts of 2e@0e corresponding to the two shells of H−@[Cu4X2(PPh2Py)4]2+. The four-coordinated hydride in the tetrahedral Cu4 cavity adopts the superatomic electronic configuration of 1S2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used clinically and experimentally to relieve severe immune-related diseases due to their immunomodulatory properties, but these are impaired by inflammation. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a T cell-mediated chronic inflammatory mucosal disease. In the present study, we found MSCs from OLP with higher expression of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and IL-10 compared with control. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) significantly improves the immunomodulatory function of MSCs by inhibiting IL-6 and TNF-α expression and increasing TGF-β and IL-10 expression. Moreover, TGP can downregulate p -STAT3 expression through upregulation of miR-124. The changes of IL-6, TGF-β and p -STAT3 were further confirmed by overexpression and knockdown of miR-124 in MSCs. Taken together, the immune-regulating function of MSCs can be improved by TGP via the miR-124/STAT3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an important step in the widespread application of metal-air batteries, so it is necessary to study and develop low-cost and efficient metal-free carbon-based catalysts to catalyze the ORR reaction. Heteroatomic doping, especially N and S co-doped carbon materials, has received much focus as a promising ORR catalyst. Meanwhile, the lignin material has high carbon content, wide source, and low price, and has wide application prospects for the preparation of carbon material catalysts. Here we report a hydrothermal‑carbonation preparation method for the synthesis of carbon microspheres by utilizing lignin derivatives as carbon precursors. And a variety of N, S co-doped carbon microsphere materials were prepared by adding different nitrogen sources (urea, melamine, NH 4 Cl) to the microspheres. The N, S co-doped carbon microspheres (NSCMS-MLSN) catalysts achieved with NH 4 Cl as the nitrogen source displayed superior RR catalytic activity with high half-wave potential (E 1/2 = 0.83 V vs. RHE) and current density (J L = 4.78 mA cm−2). This work provides some references on the method of preparing carbon materials co-doped with N and S and the choice of nitrogen sources. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a high-strength Al–Cu–Mg–Si alloy was prepared by a selective laser melting (SLM) process with blended powders consisting of AlSi10Mg and microsized pure Cu powders. The influence of Cu addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy has been systematically investigated. The Al–Cu–Mg–Si alloy has a hardness of 173 HV, an ultimate tensile strength of 732 MPa, and a yield strength of 389 MPa, reaching the level of high-strength aluminum alloys. Such increase in the strength and hardness can be attributed to the refinement of eutectic network, enhanced solid solution strengthening and elimination of fracture-prone heat affected zone (HAZ). In addition, the formation of the GP zone caused by adding Cu promotes the precipitation of Si particles within the eutectic network, and Si particles, as the non-shear deformed second-phase, can significantly increase the Orowan strengthening effect. After aging at 180 °C for 2 h, the hardness and yield strength of the alloy are increased to 183 HV and 522 MPa respectively. The presence of the θ′-Al 2 Cu phase and the high-density of Si particles after 2 h of peak aging further increases the strength and hardness of the alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon trading is an effective tool to reduce emissions. And the implementation of the policy requires the cooperation of all participants in the carbon market, then it will cause a contradiction between social benefits and individual benefits. To break the dilemma faced by the carbon market, it is necessary to fully consider the behavioral strategies of all participants. However, no known literature discusses the effect of quota allocation under the banking mechanism on the behavior strategies of carbon market participants from the limited rational perspective. This paper analyzes the effect of the banking mechanism on each party's strategy in the carbon market. Results show that, under the regulation of the carbon trading management center, the promotion of carbon trading policy is separated into four periods, respectively, policy trial, policy promotion, policy adjustment, and policy stability. The evolutionary stability equilibrium represents the optimal equilibrium point of the system. Adopting a banking mechanism do not affect the outcome of evolutionary stability equilibrium, but has an effect on the rate convergence to the evolutionary stability equilibrium. The findings can be utilized as a guide for accelerating the achievement of the carbon-neutral goal, perfecting the carbon market mechanism, and creating targeted emission-reduction incentive policies. • The game of carbon market participants is a complex evolutionary process. • The stable period of policy represents the optimal equilibrium point of the system. • The banking mechanism accelerates the process of emission reduction. • Limited rational analysis reduces the deviation in the carbon trading policy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The kind, chain length and concentration of polymers are key factors in regulating the crystal habit of PABA. • PVP-K17 at low concentrations showed the best control effect which regulated PABA crystal from rodlike to blocklike. • The regulation mechanism of PVP-K17 on the crystal habit of PABA was proposed by combining experiments and molecular simulation. This study focuses on how polymers regulate the crystal habit of p -aminobenzoic acid (PABA) from long rodlike to blocklike. To propose the regulation mechanism of polymers on the crystal habit of PABA, experiments include cooling crystallization and single crystal growth as well as molecular simulation have been carried out. Firstly, crystal form of PABA from cooling crystallization was determined as α form. Secondly, among four 1.0 wt% polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) played a more significant role in regulating crystal habit, which inhibited the growth of long axis resulting the growth rates of the long axis from 92.1 μm/h down to 6.7 μm/h. Furthermore, the effect of PVP chain length and concentration on crystal habit has also been studied, 0.2 wt% PVP-K17 regulated the crystal habit of PABA from long rodlike to blocklike but the effect of PVP was weakened with increasing chain length and decreasing concentration. Molecular simulation results show that the interaction between PVP-K17 and (1 1 0)/(0 1 1) face, which determines the axial growth rate, is