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Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of hyperhomocysteinemia among Tibetan residents in the west of Xizang Ali. Methods By using the method of multi-stage cluster random sampling, Tibetan residents were randomly selected from the western area of Xizang Ali for physical examination and questionnaire survey, and blood routine and biochemical indexes were collected. The prevalence and influencing factors of hyperhomocysteinemia in this area were analyzed by chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 1 362 Tibetan residents in the western region of Xizang Ali were investigated. The results showed that there were 1 044 patients with hyperhomocysteinemia, with a prevalence rate of 76.7%. The prevalence rate of males (84.8%) was higher than that of females (71.5%). Smoking (OR=1.988, 95%CI: 1.076-3.675), poor household (OR = 1.775, 95%CI: 1.204-2.540), hyperuricemia (OA =3.416, 95%CI: 2.494-4.679), hypercholesterolemia (OA =4.051, 95%CI: 2.811-5.838), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR=2.589, 95%CI: 1.765-3.798) were risk factors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Female (0R=0.538, 95%CI: 0.384-0.752) and agricultural and pastoral areas (OR = 0.312, 95%CI: 0.156-0.625) were protective factors. Conclusion The prevalence rate of hyperhomocysteinemia is high in the western region of Xizang Ali. Sex, residence, smoking, and poor households are the influencing factors of hyperhomocys- teinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia is significantly associated with hyperuricemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a single‐fed broadband circularly polarized (CP) filtering patch antenna based on metasurface is proposed. It consists of a corner‐truncated square patch, a nonuniform metasurface, and a U‐shaped strip. By placing the metasurface above the driven patch antenna, a radiation null is realized at the upper band, and an additional axial ratio (AR) minimum is simultaneously generated to enhance the CP bandwidth. Besides, two more radiation nulls are achieved at each side of the band edges by introducing a U‐shaped strip underneath the patch and embedding a shorting pin into the patch, which further improves the frequency selectivity and suppresses the radiation level. Measured results show that the designed antenna has a wide impedance bandwidth of 19.7% (4.8–5.85 GHz), a CP bandwidth of 19.9% (4.75–5.8 GHz), and an in‐band average gain of 7 dBic with suppression level of more than 18 dB at out of band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of P‐stereogenic phosphorus compounds has gained considerable attention due to their wide applications across many research fields. Among the available strategies, transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric transformation of pentavalent phosphoryl (H−P(O)) precursors is particularly appealing. This approach involves a direct C−P bond‐forming process, rendering it straightforward, and it employs readily available, bench‐stable H−P(O) reagents that are compatible with various metal catalysts. Recent years have witnessed significant progress in this field, with a primary focus on asymmetric C−P cross‐couplings and hydrophosphorylations. This Concept article provides a brief summary of recent progress, highlights existing challenges, and discusses future directions in this exciting area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed enantioselective P−C cross‐coupling of secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs) is an attractive method for synthesizing P‐stereogenic phosphorus compounds, but the development of such a dynamic kinetic asymmetric process remains a considerable challenge. Here we report an unprecedented highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic intermolecular P−C coupling of SPOs and aryl iodides catalyzed by copper complexes ligated by a finely modified chiral 1,2‐diamine ligand. The reaction tolerates a wide range of SPOs and aryl iodides, affording P‐stereogenic tertiary phosphine oxides (TPOs) in high yields and with good enantioselectivity (average 89.2 % ee). The resulting enantioenriched TPOs were transformed into structurally diverse P‐chiral scaffolds, which are highly valuable as ligands and catalysts in asymmetric synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed enantioselective P−C cross‐coupling of secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs) is an attractive method for synthesizing P‐stereogenic phosphorus compounds, but the development of such a dynamic kinetic asymmetric process remains a considerable challenge. Here we report an unprecedented highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic intermolecular P−C coupling of SPOs and aryl iodides catalyzed by copper complexes ligated by a finely modified chiral 1,2‐diamine ligand. The reaction tolerates a wide range of SPOs and aryl iodides, affording P‐stereogenic tertiary phosphine oxides (TPOs) in high yields and with good enantioselectivity (average 89.2 % ee). The resulting enantioenriched TPOs were transformed into structurally diverse P‐chiral scaffolds, which are highly valuable as ligands and catalysts in asymmetric synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed enantioselective P−C cross‐coupling of secondary phosphine oxides (SPOs) is an attractive method for synthesizing P‐stereogenic phosphorus compounds, but the development of such a dynamic kinetic asymmetric process remains a considerable challenge. Here we report an unprecedented highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic intermolecular P−C coupling of SPOs and aryl iodides catalyzed by copper complexes ligated by a finely modified chiral 1,2‐diamine ligand. The reaction tolerates a wide range of SPOs and aryl iodides, affording P‐stereogenic tertiary phosphine oxides (TPOs) in high yields and with good enantioselectivity (average 89.2 % ee). The resulting enantioenriched TPOs were transformed into structurally diverse P‐chiral scaffolds, which are highly valuable as ligands and catalysts in asymmetric synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband circularly polarized (CP) magnetoelectric (ME) dipole antenna loaded with parasitic loop is presented in this communication. The proposed ME dipole antenna is fed through the slot-coupled feeding method, in which a microstrip line is used to couple the energy to the antenna by the slot etched on the ground plane. By introducing a parasitic loop coplanar with the horizontal patch, extra CP modes are generated due to the coupling with the radiation patch. Combining with the original CP mode, the simulated 3 dB axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth is enhanced from 12.2% to 45.8% with an increment of 33.6%. The measured results show that the 10 dB impedance bandwidth is 55.3% (3.4–6.0 GHz) and the 3 dB AR bandwidth is 42.1% (3.62–5.55 GHz). Moreover, the proposed antenna owns flat gain and stable unidirectional radiation patterns within the designated frequency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study investigated the effects of chronic heat stress on liver inflammatory injury and its potential mechanisms in broilers. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 1-week control group (Control 1), 1-week heat stress group (HS1), 2-week control group (Control 2), and a 2-week heat stress group (HS2) with 15 replicates per group. Broilers in the heat stress groups were exposed to heat stress (35 ± 2 °C) for 8 h/d for 7 or 14 consecutive days, and the rest of 26 hours/day were kept at 23 ± 2 °C like control group broilers. Growth performance and liver inflammatory injury were examined for the analysis of liver injury. Results: The results showed that heat stress for 2 weeks decreased the growth performance, reduced the liver weight (P < 0.05) and liver index (P < 0.05), induced obvious bleeding and necrosis points. Liver histological changes found that the heat stress induced the liver infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes in broilers. Serum levels of AST and SOD were enhanced in HS1 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and HS2 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) group, compared with control 1 and 2 group broilers. The MDA content in HS1 group was higher than that of in control 1 group broilers (P < 0.05). Both the gene and protein expression levels of HSP70, TLR4 and NF-κB in the liver were significantly enhanced by heat stress. Furthermore, heat stress obviously enhanced