Search

This paper investigates the use of straight-beam elements to simulate the vibration of curved beams that is mathematically more challenging. First, analytical solutions of the out-of-plane and in-plane dynamic responses of the curved beam are derived for reference. Then, for the straight beam approach, the elastic stiffness matrix, consistent mass matrix, consistent nodal loads, and transformation matrix are derived and included in a procedure for computing the dynamic responses of the curved beam. The effectiveness of the straight beam approach in analyzing the free vibration and forced vibration (induced by moving vehicle) of the curved beam is validated, with the results compared with the theoretical solutions and those by Abaqus. It can be concluded that the straight beam approach is a simple and efficient means for analyzing the out-of-plane and in-plane vibrations of curved beams with high precision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS) is an economical and reliable method for the evaluation of structural dynamic performances, and the fixed analytical substructure model is often used in RTHS which may affect the accuracy of results. In this study, a real-time hybrid simulation platform (RTHSP) developed by configuring a generic National Instruments (NI) controller with hybrid programming strategy is presented in detail. The dynamic performances of a scaled base isolated structure, where the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) was used to update the analytical substructure Bouc–Wen model during the RTHSs was evaluated by presented RTHSP. RTHS of a base-isolated structure was performed where a lead rubber bearing (LRB) was tested physically as the experimental substructure of a part of the isolation layer and the superstructure with the rest of the isolation layer model updated by UKF was considered as the analytical substructure. Under the excitation of three natural earthquakes, the RTHSs with and without UKF updating were compared and analyzed the differences between the two. The results indicated that the displacements of experimental substructure generated by RTHS with UKF updating are the largest, while the relative displacements and acceleration of superstructure are the smallest overall, and the dynamic characteristics of the isolation layer of the analysis substructure updated by UKF are different from that without updated, which reflected the more authentic dynamic mechanical performance of the base-isolated structure under earthquake excitation. In addition, the RTHSP and the hybrid programming strategy are verified to be reliable in tests and experiments, and the components and implementation of a RTHSP for base-isolated structures is described in detail, providing a reference for research on RTHS method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major food legume with high nutritional value and economic importance globally. A remarkable attribute of this plant is its propensity to generate adventitious roots from petioles of detached leaves when moisture is appropriate. This distinctive feature presents promising prospects for harnessing petioles in the facilitation of transgenic hairy root production. Methods: We achieved the successful induction of transgenic hairy roots from common bean petioles through the utilization of Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599. Our experimentation encompassed a diverse array of common bean varieties and leaves of varying ages. Subsequently, we refined and optimized the procedure for hairy root induction. Result: Our investigations have revealed that the most conducive conditions for hairy root transformation with K599 are attained using 5-day-old leaves from the cultivar ‘Honghuaqingjia’, exhibiting a remarkable induction efficiency of 59%. The usefulness of this system was demonstrated through a subcellular localization analysis of the transcription factor PvTCP2 protein in combination with GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Braille system is widely used worldwide for communication by visually impaired people. However, there are still some visually impaired people who are unable to learn Braille system due to various factors, such as the age (too young or too old), brain damage, etc. A wearable and low-cost Braille recognition system may substantially help these people recognize Braille or assist them in Braille learning. In this work, we fabricated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible pressure sensors to construct an electronic skin (E-skin) for the application of Braille recognition. The E-skin mimics human touch sensing function for collecting Braille information. Braille recognition is realized with a neural network based on memristors. We utilize a binary neural network algorithm with only two bias layers and three fully connected layers. Such neural network design remarkably reduces the calculation burden and, thus, the system cost. Experiments show that the system can achieve a recognition accuracy of up to 91.25%. This work demonstrates the possibility of realizing a wearable and low-cost Braille recognition system and a Braille learning-assistance system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a serious neurological condition caused by a sudden abnormality of brain neurons. An accurate epilepsy detection based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals can provide vital information for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we propose a lightweight automatic epilepsy detection system with artificial neural network based on our as-fabricated neuromorphic chip. The proposed system utilizes a neural network model to achieve high-accuracy detection without the need for epilepsy-related prior knowledge. The model uses a filter module and a convolutional neural network to preprocess the raw EEG signal and uses a long short-term memory recurrent neural network and a fully connected network as the classifier. In the examination, the classification accuracy of the normal cases and seizures approaches 99.10%, and the accuracy of the normal cases, and interictal and seizure cases can reach 94.46%. This design provides possible epilepsy detection in wearable or portable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undifferentiated uveitis (intraocular inflammation, IOI) is an idiopathic sight-threatening, presumed autoimmune disease, accountable for ~ 10% of all blindness in the developed world. We have investigated the association of uveitis with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using a mouse model of spontaneous experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). Mice expressing the transgene (Tg) hen egg lysozyme (HEL) in the retina crossed with 3A9 mice expressing a transgenic HEL-specific TCR spontaneously develop