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Lanthanide‐doped scintillators have the ability to convert the absorbed X‐ray irradiation into ultraviolet (UV), visible (Vis), or near‐infrared (NIR) light. Lanthanide‐doped scintillators with excellent persistent luminescence (PersL) are emerging as a new class of PersL materials recently. They have attracted great attention due to their unique "self‐luminescence" characteristic and potential applications. In this review, we comb through and focus on current developments of lanthanide‐doped persistent luminescent scintillators (PersLSs), including their PersL mechanism, synthetic methods, tuning of PersL properties (e. g. emission wavelength, intensity, and duration time), as well as their promising applications (e. g. information storage, encryption, anti‐counterfeiting, bio‐imaging, and photodynamic therapy). We hope this review will provide valuable guidance for the future development of PersLSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars produced from different feedstocks and at different pyrolysis temperatures may have various chemical and physical properties, affecting their potential use as alternative microbial carrier materials. In this study, biochars were produced from pine wood and oak feedstocks at various temperatures (400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C and 800°C), characterized, and assessed for their potential as carriers for Bradyrhizobium japonicum (CB1809) strain. The biochars were then stored at two different storage temperatures (28°C and 38°C) for up to 90 days. Furthermore, the study also explored the role of potentially ideal carriers as inoculants in the growth of Glycine max L. (soybean) under different moisture levels i.e., 55% water holding capacity (WHC) (D0), 30% WHC (D1) and, 15% WHC (D2) using a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% sand. The results were compared to a control group (without inoculants) and a peat inoculant. Among all the materials derived from pine wood and oak, pine wood biochar pyrolyzed at 400℃ (P-BC400) exhibited the highest CFU count, with values of 10.34 and 9.74 Log 10 CFU g− 1 after 90 days of storage at 28℃ and 38℃, respectively. This was notably higher compared to other biochars and peat carriers. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in plant properties: shoot and root dry biomass (174% and 367%), shoot and root length (89% and 85%), number of leaves (71%), membrane stability index (27%), relative water content (26%), and total chlorophyll (140%) were observed in plants treated with P-BC400 carrier inoculant compared to the control at D2; however, lower enrichment of δ13C (37%) and δ15N (108%) with highest number of root nodules (8.3 ± 1.26) and nitrogenase activity (0.869 ± 0.04) were observed under D2, as evident through PCA analysis, showing more nitrogen (N) fixation and photosynthetic activity. Overall, this experiment concluded that biochar pyrolyzed at lower temperatures, especially P-BC400, was the most suitable candidate for rhizobial inoculum and promoted soybean growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence concentration quenching exists widely in lanthanide-doped luminescent nanomaterials, and significantly hinders their emission intensity. In this work, we report the concentration-quenching-free properties of the 406 nm emission in Pr3+-doped nanoscintillators, which is attributed to the large energy gap between the 1S0 and 1I6 states (ΔE = ∼25 000 cm−1) of Pr3+ ions, preventing the concentration quenching effects caused by both cross-relaxation and energy migration to surface quenchers. This work provides further understanding about the concentration quenching effect of lanthanide-doped luminescent nanomaterials and a new perspective for avoiding detrimental concentration quenching. In addition, we also demonstrate the potential use of Pr3+-doped nanoscintillators as anti-counterfeiting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deuterated chemicals are becoming irreplaceable in pharmaceutical engineering, material science and synthetic chemistry. Many excellent reviews have discussed acid/base-dependent or metal-catalyzed deuteration reactions, but radical deuterations have been discussed less. With the development of radical chemistry, there has been a rapid growth in radical deuterium-labelling technology. Diverse mild, cheap and efficient strategies for deuterium atom installation have been reported, and this review summarizes the recent achievements of radical deuteration classified by the reaction types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Symbiodinium kawagutii genome illuminates dinoflagellate gene expression and coral symbiosis. While these genome assemblies are still mostly incomplete, researchers are beginning to exploit them to understand the molecular basis of dinoflagellate evolution and coral symbiosis. Interestingly, the Symbio-DIRS-Dnmt3 gene is associated with retrotransposons in I F. kawagutii i ; the encoded protein likely "self-methylate" retrotranscribed DNA with a pattern of methylation similar to that of the cell's genomic DNA. Symbiodinium genomes reveal adaptive evolution of functions related to coral-dinoflagellate symbiosis. [Extracted from the article]

Local functional features in stamped components have been studied in detail due to unique advantages in saving individual parts, reducing maintenance costs, and realizing weight reduction. The present investigation focuses on the plastic forming process of the structure of multi-bosses including non-central symmetrical bosses and tri-bosses, typical local functional features. The technical route draws from a previous study on a central boss by the compression-drawing method and the extension to multi-bosses is built on a hybrid experimental–numerical approach with A1050 aluminum sheet. The results show that for the structure of non-central symmetrical bosses, radial location I of the boss structure is confirmed as a significant factor in boss forming, influencing not only the height but also the cross-section of the boss structure, and the value of I being 8 mm is proven to be the optimum solution for the given boss structure. Under the same deformation conditions, the degree of plastic deformation in the forming process of the tri-bosses structure is much higher than that in non-central symmetrical bosses due to the new cavity of the central boss and the height of the non-central boss in the tri-bosses structure is lower than that in non-central symmetrical bosses as a result of the absorption of the central boss. Moreover, fracture failure around the punch radius will occur when the maximum value of radial tensile stress exceeds the sheet tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing number of underground structures traversing the surface structure, the surface and underground structures interact with each other during earthquakes, thus affecting the seismic response of the interaction system. Based on this idea, the dynamic interaction system of a tunnel-soil-surface structure is