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Background & Aims: Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the human genome has been considered as one of the major causative factors to hepatocarcinogenesis, the underlying mechanism(s) was still elusive. Here we investigate the essential difference(s) of HBV integration between HCC tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues and explore the factor(s) that determine the oncogenicity of HBV integration. Methods: 1115 HBV integration sites were collected from four recent studies. Functional annotation analysis of integration targeted host genes (ITGs) was performed using DAVID based on Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway databases. Array-based expression profiles, real-time qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of recurrent integration targeted genes (RTGs). The biological consequences of the overexpression of UBXN8 in 8 HCC cell lines were studied in vitro. Results: HBV is prone to integrate in genic regions (exons, introns, and promoters) and gene-dense regions. Functional annotation analysis reveals that, compared to those in adjacent non-tumor tissues, ITGs in HCC tumor tissues were significantly enriched in functional terms related to negative regulation of cell death, transcription regulation, development and differentiation, and cancer related pathways. 32% of the 75 RTGs identified in this analysis expressed abnormally in HCC tissues. UBXN8, one of the RTGs, was identified as a new tumor suppressor candidate which functions in a TP53 dependent manner. Conclusions: The oncogenicity of HBV integration was determined, to some extend by the function of HBV integration targeted host genes in HCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The retrieval of deep water subsea installations resting on soft soil, such as 'mudmat' shallow foundations, can be a difficult and costly operation if significant resistance to uplift is experienced. At the mudmat invert, suctions may develop, increasing the uplift resistance to greater than the weight of the mat. In this paper, a series of centrifuge model tests are performed to determine the uplift resistance of rectangular mudmats resting on lightly overconsolidated kaolin clay. The study investigates the influence of perforation, in combination with skirt length and eccentric uplift, on the uplift resistance and suction generation at the foundation invert. The outcomes demonstrate that the central and eccentric uplift of mudmats have different failure mechanisms, resulting in a different distribution of excess pore pressure at the foundation invert. In contrast, perforations do not change the failure mechanism and only alter the magnitude of suction generated. The two different configurations of perforation investigated significantly reduce the suction at the mat invert and the uplift resistance, and may potentially shorten the operating time for centred uplift. The combination of perforation and eccentric uplift has the most beneficial effect on the reduction of the uplift resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The characterization of fracture trace length distributions is an initial and essential step in estimating three-dimensional fracture size distributions. Present challenge mainly lies in the accurate depiction for the distributional nature of trace lengths from various sizes of trace data, especially for small samples. The present paper is an attempt to solve this problem by using probability weighted moments (PWMs) and L-moments. To quantify the statistical property of trace lengths, the PWMs and L-moments of true trace lengths on an infinite surface from the measured trace lengths by an irregular convex window are estimated. A distribution-free method is then developed using the maximum entropy principle with PWMs for estimating the quantile functions of true trace lengths. Since there is no assumption regarding the type of trace length population distribution, the estimation obtained is distribution-free. For practicing engineers, a method using L-moments for estimating the common trace length distributions is also suggested. Examples that are tested showing the present method provides good approximations of the quantile functions and probability density functions of true trace lengths. The method is effective even for problems with outliers or highly skewed trace data, and can be used as a reliable tool for inferences from various sample sizes with good accuracies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fatigue cracking is one of the primary distresses of asphalt pavement. Critical strain energy density (CSED) has shown great potential to be a material parameter for fatigue cracking prediction. For the CSED to be used in future fatigue model and pavement design, a model is needed to predict the CSED as a function of the loading rate and the temperature, analogous to dynamic modulus. In this study, indirect tensile (IDT) tests were conducted to determine the properties of hot mixed asphalt at different loading rates and temperatures. It was found that time–temperature superposition principle is valid for IDT strength at both low and intermediate temperatures; and valid for failure strain and for the CSED at intermediate temperatures only. The shift factors for dynamic modulus were close to those of IDT strength and CSED, respectively. However, there was a discrepancy between shift factors of dynamic modulus and those of failure strain. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Reservoir clay mineral form analysis and reservoir sensitivity experiments showed hat the plugging of extrinsic solid-phase particle and scaling in oil-well were main reservoir damage types in BH oilfield. All kinds of fluid in the well, such as completion fluid, kill-fluid and perforating fluid should be free solid or low solid fluid with low filter loss or leakage and good compatibility with formation and formation fluid. Formation protection effectiveness of all kinds f using completion fluid, kill-fluid and perforating fluid indicated that the completion fluid(polymer sulfonated drilling fluid + 2%~3% oil soluble temporary plugging agent) used largely can meet the need of reservoir protection, and kill-fluid or perforating fluid are composed of free water, 0. 5%~1% clay stabilizer and 0. 2% thickening agent, when formation pressure coefficient s less than 1, 1%~3% oil soluble temporary plugging agent should be added to prevent loss of pressure well liquid to formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A reliable coal seam surface model needs to reconcile all available geological data such as boreholes, cross-sections, and coal seam floor contour maps. In addition, the model should be updated when local geological information such as coal seam observations is available. This paper develops a Bayesian Geostatistical approach for coal seam surface modeling using multi-source geological data in different stages and at different scales. The proposed approach contains two major components: Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) nonlinear estimation method to incorporate boreholes, cross-sections, and coal seam floor contour maps obtained in geological survey stage, and Bayesian inference (BI) method to assimilate coal seam point observations and geological sketches of tunnels obtained in mining stage. Coal seam surface elevations and its uncertainties are first estimated using BME method. The regional estimates are then used in BI method as prior knowledge, and updated when coal seam observations at a local scale are available. This provides a systematic and rigorous framework to incorporate multi-source geological data, and an effective way to improve the accuracy of coal seam surface models. The