uveoretinitis at post-partum day (P)20/21. Double transgenic (dTg TCR/HEL) mice also spontaneously develop clinical signs of colitis at ~ P30 with diarrhoea, bowel shortening, oedema and lamina propria (LP) inflammatory cell infiltration. Single (s)Tg TCR (3A9) mice also show increased histological LP cell infiltration but no bowel shortening and diarrhoea. dTg TCR/HEL mice are profoundly lymphopenic at weaning. In addition, dTg TCR/HEL mice contain myeloid cells which express MHC Class II-HEL peptide complexes (MHCII-HEL), not only in the inflamed retina but also in the colon and have the potential for antigen presentation. In this model the lymphopenia and reduction in the absolute Treg numbers in dTg TCR/HEL mice is sufficient to initiate eye disease. We suggest that cell-associated antigen released from the inflamed eye can activate colonic HEL-specific T cells which, in a microbial micro-environment, not only cause colitis but feedback to amplify IOI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report room-temperature deformation behavior of damage-free metallic glass films characterized by nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy. The glass films with thicknesses ranging from 5 μm down to ∼60 nm plastically deform by shear bands when subjected to both spherical and sharp Berkovich indenters. Importantly, we found that gallium contamination from focus ion beam (FIB) milling significantly suppresses shear band formation, indicating that the absence of shear bands in FIB milled samples may be caused by gallium irradiation damage, rather than sample size effect. Finite element simulation reveals that a high stress gradient at the film/substrate interface promotes the plastic deformation of the thin films but does not give rise to significant strain inhomogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to evaluate the fuel gas operation (FGO) of various working groups (WGs) and working shifts (WSs) in reheating furnace is still ambiguous problem. In this paper, a novelty time-series FGO evaluation model was proposed. The strategy mainly included: Firstly, the fuel gas per ton steel (FGTS) was calculated in certain time interval; Secondly, the FGTS time-series data set was formulated in statistical period; Thirdly, the FGTS time-series data set was divided according to working schedule; Lastly, the FGO evaluation model was established. Case study showed that: i) The fuel gas operation evaluation results of various WGs in different WSs were accorded with normal distribution; ii) For various WGs, A WG performed best, followed by C WG and D WG. The performance of B WG was the worst due to its violent fluctuation of fuel gas operation evaluation results in three WSs; iii) For different WSs, the day WS and swing WS performed well, whereas the performance of night WS was unsatisfactory. Discussion results showed that the improvement of working skills, working responsibility and working passion, which were effective measure to achieve energy saving in terms of operation, should be enhanced through skills training and the reward and punishment system. Generally, this novelty time-series FGO evaluation method could also be applied to other industrial equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore whether increasing the hip abduction angle would increase the incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) in patients with latedetected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) treated by closed reduction (CR) and spica cast immobilization. Methods A total of 55 patients (59 hips) with late-detected DDH underwent MRI after CR. Hip abduction angle and hip joint distance were measured on postoperative MRI transverse sections. The acetabular index and centre-edge angle were measured on plain radiographs at the last follow-up. The presence of AVN according to Kalamchi and McEwen's classification was assessed. We retrospectively analyzed the associations among abduction angles, hip joint distances, radiographic parameters, AVN and final outcomes, exploring the relationship between hip joint abduction angle and AVN rate. Results The mean age at the time of CR was 14.4 months SD 5.5 (6 to 28), and the mean follow-up was 26.2 months SD 8.1 (12.4 to 41.7). The mean hip abduction angle was 70.2° SD 7.2° (53° to 85°) on the dislocated side and 63.7° SD 8.8° (40° to 82°) on the normal side; the mean hip joint distance was 5.1 mm SD 1.9 (1.3 to 9.1) on the dislocated side and 2.2 mm SD 0.6 on the normal side (1.3 to 3.3). Eight of 59 hips (13.6%) developed AVN. Neither the amount of abduction nor hip joint distance increased the AVN rate (p = 0.97 and p = 0.65, respectively) or the dislocation rate (p = 0.38 and p = 0.14, respectively). Conclusion Abduction angle up to 70.2° following CR did not increase the AVN rate in children aged six to 28 months with late-detected DDH treated by CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microelectronics packages play a vital role in not only interconnecting the electronic signals from the die to the printed circuit board (PCB), but also in protecting the chips during the manufacturing process and their subsequent service lives. Epoxy molding compound (EMC) is widely used in electronic packaging due to its superior processing capability and low circuit signal delay. However, interfacial delamination is a common problem in encapsulated silicon devices, particularly at the interface between the copper leadframe (LF) pads and the EMC due to the weaker adhesion strength. Accordingly, the present study employs a double cantilever beam (DCB) experimental testing method and a numerical model based on the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) to investigate the fracture behavior at the EMC/Cu LF interface in a quad flat no leads (QFN) package. The experiments are performed on an MTS-Acumen microforce tester equipped with a load unit capable of applying a force of 0.01 to 1250 N with a displacement resolution of 0.1 μm. The DCB specimens are prepared with a pre-crack length of 12 mm. The validity of the simulation model is confirmed by comparing the predicted values of the critical strain energy release rate (SERR, Gc) between the EMC and the copper LF pads with the experimental observations. In general, the results show that the Gc value provides a useful parameter for evaluating the delamination risk of encapsulated microelectronics packages and assessing the reliability of alternative package architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is regarded as gaseous signaling molecule in plant response to various biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated potential role of H2S in modulating photosynthesis in low light (LL) stress-induced tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) seedlings. Results demonstrated