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Given a graph G and an edge $ e\in E(G) $ e ∈ E (G) , let S be a vertex set of G. For any two vertices x, $ y\in S $ y ∈ S , if e belongs to all the shortest paths between x and y, then x and y can monitor the edge e. For each edge e of G, if there exists x and y in S such that x and y can monitor e, then the set S can be called a monitoring-edge-geodetic ( $ \operatorname {MEG} $ MEG for short) set of G. The $ \operatorname {MEG} $ MEG number, denoted by $ \operatorname {meg}(G) $ meg ⁡ (G) , is the size of the smallest $ \operatorname {MEG} $ MEG set of G. In this paper, we obtain the exact values of the $ \operatorname {MEG} $ MEG numbers for radix triangular mesh networks, Sierpiński graphs, Sierpiński gasket graphs and Sierpiński generalized graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let r 1 , ... , r t be positive integers and let R 2 (r 1 , ... , r t) be the set of positive odd integers that can be represented as p + 2 k 1 r 1 + ⋯ + 2 k t r t , where p is a prime and k 1 , ... , k t are positive integers. It is easy to see that if r 1 − 1 + ⋯ + r t − 1 < 1 , then the set R 2 (r 1 , ... , r t) has asymptotic density zero. In this paper, we prove that if r 1 − 1 + ⋯ + r t − 1 ≥ 1 , then the set R 2 (r 1 , ... , r t) has a positive lower asymptotic density. Several conjectures and open problems are posed for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things have spurred an increasing demand for wearable, sustainable, and maintenance‐free power sources. Organic thermoelectric (OTE) devices are emerged as promising candidates because they are capable of converting heat energy into electricity directly without the need of moving parts, capable of flexible and seamless integration with multifunctional miniaturized electronics. In addition, OTE devices can perform straightforward as various self‐powered sensors, boosting their applications in the field of intelligent interactions. This review focuses on recent advances in OTE materials and devices for applications in energy harvesting and sensing. The basic knowledge and key parameters of OTE materials and devices are presented, followed by detailed introduction of recent progress of OTE generators, sensors, and other OTE‐integrated devices. Next, several aspects of optimizing OTE devices toward multifunctional applications are highlighted. Finally, an overview of the current challenges and future research directions of OTE‐based devices is addressed. It is hoped that this review can pave the way for speeding up a bright future for the development and practical applications of OTE devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foucaud et al. recently introduced and initiated the study of a new graph-theoretic concept in the area of network monitoring. For every edge e of G and a set M ⊆ V (G) , M is a distance-edge-monitoring (DEM for short) set if there are a vertex x of M and a vertex y of G such that e belongs to all shortest paths between x and y. The DEM number dem (G) is the smallest size of such a set in G. The vertices of M represent distance probes in a network modeled by G ; when the edge e fails, the distance from x to y increases, and thus we are able to detect the failure. In this paper, we study Erdös–Gallai-type problems for DEM numbers of general graphs. The exact values or bounds of dem (G) for radix n -triangular mesh networks and hexagonal networks are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertex-degree function index  H f (Γ) is defined as H f (Γ) = ∑ v ∈ V (Γ) f (d (v)) for a function f (x) defined on non-negative real numbers. In this paper, we determine the extremal graphs with the maximum (minimum) vertex degree function index in the set of all n-vertex chemical trees, trees, and connected graphs. We also present the Nordhaus–Gaddum-type results for H f (Γ) + H f (Γ ¯) and H f (Γ) · H f (Γ ¯) . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improved localized boundary knot method (LBKM) is proposed for 3D acoustic problems. The domain is divided into many small subdomains, and the solutions at the nodes of each subdomain are approximated by using the linear combination of the non-singular general solutions in the LBKM. However, the interpolant matrix generation for each subdomain in the original LBKM is associated with the variables at both domain and boundary nodes. In the present method, only the variables at domain nodes are considered for the matrix generation, and the boundary conditions are directly imposed during the matrix generation. As a consequence, the computational efficiency of the LBKM should be raised. Two examples are provided to illustrate the performance of the present method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • In this paper, we present a RDRF-Net for depth estimation with high accuracy. • It introduces a dynamic adaptive selection method of receptive fields for higher accuracy in depth estimation. • It introduces a residual architecture of 3 × 3 kernels instead of parallel 3 × 3 and 5 × 5 kernels to simulate two receptive fields, which leads to model compression and less network parameters. • It introduces a bottleneck architecture to further compress the network without explicit accuracy loss. Image depth estimation is a challenging problem in computer vision, especially considering both high accuracy and low run time. To save run time and maintain high accuracy, we present a new light-weight model in this paper, i.e., a Residual-based Dynamic Receptive Field Network (RDRF-Net). This model can automatically select the receptive fields suitable for different image scales to generate the depth maps with higher fitting degrees. Residual design and bottleneck layers are used to compress the network for reducing run time. Three groups of experiments are performed on the KITTI dataset to test the accuracy, computation time, and the impact of dynamic receptive fields. Experimental results show that RDRF-Net has comparable accuracy with Godard's model and significantly outperforms it in terms of run time. In addition, it performs closely to Pyd-Net in terms of run time and beats Pyd-Net's accuracy. Experiments also demonstrate the beneficial impact of dynamic receptive fields on improving depth estimation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semi-tensor product, which was initially proposed by Cheng et al. [An introduction to semi-tensor product of matrices and its applications. World Scientific; 2012], has been extensively applied in Boolean control networks, graph colouring, game theory, cryptographic algorithms and so on. In this article, motivated by the existing work by Yao et al. [J Franklin Inst. 2016;353:1109–1131], we further investigate the solvability of the matrix equation AXB=C with respect to semi-tensor product. The case of matrix-vector equation, in which the required unknown X be a vector, is studied first. Compatible condition for matrix dimensions, necessary and sufficient conditions and concrete solving methods are established. Based on this, the solvability of the matrix equation case, in which the unknown X be a matrix, under semi-tensor product is then studied. For each part, several elementary examples are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A dosimeter with high spatial and temporal resolution would be of significant interest for pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton beams' characterization, especially when facing small fields and beams with high temporal dynamics. Optical imaging of scintillators has potential in providing sub‐millimeter spatial resolution