the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB P65, IκB and their phosphorylated proteins in the livers of broilers. In addition, heat stress promoted the activation of NLRP3 with increased NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-1β levels. Conclusions: These results suggested that heat stress can cause liver inflammation via activation of the TLR4-NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways in broilers. With the extension of heat stress time, the effect of heat stress on the increase of NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways tended to slow down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a series of Ru/Ba−MgO−SAx catalysts modified with different stearic acid (SA) contents were prepared by ultrasonic‐strong electrostatic adsorption (SEA) method. X‐ray diffractometer, field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier‐ transformed infrared spectrometry, temperature‐programmed reduction and other methods were used to characterize the Ba−MgO−SAx and its supported ruthenium‐based catalyst. The results show that the addition of SA significantly improves the surface morphology and texture parameters of Ba−MgO support, changes the single adsorption type of Ba2+ in solution, effectively promotes the addition of promoter Ba, and is also beneficial to the regulation of Ru particles and their dispersion, enhances the interaction between the Ba−MgO and Ru, thereby improving the catalytic activity of ammonia synthesis. When the addition amount of SA is 4 wt%, the catalytic activity is the best, and its outlet ammonia concentration is 16.06 % under the reaction conditions of 450 °C, 10 MPa and 10000 h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sphingolipids are structural components of the lipid bilayer that acts as signaling molecules in many cellular processes, including cell death. Ceramides, key intermediates in sphingolipid metabolism, are phosphorylated by the ceramide kinase ACCELERATED CELL DEATH5 (ACD5). The loss of ACD5 function leads to ceramide accumulation and spontaneous cell death. Here, we report that the jasmonate (JA) pathway is activated in the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) acd5 mutant and that methyl JA treatment accelerates ceramide accumulation and cell death in acd5. Moreover, the double mutants of acd5 with jasmonate resistant1-1 and coronatine insensitive1-2 exhibited delayed cell death, suggesting that the JA pathway is involved in acd5-mediated cell death. Quantitative sphingolipid profiling of plants treated with methyl JA indicated that JAs influence sphingolipid metabolism by increasing the levels of ceramides and hydroxyceramides, but this pathway is dramatically attenuated by mutations affecting JA pathway proteins. Furthermore, we showed that JAs regulate the expression of genes encoding enzymes in ceramide metabolism. Together, our findings show that JAs accelerate cell death in acd5 mutants, possibly by modulating sphingolipid metabolism and increasing ceramide levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current, torque, and speed harmonics caused by deadtime effect in voltage source inverter (VSI)-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) usually lead to undesired torque ripple and extra electrical loss, etc. In this article, a mathematical model is proposed to predict the deadtime-related harmonics in VSI-fed field-oriented control PMSM, and a deadtime-related harmonic minimization method is proposed based on proportional-integral (PI) controllers tuning and under the premise of keeping the same control strategy. The expressions of current, torque, and speed harmonics caused by deadtime effects are obtained based on the complex amplitude expression of the voltage error harmonic and the derivation of the closed-loop transfer function from the deadtime-related voltage error to the d–q axis current. Based on the derived expressions, optimization objective functions are built to search the optimal PI parameters for minimizing deadtime-related harmonics and reducing the torque ripple. The optimization constraint functions can be adjusted for transient performance requirements, so the transient performance can keep good even if the deadtime-related harmonics are minimized with the optimal PI parameters. Both simulation analysis and experimental data verify the correctness of the analytical prediction and the validity of the deadtime-related harmonic minimization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: We identified FLY as a previously uncharacterized RNA-binding-family protein that controls flowering time by positively regulating the expression of FLC clade members. The ability of flowering plants to adjust the timing of the floral transition based on endogenous and environmental signals contributes to their adaptive success. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the MADS-domain protein FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and the FLC clade members FLOWERING LOCUS M/MADS AFFECTING FLOWERING1 (FLM/MAF1), MAF2, MAF3, MAF4, and MAF5 form nuclear complexes that repress flowering under noninductive conditions. However, how FLM/MAF genes are regulated requires further study. Using a genetic strategy, we showed that the previously uncharacterized K-homology (KH) domain protein FLOWERING LOCUS Y (FLY) modulates flowering time. The fly-1 knockout mutant and FLY artificial microRNA knockdown line flowered earlier than the wild type under long- and short-day conditions. The knockout fly-1 allele, a SALK T-DNA insertion mutant, contains an ~ 110-kb genomic deletion induced by T-DNA integration. FLC clade members were downregulated in the fly-1 mutants and FLY artificial microRNA knockdown line, whereas the level of the FLC antisense transcript COOLAIR was similar to that of the wild type. Our results identify FLY as a regulator that affects flowering time through upregulation of FLC clade members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A deformable transfer path premised model presents the vibration signal of planetary gears. • A numerical method presents to quantify signal respecting frequency and amplitude features. • The approaches are practical tools to predict spectral features of planetary gears with defects. • The validity of the methodology is verified by simulation and experimental signals. Planetary gear drives pose complex vibration signals due to that the excitations of the signal are the space-time varying meshing forces and the transfer paths for the excitations are time-varying systems. It brings about difficulties in machine diagnostics field to model, to predict, and to interpret the spectrum mechanism of the signal. This paper suggests a space-time model for this time-varying problem. Premised on deformable-body transfer path, the model formulates the response signal in frequency-domain as an integral transform of the excitations, where the transform kernel is formulated by the product of the Fourier kernel and the Frequency Response Function of the transfer path. A corresponding numerical method is also proposed for the numerical computation of the signal. Comparing with the existing model and method premised on rigid body transfer path, the proposed approach presents higher accuracy on signal prediction and spectral feature interpretation with respect to the frequency, amplitude and modal information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Response signal models of planetary gear train with a floating sun gear are built. • Frequency features of exciting force direction and transfer path are analyzed. • Characteristics and mechanisms of modulation sidebands are deduced. • The model effectiveness is verified by both experimental and field vibration data. • Effective feature indicators are obtained for fault diagnosis of floating sun gear. The sun gear of planetary gear train is generally designed to float in the radial direction to achieve the uniform load distribution among different planet gears, but brings periodic gear mesh errors to generate more complicated vibration signals. There lack effective feature indicators for fault diagnosis at present. On the basis of researches on signal transfer path functions and measuring-direction projection functions of the gear mesh force, a set of vibration signal models are built to represent the modulation sidebands induced by a single planet gear mesh. Taking phase differences among equally-spaced planet gears into consideration, vibration modulation sidebands generating from meshes of multiple planet gears