that LL significantly reduced the plant height, leaf width, tiller number, dry mass, turf quality, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, photochemical efficiency of PSII, photochemical quenching, electron transport rate, and enzymatic activity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase. Then, these parameters were found to be considerably alleviated by H2S donor application. Moreover, exogenous application of NaHS decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde, increased activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, total soluble sugar, soluble protein, and endogenous concentration of H2S. In addition, these responses could be reversed by treatment with hypotaurine (H2S scavenger) and aminooxy acetic acid (H2S biosynthesis inhibitor). These results suggested that H2S was possibly involved in the regulation of photosynthesis to strengthen LL tolerance by maintaining a high level of photochemical efficiency and improving antioxidant enzyme activities in tall fescue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the axial compressive performance of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite structure, a full-scale axial compression experiment was conducted on GFRP composite bushing (GFRP-CB) column specimens. The axial compressive mechanical properties, failure mode, and load–displacement curves were obtained and analyzed. It is found that brittle fracture occurs in the GFRP-CB column specimens. Diagonal cracks as the main failure mode appear in the upper part of the GFRP pipe. Moreover, the maximum stress in specimens is less than the compressive strength of the GFRP composite material. The steel casing remains in the elastic state during the entire loading process. Based on the strength theory of transversely orthotropic material, the finite element method was used to scrutinize the influence of eccentricity and diameter–thickness ratios on strength of specimens. Numerical results prove that the ultimate bearing capacity of the eccentric compression specimens decreases with the eccentricity ratio. Reduction in diameter–thickness ratio can improve the ultimate bearing capacity of the specimens. As the diameter–thickness ratio decreases by 20%, the ultimate bearing capacity increases by 20%. Finally, an equation for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of the GFRP-CB column is proposed according to test results. The calculated and test results are fairly consistent, which indicates the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Diabetes is a risk factor in infective endocarditis. However, few studies have focused on the prognostic value of prediabetes in infective endocarditis. This analysis aimed to explore the relationship between prediabetes and outcomes for people with infective endocarditis. Methods: Diabetes and prediabetes definitions were based on the American Diabetes Association 2014 criteria. A total of 866 people who had been consecutively diagnosed with infective endocarditis between January 2009 and July 2015 were included in the analysis. They were divided into three groups: normoglycaemia (n = 469), prediabetes (n = 246) and diabetes (n = 151). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes. Results: Overall in‐hospital mortality was 8.5% (74 of 866), and differed significantly among the normoglycaemia, prediabetes and diabetes groups (3.4%, 12.6% and 17.9%, respectively; P < 0.001). Compared with the normoglycaemia group, the adjusted odds ratio for in‐hospital death was 2.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–5.31; P = 0.027) for prediabetes and 3.39 (95% CI 1.48–7.80; P = 0.004) for diabetes. The cumulative long‐term death rate was significantly higher in the prediabetes or diabetes groups than in the normoglycaemia group (log‐rank = 34.82; P < 0.001). Conclusion: In addition to diabetes, prediabetes was also associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital and long‐term mortality among people with infective endocarditis. Therefore, attention should be paid to this population. What's new: Compared with normoglycaemic people, those with infective endocarditis and diabetes demonstrated higher in‐hospital and long‐term mortality.Prediabetes was also a significant risk factor for mortality in people with infective endocarditis.Early identification and better monitoring and treatment is also suggested for people with prediabetes in order to improve their prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the effective hydrogen release from hydrogen storage materials has attracted extensive attention. In this work, CoCl2·6H2O (Cobalt chloride hexahydrate, CCH), a low cost and easily available catalyst, was successfully used to catalyze the hydrolysis of NaBH4-NH3BH3 composite (xSB-AB, x is the molar ratio of SB to AB). The results show that the synergistic effect produced by ball milling is beneficial to improve the hydrogen release performance of xSB-AB hydrolysis. This work not only advances the understanding of the synergistic effect of SB and AB, but also provides a basis for using low-cost catalysts to improve the hydrolysis performance of xSB-AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the energy balance principle for a serrated shear event, the configuration entropy change of a plastic flow within a shear band in metallic glasses is precisely quantified. With this method, we successfully investigated the evolution of entropy change with the plastic displacement/strain. It was found that the evolution of entropy changes for various metallic glasses follows a unified linear relation. The experimental result is consistent with the thermodynamic deduction from the free volume theory, corroborating the nature of shear-induced dilation for the plastic flow of metallic glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of electric dipole moment, the number of dipolar particles, and system temperature on the structures and dynamics of a dipolar dust particle system are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the larger electric dipole moment is favorable for the formation of a long-chain structure, the larger number of dipolar dust particles promotes the formation of the multi-chain structure, and the higher system temperature can cause higher rotation frequency. The trajectories, mean square displacement (MSD), and the corresponding spectrum functions of the MSDs are also calculated to illustrate the dynamics of the dipolar dust particle system, which is also closely related to the growth of dust particles. Some simulations are qualitatively in agreement with our experiments and can provide a guide for the study on dust growth, especially on the large-sized particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of recovery on the subsequent recrystallization of tantalum