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This paper proposes a real-time price (RTP)-based demand-response (DR) algorithm for achieving optimal load control of devices in a facility by forming a virtual electricity-trading process, where the energy management center of the facility is the virtual retailer (leader) offering virtual retail prices, from which devices (followers) are supposed to purchase energy. A one-leader, N -follower Stackelberg game is formulated to capture the interactions between them, and optimization problems are formed for each player to help in selecting the optimal strategy. The existence of a unique Stackelberg equilibrium that provides optimal energy demands for each device was demonstrated. The simulation analysis showed that the Stackelberg game-based DR algorithm is effective for achieving the optimal load control of devices in response to RTP changes with a trivial computation burden. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives To investigate the morphologic characteristics of early and late stages of chronic total coronary artery occlusions (CTO) in coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent coronary CTA and invasive coronary angiography and had at least one CTO with known duration. The following parameters were obtained in coronary CTA: calcification of the occluded segment; stump morphology; lesion length; remodeling index; presence of intra-occlusion linear contrast enhancement; and density of non-calcified CTO components. CT parameters were compared between patients with early (duration ≤ 12 months) and late (duration > 12 months) stage CTO. Results One-hundred and twelve patients with 124 chronically occluded coronary arteries were analyzed. Fifty nine patients had early stage CTOs (62 lesions) and 53 patients had late stage CTOs (62 lesions). Calcification was more severe in late-stage versus early CTOs (Agatston score: early stage, 27.4 ± 46.7 vs . late stage, 58.3 ± 112.4; p = 0.049). Remodeling index was lower in late-stage CTOs (early stage, 0.96 ± 0.2 vs . late stage, 0.88 ± 0.22; p = 0.034). In patients with late stage CTO, the presence of intra-occlusion linear enhancement was more likely (45.2% vs 14.5%, p < 0.001), and the density of non-calcified components was significantly higher (85.4 ± 27.2 HU vs. 65.7 ± 30.1 HU, p < 0.001). Stump morphology was not different between the two groups. Conclusions Coronary CTA reveals differences between chronic total coronary occlusions of longer and shorter duration. A long duration is associated with focal calcification and negative remodeling, as well as intra-occlusion enhancement and a higher density of non-calcified components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for electricity, coupled with increased efficiency requirements, creates new opportunities for the development of demand-side management systems. Here we describe an approach for load allocation among different classes of device. We adopt the concept of strategic choice to determine the optimal strategy for a given situation. Electricity resources are allocated based on demand, priority, fairness, the available electrical resources, and the budget, so that even when the unit price is high (i.e., the available resources are restricted), higher-priority devices continue to operate without interruption. When the price falls, resources are distributed to satisfy the requirements of a larger number of devices. We include ESSs (energy storage systems) in the algorithm to reserve energy during low-price times for use during high-price times. The algorithm described here can be used to allocate resources among heterogeneous devices, and has potential not only to reduce peak demand but also to increase the overall efficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controllable synthesis of two-dimensional all-inorganic lead halide perovskite (CsPbX 3 , X = Cl, Br and I) nanoplates (NPLs) has attracted wide attention of researchers. However, the direct synthesis of high-quality CsPbCl 3 NPLs with controllable morphology still faces a challenge. Herein we report a solvothermal method to directly synthesize CsPbCl 3 NPLs. By varying solvothermal reaction time, the thickness of the NPLs has be successfully adjusted from 2.8 to 3.6 nm, and the red shift of the photoluminescence (PL) emission from 391 to 402 nm has been realized. Subsequently, effective post-treatment on the as-prepared CsPbCl 3 NPLs using CoCl 2 results in the greatly enhancement of PL quantum yield (PLQY) from original 14.09 to final 50.4%, showing the best PLQY among all CsPbCl 3 NPLs samples to date. This work not only provides a reliable process for the controllable preparation of CsPbCl 3 NPLs, but also supplies more selectivity for the post-treatment of CsPbCl 3 nanocrystals using chloride compounds. In this work, two-dimensional CsPbCl 3 NPLs are synthesized by a solvothermal method. The thickness of the nanoplates can be accurately controlled by adjusting the solvothermal reaction time. Effective post-treatment results in the greatly improved optical performance of the CsPbCl 3 NPLs. [Display omitted] • CsPbCl 3 nanoplates are prepared by a simple solvothermal method. • The size and optical properties of nanoplates are regulated by changing the reaction conditions. • CoCl 2 is utilized to improve the photoluminescence quantum yield and photostability of CsPbCl 3 nanoplates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of demand response (DR) for improving the operational efficiency of smart grids has been widely recognized. To further explore the potential DR flexibility, this article presents a novel framework for DR resource trading between multiple service providers (SPs) and end customers, in which SPs are supposed to offer diversified incentives to a resource trading center (RTC) while anticipating responses from the demand side. Distinguished from previous studies, in this