proposed approach is illustrated through a case study of a 3D subsurface modeling of the Wang-feng-gang Coal Mine, China. The coal seam surface estimates are compared with those of Ordinary kriging and Bayesian kriging methods, and compared with observed values along two tunnels in mining process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pulse Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) is suitable for dealing with the classical shortest path problem, because of its autowave characteristic. However, most methods suggest that the autowave of PCNN models should keep a constant speed in finding the shortest paths. This paper proposes a novel self-adaptive autowave pulse-coupled neural network (SAPCNN) model for the shortest path problem. The autowave generated by SAPCNN propagates adaptively according to the current network state, which guarantees it spreads more effectively in finding the shortest paths. Our experiments, which have been carried out for both the shortest paths problem and K shortest paths problem, show that our proposed algorithm outperforms classical algorithms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] A shield tunnel feature and construction data model is proposed. [•] A web-based system architecture and implementation details are presented. [•] The system include 2D and 3D visualizations, and tunnel analysis functions. [•] The Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel project is selected as a case study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Whitetopping (WT) or ultrathin whitetopping (UTW) overlay is defined as a portland cement concrete overlay on an existing deteriorated hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement to improve both the structural and functional capability of HMA. During the past two decades, UTW overlays have gained great acceptance as an alternative to HMA overlay. However, there is a lack of a reliable method to evaluate the performance of in-service UTW pavements. Because of the small slab sizes of UTW pavements, backcalculation of pavement layer properties, based on the falling weight deflectometer, is challenging. This study developed a new approach, the Critical Distance Method, based on Saint-Venant's principle, to backcalculate the portland cement concrete and equivalent substructure moduli of UTW pavement. It was proven to be an effective approach to determine the layer properties of UTW pavement, based on the finite element simulations. Traditional backcalculation methods, such as AREA theory and the MODCOMP6 software program, were used as comparison in the simulation and in a case study. It was found that the Critical Distance Method is more accurate for evaluating UTW pavement. Further field verification of the Critical Distance Method is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We define here a new measure of epicentral shaking intensity (modified spectrum intensity), which we derive from strong motion instrumental data. This new metric is similar to Housner's spectrum intensity, with the caveat that we modify its numerical value by evaluating the predominant period of spectral acceleration and the site characteristics of each strong-motion station. We find that the modified spectrum intensity thus calculated is of higher reliability than peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, or Housner's spectrum intensity in instrumental seismic intensity determination, and it offers a superior method to evaluate macro-seismic intensity distribution soon after a destructive earthquake in Western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bottom-up fatigue cracking is one of the major distresses for asphalt pavements. Accurate prediction of fatigue cracking for asphalt pavement is of paramount importance for a cost-effective pavement design. A fatigue model based on mechanistic-empirical pavement design is modified from an Asphalt Institute model. However, there are some controversies about the effectiveness of the mechanistic-empirical pavement design fatigue model. The major concern exists on the use of dynamic modulus as a key parameter and there is no damage property of asphaltic mix to predict fatigue, which is induced by damage to the material. This study developed a damage-based phenomenological fatigue model. The pavements at the Federal Highway Administration's Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF) were used to test the effectiveness of existing models, including the mechanistic-empirical pavement design fatigue model, and validity of the damage-based fatigue model. The data used in this study included dynamic modulus, critical strain-energy density of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), tensile strain at the bottom of HMA layer, and the fatigue life of ALF pavements. It was found that the damage-based model significantly improved the accuracy of the prediction, when compared with the mechanistic-empirical pavement design fatigue model and other conventional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing precision of contemporary computational methodsmakesspectroscopies such as vibrational (VCD) and electronic (ECD) circulardichroism attractive for determination of absolute configurations(AC) of organic compounds. This is, however, difficult for polar,flexible molecules with multiple chiral centers. Typically, a combinationof several methods provides the best picture of molecular behavior.As a test case, all possible stereoisomers with known AC (RS, SR, SS, and RR) of the cyclic dipeptide cyclo(Arg-Trp) (CAT) were synthesized,and the performances of the ECD, infrared (IR), VCD, Raman, Ramanoptical activity (ROA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniquesfor AC determination were investigated. The spectra were interpretedwith the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Foldedgeometries stabilized by van der Waals and electrostatic interactionsbetween the diketopiperazine (DKP) ring and the indole group are predictedto be preferred for CAT, with more pronounced folding due to Arg-Trpstacking in the case of SS/RR-CAT. The RS/SRisomers prefer a twist-boat puckering of the DKP ring, which isrelatively independent of the orientation of the side chains. Calculatedconformer-averaged VCD and ECD spectra explain most of the experimentallyobserved bands and allow for AC determination of the tryptophan side-chain,whereas the stereochemical configuration of the arginine side-chainis visible only in VCD. NMR studies provide characteristic long-range 2J(C,H) and 3J(C,H) coupling constants, and nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) correlations,which in combination with either ECD or VCD also allow for completeAC determination of CAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multiple-effect membrane distillation (MEMD) process, by using a hollow fiber-based AGMD module and an external heat exchanger, was studied to concentrate dilute sulfuric acid solution. Latent heat of distillate was in-situ recovered by directly heating the cold feed within the AGMD module of special configuration. Permeation flux (J w ) and performance ratio (PR) parameters were used to characterize the operation performance of MEMD process. PR value obtained in the MEMD process was much higher than that obtained in traditional and the other modified membrane distillation process. The effects of heated feed-in temperature, cold feed-in temperature, feed-in flow rate and feed-in concentration on the MEMD performance were experimentally investigated. The dilute sulfuric acid in 2wt.% could be concentrated up to about 40wt.% by using MEMD process. The maximum value of PR and J w could reach 11.5 and 5.3L/m2h, respectively. When the feed concentration was up to 20wt.