were investigated via two-step annealing at two temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction, and X-ray diffraction were employed to determine the respective microstructures and textures after various annealing regimes. The results show that many large grains with {111} orientations are developed when heating at 1573 K without pre-recovery, while pre-recovery can introduce a homogeneous fine microstructure and weaken the texture. This difference can be attributed to the recovery-induced change in nucleation mechanisms. Elongated grains stretch along grain boundaries or locate in the interior of deformed grains, mainly due to the heterogeneous distribution of stored energy. Dislocations characterized by submicron bands in the deformed state evolve into sub-grains during pre-recovery and grow continuously, indicating a homogeneous distribution of dislocation or stored energy after pre-recovery, which can significantly influence subsequent nucleation and grain growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaBH4-NH3BH3 composite (xSB-AB, x is the molar ratio of SB to AB) has better hydrolysis performance than its monomer, but the hydrogen generation rate (HGR) and hydrogen yield (HY) are still not ideal at room temperature. In this work, a low cost and easily available commercial porous spherical Co3O4 was successfully used to catalyze the hydrolysis of xSB-AB composite. It was found that Co3O4 showed good catalytic performance for the hydrolysis of xSB-AB, and the HY and hydrogen release efficiency (HRE) of 4SB-AB/10 wt%Co3O4 at 40 C° reached 2,279.71 mL·g-1 and 89.13%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tire-road friction coefficient is an important parameter for vehicle stability and active safety systems. However, precise measurement of tire-road friction coefficient is hard to achieve without expensive equipment. Considering easy availability and good economy, this paper proposes a method which first combines auxiliary particle filter and the iterated extended kalman filter (APF-IEKF), and then processes the results of the first step using iteration algorithm. APF-IEKF is used to estimate the slip angle of the front tires with strong nonlinearity and non-Gaussian noise, in which APF filters non-Gaussian noise and reach a preliminary estimation of sideslip angle, then IEKF is used to optimize the result, making the estimation of the sideslip angle more accurate. The iteration algorithm is used to estimate the tire-road friction coefficient based on self-aligning torque, which is more sensitive to tire slip angle and provides faster estimation. In this way, this method can estimate tire road friction coefficient more accurately and in real time. Both numerical simulation in Carsim/Simulink and actual off-vehicle tests in winter are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of radial electric field on the structures and dynamics of dust dipoles are studied by molecular dynamics simulations. The dipoles' configuration and mean distance to the system center are used to illustrate the structures of the whole system. It is shown that the dipole particles can arrange themselves into ring-like structures in the absence of external electric field, which can gradually transform to vortex, and then to radial arrangement with the increase of the strength of electric field. The trajectories, mean square displacement, and the mean speed in radial and tangential directions of dipoles are investigated to depict the effects of the radial electric filed on the collective motion of dust dipolar particles, which are closely associated with the growth of dust particle, especially for the formation of rod-like and some other complex fractal dust particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of AM50 magnesium alloy, T6 heat treatment was applied. The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion properties of as-cast and T6 heat-treated alloy were studied. The results indicated that the β phase presented at the grain boundaries along with Al-Mn phase after T6 heat-treatment. Because of solid solution and aging treatments, the tensile strength of the AM50 magnesium alloy was increased. The decreasing of the β phase owing to the solidsolution during T6 treatment, which causes Al solid solution in the α-Mg phase, and it is favourable for increasing the corrosion resistance of AM50 magnesium alloy. The fracture mechanisms of the as-cast and T6 heat-treated alloy were quasi-cleavage fracture. The corrosion residual strength of the T6 heat-treated alloy was higher than that of the as-cast alloy. Compared with the as-cast alloy, the corrosion rate of the T6 heat-treated alloy decreased gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide sequencing of maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) enables non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of all 24 chromosomes. Nineteen cases opted for amniocentesis, all of which showed normal karyotype; among these, only five (three at risk for trisomy 14 and two at risk for trisomy 15) opted for additional chromosomal microarray analysis, which did not show unbalanced rearrangements or uniparental disomy (UPD) in any case. Several genome-wide cfDNA-based NIPT studies have reported RATs in association with a range of pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, true fetal mosaicism and UPD, as well as IUGR SP 1-3 sp . [Extracted from the article]

A topological insulator (TI) is an exotic material that has a bulk insulating gap and metallic surface states with unique spin-momentum locking characteristics. Despite its various important applications, large scale integration of TI into MOSFET technologies and its coherent transport study are still rarely explored. Here, we report the growth of high quality Bi2Se3 thin film on amorphous SiO2/Si substrate using MBE. By controlling the thickness of the film at ~7 nm and capping the as grown film in situ with a 2 nm-thick Se layer, largest electrostatic field effect is obtained and the resistance is changed by almost 300%. More importantly, pronounced gate-tunable weak antilocalization (WAL) is observed, which refers to modulation of α from ~-0.55 to ~-0.2 by applying a back gate voltage. The analysis herein suggests that the significant gate-tunable WAL is attributable to the transition from weak disorder into intermediate disorder regime when the Fermi level is shifted downward by increasing the negative back gate voltage. Our findings may pave the ways towards the development of TI-based MOSFET and are promising for the applications of electricfield controlled spintronic and magnetic device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic TC4 Ti alloy is essential for economical use in modern machinery. Herein, a novel superhydrophobic pattern textured TC4 Ti alloy