stronger compared with other crystal faces. The mechanism of PVP-K17 regulating crystal habit was that it can be selectively adsorbed on (1 1 0) and (0 1 1) faces, hindering the diffusion and adsorption of solute molecules, inhibiting the growth of the long axis of PABA crystals, so the crystal habit of obtained crystal is blocklike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a synthetic pigment, Sudan red is commonly used as a food additive and is harmful to the human kidney and can even cause cancer. In this work, we developed a one-step strategy to synthesize lignin-based hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (LHDES), which were fabricated via methyltrioctylammonium chloride (TAC) as hydrogen bond acceptor and alkali lignin as hydrogen bond donor. LHDES with different mass ratios were synthesized and the mechanism of formation was determined by different characterization techniques. The synthetic LHDES was used as the extraction solvent to establish a vortex-assisted dispersion-liquid microextraction method for the determination of Sudan red dyes. The practicality of LHDES was evaluated by applying it to the detection of Sudan Red I in real water samples (seawater, river water) and duck blood in foodstuffs, and the obtained extraction rate reached up to 98.62 %. The method is simple and effective for the determination of Sudan Red in food. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, S30432 steel containing trace TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles was manufactured, and the effects of TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles on the microstructure and room and high-temperature mechanical properties of the S30432 steel were investigated. The addition of trace TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles can reduce the grain size from 19 ± 2.3 μm to 13 ± 4.5 μm. This is because the nano-particles provide efficient nucleation sites and constrain dendrite growth. Trace nano-particles can simultaneously enhance the strength and plasticity of the S30432 steel at room temperature. At high temperature of 600 °C, the S30432 steel with trace TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles can still maintain high strength and plasticity. However, as the ambient temperature increases, the strength increment of the S30432 steel with trace TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles decreases gradually, while the elongation increment significantly increases. The dynamic recrystallization process is promoted by the addition of nano-particles, causing an increased softening degree. Trace TiC/TiB 2 nano-particles exhibit good plasticizing effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Healthy ageing is a process of developing or maintaining the functional capability. • Find out linear and non-linear effects of clean air policy on functional capacity. • Long-term exposure PM 2.5 was applied as a proxy of clean air policy. • The subpopulations possibly modify the effects of air pollution. • Different influencing mechanism of air pollutant on outdoor and indoor activities. Since there is limited knowledge about health effects of the clean air policy (CAP, i.e., a series of emission-control actions) on continuum functional capacity (CFC) among the older adults on a large representative data, our research was to fill this gap. We used a continuous variable of airborne fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) particles as a proxy for the CAP to evaluate the linear and non-linear effect of PM 2.5 exposure on CFC of older adults, under the quasi-experimental framework of the temporal contrast between 2011 (before the CAP) and 2015 (after the CAP). Multiple environmental factors were considered and spline function was utilized to fit the spatial autocorrelations. A competing risk model was constructed to qualify the impact of PM 2.5 on multidimensional disability. After adjusting for potential confounders, a J-shaped association was found between PM 2.5 concentration increase on CFC, with a threshold 2μg/m3. We also demonstrated that a 10-µg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 concentration was related to a 14.0% (95% CI :0.00, 19.00%) increment risk in the functional decline. Similarly, the competing risk model presented a hazard ratio of multidimensional disability ranging from 1.707(0.928-4.141) at 40μg/m3 concentration of PM 2.5 to 4.384 (1.970-9.755) over 80μg/m3. Stratified analyses showed that married men less than 80 years old in rural areas are more likely to be affected by PM 2.5 exposure, where the influencing mechanism of air pollutant to outdoor and indoor activities might be the potential cause. Implementing CAP might improve CFC, prevent the occurrence of disability, and update the air policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of differential chemical weathering intensity on the contents and spatial distribution of highly reactive iron (Fe HR) in the marginal sea sediments is not well documented. Here, we used sequential extractions to quantify various Fe pools in offshore surface sediments of the northern South China Sea (nSCS), which receives multiple fluvial sediments with distinct chemical weathering intensity, and then to unravel whether and if so, to what extent, the contents and spatial distributions of Fe HR are linked to chemical index of alternation (CIA) of the sediments. Our results show that, despite the inputs of Fe HR -rich, highly chemically weathered fluvial sediments, Fe HR contents in offshore sediments of the nSCS are almost independent of the CIA values, and Fe HR was not enriched relative to the global average of Fe HR in oxic sediments, probably due to effective trapping of Fe HR in the estuary and dilution by moderately chemically weathered Taiwan-sourced sediments. Our results indicate that the signature of Fe HR enrichment previously observed in the offshore sediments, which are discharged from a highly chemically weathered mountainous island (Hainan Island) of the nSCS, becomes lost beyond the local zone around the island. Relative to the marginal sediments of the nSCS (water depth <1000 m), the higher Fe HR contents in the deep-water sediments (water depth larger than 1000 m) can be attributed to higher smectite contents, lower inorganic carbon contents, and low dilution by Taiwan-sourced fluvial material in the deep-water area. A comparison of the subtropical nSCS and the temperate East China Sea indicates that chemical weathering intensity is not the overarching factor governing Fe HR /Fe T ratios in the two climatically different regions, though chemical weathering intensity along with depositional/diagenetic regimes is an important factor controlling the sizes and transformation of some specific Fe HR pools. • Reactive Fe (Fe HR) enriched by chemical weathering is restricted