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Recent years have seen a significant surge in the global popularity of Chinese webnovels as an emerging form of participatory transcultural storytelling. This research combines computational and interpretive textual analysis to map the cultural features embedded in webnovel content, aiming to identify the genre elements, common lexicon, and story themes of 4040 translated Chinese webnovels on global platforms. The analysis shows the hybridisation of Chinese cultures, digital cultures, and genre fiction elements in webnovel storytelling, contributing to the growing spectrum of diverse voices in international self-publishing. Simultaneously, webnovels depict a varied mosaic of imagined China, based on both cultural sharing and nonsharing within today's complex Chinese society and beyond the notion of 'Chineseness' rooted in common heritage or official values, amplifying diverse perspectives like subcultures and resistances in transcultural storytelling. While webnovels bear witness to China's cultural outreach and digital prowess converging in a new storytelling form, this research posits that their cultural production remains bound within a material process where borderless digital cultures collide with the imposed boundaries of platformed publishing and government control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An acylative fluorination of two different alkenes is developed, assisted by the interaction of silver catalyst and Selectflour. Various α‐ketonic acids can be decarboxylated to form acyl radicals at 35 °C, sequentially add to the electron‐deficient and electron‐ rich alkenes to provide the benzyl fluorinated compounds containing diversified functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physics-informed neural network (PINN) method is extended to learn and predict compressible steady-state aerodynamic flows with a high Reynolds number. To better learn the thin boundary layer, the sampling distance function and hard boundary condition are explicitly introduced into the input and output layers of the deep neural network, respectively. A gradient weight factor is considered in the loss function to implement the PINN methods based on the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and Euler equations, respectively, denoted as PINN–RANS and PINN–Euler. Taking a transonic flow around a cylinder as an example, these PINN methods are first verified for the ability to learn complex flows and then are applied to predict the global flow based on a part of physical data. When predicting the global flow based on velocity data in local key regions, the PINN–RANS method can always accurately predict the global flow field including the boundary layer and wake, while the PINN–Euler method can accurately predict the inviscid region. When predicting the subsonic and transonic flows under different freestream Mach numbers (M a ∞ = 0.3–0.7), the flow fields predicted by both methods avoid the inconsistency with the real physical phenomena of the pure data-driven method. The PINN–RANS method is insufficient in shock identification capabilities. Since the PINN–Euler method does not need the second derivative, the training time of PINN–Euler is only 1/3 times that of PINN–RANS at the same sampling point and deep neural network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance dielectric energy storage ceramics has been brought to the fore by data as a result of the rapid rise in new energy development. The dielectric energy storage materials that can withstand harsh environments while having excellent energy storage performance, large breakdown strength, and maximum polarization is highly demanding. Herein, we fabricated the BiScO 3 (BS) modified 0.88(Ba 0.6 Ca 0.4)TiO 3 -0.12Bi[Mg 2/3 (Nb 0.85 Ta 0.15) 1/3 O 3 ] (BCT-BMNT) ceramics with excellent energy storage performance. The experimental results revealed that the breakdown strength of BCT-BMNT- x BS ceramics can be substantially increased by careful engineering of the grain uniformity induced by the incorporation of the BS. The BCT-BMNT-0.2BS ceramic exhibited a considerably optimal recoverable energy storage density of 5.75 J/cm3 along with a high energy efficiency of 89.63 % at 650 kV/cm. Moreover, this sample showed good stability in the temperature range of 20–160 °C and frequency range of 1–500 Hz and excellent fatigue resistance up to 105 cycles. Regarding the pulsed performance, as-prepared sample exhibited excellent power density of 145.30 MW/cm3 and current density of 937.43 A/cm2. Meanwhile, it showed a fast discharge time (t 0.9) of 50.20 ns under the electric field of 460 kV/cm. This study demonstrates the crucial role that BS doping plays in improving the energy storage capabilities of BT-based lead-free ceramics, which pave the way for the use of BT-based ceramics in the field of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mount Wutai, China's earliest Buddhist center, dating to the Han Dynasty's first century (206 BCE–220 CE), boasts over a hundred monasteries, numerous monuments, and ruins, drawing global pilgrims and travelers. Over its long history, as the geographical focus of imperial support shifted, the ideological underpinnings for structuring the monastic habitation on Mount Wutai also underwent a transformation, consequently altering the pilgrimage paths, monasteries, and mountain gates. However, there remains a paucity of understanding regarding these changes. This paper aims to map out the representative dynamic pilgrimage routines influenced by geo-capital shifts and to reveal the changeable Buddhist ideology of monasticism on Mount Wutai. Through archival studies on ancient transcripts and maps, the interpretation selects the three most significant periods in the development of Buddhism in Mount Wutai: the Northern Wei (386–534 CE), the Sui Tang (581–907 CE), and the Qing Dynasty (1630–1912 CE). The article indicates that Mount Wutai's monastic strategies have transformed significantly, progressing from free monasticism to the Mañjuśrī maṇḍala mode and ultimately adopting a predominant Tibetan Buddhist character. These changes were driven by shifting Buddhist ideologies and heritage, with pilgrimages and monastic construction responding to these shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article theorises the local world as a conceptual scaffold for future conservation and regeneration. It aims to catalyse a theoretical dialogue across the East and West to understand how ordinary places and lifeworlds are preserved, reproduced, and possibly reimagined. The local worlds discussed herein are conceptualised as the worlds of many, the worlds of relating, the worlds of structuring and the worlds of becoming. These four cardinal points present a source of open-endedness and futurity for contemporary architectural reinterpretation. The current article examines the characterisation of the Wen village conservation and regeneration project, led by the Amateur Architecture Studio in Zhejiang Province of China (2012–2016), as an architectural reimagination of local worlds, with a strong sensitivity to the ordinary places and lifeworlds of rural China and juxtapositions of new local worlds within old worlds. By piecing together the flows and fragments of the architectural process, this article shows how locally situated designs and dynamics have shaped the project in both its formation and afterlife, both ethically and contemporarily. Using close readings of popular and oral accounts from both architect's and users' perspectives, this article extends the case study by broadening theoretical conversations about contemporary architecture's capacity to reimagine local worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (E-KOB) documents successive subduction and accretion processes of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. However, the tectonic regime of the E-KOB at the late orogenic stage remains ambiguous. This study presents new results of whole-rock geochemistry and zircon U-Pb-Hf isotopes of the Xidatan pluton in the southern E-KOB. Detailed investigation reveals that the pluton is composed of quartz monzodiorite, host monzogranite, and igneous microgranular enclaves (IMEs). Zircon U-Pb dating results suggest that they are coeval magmatic rocks emplaced at ca. 206–203 Ma. Geochemical studies reveal that the quartz monzodiorite and IMEs share a common magma source, evidenced by consistent compositions of major elements, congruently enriched LREEs and LILEs, and consistently moderately depleted HFSEs and HREEs. Enriched to slightly juvenile zircon Hf isotopes (εHf(t) = −4.24 to +0.49) indicate that the primitive magmas of the quartz monzodiorite and IMEs involve the addition of mantle-derived magmas. The quartz monzodiorite and IMEs have identical ages, and consistent isotope features with the host monzogranite, together with the observation of ingestion of xenocrysts from host felsic