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Summary Many biotic or abiotic factors such as CPPU (N‐(2‐chloro‐pyridin‐4‐yl)‐N′‐phenylurea), a growth regulator of numerous crops, can induce bitterness in cucurbits. In melon, cucurbitacin B is the major compound leading to bitterness. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CuB biosynthesis in response to different conditions remains unclear. Here, we identified a set of genes involved in CPPU‐induced CuB biosynthesis in melon fruit and proposed CmBr gene as the major regulator. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we confirmed CmBr's role in regulating CuB biosynthesis under CPPU treatment. We further discovered a CPPU‐induced MYB‐related transcription factor, CmRSM1, which specifically binds to the Myb motif within the CmBr promoter and activates its expression. Moreover, we developed an introgression line by introducing the mutated Cmbr gene into an elite variety and eliminated CPPU‐induced bitterness, demonstrating its potential application in breeding. This study offers a valuable tool for breeding high‐quality non‐bitter melon varieties and provides new insights into the regulation of secondary metabolites under environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the extraction and simulation of the electron velocity–gate voltages relationship for sub-100 nm InAlN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistors (HFETs). A peak electron velocity (ve) at an electron density (ns) of 0.41 × 1013 cm−2 was observed at 1.06 × 107 cm/s in an InAlN/GaN HFET with 60 nm gate length (Lg) by delay time analysis. The ve at a high ns of 1.5 × 1013 cm−2 was observed at 0.6 × 107 cm/s. This peak ve behavior is explained by polarization Coulomb field (PCF) scattering and optical phonon scattering based on a Monte Carlo method. As Lg scaled from 350 to 60 nm, the current gain cutoff frequency (fT) and transconductance (gm) were improved. However, the thermal performance was degraded with a bad figure of merit P150 °C. Although a weakening of the control capability of Vgs on ns (Δns/ΔVgs) was observed in the shorter Lg device, which leads to a decrease in device gm, the larger electron velocity by the increased lateral electric field (E) and the larger Δve/ΔVgs by the increased PCF scattering still enhance the peak gm. Results indicate that the enhancement of Δve/ΔVgs is a vital method to strengthen the modulation of the gate on current and to suppress the short channel effect in GaN HFET. Our work supports a deeper understanding and analysis of sub-100 nm InAlN/GaN HFET device performance and physical mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a serious mental disorder and the most prevalent cause of disability and suicide worldwide. Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) can lead to a significant acceleration of depression development. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid compound with a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have shown that quercetin can improve CUMS‐induced depression‐like behavior, but the mechanism of its improvement is still unclear. α2δ‐1 is a regulatory subunit of voltage‐gated calcium channel, which can interact with N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) to form a complex. Objective: In this study, we found that Que could inhibit the increase of α2δ‐1 and NMDAR expression in rat hypothalamus induced by CUMS. In pain, chronic hypertension and other studies have shown that α2δ‐1 interacts with the NMDAR to form a complex, which subsequently affects the expression level of NMDAR. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of Que in vivo and in vitro and to explore its mechanism of action in terms of the interaction between α2δ‐1 and NMDAR. Methods: Rats were randomly exposed to two stressors every day for 4 weeks to establish a CUMS rat model, then sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were performed to detect the behavior of CUMS rats, so as to evaluate whether the CUMS rat model was successfully established and the improvement effect of Que on CUMS‐induced depression‐like behavior in rats. Experimental techniques such as serum enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, Western blot, and co‐immunoprecipitation, as well as in vitro experiments, were used to investigate the mechanisms by which Que exerts its antidepressant effects. Results: Behavioral and ELISA test results showed that Que could produce a reduction in the excitability of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in CUMS rats and lead to significant improvements in their depressive behavior. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and co‐immunoprecipitation experiments showed that Que produced a decrease in NMDAR1 and α2δ‐1 expression levels and interfered with α2δ‐1 and NMDAR1 binding. In addition, the neural regulation mechanism of Que on antidepressant effect in PC12 cells knocked out α2δ‐1 gene was further verified. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Que led to a reversal of up‐regulation of NMDAR1 and α2δ‐1 expression levels in corticosterone‐injured PC12 cells, while Que had no effects on NMDAR1 expression in PC12 cells with the α2δ‐1 gene knockout. Conclusions: Que has a good antidepressant effect and can significantly improve the depression‐like behavior caused by CUMS. It exerts antidepressant effects by inhibiting the expression level of α2δ‐1, interfering with the interaction between α2δ‐1 and NMDAR, and then reducing the excitability of the HPA axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR) to produce valuable fuel is a promising process for addressing atmospheric CO2 emissions and energy shortages. In this study, Cl‐anion doped cadmium sulfide structures were directly fabricated on a nickel foam surface (Cl/CdS‐NF) using an in situ hydrothermal method. The Cl‐anion doping could significantly improve ECR activity for CO production in ionic liquid and acetonitrile mixed solution, compared to pristine CdS. The highest Faradaic efficiency of CO is 98.1 % on a Cl/CdS‐NF‐2 cathode with an excellent current density of 137.0 mA cm−2 at −2.25 V versus ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+, all potentials are versus Fc/Fc+ in this study). In particular, CO Faradaic efficiencies remained above 80 % in a wide potential range of −2.05 V to −2.45 V and a maximum partial current density (192.6 mA cm−2) was achieved at −2.35 V. The Cl/CdS‐NF‐2, with appropriate Cl anions, displayed abundant active sites and a suitable electronic structure, resulting in outstanding ECR activity. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrated that Cl/CdS is beneficial for increasing the adsorption capacities of *COOH and *H, which can enhance the activity of the ECR toward CO and suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeMethodsResultsThis study explores the immune cells’ role in anti-VEGF resistance in nAMD patients, and the potential of Zi-Yin-Jiang-Huo-Tang (ZYJHT), a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, as complementary therapy.Aqueous humor proteomics data from 10 nAMD patients with anti-VEGF resistance and 10 nAMD patients without anti-VEGF resistance were analyzed, investigating immune cells’s role in anti-VEGF resistance and its underlying mechanism. Network pharmacology methods are employed to analyze the active ingredients in ZYJHT that contribute to therapeutic effects and their mechanisms. Real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) was used to detect changes in the expression of SOD1 (superoxide dismutase 1) after treatment with compounds targeting SOD1 in ARPE-19 cells.nAMD patients with anti-VEGF resistance showed enhancement of biological processes linked to the positive regulation of immune function, along with decreased cellular resistance to oxidative stress. Infiltration of B cells memory, plasma cells, CD8+and γδ-T cells were higher in nAMD patients with anti-VEGF resistance. SOD1 was identified as a hub gene in the occurrence of anti-VEGF resistance and a core therapeutic target of ZYJHT, negatively correlated with B and T cell infiltration. Compounds