are further studied. The mechanisms of sidebands are obtained, especially the influences of floating sun gear on some specific frequency components. Vibration signals of a single-stage planetary gear train and a wind turbine planetary gearbox show good frequency consistencies with the model-based signal. The comparison analyses effectively verify the correctness of the proposed model. An important feature indicator is obtained to distinguish whether the planetary gear train is assembled with a floating sun gear, or whether the planetary gear train without a floating sun gear exists some distributed defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In wind turbine planetary gearboxes, the sun gears are generally designed to float in the radial direction to achieve the uniform load distribution among different planet gears, but will lead to gear mesh errors and cause complicated vibration signals on the contrary. The floating sun gear is misdiagnosed as a distributed defect easily. Additionally, the floating sun gear's rotating motion and excitation force are too disorderly to be characterized by mathematical or empirical formulas. In the paper, a set of rigid-flexible coupling dynamics models of planetary gear train are built to research vibration characteristics of the floating sun gear under different conditions. Depend on the model-based vibration analysis, the rotating motion of floating sun gear is revealed well, which can be characterized by its frequency features, meanwhile mechanisms of modulation sidebands indicating different kinds of defects are deduced clearly. The experimental data keep good consistency with the simulation signals, which verifies the validity of the proposed well. Vibration feature indicators are obtained to distinguish fault signals and diagnose the distributed or localized defect of floating sun gear effectively, which is helpful to avoid the misdiagnosis of floating sun gear. Highlights • Dynamics models of planetary gear train with a floating sun gear are established. • Excitations and modulation sidebands induced by floating sun gear are derived. • Effective feature indicators for diagnosing fault vibration signals are obtained. • Good consistency between simulation and experiment verifies the proposed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affected by external flexible transfer path of fixed-shaft gear train, internal gear meshing vibration signals that representing the healthy state of gear will convolve with modal information of gearbox housing and become much more complicated. Moreover, gear crack fault features of fixed-shaft gear train are relatively weak and complex, which are difficult to diagnose. Therefore, to reveal the origination mechanism of crack fault, a rigid-flexible coupling dynamics model of fixed-shaft gear train with full consideration of flexible housing is firstly established, then a signal convolution model is proposed to solve housing vibration response signal by combining internal excitation and external transfer path. Thereinto, as internal influence factor, time-varying meshing stiffness that drives excitation forces is used to reflect excitation characteristics under normal and crack state; as external influence factor, flexible transfer path that includes modal characteristics of gearbox housing is calculated by finite-element-method. Through the established models, modulation sideband features of housing vibration response signals are selected as crack fault indicator. Corresponding vibration response mechanism is revealed clearly under normal and different crack degrees in simulations. Experimental results keep good consistency at crack fault features with simulation signals and verify the effectiveness of the proposed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-time service and intricate work situation of gearbox make it liable to fault. The vibration signal of fault gear generally includes amplitude-modulation (AM) and phase-modulation (PM) components, which are the manifestation of fault and have strong connection with fault diagnosis. The corresponding relationships of AM and PM with gear fault type still lack of clarity. This paper proposes an accurate separation method of AM and PM signal, which contains squared amplitude demodulation and phase demodulation based on Bessel function of the first kind. Discrete spectrum correction technique is employed to correct modulation frequency and amplitudes in amplitude spectrum, which are utilized to establish system of nonlinear equations of AM and PM parameters. Trust-region reflective least square algorithm is then applied to solve these parameters and extract AM and PM components in sequence. The accuracy of this method is proved by various simulation signal. Additionally, simulation signals with different SRN s are employed to verify the anti-noise performance of the proposed method, which is further compared to Hilbert demodulation and energy-operator-based demodulation. Comparison results manifest the superiority of the proposed method in anti-noise performance. Experimental analyses confirm the effectiveness of this method and show the visible differences of separated PM components under different gear fault conditions, which can be used as an accordance of broken-tooth fault diagnosis. The relationship of the size of broken-tooth and modulation intensity is researched by the proposed method, which indicates that more serious broken-tooth degree behaves stronger modulation. A novel diagnosis method for gear broken-tooth fault is finally generated. • AM is separated by squared amplitude demodulation from meshing modulation signal. • Relation of PM and Bessel function of the first kind is used to separate PM signal. • Simulations and experimental tests prove the validity of the proposed method. • The comparison of PM signal provides a diagnosis method for gear broken-tooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of decentralization, diversification, and dynamics of outsourcing resources put forward higher requirements for the supplier selection in manufacturing enterprises. For building materials equipment manufacturing enterprises (BMEM), due to the complex product structure, the demand for outsourcing resources is very large. The traditional method is difficult to meet the needs of current outsourcer evaluation and selection. In order to solve the problem, this paper establishes an outsourcing supplier selection model based on the quality, price, delivery time, reliability, and availability of outsourced suppliers. And then, a hybrid supplier selection algorithm based on Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is designed in this paper. Finally, the model and algorithm are verified and analyzed in BMEM. The paper also compares the algorithm with genetic algorithm (GA) and ant colony optimization (ACO). The experimental results show that the model can effectively improve the effectiveness and reliability of outsourcing supplier selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and CTP synthase (CTPS) are two metabolic enzymes crucial for glutamine homeostasis. A genome-wide screening in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveal that both ASNS and CTPS form filamentous structures termed cytoophidia. Although CTPS cytoophidia were well documented in recent years, the filamentation of ASNS is less studied. Using the budding yeast as a model system, here we confirm that two ASNS proteins, Asn1 and Asn2, are capable of forming cytoophidia in diauxic and stationary phases. We find that glucose deprivation induces ASNS filament formation. Although ASNS and CTPS form distinct cytoophidia with different lengths, both structures locate adjacently to each other in most cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that the Asn1 cytoophidia colocalize with the Asn2 cytoophidia, while Asn2 filament assembly is largely dependent on Asn1. In addition, we are able to alter Asn1 filamentation by mutagenizing key sites on the dimer interface. Finally, we show that ASN1D330V promotes filamentation. The ASN1D330V mutation impedes cell growth in an ASN2 knockout background, while growing normally in an ASN2 wild-type background. Together, this study reveals a connection between ASNS and CTPS cytoophidia and the differential filament-forming capability between two ASNS paralogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gearbox with hybrid distributed and localized faults usually generates coupled modulation vibration signal. It is hard to decompose the coupled signal for precise diagnosis. To