designed. The seismic responses such as acceleration, strain, and interlayer displacement angle are analyzed, and the vibration characteristics and laws of the interaction system under different seismic loads are studied through the shaking table test. The results show that the type of seismic wave has a significant impact on the seismic response of the system, in which the dynamic response of the surface structure and soil is more sensitive to the seismic wave with rich low-frequency components. The acceleration response of soil near the tunnel-surface structure area is stronger than that of soil far away from the interaction area. During earthquakes, the maximum strain of the deep tunnel appears in the region of 45° between the two sides of the lining and the vertical symmetry axis, whereas the maximum strain of the shallow tunnel close to the surface structure is different from that of the deep tunnel. For the surface structure, with the input peak acceleration increasing, the weak layer of the surface structure moves down, and the interlayer displacement angle of the middle and lower layers is significantly larger. The research results have certain reference significance for exploring the seismic response law of a tunnel-soil-surface structure interaction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Optimization of microalgal growth and high-value metabolite production are key steps in microalgal mass culture for the algae industry. An emerging technology is the use of phytohormones, like indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), to promote microalgal growth. This requires an understanding of the biosynthesis of IAA in microalgae-bacteria associations and its function in regulating algal physiology and metabolite production. We review the current advances in understanding of microalgal and bacterial auxin biosynthesis and their implications for algal biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A SF/SPI hydrogel was created by silk fibroin (SF) and soybean protein isolate (SPI). • The quercetin loaded SF/SPI hydrogel, SF/SPI-Q, owned favorable bioactivity. • SF/SPI-Q was biocompatible, biodegradable, antibacterial and antioxidant. • SF/SPI-Q accelerated epidermal regeneration, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis. • SF/SPI-Q reduced inflammation, promising for wound healing. Hydrogel networks composed of naturally derived polymers offer a promising solution for the development of wound dressings due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and renewable properties. In this study, silk fibroin (SF) and soybean protein isolate (SPI) were used as the main components to create a natural SF/SPI hydrogel. To further enhance its bioactivity, quercetin was loaded into the hydrogel to form a SF/SPI-Q hydrogel. The resulting SF/SPI-Q hybrid hydrogels possessed a unique combination of advantages derived from both the natural polymers (such as excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and promotion of cell migration) and therapeutic drugs (including antibacterial properties and antioxidant capacity). As a result, the hydrogel effectively accelerated wound healing in an infected burn wound model. The SF/SPI-Q hydrogels accelerated epidermal regeneration, collagen deposition, and angiogenesis, facilitating the healing process of burn wounds. Moreover, they also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties, which contributed to a reduction in inflammation. Thus, the SF/SPI-Q hydrogels showed great potential as a highly effective treatment option for wound healing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adjuvants play an important role in improving vaccine efficacy. In this study, polyoxyethylene dehydrated mannitol mono oleate (PDMMO) was used as a hydrophilic emulsifier in w/o/w type adjuvants. A series of w/o/w emulsions with various combinations of PDMMO, containing different numbers of ethylene oxides, were prepared. The molecular structure of the PDMMO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Conductivity testing and microscopic image confirmed the emulsion type. The results of the stability test were satisfactory, and the prepared emulsion remained stable for up to 35 days at 37 °C. The w/o/w emulsion vaccine was prepared as a potential candidate for Foot-and-Mouth disease vaccines in the appropriate proportions. Following the immunization of mice, antibody titers were measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orienteering, which is one of the popular physical educations in the world, is an emerging sport integrating knowledge, competition, fun, and collaborative attributes. Although it started late in China, it has developed rapidly in recent years in most places except the northeast and northwest parts of the country. In order to accelerate the development of orienteering in the northeast, given the climate and social characteristics of this area, we built a four-in-one orienteering development model including a theory course, a social component, a team, and events based on the longtime practice of Harbin Engineering University. The research results have practical reference significance for orienteering at universities in China, as well as at universities and commercial clubs in other areas of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photocatalyzed intramolecular cyclization is developed for the synthesis of fluorenones. In this photoredox reaction, triphenylphosphine is used as an inexpensive and effective deoxygenative reagent for biarylcarboxylic acids to give acyl radicals, which quickly undergo intramolecular radical cyclization. Reactions in the presence of air and continuous flow photoredox technology demonstrate the generality and practicality of this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Studies have found that vitamin D supplementation may improve blood lipids in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, but the results are controversial, so this study will further analyze the effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood lipids in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched up to May 2020, to identify randomized controlled trials of the effect of vitamin D supplementation on blood lipids in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to assess the risk of bias, and RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. Results. Ten studies were included in this study, including 543 subjects. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo, vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce total cholesterol level (WMD = –11.32, 95% CI = [–14.51, –8.41], P < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (WMD = –4.83, 95% CI = [–7.52, –2.14], P = 0.0004), and triglyceride level (WMD = –8.23, 95% CI = [–13.08, –3.38], P = 0.0009 , but the effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is not statistically significant (WMD = –0.32, 95%CI = [–1.24, 0.60], P = 0.50). Conclusion. Vitamin D supplementation can significantly reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, it has no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In conventional electromagnetic tube expansion (EMTE), the wall thickness of the tube decreases significantly because the electromagnetic force is mainly in the radial direction. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a new method named electromagnetic tube expansion with axial compression (EMTEAC). Besides the driving coil, we introduce a coil at each end of the tube to generate axial electromagnetic force on the tube. We use the finite element method to analyze the distribution of the magnetic flux density and the electromagnetic force generated by the three coils in series. The simulation results show that the axial electromagnetic force generated by EMTEAC is about 7 times that generated by conventional electromagnetic tube expansion, which enhances material flow when the tube is expanding. The effectiveness of the method is verified by a series of experiments. The experimental results show that EMTEAC reduces the decrease in wall thickness from 27 to 19%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy alloy films have shown excellent mechanical performance, but their hardness and wear resistance are still lower than those of conventional hard films such as TiN and CrN, which cannot meet the requirements of hard film applied under severe wear conditions. In this study, the (CuNiTiNbCr)C x N y high-entropy nanocomposite films were prepared by the double-target co-sputtering method. The effect of carbon content on the film morphology, phase structure, mechanical properties and tribological properties were investigated. With the introduction of carbon atoms in the film, the amorphous/carbonitride/amorphous carbon composite structure is formed. At 21.5 at.% carbon, the film hardness reaches the highest of 18.1 GPa. And at 37.6 at.% carbon, the film shows the highest toughness of 0.96 MPa m1/2 and exhibits the best tribological properties with a low friction coefficient of 0.27 and a wear rate of 1.0 × 10−6 mm3/N·m. The improvement in wear resistance is mainly attributed to the strong toughness of nanocomposite structures and the lubrication effect of amorphous carbon phase. The (CuNiTiNbCr)C x N y high-entropy nanocomposite films show good application prospect in harsh friction environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium thin films are particularly important as electrode layers, barrier layers, or intermediate buffer layers in the semiconductor industry. In order to improve the quality of Ti thin films and the adhesion and diffraction abilities of irregular parts, this paper used high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS/HiPIMS) to prepare titanium thin films. The effects of different trigger voltages (700 V, 800 V, and 900 V) on plasma properties were studied, and the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the films were also studied. The results showed that as the voltage increased, the grain size of the thin films gradually increased. The residual stress of the titanium films changed from compressive stress (−333 MPa) to tensile stress (55 MPa) and then to low compressive stress (−178 MPa). The hardness values were 13 GPa, 9.45 GPa and 6.62 GPa, respectively. The wear resistance of the films gradually decreased, while the toughness gradually increased. The corrosion resistance of the films decreased as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bio-based epoxy monomer (EP) was obtained from the reaction of modify soybean oil and epichlorohydrin (ECH). And EP blended with bisphenol-A epoxy oligomer (DGEBA) to form the epoxy networks using triethylene tetramine as curing agent. The weight fraction of EP affects the performance of epoxy networks have been studied. The structures of the monomers and networks were studied by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and were consistent with the theoretical structures. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) were used to determine the thermal properties of the epoxy networks, indicating that glass transition temperature ( Tg) and thermal stability decreased with increasing EP content. Mechanical properties analysis showed that the elongation at break and impact strength of the epoxy networks increased with the increasing EP content, while the tensile strength decreased. Dynamic non-isothermal curing test and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed that there was no obvious phase separation and formed homogeneous crosslinking network structure. The properties of the epoxy networks were hard and brittle in low EP content, and presented strong flexible or soft flexible in high EP content. Practical applications: Soybean oil is one of the most interesting environmental resources for the synthesis of monomers, because of the aliphatic chain and functional groups contribute as a primary element to the backbone of polymer. It has received much attention as a renewable resource to replace petroleum resource for preparing chemicals and polymers, due to its environmental advantages, renewable and economic. The bio-based epoxy resin can be used to modify the commercial bisphenol-A epoxy resin to overcome the weaknesses of brittleness of the cured networks. As a novel epoxy monomer, it can be used in many fields which the traditional epoxy resins were used, such as paint, coatings, adhesives, electronic materials, and structural materials. Also, it can be used as a modifier to modify other industrial epoxy resins, due to the flexible aliphatic chain structure and low viscosity property. The bio-based may degrade after discarding and come into environmental cycle. Soybean oil has received much attention as a renewable resource to replace petroleum resource for preparing chemicals and polymers, due to its environmental advantages, renewable and economic. In this paper, a novel polyols is derived from soybean oil and used for the preparation of aliphatic epoxy monomer. And then the bio-based epoxy monomer is used to modify the commercial bisphenol-A epoxy oligomer to overcome the weaknesses of brittleness of the cured networks. The epoxy monomer and epoxy networks prepared from soybean oil are environmentally friendly materials. It may degrade after discarding and come into environmental cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transient heat transfer process due to exponentially increasing heat inputs for turbulent flow of FC-72 was schematically investigated for different combinations of parameters such as flow velocity, inlet liquid temperature and period of exponentially increasing heat inputs. The ranges of Reynolds number, Re d , and Prandtl number, Pr , were 23,400–81,800 and 8.4–10.8, respectively. The test heaters used in this study were circular SUS304 tubes with small inner diameters of 1, 1.8 and 2.8 mm, wall thickness of 0.5 mm, and heated lengths around 30, 40 and 50 mm. The effects of flow velocity, exponential period and tube inner diameter on transient turbulent heat transfer process were discussed in detail. It was clarified that the transient turbulent heat transfer