to local zone. • Chemical weathering intensity has minor effect on Fe HR content in offshore sediment. • Sediment sources, sorting, and depositional/diagenetic regimes impact Fe HR and CIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology advancements directed towards Internet-of-Things (IoT) and wearable computing electronics applications are booming in low-power devices, which requires downscaling of power supply voltage without sacrificing the performance of the device. A negative capacitance junctionless gate-all-around field-effect transistor (NC-JL-GAAFET) is investigated using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations to further suppress the short-channel effects and reduce power consumption. Lateral Gaussian doping (LGD), proposed for the NC-JL-GAAFET, is considered its main doping mode. An asymmetric structure with varying lengths of source/drain extension regions is introduced into non-local LGD NC-JL-GAAFET. The results reveal that the proposed device with a larger length ratio for drain extension region has a higher switching current ratio and lower subthreshold swing. Furthermore, the TCAD simulations validate that the electrical characteristics can be easily optimized by adjusting the ferroelectric (FE) layer thickness on the gate stack. Therefore, an asymmetric non-local LGD NC-JL-GAAFET provides a potential scaling solution for the next-generation low-power devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure in behavioral suppression is a key feature in substance use disorders, potentially leading to compulsive drug seeking and relapse. In this issue of Neuron , Paniccia et al. 1 elucidated a heroin-damaged paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT)-accumbal circuit and how recovery of PVT function could prevent heroin relapse. Failure in behavioral suppression is a key feature in substance use disorders, potentially leading to compulsive drug seeking and relapse. In this issue of Neuron , Paniccia et al. elucidated a heroin-damaged paraventricular thalamo (PVT)-accumbal circuit and how recovery of PVT function could prevent heroin relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the processing efficiency on batch query for MapReduce, a multiple query optimization approach based on Hive+ is proposed to reduce the number of MapReduce tasks on multiple query, decrease the start time of MapReduce task and the overhead of fault tolerance, improve the query efficiency. TPC-H benchmark test set is selected as the use cases to experiment on Hive-0.12. The experiment shows that the processing efficiency of batch query is effectively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition reaction of mono-amide-functionalized pillar[5]arenes with 1,4-diisothiocyanatobenzene or 1,4-diisothiocyanatohexane in chloroform resulted in various dithioureado-bridged bis-pillar[5]arenes. 1H and 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray single crystal structure indicated that the longer dithioureado chain threaded into both cavities of the two pillar[5]arenes to form the unique bis-[1]rotaxane structures in solution and in solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short term traffic forecasting cannot be more important in the current world of cash strapped economies, placing ever increasing importance on managing existing facilities as opposed to building new infrastructure. The advent of autonomous vehicles further stresses the need for robust and fast frameworks to forecast traffic over the horizon of a typical trip length so that the best routing decision might be made. There is an extensive amount of research on this topic already. However, most of the techniques in literature do not scale well with data or the size of the network in terms of model complexity, computational power and time. Proposed in this paper is a flexible synthetic time series framework that aims to solve the complexity and scalability problems with most models in literature. The synthetic time series framework takes advantage of the repeatability of the traffic patterns such that real-time predictions can be quickly made. It is flexible enough to work with most models in literature, and extendable quite easily with additional parameters to make predictions more robust. Presented in this work are the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models within the synthetic time series framework. It is shown that reasonably accurate predictions can be made by using just the basic structure of ARIMA without any auxiliary variables accounting for the upstream/downstream conditions, incidents or weather. With a robust model fitted within the synthetic framework, prediction errors can be further reduced, while ensuring scalable computation power. Predictions are performed online, where incoming data is fed to the fitted model as the independent variable, and predictions are obtained as the dependent variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The design and synthesis of efficient metal‐free photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting are of great significance, as nonmetal elements are generally earth abundant and environment friendly. As a typical metal‐free semiconductor, g‐C3N4 has received much attention in the field of photocatalytic water splitting. However, the poor photoinduced hole mobility of g‐C3N4 restrains its catalytic performance. Herein, for the first time, graphdiyne (GDY) is used to interact with g‐C3N4 to construct a metal‐free 2D/2D heterojunction of g‐C3N4/GDY as an efficient photoelectrocatalyst for water splitting. The g‐C3N4/GDY photocathode exhibits enhanced photocarriers separation due to excellent hole transfer nature of graphdiyne and the structure of 2D/2D heterojunction of g‐C3N4/GDY, realizing a sevenfold increase in electron life time (610 μs) compared to that of g‐C3N4 (88 μs), and a threefold increase in photocurrent density (−98 μA cm−2) compared to that of g‐C3N4 photocathode (−32 μA cm−2) at a potential of 0 V versus normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) in neutral aqueous solution. The photoelectrocatalytic performance can be further improved by fabricating Pt@g‐C3N4/GDY, which displays an photocurrent of −133 μA cm−2 at a potential of 0 V versus NHE in neutral aqueous solution. This work provides a new strategy for the design of efficient metal‐free photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalosporins are beta-lactam antibiotics that are widely used in clinics in China. However, information on their toxicity to zebrafish is limited. This study reports that the toxicity effects of cephalosporins containing an N-methyltetrazolthio ring at the C-3 position (CNMTs) exposure on zebrafish were comparable to those predicted by in silico analysis. The effects of CNMTs on the mortality and malformation