%, the value of PR and J w could still be 4.9 and 1.9L/m2h, respectively. In a long-term stability test lasting for >30days, the electrical conductivity of the distillate was always less than 150μs/cm, which demonstrated that the performance of MEMD modules was kept in good condition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we demonstrate a new method for fabrication centimetre-long, dense and vertical sidewalls silicon-on-insulator (SOI) mould using holographic method combine with crystallographic anisotropic etching. Holographic method can make narrow dense and multiple continuous lines in large area while crystallographic anisotropic etching could eliminate line-edge-roughness (LER) in sidewalls and make the sidewalls nearly atomic-scale smoothness. Therefore, the line width of the SOI mould will in a high uniformity and the sidewalls will be smooth and vertical over centimetre lengths. Compare to common NIL mould, the smooth and vertical sidewall of SOI mould provided an easier demoulding process after NIL. Multiple centimetre-long fluidic-channels with smooth and vertical sidewall fabricated by faithfully imprint of SU-8 and an optimised sealing process using free-standing SU-8 bonding film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we demonstrate a new and simple method to achieve ultrasmall nanochannels downing size to about 50nm with well-controlled dimensions in large area by using NIL and angled physical vapor deposition (PVD). The polymer SU-8 nanogratings substrate is fabricated using NIL. After NIL, oblique angle ion beam sputtering of silicon oxide was used, in a single step, to reduce the cross section of the SU-8 imprinted trenches and seal the channels at the same time. During this process, the sidewalls of any trench will shadow the evaporation and most of the silicon oxide film will be deposited on the sidewalls at the top of the trench, therefore, the shadow area will be protected and ultimately formed as sealed nanochannels on substrate. The advantage of this process is that the line width can be adjustable simply by controlling the deposition as well as the imprint depth, offering an alternative solution for high-resolution and low-cost fabrication of nanofluidic chip. The method is applicable for most substrates and cover layer, therefore, it provides a new way to produce size reduction and size controlling of nanopatterns for various material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background/Aim: Her-2 over-expression has been correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Now, we explored the effect of TNF-α treatment and/or NFκB activation on Her-2 expression in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: Stably transfected MCF-7 cell lines with pcDNA3.0, IκBα MT, c-FLIP/control shRNA were established by FuGENE with the supplementation of G418 (500 μg /ml). Western blot and Real-time PCR were applied to assess the expression levels of protein and mRNA of target gene. In addition, caspase-8 activity was evaluated by the incubation with a caspase-8 fluorogenic substrate, Ac-IEPD-AMC using a spectrofluorometer. Results: It was uncovered that Her-2 was a new substrate for caspase-8 and that tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) stimulation resulted in a caspase-8-dependent Her-2 cleavage in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells defective for nuclear factor κB (NFκB) activation. We demonstrated that the antiapoptotic transcription factor NFκB counteracted this cleavage through the induction of caspase-8 inhibitor, c-FLIP. Conclusion: we propose a novel mechanism in which NFκB functions as a new antiapoptotic factor by counteracting TNF-α-triggered Her-2 cleavage. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compare and analyze the consistency of observed acceleration and velocity data recorded by accelerometer and seismometer simultaneously in five aspects: time series, 5% damped response spectra, the variation and distribution characteristics of peak value ratios and spectral acceleration ratios, and correlation analysis. The results show that these two have good consistency, especially in medium-frequency bands and medium- and far-fields. In the research dataset of ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), we propose the weight ratios of the observed acceleration and velocity records and verify that the empirical weighted ratios are reasonable and reliable and applicable to southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the energy change field in the centrifugal pump has been investigated under quasi-steady conditions (QSC), equivalent information is not yet known during the rapid starting period (RSP). A centrifugal pump loop system is constructed to investigate the energy change field in the centrifugal pump during RSP. The RSP is selected as a linear rotational speed from 0 rev/min to 2900 rev/min (design rotational speed) and a constant valve opening of 0.569. Results show that the flow rate lags behind the pump head value with the linear increase in rotational speed. The large values of partial derivations of mechanical energy in normal and tangential components are mainly concentrated at the impeller outlet, whose position is insensitive to rotational speed. The region of dominant energy loss is negatively correlated with rotational speed, and an opposite phenomenon is observed in the region of dominant energy increase. With the rotational speed increasing, the mean energy gradient function in the pump impeller and pump volute gradually increases, and the slope of the former is less than that of the latter. After reaching the design rotational speed, the energy change field gradually approaches that under quasi-steady conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-power microwave-induced low-pressure discharges seriously threaten the reliability of space payload systems. Under extremely low-pressure conditions, the evolution of ionized and secondary electrons at the initial stage of discharge is crucial to figure out the discharge process. Therefore, this paper investigates the development of multiple electrons in the discharge process under a highly low-pressure environment using numerical simulation. A three-dimensional simulation model based on the Monte Carlo algorithm is established by considering various electron-gas collisions and secondary electron emissions from different material surfaces. The evolution characteristics of various electrons' populations, energy, and distribution patterns during the discharge process are analyzed. In addition, the influence of the critical conditions at different air pressures on the electron evolution during the discharge process and the intrinsic causes are also investigated. This study is significant in revealing the transition characteristics between multipactor and low-pressure discharge and exploring their inherent mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caspase-8 governs multiple cell responses to the microenvironmental cues. However, its integration of 'death-life' signalings remains elusive. In our study, the role of caspase-8-Src is well-established as a promoter for migration or metastasis in Casp8+Src+ A549/H226 cells in vivo and in vitro. In particular for nude mice models, mice implanted with Casp8+Src+ A459/H226 cells remarkably increased spontaneous tumor metastatic burden with a significant survival disadvantage. Additionally, we detect that Src-mediated caspase-8 phosphorylation stimulates Src phosphorylation at Tyr-416 via the linkage of Src SH2 domain with phosph-Tyr-380 site of caspase-8. In turn, activated Src can efficiently induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic features to promote tumor cells metastasis. Surprisingly, RXDLL motif deletion in the DEDa of caspase-8 attenuates tumor cell migration or metastasis via impairing the recruitment of caspase-8 into the cellular periphery where activated Src is subject to caspase-8 phosphorylation. Together, a simple model is that the peripherization of caspase-8 is well-poised to facilitate Src-mediated caspase-8 phosphrylation at Tyr-380, then binding of phospho-Tyr380 of caspase-8 to Src SH2 domain may maintain Src in an active conformation to induce EMT phenotype, a key step toward cancer metastasis. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of Raman optical activity (ROA) and vibrationalcirculardichroism (VCD) experiments to determine the absolute configurationof chiral molecules with multiple stereogenic centers was exploredfor four diastereoisomers of a conformationally flexible cyclic dipeptide,cyclo(Arg–Tyr(OMe)). The reliability of the interpretationdepended on the correct description of the molecular conformation,which was found to be strongly affected by intramolecular interactions.In particular, when dispersion corrections were included in the densityfunctional theory calculations, the simulated spectra matched theexperimental observations well. Experimental and theoretical ROA andVCD spectra were well correlated for all the absolute configurations(RS, SR, SS, and RR) of protonated cyclo(Arg–Tyr(OMe)). These spectroscopiesthus appear useful not only for reliable determination of the absoluteconfiguration and conformation but also in revealing the role of hydrogenbonds and C–H···π interactions in thestructure stabilization, which can potentially be used when designingenzyme inhibitors and supramolecular architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions of non-autonomous parabolic problems with singular initial data. We first establish the well-posedness of the equation when the initial data belongs to () and (), respectively. When the initial data belongs to , we establish the existence of uniform attractors in for the family of processes with external forces being translation bounded but not translation compact in . When we consider the existence of uniform attractors in , the solution of equation lacks the higher regularity, so we introduce a new type of solution and prove the existence result. For the long time behavior of solutions of the equation in , we only obtain the uniform attracting property in the weak topology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Our recent study found the existence of complexes of β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) with lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] in circulation and the complex concentrations were increased in sera of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. The concentration of β2-GPI-Lp(a) and its relationship with premature atherosclerosis were evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Methods: Serum concentrations of β2-GPI-Lp(a) were measured in 53 active RA patients and 40 healthy controls by a “sandwich” ELISA. β2-GPI-ox-LDL, ox-Lp(a), ox-LDL and anti-β2-GPI were also measured by ELISAs. In addition, inflammatory markers were examined. Results: Serum β2-GPI-Lp(a) (1.12±0.25U/ml vs. 0.87±0.19U/ml, P <0.0001) and β2-GPI-ox-LDL (1.01±0.20U/ml vs. 0.80±0.08U/ml, P <0.0001) concentrations in RA were both significantly higher than those of controls. Ox-Lp(a) (8.38±6.69mg/l vs. 5.49±4.31mg/l, P <0.05) and ox-LDL (0.68±0.65mg/l vs. 0.37±0.13mg/l, P =0.001) were also higher in RA than in controls. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for β2-GPI-Lp(a) (0.787) was larger than for ox-Lp(a) (0.731). AUC of β2-GPI-ox-LDL (0.858) was also larger than for ox-LDL (0.785). β2-GPI-Lp(a) and β2-GPI-ox-LDL were positively correlated with ox-Lp(a), ox-LDL and CRP, respectively. Conclusions: β2-GPI-Lp(a) complex concentrations increased in active RA. Inflammation and oxidative stress in RA contribute to the increase of ox-Lp(a) and subsequently the formation of β2-GPI-Lp(a). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Existence of traveling wave solutions of a class of nonlocal delayed lattice differential equations is investigated in this paper. Under some assumptions, we show that there exists a traveling wavefront with speed c > c for such nonlocal delayed lattice differential equations with or without quasi-monotonicity, where c is a positive constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to investigate the existence of exponential attractors for lattice reaction-diffusion systems in weighted spaces $l_{\sigma}^{2}$ and for partly dissipative lattice reaction-diffusion systems in weighted spaces $l_{\mu}^{2}\times l_{\mu}^{2}$, respectively. In contrast to the previous work by Abdallah in J. Math. Anal. Appl. 339, 217-224 () and Commun. Pure Appl. Anal. 8, 803-818 (), we get the existence of exponential attractors for lattice dynamical systems in the weak topology spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polymer-based micro/nano fluidic system is becoming indispensable for biological applications as well as physical chemistry research. In this article, we demonstrate a novel fabrication process for nano fluidic system based on hybrid mask-mould (HMM) lithography and thermal bonding using SU-8. With the HMM lithography, the protrusions of channels and reservoir patterns can be replicated in one step. Bonding process conditions are flexible and easily controllable with the use of PET substrate and the thin adhesive layer. Surface textures were found to be essential to the bonding strength and channel profile control. The fabricated fluidic system was characterized using spontaneous capillary filling with dyed water, demonstrating good quality of sealing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (8.15mg PAHskg−1 soil) in aged contaminated soil by isolated microbial consortium (five fungi and three bacteria) during the incubation of 64d is reported. The applied treatments were: (1) biodegradation by adding microbial consortium in sterile soils (BM); (2) biodegradation by adding microbial consortium in non-sterile soils (BMN); and (3) biodegradation by in situ “natural” microbes in non-sterile soils (BNN). The fungi in BM and BMN soils grew rapidly 0–4d during the incubation and then reached a relative equilibrium. In contrast the fungi in BNN soil remained at a constant level for the entire time. Comparison with the fungi, the bacteria in BNN soils grew rapidly during the incubation 0–2d and then reached a relative equilibrium, and those in BM and BMN soils grew slowly during the incubation of 64d. After 64d of incubation, the PAH biodegradations were 35%, 40.7% and 41.3% in BNN, BMN and BM, respectively. The significant release of sequestrated PAHs in aged contaminated soil was observed in this experiment, especially in the BM soil. Therefore, although bioaugmentation of introduced microbial consortium increased significantly the biodegradation of PAHs in aged contaminated soil with low PAH concentration, the creation of optimum of the environmental situation might be the best way to use bioremediation successfully in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A comparative analysis of electronic structure and stability of endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C24 and TM@C24H12 (TM=Ti, Zr and Hf) is systematically performed with the aid of quantum chemical DFT-B3PW91 approach. Our calculated results show that TM@C24H12 display higher symmetry compared with TM@C24, and all of endohedral metallofullerenes are in a singlet spin state. Thermodynamic data reflect that endohedral metallofullerenes TM@C24 are more stable than TM@C24H12 and the Ti atom is energetically favorable to be encapsulated. However, these TM@C24H12 have higher kinetic stability. The analyses of the vertical electron affinities (VEAs) and vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) indicate the possibilities of accepting electrons of TM@C24H12 become weaker and the possibilities of denoting electrons become stronger. Additionally, natural population analysis presents that the natural charge on TM atoms dramatically increases along with increasing atomic number, and the 5d orbitals of Zr atom and 6d orbitals of Hf atom are significantly involved in their chemical bonding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the solid modeling, transformation operation and Boolean operation techniques widely available in computer-aided design and drafting system, first, this paper proposed a general modeling method for dynamic underground structure simulation. Then, representations of underground structures, ground, and related information in three-dimensional space were investigated. Some suggestions were put forwarded to improve visualization results, including object organization by layers, thematic viewing, level of detail for object representation, and spatial cueing for useful information. Application examples were given to illustrate the visualization effects. Finally, virtual reality technology was employed in the simulation of the underground structures. By positioning objects using real-time information, picking objects, and then accessing their real world working status through the Internet, the realistic results of a virtual system were further discussed. It has also been found that in order to obtain satisfactory visual results using an inexpensive desktop computer, a virtual reality model must be optimized from the perspective of reducing object complexity as well as efficient scene management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: RIG-I, MDA5 and LGP2 are cytosolic pattern recognition receptors detecting single-stranded or double-stranded RNA in virally infected cells. The activation of RIG-I or MDA5 stimulates the secretion of type I interferons that play key roles in antiviral immune responses. The C-terminal domains (CTD) of RIG-I and LGP2 are responsible for RNA binding; however, it is not clear how MDA5 binds RNA. To understand the structural basis of dsRNA recognition by MDA5, we have determined the 1.45Å resolution structure of the C-terminal domain of human MDA5. The structure revealed a highly conserved fold similar to the structures of RIG-I and LGP2 CTDs. NMR titration of MDA5 CTD with dsRNA demonstrated that a positively charged surface is involved in dsRNA binding. Mutagenesis and RNA binding studies showed that electrostatic interactions play primary roles in dsRNA recognition by MDA5. Like RIG-I and LGP2, MDA5 CTD preferentially binds dsRNA with blunt ends, but does not associate with dsRNA with either 5′ or 3′ overhangs. Molecular modeling of MDA5 CTD/dsRNA complex suggests that MDA5 CTD may recognize the first turn of blunt-ended dsRNA in a similar manner as LGP2. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A preliminary study of the PGA attenuation, hanging wall effect and velocity pulse characteristics from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake of M8 =8.0 is described in this paper. The study was carried out through analyses in the time and frequency domains of main earthquake records. In the PGA attenuation study, records from 316 stations less than 1000 km from the surface rupture of the fault were used as a database and attenuation relationships were developed and compared with some existing relationships that are widely used in mainland China, Chinese Taiwan and the US. At the same time, records from 28 stations less than 100 km from the fault were used to study the hanging wall effect and velocity pulse characteristics of this earthquake based on the distribution of PGA, PGV, spectral acceleration, and the velocity pulse peak, and the results are compared with the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. In addition, the large PGAs of the UD components observed in this event are also discussed in this paper. From the results of the preliminary study, some conclusions are developed and suggestions for further research are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of extinction ratio (ER) on the performance of 120 Gbps return-to-zero octal differential phase-amplitude-shift keying (RZ-ODPASK) modulation format in single-channel transmission is investigated. Based on the modulation and demodulation schemes, the structures of RZ-ODPASK transmitter and receiver are presented; and expressions for the output optical fields and electrical currents of amplitude and phase tributaries are analytically acquired. As ER is a tradeoff for good performance of the two tributaries, the optimal ER for back-to-back configuration is theoretically derived as 2.32 dB for the first time, which is verified by simulation. Then the tolerances to residual chromatic dispersion (CD) and fiber nonlinearity of RZ-ODPASK transmission are numerically studied, respectively. The results indicate that phase tributary is more robust against both dispersion and nonlinearity impairment than the amplitude tributary. To balance the performance of the two tributaries, curves of the optimal ER values with the change of residual CD and fiber nonlinearity are also obtained, respectively. The results can be useful for the design of RZ-ODPASK systems; in the meantime, the analytical methodology described in this paper is applicable to other multilevel RZ-DPASK modulation formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rice plant pot experiments designed to identify benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) sources in plant tissues were conducted in an air-quality controlled greenhouse built to prevent contamination from B[a]P air pollution. Results from quartz sand cultures with control and 50, 100 and 500μgkg−1 of B[a]P treatments were compared with those from outdoor field experiments, in which rice plants were exposed to polluted air in the urban area of Shenyang, China. When B[a]P was strictly controlled in both air and quartz sand culture medium, the background values of B[a]P in rice plant tissues were uniformly very low. There was no significant difference of B[a]P contents of rice grain between control and treatments of B[a]P in controlled air quality trials. This indicated that the source of B[a]P in the rice grains is not from any B[a]P in the root culture media. The B[a]P content of rice grain, husk, and stem with leaf sampled from outdoor field was up to 7.33-, 9.21- and 27.10-fold higher than corresponding tissues from air-quality controlled conditions. This indicated that polluted air is the main source of B[a]P in aboveground tissues. Therefore control of B[a]P pollution in ambient air is of prime importance for improving the quality of cereal crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• VR application is extended to the investigation of CCT inside the tunnel. • The effect of CCT on performance both in normal and accident cases is explored. • Detailed validation of the proposed VR-based simulation method is conducted. Correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light source inside the road tunnel plays a crucial role in ensuring driving safety, which is demonstrated by previous studies that CCT influences not only visual effects but also non-visual effects. Although conventional laboratory experiments could simulate the CCT environment inside the tunnel to some extent, they fail to restore driving experience, let alone simulate driving behavior in the accident situation. It has largely remained unclear whether and how CCT would influence visual/non-visual performance of the subjects who are performing driving tasks, especially in the accident situation. Motivated by this gap, a virtual-reality-based framework for