due to exponentially increasing heat inputs could be analyzed by introducing a dimensionless time, Fourier number, Fo . An empirical correlation for transient turbulent heat transfer caused by exponentially increasing heat inputs on small diameter tubes was developed based on the effects of Fo , flow velocity and tube inner diameter. The empirical correlation presents the experimental data within ±25%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar may be potentially used as a rhizobial carrier due to its specific chemical compositions and surface properties, but the relationship between these properties and rhizobial survival rate is largely unknown. Here, we analysed the physicochemical characteristics and carrier potential of six types of biochars made from various feedstocks at 600 °C using slow pyrolysis method, and results were compared with conventional carrier material peat. Liquid suspension of Bradyrhziobium japonicum CB1809 was used to inoculate all the carrier materials. Shelf life and survival rate was determined via colony forming unit (CFU) method for up to 90 days under two storage temperature conditions (28 °C and 38 °C). The determined physicochemical characteristics of biochars were categorized into major elements, trace elements, relative ratios, surface morphology, functional groups, and key basic properties; and their interaction to shelf life was analysed using hypothesis-oriented structure equation modelling (path analysis). Results revealed that different types of biochars had different capacity to impact on shelf life due to their different physicochemical properties. Among all biochars pine wood BC was the most suitable carrier with the highest counts of 10.11 Log 10 CFU g−1 and 9.76 Log 10 CFU g−1 at the end of 90 days at 28 °C and 38 °C storage, respectively. Path analysis revealed that rhizobial shelf life was largely explained by total carbon (TC), manganese (Mn), specific surface area (SSA), pore size, C O (ketonic carbon), and O–C O (carboxyl carbon) functional groups, and all these indicators exhibited positive direct impact on shelf life. Pinewood BC showed the highest values of Mn, SSA, pore size and functional groups (C O and O–C O), contributing to its highest rhizobial shelf life and survival rate among other biochars and peat tested. [Display omitted] • Six biochars pyrolyzed from different feedstocks were assessed as the alternative rhizobial carrier. • Pine wood BC showed better shelf life than peat and other biochars. • TC, Mn, C O, and O–C O were recognized as key chemical indicators of biochars for rhizobial survival rate. • Specific surface area, pore size and total pore volume found to be governing physical characters for rhizobial survival rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to further optimize the purification process of sea buckthorn seed polyphenols and analyze their biological activity, the extracts were purified, analyzed and identified. In parallel, the antioxidant properties, antibacterial activity and preservation effect of the purified polyphenols were detected and analyzed in vitro. The results showed that HPD826 resin had the best purification effect on free phenol from sea buckthorn seed, while AB-8 resin for bound phenol. And the main structure of purified sea buckthorn seed polyphenols may be prodelphinidins. The scavenging activitys of free phenol on DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl free radicals, superoxide anions and nitrite were close to VC (P > 0.05), and it had strong inhibitory ability against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Compared with the blank control, the optimal composite preservation could significantly inhibit the growth of the bacterial colony, delay spoilage, maintain the water retention and hardness of meat to a certain extent, and prolong the shelf life of chilled meat to the 9th day. The effect of the optimal compound preservation solution is better than a single preservation solution. In conclusion, sea buckthorn polyphenols are potentially valuable as new natural preservatives. • Sea buckthorn seed polyphenols were purified by macroporous resin method. • The main structure of sea buckthorn seed polyphenols was identified. • Sea buckthorn seed polyphenols have good antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties in vitro. • The composite preservative solution containing polyphenols had better preservative effect on chilled meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a fast and efficient hash algorithm based on a generalized chaotic mapping with variable parameters in this paper. We first define a generalized chaotic mapping by utilizing piecewise linear chaotic map and trigonometric functions. Then, we convert the arbitrary length of message into the corresponding ASCII values and perform 6-unit iterations with variable parameters and message values based on the generalized chaotic mapping. The final hash value is obtained by cascading extracted bits from iteration state values. We excessively evaluate the proposed algorithm in terms of distribution of hash value, sensitivity of hash value to the message and secret keys, statistical analysis of diffusion and confusion, analysis of birthday attacks and collision resistance, analysis of secret keys, analysis of speed, and comparison with other algorithms, and the results illustrate that the suggested algorithm is fast, efficient, and enough simple and has good confusion and diffusion capabilities, strong collision resistance, and a high level of security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic accidents resulting from driving behavior and road conditions are crucial problems for drivers. The causes and responses to traffic accidents have been widely studied by researchers. Whereas several approaches have been proposed to ease these problems, most works entail high computational costs or rigid hardware conditions. To address these challenges, we propose Health Driving, a smartphone-based system for detecting driving events and road conditions solely with a built-in smartphone acceleration sensor. More specifically, we first collect acceleration data from the acceleration sensor of a smartphone on a vehicle, and then utilize an acceleration reorientation calibration algorithm to convert the obtained acceleration data from the smartphone to acceleration data of the vehicle. Finally, we exploit Health Driving to detect driving events and road conditions, and evaluate the seriousness of the road conditions and driving events by using an efficient scoring mechanism based on the ISO 2631 standard. An extensive evaluation demonstrates that Health Driving operates successfully with an ordinary smartphone, and operates with a low computational cost compared with other methods. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Dan’e-fukang soft extract in endometriosis treatment. Method. PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, SinoMed, and Cochrane Library were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of Dan’e-fukang soft extract and conventional western medicines for endometriosis treatment were included. The data were extracted independently by two people and analyzed using RevMan 5.2.0 software. The relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals were considered as effective outcome indicators. Results. Thirty-nine papers including 5442 patients with endometriosis were included in this study. A meta-analysis revealed that Dan’e-fukang soft extract was more efficient than gestrinone in the treatment of endometriosis (RR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.15, I2 = 71%, REM, 18 trials) and its efficacy was comparable to that of danazol and mifepristone. Dan’e-fukang soft extract was also as effective as gestrinone and mifepristone in terms of relapse rate and relieving dysmenorrhea. The incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of conventional western medicines. Conclusions. The results of this study showed that Dan’e-fukang soft extract offers certain advantages in endometriosis treatment, but rigorously designed, strictly implemented RCTs are needed to further validate its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat transfer process of turbulent, single-phase forced convection of FC-72 through small diameter tubes with 1 and 1.8 mm inner diameters was experimentally investigated. The influence of Reynolds number ( Re d ), Prandtl number ( Pr ), viscosity ratio ( μ / μ w ) and ratios of heated length to inner diameter ( L / d ) on turbulent heat transfer was studied in detail. The experimental data were also compared with the values calculated by classical correlations for conventional sized channels. The results indicated that the classical heat transfer correlations are not adequate for calculation of the heat transfer coefficient in small diameter tubes. The Nusselt numbers ( Nu d ) for 1 and 1.8 mm depend on Re d in a different manner compared to classical correlations. The deviation from classical heat transfer correlations increased as the Re d increase. The turbulent heat transfer correlation for FC-72 flow in tubes with diameters of 1 and 1.8 mm has been developed based on the experiment data. The differences between experimental and predicted Nu d are within ±15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let X be a finite simple undirected graph and G an automorphism group of X. If G is transitive on s-arcs but not on (s+1)-arcs then X is called (G,s)-transitive. Let X be a connected (G,s)-transitive graph of a prime valency p, and Gv the vertex stabilizer of a vertex v ∈ V(X) in G. For the case p=3, the exact structure of Gv has been determined by Djoković and Miller in [Regular groups of automorphisms of cubic graphs, J. Combin. Theory (Ser. B) 29 (1980) 195 - 230]. For the case p=5, all the possibilities of Gv have been given by Guo and Feng in [A note on pentavalent s-transitive graphs, Discrete Math. 312 (2012) 2214 - 2216]. In this paper, we deal with the case p=7 and determine the exact structure of the vertex stabilizer Gv. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Energy‐constrained smartphones and operation‐facilitated tablets are popular and necessary in our daily life, and people may prefer to use tablet to access smartphone's features for energy efficiency and easy operation. In this paper, we present uPhone, an energy‐efficient framework for ubiquitous phone access that allows ubiquitous and symmetric access to a smartphone's core features via a third device such as a tablet. More specifically, we design uPhone in two main components of devices and uPhone server, then implement it on a smartphone as a primary device and a tablet as a secondary device, and finally evaluate it in terms of energy savings, latency, and reliability. The evaluation results demonstrate that uPhone achieves up to 44% energy savings compared with simply typing and sending messages, and notifies on a smartphone, incurs little latency overhead that is acceptable by users, and performs roughly equivalent to standard messages with a high‐quality user experience. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are important sources for the discovery of new biopesticides to control the worldwide destructive pests Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris. Three new triterpenoid saponins, neolasiandrosides A–C (1 – 3), along with seven known ones (4 – 10), were identified from Clematis lasiandra by extensive spectra and chemical evidences. Neolasiandrosides A and B (1 and 2) with the dammarane-type tetracyclic aglycone were identified for the first time from Clematis. Neolasiandroside C (3) was a bidesmoside, characterized at the aglycosylation sites at C-23 and C-28 in the hederagenin aglycone. Compounds 1 – 10 exhibited significant aphicidal activities against A. pisum through oral toxicity (LC 50 = 0.13–0.98 mg/mL, 72 h) and deterrent effect with deterrence index (DI) of 0.33–0.90 at 0.125 mg/mL after 24 h, while showed no contact toxicity. Compounds 1 and 6 showed potent inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes of pepsin and α -amylase with the inhibition rate of 84.0 % and 85.7 %, 55.3 %, and 51.5 %, respectively, at the dose of LC 80 , while appeared inactive to acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) and chitinase in A. pisum. The toxic symptoms of A. pisum caused by 6 involved body-color changes from light green to dark green, and brown until death. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis demonstrated that the organelles including apical microvilli, nuclei, and mitochondria in the midgut tissues were the targeting sites for 6 exerting its aphicidal activity. The results provided new light for the industrial application of triterpenoid saponins from Clematis as novel biopesticides. [Display omitted] • New dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins were identified firstly from Clematis. • Oral toxicity and deterrent effect were attributed to saponins showing aphicidal activity. • Pepsin and α -amylase could be inhibited significantly by saponins in vivo. • Body-color changes were toxic symptoms of Acyrthosiphon pisum for saponins. • Midgut tissues of apical microvilli, nuclei, and mitochondria were targets for saponins showing aphicidal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early intervention is essential, and later development cannot compensate for this initial generation of an antibody drug. Especially for sequence variants (SVs), should cause concern during the early bioprocess development. The advancement of bioprocess development is paralleled by development of state-of-the-art analytical methods that will provide further information. In the present study, a mass spectrometry (MS)-based multi-attribute method (MAM) was used to simultaneously monitor the SVs and other quality attributes in the early bioprocess development of ofatumumab, and a sequence variant (SV) was detected by a subunit-based MAM. Subsequently, the variant was further identified by MS/MS and confirmed by adding a synthetic peptide. Furthermore, the content of the SV was detected via DNA sequencing. The levels