surface with a self-assembled molecular film was fabricated by an efficient nanosecond laser ablation (laser surface texturing (LST)) and a facile chemical modification method. Further, the transformation of the surface morphology and chemical composition was analysed. Upon adjusting the laser fluence, scanning velocity and scanning distance, the maximum water and saline contact angles of the laser surface textured and chemically treated surface reached 155.5 ±0.8° and 152.5 ±1.3°, respectively. The tribological behaviour of the patterned surfaces was investigated under dry-sliding and liquid-sliding conditions. High density textures exhibited the greatest potential for lubrication under water and saline lubrication conditions. In a dry environment, a scattered-line pattern textured surface also showed a friction reducing effect, similar to that under saline sliding conditions. Finally, the anti-wear mechanism was further explained considering the morphology and wettability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concise review is given on the past two decades' results from laboratory experiments on collisionless magnetic reconnection in direct relation with space measurements, especially by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission. Highlights include spatial structures of electromagnetic fields in ion and electron diffusion regions as a function of upstream symmetry and guide field strength, energy conversion and partitioning from magnetic field to ions and electrons including particle acceleration, electrostatic and electromagnetic kinetic plasma waves with various wavelengths, and plasmoid-mediated multiscale reconnection. Combined with the progress in theoretical, numerical, and observational studies, the physics foundation of fast reconnection in collisionless plasmas has been largely established, at least within the parameter ranges and spatial scales that were studied. Immediate and long-term future opportunities based on multiscale experiments and space missions supported by exascale computation are discussed, including dissipation by kinetic plasma waves, particle heating and acceleration, and multiscale physics across fluid and kinetic scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distillers' grains are a co-product of ethanol production. In China, only a small portion of distillers' grains have been used to feed the livestock because the amount was so huge. Nowadays, it has been reported that the distillers' grains have the potential for fuel ethanol production because they are composed of lignocelluloses and residual starch. In order to effectively convert distillers' grains to fuel ethanol and other valuable production, sodium hydroxide pretreatment, step-by-step enzymatic hydrolysis, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) were investigated. The residual starch was first recycled from wet distillers' grains (WDG) with glucoamylase to obtain glucose-rich liquid. The total sugar concentration was 21.3 g/L, and 111.9% theoretical starch was hydrolyzed. Then the removed-starch dry distillers' grains (RDDG) were pretreated with NaOH under optimal conditions and the pretreated dry distillers' grains (PDDG) were used for xylanase hydrolysis. The xylose concentration was 19.4 g/L and 68.6% theoretical xylose was hydrolyzed. The cellulose-enriched dry distillers' grains (CDDG) obtained from xylanase hydrolysis were used in SSF for ethanol production. The ethanol concentration was 42.1 g/L and the ethanol productivity was 28.7 g/100 g CDDG. After the experiment, approximately 80.6% of the fermentable sugars in WDG was converted to ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical Mg-ZnO nanorods were synthesized on glass substrates using a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The field emission performance of Mg-ZnO nanorods was greatly enhanced by UV light illumination. It was found that the Mg-ZnO nanorods grown at 80 ^\circC were structurally uniform and well oriented with pure wurtzite structure. Mg-ZnO nanorod exhibited turn-on fields was 2.27 V/\mum , and field enhancement factors $(\beta)$ was 2212. UV illumination of the Mg-ZnO nanorod reduced the turn-on electrical field from 2.27 to 1.97 V/\mum and enhanced the $\beta$ from 2212 and 4136. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article discusses a study that identified a recurrent splicing mutation (c.2442 + 5G>A) of the Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) gene in a Chinese family with leukoencephalopathy. The mutation was found to result in intron 12 not being cut, leading to a premature stop codon in the CSF1R gene. This mutation has previously been reported in a Japanese patient with diffuse leukoencephalopathy. The study confirms the pathogenicity of this mutation and provides further understanding of the genetic profile and clinical diagnosis of patients with leukoencephalopathy. [Extracted from the article]

Al and Ti doped ZnO thin films have been prepared by direct current magnetron cosputtering and thermal oxidation. The effects of these dopants on the microstructural, morphological and electrical properties of deposited films have been studied. The SEM demonstrated that the undoped ZnO thin film consisted of globular ZnO with particle size of ∼100 nm. Scanning electron microscopy EDX analysis confirmed that the dopant content in the ZnO–Al and ZnO–Ti thin film was 2·78 and 3·75 at-% respectively. The particle in the ZnO–Ti thin film was blocky or granular with thorns and its size was several micrometers, while the particle in ZnO–Al thin film was porous granular and the size was ∼2 μm. Resistance value testing and R/R calculation revealed that pure ZnO thin film had the highest gas sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-power self-commutated voltage-source converter (VSC) and current source converter (CSC) are the key control devices in HVDC, flexible ac transmission systems (FACTS) and distribution FACTS systems. To achieve the expected control objectives, suitable control strategies must be implemented based on the available devices, system, and control techniques. The self-commutated ac/dc converters control the electrical power by generating controllable ac fundamental and dc average outputs. These controllable outputs are controlled by the conducting state combinations of the converter switching devices, driven by their gate signals. The gate signals are specified by fundamental parameters of frequency, amplitude, and phase angle. The converter system model for describing the relation between the system-state variables and the gate signal parameters is essential for the converter system control. This paper (part I) derives the state variable equations for transmission systems using VSC while the second paper (part II) is for the transmission systems