solve this problem, a novel signal decomposition method is proposed on the basis of double-dictionary and split augmented Lagrangian shrinkage algorithm (SALSA). The dictionary possessing high similarity to fault features consists of steady modulation sub-dictionary and impact modulation sub-dictionary. The SALSA is improved by adding a hard threshold de-noising to obtain optimal sparse coefficients of steady modulation and impact modulation components. Key parameters including Lagrange multipliers ( λ s , λ p ), penalty factor μ of SALSA and hard threshold ε are studied to determine their optimal value ranges. Kinds of simulation signals show the effectiveness of the proposed method, and experimental tests on fixed-shaft gearbox and planetary gearbox further verify the reliability. Comparative analyses with methods respectively based on matching pursuit and tunable Q-factor wavelet transform indicate that the proposed method is superior to the other two methods in calculation efficiency and anti-noise performance, especially when these two kinds of modulation components are completely coupled in some resonance bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration signals of gearboxes working under time-varying conditions are non-stationary, which causes difficulties to the fault diagnosis. Based on the techniques of signal sparse decomposition and order tracking, a novel method is proposed to extract fault features from non-stationary vibration signals of gearboxes. The method contains two key procedures, the quasi-steady component separation in angle domain and the impact resonance component extraction in time domain. The sparse dictionary including quasi-steady sub-dictionary and impact sub-dictionary is specifically designed according to the time-frequency characteristics of steady-type fault and impact-type fault. The former sub-dictionary consists of cosine functions and is based on the order spectrum information of angle domain signal. The latter sub-dictionary consists of the unit impulse response of multiple-degree-of-freedom vibration system whose modal parameters are self-adaptively recognized by the method of correlation filtering. An improved matching pursuit algorithm on segmental signal is designed to solve sparse coefficients and reconstruct steady-type fault components and impact-type fault components. The simulation analyses show that the proposed method is capable to process the signal with 30% speed fluctuation and −1.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio ( SNR ), in which the SNR of impact-type fault components is as low as −14.6 dB. The effectiveness is further verified by experimental tests on a fixed-shaft gearbox and a planetary gearbox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six undescribed macrocyclic daphnane orthoesters, stelleratenoids A−F (1 − 6), were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS and NMR spectra. Compound 1 features an unusual terminal double bond at C-2/C-19 in the 1 α -alkyldaphnane lactone skeleton. Compounds 2 − 4 are unique in the presence of different long chain fatty acyl groups. Compounds 5 and 6 are unique examples of modified macrocyclic daphnane diterpenoids. All the isolates were evaluated for anti-HIV activity in MT-2 cells. Among them, compounds 1 , 5 and 6 exhibited highly potent anti-HIV activity with EC 50 values of 66.70, 10.62 and 55.10 nM, respectively, possessing high potential to develop new anti-HIV drugs. Six undescribed macrocyclic daphnane orthoesters, stelleratenoids A−F (1−6), were obtained from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. Compounds 1 , 5 and 6 exhibited significant anti-HIV activity at nanomolar concentrations. [Display omitted] • Six undescribed macrocyclic daphnane orthoesters, stelleratenoids A−F (1 − 6), were isolated from Stellera chamaejasme L. • Compound 1 possesses an unusual C-2/C-19 terminal double bond in the 1 α -alkyldaphnane lactone skeleton. • Compounds 1 , 5 and 6 exhibited highly potent anti-HIV activity with EC 50 values of 66.70, 10.62 and 55.10 nM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A broadband circularly polarized (CP) antenna with compact size is proposed. The antenna is composed of a loop feeding structure which provides sequential phase, four driven patches, and four parasitic patches. The driven patches, which are capacitively coupled by the feeding loop, generate one CP mode due to the sequentially rotated structure and four parasitic patches are introduced to produce additional CP mode. By combining with the CP mode of the feeding loop, the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth is greatly broadened. An antenna prototype is fabricated to validate the simulated results. Experimental results show that the antenna achieves a broad impedance bandwidth of 19.5% from 5.13 to 6.24 GHz and a 3-dB AR bandwidth of 12.9% (5.38–6.12 GHz). In addition, the proposed antenna also has a flat gain within the operating frequency band and a compact size of 0.92\lambda 0\times 0.92\lambda 0\times 0.028\lambda 0 at 5.5 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Order tracking was realized based on extremums search of gearmesh harmonic. • Shaft phase vs time map was constructed without integral error. • The process error is analyzed mathematically. • A designed scheme is provided to eliminate the process error. • The effectiveness and robustness were verified in simulation and experiment. Computed order tracking (COT) is an effective vibration analysis method for mechanical equipment operating at time-varying speed. The principle is to resample the time-domain sampled vibration data under the guidance of angle information of reference shaft. The rotation angle obtained from numerical integration is generally limited by the deviation of integration on rotation speed. To address this problem, a novel acquisition method of rotation angle is proposed to improve the precision of order tracking analysis. Based on the equi-angular relationship between adjacent peaks of a single gearmesh harmonic, the discrete shaft phase vs time map is directly established by obtaining the peak time. The process error is thoroughly investigated, and a designed scheme is provided to eliminate the effects of discrete sampling and amplitude modulation. Theoretically, the rotation angle can be correctly depicted, which is useful for a highly precise order-tracking analysis. The accurate amplitude and high condensed spectral lines of order spectrum are achieved both in the simulation and experiment signals, which verified the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. It is helpful for the accurate reconstruction of speed-related vibration signal in the order spectrum, and enhances the capability of condition monitoring on gear systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a human foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe human listeriosis and develop resistance to antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced from all kingdoms of life and regarded as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Jelleine-I is an AMP identified from honeybees royal jelly. In this study, we explored the activity and action mechanism of Jelleine-I against L. monocytogenes. We found its minimum inhibitory concentration to be 12.5 μg/mL. Membrane permeability analysis revealed that Jelleine-I increased L. monocytogenes cell membrane permeability, causing calcium leakage. Scanning, transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed that Jelleine-I destroyed membrane integrity, disrupted intracellular structures and interacted with the bacterial DNA. DNA binding analysis demonstrated that Jelleine-I bound to bacterial genomic DNA. Results of reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that Jelleine-I affected bacterial DNA replication gene expression levels. Moreover, Jelleine-I induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from fluorescence intensity analysis, and inhibited bacterial biofilm formation. Results of immunomodulation in Galleria mellonella revealed that Jelleine-I increased host hemocyte counts, upregulated host AMP gene (Gloverin and Cecropin D) expression, and inhibited proinfammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6) production induced by bacterial infection. It efficiently killed bacteria and increased the survival rate of infected insects to 70 %. Furthermore, Jelleine-I increased the G1 to S phase transition in mammalian cells from cells cycle analysis, and cytotoxicity assay results indicated that it promoted