rocks into the IMEs indicating that they were produced through the mixing of the mantle-derived mafic magmas and host felsic magmas. In contrast, The host monzogranite has moderately high SiO2 and Na2O+K2O, but low Fe2O3T and MgO contents. It shows crust-like trace element patterns such as strong enrichments in LREEs and LILEs, but remarkable depletions in HREEs. Along with enriched zircon Hf isotopes (εHf(t) = −3.51 to −0.25), the host monzogranite was most likely to have originated from partial melting of lower crustal mafic rocks induced by underplated mantle-derived magmas. Considering abundant Late Triassic igneous rocks across the E-KOB, these new data provide further evidence that the Late Triassic magmatism in the E-KOB may be related to the delamination of thickened orogenic root under an extensional setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Tumor stem cells have emerged as a crucial focus of investigation and a therapeutic target in the context of cancer metastasis and drug resistance. They represent a promising novel approach to address the treatment of uveal melanoma (UVM). Methods: According to the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) approach, we first estimated two stemness indices (mDNAsi and mRNAsi) in a cohort of UVM (n = 80). The prognostic value of stemness indices among four subtypes of UVM (subtype A–D) was investigated. Moreover, univariate Cox regression and Lasso-penalized algorithms were conducted to identify a stemness-associated signature and verify in several independent cohorts. Besides, UVM patients classified into subgroups based on the stemness-associated signature. The differences in clinical outcomes, tumor microenvironment, and probability of immunotherapeutic response were investigated further. Results: We observed that mDNAsi was significantly linked with overall survival (OS) time of UVM, but no association was discovered between mRNAsi and OS. Stratification analysis indicated that the prognostic value of mDNAsi was only limited in subtype D of UVM. Besides, we established and verified a prognostic stemness-associated gene signature which can classify UVM patients into subgroups with distinct clinical outcomes, tumor mutation, immune microenvironment, and molecular pathways. The high risk of UVM is more sensitive to immunotherapy. Finally, a well-performed nomogram was constructed to predict the mortality of UVM patients. Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive examination of UVM stemness characteristics. We discovered mDNAsi-associated signatures improved the prediction capacity of individualized UVM prognosis and indicated prospective targets for stemness-regulated immunotherapy. Analysis of the interaction between stemness and tumor microenvironment may shed light on combinational treatment that targets both stem cell and the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a photoelectrochemical (PEC) aptamer sensor using a TiO2/AgInS2/ZnS composite material as a photoelectric active anode substrate and NiCo-MOF@Au as a quenching element is constructed to detect Hg2+. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The prepared TiO2 consists of rod-like aggregations with a unique structure and large specific surface area. TiO2/AgInS2/ZnS composites with higher photochemical activity were obtained by modifying AgInS2 quantum dots on the surface under electrostatic force and ZnS modification by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The constructed PEC aptamer sensing platform has good sensing performance for Hg2+, and the detection limit is as low as 34 fM, showing high selectivity and reproducibility. At the same time, the application of this method in actual environmental samples is evaluated and satisfactory results are obtained. Therefore, the developed photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor provides a promising technique for the detection of Hg2+ in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resin adhesive (ERA) is an important bond material for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened bridge structures, and its mechanical properties often degrade when used in harsh environments. Fifty-two ERA specimens were prepared and tested to investigate the influences of freeze–thaw (F–T), chlorine dry–wet (D–W), and F–T/D–W on mechanic properties of the ERA. Static tensile tests were conducted after the ERAs were exposed to these environments for 30, 60, 90, and 120 cycles. The experimental results showed that failure of all specimens demonstrated characteristics of brittle failure. Compared with the control group, the tensile strength increased around 40.7, 22.8, and 11.3%, and the elastic modulus increased around 39.2, 34.6, and 38.3% after 120 cycles of the F–T, D–W, and F–T/D–W exposure, respectively. Meanwhile, the stress–strain relationship of the environmental specimens exhibited nonlinear characteristics. However, the stress-strain relationship of the control group without any environmental treatment showed linear. By contrast, the deformation capacity of the environmental specimens was weaker than those of the control group, except for the specimens under the 120 D–W cycles. In addition, variation for the strain energy and tensile strength retention rate of the environmental specimens demonstrated similar trends with the tensile strength, which increased first and then decreased from 30, 60, 90, to 120 cycles. Finally, a strength degradation model of the ERA was proposed to predict the tensile strength under the F–T, D–W, and F–T/D–W exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a single alkene to two different alkenes! An iron-catalyzed four-component reaction involving an aldehyde, two different alkenes and TMSN3 is developed to assemble these four reactants in an orderly fashion based on the inherent nucleophilic/electrophilic reaction activity of the radicals and alkenes via a double radical addition, providing various multifunctional compounds containing an azido group and two carbonyl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Deep learning has been extensively used in digital histopathology. The purpose of this study was to test deep learning (DL) algorithms for predicting the vital status of whole-slide image (WSI) of uveal melanoma (UM). Methods: We developed a deep learning model (Google-net) to predict the vital status of UM patients from histopathological images in TCGA-UVM cohort and validated it in an internal cohort. The histopathological DL features extracted from the model and then were applied to classify UM patients into two subtypes. The differences between two subtypes in clinical outcomes, tumor mutation, and microenvironment, and probability of drug therapeutic response were investigated further. Results: We observed that the developed DL model can achieve a high accuracy of > = 90% for patches and WSIs prediction. Using 14 histopathological DL features, we successfully classified UM patients into Cluster1 and Cluster2 subtypes. Compared to Cluster2, patients in the Cluster1 subtype have a poor survival outcome, increased expression levels of immune-checkpoint genes, higher immune-infiltration of CD8 + T cell and CD4 + T cells, and more sensitivity to anti-PD-1 therapy. Besides, we established and verified prognostic histopathological DL-signature and gene-signature which outperformed the traditional clinical features. Finally, a well-performed nomogram combining the DL-signature and gene-signature was constructed to predict the mortality of UM patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that DL model can accurately predict vital status in UM patents just using histopathological images. We found out two subgroups based on histopathological DL features, which may in favor of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Finally, a well-performing nomogram that combines DL-signature and gene-signature was constructed to give a more straightforward and reliable prognosis for UM patients in treatment and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are one of the most criticial public health issues worldwide, especially in developing countries. The incidence of this disease may be closely related to socio-economic factors, but there is a lack of research on the spatial level of relevant determinants of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. Methods: In this study, we took Hunan Province in central China as an example and collected the data on typhoid and paratyphoid incidence and socio-economic factors in 2015–2019. Firstly spatial mapping was made on the disease prevalence, and again using geographical probe model to explore the critical influencing factors of typhoid and paratyphoid, finally employing MGWR model to analysis the spatial heterogeneity of these factors. Results: The results showed that the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever was seasonal and periodic and frequently occurred in summer. In the case of