work each end customer is endowed the authority to simultaneously trade with multiple SPs with the intention of maximizing their net utilities. The trading process between SPs and customers is demonstrated by a multileader multifollower Stackelberg game, due to its superiority of modeling problems with hierarchical decision-making behaviors. To solve the formulated game, an exact potential function is proposed to help determine the unique Nash equilibrium (NE) among SPs, which serves as the cornerstone for further deriving the Stackelberg equilibrium (SE), i.e., the ultimate outcome of the resource trading process. Simulation results verified that the DR flexibility was significantly increased compared with the case when there is only one SP responsible for the entire trading on behalf of all the end customers. Moreover, the proposed approach is also able to bring extra benefits for both SPs and customers in terms of net profit and net utility value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK, EC 2.7.11.24) cascade from several plant species has been shown to be activated during response to abiotic stress. Ethylene plays an important role in fruit tolerance to environmental stress. However, the mechanisms by which MAPK regulates defence systems in fruit and the relationship between MAPK and ethylene remain to be determined. RESULTS: MAPK inhibitor significantly decreased the chilling tolerance of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Lichun) fruit during cold storage. Moreover, decreases in ethylene content, LeACS2 expression and activities of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS, EC 4.4.1.14) and ACC oxidase (ACO, EC 1.14.17.4) due to MAPK inhibitor occurred within 24 h after cold treatment. Upon treatment with cold and ethephon, the ethylene content, activities of ACS and ACO and expression of LeACS2, LeACO1 and LeMAPK4 increased. CONCLUSION: The results showed the regulation of MAPK in ethylene biosynthesis to protect tomato fruit from cold stress. In addition, the participation of LeMAPK4 in cold-induced ethylene biosynthesis in tomato fruit was indicated. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of ionic liquids as reaction media was investigated in the design of an environmentally friendly single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) for acrylonitrile (AN) without any ligand by using Fe(0) wire as catalyst and 2-bromopropionitrile as initiator. 1-Methylimidazolium acetate ([mim][AT]), 1-methylimidazolium propionate ([mim][PT]), and 1-methylimidazolium valerate ([mim][VT]) were applied in this study. First-order kinetics of polymerization with respect to the monomer concentration, linear increase of the molecular weight, and narrow polydispersity with monomer conversion showed the controlled/living radical polymerization characters. The sequence of the apparent polymerization rate constant of SET-LRP of AN was kapp ([mim][AT]) > kapp ([mim][PT]) > kapp ([mim][VT]). The living feature of the polymerization was also confirmed by chain extensions of polyacrylonitrile with methyl methacrylate. All three ionic liquids were recycled and reused and had no obvious effect on the controlled/living nature of SET-LRP of AN. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which described the living polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with a conventional radical initiator, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), and iron chloride (FeCl3/lactic acid as a catalyst. It also investigated the effects of the molar ratio of metal to ligand, temperature and different solvent on the polymerization.

Summary: Fisetin and hesperitin are two common flavonoids in plant medicines. In this paper, the mechanism of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition was systematically studied by combining experimental and theoretical methods. The HPLC results suggested that the XO inhibitory activity of fisetin (IC50, 0.140 mM) was superior to that of hesperitin (IC50, 0.635 mM). The spectrofluorimetry results showed flavonoids could induce the static fluorescence quenching of XO, indicating that they played the inhibitory activity by forming the complexes with XO. We showed the paramount force of fisetin and XO was hydrophobic; in the complex of hesperidin and XO, hydrogen bonding and van der Waals force were crucial forces. We used Autodock software for molecular docking. The results suggested that both fisetin and hesperitin entered the active pocket of XO, and the complexes were maintained by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction, which coincided with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Arabidopsis thaliana, six vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporters (AtNHX1-6) were identified. Among them, AtNHX1, 2 and 5 are functional Na+/H+ antiporters with the most abundant expression levels in seedling shoots and roots. However, the expression of AtNHX3 in Arabidopsis can only be detected by RT-PCR, and its physiological function still remains unclear. In this work, we demonstrate that constitutive expression of AtNHX3 in sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) conferred augmented resistance to high salinity on transgenic plants. In the presence of 300 or 500 mm NaCl, transgenic plants showed very high potassium accumulation in the roots and storage roots. Furthermore, the transcripts of sucrose phosphate synthase ( SPS), sucrose synthase ( SS) and cell wall sucrose invertase ( SI) genes were maintained in transgenic plants. The accumulation of soluble sugar in the storage roots of transgenic plants grown under high salt stress condition was also higher. Our results implicate that AtNHX3 is also a functional antiporter responsible for salt tolerance by mediating K+/H+ exchange in higher plants. The salt accumulation in leaves but not in the storage roots, and the increased yield of storage roots with