of the variant (T175A mutant) in the light chain were demonstrate to be nearly consistent at the DNA and protein levels, suggesting that the mutation may have negligible effect on both the transcriptional and translational levels. Collectively, these results indicate that broad-spectrum, rapid, and accurate platform such as MS-based MAM should be implemented to quality control for the early development of therapeutic proteins, it will also be important to establish an effective and integrated MAM to control SVs during therapeutic proteins development. [Display omitted] • A MS-based MAM was firstly used to simultaneously monitor the SVs and other attributes in the early bioprocess development. • SVs can be easily detected and quantified by the subunit-based MAM. • The levels of the variant were demonstrated to be nearly consistent at the DNA and protein levels. • Broad-spectrum, rapid, and accurate platform should be implemented to quality control for the early bioprocess development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the computational collision problem on a hash algorithm based on chaotic tent map, and then present an improvement of the original algorithm in this paper. More specifically, we utilize message extension to enhance the correlation of plaintexts in the message and aggregation operation to improve the correlation of sequences of message blocks, which significantly increase the sensitivity between message and hash values, thereby greatly resisting the collision. Finally, we evaluate the performance of the improved algorithm by computer simulation, and the results show that it can resist the computational collision and can satisfy the requirements of a more secure hash algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (GpM) has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Most previous studies have focused primarily on polar fractions of GpM for anticancer activities. In this study, a nonpolar fraction EA1.3A from GpM showed potent growth inhibitory activities against four cancer cell lines with IC50 ranging from 31.62 μg/mL to 38.02 μg/mL. Furthermore, EA1.3A also inhibited the growth of breast cancer cell MDA-MB-453 time-dependently, as well as its colony formation ability. EA1.3A induced apoptosis on MDA-MB-453 cells both dose-dependently and time-dependently as analyzed by flow cytometry and verified by western blotting analysis of apoptosis marker cleaved nuclear poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (cPARP). Additionally, EA1.3A induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. Chemical components analysis of EA1.3A by GC-MS revealed that this nonpolar fraction from GpM contains 10 compounds including four alkaloids, three organic esters, two terpenes, and one catechol substance, and all these compounds have not been reported in GpM. In summary, the nonpolar fraction EA1.3A from GpM inhibited cancer cell growth through induction of apoptosis and regulation of cell cycle progression. Our study shed light on new chemical bases for the anticancer activities of GpM and feasibilities to develop new anticancer agents from this widely used medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple channels have been widely used in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for the improvement of network performance. Since the existing backoff algorithms proposed for single-channel MAC protocols are not suitable for multi-channel carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), we propose an ADaptive Backoff Algorithm (ADBA) for multi-channel CSMA in WSNs, which is able to improve energy efficiency, throughput, and fairness of random channel accesses. A novel feature of ADBA is the adaptability to traffic load, where every node tunes its backoff interval based on the estimation of real-time traffic load in WSNs. A near-optimal backoff interval can be generated using the number of competing nodes on one channel which can be estimated by the channel traffic load. Theoretical analysis indicates that ADBA can generate near-optimal backoff intervals that can maximize energy efficiency and throughput and improve fairness of random channel accesses, compared with other backoff schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an optimal packet size solution that optimizes the communication energy consumption in the heterogeneous wireless networks. More specifically, we consider a heterogeneous network system composed of a body sensor network (BSN) and a WiFi network. Then, based on the analysis of data communication in the BSN and WiFi (BSN-WiFi) network, we formulate a communication energy consumption optimization model with the constraints of throughput and time delay. Mathematically, we convert this model into a geometric programming problem, which is then numerically solved. The optimal solution can be applied in both BSN and WiFi network to dynamically select packet payload sizes according to real-time packet delivery ratios (PDRs). Since PDRs are time-varying, we tabulate a packet payload size lookup table for online packet size selection using PDRs as indices. Finally, we collect PDRs from a deployed BSN-WiFi network and evaluate the energy optimization model. The performance evaluation results show that, in comparison with fixed packet size solutions, our optimal solutions achieve up to 70 percent energy savings in a BSN(TDMA)-WiFi network and 68 percent in a BSN(CSMA)-WiFi network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

rHuPH20, a neutral pH-active hyaluronidase that degrades glycosaminoglycans under physiologic conditions, has six potential N-glycosylation sites. In this report, the rHuPH20 expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was analyzed and characterized using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Removal of the N-linked glycans from rHuPH20 with PNGase F shifted the molecular weight from 66 kDa to approximately 52 kDa, its deduced molecular weight based on sequence analysis, suggesting that most, if not all, of the potential N-glycosylation sites are linked to oligosaccharides. Then the N-linked glycans released from the rHuPH20 by PNGase F were characterized by UPLC-FLR-MS, and the six N-glycosylation sites of the rHuPH20 were identified and characterized by UPLC-MS/MS at peptide levels. Subsequently, we found that the rHuPH20 increased the dispersion of locally subcutaneous injected drugs and the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity were decreased significantly after PNGase F treatment. In particular, rHuPH20 significantly augmented the absolute bioavailability of locally subcutaneous injected large protein therapeutics, while the bioavailability decreased after being digested by PNGase F. These results demonstrated that N-glycosylation is important for the bioactivity of the rHuPH20. [Display omitted] • The N-glycosylation sites of rHuPH20 were characterized and identified by LC-MS/MS. • The N-glycan plays an important role in the bioactivity of rHuPH20. • Co-injection of rHuPH20 augments the bioavailability of mabs, while the bioavailability