using CSC. The self-commutated converter systems provide active and reactive power control flexibility, but their nonlinearity makes their control difficult. The linearized state equations by using feedback linearization are presented to enable the controller design by using linear control theory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Interfaces between transition-metal oxides provide an intriguing platform for modifying the ground states of single constituent materials and creating desired functionalities for applications in oxide-based electronics. Here, we demonstrate that the metallic and ferromagnetic responses of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSMO) films with thicknesses less than 4 nm, which are insulating when grown directly on SrTiO3 substrates, can be restored through interfacing with a high-temperature cuprate superconductor EuBa2Cu3O7-δ (EBCO). We carried out scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy measurements on the electronic structure of LSMO/EBCO bilayers with thickness of LSMO layer varying from 2 to 7 nm. Our results suggest that the transfer of holes from EBCO to LSMO, caused by the difference in their work functions, is responsible for driving LSMO film with thickness of only five unit cells to the metallic state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Percutaneous transtracheal ventilation (PTV) via a jet ventilator (PTJV) is considered a rescue technique in difficult airway management. However, whether a conventional ventilator can generate adequate ventilation via PTV is not known. Our goal was to evaluate the tidal volume (VT) generated by a conventional ventilator during simulated PTV compared with PTJV in a lung model. Methods A lung model simulating an adult lung was used. A catheter was inserted through the artificial trachea and connected to either a jet ventilator or a conventional ventilator. The direction of catheter insertion was perpendicular to the trachea, pointing towards the lung and away from the lung. The jet ventilator was operated at 344.7 kPa. The conventional ventilator was operated in the pressure mode at peak inspiratory pressures of 40–90 cm H2O. Results The jet ventilator generated larger VT [817 (336) ml] when the catheter was pointing towards the lung than when pointing away from the lung or perpendicular to the trachea [121 (41) and 69 (24) ml, respectively, P<0.01]. With the conventional ventilator, changes in VT at different direction of catheter insertion were much less [222 (81) ml catheter pointing towards the lung, 229 (121) ml perpendicular to the trachea, and 187 (97) ml away from the lung]. Conclusions Our result demonstrated that PTJV was effective only when the catheter was pointing towards the lung and requires high operating pressure. A conventional ventilator can generate reasonable minute ventilation through the transtracheal catheter less dependent on directions of catheter insertion and should be considered during emergent PTV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The galvanic corrosion behaviours of carbon fibre composite coupled to aluminium are studied when the galvanic couple is just immersed in artificial seawater or connected to a closed electric circuit. The effects of grinding condition, concentration of artificial seawater, applied torque, applied current and experimental time are studied. The roughness average, weight gain of carbon fibre composite and weight loss of aluminium are investigated as a function of the above variables. The results show that the applied current can accelerate the galvanic corrosion greatly. With improving grinding condition and increasing applied torque, the roughness average, weight gain of carbon fibre specimen and weight loss of aluminium specimen increase, reach maximum and then decrease. With increasing concentration of artificial seawater, applied current and experimental time, these measured values increase. Corroded surface morphology is also investigated using scanning electron microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MEK/ERK signalling has been identified as a key factor that terminates diapause in Sarcophaga crassipalpis and Bombyx mori. Paradoxically, high p‐MEK/p‐ERK signalling induces diapause in pupae of the moth Helicoverpa armigera; however, the regulatory mechanism is unknown. In the present study, we show that p‐MEK and p‐ERK are elevated in the brain of diapause‐destined pupae and suppression of MEK/ERK activity terminates diapause progress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate MEK/ERK signalling, causing large‐scale phosphorylation of downstream proteins. The levels of ubiquitin‐conjugated proteins are also significantly reduced when ROS or p‐ERK level decreased. Moreover, terminated diapause progress by 20‐hydroxyecdysone injection significantly decreases p‐MEK, p‐ERK and phospho‐ribosomal S6 kinase levels, while phospho‐MAPK substrates and ubiquitin‐conjugated protein levels increase. Our data demonstrate that high MEK/ERK signalling mediated by ROS promotes diapause maintenance via increasing phosphorylation and degradation of downstream substrates. The results of this study may provide important information for understanding the regulatory mechanisms during insect diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In computational electromagnetics and other areas of computational science, Fourier transforms of discontinuous functions are frequently encountered. This paper extends the discontinuous fast Fourier transform (DFFT) algorithm which was presented previously by Fan and Liu to deal with the two dimensional (2-D) function with a discontinuous boundary of arbitrary shape. First, the proposed algorithm discretizes the support domain of the function by triangle mesh, which reduces the stair-casing error of an orthogonal grid required by FFT. Second, the algorithm adopts the basic idea of double interpolation used by the original 1-D DFFT algorithm in the literature, but with a significant modification that the nonuniform fast Fourier transform (NUFFT) with the least square error (LSE) interpolation other than a Lagrange interpolation is used to process nonuniformly spaced samples of the exponentials. The proposed 2-D DFFT algorithms obtain much higher accuracy than the conventional 2-D FFT for the discontinuous functions while maintaining similar computational complexity as that of the 2-D FFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondhand smoke is one of the most common toxic environmental exposures to children, and maternal health problems also have substantial negative effects on children. We are unaware of any studies examining the association of living with smokers and maternal health. To investigate whether non-smoking mothers who live with smokers have worse physical and mental