rate of zebrafish were concentration-dependent. The transcriptional levels of the has1 and cnnm2a genes, which are related to embryo development and absorption of Mg2+ in vivo, significantly changed. Several pathways that were enriched by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the most significantly co-enriched pathways were related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, cardiac muscle contraction, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. In sum, the C-3 substituent in the nucleus 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA) of CNMTs is responsible for the observed toxicity at higher concentrations, and the C-7 substituent plays an important role in toxicity at lower concentrations. Our results show that zebrafish embryos and transcriptomics may be useful for determining target organ toxicity, assessing the structure and toxicity relationship of chemicals, and improving drug safety assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By condensation reactions of pillar[5]arene derivatives and alkylenediamines with different lengths of alkyl chains, self-locked dipillar[5]arene-based pseudo[1]rotaxanes and bispseudo[1]-rotaxanes were obtained, which were characterized via 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and X-ray analyses. It was found that the lengths of alkyl chains of alkylenediamines played crucial roles in forming these self-locked molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems toxicology approaches have been used as important tools in the drug discovery and medicine quality control processes. The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic and toxicity properties of cephalosporins with an aminothiazoyl ring at the C-7 position (CATRs). Cardiac toxicity of the compounds was assessed in zebrafish embryos, and it was determined that CATRs disturbed the formation and development of the heart in a dose-dependent manner. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the heart were also identified by transcriptome analysis, and co-DEGs were obtained in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Several Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathways that were enriched by DEGs were identified, and the most significantly enriched pathways were adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, cardiac muscle contraction, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. Combined molecular docking results elucidated that cardiac toxicity mainly depends on the mother nucleus structure 7-aminocephalosporanic acid (7-ACA). The predicted absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profile suggests that there is a modification at the C-3 side chain of 7-ACA that could change the compound distribution in vivo . The 7-ACA mother nucleus is responsible for the CATRs induced cardiac toxicity, and the three DEGs ( nppa , adra2c , and tnni1c ) may potentially be utilized as novel biomarkers for CATRs. Our results show that zebrafish embryos may be used to reveal the pathways of cardiac toxicity and they play a vital role in drug safety assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Bipolar disorder is often mis-diagnosed as unipolar depression in the clinical diagnosis. The main reason is that, different from other diseases, bipolarity is the norm rather than exception in bipolar disorder diagnosis. YinYang bipolar fuzzy set captures bipolarity and has been successfully used to construct a unified inference mathematical modeling method to bipolar disorder clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, symptoms and their interrelationships are not considered in the existing method, circumventing its ability to describe complexity of bipolar disorder. Thus, in this paper, a YinYang bipolar fuzzy multi-criteria group decision making method to bipolar disorder clinical diagnosis is developed. Methods: Comparing with the existing method, the new one is more comprehensive. The merits of the new method are listed as follows: First of all, multi-criteria group decision making method is introduced into bipolar disorder diagnosis for considering different symptoms and multiple doctors’ opinions. Secondly, the discreet diagnosis principle is adopted by the revised TOPSIS method. Last but not the least, YinYang bipolar fuzzy cognitive map is provided for the understanding of interrelations among symptoms. Results: The illustrated case demonstrates the feasibility, validity, and necessity of the theoretical results obtained. Moreover, the comparison analysis demonstrates that the diagnosis result is more accurate, when interrelations about symptoms are considered in the proposed method. Conclusions: In a conclusion, the main contribution of this paper is to provide a comprehensive mathematical approach to improve the accuracy of bipolar disorder clinical diagnosis, in which both bipolarity and complexity are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies have indicated that apoptotic and autophagic signaling pathways are triggered by epileptic seizures, but the precise roles of these processes in epilepsy-induced neuronal loss remain unclear. Identifying a concrete molecular mechanism may help researchers develop relevant epilepsy therapies that are more effective than existing treatments. Autophagy is a type of conserved degradation that contributes to cellular homeostasis. The involved signaling pathways allow us to observe alterations in autophagy and apoptosis during epileptic seizures over time. This study investigated the time-dependent changes in autophagy, apoptosis and neuronal morphology in developing brain of epilepsy model rats. At 48 h after epileptic seizure onset, the number of neurons in neocortex decreased, and the number of apoptotic cells in neocortex increased. The ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) II to LC3 I and Beclin-1 protein levels increased from 12 h to 48 h after epileptic seizure onset. P62 protein and Bcl-2 protein levels decreased from 24 h to 48 h after epileptic seizure onset. The changes in the levels of these autophagy and apoptosis markers indicate that autophagy starts before apoptosis in rats with epilepsy, demonstrating a potential role of autophagy in epilepsy-induced neuronal loss in developing brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the inverse probability weight method, we, in this article, construct the empirical likelihood (EL) and penalized empirical likelihood (PEL) ratios of the parameter in the linear quantile regression model when the covariates are missing at random, in the presence and absence of auxiliary information, respectively. It is proved that the EL ratio admits a limiting Chi-square distribution. At the same time, the asymptotic normality of the maximum EL and PEL estimators of the parameter is established. Also, the