Search

In order to reduce the high polarization caused by the hysteresis effect of O2 diffusion and boost the power density of oxygen cathodes under a transient heavy load, an Al-MOF-derived porous carbon-modified Pt/C catalyst is proposed as a new capacitive ORR catalyst to construct super fuel cells (SFCs) via an ORR + EDLC dual-discharge parallel process. Herein, a capacitive porous carbon material (BTCC-2) with a large specific surface area (SSA) and high graphitization was synthesized via one-step carbonization of Al-MOFs (Al-BTC). After compounding BTCC-2 with commercial Pt/C catalysts, electrochemical tests were performed and revealed that the composite with 40% BTCC-2 provided the highest transient discharge performance. Moreover, the composite had a higher onset potential and limiting current density (5.236 mA cm−2) than Pt/C and a half-wave potential (0.833 V) comparable to that of Pt/C. The abundant pore structure and large surface of BTCC-2 greatly increased the interaction between oxygen and the catalyst surface. Besides, the contained BTCC-2 serve as a significant power bank to remarkably buffer and relieve the rapidly decreasing output voltage under an instant heavy load owing to the oxygen deficiencies in a Zn–air battery through the ORR + EDLC dual-parallel-discharge process. The proposed SFC design has potential as a universal method to solve the sluggish ORR process and provide high transient power density for fuel cell-driven vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, {[Zn(HL)(bpea)]·DMF}n (Zn-MOF-1) and {[Co(HL)(bpea)]·DMF}n (Co-MOF-2) (H3L = 3-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyloxy)benzoic acid, bpea = 1,2-di(pyridyl)ethane), were obtained by the reaction of H3L and N-containing ligand bpea with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and Co(NO3)2·6H2O, respectively. The isomorphic Zn-MOF-1 and Co-MOF-2 featured a 3D penetrating framework with different stabilities, luminescence, and catalytic properties. Luminescence measurement indicated that Zn-MOF-1 could be used to detect Al3+ through a turn-on effect with a detection limit of 0.42 μM. The sensing mechanism experiments showed that the enhanced luminescence of Zn-MOF-1 toward Al3+ may be due to the weak interaction between Al3+ and Zn-MOF-1 and the absorbance-caused enhancement (ACE) mechanism. Meanwhile, both Zn-MOF-1 and Co-MOF-2 showed interesting CO2 adsorption properties and could catalyze the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides resulting in 96 and 92% ideal products within 12 hours, respectively. They can be cycled up to 5 times without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concern surrounding climate change has piqued interest in incorporating green bonds (GBs) into investment portfolios. This article integrates green and non-green assets into one framework, creating a two-way feedback mechanism. Using a modified error variance decomposition and network diagrams, we quantitatively and systematically analyze the connections between the green bond market and various other market information at different time frequencies. Furthermore, we investigated the spillover values in extreme conditions using quantile connectivity methods. Our findings reveal that: (i) GBs exhibit a stronger correlation with traditional fixed-income markets than green assets, (ii) short-term spillover effects are the most pronounced, followed by medium- and long-term effects, (iii) changes in the spillover index appear to stem from significant economic events, indicating heightened market correlation during financial turbulence, and (iv) uncertainty contributes more significantly to systemic spillovers than financial factors, albeit with variations across different frequencies, (v) GB shows its potential as a safe asset in extreme downturns and normal market conditions. These results have significant economic implications for investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study is to observe the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects of metformin on bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: Mice with BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis were treated with pirfenidone, metformin, pirfenidone plus metformin and the NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Pathological changes and hydroxyproline (HPO) levels were examined in the lung tissue of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in lung tissue were determined. Results: Compared with pirfenidone, pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce alveolar damage and collagen fibre deposition and alleviate BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung HPO levels were significantly lower in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). SOD levels in the lungs of mice were increased in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). Metformin and pirfenidone plus metformin can reduce MDA levels (p < 0.05). Pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce HPO levels, increase SOD levels, and reduce MDA levels in the lungs of mice. There was a significant correlation between the HPO level and the Ashcroft score (r = 0.520, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Metformin enhanced the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on BLM‐treated mice. Moreover, these findings provide an experimental basis for examining whether metformin can improve the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has broad therapeutic prospects for patients with IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Multi-well hydrofracturing is an important technology to create new fractures and expand existing fractures to increase reservoir permeability. The propagation morphology of the fracture network is affected by the disturbance between the fractures initiation sequences and spacings between adjacent wells. However, it remains unclear how well spacing and initiation sequences lead to fracture propagation, deflection and connection. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling effect in the hydrofracturing process was considered, to establish a finite element-discrete element model of multistage hydrofracturing in a horizontal well. Using typical cases, the unstable propagation of hydraulic fractures in multiple horizontal wells was investigated under varying well spacing and initiation sequences. Combined with the shear stress shadow caused by in situ stress disturbed by fracture tip propagation, the quantitative indexes of fracture propagation such as length, volume, displacement vector, deflection and unstable propagation behavior of the hydrofracturing fracture network were analyzed. Findings: The results show that the shear stress disturbance caused by multiple hydraulic fractures is a significant factor in multi-well hydrofracturing. Reducing the spacing between multiple wells increases the stress shadow area and aggravates the mutual disturbance and deflection between the fractures. The quantitative analysis results show that a decrease of well spacing reduces the total length of hydraulic fractures but increases the total volume of the fracture; compared with sequential and simultaneous fracturing, alternate fracturing can effectively reduce stress shadow area, alleviate fracture disturbance and generate larger fracture propagation length and volume. Originality/value: The numerical models and results of the unstable propagation and stress evolution of the hydraulic fracture network under thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling obtained in this study can provide useful guidance for the evaluation and design of rock mass fracture networks in deep unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and potential pathogenesis mechanism of de novo CLPTM1 variants associated with epilepsy. Methods: Identify de novo genetic variants associated with epilepsy by reanalyzing trio‐based whole‐exome sequencing data. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with these variants and performed functional in vitro studies in cells expressing mutant complementary DNA for these variants using whole‐cell voltage‐clamp current recordings and outside‐out patch‐clamp recordings from transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Results: Two de novo missense variants related to epilepsy were identified in the CLPTM1 gene. Functional studies indicated that CLPTM1‐p.R454H and CLPTM1‐p.R568Q variants reduced the γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) current response amplitude recorded under voltage clamp compared to the wild‐type receptors. These variants also reduced the charge transfer and altered the time course of desensitization and deactivation following rapid removal of GABA. The surface expression of the GABAAR γ2 subunit from the CLPTM1‐p.R568Q group was significantly reduced compared to CLPTM1‐WT. Significance: This is the first report of functionally relevant variants within the CLPTM1 gene. Patch‐clamp recordings showed that these de novo CLPTM1 variants reduce GABAAR currents and charge transfer, which should promote excitation and hypersynchronous activity. This study may provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of the CLPTM1 variants underlying the patients' phenotypes, as well as for exploring potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the depletion of global uranium reserves and the radioactive contamination of wastewater, there is an urgent need to develop efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective uranium biosorbents. Herein, a green macroalga Rhizoclonium riparium was prepared for uranium (U(VI)) removal. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) was 80.96 mg g−1 (pH = 5, 298 K and 0.1 M NaNO3). The kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics analysis revealed that the adsorption process was chemisorption, homogeneous monolayer adsorption, endothermic and spontaneous. Through the mechanism characterization, it was proved the adsorbed of uranium on R. riparium was mainly controlled by the complexation between U(VI) and –OH, –COOH, –NH2. Besides, the R. riparium possess high selectivity towards uranium and good recycling performance. This work highlights new opportunities for biosorbents to be obtained directly from nature and used to remove radioactive contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current DNA base editors contain nuclease and DNA deaminase that enables deamination of cytosine (C) or adenine (A), but no method for guanine (G) or thymine (T) editing is available at present. Here we developed a deaminase-free glycosylase-based guanine base editor (gGBE) with G editing ability, by fusing Cas9 nickase with engineered N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase protein (MPG). By several rounds of MPG mutagenesis via unbiased and rational screening using an intron-split EGFP reporter, we demonstrated that gGBE with engineered MPG could increase G editing efficiency by more than 1500 fold. Furthermore, this gGBE exhibited high base editing efficiency (up to 81.2%) and high G-to-T or G-to-C (i.e. G-to-Y) conversion ratio (up to 0.95) in both cultured human cells and mouse embryos. Thus, we have provided a proof-of-concept of a new base editing approach by endowing the engineered DNA glycosylase the capability to selectively excise a new type of substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of ferroptosis in human acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its possible molecular mechanisms of action are still unknown. In this study, harvested Molt-4 cells were exposed to different concentrations of erastin, and their proliferation capacity was tested by using the cell counting kit-8 assay. Lipid peroxidation levels were detected through flow cytometry. Mitochondrial alterations were observed through transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of SLC7A11, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were detected by using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. This study found that erastin inhibited the growth of Molt-4 cells. This inhibitory effect could be partially reversed by the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 and the p38 MAPK inhibitor. The mitochondria of Molt-4 cells treated with erastin shortened and condensed. Compared with those in the control group, the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde had increased, whereas the levels of glutathione had decreased in the treatment group. The treatment of Molt-4 cells with erastin decreased the levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 mRNA and increased the expression levels of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase. These findings suggested that erastin caused the ferroptosis of Molt-4 cells. This process may be correlated with the inhibition of the cystine/glutamate antiporter system and GPX4 and the activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a set of Energy Exascale Earth System Model Multi‐scale modeling framework (MMF) (E3SM‐MMF) simulations that vary the dimensionality and momentum transport configurations of the embedded cloud‐resolving models (CRMs), including unusually ambitious 3D configurations. Issues endemic to all MMF simulations include too much Intertropical Convergence Zone rainfall and too little over the Amazon. Systematic MMF improvements include more on‐equatorial rainfall across the Warm Pool. Interesting sensitivities to the CRM domain are found in the regional time‐mean precipitation pattern over the tropics. The 2D E3SM‐MMF produces an unrealistically rainy region over the northwestern tropical Pacific; this is reduced in computationally ambitious 3D configurations that use 1,024 embedded CRM grid columns per host cell. Trajectory analysis indicates that these regional improvements are associated with desirably fewer tropical cyclones and less extreme precipitation rates. To understand why and how the representation of precipitation improved in 3D, we propose a framework that dilution is stronger in 3D. This viewpoint is supported by multiple indirect lines of evidence, including a delayed moisture‐precipitation pickup, smaller precipitation efficiency, and amplified convective mass flux profiles and more high clouds. We also demonstrate that the effects of varying embedded CRM dimensionality and momentum transport on precipitation can be identified during the first few simulated days, providing an opportunity for rapid model tuning without high computational cost. Meanwhile the results imply that other less computationally intensive ways to enhance dilution within MMF CRMs may also be strategic tuning targets. Plain Language Summary: The resolution of current climate models is not sufficient to resolve cloud and convective processes. Global cloud‐resolving models (CRMs) have resolutions fine enough to represent individual cloud events but require too much computing power to be practical for large ensemble multi‐decadal climate projection. Multi‐scale modeling framework (MMF) is used to simulate climate by embedding thousands of small CRMs interactively in each grid column of a planetary model. Trade‐offs in CRM configurations can influence the resulting emergent behavior. To examine this issue, we explore the effects of unusually ambitious 3D CRM configurations. Results show some interesting differences in the regional precipitation over the tropics. The 2D MMF produces an unrealistically rainy region over the northwestern tropical Pacific. Such biases are significantly reduced in 3D due to fewer tropical cyclones. To understand why and how the representation of precipitation improved in 3D, we propose a framework in which mixing being stronger in 3D is a major part of the story. This favored explanation is hard to prove directly but a few lines of circumstantial evidence support the case. Additionally, rapid effects of mixing that is seen in the first few days of global cloud resolving simulations provide opportunities for optimizing longer‐term statistics. Key Points: Dimensionality of cloud‐resolving models in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model Multi‐scale modeling framework (MMF) exhibits a striking effect on mean state precipitation patterns in subregions of the tropicsMMFs tend to produce too many precipitating events but the use of 3D leads to fewer and is associated with an enhanced dilution in 3DFast precursors of these climatological sensitivities are found that point to calibration targets for convection permitting global models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbes assemble in highly complex and diverse microbial communities, and microbial diversity patterns and their drivers have been studied extensively. However, diversity correlations and co-occurrence patterns between bacterial, fungal, and archaeal domains and between microbial functional groups in arid regions remain poorly understood. Here we assessed the relationships between the diversity and abundance of bacteria, fungi, and archaea and explored how environmental factors influence these relationships. We sampled soil along a 1500-km-long aridity gradient in temperate grasslands of Inner Mongolia (China) and sequenced the 16S rRNA gene of bacteria and archaea and the ITS2 gene of fungi. The diversity correlations and co-occurrence patterns between bacterial, fungal, and archaeal domains and between different microbial functional groups were evaluated using α-diversity and co-occurrence networks based on microbial abundance. Our results indicate insignificant correlations among the diversity patterns of bacterial, fungal, and archaeal domains using α-diversity but mostly positive correlations among diversity patterns of microbial functional groups based on α-diversity and co-occurrence networks along the aridity gradient. These results suggest that studying microbial diversity patterns from the perspective of functional groups and co-occurrence networks can provide additional insights on patterns that cannot be accessed using only overall microbial α-diversity. Increase in aridity weakens the diversity correlations between bacteria and fungi and between bacterial and archaeal functional groups, but strengthens the positive diversity correlations between bacterial functional groups and between fungal functional groups and the negative diversity correlations between bacterial and fungal functional groups. These variations of the diversity correlations are associated with the different responses of microbes to environmental factors, especially aridity. Our findings demonstrate the complex responses of microbial community structure to environmental conditions (especially aridity) and suggest that understanding diversity correlations and co-occurrence patterns between soil microbial groups is essential for predicting changes in microbial communities under future climate change in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the image quality and hepatic metastasis detection of low-dose deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) with full-dose filtered back projection (FBP)/iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods: A contrast-detail phantom consisting of low-contrast objects was scanned at five CT dose index levels (10, 6, 3, 2, and 1 mGy). A total of 154 participants with 305 hepatic lesions who underwent abdominal CT were enrolled in a prospective non-inferiority trial with a three-arm design based on phantom results. Data sets with full dosage (13.6 mGy) and low dosages (9.5, 6.8, or 4.1 mGy) were acquired from two consecutive portal venous acquisitions, respectively. All images were reconstructed with FBP (reference), IR (control), and DLIR (test). Eleven readers evaluated phantom data sets for object detectability using a two-alternative forced-choice approach. Non-inferiority analyses