health than non-smoking mothers who live in homes without smokers. Nationally representative data from the 2000-2004 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used. The health of non-smoking mothers with children <18 years ( n = 18,810) was assessed, comparing those living with one or more smokers ( n = 3,344) to those living in households with no adult smokers ( n = 14,836). Associations between maternal health, household smoking, and maternal age, race/ethnicity, and marital, educational, poverty and employment status were examined in bivariable and multivariable analyses using SUDAAN software to adjust for the complex sampling design. Scores on the Medical Outcomes Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical Component Scale (PCS) and Mental Component Scale (MCS) were used to assess maternal health. About 79.2% of mothers in the USA are non-smokers and 17.4% of them live with ≥1 adult smokers: 14.2% with 1 and 3.2% with ≥2 smokers. Among non-smoking mothers, the mean MCS score is 50.5 and mean PCS is 52.9. The presence of an adult smoker and increasing number of smokers in the home are both negatively associated with MCS and PCS scores in bivariable analyses ( P < 0.001 for each). Non-smoking mothers with at least one smoker in the household had an 11% (95% CI = 0.80-0.99) lower odds of scoring at or above the mean MCS score and a 19% (95% CI = 0.73-0.90) lower odds of scoring at or above the mean PCS score compared to non-smoking mothers with no smokers in the household. There is an evidence of a dose response relationship with increasing number of smokers in the household for PCS ( P < 0.001). These findings demonstrate a previously unrecognized child health risk: living with smokers is independently associated with worse physical and mental health among non-smoking mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The liquid domain of the Zn-Fe-Al-Mn quaternary system at 460 °C was experimentally investigated. The nature of relevant intermetallic compounds was studied using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). A total of 12 Fe-oversaturated baths with various Mn additions was prepared for the study. When the Al addition was fixed at 0.14 wt.%, δ-FeZn and δ-MnZn were found to co-exist with the liquid phase at low Mn additions. Increasing Mn additions above 1.3 wt.% greatly stabilized δ-MnZn so that it became the sole compound existing in the liquid phase. When the Al addition was fixed at either 0.16 or 0.27 wt.%, η-FeAl was found at low Mn additions but ceased to exist as Mn additions increased above 0.8 wt.%. The current study indicates that the addition of Mn to the bath promotes the formation of δ phases, thus shifting the invariant point of δ/η in the Zn-Fe-Al ternary system to a higher Al level. Based on experimental results, the liquidus surfaces in the Zn-rich corner of the quaternary system at 460 °C were schematically constructed, and implications for practical galvanizing operations were suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus cereus C1L was demonstrated to induce systemic resistance in Lilium formosanum against leaf blight caused by Botrytis elliptica. Suppression subtractive hybridization library of L. formosanum triggered by B. cereus C1L were screened and 3 differentially expressed genes were identified. Based on sequence analysis, these genes encoding putative glycine-rich protein, metallothionein-like protein, and PsbR protein of photosystem 2, were designated LfGRP1, LfMT1, and LfPsbR, respectively. The results of Northern blot analysis showed that expressions of LfGRP1, LfMT1 and LfPsbR increased in response to B. elliptica infection. On the other hand, expression of LfMT1 increased but expressions of LfGRP1 and LfPsbR decreased when the rhizosphere of L. formosanum was drenched with suspension of B. cereus C1L with or without subsequent challenge with B. elliptica on lily leaves. Similar expression profiles of homologues of LfGRP1, LfMT1, and LfPsbR (named LsGRP1, LsMT1, and LsPsbR, respectively) were presented in Lilium oriental hybrid Star Gazer. In addition, application of the photosynthetic inhibitor, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea, on the leaves reduced disease severity and expressions of LsGRP1 and LsPsbR just as that in response to B. cereus C1L treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sj16, a 16-kDa protein produced by Schistosoma japonicum, has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory effect. However, the possible mechanism of these phenomena has not been discovered. Here, we tried to touch it with arthritis rats' model induced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). A set of pathogenic characters were observed in CFA-treated rat, including local and systematic read-out, which showed the model successfully set up. After administration of rSj16 (recombinant Sj16) in vivo, paw swelling reduced significantly and in a dose-dependent manner, the level of TNF-α, IL-1β and NO decreased and IL-10 in the serum increased. In vitro, rSj16 reversed the augmented surface expression of CD80, CD86, CD54 and OX6 induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs), whereas endocytotic capacity of rSj16-treated dendritic cell (DC) was profoundly increased. IL-12p70 released from rSj16-treated BMDC was decreased but IL-10 increased. Further, following incubation with rSj16 primed BMDCs, the sensitized T cells exhibited increased production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and IL-4 and decreased production of IL-12p70 and IFN-γ. Collectively, these results implied that rSj16 alleviated CFA-induced arthritis, and the possible mechanisms may be its interruption of maturation and function of DCs. rSj16 could be a potential therapeutic agent against rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the multilevel current reinjection concept has been presented as a possible self-commutating alternative to line-commutated conversion for large power HVDC transmission, in its present form, the lack of independent reactive power control at the two converter terminals constitutes a severe limitation to its eventual acceptability. For very large power ratings, the use of double-group converter terminals has been shown theoretically to overcome the reactive power interdependence; however, the high nonlinearities involved make it difficult to design a practical control system, which is the main purpose of this paper. Comprehensive PSCAD/EMTDC simulation is used to verify that the dynamic and steady-state response of the proposed control system design are perfectly satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoparticle nuclcation and coagulation in a binary system of water vapor and sulfuric acid vapor are predicted numerically in a submerged jet with constraints. The flow