assessing the influence of CCT on the visual and non/visual performance in normal driving situation and in accident situation was proposed. In this study, tunnel models under seven different CCTs were created and a rear-end accident was designed in the tunnel. By integrating analog driving equipment, all participants were required to perform virtual driving tasks both in the normal situation and in the accident situation. The non-visual performance (driving fatigue) and the visual performance (reaction time) of the participants were collected and analyzed. Results show that the CCT of light source inside the tunnel was significant on the driving fatigue of the driver who was performing driving task, and it also had a significant impact on the visual performance when the driver was faced with a rear-end accident. Detailed experimental methodology, behavioral explanations underlying these findings, validity of results and practical implications are also discussed in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An assessment framework is built for the tunnel drainage impact on plants. • A numerical model is introduced to simulate water circulation around tunnels. • The tunnel factor can be integrated into the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. • The framework can optimize tunnel parameters to reduce ecological influences. • A complete case study shows the applicability of the framework. The drainage of mountain tunnels can cause groundwater loss and result in shallow groundwater depletion, which jeopardizes terrestrial vegetation. The impact of tunnel drainage on vegetation can be examined from a physiological perspective using monitoring techniques or evaluated as one item in an environmental assessment of the entire tunnel project. Nevertheless, few previous studies have quantitatively assessed the regional impact of tunnel drainage on plants. We established an assessment framework based on a regionally coupled hydrological model that integrated the tunnel factor into the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPAC) to evaluate the vulnerability status of vegetation threatened by tunnel drainage on a regional scale. The framework comprises five components: (1) a one-dimensional (1D) topsoil model for the vertical unsaturated flow through soil and plants; (2) a three-dimensional (3D) groundwater seepage model delineating water movement between the tunnel and groundwater; (3) a one-way coupling scheme for saturated–unsaturated flow; (4) vegetation-dependent atmospheric boundary conditions representing moisture exchanges between the topsoil and atmosphere; and (5) blockwise vulnerability assessments based on the soil matric potential and vegetation wilting point. The proposed framework was applied to an actual mountain tunnel project. The results showed that the framework can help (i) compare and optimize tunnel design/construction parameters to minimize the impact of tunnel drainage on vegetation, (ii) evaluate the regional impact of long-term/transient drainage of a specific tunnel on plants, and (iii) determine the dominant factor controlling vegetation survival in a given region. Furthermore, the regional impacts of groundwater discharge from the Mingtang Tunnel on vegetation were quantitatively investigated using the assessment framework. It was found that the limited drainage solution of the three typical drainage designs could significantly reduce the area of vulnerable vegetation affected by this tunnel. Groundwater discharge from the Mingtang Tunnel that adopted the limited drainage scheme could harm the growth and yield of vegetation in certain areas, but was unlikely to wither plants, even during drought disasters. In addition, vegetation in this region was more influenced by atmospheric conditions than tunnel drainage. The proposed method can provide a novel perspective and practical assessment tool for promoting environmentally friendly tunnel engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a deep learning long-short-term memory (LSTM) method is applied to the forecasting of the critical frequency of the ionosphere F2 layer (foF2). Hourly values of foF2 from 10 ionospheric stations in China and Australia (based on availability) from 2006 to 2019 are used for training and verifying. While 2015 and 2019 are exclusive for verifying the forecasting accuracy. The inputs of the LSTM model are sequential data for the previous values, which include local time (LT), day number, solar zenith angle, the sunspot number (SSN), the daily F10.7 solar flux, geomagnetic the Ap and Kp indices, geographic coordinates, neutral winds, and the observed value of foF2 at the previous moment. To evaluate the forecasting ability of the deep learning LSTM model, two different neural network forecasting models: a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) and a genetic algorithm optimized backpropagation neural network (GABP) were established for comparative analysis. The foF2 parameters were forecasted under geomagnetic quiet and geomagnetic disturbed conditions during solar activity maximum (2015) and minimum (2019), respectively. The forecasting results of these models are compared with those of the international reference ionosphere model (IRI2016) and the measurements. The diurnal and seasonal variations of foF2 for the 4 models were compared and analyzed from 8 selected verification stations. The forecasting results reveal that the deep learning LSTM model presents the optimal performance of all models in forecasting the time series of foF2, while the IRI2016 model has the poorest forecasting performance, and the BPNN model and GABP model are between two of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the shortcomings of the traditional curing agent in the treatment of composite heavy-metal-contaminated soil with the solidification and stabilization method, a new type of cementing material A was used as a curing agent, and the Pb, Cd, Cu composite heavy-metal-contaminated soil was artificially prepared to carry out an experimental study on solidification and stabilization (SS) restoration by the mechanical properties test, leaching performance test, and microscopic test. The results show that in the range of test dosage, with the increase in the curing agent content, the unconfined compressive strength of the solidified body increased, and the resistance to deformation was enhanced. From the perspective of leaching characteristics, the new curing agent A had an excellent curing effect on the composite heavy-metal-contaminated soil. To achieve safe disposal, a curing agent content of 10% applies only for the soil heavily contaminated by heavy metals. The curing agent A could significantly reduce the content of acid-extractable heavy metals after solidifying the heavy metal Pb, Cd, and Cu composite contaminated soil and effectively converted it into a residue state. The solidified phase contained hydrated products such as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and ettringite (AFt). These hydrated products can inhibit the leaching performance of heavy metal ions through adsorption, encapsulation, and ion exchange. The study provides a feasible method and reference for the solidification, restoration, and resource utilization of heavy-metal-contaminated soil in the subgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The first systematic study of the clusters has been carried out by density functional theory (DFT) using the hybrid B3LYP functional in their singlet, triplet, quintet, doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces. Some molecular properties have been calculated for the stable structures, including optimal geometries, bond lengths, bond angles, total energies, reaction energies, zero-point-corrected binding energies, natural population analysis charges, natural electron configurations, vibrational frequencies, and MO pictures of HOMO and LUMO. The results show that the most stable neutral Ti(CH3)4 and its anion are those with spin state S =0 and 1/2, respectively. Moreover, their reaction energies are −57.68 and −60.80kcal/mol, and zero-point-corrected binding energies are −9.87 and −10.43eV. The zero-point-corrected adiabatic electron affinity (AEA) of the ground-state structures is predicted to be 0.80eV (1A← 2A). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The National Strong Motion Observation Network System (NSMONS) of China is briefly introduced in this paper. The NSMONS consists of permanent free-field stations, special observation arrays, mobile observatories and a network management system. During the Wenchuan Earthquake, over 1,400 components of acceleration records were obtained from 460 permanent free-field stations and three arrays for topographical effect and structural response observation in the network system from the main shock, and over 20,000 components of acceleration records from strong aftershocks occurred before August 1, 2008 were also obtained by permanent free-field stations of the NSMONS and 59 mobile instruments quickly deployed after the main shock. The strong motion recordings from the main shock and strong aftershocks are summarized in this paper. In the ground motion recordings, there are over 560 components with peak ground acceleration (PGA) over 10 Gal, the largest being 957.7 Gal. The largest PGA recorded during the aftershock exceeds 300 Gal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring enzyme kinetics is of great importance to understand many biological processes and improve biosensing and industrial applications. Conventional methods of measuring enzyme kinetics require to prepare a series of solutions with different substrate concentrations and measure the signal response over time with these solutions, leading to tedious sample preparation steps, high reagents/sample consumption, and difficulties in studying fast enzyme kinetics. Here we report a one-step assay to measure enzyme kinetics using a 3D-printed microfluidic device, which eliminates the steps of preparing and handling multiple solutions thereby simplifying the whole workflow significantly. The assay is enabled by a highly efficient vibrating sharp-tip mixing method that can mix multiple streams of fluids with minimal mixing length (∼300 μm) and time (as low as 3 ms), and a wide range of working flow rates from 1.5 μL/min to 750 μL/min. Owing to the high performance of the mixer, a series of experiments with different substrate concentrations are performed by simply adjusting the flow rates of reagents loaded from three inlets in one experiment run. The Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed reaction between H 2 O 2 and amplex red is measured in this system. The calculated Michaelis constant is consistent with the values from literature and conventional analysis methods. Due to the simplicity in fabrication and operation, rapid analysis, low power consumption (1.4–45.0 mW), and high temporal resolution, this method will significantly facilitate enzyme kinetics measurement, and offers great potential for optimizing enzyme based biosensing experiments and probing many biochemical processes. [Display omitted] • One step microfluidic enzyme kinetics platform was developed based on a vibrating sharp-tip mixer. • Simpler device fabrication and operation over existing microfluidic methods. • Low reagent consumption and high temporal resolution for kinetics measurements. • The method is enabled by a novel sharp-tip mixer for 3D printed microfluidic devices. • Highest performance mixer to date in 3D printed microdevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial consortia isolated from aged oil-contaminated soil were used to degrade 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (15.72mgkg−1) in soil and slurry phases. The three microbial consortia (bacteria, fungi and bacteria–fungi complex) could degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the highest PAH removals were found in soil and slurry inoculated with fungi (50.1% and 55.4%, respectively). PAHs biodegradation in slurry was lower than in soil for bacteria and bacteria–fungi complex inoculation treatments. Degradation of three- to five-ring PAHs treated by consortia was observed in soil and slurry, and the highest degradation of individual PAHs (anthracene, fluoranthene, and benz(a)anthracene) appeared in soil (45.9–75.5%, 62–83.7% and 64.5–84.5%, respectively) and slurry (46.0–75.8%, 50.2–86.1% and 54.3–85.7%, respectively). Therefore, inoculation of microbial consortia (bacteria, fungi and bacteria–fungi complex) isolated from in situ contaminated soil to degrade PAHs could be considered as a successful method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new imaging method for measuring the geomagnetic field based on the magnetic rotation effect is put forward. With the help of polarization property of the sunlight reflected from the ground and the magnetic rotation of the atmosphere, the geomagnetic field can be measured by an optical system installed on a satellite. According to its principle, the three-dimensional image of the geomagnetic field can be obtained. The measuring speed of this method is very high, and there is no blind spot and distortion. In this paper, the principle of this method is presented, and some key problems are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The nematode Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is one of the most pathogenic and economically important parasites of sheep. A 24kDa protein is one of the important components in H. contortus excretory/secretory (ES), which was shown to have important biological function. In our research, the cDNA of its open reading frame (ES24) was obtained and analyzed. Then the ES24 was sub-cloned into pET-30a expression vector. The recombinant vector that codes hexahistidyl peptide fusion protein (His-ES24) was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. After induction, a high expression level of His-ES24 was found at 6h taking about 26% of the total bacterial protein analyzed by gel thin-layer scanning. The expressed His-ES24 was purified and then used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect specific antibodies in serum samples. The ELISA was able to differentiate between H. contortus-infected sheep serum and Fasciola hepatica-infected sheep serum or non-infected sheep serum. No cross-reaction was observed in sheep sera that have been experimentally infected with F. hepatica. A total of 153 field sheep serum samples conserved in our laboratory were examined using the His-ES24 ELISA, and 82 (53.6%) of them were found seropositive to H. contortus. Our results demonstrate that the prokaryotic-expressed His-ES24 might be a useful diagnostic reagent for epidemiological studies of H. contortus in sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Raman spectra of aluminum nitride were measured over the temperature range from room temperature to 1273 K. Frequencies of the E21, A1(TO), E22, E1(TO), A1(LO) and E1(LO) phonon modes are 252, 614, 658, 672, 894 and 912 cm−1, respectively. The Raman peaks of A1(TO) and E22 modes are shifted toward lower frequency with temperature, which indicate that the compressive stress in the compact of aluminum nitride relax gradually when temperature is increased. The width of the Raman peaks of the A1(TO) and E22 modes are also broadened with increasing temperature. The powders of aluminum nitride readily react with water vapor in the air to product Al(OH)3 or AlOOH. These reaction products will decompose at elevated temperatures; this will affect the measurement of the Raman spectra. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we study the asymptotic behavior of solutions for the partly dissipative lattice dynamical systems in . We prove the asymptotic compactness of the solutions and then establish the existence of the global attractor in . The upper semicontinuity of the global attractor is also considered by finite-dimensional approximations of attractors for the lattice systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An expansive polystyrene granule cement (EPSC) latticed concrete wall with diagonal bracing is formed with a traditional EPSC latticed concrete wall skeleton with added diagonal bracing. It is a new model of non-demolding wall integrating insulation and structure. For the new model, the length of one EPSC panel is 1200 mm, which is 300 mm longer than that of the traditional one. The diagonal bracing is arranged in a 45° orthogonal grid in the new model. In contrast, the traditional type has only horizontal lattice beams and vertical lattice columns. Through the pseudo-static test of two new EPSC latticed concrete wall specimens with diagonal bracing and two traditional EPSC latticed concrete wall specimens, the seismic performance of latticed concrete walls was investigated in this study. The main difference between the specimens was the lattice form and the core hole diameter. Finite element simulation was carried out on the simplified models of a latticed concrete wall with diagonal bracing. The results showed that EPSC could work with post-poured concrete to withstand earthquake action together. Additionally, the lateral performance of the EPSC latticed concrete wall with diagonal bracing was significantly improved compared with the traditional type, and the overall seismic performance was improved, especially the energy dissipation capacity, which increased by more than 180%. The bearing capacity increased by more than 12%, when the amount of concrete was basically the same. The initial stiffness was improved by more than 52%. As the diameter of the core hole increased 20 mm, the bearing capacity improved more than 12%. Simplified modeling methods could be used to analyze the seismic performance of latticed concrete walls under lateral cyclic loading. The study reveals the seismic performance characteristics of latticed composite walls with different lattice forms and core hole diameters, and it provides technical support for the engineering application of different lattice forms and core hole diameter latticed composite walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this paper are to investigate the flow separation and its effects on the characteristics of enstrophy conversion in a thermo-sensitive cavitating flow. Simulated results indicate the correlation exists in the flow separation and re-entrant-jets can be well depicted by the application of boundary vorticity dynamics theory (BVDT). The distributions and first-order moment of the wall vorticity demonstrate that the shedding, collapse and reattachment of cavity enhance the effect of vorticity. To reveal the evolution mechanism and distribution characteristics of enstrophy, various terms of enstrophy are established. As demonstrated by the results, the enstrophy production term (EPT) dominates the entire energy evolution process, and it is distributed in the interface of the cavity where intensive mass transfer exists. The enstrophy viscosity dissipation term (EVDT) always reduces enstrophy and inhibits energy loss. The impacts of the other two terms on absolute enstrophy are limited due to the smaller numerical integration. Furthermore, the attachment sheet cavity suppresses the development of various terms because of the stationary flow field. Whereas the multiscale detachment or collapse of cavity lead to a rapid increase in enstrophy, which manifests as the energy loss becomes evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents large eddy simulation of high-speed centrifugal pump at approximate quarter load (0.23 Qd) and design load (Qd) conditions. Two liquid models, including weak compressible and incompressible assumptions, are considered to investigate the weak compressibility effects (WCE) on the pressure fluctuation at rotor-stator interaction (RSI). Researches show that the performance is slightly increased by the WCE at both the flow rates, which deviate from the experimental data within 5 %. There is a phase deviation between the pressure fluctuation of the two assumptions. The amplitudes of pressure fluctuation and pressure spectra are affected by the WCE, especially in the guide vane channel far away from the tongue. The first and second frequencies of pressure spectra are 12 and 6 times the rotation frequency, respectively, which are insensitive to the WCE. The influence of WCE on the pressure fluctuation and pressure spectra is significant at 0.23 Qd and gradually weakened at Qd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electro-hydraulic shaking table is an essential experimental apparatus to evaluate structural performance under actual vibration condition. The control-structure interaction (CSI) between shaking table and eccentric load has lately received considerable attention for causing the accuracy degradation of shaking table test. At present, the research gap of the influence of the eccentricity of load on the CSI makes it challenging to find the CSI effects. And an effect assessment is yet to be proposed to evaluate the CSI effects, which has impeded the development of test technology. To overcome those theoretical bottlenecks, in this research, an analytical transfer function matrix of shaking table and eccentric load is established to analyze the CSI effects. The analysis is conducted under such conditions as different mass ratio (MR), moment of inertia ratio (IR), and eccentric distance ratio (ER) conditions. Through the analysis, the role of the ER is identified, the sensitivities of the MR, IR, and ER to the transfer function matrix are revealed, and the CSI effects are found. Furthermore, a novelty effect assessment is proposed to appraise whether the CSI effects can be ignored in shaking table test. And the visualization expression of the effect assessment is obtained for convenient application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron as a main structural material in fusion facilities, its activation reaction cross-sections induced by 14 MeV neutron is of great significance. In order to solve the problem of insufficient accuracy of 54Fe(n,2n)53Fe reaction as temperature monitor in fusion reactors, the 54Fe(n,2n)53Fe reaction cross section was measured based on K-400 D-T neutron generator at China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP). Three natural abundance iron samples sandwiched with zirconium and niobium foil were irradiated at three angles for 50 min. Neutron activated product, 53Fe, was measured by off-line gamma ray method with a high purity germanium detector at CAEP. The neutron flux was obtained from 56Fe (n,p)56Mn as the standard monitor reaction, and the mean neutron energy was calculated by Q formula. As a result, the cross sections at 14.51 MeV, 14.67 MeV and 14.83 MeV neutron energies are (5.40 ± 0.61) mb, (6.96 ± 0.72) mb and (10.30 ± 0.94) mb, respectively. The experimental results were compared with the previous experimental data and evaluation database. The present findings show a good agreement with the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and TENDL-2019 and with partial existing experimental results. As a temperature monitor in fusion reactors, a new ion temperature curve with an accuracy of (11–17)% was proposed based on the present activation results of 54Fe (n, 2n)53Fe reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]