diosgenin, naringenin, and liquiritin in ZYJHT can bind to SOD1 and upregulating SOD1 expression in ARPE-19 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatigue life and cutting performance of conical pick is essential for the roadheader machine in the excavation engineering. In rock breaking process, the rock structural conditions has a certain influence on the rock breaking and rock damage with roadheader breaking rock. Established the simulation model of conical pick cutting jointed rock to investigate the influence of the rock joint, rock bedding and confining pressure on the cutting performance and fatigue life of conical pick and rock damage. And the MATLAB is applied to solve the difficulty of rock damage statistical analysis. The research results indicated that the cutting force decreases with the rock joint length increasing, the cutting force increases first and decreases with the rock bedding angle increasing, however, the cutting force decreases first and then increases with the confining pressure increasing. The rock damage has a great relationship with the rock joint, rock bedding and confining pressure. The rock damage increases first and decreases then with the rock joint increasing and the rock bedding angle increasing. However, the influence of confining pressure on rock damage is contrary. Meanwhile, the rock fracture volume is positively correlated with damage value. The research results indicated that the rock structural parameters have an obvious influence on conical pick cutting performance and rock damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural green circulation is an important measure to promote agricultural green development through green circulation in the entire agricultural industry chain and an indispensable link to achieve agricultural green development in the entire economic system. It is of great significance to explore the internal dynamic mechanisms of agricultural green circulation from the perspective of the industrial chain. In the mechanism of agricultural green circulation, the dual role of farmers in the circulation of agricultural products and information transmission effectively connects the government and consumers. The three parties restrict each other and promote the realization of the goal of maximizing their respective interests at the same time. In the tripartite game model of government, farmers, and consumers, the differences of game environment and participants' own situation tend to have an impact on the equilibrium result of the game. By deducing and comparing the equilibrium results of tripartite game models under different game environments, this study finds that: 1 The promotion cost of the government is the fundamental factor that determines its competitiveness in the sales of agricultural products. Local governments with promotion cost advantages tend to be more dominant in any game environment. 2 The absolute cost of farmers is irrelevant, and its relative cost affects the game result by changing the farmers' concerns about the matching state of agricultural products. 3 Asymmetric subsidy information can benefit farmers, but it will not change farmers' concern about the matching state of agricultural products, which is not conducive to consumers and local governments with inferior promotion costs. Local governments should fully consider the promotion cost, subsidy cost, and market effect, and comprehensively promote the development of agricultural green circulation by improving management efficiency, governance ability, and public opinion guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sesbania gum (SG) was successfully modified by using H2O2 as the oxidant, CuSO4 as the catalyst, and octenyl succinic anhydride as the esterification agent. The effects of oxidation and esterification on the structure and properties of SG were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), among other techniques. By FTIR analysis it was found that the oxidation did not introduce new groups, while the ester carbonyl group was successfully introduced into the molecular chain of SG. The oxidation of SG by H2O2 involves the cleavage of long chains, which is also the main cause of its reduction in viscosity. Oxidation reduced the crystallinity of SG, and its crystal structure was found to be severely damaged after esterification. Both oxidation and esterification altered the thermal properties of SG, whereby the thermal stability and freeze-thaw stability of the modified SG were improved and the expansion capacity was effectively reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is a harmful element in a silver-lead-zinc polymetallic ore in Yunnan. The occurrence state of arsenic and its effect on beneficiation are quickly and accurately identified by means of optical microscope and automated mineral analyzer such as AMICS. The results show that the arsenic content is 0.53%, and the arsenic is mainly distributed in arsenopyrite, followed by pyrite, partly distributed in realgar and gratonite. However, the main factor leading to the high arsenic content of silver-lead concentrate is that realgar and gratonite, followed by arsenopyrite. In order to reduce the arsenic content, the depression of realgar and arsenopyrite should be strengthened. Gratonite and galena are closely related and have similar chemical properties, and they are difficult to be effectively separated, so the arsenic content in silver-lead concentrate can hardly be reduced to less than 0.77%. The main factor leading to the high arsenic content of sulfur concentrate is arsenopyrite and arsenic-bearing pyrite. Even if pyrite and arsenopyrite are separated effectively, the arsenic content can hardly be reduced to less than 0.22%. For zinc concentrate, sphalerite is relatively easy to separate from arsenopyrite and pyrite, so the arsenic content is easy to reach the standard. The research results provide a theoretical basis for arsenic reduction process of the arsenic-bearing Ag-Pb-Zn polymetallic deposit in Yunnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ni/Ce x Zr 1− x O 2 catalysts for ethanol steam reforming are prepared and tested. • Oxygen vacancy over Ce x Zr 1−x O 2 depends on lattice structures and Ni–CZ interaction. • The surface oxygen vacancy generates the active oxygen species for SR and WGS. • The abundant bulk oxygen vacancy enhances the H 2 production rate at 750 °C. • The lack of oxygen vacancies limits the oxygen vacancy–involving reaction routes. Ni/Ce x Zr 1−x O 2 catalysts were synthesized with two types of Ce x Zr 1−x O 2 solid solutions to understand the role of oxygen vacancy in ethanol steam reforming (ESR). The cubic Ce 0.93 Zr 0.07 O 2 (CZ) contained more oxygen vacancies on the surface and in the lattice structure than the tetragonal Ce 0.07 Zr 0.93 O 2 (ZC). Even though the Ni-Ce x Zr 1−x O 2 interaction basically increased the surface oxygen vacancy (OV S) on the interfacial region, it also induced different bulk oxygen vacancy (OV b) behavior: no OV b over Ni/ZC and no change over Ni/CZ. In the ESR, active oxygen species (O x) generated on the OV S simultaneously involved SR, and water gas shift reaction (WGS) to produce H 2. Zero OV b over Ni/ZC influenced the O x involving–reaction routes, resulting in the limitation of WGS and the high TOF values at 750 °C. Furthermore, since the OV b played a significant role as the O x carrier, Ni/CZ showed the highest H 2 production rate in the ESR at 750 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing COVID-19 has led to an increase in negative emotions and health awareness among consumers. This paper discusses the emotion bias of Chinese consumers during the three periods: the pre-COVID-19 period, the COVID-19 lockdown period, and the COVID-19 normalization period. This study takes health products as the research object and crawls relevant reviews on the JD platform to classify products. The data were classified into emotion, the intensity of emotion was calculated, and the logistic regression model and variance analysis were used to analyze the difference in emotion expression. The study reveals that consumers are willing