total typhoid and paratyphoid fever, Yongzhou was the most popular, followed by Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Huaihua and Chenzhou generally focused on the south and west. And Yueyang, Changde and Loudi had a slight increase trend year by year from 2015 to 2019. Moreover, the significant effects on the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever from strong to weak were as follows: gender ratio(q = 0.4589), students in ordinary institutions of higher learning(q = 0.2040), per capita disposable income of all residents(q = 0.1777), number of foreign tourists received(q = 0.1697), per capita GDP(q = 0.1589), and the P values for these factors were less than 0.001. According to the MGWR model, gender ratio, per capita disposable income of all residents and Number of foreign tourists received had a positive effect on the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. In contrast, students in ordinary institutions of higher learning had a negative impact, and per capita GDP shows a bipolar change. Conclusions: The incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019 was a marked seasonality, concentrated in the south and west of Hunan Province. Attention should be paid to the prevention and control of critical periods and concentrated areas. Different socio-economic factors may show other directions and degrees of action in other prefecture-level cities. To summarize, health education, entry-exit epidemic prevention and control can be strengthened. This study may be beneficial to carry out targeted, hierarchical and focused prevention and control of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever, and provide scientific reference for related theoretical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C29H41N10O7V2, triclinic, P 1 ‾ (no. 2), a = 11.3461(5) Å, b = 12.7013(5) Å, c = 14.0649(5) Å, α = 111.609 (1) ∘ , β = 108.702 (1) ∘ , γ = 93.957 (2) ∘ , V = 1744.20(12) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0439, wRref(F2) = 0.1160, T = 173 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemisphere-on-cylinder turrets are the main airborne optical platform structure. However, an unsteady shock boundary layer interaction (SBLI) would act on flow separation and turbulent wake, which causes serious aero-optical effects with high spatial and temporal frequency characteristics. In this paper, the SBLI phenomenon of a hemisphere-on-cylinder turret is recorded in a wind tunnel at Ma = 0.7 using shadowing and Mach-Zehnder interferometer measurements. Its wavefront distortion is measured using the Shack-Hartmann measurement. The detached eddy simulation (DES) based on SST k - ω turbulence model and ray-tracing methods are used to reproduce the transonic flow and optical aberration. Experiments and simulations suggest that the SBLI causes the flow to separate earlier relative to a subsonic flow over the turret. The time-averaged root-mean-square of optical path difference (OPD) over the beam aperture is 0.56 λ∼0.59 λ with λ as the wavelength, while the root-mean-square of the time-averaged OPD is about 0.45 λ. The local shock and wavefront distortion have dual peak frequencies at S t D = f D / U ∞ = 0.24 and 0.34, different from the single-peak-frequency phenomenon of a subsonic flow over turrets. Fast model decomposition of wavefront can be performed by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of its Zernike coefficients. The first two modes contain the shock's reciprocating motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the transonic flow over a hemisphere-on-cylinder turret, strong aero-optical effects can be caused by local shock/boundary-layer interactions and separation shear layers at the turret's zenith. The effects of an annular rough wall on the passive control of fluid and aero-optics are investigated by experimental measurements and numerical simulations. The local shock/boundary-layer interaction and separated shear layer at the zenith of the turret are recorded using shadowing and Mach–Zehnder interferometer measurements. The aero-optics are measured using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor. The experimental results show that the annular rough wall on the turret weakens the local shock wave, moves the flow separation point forward, and reduces the wavefront distortion at the zenith. The rough wall functions for the shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model proposed by B. Aupoix ["Roughness corrections for the k–ω shear stress transport model: Status and proposals," J. Fluids Eng. 137, 021202 (2014)] and C.-H. Lee ["Rough boundary treatment method for the shear-stress transport k–ω model," Eng. Appl. Comput. Fluid 12, 261–269 (2018)] are used to further study the control effect of different roughnesses. Numerical simulations based on both rough wall functions show good agreement with the experimental measurements. For various transonic flows, the steady wavefront distortions at the zenith with the rough wall at roughness k s = 1 mm are 21%–50% smaller than those with smooth walls. The smaller the supersonic region, the more effective the rough wall is in reducing wavefront distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The usage of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) to strengthen cracked steel structures can effectively improve its bear capacity, so it has been extensively used in recent years. The degradation of interfacial bonding is one of the most important factors affecting the durability of CFRP–steel structures under a freeze–thaw(F–T)/wet–dry (W–D) environment. In this study, epoxy resin adhesive (ERA) dog-bone specimens and CFRP–steel double-lap joints (bonded joints) were prepared. F–T/W–D cycles experiment and tensile tests of the ERA specimens and the bonded joints were also performed. Under F–T/W–D cycles, the main properties of the ERA specimens and the bonded joints were examined. Results indicated that fracture failure occurred in all ERA specimens. The hybrid failure modes of fiber peeling on the surface of CFRP plate and the bonded interface peeling between the CFRP plate and ERA layer primarily occurred in the bonded joints. The failure of both of them can be considered to be brittle, which was unaffected by the F–T/W–D cycles. With increased F–T/W–D cycles, the ultimate load and tensile strength of the ERA specimens initially increased and then decreased, whereas the elastic modulus initially increased and then remained unchanged. The ultimate load of the bonded joints decreased gradually. Based on the relationship between the interfacial bond-slip parameters and the number of F–T/W–D cycles, the bond–slip model of the bonded joints was established. The proposed relationship was validated by comparing with the experimental bond-slip relationships and the predicted relationships under the F–T/W–D cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the decision of the Ministry of Education to fully implement the "Six Excellence and One Top-notch" plan 2.0 and launch the "Double Ten-thousand Plan" for the construction of first-class undergraduate majors, colleges and universities across the country have fully launched the construction of first-class undergraduate majors. The architecture major of Xi'an University of Science and Technology has achieved certain results in deepening the comprehensive reform of the major, strengthening the construction of teaching staff and grass-roots teaching organizations, and enhancing the construction of the professional teaching quality assurance system. The quality of graduate training and external evaluation have achieved good results by integrating into the teaching system of special courses, improving the highlevel talent training system, taking the construction of "new engineering" as an opportunity, promoting education and teaching reform, relying on the platform of discipline advantages, and building a multi-level practical teaching system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors have attracted much attention due to their low cost, simple instrumentation and high sensitivity. However, conventional PEC sensors require layer–by–layer modification of the photoelectrode surface, which has the disadvantages of being time–consuming and unstable. In addition, complex interfering substances in real samples may lead to false–positive or false–negative detection results. It was thought that the above drawbacks could be eliminated by the construction of a polarity inversion PEC sensor. In this work, a magnetically separated PEC sensor was constructed for the detection of Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). During the experiment, the construction of the sensor was used for sensitive detection of CEA. In the experimental process, Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @CdS, a semiconductor material with magnetic properties, was chosen as the substrate material, and ZnO/CuO was used as the marker on the DNA 2 