were performed to interpret the differences in image quality and metastasis detection of low-dose DLIR relative to full-dose FBP/IR. Results: The phantom experiment showed the dose reduction potential from DLIR was up to 57% based on the reference FBP dose index. Radiation decreases of 30% and 50% resulted in non-inferior image quality and hepatic metastasis detection with DLIR compared to full-dose FBP/IR. Radiation reduction of 70% by DLIR performed inferiorly in detecting small metastases (< 1 cm) compared to full-dose FBP (difference: −0.112; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.178 to 0.047) and full-dose IR (difference: −0.123; 95% CI: −0.182 to 0.053) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: DLIR enables a 50% dose reduction for detecting low-contrast hepatic metastases while maintaining comparable image quality to full-dose FBP and IR. Key Points: • Non-inferiority study showed that deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) can reduce the dose to oncological patients with low-contrast lesions without compromising the diagnostic information. • Radiation dose levels for DLIR can be reduced to 50% of full-dose FBP and IR for detecting low-contrast hepatic metastases, while maintaining comparable image quality. • The reduction of radiation by 70% by DLIR is clinically acceptable but insufficient for detecting small low-contrast hepatic metastases (< 1 cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The unstable dynamic propagation of multistage hydrofracturing fractures leads to uneven development of the fracture network and research on the mechanism controlling this phenomenon indicates that the stress shadow effects around the fractures are the main mechanism causing this behaviour. Further studies and simulations of the stress shadow effects are necessary to understand the controlling mechanism and evaluate the fracturing effect. Design/methodology/approach: In the process of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures, there are both continuous stress fields and discontinuous fractures; therefore, in order to study the stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multistage fracture networks, a series of continuum-discontinuum numerical methods and models are reviewed, including the well-developed extended finite element method, displacement discontinuity method, boundary element method and finite element-discrete element method. Findings: The superposition of the surrounding stress field during fracture propagation causes different degrees of stress shadow effects between fractures and the main controlling factors of stress shadow effects are fracture initiation sequence, perforation cluster spacing and well spacing. The perforation cluster spacing varies with the initiation sequence, resulting in different stress shadow effects between fractures; for example, the smaller the perforation cluster spacing and well spacing are, the stronger the stress shadow effects are and the more seriously the fracture propagation inhibition arises. Moreover, as the spacing of perforation clusters and well spacing increases, the stress shadow effects decrease and the fracture propagation follows an almost straight pattern. In addition, the computed results of the dynamic distribution of stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of fractures under different stress fields are summarised. Originality/value: A state-of-art review of stress shadow effects and continuum-discontinuum methods for stress-dependent unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures are well summarized and analysed. This paper can provide a reference for those engaged in the research of unstable dynamic propagation of multiple hydraulic structures and have a comprehensive grasp of the research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acitretin is an oral drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is commonly used to treat psoriasis. In recent years, acitretin has been identified as a candidate drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, but its role in neuronal development is still unclear. In this study, the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y was used as a model to study neuronal differentiation. We found that acitretin effectively promoted the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into neuronal cells and upregulated the expression of the neuronal marker β-III tubulin and the mature neuronal marker NFH. Differentially expressed genes were identified by RNA sequencing and analyzed by bioinformatics approaches. The results showed that genes associated with neuron development-related pathways, such as SSPO and KCNT1, had significant changes in expression. Analysis showed that PRKCA and CAMK2B may play important roles in the process by which acitretin promotes neurodevelopment. Through whole-cell patch clamping and a microelectrode array assay, we found that acitretin-treated neurons generated electrical spikes similar to those generated by mature neurons. This study provided evidence to support an accessible and safe model of neuron-like cells and verified that acitretin can promote the differentiation of neurons and has the potential to treat brain tumors and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that converting linear ordinal ranking (LOR) information into interval utility values can not only improve the computability of LOR information but also explore the degree of preference for different alternatives for decision-makers hidden behind LOR information, this paper proposes a conversion-based LOR aggregation method to aggregate LOR information under risk. Given that the behaviours of decision-makers are influenced by risk, this paper adopts prospect theory to depict the decision-makers' behaviours under risk in the conversion-based aggregation process. To achieve this, the information energy for LOR is constructed firstly, and its features are analysed, which makes a basis for the conversion process. After that, the details about how to integrate the prospect theory with variable reference points into the conversion-based aggregation framework are presented. Finally, an example (exploring the financial product preferences of a group of respondents) evidences the practicality of the proposed method. Further, some analyses and discussions are conducted to verify the rationality and stability of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants would encounter various biotic and abiotic stresses during the growth and development. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) as plant-specific TFs, play an important role in responding to various adverse circumstances. Despite some advances were achieved in functional studies of WRKY TFs in tea plants, systematic analysis of the involvement of CsWRKY TFs when facing cold, salt, drought stresses and pathogen and insect attack was lacked. In present study, a total of 78 CsWRKY TFs were identified following the genomic and transcript databases. The expression patterns of CsWRKYs in various organs of tea plants and the expression profiles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses were investigated by examining representative RNA-seq data. Moreover, the effects of hormone treatments (SA and MeJA) on the transcription levels of WRKY TFs were also investigated. The phylogenetic tree of CsWRKY TFs from different species indicated the functional diversity of WRKY TFs was not closely related to their protein classification. Concurrently, CsWRKY70-2 TF was identified as a positive regulator in response to drought stress. This study provided solid and valuable information, helping us better understand the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs, and laid the foundation for further research on the function of key WRKY genes in tea plants. In this study, 78 WRKY transcription factors had been identified in tea plants as accurately as possible based on the transcriptome and genomic data. At the transcriptomic level, the expression patterns of CsWRKYs in various organs of tea plants and the expression profiles in response to biotic (Ectropis oblique, tea leafhopper and gray-blight attack), abiotic stresses (Cold, drought, salt) and exogenous hormones (SA and MeJA) were investigated. Expression pattern analysis showed that most Cs WRKYs were involved in the process of tea plants resisting biotic and abiotic stresses. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs was not closely related to their protein classification. In addition, CsWRKY70-2 TF had been proved to play a positive regulatory role in drought stress tolerance. This study provided solid and valuable information, helping better understand the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs, and laid the foundation for further research on the function of key WRKY genes in tea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we show that the inappropriateness of Example 3.10 and the error of Theorem 4.7 in [M.Balamurugan, G.Balasubramanian, C.Ragavan. Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Ideals in BCK/BCI-algebras. Materials today: proceedings 16(2019)496-503.], then give a more perfect example and a counterexample respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative characterization of propagation behaviors and morphology of hydraulic fractures is crucial for controlling and optimizing hydrofracturing effects. To study the disturbance deflection behaviors of multiple hydraulic fractures, a three-dimensional field-scale numerical model for multistage fracturing is established to study the shear stress disturbance and unstable propagation behavior of hydraulic fractures under different perforation cluster spacing. In the model, the thermal diffusion, fluid flow and deformation in reservoirs are considered to describe the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling. In the numerical case study, the derived results show that the thermal effect between fracturing fluid and rock matrix is an important factor affecting fracture propagation, and thermal effects may increase the extent of fracture propagation. The size of stress shadow areas and the deflection of hydraulic fractures will increase with a decrease in multiple perforation cluster spacing in horizontal wells. The shear stress disturbance caused by fracture propagation is superimposed in multiple fractures, resulting in the stress shadow effect and deflection of fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-well hydrofracturing is an important technology for forming complex fracture networks and increasing reservoir permeability. The distribution and design of horizontal wells affect fracture propagation; however, it is still unclear how the spacing between adjacent wells leads to fracture propagation, deflection and connection. In this study, the thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling effect in the hydrofracturing process is comprehensively considered and a multi-well hydrofracturing model based on the finite element–discrete element method is established. Using typical cases, the unstable propagation of hydraulic fractures in multiple horizontal wells under varying adjacent well spacings is studied. Combined with the shear stress shadow caused by in situ stress disturbed by fracture tip propagation, quantitative indexes (such as length, volume, deflection and unstable propagation behaviors of hydrofracturing fracture networks) are analyzed. The results show that the shear stress disturbance caused by multiple hydraulic fractures is a significant factor for multi-well hydrofracturing. Reducing well spacing will increase the stress shadow area and aggravate the mutual disturbance and deflection between fractures. The results of quantitative analysis show that the total length of hydraulic fractures decreases with the decrease of well spacing, and the total volume of hydraulic fractures increases with the decrease of well spacing. The results of unstable propagation and stress evolution of hydraulic fracture networks considering thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling obtained in this study can provide useful guidance for the valuation and design of hydrofracturing fracture networks in deep unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Simultaneous hydrofracturing of multiple perforation clusters in vertical wells has been applied in the stimulation of hydrocarbon resources reservoirs. This technology is significantly impeded due to the challenges in its application to the multilayered reservoirs that comprise multiple interlayers. One of the challenges is the accurate understanding and characterization of propagation and deflection of the multiple hydraulic fractures between reservoirs and embedded interlayers. Design/methodology/approach: Numerical models of the tight multilayered reservoirs containing multiple interlayers were established to study hydrofracturing of multiple perforation clusters and its influencing factors on unstable propagation and deflection of hydraulic fractures. Brittle and plastic multilayered reservoirs fully considering the influences of different in situ stress ratio and physical attributes for reservoir and interlayer strata on propagations of hydraulic fractures were investigated. The combined finite element–discrete element method and mesh refinement strategy were adopted to guarantee the accuracy of stress solutions and reliability of fracture path in computation. Findings: Results show that the shear stress fields between adjacent multiple hydraulic fractures are superposed to cause fractures deflection. Stress shadows induce the shielding effects of hydraulic fractures and inhibit fractures growth to emerge unstable propagation behaviors, and a main single fracture and several minor fractures develop. As the in situ stress ratio increases, hydraulic fractures more easily deflect toward the direction of maximum in situ stress, and stress shadow and mutual interaction effects between them are intensified. Compared to brittle reservoir, plastic-enhanced reservoir may limit fracture growth and cannot form long fracture length; nevertheless, plastic properties of reservoir are prone to induce more microseismic events with larger magnitude. Originality/value: The obtained fracturing behaviors and mechanisms based on engineering-scale multilayered reservoir may provide effective schemes for controlling and estimating the unstable propagation of multiple hydraulic fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four novel bisthienylethene-based rod-like liquid crystals containing different numbers of terminal fluorine atoms were designed and the effect of the terminal fluorination on liquid crystalline self-assembly, optical characteristics in solid state and mechanochromic behaviors was explored. The transition from non-liquid crystal via monotropic liquid crystal with smectic A phase to enantiotropic liquid crystal with smectic A phase can be achieved and the temperature ranges of smectic A phase gradually increase by increasing the terminal fluorination, which might be due to the increase in intermolecular interactions by increasing the number of terminal fluorine atom. All the compounds exhibited AIE characteristic and distinct solid-state fluorescence with yellow or orange color. In addition, the non-fluorosubstituted and difluorosubstituted bisthienylethene-based liquid crystals exhibited reversible mechanochromism, whereas the monofluorosubstituted and trifluorosubstituted bisthienylethene-based liquid crystals exhibited extremely weak mechanochromism due to different intermolecular interaction, molecular symmetry and molecular conformation. These investigations implied that the incorporation of fluorine atom could result in interesting self-assemblies and photophysical properties in different states, which also provided the understanding of the relationship between chemical structures and properties. [Display omitted] • AIE-active bisthienylethene-based mesogens containing different number of terminal fluorine atom are synthesized. • Increase in terminal fluorination increases the stability of smectic A phase. • Distinct solid-state emission and mechanochromic behavior are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we proposed a one-step method to prepare hexagonal prism Zn-MOF using deprotonate BTC and zinc acetate at room temperature. The hexagonal prismatic porous carbon (BTCC) is directly obtained by the carbonization of Zn-MOF without template and further activation process. Moreover, BTCC exhibits excellent electrochemical performance for supercapacitors. [Display omitted] In this paper, a new hexagonal prismatic Zn-MOF is rapidly synthesized at room temperature through a one-step precipitation method as precursor for the preparation of porous carbon. The SEM and GCD tests indicate that the pre-ionization process of BTC greatly accelerates the reaction speed between BTC and Zn ions, and only 0.5 h is required for the preparation of Zn-MOF with orderly morphology at room temperature, far less than 3–24 h of the existing hydrothermal synthesis. The derived porous carbon (BTCC) is provided with a considerable specific surface area of 1,464 m2 g−1 and suitable pores of 3.9 nm in size. Its richly porous structure offers a superior supercapacitor performance. The BTCC electrode offered a high specific capacitance and an excellent cycle stability. Furthermore, the assembled two symmetrical supercapacitors, C|1 M Na 2 SO 4 |C and C|6 M KOH|C, provide high energy density of 22.4 Wh kg−1 and 13.7 Wh kg−1, respectively. Their energy retention rates were 80.0% and 89.4%, respectively after 10,000 cycles at 20 A g−1. The proposed pre-ionization strategy is a facile, convenient and easy-to-industrial method for the preparation of new MOFs, thereby significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of porous carbon for energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorting nexin 10 (SNX10) induces formation of vacuoles participating in the endosome morphogenesis in mammalian cells, but the key amino acids involved in this function have not been fully identified. In this study, point mutations were introduced to the conserved region of the SNX10 PX domain to elucidate the function of these key amino acid residues. The number of vacuoles in the R53A mutant was partially decreased, while the R52A and R51A mutants completely lacked the vacuoles. All mutant proteins lost the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PtdIns3P)-binding ability and endosomal localization. Retargeting the mutants to the endosomes rescued partially or fully the vacuole-inducing ability in the R51A and R53A mutants, respectively, but not in the R52A mutant. No vacuoles were induced when the R51A mutant was targeted to other organelles. Structural analysis showed that Arg53 is responsible for the PtdIns(3)P binding, whereas Arg51 and Arg52 contribute to the structural integrity of SNX10. We conclude that the disruption of the key residues affects the structure and function of SNX10 and that induction of vacuole formation by SNX10 depends on its endosomal location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of latent heating released by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) plays a crucial role in global energy and water cycles. To investigate the characteristics of MCS latent heating, five years (2014–19) of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ku-band Precipitation Radar observations and latent heating retrievals are combined with a newly developed global high-resolution (~10 km, hourly) MCS tracking dataset. The results suggest that midlatitude MCSs are shallower and have a lower maximum precipitation rate than tropical MCSs. However, MCSs occurring in the midlatitudes have larger precipitation areas and higher stratiform rain