to express fear and sadness during the COVID-19 lockdown era and are willing to express like emotions before the pandemic compared to the three periods. There are also differences in the emotional intensity of different product reviews. The intensity of emotional expression is more vigorous for consumers who purchase nutritional products, while for those who purchase healthcare equipment, the intensity of emotional expression is lower. This study offers the emotion bias of consumers in response to COVID-19 to provide a theoretical basis and reference solution for implementing marketing strategies for health product companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The application of maize silage has certain limitations, and the development of new forage resources is of great significance for improving resource utilization and environmental protection. Mulberry leaves are rich in nutritional value and are widely used in animal husbandry. However, excessive antinutritional factors, such as crude fiber, tannins, and phytic acid, in mulberry leaves affect the absorption and the utilization of nutrients by animals. Microbial fermentation technology can significantly reduce the contents of crude fiber, and the antinutritional factors in mulberry leaves minimize nutrient loss and improve the palatability of mulberry leaves. Therefore, this experiment found that the replacement of maize silage and soyabean meal with mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs has the potential to enhance muscle nutritional value and to improve mutton flavor without negatively affecting growth performance, serum biochemical indices, slaughter performance, or meat quality. Maize silage has a high demand for fertilizer and water. As an unconventional feed resource, mulberry silage has the potential to replace most maize silage and to alleviate the shortage of roughage in the mutton sheep industry in China. The purpose of this experiment was to study the effect of the replacement of maize silage and soyabean meal with mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, slaughter performance, and meat quality. Ninety-six healthy Hu lambs were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group and four lambs per replicate. The amounts of 0, 20, 40, and 60% of maize silage were replaced by mulberry silage in each group (denoted as CON, L, M, and H, respectively). The results showed that replacing maize silage with mulberry silage had no significant effect on the growth performance or the slaughter performance of Hu lambs (p > 0.05). Feeding Hu lambs with mulberry silage significantly reduced serum glucose (GLU) and the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content (p < 0.05), and it increased the content of ether extract (EE) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of EAA in the M and H groups was significantly lower than that in the CON and L groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in the fatty acid profile, the percentage of C16:1 in the M group was significantly increased, while the percentage of C18:0 and C20:0 were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, it was recommended that 20–40% of maize silage be replaced by mulberry silage in the diet of Hu lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates selective Ni locations over Ni/CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3 catalysts at different Ni loading contents and their influences on reaction pathways in ethanol steam reforming (ESR). Depending on the Ni loading contents, the added Ni selectively interacts with CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3 , resulting in the stepwise locations of Ni over CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3. This behavior induces a remarkable difference in hydrogen production and coke formation in ESR. The selective interaction between Ni and CeZrO x for 10-wt.% Ni generates more oxygen vacancies in the CeZrO x lattice. The Ni sites near the oxygen vacancies enhance reforming via steam activation, resulting in the highest hydrogen production rate of 1863.0 μmol/g cat ·min. In contrast, for 15 and 20-wt.% Ni, excessive Ni is additionally deposited on Al 2 O 3 after the saturation of Ni–CeZrO x interactions. These Ni sites on Al 2 O 3 accelerate coking from the ethylene produced on the acidic sites, resulting in a high coke amount of 19.1 mg c /g cat·h (20Ni/CZ-Al). [Display omitted] • Ni/CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3 for ethanol steam reforming are prepared at different Ni contents. • Depending on the Ni amounts, Ni selectively interacts with the CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3 support. • Stepwise Ni locations over CeZrO x –Al 2 O 3 remarkably affect the ESR reaction pathways. • Ni sites near the oxygen vacancies on CeZrO x enhance reforming via steam activation. • Ni sites on Al 2 O 3 accelerate coking from the ethylene produced on the acidic sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capture and, subsequently, in situ characterization of microparticles generally require complex fabrication processes and sophisticated techniques in microfluidic devices. In this paper, we present a simple and inexpensive technique for capturing and applying chemical agents to individual charged microparticles with the same glass microelectrode in a circular microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device features a thin poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) layer (100 µm, thickness) above the circular channel (diameter, 50 µm) so that the tip of the glass microelectrode can enter into the channel by penetrating through the thin PDMS layer. When an electric field is applied across the tip of the microelectrodes, the tip can capture charged microparticles or living cells that are flowing through the channel. Meanwhile, the same glass microelectrode can be used to apply chemical agents to the captured particles or living cells by filling the solution of the chemical agent into its tip. This simple design method offered simple fabrication without the need for any specialized equipment for the manipulation of charged particles or living cells in controlled microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaking-burning coupling fires caused by oil leakage from tanks cause significant damage to occupants and the equipment. A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the fire behavior of a tank with oil leaking and burning. The tank released n-heptane into the tray below, forming a fire that heated the tank. The tray size and leak diameter varied. Spill fires, steady pool fires, boiling pool fires, and jet fires were observed. The results show that within a specific leak diameter range (2.5–3.5 mm), the maximum pressure increased with decreasing leak diameter. The fuel vapor spread along the bottom of the tank, causing the expansion of the flame. Consequently, the pool fire size was larger than the actual tray size, thereby making the maximum pressure and thermal radiation almost independent of tray size. When the leaking oil began to boil and burn, the pressure increased rapidly and the emitted radiative heat flux was the largest; therefore, fire posed the most serious threat. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling approach was employed to predict the time when the temperature of the leaking oil reached its boiling point. The predicted results were validated against the experimental ones, which provided useful support for emergency response plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluation the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum strain RW1 isolated from healthy dogs for its further utilization as a dietary supplement for dogs. Methods and Results: This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of L. plantarum strain RW1 isolated from canine faeces. After confirming by conventional and then by 16S rRNA sequencing, the identified strain RW1 was in vitro screened for its survivability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions, low pH, bile salts and adhesion to gut epithelial tissues, growth inhibitory effects on common pathogens and anti‐inflammatory potential by measuring the mRNA expression level of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β in Salmonella‐infected MODE‐K cells. Furthermore, the effects on epithelial barrier function and host defensin peptide (beta‐defensin 3) was studied by measuring the mRNA expression level of tight junction protein (occludin) and beta‐defensin 3 in MODE‐K cells. The strain RW1 showed a considerable potential to survive in simulated gastrointestinal environmental conditions, low pH and high bile salt concentrations along with good adhesion to MODE‐K cell line. Pathogenic bacterial growth and their adhesion to MODE‐K cell line were significantly inhibited by the strain RW1. Real‐time PCR analyses demonstrated that the strain RW1 inhibited Salmonella‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐1β) production and reinforced the expression of tight junction protein (occludin). The strain RW1 did not induce mRNA expression of beta‐defensin 3. Conclusion: Based on in vitro results, the strain RW1 has the potential to be used as a probiotic supplement in dogs. However, further study involving in vivo health effects is needed. Significance and Impact of the Study: Antibiotics have many side effects and nowadays the probiotics are considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics. This study evaluates the probiotic potential of dog isolated L. plantarum strain RW1 to use it as a dietary supplement in dogs feeding to control infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Manipulating metal-support interactions in Ni/CZA catalysts were investigated. • 20Ni/40CZA contained highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles and abundant oxygen vacancies. • 20Ni/40CZA exhibited the highest H 2 production rate and the lowest coke formation. • Coke precursor gasification was promoted by the efficient delivery of active oxygen. Understanding coke formation routes over Ni-based catalysts is essential in determining the catalytic performance in ethanol steam reforming. In this study, we focused on optimizing the active sites distribution via the metal-support interactions and understanding the coke precursor gasification in Ni/Ce x Zr 1-x O 2 –Al 2 O 3 (CZA) catalysts for ethanol steam reforming. We found that the optimized active sites distribution could minimize coke formation by enabling efficient gasification of a coke precursor on Ni. In the 20Ni/40CZA catalyst, the crystalline CZ exhibited a strong interaction with Ni, maintaining a uniform distribution of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles and creating abundant oxygen vacancies on CZ, even at 20 wt% of Ni loading. Consequently, the resistance to coking over 20Ni/40CZA was significantly enhanced due to the efficient delivery of active oxygen atoms from steam on the abundant oxygen vacancies to the coke precursor on the Ni surface, resulting in fast gasification of the coke precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the metal–support interactions over Ni/CeO 2 –ZrO 2 (Ni/CZ) catalysts for ethanol steam reforming. Different Ni contents (5, 10, and 15 wt%) were loaded onto the CZ support using two catalyst preparation methods, namely one-pot, and successive impregnation methods. Using the one-pot method, the Ni species over the Ni/CZ catalysts strongly interacted with the CZ support, resulting in smaller Ni nanoparticles with abundant oxygen vacancies. In contrast, the successive impregnation method mainly generated an isolated Ni phase at a high Ni content, resulting in large Ni clusters with limited oxygen vacancies. The poor Ni dispersion over the Ni/CZ catalysts prepared by the successive impregnation method induced low ethanol conversions and hydrogen production rates. In addition, the large Ni clusters over the Ni/CZ catalysts prepared by the successive impregnation method achieved a fast-coking behavior, thereby increasing the coke amount. Further, coke gasification was demonstrated to dominate the Ni surface with the Ni/CZ catalysts prepared by the one-pot method because of the high Ni dispersion and abundant oxygen vacancies. [Display omitted] • Ni/CeO 2 -ZrO 2 catalysts for ethanol steam reforming are prepared at different methods. • The one-pot method induces the strong Ni-CZ interaction over Ni/CZ catalysts. • Ni/CZ prepared by the one-pot method contains abundant oxygen species and Ni sites. • Ni/CZ prepared by the one-pot method enhances the H 2 production rate at 550 ℃. • Mild coking on the one-pot Ni/CZ catalysts is due to efficient coke gasification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the Internet retail industry continues to rise, more and more consumers choose to shop online, especially Chinese consumers. Using consumer behavior data left on the Internet to predict repurchase behavior is of great significance for companies to achieve precision marketing. This paper proposes an improved deep forest model, and the interactive behavior characteristics of users and goods are added into the original feature model to predict the repurchase behavior of e-commerce consumers. Based on the Alibaba mobile e-commerce platform data set, first construct a feature engineering that includes user characteristics, product characteristics, and interactive behavior characteristics. And then use our proposed model to make predictions. Experiments show that the model's overall performance with increased interactive behavior features is better and has higher accuracy. Compared with the existing prediction models, the improved deep forest model has certain advantages, which not only improves the prediction accuracy but also reduces the cost of training time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the small-section profile hat-shaped roll bending part is used as the research object. Aiming at the issue of lacking scientific theory guidance for the bending angle distribution in roll forming, which leads to defects in the forming process and reduces the forming accuracy and quality of the product, a forming angle distribution function with five-boundary condition is proposed. Furthermore, an optimal forming angle distribution method is optimized and obtained on the basis of the distribution interval of forming angle under five-boundary condition determined by the previous research. Then, the generation mechanism of the warpage defect of the hat-shaped roll bending part is simulated and analyzed based on the optimized distribution method for the first time. Through the change of the maximum deviation of z-coordinates, z′, and fluctuation of the edge wave, ∆z, the influence of the forming angle, sheet thickness, and material yield strength on the warpage defect in the roll forming process is studied and verified by experiments. The results show that the stress, strain, fluctuation of the edge wave, and maximum deviation of z-coordinates based on the optimized distribution method are smaller than those of other distribution methods, showing its superiority in forming process. In addition, the peak longitudinal strain increases as the forming angle increases and the warpage decreases as the sheet thickness and yield strength increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mahjong game has widely been acknowledged to be a difficult problem in the field of imperfect information games. Because of its unique characteristics of asymmetric, serialized and multi-player game information, conventional methods of dealing with perfect information games are difficult to be applied directly on the Mahjong game. Therefore, AI (artificial intelligence)-based studies to handle the Mahjong game become challenging. In this study, an efficient AI-based method to play the Mahjong game is proposed based on the knowledge and game-tree searching strategy. Technically, we simplify the Mahjong game framework from multi-player to single-player. Based on the above intuition, an improved search algorithm is proposed to explore the path of winning. Meanwhile, three node extension strategies are proposed based on heuristic information to improve the search efficiency. Then, an evaluation function is designed to calculate the optimal solution by combining the winning rate, score and risk value assessment. In addition, we combine knowledge and Monte Carlo simulation to construct an opponent model to predict hidden information and translate it into available relative probabilities. Finally, dozens of experiments are designed to prove the effectiveness of each algorithm module. It is also worthy to mention that, the first version of the proposed method, which is named as KF-TREE, has won the silver medal in the Mahjong tournament of 2019 Computer Olympiad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural biodegradable packaging materials have become the focus of current research due to increased environmental consciousness and emphasis on food safety. In this paper, H2O2 was utilized to modify sesbania gum (SG), a natural polymer material, to prepare oxidized Sesbania gum (OSG), which was employed as the substrate for film formation. We created an antibacterial food packaging material by blending OSG with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), glycerin, and nano-zinc oxide (Nano-ZnO), which acted as reinforcement agent, plasticizer, and bacteriostatic agent respectively. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the composite films, and the effects of Nano-ZnO additions on the mechanical properties and barrier properties of the composite films were investigated. The results showed that oxidation modification of sesbania gum increased film-forming properties, hydrophobicity and thermal stability, while also mitigating its distinct, undesirable odor. The tensile strength (TS) of the composite film firstly increased and then decreased, and the elongation at break (EAB) gradually decreased as the addition of Nano-ZnO increased from 0.1 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL. When the Nano-ZnO content is 0.3 mg/mL, the TS of the composite film reaches its maximum value of 19.25 MPa and the EAB is 30.04%. However, when further increasing the Nano-ZnO content, there was a slight decrease in TS and a significant decrease in EAB. Simultaneously, with the increase in the Nano-ZnO addition, the barrier property and thermal stability of the modified composite film were improved, and the light transmittance decreased from 78.94% to 30.39%. XRD proved that the four materials had good miscibility. SEM showed that Nano-ZnO was agglomerated, and the surface of the film became rough when the Nano-ZnO amount was more than 0.3 mg/mL. SG-modified composite film can be used as a new food packaging material, providing a new idea for the preparation of food packaging materials and expanding the application of SG. • Prepared OSG by oxidatively modifying it with SG as the raw material. • OSG, glycerol, CMC and Nano-ZnO were combined composite film by casting technique. • Effects of Nano-ZnO addition on the structure and properties of the composite film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to effectively suppress surplus torque, realizing high precision loading, this paper applies proportional resonant (PR) control to the load torque control of electric load simulator (ELS), and analyzes and optimizes the stability and dynamic performance of ELS. The mathematical model of ELS is built in z-domain first in this paper, to establish foundation for designing and analyzing PR controller. The stability of the ELS with PR controller is analyzed through Nyquist diagrams, and optimized by reasonably designing the phase compensation angle of PR controller. The dynamic performance is analyzed through pole–zero plots, and the resonant gain of PR controller is designed based on the pole–zero plots to optimize the dynamic performance. Experimental results on ELS are provided, and the proposed method is compared with other typical methods, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Most of the current research on heavy gas dispersion focuses on how fixed obstacles affect gas spreading. The turbulence caused by the movements of people or traffic will significantly affect heavy gas dispersion. Accordingly, this study presents an investigation of heavy gas dispersion under the influence of moving obstacles, which is based on the dynamic mesh approach using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A turbulence model suitable for such a condition has been developed, and we have designed a small-scale experiment to verify the model's viability. Consequently, the verified model is further applied to a full-scale scenario for a chemical factory where a chlorine leak triggers an evacuation movement. On the basis of this scenario, we simplify the massive escape crowd to a regular geometric model, and the effects of the speed and size of movable obstacles on gas dispersion have been investigated by means of the RNG k-ε model and the layering updating approach in the dynamic mesh. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric load simulator (ELS) is a resonant system and has a large coefficient caused by the stiffness of shaft. Its dynamic performance is always limited and stability is hard to be guaranteed. Besides, its external disturbance is the active motion of an actuator, and output is the load torque, which are both different from conventional servo systems. Therefore, the speed controller of ELS needs to be specially designed. In this paper, a speed controller for ELS is proposed to improve the dynamic performance and stability of ELS. The proposed controller consists of three control terms: a proportional (P) control term, a speed reference feedforward term, and a load torque compensation term. The tracking performance and surplus torque suppression performance of ELS with the proposed controller are analyzed in this paper. Stability analysis in discrete domain is carried out to guarantee the stability for digital applications. Robustness is also analyzed and an extended state observer is designed to compensate uncertainties and estimate speed. Furthermore, the proposed speed controller is compared with other three control methods. Experimental results on ELS are provided and validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Television is the primary medium through which most families access entertainment and information in their daily lives. Thus, understanding users' TV viewing behavior is meaningful for several practical issues, such as evaluating the influence of TV channels and providing personalized TV recommendations. However, most existing works regarding TV viewing data are limited to basic statistics (e.g., TV ratings). In this paper, we analyze a large-scale TV viewing dataset for a city in China via a complex network approach. We construct a directed network that characterizes the collective channel-switching behavior of viewers. By using the PageRank method, we reveal the influential TV channels that are more in line with people's expectations than their rankings based on simple TV ratings. We further construct a network in which channels are linked according to their similarity in users' switching preferences. This network exhibits a clear community structure, which can help TV stations understand which channels are in the bottleneck and which channels have potential. Overall, our work provides a system perspective to evaluate TV channels and their relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel nonenzymatic sensor based on CoO/rGO was developed. [•] CoO/rGO exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for carbofuran and carbaryl oxidation. [•] Carbofuran and carbaryl were simultaneously analysed in fruit and vegetable samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cationic iron (III) tetrakis-5, 10, 15, 20-( N-methyl-4-pyridyl) porphyrin (Fe IIITMPyP) was intercalated into layered semiconductor KNb 3O 8 by ion-exchange method. The target product was characterized by XRD, Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, and TGA. Fe IIITMPyP forms an inclined monolayer between Nb 3O 8− nanosheets and endues the nanocomposite with excellent electrochemical catalytic activities. The target nanocomposite modified glass carbon electrode shows good