with pulse‐by‐pulse basis temporal resolution when the imaging system is capable of operating in synchrony with the beam‐producing accelerator. Purpose: We demonstrate the feasibility of imaging PBS proton beams as they pass through a plastic scintillator detector to simultaneously obtain multiple beam parameters, including proton range, pencil beam's widths at different depths, spot's size, and spot's position on a pulse‐by‐pulse basis with sub‐millimeter resolution. Materials and methods: A PBS synchrocyclotron was used for proton irradiation. A BC‐408 plastic scintillator block with 30 × 30 × 5 cm3 size, and another block with 30 × 30 × 0.5 cm3 size, positioned in an optically sealed housing, were used sequentially to measure the proton range, and spot size/location, respectively. A high‐speed complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) camera system synchronized with the accelerator's pulses through a gating module was used for imaging. Scintillation images, captured with the camera directly facing the 5‐cm‐thick scintillator, were corrected for background (BG), and ionization quenching of the scintillator to obtain the proton range. Spots' position and size were obtained from scintillation images of the 0.5‐cm‐thick scintillator when a 45° mirror was used to reflect the scintillation light toward the camera. Results: Scintillation images with 0.16 mm/pixel resolution corresponding to all proton pulses were captured. Pulse‐by‐pulse analysis showed that variations of the range, spots' position, and size were within ± 0.2% standard deviation of their average values. The absolute ranges were within ± 1 mm of their expected values. The average spot‐positions were mostly within ± 0.8 mm and spots' sigma agreed within 0.2 mm of the expected values. Conclusion: Scintillation‐imaging PBS beams with high‐spatiotemporal resolution is feasible and may help in efficient and cost‐effective acceptance testing and commissioning of existing and even emerging technologies such as FLASH, grid, mini‐beams, and so forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a set M of vertices and an edge e of a graph G, let $ P_G(M, e) $ P G (M , e) be the set of the pair $ (x, y) $ (x , y) with a vertex x of M and a vertex y of $ V(G) $ V (G) such that $ d_G(x, y)\neq d_{G-e}(x, y) $ d G (x , y) ≠ d G − e (x , y). For a vertex x, let $ EM(x) $ EM (x) be the edge set e such that there exists a vertex v in G with $ (x, v) \in P(\{x\}, e) $ (x , v) ∈ P ({ x } , e). A set M of vertices of a graph G is distance-edge-monitoring set if every edge e of G is monitored by some vertex $ v\in M $ v ∈ M , that is, for any $ e \in E(G) $ e ∈ E (G) , we have $ P_G(M, e)\neq \emptyset $ P G (M , e) ≠ ∅. The distance-edge-monitoring number of a graph G, denoted by $ \operatorname {dem}(G) $ dem ⁡ (G) , is defined as the smallest size of distance-edge-monitoring sets of G. In this paper, we study the distance edge monitoring number of pseudo wheel graphs, that is, some variants of wheel graph. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is closely related to overactivation of N-methyl- D -aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors, and Zn2+ is a vital NMDA receptor modulator involved in the pathophysiological and physiological processes of depression. Therefore, quantitative and real-time detection of Zn2+ is very important for understanding the pathogenesis of depression. In this work, a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe ISO-DPA was designed and synthesized for Zn2+ detection with a large Stokes shift (185 nm), high quantum yield (up to 44%), high sensitivity (LOD = 0.106 μM) and good pH stability. The probe showed rapid response within 10 s, accompanied by a distinct fluorescence change from faint to bright pink with the fluorescence intensity increasing 4.5-fold. Moreover, the sensing mechanism of ISO-DPA towards Zn2+ was supported by MALDI-TOF-MS and Job's plot. The probe ISO-DPA could detect instantaneous variation of exogenous and endogenous Zn2+ in PC12 cells. The bioimaging results reveal the increase of the endogenous Zn2+ concentration in PC12 cells under the oxidative stress induced by glutamate and confirm that overactivation of NMDA receptors results in an increase of the Zn2+ level. All the results proved that ISO-DPA is an excellent probe for detecting Zn2+ in solution and living cells and could help us better understand Zn2+ associated pathogenesis of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid‐liquid phase separation has been recognized as an approach to realize cellular compartmentalization and create subdivisions of intracellular space into functional membraneless organelles. Multiphase coacervate droplets with complex, nested inner phases as a generic phenomenon are known to be involved in significant biochemical processes and facilitate specific functions. Herein, we present a strategy to develop molecular self‐sorting complexation that leads to the formation of lipid‐rich sub‐compartments in membraneless coacervate microdroplets. We also show the specific localization and visualization of hydrophobic lipid domains within multiphase hydrophilic droplets under a fluorescence microscope by developing a rationally synthesized aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active molecule. The AIE probe with a tetraphenylethylene core and four water‐soluble glucosamine units exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity towards the lipid‐rich microdomains. We anticipate that the design of fluorescently localized self‐sorting liquid droplets will shed light on the research of mimicking multicompartalized organelles and help to understand dynamic reorganization of sub‐divided space in protocell systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury process. In this study, after extraction and identification of human umbilical cord MSCs (HMCs)-derived EVs, I/R rat models were established and treated with HMC-EVs to measure pathological damage, apoptosis and inflammation in brain tissues. The differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs) in HMC-EVs and I/R rat tissues were screened. The downstream gene and pathways of miR-24 were analyzed. The gain- and loss-of function of miR-24 in HMC-EVs was performed in I/R rat models and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cell models. SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to hypoxia and biological behaviors were detected by MTT assay, colony formation experiment, EdU staining and Transwell assays, and cells were incubated with the inhibitors of downstream pathways. As expected, infarct size, brain tissue apoptosis and inflammation were decreased after HMC-EVs treatment. miR-24 overexpression in HMC-EVs reduced I/R injury, while miR-24 knockdown in HMC-EVs impaired the protective roles of HMC-EVs in I/R injury. HMC-EVs-carried miR-24 could target AQP4 to activate the P38 MAPK/ERK1/2/P13K/AKT pathway, and thus promoted the proliferation and migration of SH-SY5Y cells after H/R injury, which were reversed by LY294002 and PD98095. Taken together, HMC-EVs-carried miR-24 played protective roles in I/R injury, possibly by targeting AQP4 and activating the P38 MAPK/ERK1/2/P13K/AKT pathway. This study may offer novel perspective for I/R injury treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have been published on three-dimensional (3D) hydrodynamic and water quality modeling of a wetland with extensive data sets for model calibration and verification. Wetland plants include submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV). A major difference between SAV and EAV is