volume fraction, in agreement with previous studies. With substantial spatial and seasonal variability, MCS latent heating profiles are top-heavier in the middle and high latitudes than those in the tropics. Larger magnitudes of latent heating in the stratiform regions are found over the ocean than over land, which is the case for both the tropics and midlatitudes. The larger magnitude is related to a larger precipitating area/volume rather than a higher storm height or more intense convective core typically associated with land systems. A majority of midlatitude MCSs have a relatively high (>70%) stratiform fraction while this is not the case for tropical MCSs, suggesting that midlatitude MCSs tend to produce more stratiform rain while tropical MCSs are more convective. Importantly, the results of this study indicate that storm intensity, latent heating, and rainfall are different metrics of MCSs that can provide multiple constraints to inform development of convection parameterizations in global models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We sought to investigate the impact of individualized exercise guidance during pregnancy on the incidence of macrosomia and the mediating effect of gestational weight gain (GWG). Design: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Setting: A Hospital in Xingtai District, Hebei Province. Population: Older than 20 years of age, mid-pregnancy, and singleton pregnant women without contraindications to exercise during pregnancy. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 to compare the effects of standard prenatal care with individualized exercise guidance on the incidence of macrosomia. Main outcome measure: Incidence of macrosomia. Results: In all, 312 singleton women were randomized into an intervention group (N = 162) or a control group (N = 150). Participants who received individualized exercise guidance had a significantly lower incidence of macrosomia (3.73% vs. 13.61%, P = 0.002) and infants large for gestational age (9.94% vs. 19.73%, P = 0.015). However, no differences were observed in the rate of preterm birth (1.86% vs. 3.40%, P = 0.397) or the average gestational age at birth (39.14 ± 1.51 vs. 38.69 ± 1.85, P = 0.258). Mediation analysis revealed that GWG mediated the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia. Conclusion: Individualized exercise guidance may be a preventive tool for macrosomia, and GWG mediates the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia. However, evidence does not show that exercise increases the rate of preterm birth or affects the average gestational age at birth. Trial registration: The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrails.gov [registration number: NCT05760768; registration date: 08/03/2023 (retrospectively registered)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is characterized by early and progressive damage to the hippocampus. However, the association of hippocampal gene expression with AD and the underlying neurobiological pathways remain largely unknown. Based on the genomic and transcriptomic data of 111 hippocampal samples and the summary data of two large-scale meta-analyses of GWASs, a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was performed to identify genes with significant associations between hippocampal expression and AD. We identified 54 significantly associated genes using an AD-GWAS meta-analysis of 455,258 individuals; 36 of the genes were confirmed in another AD-GWAS meta-analysis of 63,926 individuals. Fine-mapping models further prioritized 24 AD-related genes whose effects on AD were mediated by hippocampal expression, including APOE and two novel genes (PTPN9 and PCDHA4). These genes are functionally related to amyloid-beta formation, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, neuronal apoptosis, neurogenesis and telomerase-related processes. By integrating the predicted hippocampal expression and neuroimaging data, we found that the hippocampal expression of QPCTL and ERCC2 showed significant difference between AD patients and cognitively normal elderly individuals as well as correlated with hippocampal volume. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that hippocampal volume mediated the effect of hippocampal gene expression (QPCTL and ERCC2) on AD. This study identifies two novel genes associated with AD by integrating hippocampal gene expression and genome-wide association data and reveals candidate hippocampus-mediated neurobiological pathways from gene expression to AD. Author summary: The hippocampus is a potential neuroimaging endophenotype for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study identifies genes whose expression in hippocampal tissue is associated with AD and establishes the pathways from hippocampal gene expression to hippocampal volume to AD. We demonstrate that 24 genes are associated with AD in hippocampal tissue, and these genes are enriched for AD-related biological processes of amyloid-beta formation, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, neuronal apoptosis, neurogenesis and telomerase-related processes. We further show that hippocampal volume mediates the effects of the hippocampal gene expression of QPCTL and ERCC2 on AD. These findings improve our understanding of the genetic and neural mechanisms of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called rational discourse of present-day society values individuals for their ability to see, speak and act. But this prioritisation of voice and bodily agency neglects the subjectivity of disabled people, especially the disabled elderly, and how they address their existential dilemma. Based on in-depth interviews and a survey of 260 disabled older adults in NT Township, Shanxi Province, China, this study explores 'productive ageing' among them. Drawing on the experience of rural older adults with disabilities, five aspects of productive ageing were identified and examined: economic productivity, caring for the family, volunteering, lifelong learning and community work. The results demonstrate that, given the current official discourse on elderly care, senior adults with disabilities see themselves as needing to become self-reliant by making themselves productive despite their age. They do this by acting within a personal social support network aimed at providing security and comfort in their old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several new circuit-based neural network models were conceived and utilized to estimate the solubility of diosgenin. Six mixed alcohol solvents and a pure solvent (carbon tetrachloride) were selected as the model systems to demonstrate the point of interest. To make full use of the collected solubility data of diosgenin in these solvents, they were categorized into training, testing and validation sets and a 5-fold cross validation was adopted in the buildup of the model. The results of the statistical analysis and the sum of ranking differences method indicate the parallel-serial neural network model gives more accurate description of the solubility data of diosgenin in contrast to other patterns. It also outperforms two empirical equations in terms of calculating accuracy. In addition, this suggested model can exhibit the effect of the changes of the components and their proportions in solvent on the solution behavior of diosgenin correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of antibiotic misuse, leading to the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria, present a significant challenge to the field of medicine. Natural compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), derived from green tea, exhibit potent anti-tumor and antibacterial properties. However, the adaptability of tumors to chemotherapy due to their acidic pH and elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), coupled with the challenges posed by postoperative drug-resistant bacterial infections, hinders treatment outcomes. This study successfully synthesized a self-assembling nanocomposite, Cu-EGCG. Leveraging chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT), Cu-EGCG demonstrated robust anti-tumor and antibacterial effects. Additionally, Cu-EGCG exhibited excellent photothermal conversion under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) radiation, generating singlet oxygen (1O 2) upon laser irradiation. In murine tumor and wound models, Cu-EGCG consistently displayed significant anti-tumor and antibacterial efficacy. [Display omitted] Chemotherapy and surgery stand as primary cancer treatments, yet the unique traits of the tumor microenvironment hinder their effectiveness. The natural compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) possesses potent anti-tumor and antibacterial traits. However, the tumor's adaptability to chemotherapy due to its acidic pH and elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, coupled with the challenges posed by drug-resistant bacterial infections post-surgery, impede treatment outcomes. To address these challenges, researchers strive to explore innovative treatment strategies, such as multimodal combination therapy. This study successfully synthesized Cu-EGCG, a metal-polyphenol network, and detailly characterized it by using synchrotron radiation and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Through chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT), Cu-EGCG showed robust antitumor and antibacterial effects. Cu+ in Cu-EGCG actively participates in a Fenton-like reaction, generating hydroxyl radicals (·OH) upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) and converting to Cu2+. This Cu2+ interacts with GSH, weakening the oxidative stress response of bacteria and tumor cells. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verified Cu-EGCG's efficient GSH consumption during its reaction with GSH. Additionally, Cu-EGCG exhibited outstanding photothermal conversion when exposed to 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) radiation and produced singlet oxygen (1O 2) upon laser irradiation. In both mouse tumor and wound models, Cu-EGCG showcased remarkable antitumor and antibacterial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16-yr Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) convective feature (CF) dataset and ERA-Interim data are used to understand the favorable thermodynamic and kinematic environments for high-flash-rate thunderstorms globally as well as regionally. We find that intense thunderstorms, defined as having more than 50 lightning flashes within a CF during the ~90-s TRMM overpassing time share a few common thermodynamic features over various regions. These include large convective available potential energy (>1000 J kg−1), small to moderate convection inhibition (CIN), and abundant moisture convergence associated with low-level warm advection. However, each region has its own specific features. Generally, thunderstorms with high lightning flash rates have greater CAPE and wind shear than those with low flash rates, but the differences are much smaller in tropical regions than in subtropical regions. The magnitude of the low- to midtropospheric wind shear is greater over the subtropical regions, including the south-central United States, Argentina, and southwest of the Himalayas, than tropical regions, including central Africa, Colombia, and northwest Mexico, with the exception of Sahel region. Relatively, favorable environments of high-flash-rate thunderstorms in the tropical regions are characterized by higher CAPE, lower CIN, and weaker wind shear compared to the high-flash-rate thunderstorms in the subtropical regions, which have a moderate CAPE and CIN, and stronger low to midtropospheric wind shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw retention is an effective method to conserve soil water content and improve soil carbon stocks. However, how soil carbon dynamics respond to different straw retention practices remains unclear. In this study, we investigated soil respiration and soil carbon sequestration at depths of 0–100 cm. We conducted a two-year field experiment with three crop rotation treatments and three straw retention treatments in northwest China. The straw retention treatments included no straw retention (NS), retention of half the straw (HS), and retention of the total amount of straw (TS). The crop rotations treatments included winter wheat plus summer soybean (WS), winter wheat plus summer maize (WM), and winter wheat plus summer fallow (WF). Mean soil respiration rates under WS, WM, and WF treatments were 5.14, 6.53, and 5.49 μmol·m-2·s-1; and 5.67, 5.47, and 6.03 μmol·m-2·s-1 under TS, HS, and NS treatments. The mean soil water content were 15.50%, 15.57%, and 15.74% under WS, WM, and WF rotations, and 15.81%, 15.41%, and 15.50% under TS, HS, and NS treatments. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration was higher with increased straw retention, and lower at deeper soil depths. Mean SOC concentrations under different rotations and straw treatments of TS, HS, and NS, respectively were as follows: WS: 6.91, 6.63, 6.39 g/kg; WM: 6.90, 6.72, 6.57 g/kg; and WF: 6.49, 6.52, 6.37 g/kg. Soil temperature was the main determinant of soil respiration rates. We conclude that WS rotation resulted in lower soil respiration, WM rotation resulted in a higher soil carbon sequestration potential, and WF rotation resulted in higher soil water content. However, continued, long-term monitoring is needed to confirm the effect of rotations and straw retention on soil respiration and carbon sequestration in dryland cropping systems in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regional aerosol model can complement globally averaged models and improve the accuracy of atmospheric numerical models in local applications. This study established a seasonal aerosol model based on data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) of the sea area around eastern China, and its performance in calculating the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was evaluated. The seasonal columnar volume particle size distributions (VPSDs) illustrated a bimodal structure consisting of fine and coarse modes. The VPSDs of spring, autumn, and winter roughly agreed with each other, with their amplitudes of fine and coarse modes being almost equal; however, the fine mode of the summer VPSD was approximately twice as high as that of the coarse mode. Lognormal mode decomposition analysis revealed that fine and coarse modes comprised two sub-modes. Fitting the seasonal VPSDs to the four-mode lognormal distribution yielded a parameterized aerosol size distribution model. Furthermore, seasonal variations in complex refractive indices (CRIs) indicated unignorable changes in aerosol compositions. Overall, error analysis validated that the proposed model could meet accuracy requirements for optical engineering applications, with median AOD calculation errors of less than 0.01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the image quality and lesion conspicuity of the deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm compared with standard image reconstruction algorithms on abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning with a wide range of body mass indexes (BMIs). Methods: A total of 112 participants who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were divided into three groups according to BMIs: the 80-kVp group (BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2), 100-kVp group (BMI 24–28.9 kg/m2), and 120-kVp group (BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2). All images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V of 50% level (IR), and DLIR at low, medium, and high levels (DL, DM, and DH, respectively). Subjective noise, artifact, overall image quality, and low- and high-contrast hepatic lesion conspicuity were all graded on a 5-point scale. The CT attenuation value (in HU), image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantified and compared. Results: DM and DH improved the qualitative and quantitative parameters compared with FBP and IR for all three BMI groups. DH had the lowest image noise and highest CNR value, while DM had the highest subjective overall image quality and low- and high-contrast lesion conspicuity scores for the three BMI groups. Based on the FBP, the improvement in image quality and lesion conspicuity of DM and DH images was greater in the 80-kVp group than in the 100-kVp and 120-kVp groups. Conclusion: For all BMIs, DLIR improves both image quality and hepatic lesion conspicuity, of which DM would be the best choice to balance both. Clinical relevance statement: The study suggests that utilizing DLIR, particularly at the medium level, can significantly enhance image quality and lesion visibility on abdominal CT scans across a wide range of BMIs. Key Points: • DLIR improved the image quality and lesion conspicuity across a wide range of BMIs. • DLIR at medium level had the highest subjective parameters and lesion conspicuity scores among all reconstruction levels. • On the basis of the FBP, the 80-kVp group had improved image quality and lesion conspicuity more than the 100-kVp and 120-kVp groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High conductive and transparent hydrogels with adhesion function are ideal candidates for soft electronic devices. However, it remains a challenge to design appropriate conductive nanofillers to endow hydrogels with all these characteristics. The 2D MXene sheets are promising conductive nanofillers for hydrogels due to excellent electricity and water-dispersibility. However, MXene is quite susceptible to oxidation. In this study, polydopamine (PDA) was employed to protect the MXene from oxidation and meanwhile endow hydrogels with adhesion. However, PDA coated MXene (PDA@MXene) were easily flocculated from dispersion. 1D cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were employed as steric stabilizers to prevent the agglomeration of MXene during the self-polymerization of dopamine. The obtained PDA coated CNC-MXene (PCM) sheets display outstanding water-dispersible and anti-oxidation stability and are promising conductive nanofillers for hydrogels. During the fabrication of polyacrylamide hydrogels, the PCM sheets were partially degraded into PCM nanoflakes with smaller size, leading to transparent PCM-PAM hydrogels. The PCM-PAM hydrogels can self-adhere to skin, and possess high transmittance of 75 % at 660 nm, superior electric conductivity of 4.7 S/m with MXene content as low as 0.1 % and excellent sensitivity. This study will facilitate the development of MXene based stable, water-dispersible conductive nanofillers and multi-functional hydrogels. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct quantum algorithms to compute the solution and/or physical observables of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) and nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi equations (HJE) via linear representations or exact mappings between nonlinear ODEs/HJE and linear partial differential equations (the Liouville equation and the Koopman-von Neumann equation). The connection between the linear representations and the original nonlinear system is established through the Dirac delta function or the level set mechanism. We compare the quantum linear systems algorithms based methods and the quantum simulation methods arising from different numerical approximations, including the finite difference discretisations and the Fourier spectral discretisations for the two different linear representations, with the result showing that the quantum simulation methods usually give the best performance in time complexity. We also propose the Schrödinger framework to solve the Liouville equation for the HJE with the Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics, since it can be recast as the semiclassical limit of the Wigner transform of the Schrödinger equation. Comparison between the Schrödinger and the Liouville framework will also be made. • A (and the first) comprehensive study and comparison of time complexities between two linear representations-based quantum algorithms for nonlinear ODEs. • For nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi PDEs, a Schrödinger approach is introduced and compared with the Liouville approach. • For scalar nonlinear hyperbolic equations, we show the difficulty of using the KvN approach while the Liouville approach still works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 16-yr (1998–2013) Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Feature (PF) database is used to examine the impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the characteristics of precipitation systems in the tropics and subtropics. Noticeable differences in the fractions of deep systems (20-dBZ radar echo tops greater than 10 km) and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) (an area greater than 2000 km2) between different phases of ENSO are found over specific regions, including the central Pacific (CPACI), the western Maritime Continent (WMC), the eastern Maritime Continent (EMC), Gulf of Mexico (GM), Argentina (ARGEN), and Australia (AUS). The coefficients of determination R2 between the multivariate ENSO index (MEI) and the population fractions of deep convection and MCSs are analyzed seasonally over these regions. The responses from these precipitation systems to ENSO are found to be more pronounced in the winter half-year than in the summer half-year. An increase of rainfall during El Niño periods over the CPACI, GM, and ARGEN is found to be associated with more precipitation events and a higher fraction of intense, deep, and large precipitation systems. AUS has fewer precipitation events and a higher fraction of shallow and small precipitation systems during El Niño conditions. Both EMC and WMC have a higher fraction of MCSs during La Niña than El Niño conditions. The EMC observes a higher fraction of deep convection during La Niña conditions. However, the WMC has a higher fraction of deep convection during El Niño conditions, possibly related to the effect of the Indian Ocean dipole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Verticillium wilt, one of the most devastating diseases of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), causes severe yield and quality losses. Given the effectiveness of plant polygalacturonase‐inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) in reducing fungal polygalacturonase (PG) activity, it is necessary to uncover the key functional amino acids to enhance cotton resistance to Verticillium dahliae. To identify novel antifungal proteins, the selectivity of key amino acids was investigated by screening against a panel of relevant PG‐binding residues. Based on the obtained results, homologous models of the mutants were established. The docking models showed that hydrogen bonds and structural changes in the convex face in the conserved portion of leucine‐rich repeats (LRRs) may be essential for enhanced recognition of PG. Additionally, we successfully constructed Cynanchum komarovii PGIP1 (CkPGIP1) mutants Asp176Val, Pro249Gln, and Asp176Val/Pro249Gln and G. hirsutum PGIP1 (GhPGIP1) mutants Glu169Val, Phe242Gln, and Glu169Val/Phe242Gln with site‐directed mutagenesis. The proteins of interest can effectively inhibit VdPG1 activity and V. dahliae mycelial growth in a dose‐dependent manner. Importantly, mutants that overproduced PGIP in Arabidopsis and cotton showed enhanced resistance to V. dahliae, with reduced Verticillium‐associated chlorosis and wilting. Furthermore, the lignin content was measured in mutant‐overexpressing plants, and the results showed enhanced lignification of the xylem, which blocked the spread of V. dahliae. Thus, using site‐directed mutagenesis assays, we showed that mutations in CkPGIP1 and GhPGIP1 give rise to PGIP versatility, which allows evolving recognition specificities for PG and is required to promote Verticillium resistance in cotton by restricting the growth of invasive fungal pathogens. Significance statement: By using site‐directed mutagenesis assays, demonstrated that mutations in CkPGIP1 and GhPGIP1 give rise to PGIP versatility, which allows evolving recognition specificities for PG and is required to promote Verticillium resistance in cotton by restricting the growth of invasive fungal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the temporal and spatial characteristics of the coordination of urbanization and eco-environment of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2015, using the method of coupling coordination degree model and global (local) spatial autocorrelation. The results show that the coordination of urbanization and eco-environment are in a state of basic coordination. The coupling coordination degree of each province is gradually increasing and the spatial difference gradually narrows as time evolves. A spatial dependence is observed in the coordination of provincial urbanization and eco-environment in China from the perspective of global correlation and its dependence is weakened with the increase of geographical distance. The local agglomeration mode presents a trend towards the evolution of the “high-high” clustering mode. Finally, the spatial Markov chain method is used to forecast the provincial coordination degree in 2016. It is further confirmed that the coordinated state of urbanization and eco-environment is getting better and the spatial correlation is strengthening in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the reparative efficacy of a novel antimicrobial peptide, Nal-P-113, in shortening the healing time of oral mucosal ulcers by promoting cell proliferation and migration and accelerating the cell cycle. Methods. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and migration of human immortalized oral epithelial cells (HIOECs). The cell cycle distribution of HIOECs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the RNA levels of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 of HIOECs were assessed by real-time PCR. Rats were divided into three groups randomly: (a) blank control group; (b) 20 μg/mL Nal-P-113; and (c) 10 ng/mL rhEGF. An oral mucosal ulcer was induced in every rat by the application of 30% acetic acid. An immunohistochemical assay was used to assess the expression of EGF, FGF-2, and TGF-β1 in the rat oral mucosa. Results. In the CCK-8 assay, the optical density values in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly higher than that in the blank control group. In addition, the scratch areas in the Nal-P-113 and rhEGF groups were found to be significantly smaller (P<0.05). Cell cycle analysis showed that Nal-P-113 accelerated the entry of HIOECs into the S phase and expedited their cell cycles. The RT-PCR results suggested that Nal-P-113 upregulated the RNA levels of EGF and FGF-2 but downregulated that of TGF-β1 at 24 h and 48 h. Lastly, the immunohistochemical assay verified that Nal-P-113 changed the expression of the above cytokines in rat mucosal ulcers. Conclusion. Nal-P-113 promoted the repair of oral mucosal ulcers by increasing the EGF and FGF-2 expression and decreasing that of TGF-β1 in HIOECs, accelerating their proliferation and cell cycle progression. The application of Nal-P-113 might serve as an effective therapeutic approach for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease may be related to local inflammatory damage and disturbances in intestinal microecology. Probiotic therapy is a safe and effective therapeutic approach. Considering that fermented milk is accepted and enjoyed by many people as a daily dietary intervention strategy, its potential to alleviate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–induced chronic colitis in mice needs to be explored. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZJ316–fermented milk by establishing a mouse model of DSS-induced chronic colitis. The results showed that the disease severity and colonic lesions of inflammatory bowel disease were effectively alleviated by ingestion of fermented milk. At the same time, the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) effectively decreased, and the expression of antiinflammatory cytokines (IL-10) increased. Results based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the structure and diversity of intestinal microorganisms changed markedly by intake of L. plantarum ZJ316–fermented milk, and fermented milk reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Helicobacter) while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium , Lactiplantibacillus , and Bifidobacterium). Additionally, the levels of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, pentanoic acid, and isobutyric acid) were also increased. In conclusion, the intake of L. plantarum ZJ316–fermented milk can alleviate chronic colitis by suppressing the inflammatory response and regulating intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AMPA receptors are members of the glutamate receptor family and mediate a fast component of excitatory synaptic transmission at virtually all central synapses. Thus, their functional characteristics are a critical determinant of brain function. We evaluate intolerance of each GRIA gene to genetic variation using 3DMTR and report here the functional consequences of 52 missense variants in GRIA1–4 identified in patients with various neurological disorders. These variants produce changes in agonist EC50, response time course, desensitization, and/or receptor surface expression. We predict that these functional and localization changes will have important consequences for circuit function, and therefore likely contribute to the patients’ clinical phenotype. We evaluated the sensitivity of variant receptors to