enhanced constituent soluble sugar contents under salt stress condition demonstrate a great potential use of this gene in improving the quality and yield of crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which investigated monodisperse crosslinked polystyrene microspheres and its synthesis by dispersion copolymerization. An overview of the use of crosslinker-postaddition method is given. The effects of postaddition beginning time, velocity, agitation rate and recipe on the particle distribution, size and morphology were also examined. The study also characterized polymer microspheres with laser particle and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Both surface microstructure and low surface energy modification play a vital role in the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces. In this study, a safe and simple electrochemical method was developed to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces of Zr-based metallic glasses with high corrosion resistance. First, micro–nano composite structures were generated on the surface of Zr-based metallic glasses by electrochemical etching in NaCl solution. Next, stearic acid was used to decrease surface energy. The effects of electrochemical etching time on surface morphology and wettability were also investigated through scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. Furthermore, the influence of micro–nano composite structures and roughness on the wettability of Zr-based metallic glasses was analysed on the basis of the Cassie–Baxter model. The water contact angle of the surface was 154.3° ± 2.2°, and the sliding angle was <5°, indicating good superhydrophobicity. Moreover, the potentiodynamic polarisation test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy suggested excellent corrosion resistance performance, and the inhibition efficiency of the superhydrophobic surface reached 99.6%. Finally, the prepared superhydrophobic surface revealed excellent temperature-resistant and self-cleaning properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic coils are one of the key components of many systems. Their insulation failure can have severe effects on the systems in which coils are used. This paper focuses on insulation degradation monitoring and remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of electromagnetic coils. First, insulation degradation characteristics are extracted from coil high-frequency electrical parameters. Second, health indicator is defined based on insulation degradation characteristics to indicate the health degree of coil insulation. Finally, an insulation degradation model is constructed, and coil insulation RUL prediction is performed by particle filtering. Thermal accelerated degradation experiments are performed to validate the RUL prediction performance. The proposed method presents opportunities for predictive maintenance of systems that incorporate coils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has suffered from severe crop residue burning (CRB) for a long time. As a type of biomass burning, CRB leads to a huge alteration in climate due to the emission of greenhouse gases and particulates in the atmosphere and damages to surface characteristics on land. At present, a growing body of research focuses on the impact of biomass burning (BB) (e.g., forest fire, grass fire, and CRB) on climate change from the aspect of atmospheric process. Meanwhile, a small number of research studies have started to pay attention on the damage caused by BB (e.g. forest fire) on land surface and consequent changes in the land surface temperature (LST). However, at present there is no study concerning the effect of CRB on the surface temperature. Considering its large incidence, highly seasonal concentration, and large spatial scale in China, this study attempted to reveal the impact of CRB on LST. Specifically, we identified the influence of CRB on the LST in surrounding areas based on MODIS Thermal Anomalies/Fire product and MODIS LST product during the CRB season for three provinces of China: Heilongjiang, Hebei, and Guangxi from 2015 to 2017. The results showed that there was a strong positive correlation between daily CRB spots and daily LST (R between 0.30 and 0.61) in Heilongjiang (20,184–24,902 spots of CRB from 2015 to 2017). On the other hand, in Hebei and Guangxi provinces, where the total CRB number was less (2,367–2,754 spots of CRB from 2015 to 2017 in Hebei, and 701 to 653 spots of CRB from 2015 to 2017 in Guangxi), even if R was only 0.36–0.53 and 0.11–0.53, respectively, the peaks of CRB spots and peaks of daily LST were highly matched. Furthermore, the spatial analysis showed that LST on agricultural land in 10–15 km distance from the center of CRB was higher (1–3 °C) than that in other regions in Heilongjiang province. On the other hand, the influence scale of CRB in Hebei and Guangxi was only 2–4 km with a ∼2 °C increase on LST. Finally, according to the typical case analysis, it was found that the influence of CRB on LST existed for 1–3 days and did not disappear immediately. The study proved the impact of CRB on LST in surrounding areas, and favors action on climate change relief through CRB control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), a highly contagious agent, is widespread and causes acute upper respiratory tract disease in chickens and turkeys. However, currently, there is no vaccine licensed in China. Herein, we describe the development of an inactivated aMPV/B vaccine using the aMPV/B strain LN16. Combined with a novel adjuvant containing immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs), the novel vaccine could induce high virus-specific and VN antibodies. In addition, it activated B and T lymphocytes and promoted the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ. Importantly, boosting vaccination with the inactivated aMPV/B vaccine could provide 100% protection against