molecule, and a split magnetic separation PEC sensor was constructed, which was used to realize the sensitive detection of CEA. Eventually, the detection range of the sensor for CEA detection is 1–10000 pg/mL, with the detection limit of 0.34 pg/mL. Additionally, the PEC sensor has the advantages of high speed, high efficiency, high sensitivity, good specificity, and high stability. The sensing platform constructed in this work can also be extended to detect other targets, which provides a new idea for PEC sensing platforms. In this experiment, we developed a split PEC immunosensor based on magneto–optic nanostructure and photocurrent polarity switching strategy. Specifically, the proposed magnetic nanostructure Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @CdS–DNA 1 exhibits good paramagnetism and dispersion ability. By magnetic separation process, the PEC signals of opposite polarity can be obtained. [Display omitted] • Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @CdS has good magnetic properties. • The detection limit of CEA was 0.34 pg/mL. • The construction strategy of the sensor is polarity inversion. • ZnO/CuO with excellent photocurrent activity was chosen as the marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) performance relies on the electron transfer efficiency between luminophore and coreactant. An ultrasensitive ECL micro-reactor with confinement-enhanced performance was prepared by using the covalent organic framework-LZU1-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF@COF-LZU1) as a platform to assemble enormous N,N -dibutyl-2-hydroxyethylamine (DBAE) and tris(4,4′-dicarboxylic acid-2,2′-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) [Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+] into its pore channels. Compared to individual substances of γ-CD-MOF and COF-LZU1, the synergistic effects can conduce to the enhancement of the intensity, durability and sensitivity of the micro-reactor. Besides, COF-LZU1 can provide a mild environment to accommodate a certain amount of DBAE by concentrating them from the aqueous solution into its hydrophobic cavities and boost the oxidation efficiency of DBAE to generate more DBAE●+ and profited the survival of DBAE●, leading to an improved reaction efficiency with the Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ intermediate. Thanks to the confinement-enhanced strategy, engineered as high-functioning luminescent materials, Ru@γ-CD-MOF@COF-LZU1 micro-reactors decorated with Au NPs can facilitate electron transfer and capture primary antibodies (Ab 1). Moreover, Au–Pd–Pt noble metal aerogels (NMAs) functionalized MoS 2 NFs (Au–Pd–Pt NMAs@MoS 2 NFs) were chosen as base material due to its large specific surface areas, high porosity, and excellent electrical conductivity. Based on above merits, the sensor demonstrated a sensitive response to CYFRA 21-1 detection in a linear concentration gradient from 10 fg/mL to 50 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.0055 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The COF-LZU1 decorated ECL micro-reactors were constructed based on the signal amplification strategies to realize accurate CYFRA 21-1 detection. [Display omitted] • MOF@COF-LZU1 synergistic effects, the performance of ECL can be improved. • Ru@γ-CD-MOF@COF-LZU1 as high-functioning luminescent materials. • Au–Pd–Pt NMAs@MoS 2 NFs were chosen as base material. • The ECL immunosensor showed wide detection range and low LOD for CYFRA 21-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead ions (Pb2+) are heavy metal ions that are harmful to living organisms and ecosystems. It is important to realize sensitive detection of Pb2+ in the environment. In this study, a signal enhancement photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor with high sensitivity was constructed for the detection of Pb2+. Firstly, to obtain excellent electron transfer performance, sulfur defect–engineered Bi 2 S 3–x /In 2 S 3–y mediated signal enhancement formed by Bi 2 S 3 and In 2 S 3 with well–matched structure in terms of energy level as the substrate materials. In this case, the introduction of sulfur vacancies further affects the electronic structure of the material, which significantly improves the electrical conductivity and effectively increases the electron transfer rate. In addition, the as–synthesized Cu@Cu 2 O nanosphere is chosen as the marker to accelerate the electron transfer through the surface plasmon resonance effect of Cu. The constructed sensor was able to detect Pb2+ in the range of 1 ng mL−1–100 μg mL−1 with a limit of detection of 19.2 pg mL−1. The sensor exhibits good reproducibility, specificity, and stability, indicating such PEC sensor can achieve the sensitive detection of Pb2+ in the environment. This work paves a new way for the construction of PEC sensors and the specific PEC detection of Pb2+ in environmental waters. [Display omitted] • Bi 2 S 3-x /In 2 S 3-y containing sulfur vacancies as substrate materials. • The introduction of sulfur vacancies promotes electron transfer. • Cu@Cu 2 O nanospheres as labeling and SPR effect of Cu to accelerate electron transfer. • Pb2+ breaks the phosphodiester bond in the aptamer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury ion (Hg2+) poses a serious threat to human health due to its high toxicity. In this study, a smartphone-based photoelectrochemical sensor based on oxygen vacancies (OVs) driven signal enhancement for mercury ion detection was designed. BiVO 4-x /Bi 2 S 3 /AuNPs were combined with T−Hg2+−T recognition mode to construct a multi-sandwich photoelectrochemical sensor. On the one hand, the OVs can increase the adsorption of light by the materials and enhance the photocurrent response as well as the superconductivity of Au NPs to accelerate the charge transfer at the electrode interface. On the other hand, the multi-sandwich structure was exploited to increase the binding site of Hg2+, as well as the T−Hg2+−T structure for sensitive recognition of Hg2+ and signal amplification. The sensor showed good linearity for Hg2+ concentration in the range of 0.1 nM–1.0 μM with a detection limit of 4.8 pM (S/N = 3). Eventually the smartphone-based real-time detection sensor is expected to contribute to the future analysis of heavy metal ions. [Display omitted] • Vacancy-rich BiVO 4-x /Bi 2 S 3 as substrate material provides excellent performance. • Multi-sandwich chain structure increases Hg2+ recognition sites. • Sensitive recognition of Hg2+ using the T−Hg2+−T structure. • PEC sensor exhibited a low detection limit of 4.8 pM for Hg2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spoke-array brushless dual-electrical-port dual-mechanical-port (SA-DEP-DMP) machine is a good candidate for continuously variable transmission device, because of its high compactness, contactless torque transmission, and decoupled rotors. Due to the specific features, including two independent controllable rotors, two set windings, and complex magnetic field coupling, some unique design considerations of SA-DEP-DMP machine are analyzed in this article. First, there is a little accurate analytical model for DEP-DMP machine. An applicable analytical model is proposed to directly describe the characteristic of air-gap magnetic field and calculate the sizing equation. The key innovation is that the inner air-gap permeance with the slot effect is mapped into the magnetic potential by air-gap mapping model, which simplifies the double air-gap structure into a single air-gap structure. Second, the torques of two rotors are always optimized separately at the same time. Using this design method, the optimal torques of two rotors cannot achieve simultaneously for many parameters. In order to solve this problem, a novel constant torque ratio design method is proposed where two windings electric loading distributions are considered. The influences of key parameters, such as combination of slot and pole, stator split ratio, permanent magnet size, etc., on the torque performances are analyzed based on finite-element analysis. Finally, an SA-DEP-DMP prototype is manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In emergency response and disaster rescue, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) onboard thermal infrared (TIR) sensors are an essential means of acquiring ground information in the nighttime working environment. To enable field personnel to make better decisions based on TIR video streams returned from a UAV, the geographic information enhancement of TIR video streams is required. At present, it is difficult for low-cost UAVs to carry high-precision attitude sensors and thus obtain high-precision camera attitude information to meet the enhanced processing requirements of UAV TIR video streams. To this end, this paper proposes an improved Kalman filter algorithm to improve the geographic registration (geo-registration) accuracy by fusing the positioning and heading data from the dual-antenna