variable selection of the model in the presence and absence of auxiliary information, respectively, is discussed. Simulation study and a real data analysis are done to evaluate the performance of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Glucose fluctuation confers additional risks on diabetes-related vascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Macrophage activation mediated by TLR4-JNK signaling plays an important role during the progress of diabetes. In the present study, we hypothesize that glucose fluctuation results in macrophage inflammation through TLR4-JNK signaling pathways.Methods: THP-1 cells were treated with normal glucose (5 mM), constant high glucose (25 mM), and intermittent high glucose (rotation per 6 h in 5 mM or 25 mM) for 24 h. The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4, p-JNK, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) were determined, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β were quantified.Results: In constant high glucose, TLR4 expression and JNK phosphorylation levels increased, and this effect was more pronounced in intermittent high glucose. Accordingly, the expression of A-FABP and the release of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β also increased in response to constant high glucose, an effect that also was more evident in intermittent high glucose. The inhibition of p-JNK by SP600125 did not attenuate TLR4 expression, but totally inhibited both A-FABP expression and the production of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in both constant and intermittent high glucose.Conclusions: Intermittent high glucose potentiates A-FABP activation and inflammatory responses via TLR4/p-JNK signaling in THP-1 cells. These findings suggest a more detrimental impact of glucose fluctuation on macrophage inflammation in diabetes-related vascular diseases than thus far generally assumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is an attractive approach for the direct conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels. In this study, we synthesized a composite material that consists of Ag, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and CdS nanorods as a photocatalyst for CO2 reduction. The morphological, structural, optical, and electrochemical properties of the resultant nanocomposite (Ag‐RGO‐CdS) were investigated by using various physical techniques (e.g., XRD, SEM, TEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Our results indicate that the Ag‐RGO‐CdS nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced photocatalytic activity for the conversion of CO2 into CO, and the optimum activity is achieved over 1.0 wt %Ag‐3.0 wt %RGO‐CdS. This enhanced performance can be ascribed to the multifunctional promoting effects of RGO and Ag in the composite. On one hand, RGO and Ag can act as electron acceptors, which enhances the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. On the other hand, the incorporation of RGO and Ag can improve the adsorption and activation of CO2, which results in the enhancement of the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO. Furthermore, a possible mechanism for photocatalytic CO2 reduction over the Ag‐RGO‐CdS nanocomposites was proposed. This study demonstrates a semiconductor‐based hybrid for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction by virtue of the combinational effect of dual cocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient copper(II)-catalyzed C-S cross-coupling reaction of aryl iodides with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides was developed. With only 1 mol% of CuCl2 as catalyst, zinc powder as reductant, and K2CO3 as base, aryl iodides reacted with tetraalkylthiuram disulfides in DMSO furnishing the corresponding aryl dithiocarbamates in good to excellent yields. This protocol is an improvement of previous work, it features convenient performance, low addition of catalyst, no requirement for any ligand, and provides good yields. The method has a broad substrate scope and uses cheap and readily available starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Chinese mitten crabs from several areas were determined. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) for the mean PCDD/F and total PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCBs were 2.9 ± 2.7 and 5.7 ± 4.0 pg TEQ g −1 , respectively. The mean concentrations of PCBs and dl-PCBs were 282 and 59 times the concentrations of PCDD/Fs, respectively. PCDD/F and PCB sources in the crab food web were assessed. The total TEQ of PCDD/F and PCB supplied by crab compound feed was 2.1 times the TEQ in crab meat. Broken corn, aquatic biota, and water contributed around 12% of the total TEQ inputs for crab meat. The contribution from sediment was around 164 times that from crab meat, and sediment may be the most important source of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in cultured crabs. Principal component analysis (PCA) and stable isotope ratios for nitrogen ( δ 15 N) and carbon ( δ 13 C) supported the TEQ results. The mean total PCDD/F and dl-PCB TEQ exposure for humans consuming crabs was 3.4 pg TEQ per kilogram of body weight per day. The PCDD/Fs and PCBs in >80% of the crab samples would not cause the tolerable daily intake to be exceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile synthesis and postsynthetic modification of a rectangular 1,2,4-triazole-based NHC macrocycle have been developed. The silver complex [Ag2(1)2](BF4)2 is derived from the corresponding triazole salt H2-1(BF4)2 upon reaction with Ag2O. The structure of the metallocyclic Ag–NHC complex [Ag2(1)2](BF4)2 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The metal–carbene template undergoes photodimerisation of its terminal cinnamic esters (UV irradiation, λ = 365 nm) and generates a macrocyclic tetra (NHC) ligand. The desired tetra-1,2,4-triazole macrocycle was isolated in good yield by eliminating the metal ions from the photodimerisation product. All complexes were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR measurements (1H, 13C{1H}, COSY, HSQC and HMBC) and ESI mass spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report a facile and economical photoassisted strategy for synthesizing the highly active N, F-codoped oxygen-deficient TiO 2 with coexposed {001} and {101} facets. NH 4 TiOF 3 mesocrystals were used to act as the resource of dopants and the intermediate to fabricate TiO 2 with highly active {001} facets. Comprehensive analysis based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron spin resonances manifested that F, N and oxygen vacancies were simultaneously introduced to TiO 2 through the photoassisted process. The test of phenol and Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible light demonstrates that the as-prepared