electrocatalytic activities for the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA); the catalytic mechanism was proposed. Differential pulse voltammetric technique was used for detection of AA in neutral aqueous solution; a detection limit of 4.2 × 10 −5 M was obtained, and the modified electrode showed good reproducibility in electrochemical detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Highly uniform Co3O4 nanorods decorated on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal procedure. During the hydrothermal process, Co2+ ions were crystallized to Co3O4 nanorods and simultaneously GO was reduced to rGO to form the Co3O4/rGO hybrid. The Co3O4/rGO hybrid was characterized by scanning electron micrographs, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained Co3O4/rGO hybrid exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Cubic Cu2O were effectively loaded on n-propylamine (PA) intercalated graphene oxide. [•] The addition of PA on the carbon sheets supports the stable structure of the composites. [•] Cu2O/PA/rGO showed superior adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new Cu metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF), [Cu(adp)(BIB)(H2O)] n (BIB=1,4-bisimidazolebenzene; H2adp=adipic acid), is synthesised under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture with channels originating from two-dimensional layers extended by hydrogen bonds. The cyclic voltammogram of a [Cu(adp)(BIB)(H2O)] n -modified electrode shows a pair of redox peaks at ca. 0.43V in 0.1M NaOH solution corresponding to CuIII(OH)-MOF/CuII(H2O)-MOF couple. The Cu-MOF-modified electrode shows high electrocatalytic activity towards H2O2 oxidation with a linear range from 0.1μM to 2.75μM and a detection limit of 0.068μM. Thus, Cu-MOF is a promising material for H2O2 detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The coupling characteristics of the finite waveguide arrays are analyzed by taking into account the coupling between the non-adjacent waveguides. The sufficient condition to achieve Talbot effect in the waveguide arrays is discussed. The results show that the condition is more rigorous than that obtained by only considering adjacent coupling. It is closely related to the coupling parameter and incidence condition, and could be simplified by the incident optical field. The analysis results agree well with the BPM simulations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, GaN-based side-gate heterostructure transistors (SGHTs) with two electrical operating modes were fabricated. In the first operating mode, the SGHT was utilized as a common-source voltage amplifier with low power consumption and a broad input signal range. Analysis of the main scattering mechanisms affecting the electrical transport of two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in the channel revealed that polar optical phonon scattering and polarization Coulomb field (PCF) scattering play dominant roles under different side-gate voltages. In addition, channel current modulation of 2DEG electron mobility is primarily attributed to PCF scattering. Due to PCF scattering, the channel width also modulates the threshold voltage in this mode of operation. Moreover, in the second operating mode, the SGHT functioned as a traditional GaN high electron mobility transistor, allowing for electrically modulated threshold voltage and transconductance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2′,4′-Dihydroxychalcone (TFC), one of the main components in Herba Oxytropis, belongs to the flavonoid group, which is known to have anti-tumor activity in vitro. In this study, the authors examined the effects of TFC on cell proliferation and apoptosis in human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. The MTT assay results showed that TFC was able to induce cytotoxicity in MGC-803 cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining analysis indicated that the cytotoxicity induced by TFC was mediated by apoptosis, and flow cytometry analysis indicated an increase in apoptotic cells after treatment with TFC. Furthermore, typical apoptotic morphology such as condensed chromatin, irregular nuclei, vacuoles, and dispersed granular material in the nuclear compartment were also observed using a transmission electron microscope. These results suggested that TFC can inhibit the growth of MGC-803 cells and induce apoptosis. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the possible mechanism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we prove that the Lagrangian system on any Riemannian torus with C3-smooth even and τ-periodic potential in time possesses infinitely many different periodic contractible even solutions with integer multiple periods of τ. As a consequence, we get that the same conclusion holds for any τ > 0 and the Lagrangian system on any Riemannian torus with C3-smooth potential independent of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this note, the local inverse mapping theorem is extended to a class of Banach orbifolds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, the influence of negatively charged active fluorescent dextran on electrofusion of barley protoplasts was investigated. We discovered that this biopolymer inhibits the electrofusion process. The adsorption of fluorescent dextran on membranes was determined by observing their fluorescence microphotograph in protoplast suspension. A green fluorescent ring appeared around the membrane. The adsorption phenomena were also investigated by measuring the influence of additives on electrophoresis of protoplasts. It was detected that the membrane of barley protoplasts had a negative charge. After being stored in solution containing fluorescent dextran, the protoplasts demonstrated increased relative mobility due to the increase of negative charge on membranes by adsorption. The mobility decreased when the protoplasts were pretreated in the solution containing positively charged substances Bardac 2080. The increase of the membrane's negative charge by adsorption F-DX enhances the repulsion between protoplasts, and therefore decreases the electrofusion yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report on the direct-current (DC) and frequency characteristics of split-gate heterostructure field-effect transistors (HFETs) with different split-gate lengths. The split-gate HFET contains two distinct operating parts, the large and the small transconductance parts. The split-gate HFET has a current cutoff frequency ( f T ) of 814 MHz and a maximum oscillation frequency ( f max ) of 18.8 GHz in the large transconductance part. Meanwhile, in the small transconductance part, there is a higher unilateral power gain of f max = 2 7. 7 GHz. Also, the split-gate HFET exhibits a voltage gain greater than 1 (0 dB) at both DC and frequencies. Additionally, compared to the large transconductance part, the small transconductance part of the split-gate HFET presents a 53.5% reduction in DC power consumption and a larger input signal voltage range. Split-gate HFETs can be used as conventional power amplifiers in the large transconductance part and are also suitable as low-power voltage amplifiers in the small transconductance part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by a simple hydrothermal method vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on the carbon fiber paper (CFP) and then through a facile chemical bath deposition method CuO nanosheets were loaded on ZnO nanorod arrays, following by thermal spraying method, carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CCNTs) were successfully integrated with CuO/ZnO@CFP to form a binder-free CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor. The sensor shows enhanced sensing activity for baicalein and luteolin determination due to the improved structural integration and synergism of different electrode material components. Remarkably, the CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor showed good linear relationships over wide concentration ranges of 0.03–0.70 µM and 0.70–20 µM for baicalein and 0.03–0.45 µM and 0.45–8.5 µM for luteolin