field and the particle field are obtained, respectively, by using the large eddy simulation and the direct quadrature method of moment. The evolution of particle number concentration, volume concentration and average diameter is discussed. The results show that the interface of the jet region rolls up to form coherent structures, resulting in an obvious ' decrease of the specie concentration of sulfuric acid vapor and an obvious increase of the number concentration of particles in the region of vortex core. The coherent structures increase the possibility of particle collision and enhance the particle coagulation. Furthermore, the coherent structures also enhance greatly the particle nuclcation in the region of vortex core because the fluid with low temperature and sulfuric acid vapor at the edge of the jet are rolled into the vortex core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in cephalometric parameters after active orthodontic treatment applying mini-screw implants (G1) or transpalatal arches (G2) as anchorage in adult patients with bialveolar dental protrusion needing extraction of four premolars. A total of 34 Chinese patients (18–33 years) with bialveolar dental protrusion were randomly assigned to G1 and G2. Sliding mechanics and en-masse retraction of anterior teeth were applied to close extraction spaces. The changes in skeletal, dental and soft tissues were analyzed in both groups on lateral cephalograms before and after active orthodontic treatment. Independent samples and paired-samples t-tests were utilized to analyze the morphological changes in both groups. ANB angle was decreased in G1 and remained unchanged in G2 ( P < 0·05). Upper incisors were retracted more in G1 than in G2 ( P < 0·01). Upper incisors and molars were intruded in G1, but extruded in G2 ( P < 0·01). Although the upper molars were found with no significant distalization ( P > 0·05), there existed molars distalization in some patients. However, the maxillary molars in G2 were mesialized ( P < 0·01). The intrusion of upper molars in G1 resulted in counterclockwise rotation of the mandible and decrease of SN-MP angle ( P < 0·01). Upper lip linear measurements including UL-Y and UL-E were decreased more in G1 than in G2 ( P < 0·05). Mini-screw implants provide absolute anchorage in vertical and sagittal directions. Better dental, skeletal and soft tissue changes could be achieved by mini-screw implants especially in hyperdivergent patients. Skeletal anchorage should be routinely recommended in patients with bialveolar dental protrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is one of the most potent carcinogens found in mainstream and sidestream smoke and considered to be a causative agent for lung cancer in active and passive smokers. Carbonyl reduction followed by glucuronidation is considered to be the main detoxification pathway of NNK. Microsomal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD 1) and cytosolic carbonyl reductase (CR) are responsible for NNK carbonyl reduction, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 (UGT1A4) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7) catalyze 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) glucuronidation. To better characterize this pathway, the expression and kinetics of 11β-HSD 1 and CR, as well as the expression of UGT1A4 and UGT2B7, was investigated in lungs of Chinese people. Kinetic studies for 11β-HSD 1 and CR showed that there was large inter-individual variability in the capacity for NNK carbonyl reduction. Compared with cytosol, there was increased catalytic efficiency for NNAL formation in microsomes. The higher activities of both 11β-HSD 1 and CR were observed in lung tissues of males than females. UGT1A4 and UGT2B7 mRNA were detected in lungs from a variety of different patients and wide inter-individual variations were observed. These observations should be useful in improving the risk estimates and prevention of lung cancer for the Chinese population exposed to tobacco smoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascading failures often occur in congested complex networks. Cascading failures can be expressed as a three phase process: generation, diffusion and dissipation of congestion. Different from betweenness centrality, we propose a congestion function to represent the extent of congestion on a given node. By introducing the concept of “delay time”, we construct an intergradation between permanent removal and nonremoval. We also build a new evaluation function of network efficiency, based on congestion, which measures the damage caused by cascading failures. Finally, based on Statnet and Webgraph topologies we investigate the effects of network structure and size, delay time, processing ability and traffic generation speed on congestion propagation. Also we uncover cascading process composed of three phases and some factors affecting cascade propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-phase converter configuration, with each phase consisting of a series chain of H-bridges has become a popular multilevel solution for STATCOM application. Such a configuration, however, is not suitable for HVDC transmission. A new concept, where the series chain of H-bridge cells is used to derive a multilevel voltage reinjection waveform, is described in a companion paper. Its application to HVDC transmission is discussed in this paper and extensive use is made of EMTDC simulation to verify its steady-state and dynamic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new multilevel configuration is proposed for use in voltage source conversion of large power and voltage ratings; it consists of the standard double bridge converter and a series chain of H-bridges, each connected to a capacitor. The H-bridge chain is connected between the middle node of the dc capacitors and the neutral point of the two main bridges. The new reinjection configuration provides all the features of the previously proposed multilevel reinjection schemes with a considerably reduced number of switches (that only increases in direct proportion to the converter dc voltage rating) and acts as a dynamic voltage balancer for the main bridge switches. Extensive simulation is carried out to verify the steady state waveforms and the dynamic behavior with reference to the STATCOM application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We apply the Himmelberg fixed-point theorem to establish existence theorems of equilibria for generalized abstract economies with two constraint correspondences in which the strategic spaces may not be compact and the set of players may not be countable. Our results have applications in other sciences or disciplines (e.g. game theory, optimization theory and economics) in our subsequent paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]