that SAV resides primarily in the bottom layer of the water column, whereas EAV extends through the entire water column. In a SAV area, the surface velocity can be very different from the bottom velocity. In this study, the Lake Okeechobee Environmental Model for Constructed Wetland (LOEM-CW) is enhanced to simulate hydrodynamic and water quality processes in the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Area 2 (STA-2) in Florida. The 3D LOEM-CW is applied to 2 years (January 1, 2015–December 31, 2016) of extensive data sets for model calibration and verification. The 3D LOEM-CW was capable of resolving the vertical profiles of vegetation in wetland so that stratifications of key parameters were simulated realistically. The model is also applied to support STA operation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) usually governs the biosynthesis of a series of compounds exhibiting either the same or similar molecular scaffolds. Reported here is a multiplex activation strategy to awaken a cryptic BGC associated with tetracycline polyketides, resulting in the discovery of compounds having different core structures. By constitutively expressing a positive regulator gene in tandem mode, a single BGC directed the biosynthesis of eight aromatic polyketides with two types of frameworks, two pentacyclic isomers and six glycosylated tetracyclines. The proposed biosynthetic pathway, based on systematic gene inactivation and identification of intermediates, employs two sets of tailoring enzymes with a branching point from the same intermediate. These findings not only provide new insights into the role of tailoring enzymes in the diversification of polyketides, but also highlight a reliable strategy for genome mining of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) usually governs the biosynthesis of a series of compounds exhibiting either the same or similar molecular scaffolds. Reported here is a multiplex activation strategy to awaken a cryptic BGC associated with tetracycline polyketides, resulting in the discovery of compounds having different core structures. By constitutively expressing a positive regulator gene in tandem mode, a single BGC directed the biosynthesis of eight aromatic polyketides with two types of frameworks, two pentacyclic isomers and six glycosylated tetracyclines. The proposed biosynthetic pathway, based on systematic gene inactivation and identification of intermediates, employs two sets of tailoring enzymes with a branching point from the same intermediate. These findings not only provide new insights into the role of tailoring enzymes in the diversification of polyketides, but also highlight a reliable strategy for genome mining of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe for colorimetric and sequential detection of Cu2+/S2− was designed and developed. Highlights • A new near-infrared fluorescent probe for sequential and reversible detection of Cu2+ and S2− was constructed. • Probe exhibited good selectivity, lower detection limit, and a large Stokes shift of 234 nm. • The proposed sensing mechanism was confirmed by DFT calculations and contrastive compound research. • The probe was successfully applied to detect Cu2+ in real water samples and strip papers. Abstract Copper ions (Cu2+) and sulfide (S2−) are important markers in many physiologies and pathological processes. In this work, a new near-infrared fluorescent probe 1 for colorimetric and sequential detection of Cu2+/S2− was designed and developed. The probe showed a rapid (less than 1 min), highly selective and sensitive response toward copper ions. Notably, the probe could also be applied to detect S2− through reversible formation-separation of complex 1 -Cu2+ and CuS with a large Stokes shift of 234 nm. The detection limit for Cu2+ and S2− was found to be 1.8 × 10-8 M and 1.5 × 10-8 M, respectively. Furthermore, the binding stoichiometry between 1 and Cu2+ was found to be 1:1, the binding mode was also demonstrated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and contrastive compound research. In addition, the probe was successfully applied in real water samples assay for the detection of Cu2+, and the strip papers experiments also showed that probe 1 can be used to detect Cu2+ and S2−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the curative effects of mesenchymal stem cells' tenogenic differentiation on linea alba incision healing induced by bone morphogenetic protein-12. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and induced by 10 ng/ml of bone morphogenetic protein-12 for 48 h. Expression of scleraxis, collagen I and collagen III were examined at 48 h, 5 and 7 days to investigate the tenogenic differentiation. The expression of scleraxis increases continually even in the absence of bone morphogenetic protein-12 for 5 days (P<0.01). The expression of collagen I and III requires persistent inducing. Then fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: negative control, positive control, sham group, native mesenchymal stem cells and tenogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells. Tensiometric testing and modified semiquantitative histological analysis were performed to explore the curative effects. The tension levels in the positive control, sham, native mesenchymal stem cells and tenogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells were 44, 41.8, 51.6 and 69.7%, respectively, compared with the negative control. Tenogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells exhibited a greater increase in tension compared with positive control, sham and native mesenchymal stem cell groups (P<0.05). From the sections stained with Masson's Trichrome, collagen organization and amount of tenogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells was better than the other three groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, mesenchymal stem cells' tenogenic differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein-12 can enhance linea alba incision healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Hsa_circ_0052112 expression is significantly dysregulated in MDAMB-231 cells. • Hsa_circ_0052112 mediates breast cancer cells migration and invasion. • Hsa_circ_0052112/ miRNA/mRNA network is established. • Hsa_circ_0052112 positively regulates its host gene, ZNF83. Abstract Objectives Accumulating evidence has been reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of relatively stable, non-coding RNAs, which are involved in the progression of many types of diseases. However, the mechanism of hsa_circ_0052112 in breast cancer cells is not entirely clear. Hsa_circ_0052112, generated from the ZNF83 gene, is selected by analyzing circRNA expression profiles of breast cancer cell by using microarray assay. In this study, we will show the role of hsa_circ_0052112 in regulating cell invasion and migration in breast cancer. Methods The expression level of hsa_circ_0052112 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells was detected by RT-qPCR; we performed transwell assay to evaluate breast cancer cells' migration and invasion; predicated circRNA/miRNAs interaction using the miRanda and RNAhybrid software; identified the relationship between hsa_circ_0052112 and miR-125a-5p by luciferase activity assay and show the localization of hsa_circ_0052112 by FISH assay and show the significance of ZNF83 in clinical prognosis by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results Hsa_circ_0052112 expression was significantly higher in MDA-MB-231 cells than that in MCF-7 cells. Overexpression of hsa_circ_0052112 promoted cell migration and invasion in breast cancer. Inversely, down-regulation of hsa_circ_0052112 suppressed breast cancer cells migration and invasion. Hsa_circ_0052112 was mostly located in cytoplasm. Hsa_circ_0052112 could directly sponge to miR-125a-5p; overexpression of miR-125a-5p significantly inhibited breast cancer cells migration and invasion. However, high or low expression of miR-125a-5p was not correlated with relapse free survival (RFS) by TCGA database validation, but high expression of ZNF83 was closely correlated with poor RFS by Kaplan–Meier plotter. Conclusions These data suggest that hsa_circ_0052112 may be a potent biomarker for breast cancer, and may provide a new perspective on treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that investigated the transport properties of a double bend in a two-dimensional electron waveguide by performing calculation of the transmission and conductance. Theoretical model; Numerical results.