N, F codoped oxygen-deficient TiO 2 exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than its references. The increased photocatalytic performances results from the synergetic effect of the induced Vo’s and N, F codoping in TiO 2 with co-exposed {001} and {101} facets, favoring the visible light utilization as well as the separation of photogenerated carriers. This strategy is expected to provide a new insight into the design of high performance photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to demonstrate the predictive value of miR-21-5p, miR-34a, and human telomerase RNA component (hTERC) in cervical cancer (CC) development and evaluated their potential possibility for future clinical applications. Methods Specimens were collected from the normal cervix, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II/III, cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Cytological evaluations and histopathologic examinations were conducted in all subjects, along with the assessment of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The expression levels of the miR-21-5p and miR-34a were detected by RT-PCR. hTERC amplification was detected by dual-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Then miRNA, hTERC expressions were compared with the cytological and histologic examination. Results Compared to that in the benign samples, the expression of miR-21-5p and miR-34a in abnormal samples was significantly upregulated and downregulated, gradually corresponding to the severity of cervical lesions (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward an increasing amplification of hTERC with the increasing severity of cervical lesions. miR-21-5p and miR-34a expression, and hTERC amplification were more specific than HPV positivity in differentiating low-grade cervical disorders from high-grade ones (P < 0.05). Conclusions MiR-21-5p upregulation, miR-34a downregulation, and hTERC amplification were associated with the aggressive progression of CC, which suggests that miR-21-5p, miR-34a and hTERC might serve as surrogate markers for CC progression and potential molecular targets for blockage of the development of CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological diseases in children. Recurrent seizures can result in hippocampal damage and seriously impair learning and memory functions in children. However, the mechanisms underlying epilepsy-related brain injury are unclear. Neuronal apoptosis is among the most common neuropathological manifestations of brain injury. Endogenous sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) has been shown to be involved in seizures and related neuron apoptosis. However, the role of endogenous SO 2 in epilepsy remains unclear. This study assessed whether endogenous SO 2 is involved in epilepsy and its underlying mechanisms. Using a rat epilepsy model induced by an intraperitoneal injection of kainic acid (KA), we found that hippocampal neuron apoptosis was induced in epileptic rats, and the SO 2 content and aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity in the plasma were increased compared to those in the control group. However, the inhibition of SO 2 production by l -aspartate-β-hydroxamate (HDX) can subvert this response 72 h after an epileptic seizure. No difference in apoptosis was observed 7 d after the epileptic seizure in the KA and KA + HDX groups. The protein expression levels of AAT2, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), pancreatic eIF2 kinase-like ER kinase (PERK) and phospho-PERK ( p -PERK) were remarkably elevated in the hippocampi of the epileptic rats, while the HDX treatment was capable of reversing this process 7 d after the epileptic seizure. These results indicate that the inhibition of endogenous SO 2 production can alleviate neuronal apoptosis and is associated with the PERK signaling pathway during the initial stages after epileptic seizure, but inhibiting SO 2 production only delayed the occurrence of apoptosis and did not prevent neuronal apoptosis in the epileptic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Recurrent seizures can result in neuronal death, cognitive deficits and intellectual disability, which causes devastating damage in children. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is considered a neuroprotective factor in many nervous system diseases. However, the precise mechanisms through which rhEPO exerts its neuroprotective effects on epilepsy remain unknown. Thus, in this study, we determined whether rhEPO protects against brain injury by inducing cortical neuronal autophagy through blunting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway in the developing brains of rats with seizures. Main methods We used kainic acid to induce recurrent seizures in rats. Nissl staining and TUNEL analysis were used to evaluate the neuronal damage and apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis was employed to evaluate the phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mTOR protein ratio, the phospho-ribosomal protein S6 (S6)/S6 protein ratio, the microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) II/I protein ratio and sequestosome 1 (P62/SQSTM1) protein expression levels. Key findings rhEPO reversed the decrease in the number of Nissl-positive neurons and the increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the kainic acid group. Notably, rhEPO induced autophagy and inhibited the mTORC1 pathway to protect against brain injury in rats with seizures. Treating rats with rapamycin blocked the mTORC1 pathway and masked the abovementioned effects of rhEPO. Significance Based on these results, rhEPO protects against brain injury by activating autophagy through blunting the mTORC1 pathway in developing rats with seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let (B, ∥ · ∥) be a real separable Banach space. Let ϕ(·) and ψ(·) be two continuous and increasing functions defined on [0,∞) such that ϕ(0) = ψ(0) = 0, limt→∞ϕ(t) = ∞, and ψ(·)/ϕ(·) is a nondecreasing function on [0,∞). Let {Vn; n ≥ 1} be a sequence of independent and symmetric B-valued random variables. In this note, we establish a probability inequality for sums of independent B-valued random variables by showing that for every n ≥ 1 and all t ≥ 0, ...where an = ϕ(n) and bn = ψ(n), n ≥ 1. As an application of this inequality, we establish what we call a comparison theorem for the weak law of large numbers for independent and identically distributed B-valued random variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on empirical likelihood method, we construct new weighted estimators of conditional density and conditional survival functions when the interest random variable is subject to random left-truncation; further, we define a plug-in weighted estimator of the conditional hazard rate. Under