real-time kinematic global positioning system (RTK-GPS) with onboard internal measurement unit (IMU) data. This method can yield high-precision position and attitude data in real time based on low-cost UAV hardware, based on which high-precision geo-registration results can be obtained. The computational complexity can be reduced compared with video stream feature tracking algorithms. Furthermore, the problem of unstable matching due to the low resolution and texture level of TIR video streams can be avoided. The experimental results prove that the proposed method can reduce the registration error by 66.15%, and significantly improve the geo-registration accuracy of UAV TIR video streams. Thus, it can strongly support the popularization and practicality of the application of augmented reality (AR) technology to low-cost UAV platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have significant roles in regulating the pathogenesis of ischemia stroke, and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cell apoptosis. Aberrant expression of NEAT1 was found after the injury of ischemia-reperfusion, but the mechanism was not fully understood. Methods: The expression of NEAT1 and Mfn2 were detected in BV-2 and N2a cell with or without OGD/R-induced by qRT-PCR. Inflammatory cytokines secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress was evaluated by the examination of ROS, MDA and SOD levels. Flow cytometry and apoptosis marker detection by western blot were performed to examined apoptosis. Results: The expression of NEAT1 and Mfn2 were decreased in OGD/R-induced cell model. Overexpression of NEAT1 or Mfn2 reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis by OGD/R-induced in neuronal cells, while knockdown of Sirt3 reversed the protective effect of NEAT1 and Mfn2. NEAT1 stabilized Mfn2 mRNA via recruiting Nova. NEAT1 alleviates the oxidative stress and apoptosis by OGD/R-induced via activating Sirt3. Conclusion: LncRNA NEAT1 stabilizes Mfn2 mRNA via recruiting Nova, therefore increase the expression of Mfn2 and alleviates ischemia-reperfusion induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via Mfn2/Sirt3 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the role and mechanism of miR-17-5p in cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced apoptosis. The present study used human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) to establish cerebral H/R model. MTT was used to measure the cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to detect the cell apoptosis. The interaction between miR-17-5p and PTEN was determined using dual luciferase reporter assay. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used for determination of the expression of miR-17-5p, PTEN, apoptosis- and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling-related proteins. The cell viability and the expression of miR-17-5p were obviously down-regulated while the expression of PTEN was obviously up-regulated in H/R cells. The cell viability was remarkably enhanced, and the cell apoptosis induced by H/R injury was dramatically reduced when miR-17-5p was overexpressed in HBMVECs under H/R condition, which was reversed by overexpression of PTEN. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed PTEN was a direct target of miR-17-5p. Treatment of PI3K inhibitor LY294002 significantly increased the apoptosis rate of HBMVECs, and this effect was significantly reversed by transfection of miR-17-5p mimics, while further dramatically enhanced by overexpression of PTEN. MiR-17-5p could ameliorate cerebral I/R injury-induced cell apoptosis by directly targeting PTEN and regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of esophageal cancer is positively associated with fumonisin contamination. It is necessary to develop methods for the rapid detection of fumonisins. In this work, a self-powered photoelectrochemical aptamer sensor based on ZnIn 2 S 4 /WO 3 photoanode and Au@W–Co 3 O 4 photocathode is proposed for the sensitive detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1). Among them, under visible light irradiation, the Z-type heterostructure of ZnIn 2 S 4 /WO 3 acts as a photoanode to improve the electron transfer rate, which contributes to the enhancement of the photocathode signal and lays the foundation for a wider detection range. The Au@W–Co 3 O 4 photocathode as a sensing interface reduces the probability of false positives (comparison of anode sensing platforms). The PEC sensor has a good working performance in the detection range (10 pg/mL-1000 ng/mL) with a detection limit of 2.7 pg/mL (S/N = 3). In addition, the sensor offers good selectivity, stability and excellent recoveries in real sample analysis. This work is expected to play a role in the field of analyzing environmental toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment of rapid target analysis methods for cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) is urgently needed. [Ir(pbi) 2 (acac)] (pbi = 2-(4-bromophenyl)-1-hydrogen -benzimidazole, acac = acetylacetonate) as traditional electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores has been confined due to its non-negligible dark toxicity and poor water solubility leading to poor biocompatibility and electrical conductivity as an organic molecule. Hence, to overcome this limitation, [Ir(pbi) 2 (acac)] can be effectively loaded on the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel modified Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene surface (Ir@Ti 3 C 2 T x -PVA) as sensing platform which can emit high ECL signals. Then, a quenching strategy was proposed to fabricate an ECL sandwich immunosensor using H 2 O 2 as quencher molecules which can generated by Pd@Au 0.85 Pd 0.15. Especially, the generation of O 2 to H 2 O 2 can be achieved through a two-electron (2e–) reaction pathway by Pd@Au 0.85 Pd 0.15 , to overcome the restriction that the H 2 O 2 was virtually impossible to label or immobilize on the non-enzyme nanomaterials. The proposed ECL assay achieves a response to CYFRA 21-1 within the range of 0.1 pg/mL–100 ng/mL, with a detection limit of 8.9 fg/mL (S/N = 3). This work provided a feasible tactic to seek superior-performance ECL luminophore and quencher consequently set up a novel means to makeup ultrasensitive ECL biosensor, which extended the utilization potential of Ir(pbi) 2 (acac) in ECL assays. [Display omitted] • Ir@Ti 3 C 2 T x -PVA has high ECL efficiency. • Pd@Au 0.85 Pd 0.15 can through a two-electron reaction pathway to generate H 2 O 2. • H 2 O 2 can quench the ECL of Ir@Ti 3 C 2 T x -PVA. • The luminescence and quenching mechanisms are novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we conducted sandstone petrography analyses and determined detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotopes for sandstones collected at different stratigraphic levels of the lowest strata of the Laiyang Group. All results nearly point to an evolutionary trend for the source regions of the strata. The detrital zircon U–Pb results reveal multiple age groups at 140–123 Ma, 810–700 Ma, and 2,500–1,750 Ma, but variable age proportions for two sandstones (19LY‐01Z and ‐05Z) collected at lowermost and middle levels of strata, respectively, but only one unimodal age mode at ca. 1,850 Ma for the uppermost sandstone 19LY‐09Z. Provenance analysis illustrates that the lower strata likely include two source regions, including the Jiaobei Terrane and the Sulu orogen, whereas the upper strata appeared to have one dominant source region (i.e., Jiaobei Terrane). Framework modes of sandstones display that lower samples contain more metamorphic lithic fragments, which corresponds to the recycled orogenic field in the Q‐F‐L diagram, while middle‐upper samples are enriched in feldspars but deficient in lithics and plot in the basement uplift field of the Q‐F‐L diagram. This compositional variation reflects an evolution of the source regions from the Sulu Orogen to the Jiaobei Terrane, completely consistent with the observation of an increase in the amount of detrital zircons sourced from the Jiaobei Terrane, but decreasing detrital zircons from the Sulu Orogen in an upward order. This shift in the provenance of sediments reflects two tectonic events including exhumation of the Sulu Orogen to the surface before sedimentation of the Laiyang Group, and a rapid uplift of the Jiaobei Terrane after ca. 125 Ma following removal of lithospheric mantle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) have shown great potential as rapid and discriminating biomarkers for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis. We have developed a multiplexed ion-exchange membrane-based miRNA (MIX·miR) preconcentration/sensing amplification-free platform for quantifying in parallel a panel of miRNAs, including miR-1, miR-208b, and miR-499, from the same plasma samples from: 1) reference subjects with no evident coronary artery disease (NCAD); 2) subjects with stable