The radiation responses of three large core silica fibers with low OH contents were investigated with a high Dose rate (105 Gy/s), low total dose (1 mGy) pulsed X-rays, and low Dose rate (0.054 Gy/s) steady state gamma rays, respectively, to develop a fast radiation detector based on silica fiber and scintillator. The radiation-induced emission (RIE) and radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) of these fibers from a 350 nm–550 nm spectrum range were evaluated. All of them presented low RIA levels, and the Cherenkov radiation and individual peak fluorescence emission centered at 460 nm, being the primary contributors to RIE. In addition, the spectral decomposition of RIAs is performed using known Gaussian absorption bands associated with a few point defects; such as Si-related defects (Non-bridging-oxygen hole center-NBOHC, Si-ODC(II) Self-trapped hole-STH), and chlorine related defects (Cl0 and Cl 2). The performances of these point defects at various irradiation doses are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to seek an efficient and robust quantum algorithm demanding less quantum resources. We propose one-photon three-qubit original and refined Deutsch–Jozsa algorithms with polarization and two linear momentums degrees of freedom (DOFs). Our schemes are constructed by solely using linear optics. Compared to the traditional ones with one DOF, our schemes are more economic and robust because the necessary photons are reduced from three to one. Our linear-optic schemes are working in a determinate way, and they are feasible with current experimental technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic crops are increasingly promoted for their practical effects on suppressing certain insect pests, but all transgenic crops are not equally successful. The insect pests can easily develop resistance against single Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin transgenic crops. Therefore, transgenic crops including two or more mixed Bt-toxins can solve this problem by delaying the resistance development and killing the majority of targeted pests before the evolution of resistance. It is important to test the controlling effects of transgenic crops including multiple mixed toxins on a particular insect pest. Previous research has checked the cross-resistance and interactions between Bt toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab against one susceptible and four resistant strains of cotton bollworm. The results showed that independence was the main interaction type between two toxins for the susceptible strain, whereas synergism was the main interaction type for any one resistant strain. However, the optimal combinations of two toxins were not obtained. In the present study, we developed two multi-exponential equations (namely bi- and tri-exponential equations) to describe the combination effects of two Bt toxins. Importantly, the equations can provide predictions of combination effects of different continuous concentrations of two toxins. We compared these two multi-exponential equations with the generalized linear model (GLM) in describing the combination effects, and found that the bi- and tri-exponential equations are better than GLM. Moreover, the bi-exponential equation can also provide the optimal dose combinations for two toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Plant A/T‐rich protein and zinc‐binding protein (PLATZ) transcription factors play important roles in plant growth, development and abiotic stress responses. However, how PLATZ influences plant drought tolerance remains poorly understood. The present study showed that PLATZ4 increased drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by causing stomatal closure. Transcriptional profiling analysis revealed that PLATZ4 affected the expression of a set of genes involved in water and ion transport, antioxidant metabolism, small peptides and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. Among these genes, the direct binding of PLATZ4 to the A/T‐rich sequences in the plasma membrane intrinsic protein 2;8 (PIP2;8) promoter was identified. PIP2;8 consistently reduced drought tolerance in Arabidopsis through inhibiting stomatal closure. PIP2;8 was localized in the plasma membrane, exhibited water channel activity in Xenopus laevis oocytes and acted epistatically to PLATZ4 in regulating the drought stress response in Arabidopsis. PLATZ4 increased ABA sensitivity through upregulating the expression of ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3), ABI4 and ABI5. The transcripts of PLATZ4 were induced to high levels in vegetative seedlings under drought and ABA treatments within 6 and 3 h, respectively. Collectively, these findings reveal that PLATZ4 positively influences plant drought tolerance through regulating the expression of PIP2;8 and genes involved in ABA signaling. Significance Statement: PLATZs have been demonstrated to play important roles in plant growth, development and responses to environmental stimuli, but how they affect drought stress remain unknown. For these purposes, we reveal that PLATZ4 increases drought tolerance by regulating the expression of PIP2;8 and genes involved in ion transport, antioxidant metabolism, small peptides and abscisic acid signaling. We also reveal the aquaporin activity of PIP2;8 and its roles in regulating drought stress. These findings extend the current view about the regulatory mechanism of PLATZs and the function of PIP2;8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regional climate model coupled with an aerosol model is employed to numerically simulate the direct climate effects of the anthropogenic aerosol emitted in South Asia and China in the East Asian summer monsoon during 1988 to 2009. Based on the data of the numerical simulation, composite analysis and correlation analysis are used to make diagnostic study of climate dynamics. Results show that the month of maximum emission of the mean column burden of the anthropogenic aerosol in the main emission areas of South Asia is opposite in phase to that in China. Summer is the season of maximum emission amount in China, but the emission amounts are more in South Asia in spring and winter. On the whole, the mean column burden of the anthropogenic aerosol in China is relatively high compared with that in South Asia. The trend of distribution of aerosol is SW-NE in China, and Sichuan Basin is the emission center of aerosol. The effect of negative short wave radiative forcing alters the gradient of pressure between land and sea, weakening the development of East Asian summer monsoon over the northern part of Yangtze-Huaihe River Basin. We also discuss the feedback effect of East-Asian summer monsoon which is changed by the anthropogenic aerosol on the concentration and distribution of aerosol in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge to apply coupled hydrodynamic, sediment, water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and emergent aquatic vegetation (EAV) models to the studies of constructed wetlands (CWs). So far, there are few published studies on CWs that included comprehensive SAV, EAV and nutrient cycling processes, had detailed model-data comparisons for multiple years, and were applied to support CWs management. Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) in south Florida are CWs that have been built to reduce phosphorus (P) concentrations from agricultural drainage waters and Lake Okeechobee discharges. The scale of this CWs project is unprecedented in terms of size, cost, and scientific challenges. The STA management needs models/tools to provide detailed spatial and temporal information to optimize the P removal efficiency and to predict the dynamic response of STAs under a variety of management conditions. Based on the Lake Okeechobee Environment Model (LOEM) developed in the past 15 years, the LOEM-CW water quality model is developed for simulating water quality processes in CWs. The coupled interactions of SAV and EAV with P variables are included in the LOEM-CW to ensure that the P cycling processes are represented realistically. The LOEM-CW is calibrated and verified with 6 years of measured data (2008–2013) at 6 locations in STA-3/4 Cells 3A/3B. Through graphic and statistical comparisons, it is shown that the model simulated P, nitrogen, and dissolved oxygen processes in the STA well. The model results illustrate that increasing water depth increases the retention time and decreases effluent TP concentration. By adjusting the existing outflow rates, the STA can be more efficient in removing P. It has been shown that the LOEM-CW can serve as a useful tool in wetland management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical OTB (once-through boiler) units with high steam temperature and pressure have been widely used in modern power plants due to their high cycle efficiency and less emissions. To ensure the effective operation of such power generation systems, it is necessary to build a model for the design of the overall control system. There are already detailed models of once-through boilers; however, their complexity prevents them from being applied in the controller design. This study describes a lumped parameter dynamic model that has a relatively low complexity while faithfully capturing the essential overall plant dynamics. The model structure was derived by fundamental physical laws utilizing reasonable simplifications and data analysis to avoid the phase transition position problem. Parameter identification for the model structure was completed using operational data from a 1000 MW ultra-supercritical OTB. The model was determined to be reasonable by comparison tests between computed data and measured data for both steady and dynamic states. The simplified model is verified to have appropriate fidelity in control system design to achieve effective and economic operation of the unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constructed wetlands (CW) have become a popular technology for treating urban and agricultural stormwater runoff. In South Florida, Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs) have been built to reduce phosphorus (P) concentrations in runoff from agriculture and other sources, including Lake Okeechobee discharges, prior to delivery to the Everglades Protection Area. The scale of this constructed wetland project is unprecedented in terms of size, cost, and scientific challenges. Models/tools are needed to provide detailed spatial and temporal information to optimize the P removal efficiency and to predict the dynamic response of STAs under a variety of management conditions. The Lake Okeechobee Environment Model (LOEM) developed for Lake Okeechobee has been enhanced to simulate hydrodynamics and transport processes in the wetland environment. The flow resistance caused by Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) and Emergent Aquatic Vegetation (EAV) is included in the LOEM-CW. The LOEM-CW is calibrated and validated with 6 years of measured data (2008–2013) at different locations in STA-3/4 Cells 3A and 3B. Through graphic and statistical comparisons, it is shown that the model simulated stage, flow velocity, water temperature, and total suspended solid (TSS) in the study area reasonably well. The LOEM-CW is poised to serve as a powerful tool in wetland management and STA operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic stability of three-dimensional graphene foam (3D-GrF)-reinforced polymeric composite (RPC) cylindrical shells under the periodic axial loading. Three types of foam distribution are considered and the effective Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and mass density of 3D-GrFRPC shells are obtained by using the mixing rule. Hamilton's principle is implemented to derive the differential equations of motion on the basis of Donnell's shell theory and von Kàrmàn geometric nonlinearity. In the framework of the Galerkin method and Airy stress function, the nonlinear transverse vibration differential equation is transformed to the Mathieu–Hill equation. Moreover, the explicit expressions of steady-state vibration amplitude of 3D-GrFRPC shells are obtained via Bolotin's method. Finally, the effects of foam coefficient, foam distribution, dynamic load factor, static load factor and shell geometry parameters on the nonlinear dynamic stability of 3D-GrFRPC cylindrical shells are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-stroke chronic stress (PSCS) is generally associated with the poorer recovery and more pronounced cognitive dysfunction. Recent evidence has implied that S-ketamine can reduce suicidal ideation in treatment-resistant depression. In this current study, we aimed to investigate whether the administration of S-ketamine ameliorated cognitive deficits under PSCS conditions, which was established by a model combining middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and chronic restraint stress. Our data suggested that mice exposed to PSCS exhibited depression-like behavior and cognitive impairment, which coincided with astrocytosis as indicated by increased GFAP-positive cells and impairment of long-time potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1. Subanesthetic doses (10 mg/kg) of S-ketamine have significantly mitigated depression-like behaviors, cognitive deficits and LTP impairment, reduced astrocytosis, excessive GABA, and inflammatory factors, including NLRP3 and IL-18 in astrocytes in the CA1. Besides, neuroprotective effects induced by S-ketamine administration were found in vitro but could be partially reversed by an agonist of the NLRP3 nigericin. Our current data also suggests that the subanesthetic doses of S-ketamine improved cognitive dysfunction via the inhibition of hippocampal astrocytosis in a mouse model of PSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Okeechobee is a large, shallow subtropical lake, located in south Florida. Over the last several decades, Lake Okeechobee has experienced accelerated eutrophication due to excessive phosphorus loads from agricultural run-off. Recycling of phosphorus from bottom sediments through resuspension is critical to addressing eutrophication of the lake and for water quality management. The present study investigates the impacts