decreases after PNGase F treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is a high-efficiency heat exchanger with high compactness, pressure resistance, and stability. It can also withstand high temperatures and ultra-low temperatures. Therefore, it has attracted a large number of scholarly interests in recent years. In order to improve the thermal and hydraulic performance of traditional printed circuit heat exchangers, a three-dimensional helical twine printed circuit heat exchanger (HTPCHE) is designed and the laminar flow is numerically investigated using water as the working fluid. Taking Colburn factor j, Fanning friction factor f and comprehensive index j/f as parameters, the thermal-hydraulic performance of HTPCHE and zigzag-type PCHE with different inclined angles are compared. It is found that when the inclination angle of HTPCHE is 10–25°, its overall performance is better than that of traditional PCHE. When the inclined angle is 10° and Re in = 828, the overall performance is 37.6% better than that of 15° zigzag channel. In addition, the impact of the pitch of HTPCHE and the thickness of the transition plate on its heat transfer and flow characteristics is explored. It is discovered that when the given fixed inclined angle, the overall performance can be improved by increasing the pitch while the thickness of the transition plate does not have any significant impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reconsider and analyze our previous paper a novel hash algorithm construction based on chaotic neural network, then present equal-length and unequal-length forgery attacks against its security in detail, and then propose a significantly improved approach by utilizing a method of complicated nonlinear computation to enhance the security of the original hash algorithm. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation indicate that the improved algorithm can completely resist the two kinds of forgery attacks and also shows other better performance than the original one, such as better message and key sensitivity, statistical properties, which can satisfy the performance requirements of a more secure hash function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new parallel chaotic Hash function, based on four-dimensional cellular neural network, is proposed in this paper. The message is expanded by iterating chaotic logistic map and then divided into blocks with a length of 512 bits each. All blocks are processed in a parallel mode, which is one of the significant characteristics of the proposed algorithm. Each 512-bit block is divided into four 128-bit sub-blocks, each of which is further separated into four 32-bit values and then the four values are mixed into four new values generated by chaotic cat map. The obtained four new values are performed by the bit-wise exclusive OR operation with four initial values or previously generated four values, and then, they are used as the inputs of cellular neural network. By iterating cellular neural network, another four values as the middle Hash value are generated. The generated values of all blocks are inputted into the compression function to produce the final 128-bit Hash value. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation indicate that the proposed algorithm satisfies the requirements of a secure Hash function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an algorithm for one-way hash function construction based on the chaotic look-up table with changeable parameter. First, the original message with padding is divided into block messages as groups and then further broken into sub-block messages, which are translated into corresponding ASCII codes by groups. Then the group ASCII codes are successively inputted into the chaotic look-up table updated by changeable parameter to permute corresponding values. Finally, based on the calculation of the values, 128-bit hash value is generated. Performance analysis indicates that our proposed algorithm satisfies sensitive requirements and can resist all kinds of attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A parallel Hash algorithm construction based on chaotic maps with changeable parameters is proposed and analyzed in this paper. The two main characteristics of the proposed algorithm are parallel processing mode and message expansion. The algorithm translates the expanded message blocks into the corresponding ASCII code values as the iteration times, iterates the chaotic asymmetric tent map and then the chaotic piecewise linear map, continuously, with changeable parameters dynamically obtained from the position index of the corresponding message blocks, to generate decimal fractions, then rounds the decimal fractions to integers, and finally cascades these integers to construct intermediate Hash value. Final Hash value with the length of 128-bit is generated by logical XOR operation of intermediate Hash values. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation indicate that the proposed algorithm satisfies the performance requirements of a secure Hash function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

n algorithm for constructing a one-way novel Hash function based on two-layer chaotic neural network structure is proposed. The piecewise linear chaotic map (PWLCM) is utilized as transfer function, and the 4-dimensional and one-way coupled map lattices (4D OWCML) is employed as key generator of the chaotic neural network. Theoretical analysis and computer simulation indicate that the proposed algorithm presents several interesting features, such as high message and key sensitivity, good statistical properties, collision resistance and secure against meet-in-the-middle attacks, which can satisfy the performance requirements of Hash function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Photosynthetic carbon partitioning into starch and neutral lipid was investigated in the oleaginous green microalga Pseudochlorococcum sp. When grown under low light and nitrogen-replete conditions, the algal cells possessed a basal level of starch. When grown under high light and nitrogen-limited conditions, starch synthesis was transiently up-regulated. After nitrogen depletion, starch content decreased while neutral lipid rapidly increased to 52.1% of cell dry weight, with a maximum neutral lipid productivity of 0.35gL−1 D−1. These results suggest that Pseudochlorococcum used starch as a primary carbon and energy storage product. As nitrogen was depleted for an extended period of time, cells shift the carbon partitioning into neutral lipid as a secondary storage product. Partial inhibition of starch synthesis and degradation enzymes resulted in a decrease in neutral lipid content, indicating that conversion of starch to neutral lipid may contribute to overall neutral lipid accumulation. Biotechnological application of Pseudochlorococcum sp. as a production strain for biofuel was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many green microalgae significantly increased their cellular neutral lipid content when cultured in nitrogen