aMPV/B infection with reduced virus shedding and turbinate inflammation. The protection efficacy could last for at least 6 months. This study yielded a novel inactivated aMPV/B vaccine that could serve as the first vaccine candidate in China, thus contributing to the control of aMPV/B and promoting the development of the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical networks-on-chip (ONoCs) are gradually becoming the most promising candidate in multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoCs). To further improve the reliability of information transmission by realizing error detection in the optical communication systems on-chip, the optical channel coding technology can be exploited into the ONoCs. In this paper, a novel silicon micro-ring resonators (MRs)-based optical group counting check technology is presented. Based on the proposed optical group counting check generator and calibration circuit, an on-chip optical information transmission mechanism with error detection retransmission is proposed and analyzed. In addition, the availability of the proposed method is verified during a case study in torus-based ONoCs with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) using Crux optical router. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the communication reliability of the ONoCs, significantly reduce the bit error rate (BER), and increase the Q factor. For example, when the network size of the WDM-based torus ONoCs is 6 × 5, the BER and Q factor of this network using group counting method with retransmission mechanism are 4. 33 × 1 0 − 10 and 6.10, which are respectively 3. 916 × 1 0 − 7 lower and 1.22 higher than the traditional WDM-based torus ONoCs communication. It follows that this work can greatly improve the reliability of optical information transmission, and then achieve the scale expansion of WDM-based ONoCs. • Applying advantages of channel coding method to ONoCs to improve their reliability. • A novel silicon MRs-based optical group counting check technology is presented. • A communication scheme with error retransmission in ONoCs is proposed and evaluated. • The proposed communication scheme can significantly improve the reliability of ONoCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The electromagnetic interference leakage reduces the ultra-low field MRI performance. • A graphene/Cu/nylon fabric was designed for high frequency EMI shielding. • The SE of 5-layer fabric ranges between 30 dB and 67 dB from 30 MHz to 3 GHz. • The fabric improves image SNR by a factor of 4.3 and introduces little extra noise. In ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF MRI) working in the micro-tesla magnetic field range, the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) as the signal detector is very susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) so that the system normally works in a shielded room. However, the leakage of EMI in the shielded room may still seriously reduce the system performance. In order to improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the system, we designed a microwave absorbing composite, graphene/Cu/nylon fabric (GCN fabric). In this design, high shielding effectiveness and low-noise performance of the EMI shielding material are equally crucial due to the extremely sensitive detection with SQUID. The shielding effectiveness of 5-layer fabric ranges between 30 dB and 67 dB from 30 MHz to 3 GHz and its maximum appears at 60 MHz. Furthermore, GCN fabric introduces little extra system noise when applied in the ULF MRI system with magnetic field noise of 0.8 f T / H z at 5 kHz. The SQUID unlocked tuned signal is thus increased by 33% and the signal-to-noise ratio of MRI image is increased by a factor of 4.3. In future, portable and inexpensive unshielded ULF MRI with low-noise might be realized by potential optimization on the component and preparation technology of GCN fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Dynamic computed tomography (CT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) provides quantitative myocardial blood flow for the precise assessment of myocardial ischemia. However, compared with coronary CT angiography (CCTA), whether this functional imaging modality can reduce invasive coronary angiography without revascularization remains unknown. We aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of a dynamic CT-MPI+CCTA-guided versus CCTA-guided strategy in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Methods: Consecutive patients with intermediate pretest probability of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled and randomized to dynamic CT-MPI+CCTA-guided or CCTA-guided workup. The primary end point was the rate of invasive coronary angiography without revascularization within 3 months. The secondary end point was a composite of major adverse cardiac event at the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Results: A total of 240 patients (mean age, 69.01±11.2 years; 173 men) were included. The total radiation dose and contrast media usage within 90 days were higher in the CT-MPI+CCTA group than in the CCTA group (10.3 versus 7.1 mSv, P =0.031; 134.5±40.6 versus 108.1±48.2 mL, P <0.0001). Compared with the CCTA-guided group, the CT-MPI+CCTA-guided group had significantly lower rates of invasive coronary angiography within 90 days (48.3% [58/120] versus 30.8% [37/120], P =0.006) and invasive coronary angiography without revascularization (50.0% [29/58] versus 10.8% [4/37], P <0.0001). There were no significant differences regarding the frequency of major adverse cardiac event between the 2 groups at the 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: In patients with intermediate pretest probability of coronary artery disease, CT-MPI+CCTA-guided patient management may be preferred over the CCTA-guided strategy as an approach to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J), an oncogenic retrovirus, causes hemangiomas and myeloid tumors in chickens. We previously showed that miR-125b is down-regulated in ALV-J-induced tumors. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of miR-125b in ALV-J-mediated infection and tumorigenesis. Knockdown of miR-125b expression in HP45 cells reduced, whereas over-expression induced late-stage apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase activity assays indicate that miR-125b targets Semaphorin 4D/CD100 (Sema4D) by binding the 3′-untranslated region of messenger RNA (mRNA). Up-regulation of miR-125b in the DF1 cell line suppressed Sema4D expression, whereas miR-125 down-regulation increased Sema4D expression levels. To uncover the function of Sema4D during ALV-J infection, animal infection experiments and in vitro assays were performed and show that Sema4D mRNA levels were up-regulated in ALV-J-infected tissues and cells. Finally, functional experiments show that miR-125 down-regulation and Sema4D over-expression inhibited apoptosis in HP45 cells. These results suggest that miR-125b and its target Sema4D might play an important role in the aggressive growth of HP45 cells induced by avian leukosis viruses (ALVs). These findings improve our understanding of the underlying mechanism of ALV-J infection and tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we established a feasible fertilization programming method for wheat production by exploring the effects of the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers on wheat yield, nutrient uptake, soil nutrient content, and fertilizer utilization. Six treatments, no fertilizer (CK), conventional fertilizer (CF), optimized fertilizer (with reduced fertilizer amount) (RF), chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer extract (RPAE), partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw amino acid powder (RAF), and partial replacement of chemical fertilizer with raw humic acid powder (RHF), were set up for a field experiment. The fertilizer application rates for the RF treatment were calculated based on fertilization-monitoring techniques (30.3% nitrogen and 24.8% phosphorus reductions in 2022 and 23.0% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions in 2023). The effects of different fertilizer treatments on yield, dry matter accumulation, plant nutrient accumulation, soil nutrients, and nutrient utilization in wheat were investigated. The results showed that, on the basis of 23% nitrogen and 1.5% phosphorus reductions, there was no significant difference in wheat yield between the RF and CF treatments and that the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer was improved. The application of organic fertilizer promoted dry matter accumulation in different organs of wheat; increased plant nutrient accumulation; improved soil nutrient content, nutrient utilization rate, nutrient partial productivity, and nutrient agronomic use efficiency; and ensured stable and increased crop yield. Specifically, compared with CF, the RPAE, RAF, and RHF organic fertilizer treatments increased wheat yield by 3.85%, 1.97%, and 0.67%, respectively, and the utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers induced by these treatments significantly increased by 40.46%, 39.28%, and 37.46% (nitrogen) and by 9.83%, 8.91%, and 7.46% (phosphorus), respectively. As a result of our experiment, we concluded that RPAE exerted the best effects among the three organic fertilizer treatments (RPAE, RAF, and RHF) and that its use can result in a higher wheat yield and fertilizer utilization rate in drip-irrigated wheat fields. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers, which is conducive to sustainable agriculture development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing market of electrochemical energy storage impels the advances on cost-effective and environmentally friendly battery chemistries. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most critical energy storage devices for a variety of applications, while sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are expected to complement LIBs in large-scale applications. In respect to their constituent components, the cathode part is the most significant sector regarding weight fraction and cost. Therefore, the development of cathode materials based on Earth’s abundant elements (Fe and Mn) largely determines the prospects of the batteries. Herein, we offer a comprehensive review of the up-to-date advances on Fe- and Mn-based cathode materials for LIBs and SIBs, highlighting some promising candidates, such as Li- and Mn-rich layered oxides, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, LiFe1-xMnxPO4, NaxFeyMn1-yO2, Na4MnFe2(PO4)(P2O7), and Prussian blue analogs. Also, challenges and prospects are discussed to direct the possible development of cost-effective and high-performance cathode materials for future rechargeable batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental innovation is the fundamental support for sustainable development. Exploiting Chinese provincial panel data from 2007 to 2017, this study investigates the impacts of fiscal decentralization on environmental innovation. In particular, we discuss the regulating role of government's environmental protection expenditures relying on the mediator effect model. The empirical analyses show that fiscal decentralization cannot only directly promote environmental innovation, but also indirectly weaken environmental innovation through the environmental protection expenditure of the local government. The overall performance is that fiscal decentralization promotes environmental innovation. It is noteworthy that there is regional heterogeneity in the impact of fiscal decentralization on environmental innovation. The impact in the east is significantly higher than in the central and western regions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]