of wind waves on sediment transport in Lake Okeechobee, using measured data and the Lake Okeechobee Environmental Model ( LOEM). The LOEM was fully calibrated and verified with more than 10 years of measured data in previous studies. Analysis of the measured data indicates significant wave height (SWH) and suspended sediment concentration are closely correlated to the wind speed in the lake. The nonlinear interaction of high-frequency wind waves with relatively low-frequency currents in the boundary layer plays a key role in sediment deposition/resuspension. Without considering the effects of wind waves, the bottom shear stress can be greatly underestimated. The spatial variations of key variables for sediment modelling, including SWH, water depth, orbital velocity, current velocity, bottom shear stress and sediment concentration, are discussed. In general, the near-bottom wave velocity (and the associated bottom shear stress) is greater than or the same order of magnitude as the near-bed current velocity (and the associated bottom shear stress) in this shallow water system. Although the sediment zones of Lake Okeechobee were described in previous studies, few published papers discussed its formation mechanisms. The findings of the present study include that the multiyear averaged bottom shear stress with wind-wave effect plays a key role in forming the spatial patterns of the sediment zones. The study results are currently being used in lake management and in developing strategies for reducing phosphorus in the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dynamic recrystallization critical strain of FGH96 alloy was investigated by isothermal two-pass hot deformation compression tests in the temperature range of 1050–1125°C and strain rates ranging 0.001–0.1s−1 with the deformation of 45+45% on a Gleeble-1500 thermo-simulation machine. Two dynamic recrystallization models were established. Degree of recrystallization between the metallographic microstructure and the result of the recrystallization model was contrasted. The results show that dynamic recrystallization occurs in the two-pass hot deformation. The deformation behavior of the second-pass is influenced by the recrystallization and the residual strain of the first-pass. The critical strain is obviously influenced by temperature and strain rate. The critical strain of the second-pass is smaller than that of the first-pass. The dynamic recrystallization models between the first-pass and the second-pass hot deformation are different. The volume of recrystallization calculated by the dynamic recrystallization model is in good agreement with the metallographic microstructure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The processing maps of FGH96 alloy with different strains have been investigated by isothermal interrupted hot compression test within the temperature range of 1050–1125°C, the strain rate of 0.001–0.1s−1, and the strain was 45+45%. The constitutive relationships which include the strain, strain rate and temperature were established and the microstructures of the first-pass and second-pass hot deformation were observed. The result showed that the dynamic recrystallization has occurred under different conditions. The first-pass hot deformation had a great influence on the flow stress of the second-pass. The curves of true stress–true strain between mathematical models and measured value were preferably fitted. The mathematical models could reflect the flow stress precisely under different conditions. Two instability zones of flow behavior were respectively established as follows: T=1080–1125°C, =0.01–0.1s−1, ε<0.2 and T=1050–1125°C, =0.001s−1, ε>1, which should be avoided during hot deformation. When power dissipation rate decreased as strain increased, the recrystallization grain coarsening happened. Otherwise, the recrystallization grain would be refined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a carbon-constrained world, CO2 emissions will become a new concern in power system dispatch. Meanwhile, carbon capture power plants (CCPPs), which are a critical low-carbon power generation option, will have a significant impact on power system operation and dispatch. This paper presents research on low-carbon power system dispatch (LCPSD) incorporating CCPPs. The operating mechanism of CCPPs is investigated first. Then, the operating characteristics of CCPPs in power system dispatch are analyzed, including feasible power output limits, ramping rates and relationships between the power outputs and the carbon emissions. A comprehensive LCPSD model is formulated, in which the carbon emissions of power plants are treated as a new set of decision variables, and low-carbon-related cost terms are considered. The dispatch features of CCPPs are elaborately formulated and incorporated into the LCPSD model. The effectiveness and the validity of the proposed LCPSD mode and model are demonstrated using numerical examples based on an IEEE 118-bus tested system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a derivative of boswellic acid, an active component of Boswellia serrata gum resin. We examined the effect of AKBA on human gastric carcinoma growth and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Inhibition of cancer cell growth was estimated by colorimetric and clonogenic assays. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry and apoptosis determined using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and DNA ladder quantification. After three weeks of oral AKBA administration in nude mice bearing cancer xenografts, animals were sacrificed and xenografts removed for TUNEL staining and western blot analysis. Results: AKBA exhibited anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo. With oral application in mice, AKBA significantly inhibited SGC-7901 and MKN-45 xenografts without toxicity. This effect might be associated with its roles in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. The results also showed activation of p21Waf1/Cip1 and p53 in mitochondria and increased cleaved caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio after AKBA treatment. Further analysis suggested that these effects might arise from AKBA's modulation of the aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Upon AKBA treatment, β-catenin expression in nuclei was inhibited, and membrane β-catenin was activated. In the same sample, active GSK3β was increased and its non-active form decreased. Levels of cyclin D1, PCNA, survivin, c-Myc, MMP-2, and MMP-7, downstream targets of Wnt/β-catenin, were inhibited. Conclusions: AKBA effects on human gastric carcinoma growth were associated with its activity in modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. General significance: AKBA could be useful in the treatment of gastric cancers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the consensus problem for a class of second-order multi-agent systems with nonuniform time delays is investigated. A linear consensus protocol is used to make all agents reach consensus and move with a constant velocity. By a frequency-domain analysis, a simplified sufficient condition is given to guarantee the consensus stability of the dynamic system. Finally, the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results is illustrated through numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel self-configuration single particle optimizer (SCSPO) for DNA sequence compression. Particularly, SCSPO searches an optimal compression codebook of all unique repeat patterns and then DNA sequences are compressed by replacing the duplicate fragments