strong mixing assumptions, we derive asymptotic normality of the proposed estimators which permit to built a confidence interval for the conditional hazard rate. The finite sample behavior of the estimators is investigated via simulations too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional (3D) structure-toxicity relationship of cephalosporins was explored by computing the most stable conformations of 33 kinds of cephalosporins in aqueous solution and using the teratogenicity and lethality of these compounds obtained in zebrafish embryo toxicity testing to evaluate their toxic effects. The toxic effect of cefatirizine amidine sodium, a novel cephalosporin which has finished preclinical study, was investigated. It is thought that the teratogenic effect of the triazine ring at the C-3 position is the main toxic effect of cefatirizine amidine. In addition, cefatirizine amidine is no more toxic than cefathiamidine and ceftriaxone. The results of the zebrafish embryo toxicity test combined with gene expression microarray technology were consistent with the prediction. The toxic effects of some potential process-related impurities of cefatirizine amidine were also predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beam pumping units are the main production modes in the oilfield oil recovery process. As the power-driven equipment is driven by larger electrical power of the pumping motor, the high energy cost problem is widespread and hard to solve. The motor working efficiency is difficult to accurately match to the complex dynamic loads, as the relationship between the motor driven torque and dynamic loads is hard to master precisely, and the accurate calculation of some important variables cannot be effectively solved by the traditional mechanism modelling method. To solve this problem, in this paper, the dynamic changes of the polished rod loads are considered as the dynamic load changes of the beam pumping units and a serial hybrid model for the motor load torque is studied. Firstly, according to the working principles of the beam pumping units and the mechanism models of the pumping motor, belt pulley-gear box and four-bar linkage mechanism are respectively built. Secondly, for the underground frictions, a rough mechanism model based on the energy conservation equation is built first and then a data-driven soft sensor model is adopted to obtain the dynamic fluid levels instead of an off-line measurement, which uses a C index based on the on-line verification method to prevent the over-fitting in data-driven modelling process. Through the research of this article, a serial hybrid model is proposed to build the dynamic relationship between the pumping motor load torque and the polished rod loads, the underground frictions can be taken as a dynamic variable related to the time and the down-hole dynamic fluid level can be obtained by an on-line calculation. The proposed hybrid modelling method is applied to four normal oil wells, and comparisons between the simulation results and the actual test results verify its effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological disorders. Recurrent seizures result in neuronal death, cognitive deficits and intellectual disabilities in children. Currently, recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is considered to play a neuroprotective role in nervous system disorders. However, the precise mechanisms through which rhEPO modulates epilepsy remain unknown. Based on results from numerous studies, we hypothesized that rhEPO protects against hippocampal damage in developing rats with seizures probably by modulating autophagy via the ribosomal protein S6 (S6) in a time-dependent manner. First, we observed that rats with recurrent seizures displayed neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA1 region. Second, rhEPO injection reduced neuronal loss and decreased the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. Moreover, rhEPO increased the Bcl-2 protein expression levels and decreased the ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 in the hippocampus. Finally, rhEPO modulated autophagy in the hippocampus in a time-dependent manner, probably via the S6 protein. In summary, rhEPO protects against hippocampal damage in developing rats with seizures by modulating autophagy in a time-dependent manner, probably via the S6 protein. Consequently, rhEPO is a likely drug candidate that is capable of attenuating brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the sake of coordinating multiple energy sources appropriately from power demand and guarantee stage of charge (SOC) consensus of the energy storage systems in different operation conditions, a multisource coordination energy management strategy based on self-convergence droop control is proposed for a large-scale and high-power hybrid tramway. A hybrid powertrain configuration that includes multiple proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems, batteries, and supercapacitors is designed for a 100% low-floor light rail vehicle (LF-LRV) tramway. According to the hybrid system model of LF-LRV tramway developed with commercial equipment, this proposed multisource coordination energy management strategy is assessed with a real driving cycle of tramway. The results obtained from RT-LAB platform testify that the proposed strategy is capable of coordinating multiple energy sources, guaranteeing the SOC consensus and improving the efficiency of overall tramway. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the oilfield operation, the beam pumping unit is a very important artificial lift method. As the down-hole parts work at hundred and thousand meters underground, they are hard to be found immediately when failures come out. If we can predict down-hole working conditions and master its continuous operation states in time, great improvement of the oil well production will be developed. In this paper, a novel down-hole working conditions prediction method for the beam pumping unit based on the chaos time series prediction is proposed. First, curve contour of the dynamometer card is redrawn by 8-directions chain codes, and then eight feature vectors are extracted to construct eight feature vector time series; then, the online sequential extreme learning machine (OS-ELM) method is used to build the prediction model, which can realize fast updating with dynamic work condition changes; finally, the grey interval relational degree between the predicted feature vectors and feature vectors of each fault type is calculated to determine the predicted fault type. Actual production data of an oil well are used for example verification, and both online diagnosis and offline diagnosis illustrate the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in acoustic technology and instrumentation now make it