AMPAR-selective modulators including FDA-approved drugs to explore potential targeted therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overshooting convection that penetrates the lapse rate tropopause is defined globally using 3 years of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) observations and ERA-Interim data. Overshooting convection in the subtropics is mainly found over a few hot spot regions, including central North America and Argentina. A relatively high density of events with overshooting convection is also found over northeast China in the summer months, where 203 events are identified during 2014-16. These convective events extending above the tropopause occur under various synoptic conditions. The synoptic conditions during these events are categorized into three different types, namely, trough, cutoff low, and ridge types, with a subjective analysis based on the wind and pressure fields at 500 hPa. The precipitation systems with overshooting convection ahead of a deep trough have larger sizes than other types. Those in the cutoff low environment are mostly embedded within a large precipitation system. The ridge-type systems have a stable midtroposphere and a high moist instability at low levels and are mostly isolated convective systems, characterized by smaller sizes, higher radar echo top, and larger convective area and precipitation fraction than the other two types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mesocosm experiment was conducted in Wuyuan Bay (Xiamen), China, to investigate the effects of elevated p CO 2 on bloom formation by phytoplankton species previously studied in laboratory-based ocean acidification experiments, to determine if the indoor-grown species performed similarly in mesocosms under more realistic environmental conditions. We measured biomass, primary productivity and particulate organic carbon (POC) as well as particulate organic nitrogen (PON). Phaeodactylum tricornutum outcompeted Thalassiosira weissflogii and Emiliania huxleyi, comprising more than 99% of the final biomass. Mainly through a capacity to tolerate nutrient-limited situations, P. tricornutum showed a powerful sustained presence during the plateau phase of growth. Significant differences between high and low CO 2 treatments were found in cell concentration, cumulative primary productivity and POC in the plateau phase but not during the exponential phase of growth. Compared to the low p CO 2 (LC) treatment, POC increased by 45.8–101.9% in the high p CO 2 (HC) treated cells during the bloom period. Furthermore, respiratory carbon losses of gross primary productivity were found to comprise 39–64% for the LC and 31–41% for the HC mesocosms (daytime C fixation) in phase II. Our results suggest that the duration and characteristics of a diatom bloom can be affected by elevated p CO 2 . Effects of elevated p CO 2 observed in the laboratory cannot be reliably extrapolated to large scale mesocosms with multiple influencing factors, especially during intense algal blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection coatings with self-healing ability can significantly enhance their anti-corrosion properties and service life. In this study, self-healing waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings with high transparence and haze were facile fabricated via cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) stabilized linseed oil (LO) Pickering emulsion. Sustainable CNCs displayed outstanding emulsifying ability and stability to stabilize LO Pickering emulsion. The size of LO Pickering emulsion droplets decreases with the CNC concentration, while the emulsion fraction and surface coverage by CNCs increase with CNC concentration, leading to a more stable Pickering emulsion. The self-healing rates of WPU coatings at varied time, temperature, CNC and catalyst concentration were investigated. Higher temperature, larger emulsion droplets, and with driers employed as catalysts generally lead to faster self-healing rate. The WPU self-healing coatings displayed much better abrasion resistance and mechanical properties than pristine WPU due to the incorporation of CNCs. Moreover, the WPU self-healing coatings show a high transparence and haze due to light scattering, and their applications as coatings of lamp covers and glass to achieve uniform light distribution and privacy protection with high light transmission were further demonstrated. • CNCs show outstanding ability to emulsify linseed oil Pickering emulsion. • Self-healing WPU coating was fabricated with CNC stabilized LO Pickering emulsion. • WPU film shows excellent self-healing ability due to the self-polymerization of LO. • WPU film possesses increased abrasion resistance and mechanical strength. • WPU coating displays high transparency and haze for optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two narrow fractions distilled from Liaohe coker gas oil were used for the research. The distribution of basic nitrogen compounds in feedstocks and their liquid products were characterized by ESI FT-ICR MS. The results showed that N1 class species were the most predominant in both feedstocks and products. The catalytic cracking progress reduced the relative abundance of all class species, except for the N1 and N1S1 class species. Although the N1 class species had longer side chains and higher condensation in the heavier feedstock, the distribution of N1 class species became similar in the two liquid products. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: Despite extensive studies on effects of elevated CO concentration ([CO]) on plant growth, few studies have investigated the responses of native grassland plant species to [CO] in terms of nutrient acquisition. Methods: The effects of [CO] (769 ± 23 ppm) on Artemisia frigida and Stipa krylovii, two dominant species in Inner Mongolia steppe were investigated by growing them for 7 weeks in Open-Top Chambers (OTC). Results: Exposure to [CO] enhanced shoot and root growth of A. frigida and S. krylovii. Elevated [CO] increased photosynthetic rates (Pn) by 34 % in A. frigida but decreased Pn by 52 % in S. krylovii. Moreover, root-secreted acid phosphatase activity in A. frigida was stimulated by [CO], while exudation of malate from roots of S. krylovii was suppressed by [CO]. Exposure to [CO] led to a decrease in P concentration in shoots and roots of A. frigida and S. krylovii, but total amount of P accumulated in shoots and roots of both species was increased by [CO] Conclusions: The two dominant species in temperate steppes differed in their responses to [CO], such that A. frigida was more adapted to [CO] than S. krylovii under low availability of soil P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physicochemical characterization of colloids in waters is vital for the understanding of their crucial role in transportation of pollutants and biogeochemical processes of trace elements in aquatic systems. However, there are still lack of knowledge about quantitative properties of natural aquatic nanoscale particles owing to their small size and matrix complexity. In the present work, the complementary spectroscopic and microscopic methods were applied to characterize the fluorescent properties of organic colloids, morphology of complex nanoparticles and colloidal speciation of Fe and Mn in rivers, namely Pu River (PR), Xi River (XR) and Haicheng River (HCR), located in northeast of China. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra reveals ten fluorescent components occurring in colloidal organic matter fractionated by ultrafiltration process with cut off 1 kDa or 100 kDa membrane: five humic-like fluorophores (C1, C2, C3, C6 and C8) and five protein-like components (C4, C5, C7, C9 and C10). The majority of humic-like substances is present in small size colloids (1–100 kDa) in these waters and the protein-like materials are, not truly dissolved or “free”, but associated with colloidal materials. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurement indicates that small near-spherical particles with height dimensions up to 6 nm are main form in the three rivers and occasionally fibrillary material. The significant shift in the size distribution of natural colloids occurs across three rivers with average particle size of 1.43 ± 1.01 nm in the XR, 1.53 ± 1.22 nm in the PR and 2.22 ± 1.31 nm in the HCR. Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) combined with ultrafiltration shows that over 73% of total dissolved Fe and < 45% of total dissolved Mn are present in the colloidal phase despite diverse distribution of colloidal Fe and Mn in small size (1–100 kDa) or large size (> 100 kDa) fractions across selected rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate time complexities of finite difference methods for solving the high-dimensional linear heat equation, the high-dimensional linear hyperbolic equation and the multiscale hyperbolic heat system with quantum algorithms (hence referred to as the "quantum difference methods"). For the heat and linear hyperbolic equations we study the impact of explicit and implicit time discretizations on quantum advantages over the classical difference method. For the multiscale problem, we find the time complexity of both the classical treatment and quantum treatment for the explicit scheme scales as O (1 / ε) , where ε is the scaling parameter, while the scaling for the multiscale Asymptotic-Preserving (AP) schemes does not depend on ε. This indicates that it is still of great importance to develop AP schemes for multiscale problems in quantum computing. • New quantum algorithm is proposed for a prototype multiscale problem. • Asymptotic-preserving schemes are shown to be important in quantum computation. • There is no difference in the cost of the quantum algorithm for the heat equation when using the forward-Euler compared to the Crank-Nicolson scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]