with the indexes of the corresponding matched code vectors in the codebook. Featured with a crucial self-configuration process, SCSPO optimizes the codebook with no predefined parameter settings required. Experimental results on benchmark numerical functions and real-world DNA sequences demonstrate that SCSPO is capable of attaining better fitness value than many other PSO variants and the proposed DNA sequence compression algorithm based on SCSPO attains encouraging compression performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study examined the relationships between health literacy, self-efficacy and preventive care utilization among older adults in Taiwan. Methods: The data were from a longitudinal survey, 'Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging' in 2003 and 2007. A total of 3479 participants who completed both two waves were included for analysis. Health literacy first was constructed through education, cognitive function and disease knowledge through structural equation modeling (SEM); then, the associations of health literacy to later self-efficacy and preventive care were examined. Results: The model fit of SEM was good, indicating that the construct of health literacy was appropriate. Healthy literacy showed a moderate positive effect on self-efficacy and a small positive effect on preventive care utilization. Conclusions: Health literacy increases self-efficacy and utilization of preventive care. Promoting people's health knowledge and health literacy is suggested. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 70-76. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Knowledge of estuarine hydrodynamics and water quality comes mostly from studies of large estuarine systems. The processes affecting algae, nutrients, and dissolved oxygen (DO) in small and shallow subtropical estuaries are relatively less studied. This paper documents the development, calibration, and verification of a three dimensional (3D) water quality model for the St. Lucie Estuary (SLE), a small and shallow estuary located on the east coast of south Florida. The water quality model is calibrated and verified using two years of measured data. Statistical analyses indicate that the model is capable of reproducing key water quality characteristics of the estuary within an acceptable range of accuracy. The calibrated model is further applied to study hydrodynamic and eutrophication processes in the estuary. Modeling results reveal that high algae concentrations in the estuary are likely caused by excessive nutrient and algae supplies in freshwater inflows. While algal blooms may lead to reduced DO concentrations near the bottom of the waterbody, this study indicates that stratification and circulation induced by freshwater inflows may also contribute significantly to bottom water hypoxia in the estuary. It is also found that high freshwater inflows from one of the tributaries can change the circulation pattern and nutrient loading, thereby impacting water quality conditions of the entire estuary. Restoration plans for the SLE ecosystem need to consider both a reduction of nutrient loading and regulation of the freshwater discharge pattern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using the first-principles methods, we study the formation energetics properties of intrinsic defects, and the charge doping properties of extrinsic defects in transparent conducting oxides CuCrO2. Intrinsic defects, some typical acceptortype, and donor-type extrinsic defects in their relevant charge state are considered. By systematically calculating the formation energies and transition energy, the results of calculation show that, VCu, Oi, and OCu are the relevant intrinsic defects in CuCrO2; among these intrinsic defects, VCu is the most efficient acceptor in CuCrO2. It is found that all the donor-type extrinsic defects have difficulty in inducing n-conductivity in CuCrO2 because of their deep transition energy level. For all the acceptor-type extrinsic defects, substituting Mg for Cr is the most prominent doping acceptor with relative shallow transition energy levels in CuCrO2. Our calculation results are expected to be a guide for preparing promising n-type and p-type materials in CuCrO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rhaponticin (RHA) possesses a variety of pharmacological activities including potent antitumor, antitumor-promoting, antithrombotic, antioxidant and vasorelaxant effects. In the solvation effect, RHA exhibited bathochromic shift in emission spectra with the increasing solvent polarity. The binding between RHA and HSA was investigated by molecular spectroscopy combining with modeling and equilibrium dialysis. Fluorescence data showed that the quenching of HSA by RHA was result of forming the complex of RHA–HSA. According to Stern–Volmer equation, the binding parameters between RHA and HSA were determined. The enthalpy change (ΔH) and entropy change (ΔS) were calculated to be −2.75kJmol−1 and 1.58Jmol−1 K−1, indicating that the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions played a dominant role in the binding. The conformational investigation revealed the α-helical structure was decreased and the polypeptides of HSA were slightly folded upon the addition of RHA. The effect of common ions on the binding between RHA and HSA was also investigated. Furthermore, the result of warfarin displacement site indicated that RHA could bind to the site I of HSA, which was in agreement with the molecular modeling. When excitation wavelength was set at 260 or 355nm, RHA exhibited a fluorescence peak at 390nm, based on which, a simple and rapid fluorimetric method was developed and validated to determine RHA in the equilibrium dialysis. Calibration curves of RHA were linear over the concentration range of 1.1–15.0μM with the detection limits of 0.03μM. Examination of protein binding ability showed that RHA with 8.0μM concentrations in HSA achieved the percent of bound 82.3±2.5%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The optimal treatment of partial adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of oral administration of sesame oil to the standard of conservative treatment in this disease. Methods: Sixty-four cases of partial adhesive SBO were retrospectively allocated into either the control group or the intervention group (with sesame oil added), and clinical results were compared. Results: Of the 64 patients, 33 were in the control group and 31 in the intervention group. Significantly fewer patients required surgical intervention in the intervention group than in the control group (4/31 vs 16/33, P = .0029). Less SBO resolution time (24 hour vs 30 hour, P = .0019) and a shorter hospital stay (6 days vs 10 days, P = .0235) were observed in the interventional group. Conclusions: Our study showed that sesame oil was a safe and effective adjunct to the standard treatment of partial adhesive SBO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal behavior of copper(II) 4-nitroimidazolate (CuNI) under static and dynamic states are studied by means of high-pressure DSC (PDSC) and TG with the different heating rates and the combination technique of in situ thermolysis cell with rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (thermolysis/RSFTIR). The results show that the apparent activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the major exothermic decomposition reaction of CuNI obtained by Kissinger’s method are 233.2 kJ mol−1 and 1017.95 s−1, respectively. The critical temperature of the thermal explosion and the adiabatic time-to-explosion of CuNI are 601.97 K and 