possible to explore marine resources. As a significant component of ocean exploration, underwater acoustic target tracking has aroused wide attention both in military and civil fields. Due to the complexity of the marine environment, numerous techniques have been proposed to obtain better tracking performance. In this paper, we survey over 100 papers ranging from innovative papers to the state-of-the-art in this field to present underwater tracking technologies. Not only the related knowledge of acoustic tracking instrument and tracking progress is clarified in detail, but also a novel taxonomy method is proposed. In this paper, algorithms for underwater acoustic target tracking are classified based on the methods used as: (1) instrument-assisted methods; (2) mode-based methods; (3) tracking optimization methods. These algorithms are compared and analyzed in the aspect of dimensions, numbers, and maneuvering of the tracking target, which is different from other survey papers. Meanwhile, challenges, countermeasures, and lessons learned are illustrated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using ethylene glycol and monocarboxylic acid as surface ligands, a series of cyclic Ti-oxo clusters (CTOC) with permanent microporosity are successfully synthesized. With a cyclic {Ti32O16} backbone made of eight connected Ti4 tetrahedral cages that are arranged in a zigzag fashion, the clusters have a 'donut' shape with an inner diameter of 8.3 Å, outer diameter of 26.9 Å and height of 10.4 Å. While both inner and outer walls of the 'donut' clusters are modified by double-deprotonated ethylene glycolates, their upper and lower surfaces are bound by carboxylates and mono-deprotonated ethylene glycolates. The clusters are readily packed into one-dimensional tubes which are further arranged in two different modes into crystalline microporous solids with surface areas over 660 m2 g−1, depending on the surface carboxylates. The solid with olefin-bearing carboxylates exhibits a superior CO2 adsorption capacity of 40 cm3 g−1 at 273 K under 1 atm. Moreover, the mono-deprotonated ethylene glycolates on the clusters are demonstrated to be highly exchangeable by other alcohols, providing a nice platform for creating microporous solids or films with a wide variety of surface functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By using ethylene glycol and monocarboxylic acid as surface ligands, a series of cyclic Ti-oxo clusters (CTOC) with permanent microporosity are successfully synthesized. With a cyclic {Ti32O16} backbone made of eight connected Ti4 tetrahedral cages that are arranged in a zigzag fashion, the clusters have a 'donut' shape with an inner diameter of 8.3 Å, outer diameter of 26.9 Å and height of 10.4 Å. While both inner and outer walls of the 'donut' clusters are modified by double-deprotonated ethylene glycolates, their upper and lower surfaces are bound by carboxylates and mono-deprotonated ethylene glycolates. The clusters are readily packed into one-dimensional tubes which are further arranged in two different modes into crystalline microporous solids with surface areas over 660 m2 g−1, depending on the surface carboxylates. The solid with olefin-bearing carboxylates exhibits a superior CO2 adsorption capacity of 40 cm3 g−1 at 273 K under 1 atm. Moreover, the mono-deprotonated ethylene glycolates on the clusters are demonstrated to be highly exchangeable by other alcohols, providing a nice platform for creating microporous solids or films with a wide variety of surface functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cloud services and computing have revolutionized both academic research and industrial practices. Numerous hardware and software providers have joined the intensely competitive cloud services market. At the same time, a corresponding focus on evaluation of the industry is growing apace. Investigations are currently under way into how to incorporate the dynamic and intermediate processes in cloud service companies' business models. This paper intends to develop some alternative models of network data envelopment analysis (NDEA) for evaluating cloud service businesses. By considering various internal functions and processes of the services in multi-period settings, we design three evaluation models: (1) dynamic black-box data envelopment analysis (DBDEA); (2) static network data envelopment analysis (SNDEA); and (3) dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA). Using multi-objective programming (MOP) techniques, the three NDEA models are formulated and solved for the cloud service industry. An empirical study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the cloud service industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the development of the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique, the use of uniportal VATS has become increasingly popular for the surgical resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The objective of this study is to introduce a novel modularly designed surgical pattern for uniportal VATS for lung cancer resection and to investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of this novel method.Materials and Methods: The clinical data of NSCLC patients who underwent a curative uniportal VATS lobectomy between March 2015 and April 2016, including via the modular pattern (MP) and the conventional pattern (CP), were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Perioperative and postoperative parameters, including the operation duration, estimated intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion to thoracotomy, lymph node dissection number, and postoperative complications, were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 321 patients were identified, among whom 221 underwent MP uniportal VATS lobectomy and 100 were treated via CP uniportal VATS lobectomy. Patients in the MP group experienced a shorter operation duration (135.58 ± 47.16 minutes versus 148.86 ± 42.53 minutes, P = .017) and less estimated intraoperative blood loss (75.20 ± 37.99 mL versus 89.50 ± 41.11 mL, P = .003) than patients in the CP group. No significant difference was observed in the intraoperative conversion rate (2.7% versus 5.0%, P = .477), total number of lymph nodes dissected (24.67 ± 7.73 versus 25.34 ± 7.62, P = .471), postoperative drainage duration (4.86 ± 1.96 days versus 4.78 ± 2.10 days, P = .755), length of stay (9.60 ± 2.93 days versus 9.97 ± 2.80 days, P = .286), or incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. No postoperative deaths occurred.Conclusions: MP uniportal VATS lobectomy combined with mediastinal lymphadenectomy appears to be a safe and feasible technique for the treatment of NSCLC. The use of this technique can reduce the operation duration and intraoperative blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]