detection, with the detection limits of 1.7 nM for baicalein and 0.5 nM for luteolin, respectively. More importantly, the CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP sensor was utilized in the simultaneous determination of baicalein and luteolin, delivering linear ranges of 0.4–14 µM (baicalein) and 0.2–6 µM (luteolin) with the limit of detection of 0.05 µM and 0.03 µM, respectively. In addition, the developed CuO/ZnO-CCNT@CFP electrode was further investigated to detect baicalein and luteolin in traditional herbal medicine samples, showing satisfied results in comparison with analytic results from high performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the improvement of device linearity in AlGaN/GaN heterostructure field effect transistors (HFETs) using polarization Coulomb field (PCF) scattering and investigates the relationship between device linearity and PCF scattering under 10 and 20 V drain bias. The mobility of the gate-to-source region in AlGaN/GaN HFETs is calculated using the Monte Carlo method. We find that PCF scattering decreases with an increase in gate bias (from −3 to −0.5 V) under high field conditions, leading to lower gate-to-source resistance. Under 20 V drain bias, linearity is worse than under 10 V drain bias. The transconductance drop is significant in AlGaN/GaN HFETs, which damages linearity. By adopting an appropriate drain bias, PCF scattering can alleviate transconductance drop and improve the linearity of AlGaN/GaN HFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Macroporous Ni–Ce x ZrO (1-x) –Al 2 O 3 catalysts were prepared by washing and hydrothermal methods. • A synergistic effect of macroporosity and crystallinity on MSI was intensively investigated. • The synergistic effect resulted in highly dispersed Ni and abundant oxygen vacancies. • Macroporous structure efficiently inhibited coke formation in dry reforming of methane. • The synergistic effect extended to easy gasification of coke precursor on Ni surface. Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an outstanding process for transforming methane and carbon dioxide into synthesis gases (H 2 and CO). In this study, a special geometrical modification on Ni/Ce x Zr 1-x O 2 –Al 2 O 3 catalyst was applied by introducing a macroporous structure into the support to accelerate the metal support interaction that optimized the distribution of the active sites over the catalyst. Furthermore, we investigated a synergistic effect of the macroporosity and Ce x Zr 1-x O 2 (CZ) crystallinity over the Ni/Ce x Zr 1-x O 2 –Al 2 O 3 catalyst on its catalytic performance in DRM. Macroporous Ni/Ce x Zr 1-x O 2 –Al 2 O 3 catalysts were prepared via washing (Ni-M a CZA-W) and hydrothermal (Ni-M a CZA-H) methods. Non-macroporous Ni-CZA-H with crystalline CZ was prepared for comparison. The crystalline CZ over macroporous Ni-M a CZA-H had a strong interaction with Ni due to easy accessibility of Ni species to CZ in the macroporous support, resulting in highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles and abundant oxygen vacancies. The unique properties of Ni-M a CZA-H increased catalytic activity and stability in DRM, suppressing coke formation via efficient coke gasification. The Ni species and amorphous CZ over Ni-M a CZA-W resulted in a bimodal Ni size distribution and fast catalyst deactivation. However, even though the crystalline CZ over Ni-CZA-H generated a unimodal distribution of Ni nanoparticles, the non-macroporous Ni-CZA-H resulted in gradual deactivation in the catalytic activity and the production of a different type of coke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acromegaly is caused by the long‐term excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). It can cause excessive hyperplasia of bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. Case Presentation: A 50‐year‐old woman had a history of joint pain and swelling for more than 1 year. She visited a local primary care clinic, but her illness was not diagnosed by a primary care physician. After relevant examination in our hospital, we excluded inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, immune disease‐related arthritis, and infectious arthritis, and considered osteoarthritis or endocrine–metabolic arthritis. When we examined her again, we found that her fingers and toes were enlarged. She was diagnosed with acromegaly after IGF‐1 test, and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging. Her joint symptoms were significantly relieved and her prognosis was good after surgery in another hospital. Conclusions: Acromegaly is a complex and rare disease, which is difficult to diagnose. When a patient presents with arthralgia, it is easily misdiagnosed as a rheumatic disease, and the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical force‐induced N2 fixation is an emerging strategy for single‐step ammonia synthesis under room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Here, we demonstrate a simple and rapid approach to synthesize NH3 in the N2+H2+H2O system and illustrate the reaction mechanism by theoretical calculations. The NH3 generation rate can reach 2.847 mg L−1 h−1 with an NH4+ selectivity of 99.45 wt.%. The presence of H2 can inhibit oxidation reactions to form NO3− by‐products and promote proton generation from H2O dissociation. The calculated formation energy of H‐adatom and OH‐adatom from H2O cleavage is −2.86 eV in N2+H2+H2O system, much lower than that in N2+H2O system, verifying much easier dissociation of H2O molecules and significantly facilitated proton generation to enlarge the NH4+ yield. This work provides a simple approach to improve mechanochemical N2 fixation performance and highlights a proton generation enhancement mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction is a severe global disease associated with high dietary fat intake, and its pathogenesis includes inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. Celastrol (Cel) is a bioactive compound isolated from the herb Tripterygium wilfordii , which has a protective influence on cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the role of Cel in obesity-induced ferroptosis and cardiac injury was investigated. We found that Cel alleviated ferroptosis induced by Palmitic acid (PA), exhibiting a decrease in the LDH, CK-MB, Ptgs2, and Lipid Peroxidation levels. After cardiomyocytes were treated with additional LY294002 and LiCl, Cel exerted its protective effect through increased AKT/GSK3β phosphorylation and decreased level of lipid peroxidation and Mitochondrial ROS. The systolic left ventricle (LV) dysfunction of obese mice was alleviated via ferroptosis inhibition by elevated p-GSK3β and decreased Mitochondrial ROS under Cel treatment. Moreover, mitochondrial anomalies included swelling and distortion in the myocardium which was relieved with Cel. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that ferroptosis resistance with Cel under HFD conditions targets AKT/GSK3β signaling, which provides novel therapeutic strategies in obesity-induced cardiac injury. [Display omitted] • Celastrol suppresses PA-induced ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. • Celastrol resists PA-induced cardiotoxicity by targeting AKT/GSK3β signaling. • Celastrol upregulates GSK3β phosphorylation and NRF2 expression in HFD mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have previously reported that L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase substrate, inhibits the basolateral 10-pS Cl- channel through the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway in the thick ascending limb (TAL). As a NO releasing agent, the effect of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) on the channel activity was examined in thick ascending limb of C57BL/6 mice in the present study. SNAP inhibited the basolateral 10-pS Cl- channel in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 6.6 μM. The inhibitory effect of SNAP was abolished not only by NO scavenger (carboxy-PTIO) but also by blockers of soluble guanylate cyclase (ODQ or LY-83583), indicating that the cGMP-dependent signaling pathway is involved. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of SNAP on the channel was strongly attenuated by a protein kinase G (PKG)-specific inhibitor, KT-5823, but not by the PDE2 inhibitor, BAY-60-7550. We concluded that SNAP inhibited the basolateral 10-pS Cl- channels in the TAL through a cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. As the 10-pS Cl- channel is important for regulation of NaCl absorption along the nephron, these data suggest that SNAP might be served as a regulator to prevent high-salt absorption related diseases, such as hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our case, the pulsed wire method is applied to the magnetic field measurement of the permanent magnets in focusing device of millimeter-wave traveling wave tube (TWT). The focusing device using permanent magnets is used to help the electron beam keep shape and make it possible go through the slow-wave circuit, effectively interact with the microwave field and well received by collectors, which makes the measurement become a key factor for the development of the millimeter-wave TWT technique. Furthermore, the wire method can be extended used to magnetic field measurement of the magnet with small via hole. The pulsed wire technique is based on the excitation of the harmonics of a wire vibration by Lorenz forces between current in a wire and the surrounding magnetic field. Knowing the amplitude and the phase of the various harmonics of the wire vibration, one can easily reconstruct the surrounding magnetic field. As sensitive the wire system is, ultrastable supporters, high accurate mechanical adjusters, precise light and electric centering device are installed and relevant parameters are properly chosen. In addition, shorter wire is used to reduce the sag, and a simple and effective wire-position detector providing accuracy up to 1 μm is designed and tested. Experiment confirms the theoretical conclusions and shows a positive future of application. The prototype system can show several relevant results, e.g., three-dimensional magnetic intensity distribution, maximum, minimum, and medium magnetic inductions, pole pitch error, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need for the rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes present in a sample matrix. Here, a multiplex immunochromatographic test (multi-ICT) was developed that successfully allowed for the rapid and simultaneous detection of four major nitrofuran metabolites, i.e., 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), semicarbazide (SEM), 3-amino-5-methylmorpholino-2-oxazolidinone (AMOZ), and 1-aminohydantoin (AHD), in fish samples. Four different antigens were separately immobilized in four test lines on a nitrocellulose membrane. Goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin (IgG) was used as a control. Sensitive and specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize the corresponding antigens were selected for the assay, and no cross-reactivity between the antibodies in the detection assay was observed. The free analytes in samples or standards were pre-incubated with freeze-dried mAb-gold conjugates to improve the sensitivity of the detection assay. The multi-ICT detection was accomplished in less than 15 min by the naked eye. The cutoff values for the strip test were 0.5 ng/mL for AOZ and 0.75 ng/mL for AHD, SEM, and AMOZ, which were all below the maximum residue levels set by the European Union and China. A high degree of consistency was observed between the multi-ICT method and commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits using spiked, incurred, and 'blind' fish samples, indicating the accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of the novel test strip. This newly developed multi-ICT strip assay is suitable for the rapid and high-throughput screening of four nitrofuran metabolites in fish samples on-site, with no treatment or devices required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of the fire hazard of a tank during burning of leaking contents is significant during the emergency response to tank fire accidents. A detailed investigation was conducted in small-scale tank fire experiments with different filling levels and tray sizes. The liquid (n-heptane) leaked from the tank and burned in the containment structure (the tray) below, heating the tank and emitting radiative heat flux to the surroundings. The temperature of the leaking contents increased as the heating progressed and eventually reached its boiling point. When the leaking contents boiled and burned, the fire hazard was the greatest because the internal pressure increased rapidly, and the mass burning rate and thermal radiation reached a maximum. Modifying the previous models, this paper proposed a virtual tray modeling approach for predicting the mass burning rate and thermal radiation during the burning of boiling leaking contents. The maximum relative error between measurement and prediction was approximately 20%, indicating the availability of the modified models. A three-dimensional transient simulation was set up using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique to predict the temperature response of the leaking contents, and thus, the elapsed time before boiling and burning of the contents was well predicted. These results can provide scientific support for emergency response teams to control similar tank fire accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike many studies on the preparation of Z-scheme heterojunctions by doping precious metals, in this paper we first prepared a core-shell material obtained by C doping in ZnO and then composite with MnO2 to form a heterojunction; that is, a low-cost and highly catalytic ternary composite catalyst was prepared by a simple hydrothermal reaction. Meanwhile, a large amount of experimental data have enabled the heterostructure type as well as the mechanism of photocatalytic performance to be fully demonstrated. It is proven that C as an intermediate medium achieves electron transport while making up the deficiency of ZnO, and constitutes an all-solid state Z-scheme heterojunction, which enables the rapid transfer of photogenerated electron pairs and visible light irradiation to the stream to improve the photocatalytic performance of the composite photocatalyst. In terms of examination of degradation performance, this catalyst showed a high photodegradation rate of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) of 92.6% within 60 min, and the surface ZnO-C/MnO2 catalysts also showed good degradation effect on practical petrochemical wastewater in CODcr degradation experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphyne, a promising carbon candidate for energy storage and conversion, has been prepared successfully via a mechanochemical route. However, inevitable graphitic carbon species generate concomitantly. In this work, we synthesize rich pyridonic-/pyridinic-nitrogen doped graphyne (NGY) employing calcium carbide and asymmetric pentachloropyridine (PCP) as precursors and find that introducing symmetric hexabromobenzene (HBB) can suppress the formation of graphitic carbon impurities. The symmetry of organic precursors is a key to the yield of NGY during the mechanochemical process, so a competitive formation mechanism between NGY and graphitic carbon species is proposed according to experimental results and theoretical calculation. Compared with the samples obtained from single asymmetric PCP or symmetric HBB, an optimized NGY (1:1 molar ratio of PCP/HBB) increases the Li-storage capacity by 11% and 52% respectively, owing to abundant Li+ adsorption and high structural stability. This work highlights organic precursor symmetry for undergoing mechanochemical cross-coupling and brings new insights to in-situ constructing heteroatom-doped alkynyl carbon frameworks. We have demonstrated mechanochemical synthesizing nitrogen-doped graphyne, affording competitive lithium storage performance, and found that the feeding ratio of symmetric organic precursors is a key for suppressing inevitable graphitic carbon species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]