limited or high light conditions. Due to their lipid production potential, these algae have been suggested as promising feedstocks for biofuel production. However, no models for algal lipid synthesis with respect to nutrient and light have been developed to predict lipid production and to help improve the production process. A mathematical model is derived describing the growth dynamics and neutral lipid production of green microalgae grown in batch cultures. The model assumed that as the nitrogen was depleted, photosynthesis became uncoupled from growth, resulting in the synthesis and accumulation of neutral lipids. Simulation results were compared with experimental data for the green microalgae Pseudochlorococcum sp. For growth media with low nitrogen concentration, the model agreed closely with the data; however, with high nitrogen concentration the model overestimated the biomass. It is likely that additional limiting factors besides nitrogen could be responsible for this discrepancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many microalgae and plants have the ability to synthesize large amounts of triacylglycerol (TAG) that can be used to produce biofuels. Presently, TAG-based biofuel production is limited by the feedstock supply. Metabolic engineering of lipid synthesis pathways to overproduce TAGs in oleaginous microalgae and oil crop plants has achieved only modest success. We demonstrate that inactivation of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase in a Chlamydomonas starchless mutant led to a 10-fold increase in TAG, suggesting that shunting of photosynthetic carbon partitioning from starch to TAG synthesis may represent a more effective strategy than direct manipulation of the lipid synthesis pathway to overproduce TAG. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Haematococcus pluvialis, a unicellular green microalga, experiences photooxidative stress when exposed to excess photon flux density (PFD) relative to the capacity of photosynthesis, and particularly under other adverse environmental conditions (e.g., nutrient depletion, salinity, and excess heavy metals). Under stress, Haematococcus cells synthesize and accumulate large amounts of the secondary carotenoid astaxanthin stored in cytosolic lipid bodies. In this study, the transcriptional expression of five astaxanthin biosynthesis genes and two plastid terminal oxidase (PTOX) genes either in high PFD or in the presence of excessive sodium acetate and/or iron was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR, and astaxanthin accumulation was measured by HPLC. Photosynthetic oxygen evolution, lipid peroxidation, and cell mortality were also investigated under these stress conditions. Our results indicate that the astaxanthin biosynthesis pathway may consume as much as 9.94% of the molecular oxygen evolved from photosynthesis under stress via at least two distinct routes: (1) extensive oxygen-dependent processes leading to astaxanthin formation, and (2) conversion of molecular oxygen into water using electrons derived from carotenogenic desaturation steps to PTOX via the photosynthetic plastoquinone (PQ) pool. Reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by reducing subcellular molecular oxygen substrates through the astaxanthin biosynthesis pathway may represent a novel protective mechanism to cope with oxidative stress. Reoxidation of the PQ pool by PTOX may further reduce photosynthetic electron transport chain-induced ROS formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Many unicellular green algae can become yellow or red in various natural habitats due to mass accumulation of a secondary carotenoid, such as lutein, or astaxanthin. The accumulation of secondary carotenoids is generally thought to be a survival strategy of the algae under photo-oxidative stress or other adverse environmental conditions. The physiological role of the carotenoids in stress response is less well understood at the subcellular or molecular level. In this study, a stable astaxanthin overproduction mutant (MT 2877) was isolated by chemical mutagenesis of a wild type (WT) of the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow NIES-144. MT 2877 was identical to the WT with respect to morphology, pigment composition, and growth kinetics during the early vegetative stage of the life cycle. However, it had the ability to synthesize and accumulate about twice the astaxanthin content of the WT under high light, or under high light in the presence of excess amounts of ferrous sulphate and sodium acetate. Under stress, the mutant exhibited higher photosynthetic activities than the WT, based on considerably higher chlorophyll fluorescence induction, chlorophyll autofluorescence intensities, and oxygen evolution rates. Cell mortality caused by stress was reduced by half in the mutant culture compared with the WT. Enhanced protection of the mutant against stress is attributed to its accelerated carotenogenesis and accumulation of astaxanthin. Our results suggest that MT 2877, or other astaxanthin overproduction Haematococcus mutants, may offer dual benefits, as compared with the wild type, by increasing cellular astaxanthin content while reducing cell mortality during stress-induced carotenogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-phase high entropy alloys have been proved to have the ability to overcome the strength-ductility trade-off. However, high-entropy alloy films are difficult to obtain a dual-phase structure due to the extremely high cooling rate during the preparation process and the high-entropy effect of the film itself. In this paper, the dual-phase CuNiTiNbCr high-entropy alloy films were prepared by high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering at different working pressures. The composition, microstructures, mechanical properties and electrochemical corrosion performance were tested by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nano-indentation, Vickers indentation and electrochemical polarization. The CuNiTiNbCr films exhibited a dual-phase structure composed of FCC matrix phase and Cu-rich BCC precipitated phase. The film presented a two-layer structure, the single FCC phase structure near the substrate and the FCC + BCC structure above. Comparing with FCC phase, the dual-phase structure exhibited higher hardness. With the increase of deposition pressure, the structure of the film became looser, and the hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance were all decreased due to the influence of the structure. It is proved that high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering is a feasible way for the phase structure regulation and performance improvement of high-entropy alloy films. • CuNiTiNbCr films were deposited by high-power pulsed magnetron sputtering. • CuNiTiNbCr films present a FCC + BCC nano dual-phase structure. • The formation of Cu-rich phase is related to the substrate temperature. • The dual-phase HEAFs deposited at 0.4 Pa present a high hardness of 11.35 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]