cell proliferation without hemolysis or cytotoxicity. Collectively, Jelleine-I possesses antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and cell proliferative activities, and is a promising candidate for preventing L. monocytogenes emergence and dissemination. • Jelleine-I has antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and cell proliferative activities. • It permeabilized bacterial cell membranes and caused deleterious effects. • It modulates the host immunity against Listeria monocytogenes infection. • It promotes the cell proliferation without conferring cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Planetary gear phenomenon models with fault-induced speed fluctuation are built. • Transfer path function and projection function with FM are deduced. • Vibration AM-FM sidebands of distributed faults of sun and planet gear are deduced. • Filed test and experiment results verify the improved AM-FM phenomenon models. Vibration modulation features are the important indicators for the planetary gear set fault diagnosis. However, the modulation sidebands caused by the distributed faults of planetary gear set are complicated, especially the FM components related to fault-induced periodic speed fluctuation, which have not been clearly revealed. In this paper, the transfer path function, gear meshing force and measuring-direction projection function with FM components are combined to develop a series of phenomenon models when considering the distributed gear fault-induced speed fluctuation, which can theoretically deduce the vibration modulation sidebands. Field test of the wind turbine planetary gearbox and the fault simulation of experiment platform verify the high consistency of the vibration AM-FM sidebands obtained from the phenomenon models and the practical planetary gear sets. The proposed models contribute a clear explanation for the generation mechanism of vibration AM-FM sidebands even the sidebands with small amplitudes caused by the distributed faults of sun and planet gear, and provide the important and effective frequency features to confirm the condition of planetary gear set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibration frequency components of gear system are complicated and changeful, some of those are even hard to explain. Based on the dynamic equations of a single-stage gear pair and some reasonable simplifications, frequency responses of the gear pair in healthy state and those suffering from different faults are analyzed, respectively. The excitation sources of vibration frequency components such as rotational frequency harmonics, mesh frequency harmonics, modulation sidebands and resonance frequency bands are investigated accordingly. The causes of the asymmetrical modulation sidebands around the mesh frequency harmonics, which are commonly appeared in the vibration spectrum of gear system, are explained. The effectiveness of the theoretical deductions is confirmed by dynamic simulations and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The fault signals are sparsely represented by shift-invariant dictionary. • The circulant properties of shift-invariant dictionary are analyzed. • Three sparse coefficient fast solution algorithms are derived. • The calculation efficiency is verified by simulation and experimental data. • The fast algorithms can be applied to mechanical fault diagnosis. Sparse coefficient solutions have received continuous attention as one of the core steps of sparse representation. The computational complexity of almost all sparse coefficient solution algorithms is exponentially increased with a signal dimension. In this paper, impact signals caused by localized faults are sparsely represented by a shift-invariant dictionary, which can be Fourier diagonalized based on its circulant structure. Then, the matrix–matrix and matrix–vector multiplications involved in obtaining sparse coefficients are converted into calculation forms that mainly contain the Fourier transform and its inverse to reduce computational complexity. Based on this result, fast solutions of three common sparse coefficient solution algorithms are deduced in detail. Simulation analysis shows that the deduced fast algorithms can significantly fasten running time while maintaining same accuracy as corresponding original algorithms. Localized rolling bearing faults related experiments further verify the effectiveness of the proposed sparse coefficient fast solution algorithms for machine fault diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic skins (I-skins) mimic the sensing function of natural skin based on ionic conduction have essential applications in wearable sensors for human motion detections. However, the fragile, low electrical sensitivity, lack of adhesive and self-healing performances still limits their practical applications and service life. Herein, we reported an ionic skin which was fabricated by the ionic liquid, acrylic acid and Fe3+ through the one-pot method. The polyacrylic acid network is cross-linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the complexation of Fe3+, where the ionic liquid can bind through reversible electrostatic interactions. Such design endows the resultant hydrogel with superior tensile properties (tensile strength 341 kPa, strain at break 2042%), good notch insensitivity, air/underwater dual adhesive property for the surface of various solid materials (including glass, iron, copper and aluminum) and excellent healability (self-healing efficiency as high as 80.5% at room temperature). In addition, the I-skin exhibits ultra-high electrical sensitivity (GF = 13.12) and an extensive strain monitoring range (5%–300%). Not only can it be used as expression and human motion detector, but also can realize "information programming". The rich application scenarios and functions prove its potential to be used as wearable sensors. [Display omitted] • Physical cross-linking hydrogel prepared by one-pot method. • Not-insensitive, air/underwater adhesive. • Mechanical/electrical dual self-healing. • Wearable strain sensors for human motion detection. • Electrical signal conversion through Morse code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenced by factors such as speed fluctuation, rolling element sliding and periodical variation of load distribution and impact force on the measuring direction of sensor, the impulse response signals caused by defective rolling bearing are non-stationary, and the amplitudes of the impulse may even drop to zero when the fault is out of load zone. The non-stationary characteristic and impulse missing phenomenon reduce the effectiveness of the commonly used demodulation method on rolling element bearing fault diagnosis. Based on sparse representation theories, a new approach for fault diagnosis of rolling element bearing is proposed. The over-complete dictionary is constructed by the unit impulse response function of damped second-order system, whose natural frequencies and relative damping ratios are directly identified from the fault signal by correlation filtering method. It leads to a high similarity between atoms and defect induced impulse, and also a sharply reduction of the redundancy of the dictionary. To improve the matching accuracy and calculation speed of sparse coefficient solving, the fault signal is divided into segments and the matching pursuit algorithm is carried out by segments. After splicing together all the reconstructed signals, the fault feature is extracted successfully. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method is effective for the fault diagnosis of rolling element bearing in large rolling element sliding and low signal to noise ratio circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind turbine gearboxes generally exhibit complex vibration characteristics due to wide variations in the operating conditions, and dynamics of the structure coupled with flexible supports. Conventional spectral analysis method may not provide reliable health monitoring and fault diagnosis of the gearbox. In this study, a novel order tracking method based on discrete spectrum correction technique is proposed to analyze wind turbine gearbox vibration for the purposes of health monitoring and fault diagnosis. The effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method are demonstrated through simulations and engineering tests. The results show that the shaft rotating speed could be accurately identified from the vibration signal together with amplitudes of significant gear meshing components. Modulation sidebands of both the planetary and fixed-shaft gears in a healthy wind turbine gearbox were further analyzed, which revealed inherent shaft misalignment in the fixed-shaft gear. Meshing frequency of the planetary gear was modulated by both the rotating frequencies of sun gear and planetary carrier, while fundamental modulation frequency of the planetary carrier was found to be related to rotating frequency of the carrier multiplied by the number of planet gears. The monitoring of such particular vibration features would be helpful in enhancing the operational performance of wind turbines through reliable health monitoring of gearboxes and reducing the misdiagnosis of faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibration signal of faulty gearbox commonly involves complex coupling modulation components. The method of sparse representation has been successfully used for gearbox fault diagnosis, but most of the literatures only focus on the extraction of impact modulation and always neglect the steady modulation representing the distributed faults. This paper presents a new method for separating coupling modulation from vibration signal of gearbox based on match pursuit and correlation filtering. To separate the steady modulation caused by distributed fault and the impact modulation caused by impact fault, two sub-dictionaries are specially designed according to the gearbox operating and structural parameters and the characteristics of vibration signal. The new dictionaries have clear physical meaning and good adaptability. In addition, an amplitude recovery step is conducted to improve the matching accuracy in the match pursuit. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can separate the coupling components of gearbox vibration signal effectively under intensive background noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-phase fluid flow is a common occurrence in magmatic hydrothermal systems; and extensive modeling efforts using currently established P–V–T–x properties of the NaCl–H 2 O system are impending. We have therefore performed hydrothermal flow experiments (360–465 °C) to observe vapor–liquid partitioning of alkaline earth and first row transition metals in NaCl-dominated source solutions. The data allow extraction of partition coefficients related to the intrinsic changes in both chlorinity and density along the two-phase solvus. The coefficients yield an overall decrease in vapor affinity in the order Cu(I) > Na > Fe(II) > Zn > Ni(II) ⩾ Mg ⩾ Mn(II) > Co(II) > Ca > Sr > Ba, distinguished with 95% confidence for vapor densities greater than ∼0.2 g/cm 3 . The alkaline earth metals are limited to purely electrostatic interactions with Cl ligands, resulting in an excellent linear correlation ( R 2 > 0.99) between their partition coefficients and respective ionic radii. Though broadly consistent with this relationship, relative behavior of the transition metals is not well resolved, being likely obscured by complex bonding processes and the potential participation of Na in the formation of tetra-chloro species. At lower densities (at/near halite saturation) partitioning behavior of all metals becomes highly non-linear, where M /Cl ratios in the vapor begin to increase despite continued decreases in chlorinity and density. We refer to this phenomenon as “volatility”, which is broadly associated with substantial increases in the HCl/NaCl ratio (eventually to >1) due to hydrolysis of NaCl. Some transition metals (e.g., Fe, Zn) exhibit volatility prior to halite stability, suggesting a potential shift in vapor speciation relative to nearer critical regions of the vapor–liquid solvus. The chemistry of deep-sea hydrothermal fluids appears affected by this process during magmatic events, however, our results do not support suggestions of subseafloor halite precipitation recorded in currently available field data. Ca–Cl systematics in vent fluids are specifically explored, revealing behavior consistent with partitioning due to phase separation. Interestingly, the effect of variable chloride on dissolved Na/Ca ratios associated with plagioclase solubility (in single-phase solutions) appears fundamentally similar to that of phase separation on vapor compositions such that vapors evolved in hydrothermal systems may naturally remain near equilibrium with the host lithology. Conversely, residual liquids/brines left behind in the crust may be undersaturated with metals, enhancing the rate and extent of hydrothermal alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT A novel broadband circularly polarized (CP) C-shaped slot antenna fed by a coplanar waveguide is presented. The broadband CP operation can be achieved simply using a C-shaped slot in the ground to produce orthogonal surface currents for left-hand circular polarization. Using the semicircle-shaped radiator patch, wide impedance bandwidth and broad axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth can be obtained simultaneously. The measured results show that the proposed antenna can provide a 10-dB impedance bandwidth of 105% from 2.78 to 8.92 GHz, and a 3-dB AR bandwidth of 70.4% from 2.9 to 6.05 GHz. Finally, an antenna prototype with a reflector for unidirectional pattern applications is also developed. The proposed antenna has broader impedance and CP bandwidths but with a more compact size compared with the previous designs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 25:739-746, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel is an ideal choice as wearable sensors for human motion detection. However, low electrical sensitivity, narrow strain detection range and lack of self-healing performance still limit the further application and service life of hydrogel sensors. Herein, we report a self-healing ionic hydrogel based on copolymers of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM), in which Fe3+ and tetramethylammonium chloride (TMAC) can bind with carboxylate through complex crosslinking and electrostatic interaction, respectively. Attribute to its supramolecular forces (including electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds) and complex cross-linking structure, the stretchable hydrogel has electrical-mechanical dual self-healing properties, that possess excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength at ∼320 kPa and strain at break ∼1600%), dual self-healing ability (∼87.5% self-healing efficiency in mechanical and instantaneous self-healing in electrical), ultra-high electrical sensitivity (GF = 18.26), and an extensive monitoring range (0.1–300% in strain and 8.15–31.56 kPa in pressure). This hydrogel shows great potential in wearable sensors for human motion detection. [Display omitted] • Physical cross-linking hydrogel prepared by one-pot method. • Electrical-mechanical dual self-healing. • Ultra-high electrical sensitivity (GF = 18.26). • Strain and pressure dual sensing ability. • Ionic self-healing hydrogels as wearable sensors for human motion detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is an effective method for treating animal by-products, generating at the same time green energy as methane (CH 4 ). However, the methods and mechanisms involved in anaerobic digestion of α-keratin wastes like hair, nails, horns and hooves are still not clear. In this study we investigated the feasibility of anaerobically co-digesting ground beef hooves in the presence of swine manure or slaughterhouse sludge at 25 °C using eight 42-L Plexiglas lab-scale digesters. Our results showed addition of beef hooves statistically significantly increased the rate of CH 4 production with swine manure, but only increased it slightly with slaughterhouse sludge. After 90-day digestion, 73% of beef hoof material added to the swine manure-inoculated digesters had been converted into CH 4 , which was significantly higher than the 45% level achieved in the slaughterhouse sludge inoculated digesters. BODIPY-Fluorescent casein staining detected proteolytic bacteria in all digesters with and without added beef hooves, and their relative abundances corresponded to the rate of methanogenesis of the digesters with the different inocula. Fluorescence in situ hybridization in combination with BODIPY-Fluorescent casein staining identified most proteolytic bacteria as members of genus Alkaliphilus in the subfamily Clostridiaceae 2 of family Clostridiaceae . They thus appear to be the bacteria mainly responsible for digestion of beef hooves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel broadband monopole antenna with circular polarization (CP) is designed and fabricated. It consists of a C-shaped monopole, an open-loop on the backside of the monopole and a modified ground plane. By placing a rectangular open-loop coplanar with the ground plane and connecting a rectangular vertical stub to the ground plane, wide impedance bandwidth is achieved, and axial-ratio (AR) bandwidth of the antenna could be improved simultaneously. The measured results exhibit a 65.2% (4.14 GHz, 4.28–8.42 GHz) CP bandwidth, and the 10-dB impedance bandwidth is 87.7% (6.66 GHz, 4.26–10.92 GHz). Finally, by placing a reflector underneath the antenna with its structural dimensions unchanged, one can obtain unidirectional radiation patterns with greatly improved gains. The advantages of the proposed antenna are the simple structure, a compact size, and a broad 3-dB AR bandwidth. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT A broadband circularly polarized patch antenna with suspended structure is proposed. The suspended patch has a bow-tie structure and a gap-coupled feed. By connecting a resistor load to another gap-coupled feed port at the opposite position, a wide impedance and axial ratio (AR) bandwidths are obtained. The proposed design has a very simple antenna structure with an impedance bandwidth of 44.5% and a 3-dB AR bandwidth of 33.8%, respectively. The results show that the bandwidth of the patch antenna is successfully broadened using the suspended configuration, gap-coupled feed, and resistor loading. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 24:587-593, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Response model of planetary gearbox with a localized fault on sun gear are built. • Resonance modulation mechanism is deduced theoretically. • Internal interaction of gear system is considered. • Resonance modulation sidebands are closely related to impacts. • A new sight is given for the diagnosis about the localized fault on sun gear. The vibration signal of the planetary gearbox shows complicated modulation sidebands no matter the gear is normal or fault. It leads to a challenge in the fault diagnosis, especially for the localized faults which stimulate resonance modulation phenomena. To reveal the resonance modulation mechanism of sun gear's localized fault, the vibration signal model is built based on the convolution of transient impact force and transfer function of the planetary gearbox. Three prominent transfer paths including modal parameters of the flexible ring gear or housing are involved to obtain resonance modulation sidebands. A projection function is used to model the time-varying direction of transient impact force. Resonance modulation sidebands of a single planet gear meshing is first deduced, and then the sidebands related to multiply planet gears meshing. The resonance modulation of localized fault on sun gear are concluded to be consist of three groups of sidebands. The proposed model is verified by the good consistency between simulation and experimental testing on a commodity planetary gearbox. It contributes an important and effective frequency indicator to confirm the condition of planetary gearboxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans can cause local or systemic diseases when host immune status is disrupted. Drug resistance to C. albicans highlights the necessity of novel antifungal drugs. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit potential as antifungal drugs. PAF26 was found to exhibit favorable activity against plant pathogenic fungi. However, it showed low antifungal activity against C. albicans. Here, P255 and P256 with the same composition and different distribution were derived from PAF26. P256 exhibited higher antifungal activity against C. albicans than did P255 and PAF26. P256 and P255 exhibited synergism when combined with amphotericin B (AMB). Both peptides reduced cell wall integrity, rapidly increased membrane permeability, disrupted cell morphology and intracellular alterations. The peptides affected the expression of fungal DNA replication and repair, cell wall synthesis and ergosterol synthesis genes. They increased cellular reactive oxygen species production and bound with fungal genomic DNA. Antibiofilm activities were observed when peptide alone or combined with AMB. Finally, these peptides protected 70% of Galleria mellonella from infection-caused death. Insects treated with peptides exhibited fewer infection foci compared with the untreatment. These results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of the peptides, particularly P256 with clear amphipathicity, in the development of therapies for C. albicans infections. [Display omitted] • Two peptides with the same composition and different activity • P256 with a clear amphipathicity showed high antifungal activity • Peptides exhibited multifaceted mechanisms of action against Candida albicans. • Peptides protected 70% of Galleria mellonella from infection-caused death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During periods of volcanic activity, hydrothermal fl uid chemistry changes drastically, becoming unusually dilute due to enhanced degrees of phase separation. Despite decreases in nearly all other metals, these dilute fl uids maintain surprisingly high dissolved Fe concentrations. This is demonstrated by a 17 yr time series from 9∘50 N on the East Pacifi c Rise, where two eruption cycles are separated by a decade of steady-state chemical and physical conditions. We report experimental data confi rming a sharp increase in Fe solubility in low-salinity and low-density vapors that constitutes a reversal in behavior exhibited in near-critical vapors characteristic of the steady-state condition. In accordance with fi eld observations during the eruptions, a fundamental divergence between the otherwise similar behaviors of Fe and Mn also results. This helps explain how Fe fl uxes are maintained during magmatic events, which may have important implications for the succession and temporal evolution of vent-related fauna. Calibrated geochemical proxies for subseafl oor reaction conditions (pressure-temperature) now allow us to elucidate hydrothermal processes from steady state through eruptive and recovery stages at the 9∘50 N system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We analyze the causes of distortion and calculate the theoretical maximum error. [•] We propose a new method based on the complementary characteristic of wavelet filters. [•] With this method, the maximum error could be reduced to less than 1%. [•] We analyze the influences of compensation times and vanishing moments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose and demonstrate a design and fabrication of an electrical injection metallic bowtie (MB) structure integrated with semiconductor gain medium. Our integrated bowtie-semiconductor structure takes the advantage of selective wet chemical etching of InGaAsP, allowing the formation of a bowtie shaped gain structure by a single step etching. The subsequent metal deposition allows the nature integration of gain medium between two bowtie tips. Electroluminescence was observed from fabricated structures at 78 K. Such gain embedded MB structures open the potential for large scale fabrication of plasmonic structures for various applications such as nanolasers and plasmonic generation under electrical injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We present a new vibration-based method for measuring engine speed. [•] We obtain the lowest harmonic frequency of engine’s vibration signals accurately. [•] Discrete spectrum correction technique is used to improve the precision. [•] The new method does not require the number of cylinders previously. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Hierarchical mesoporous MoS 2 frameworks (HM-MoS 2) are synthesized via a facile phase-segregation route. • In situ formed ZnS nanoparticles play a role of the hard template, creating mesopores and interconnected channels. • The mesoporous structure of HM-MoS 2 enables the uniform, protective, and conductive carbon coating (HM-MoS 2 /C 100). • HM-MoS 2 /C 100 exhibits a high rate capability of 396.8 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a prolonged cyclability. Hierarchical or mesoporous-structured molybdenum disulfides (MoS 2) are one of the promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their abundant active sites, fast ion transport, and easy permeation of electrolyte. However, the synthesis of such architectures with precise structural control is challenging, often requiring preliminary fabrication of templates or special equipment. Herein, we report hierarchical and mesoporous MoS 2 frameworks (HM-MoS 2) synthesized via a facile phase-segregation route, where ZnS nanoparticles are in situ formed as the hard template. The mesopores and interconnected channels created by removing ZnS nanoparticles enable the uniform carbon coating on HM-MoS 2. When employed as an anode in LIB, the HM-MoS 2 of an optimal carbon coating exhibits a high rate capability of 396.8 mA.h g−1 at 10 A g−1 and a prolonged cyclability with only 2.8 % of capacity decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Decreased platelet count has been observed in various liver diseases, but its significance in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the platelet count at diagnosis for PBC-related complications in patients newly diagnosed with PBC and treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Methods. Ninety-six PBC patients without complications treated with UDCA immediately after diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. All hematologic and chemical parameters, Mayo risk score and PBC-related complications including upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, presence of ascites, serum bilirubin concentration > 102.6 μmol/L and onset of hepatic encephalopathy were extracted. The associations between these parameters at diagnosis and complications were determined and the prognostic value of the platelet count was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model with the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated. Results. Patients with PBC-related complications had significantly decreased platelet count and serum bilirubin concentration, prolonged prothrombin time, and increased Mayo risk score compared to those without complications. A platelet count of ≤ 132.5 × 109/L was associated with the occurrence of complications, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.64-0.85). The association remained even after adjustment for Mayo risk score (HR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.46-5.54; p < 0.01), as shown in the Cox proportional hazard model. Conclusions. Decreased platelet count is a predictive factor for PBC-related complications. A cut-off value of ≤ 132.5 × 109/L is recommended for the baseline platelet count to predict complications in patients newly diagnosed with PBC and treated with UDCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro maturation (IVM) and cryopreservation of goat oocytes are important for establishing a valuable genetic bank for domesticated female animals and improving livestock reproductive efficiency. C-Phycocyanin (PC) is a Spirulina extract with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and radical scavenging properties. However, whether PC has positive effect on goat oocytes IVM or developmental competence after vitrification is still unknown. In this study, we found that first polar body extrusion (n = 293), cumulus expansion index (n = 269), and parthenogenetic blastocyst formation (n = 281) were facilitated by adding 30 μg/mL PC to the oocyte maturation medium when compared with the control groups and that supplemented with 3, 10, 100 or 300 μg/mL PC (P < 0.05). Although PC supplementation did not affect spindle formation or chromosome alignment (n = 115), it facilitated or improved cortical granules migration (n = 46, P < 0.05), mitochondria distribution (n = 39, P < 0.05), and mitochondrial membrane potential (n = 46, P < 10−4). Meanwhile, supplementation with 30 μg/mL PC in the maturation medium could significantly inhibit the reactive oxygen species accumulation (n = 65, P < 10−4), and cell apoptosis (n = 42, P < 0.05). In addition, PC increased the oocyte mRNA levels of GPX4 (P < 0.01), and decreased the mRNA and protein levels of BAX (P < 0.01). Next, we investigated the effect of PC supplementation in the vitrification solution on oocyte cryopreservation. When compared with the those equilibrate in the vitrification solution without PC, recovered oocytes in the 30 μg/mL PC group showed higher ratios of normal morphology (n = 85, P < 0.05), survival (n = 85, P < 0.05), first polar body extrusion (n = 62, P < 0.05), and parthenogenetic blastocyst formation (n = 107, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, PC supplementation of the vitrification solution increased oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential (n = 53, P < 0.05), decreased the reactive oxygen species accumulation (n = 73, P < 0.05), promoted mitochondria distribution (n = 58, P < 0.05), and inhibited apoptosis (n = 46, P < 10−3). Collectively, our findings suggest that PC improves goat oocyte IVM and vitrification by reducing oxidative stress and early apoptosis, which providing a novel strategy for livestock gamete preservation and utilization. • PC promoted oocytes in vitro maturation and embryo development. • PC improved mitochondrial function after oocytes IVM and vitrification. • PC reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis levels after oocytes IVM and vitrification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we report the first in situ pH of hydrothermal vent fluids at mid-ocean ridges. Measurements were made during dives with DSV Alvin to the Main Endeavour Field (Juan de Fuca Ridge) and the East Pacific Rise at 21°N, and 9°–10°N using solid-state electrochemical sensors. Vent fluid temperature and pressure ranged from 180 to 384 °C and 220 to 250 bar, respectively. pH(in situ) of the highest temperature vent fluid is only slightly acidic (5.1–5.4), although sharply lower values occur at the seawater/vent-fluid interface. Knowledge of pH(in situ) is essential for unravelling the complex geochemical and biogeochemical processes controlling the evolution of seafloor hydrothermal systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mineral delafossite CuFeO 2 exhibits triangular spin frustration with strong magnetoelectric coupling and unique magnetic properties. In this work, the crystal structure, microstructure, oxidation states, and magnetic properties of synthetic CuFe 1-x Zn x O 2 samples have been systematically studied with a view to understanding the effect of small amounts of the diamagnetic Zn2+ ion on the magnetoelectric properties of CuFeO 2. Samples were confirmed by XRD as having a single-phase delafossite structure, although the introduction of Zn2+ resulted in distortion of the crystal lattice. Addition of Zn2+ also increased the particle size and the number of pores, but did not change the oxidation states of either the Cu or Fe. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that Zn2+ disrupted the antiferromagnetic structure of the samples, and resulted in generation of significant ferromagnetism. Overall, the magnetic properties of CuFeO 2 are closely related to ionic substitution, lattice distortion and microscopic defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A lumped-parameter-model of planetary gear train with different crack faults are built • Time-varying flexible transfer functions are first applied in calculating the full-band vibration signals • Fault features of two typical types of planetary gear train with sun gear and ring gear crack are investigated • Simulations and experimental tests verify the proposed method Due to the multiple gear-pair meshes in planetary gear train, fault features of tooth root crack are weak and complicated in vibration signals. Influenced by the time-varying transfer paths of vibration signals, the fault features of crack are further weakened, which becomes hard to diagnose. To reveal the origination of crack fault features, a lumped-parameter-model of planetary gear train is firstly built to solve the excitation forces that generate vibration signals. Gear mesh stiffness that drives the excitation forces is used to equivalently reflect the crack characteristics. Secondly, a finite-element-model of flexible housing is used to calculate the time-varying transfer functions that determine the amplitude characteristics of vibration signals. Based on the signal convolution theorem, the full-band vibration signal is deduced by the convolution of excitation forces and flexible transfer functions. Simulations and experimental tests on two typical types of planetary gear trains show good consistency at crack fault frequency features, which effectively validates the proposed models. Significant fault features locating at resonance modulation sidebands are summarized as effective indicators for crack diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]