4.4∼4.6 s, respectively. The decomposition of CuNI begins with the split of the C-NO2 and C-H bonds, and the decomposition process of CuNI under dynamic states occurs less readily than those under static states because the dynamic nitrogen removes the strong oxidative decomposition product (NO2). The above-mentioned information on thermal behavior is quite useful for analyzing and evaluating the stability and thermal charge rule of CuNI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal behavior of 1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethlene (DADNE) was followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). In addition, it was further investigated by the combination techniques of in situ thermolysis cell or fast thermolysis probe with rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (thermolysis/RSFT-IR and fast thermolysis/RSFT-IR) and by mass spectroscopy (MS). The results showed that there was a phase transition (-DADNE to -DADNE) at the temperature of 119 °C, and that the gas products of DADNE consisted of CO2, CO, NO2, NO, N2O, HCN, and HNCO, of which CO2, NO, N2O, and HCN present themselves in both the first and second stages of DADNE decomposition process, whereas CO, NO2, and HNCO are only caused by the second stage, in air atmosphere. The CC and C−NH2bonds of DADNE molecules are broken in the first stage of the decomposition process in open air, and one of the C−NO2and one of the C−NH2bonds of the molecules are broken in the same stage under electrospray ionization condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Comparing with the studies on large estuarine systems, such as the Chesapeake Bay and the San Francisco Bay, the processes of stratification and transport in small and shallow estuaries are relatively less studied. The St. Lucie Estuary (SLE) is a riverine estuary located on the east coast of south Florida. It is small and shallow, with mean depth of 2.4m. To study the estuarine processes in the SLE, a hydrodynamic model was developed based on the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) [Hamrick, J.M., 1992. A three-dimensional environmental fluid dynamics computer code: theoretical and computational aspects. The College of William and Mary, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Special Report 317, 63 pp.]. The model was calibrated and verified using observational data obtained in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The model variables used for model data-comparisons are water elevation, velocity, temperature, and salinity. The model is then applied to study the hydrodynamic processes in the SLE. It is found that freshwater inflow plays a major role in the stratification and net flushing of the SLE. Stratification generally increases with freshwater inflow. But when the inflow is persistently large for a relatively long period, the estuary can suddenly change from very stratified to well mixed within a few tidal cycles and the stratification collapses. This finding suggests that large and persistent freshwater inflows do not always increase estuarine stratification. Instead, it may cause the stratification to collapse within a short period of time. In addition to gauged tributaries, ungauged lateral inflows can also be important to small and shallow estuaries like the SLE. Although small individually, the ungauged streams and surface runoffs can be a significant portion of the total inflow and affect salinity distribution significantly. Flushing time affects a wide range of hydrodynamic and water quality processes in the estuary. The model results indicate that commonly used formulas, such as the tidal prism formula and the Knudsen formula, may significantly underestimate the flushing time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The penalty associated with data cache misses is one of the obstacles to the performance of SMT trace processors. The increased latency is not only required to resolve the missing data, the miss will also have negative impact on the PE resources utilization rate of the SMT trace processors. When data cache miss occurs in SMT trace processors, all the completed traces following the data-miss-trace (a trace with at least one data cache miss) will be delayed to commit for the data cache miss event. PE resources occupied by those traces can not be released until traces are committed, which wastes the PE execution resources and hampers the performance of SMT trace processors. In this paper, we propose several data cache miss sensitive thread scheduling mechanisms with the aim to tolerate the penalties of data cache misses. By choosing the thread wisely in trace dispatch and trace commit stages, the SMT trace processors performance can be improved further. Simulation results show that when using L1–L2 thread scheduling mechanism, performance will be improved by 2.8% (2-thread SMT trace processors), 8.0% (4-thread SMT trace processors) and 18.2% (8-thread SMT trace processors) with 8-PE, 512KB L2 cache configuration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal behavior of 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine (TNAZ) is studied by means of high-pressure DSC (PDSC), the combination technique of in situ thermolysis cell with rapid-scan fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (thermolysis/RSFT-IR) and fast thermolysis probe with rapid-scan fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (fast thermolysis/RSFT-IR). The thermal decomposition mechanism is proposed. The results show that the decomposition temperature of TNAZ at 1MPa is 264.7 °C, both the C—NO2 and N—NO2 bonds and all the other C—N, C—C and C—H bonds of the four-membered ring of TNAZ are simultaneously broken with an increase in temperature and the gas products detected of thermal decomposition of TNAZ consist of CO2, NO2, N2O and NO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Trace Processors is a promising next-generation microarchitecture that exploits implicit thread-level parallelism (TLP) in conventional applications by employing aggressive control and data speculation techniques. Although high performance can be achieved by trace processors, but in fact, processing element (PE) resources are still underutilized due to frequent trace cache misses and next-trace mispeculations. When trace cache miss occurs, trace dispatch engine must stall and supply nothing to idle PE until the completion of trace construction. When next-trace mispeculation occurs, in addition to trace dispatch engine stall, all speculative execution results after the mispeculated trace must be discarded. All the operations on those squashed traces are useless. When trace processors scales up with more PEs, this problem will become more severe. Addressing to this problem, we propose augmenting multiple thread contexts into trace processors. A combined microarchitecture—Simultaneous Multithreading trace processors (SMT trace processors) is proposed in this paper. By dispatching trace from other threads, the penalties of trace cache miss and next-trace mispeculation can be tolerated. Introducing multiple thread contexts reduce the percentage of wrong-path speculations for each thread and improve PE execution efficiency significantly. Simulation results show that integrating two thread contexts can improve 8-PE trace processors performance 27.7%. When augmenting four and eight thread contexts, the corresponding improvements are 28.7 and 15.4%. And we believe that even higher performance improvement can be expected when we integrate more PEs into SMT trace processors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]