coronary artery disease (CAD); and 3) subjects experiencing ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) prior to (STEMI-pre) and following (STEMI-PCI) percutaneous coronary intervention. The picomolar limit of detection from raw plasma and 3-decade dynamic range of MIX·miR permits detection of the miRNA panel in untreated samples from disease patients and its precise standard curve, provided by large 0.1 to 1 V signals and eliminates individual sensor calibration. The use of molecular concentration feature reduces the assay time to less than 30 minutes and increases the detection sensitivity by bringing all targets close to the sensors. miR-1 was low for NCAD patients but more than one order of magnitude above the normal value for all samples from three categories (CAD, STEMI-pre, and STEMI-PCI) of patients with CAD. In fact, miR-1 expression levels of stable CAD, STEMI-pre and STEMI-PCI are each more than 10-fold higher than the previous class, in that order, well above the 95% confidence level of MIX·miR. Its overexpression estimate is significantly higher than the PCR benchmark. This suggests that, in contrast to protein biomarkers of myocardial injury, miR-1 appears to differentiate ischemia from both reperfusion injury and non-AMI CAD patients. The battery-operated MIX·miR can be a portable and low-cost AMI diagnostic device, particularly useful in settings where cardiac catheterization is not readily available to determine the status of coronary reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The levels of acetone and other ketones in exhaled human breath can be associated with various metabolic conditions, e.g. ketosis, lung cancer, dietary fat loss and diabetes. In this study, ketones in breath samples were charged through the reaction with water radical cations to form [M + H2O]˙+ ions, which were detected by mass spectrometry. Our experimental data indicate that under the optimized experimental conditions, the limit of detection for acetone using our approach is 0.14 ng L−1 (∼0.06 ppb). The linear dynamic range of detection spans four orders of magnitude. The developed approach was applied to real-time semi-quantitative analysis of acetone in the exhaled breath of human volunteers, revealing significantly higher levels of acetone in the breath of smokers compared to non-smokers. The developed approach features the obviation of sample collection, easy operation, high speed of analysis (10 s per run), high sensitivity, and spectral interpretation, which indicates the potential of ambient corona discharge ionization mass spectrometry as a selective, sensitive and noninvasive technique for the determination of exhaled ketones in clinical diagnosis including lung cancer, diabetes, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substantial expense associated with catalysts significantly hampers the progress of electrolytic water-based hydrogen production technology. There is an urgent need to find non-precious metal catalysts that are both cost-effective and highly efficient. Here, the porous Ni2P–FePx nanomaterials were successfully prepared by hydrothermal method, nickel foam as the base, iron nitrate solution as the caustic agent and iron source, and finally phosphating at low temperature. The obtained porous Ni2P–FePx nanosheets showed excellent catalytic activity under alkaline PH = 14, and an overpotential of merely 241 mV was required to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2. The morphology of the nanosheet can still be flawlessly presented on the screen after 50 h of working at high current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach to activating Pd-complexes without using additives such as Lewis acids has been developed for addition polymerization of norbornenes. Aryl iodides and aryl diazonium salts were efficiently applied as cocatalysts to Pd(0)- and Pd(2+)-complexes. The developed systems catalyzed polymerization of norbornenes containing bulky and polar functional groups both in an inert atmosphere and air resulting in soluble and high-molecular-weight saturated polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the event‐triggered control problem of linear singularly perturbed systems in the presence of denial‐of‐service attacks. To save the communication and computing resources, event‐triggered mechanisms in two transmission channels are used to guarantee the ultimately bounded stability of the closed‐loop system. Absolute event‐triggering conditions are proposed in the sensor and the controller nodes, where the controller node utilises only the state of the slow model of the singularly perturbed system. Positive lower bounds of inter‐event times are given to eliminate Zeno behaviour in the presence and absence of DoS attacks. Finally, two examples are provided to illustrate the efficiency and feasibility of the obtained results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Direct analysis in real time (DART) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) detection has become one of the most broadly used analytical approaches for the direct molecular characterization of food samples with regard to their chemical quality, safety, origin, and authentication. The major advantages of DART‐MS for food analysis include high chemical sensitivity and specificity, high speed and throughput of analysis, simplicity, and the obviation of tedious sample preparation and solvents. Methods: The recent applications of DART coupled with different mass analyzers, including quadrupole, ion trap, Orbitrap, and time of flight, are discussed. In addition, sample pretreatment methods that have been coupled with DART‐MS are discussed. Results: We summarize the applications of DART‐MS in food science and industry published in the period from 2005 to this date. The applications and analytical characteristics are systematically categorized across the three major types of foods: solid foods, liquid foods, and viscous foods. Conclusions: DART‐MS has proved its high suitability for the direct, rapid, and high‐throughput molecular analysis of very different food samples with minimal or no sample preparation, thus offering a high‐speed alternative to liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) approaches that are traditionally employed in food analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have confirmed that mobilizing bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) ameliorates renal function loss following cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). The aim of this study was to explore whether the combination of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and plerixafor (AMD3100) exerts beneficial effects on renal function recovery in a model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal injections of G-CSF (200 μg/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days. On the day of the last injection, the mice received a single subcutaneous dose of AMD3100 (5 mg/kg) 1 h before cisplatin 20 mg/kg injection. Ninety-six hours after cisplatin injection, the mice were euthanized, and blood and tissue samples were collected to assess renal function and tissue damage. Cell mobilization was assessed by flow cytometry (FCM). Results: Mice pretreated with G-CSF/AMD3100 exhibited longer survival and lower serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels than mice treated with only G-CSF or saline. Combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100 treatment attenuated tissue injury and cell death, enhanced cell regeneration, and mobilized a higher number of stem cells in the peripheral blood than G-CSF or saline treatment. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of proinflammatory factors was lower, whereas that of anti-inflammatory factors was higher, in the G-CSF/AMD3100 group than in the G-CSF or saline group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that combinatorial G-CSF/AMD3100 therapy mobilizes BMSCs to accelerate improvements in renal functions and prevent cisplatin-induced renal tubular injury. This combinatorial therapy may represent a new therapeutic option for the treatment of AKI and should be further investigated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a significant glycosylated protein, and the unusual expression of CEA in human serum is used as a tumor marker in the clinical diagnosis of many cancers. Although scientists have reported many ways to detect CEA in recent years, such as electrochemistry, photoelectrochemistry, and fluorescence, their operation is complex and sensitivity is average. Therefore, finding a convenient method to accurately detect CEA is significance for the prevention of malignant tumors. With high sensitivity, quick reaction, and low background, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has emerged as an essential method for the detection of tumor markers in blood. In this work, a "signal on-off" ECL immunosensor for sensitive analysis of CEA ground on the ternary extinction effects of CuFe 2 O 4 @PDA-MB towards a self-enhanced Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ functionalized metal-organic layer [(Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI-Pd] was prepared. The high ECL efficiency of (Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI-Pd originated from the dual intramolecular self-catalysis, including intramolecular co-reaction between polyethylenimine (PEI) and Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+. At the same time, loading Pd NPs onto (Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI could not only improve the electron transfer ability of (Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI, but also provide more active sites for the reaction of Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ and PEI. In the presence of CEA, CuFe 2 O 4 @PDA-MB-Ab 2 efficiently quenches the excited states of (Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI-Pd by PDA, Cu2+, and methylene blue (MB) via energy and electron transfer, leading to an ECL signal decrease. Under optimal conditions, the proposed CEA sensing strategy showed satisfactory properties ranging from 0.1 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 20 fg mL−1. The (Hf)MOL-Ru-PEI-Pd and CuFe 2 O 4 @PDA-MB were prepared in this work might open up innovative directions to synthesize luminescence-functionalized MOLs and effective quencher. Besides, the ECL quenching mechanism of Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ by MB was successfully explained by the inner filter effect (ECL-IFE). At last, the proposed immunosensor exhibits excellent repeatability, stability, and selectivity, and may provide an attractive way for CEA and other disease markers determination. [Display omitted] • ECL signal originated from intramolecular co-reaction between PEI and Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+. • CuFe 2 O 4 @PDA-MB quenches the excited states of Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ by PDA, Cu2+, and MB. • ECL signal quenching of Ru(dcbpy) 3 2+ by MB was explained by the inner filter effect. • High-performance ECL immunosensing of CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced bioelectronic detection based on the integration of modern optical electronics and biological systems has a broad prospect. The strategy of cathode signal amplification in self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensors with excellent performance is rarely reported in the field of immune analysis. Herein, the work demonstrates a self-powered PEC biosensor formed with BiOI photocathode and WO 3 /SnS 2 /ZnS photoanode, and CsPbBr 3 @COF–V was used as the photocathode signal quenching source for the quantitative monitoring of heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP). The high efficiency and stable self-powered biosensor formed not only provides continuous and powerful photocurrent response for bioanalysis through reasonable stepped band structure, but also effectively eliminates the interference of reducing substances. The quenching source CsPbBr 3 @COF–V greatly affects the photocurrent response due to steric hindrance, weak conductivity, competition with the substrate for dissolved oxygen and excitation light source. And the intervention of this key factor achieves multiple signal amplification effect and opens up an innovative vision for self-powered PEC immunosensor. Taking H-FABP as a representative analyte, the proposed signal amplification self-powered photoelectrochemical presents a broad linear range from 0.0005 to 150 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.19 pg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • L-Arg socking improved the quality of krill after heating. • 120 mM L-Arg socking increased the moisture content of krill after heating. • pH and guanidine of L-Arg inhibited the thermal aggregation of MPs. • pH of L-Arg was a major factor in improving the quality of krill after heating. Antarctic krill suffers from severe water loss after heating, and its quality deteriorates, so it is in urgent need of a green and healthy improver. In this paper, the effects of L-arginine (L-Arg) soaking on the modification of the quality of heat-treated Antarctic krill and the structure of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) in Antarctic krill were investigated. The results showed that L-Arg had an ameliorating effect on heat-treated krill in a concentration-dependent relationship. The water-holding capacity of L-Arg-soaked krill was 1.41 times higher than that of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) at an equivalent concentration (80 mM). At 120 mM L-Arg soaked, L * and hardness of krill decreased to 58.31 and 334.81 g, while resilience and moisture content increased to 0.47 and 85.29 % after heating, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results revealed that the tissue state of the pH-corrected groups was better than the control, but not as well as that of the pH-uncorrected groups. pH and the guanidinium group in L-Arg both played roles in promoting the transition of MPs from disordered to ordered secondary structures. This transition reduced the exposure of hydrophobic and sulfhydryl groups in MPs, inhibited the protein aggregation and increased the solubility of MPs to 71.61 %, which ultimately improved the quality of heat-treated krill. It is worth noting that the pH effect had a primary influence on the observed effects, while the guanidinium group made a secondary contribution. These results could broaden the potential application of L-Arg as an improver of the quality of heat-treated krill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Between mid‐January and early February, provinces of mainland China outside the epicentre in Hubei province were on high alert for importations and transmission of COVID‐19. Many properties of COVID‐19 infection and transmission were still not yet established. Methods: We collated and analysed data on 449 of the earliest COVID‐19 cases detected outside Hubei province to make inferences about transmission dynamics and severity of infection. We analysed 64 clusters to make inferences on serial interval and potential role of pre‐symptomatic transmission. Results: We estimated an epidemic doubling time of 5.3 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.3, 6.7) and a median incubation period of 4.6 days (95% CI: 4.0, 5.2). We estimated a serial interval distribution with mean 5.7 days (95% CI: 4.7, 6.8) and standard deviation 3.5 days, and effective reproductive number was 1.98 (95% CI: 1.68, 2.35). We estimated that 32/80 (40%) of transmission events were likely to have occurred prior to symptoms onset in primary cases. Secondary cases in clusters had less severe illness on average than cluster primary cases. Conclusions: The majority of transmissions are occurring around illness onset in an infected person, and pre‐symptomatic transmission does play a role. Detection of milder infections among the secondary cases may be more reflective of true disease severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present an approach for the elucidation of C=C bond position and cis/trans isomers, which is achieved by the reaction of ambient water radical cations and double bonds, followed by the fragmentation of epoxide radical cations to generate diagnostic ions in tandem mass spectrometry. Hexenol double bond positional isomers and cis/trans isomers which exhibit different properties and biological functions are characterized as a proof of concept. The merits of the approach include the simplicity of experimental setup, rapid derivatization (within seconds), the obviation of organic solvents, as well as easy spectral interpretation. Image 1 • A novel approach for the elucidation of C=C bond position and cis/trans isomers. • In situ epoxidation reaction of ambient water radical cations and C=C bonds. • No need of special instrumentation and organic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To clear the obscure conclusion on the prediction value of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) clones in severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) patients treated with immunosuppressive therapy (IST). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 219 consecutive SAA patients treated with IST from October 2008 to October 2015 and evaluated the haematological responses to IST. Results: The presence of a PNH clone was detected in 55 (25.1%) patients prior to IST [37/88 by flow cytometry (FCM) and 18/131 by fluorescent aerolysin (FLAER)] and 27 disappeared after IST (23/37 in initial FCM group, 4/18 in initial FLAER group, p = 0.005). In patients without an initial clone, 12 (30.0%) cases in FCM and 17 (19.5%) in FLAER groups presented a PNH clone at least once after IST (p < 0.001). In patients with a pre-treatment PNH clone detected by FCM, the 3-, 6- and 12-month response rates were higher than patients without (p = 0.006; 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). And in FLAER group, the 3-month response rate was significantly higher in those with a prior clone (p = 0.017), however, the 6- and 12-month response rates showed no differences (p = 0.105, p = 0.144, respectively). By multivariate analysis, a shorter interval between diagnosis and treatment is associated with a better response and survival. Conclusions: A more reliable FLAER method allows us to draw a conclusion that PNH clone predicts a faster response but not a higher response rate to IST. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the IST should be initiated as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present new zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope data and geochemical analyses for Jurassic igneous rocks from the southern Zhangguangcai Range, NE China. In the context of our new U/Pb data together with other published data (n = 165), we recognize three major magmatic pulses in the eastern Songnen Block during the Jurassic: earliest Jurassic (200–195 Ma), late Early Jurassic (183–175 Ma) and early Late Jurassic (ca. 163 Ma). According to the petrological classification scheme, rocks are divided into two categories of andesite and I-type granitoids. Generally, Early Jurassic monzogranites have more evolved compositions with SiO2, Al2O3, and K2O+Na2O concentrations of 67–74 wt.%, 13.28–17.04 wt.% and 7.25–9.31 wt.%, respectively than Late Jurassic granodiorite. Early Jurassic andesite has SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O+K2O contents of 54.64–56 wt.%, 17.27–17.44 wt.% and 3.47–4.06 wt.%, respectively with low Mg# values of 0.18–0.26. In addition, all samples show enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs) but depletion in high strength field elements (HSFEs, such as Nb, Ta, P and Ti) and low Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N ratios, all of which are characteristic of arc-type magmatic signatures. In view of the Hf isotope signatures, these rocks show high initial 176Hf/177Hf ratios (0.282711–0.283069) corresponding to positive εHf(t) values (+0.39 to +13.66) and Neoproterozoic two-stage model ages (1154–550 Ma). In summary, the geochemical results suggest that the primary magmas of Jurassic granitoids were derived from variable degrees of partial melting of juvenile lower crust, whereas Early Jurassic andesite was derived from the partial melting of mantle wedge peridotite metasomatized by hydrous melts from subducting sediments and/or oceanic crust. The Jurassic arc-type magmatism in the eastern Songnen Block indicates that the Mudanjiang oceanic plate was still subducting in the Jurassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has become one of the most important complications of diabetes which is the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness all over the world. Increasing evidence shows that reactive gliosis are basic pathological features of early DR. The study was aimed to explore the protective effect and mechanism of Liraglutide (LIRA) which has similar properties to Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on Müller cell damage induced by diabetes. Materials and methods: In vitro, the Müller cell was cultured in high glucose (HG) to establish the model of diabetic retinopathy. The apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of related proteins. DCFH-DA probe was used to detect the ROS generation. Results: The data showed that the apoptosis and the expression of GFAP were increased significantly with HG treatment. However, the apoptosis percentage and the expression of GFAP were decreased after LIRA treatment. Moreover, the expression of p-Erk/Nrf2/Trx-signaling pathway proteins was also up-regulated and the generation of ROS was decreased after LIRA treatment which was inhibited after treatment with U0126 (Erk inhibitor). Besides, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) related proteins were up-regulated after Trx down-regulation by transfection with sh-RNA. Conclusions: LIRA could protect Müller cells from HG-induced damage via activating p-Erk pathway through increasing Trx expression which attenuated oxidative stress and ER stress. Trx could play a key role in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addressed the problem of asymptotic regional stabilization of a class of two-dimensional mixed Roesser models. Based on the analysis of the polynomial solution of the parameter dependent linear matrix inequality (LMI), the sufficient condition for the existence of the regional stabilization controller is obtained in terms of LMI. Moreover, the robust controller is also given to stabilize the systems with uncertainties in the coefficient matrices of the system. Finally, several numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed results in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnet magnetic geared machine (PM-MGM) is widely researched as a potential core component of electrical continuously variable transmission system. Due to the dual mechanical port structure, back electromotive force (EMF) characteristics of PM-MGMs are quite different from that of conventional permanent magnet (PM) machines. In this article, back EMF harmonic features of PM-MGMs are thoroughly analyzed. The back EMF harmonic amplitude and order are analytically deduced, it can be found that both of them are variable and related with normalized speed ratio. A simulation/experiment method is proposed to separate and calculate different flux linkage components. A novel distortion factor criterion for PM-MGMs is defined to evaluate the variable back EMF distortion value. Different from existing criteria, the proposed criterion is a function of normalized speed ratio, hence it is more comprehensive for PM-MGM back EMF comparison and machine design. The torque ripple caused by back EMF harmonics is also analyzed. A PM-MGM prototype has been manufactured, and back EMF features as well as validity of the proposed distortion factor are verified by experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the essence of the direct simulation Monte Carlo program is to decouple the motion and collision of molecules, this will cause errors of gas transport properties or the collision separation error (CSE). Based on the Green–Kubo relation, this paper studies the dependence of the CSE on the spatial dimension and grid shape, especially the anisotropy of gas transport properties for various collision schemes in multi-dimensional spaces. The results show that the CSEs caused by the traditional no time counter and the simplified Bernoulli-Trials collision schemes in different dimensional spaces are consistent, and they are isotropic for some grid shapes, while the CSE caused by the nearest neighbor method depends on the spatial dimension, and it is anisotropic. These results are verified by simulation of one-dimensional Fourier flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the model-based event-triggered control is addressed for a class of linear systems with two time scales. The singular perturbation technique is used to analyse the stability of the event-triggered control closed-loop system with a dual-stage event-triggering condition. For the differences between the matrices of the plant and the model, the relations between the parameters in the event-triggering conditions are revealed for the stability and the sampling performance of the closed-loop systems. Specifically, the parameters in the event-triggering conditions can be selected in a range independent of the matrices in the model. Finally, two numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use the 2004–2016 China prefecture-level city data to construct a STIRPAT-based spatial econometric model as an empirical test for the driving factors of city carbon emissions. Results show that China's city carbon emissions exert significant spatial spillover effects and high-emission club agglomeration characteristics. The relationship between city carbon emissions and the city's own economic development has an "inverted U" shape, whereas city carbon emissions and the economic development of neighboring cities exhibit a "J"-shaped relationship. The improvement of energy efficiency is not only conducive to controlling the carbon emissions of the city itself but also beneficial to regulating carbon emissions in neighboring cities. The coal-based energy structure will significantly increase the carbon emissions of the city itself and those of the neighboring cities. Population density will increase the city's own carbon emissions but reduce carbon emissions in neighboring cities due to the siphon effect. Traffic facilitation and industry structure in a city will lead to an increase in carbon emissions in neighboring cities. Foreign direct investment will benefit the city's own carbon emission control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]