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Lithium battery temperatures will increase if the heat produced during the charging and discharging procedures is not promptly vented externally. Fewer investigations have been conducted on materials that can retain good flexibility at room temperature and shape stability at high temperatures under the existing thermal management system for phase change materials (PCM). In this study, a particular kind of flexible composite PCM (CPCM) at room temperature is created to address the issue of heat transfer between the PCM and the power battery. The characteristics of hardness, room-temperature flexibility, form stability at high temperature, and thermal conductivity are compared with those of three other thermally induced flexible CPCMs. The flexibility at room temperature of the new CPCM is demonstrated by the results, which makes assembly easier and helps further lower the contact thermal resistance. Charge–discharge test comparisons of the battery modules employing the chosen CPCM and thermally induced CPCM are performed to further evaluate their thermal management capabilities. The thermally induced CPCM exhibits larger maximum temperature profiles at the discharge rates of 1C, 2C, and 3C than the room-temperature flexible CPCM. The variations in maximum temperatures are 0.96, 1.48, and 2.08 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we prove the strong unique continuation property for the following fourth order degenerate elliptic equation Δ X 2 u = V u , where Δ X = Δ x + | x | 2 α Δ y (0 < α ≤ 1), with x ∈ R m , y ∈ R n , denotes the Baouendi-Grushin type subelliptic operators, and the potential V satisfies the strongly singular growth assumption | V | ≤ c 0 ρ 4 , where ρ = (| x | 2 (α + 1) + (α + 1) 2 | y | 2) 1 2 (α + 1) is the gauge norm. The main argument is to introduce an Almgren's type frequency function for the solutions, and show its monotonicity to obtain a doubling estimate based on setting up some refined Hardy-Rellich type inequalities on the gauge balls with boundary terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sedimentary records from the Kumtag (also known as Kumtagh) Desert (KMD) in northwestern China are investigated to better understand Late Quaternary paleoenvironmental changes in this hyper-arid region. Presented here are the results of probably the first systematic survey of sedimentary sequences from the KMD, with the chronology determined by the optically stimulated luminescence dating. The variation of sedimentary facies, supported by granular and geochemical paleoenvironmental proxies, is used to decipher the history of Late Quaternary environment changes. The results demonstrate that a constantly dry condition characterized the eastern KMD since the last glacial maximum, but with occurrences of wetter periods. From ca. 17 to 15 ka, fluvial activity was probably triggered by melting of glaciers in mountains located south of the KMD. A distinctly drier stage (ca. 13–7 ka) was recognized due to the prominent occurrence of aeolian sands. A wetter environment likely persisted between ca. 4.4 and 2.2 ka, consistent with evidence of human activities. While the causes of paleoenvironmental changes in the eastern KMD are still a matter of debate, the melting of glaciers in the Altyn-Tagh Mountains in the south must be considered as an important factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of undergraduate teaching levels by the Ministry of Education has greatly promoted the construction of software and hardware in universities. After the evaluation, it will be a long-term task to build a long-term decision-making mechanism to guarantee the continuous improvement of teaching quality. As an important part of university education, physical education (PE) has always played an irreplaceable role in improving current students' physical quality and cultivating their awareness of lifelong physical exercise. How to establish and improve the quality evaluation information system of PE to guarantee the quality of PE is not only related to the awareness of physical education workers about their own teaching work but also to the effective means to regulate the quality monitoring of PE. An effective PE quality evaluation system depends not only on the teaching management department but also on the evaluation of teaching by students and teachers themselves. Only in this way can PE classroom teaching quality be comprehensively and truly reflected. The evaluation of PE quality in higher education is often considered as a multiattribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problem. In this article, the EDAS model is extended to the single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) setting to deal with MAGDM and the computational steps, for all designs are listed. Finally, the PE quality evaluation is given to prove the SVNN-EDAS model and some good comparative analysis is done to demonstrate the advantages of SVNN-EDAS. It is shown that the SVNN-EDAS method emphasizes the expectation value of the SVNN average alternative. Compared with different methods mentioned, the SVNN-EDAS method is more practical and efficient because the calculation steps are simpler and easier to apply in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent 56-metal Cd(II)–Sm(III) nanocluster (1, molecular sizes: 4.5 × 2.7 × 2.7 nm) was constructed from a flexible Schiff base ligand, and its crystal structure was determined using the X-ray diffraction method. It shows a rapid triple-emissive response to 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline (DCN, a common pesticide) with high sensitivity and selectivity, which can be used to quantitatively analyze the DCN concentrations in fruit extracts. The limits of detection (LODs) of 1 to DCN for the visible ligand-centered and Sm(III) emissions and NIR Sm(III) luminescence are from 0.95 μM to 2.81 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer, a deadly disease seems to be a major concern for the global medical field. Controlling the spread of disease is not only a problem for under developed countries but also the developed countries face a lot of concern in diagnosing and treating cancer. Among various cancer types lung cancer mortality incidence seems to be a global threat. Surgery and Chemoradiation therapies are mostly prescribe for lung cancer patients which renders post treatment side effects. Hence, treating cancer with alternative medicine tends to be a choice at present. Materials and Methods: In this study, we induced lung cancer in healthy Swiss albino mice by treating with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene. The treatment was carried out for a period of 18 weeks; both pre supplementation and post supplementation of prunetin was administered to the mice. Results: The changes in hematological and immunological parameters induced by prunetin in lung cancer induced mice were assessed. Oxidative stress in white blood cells which plays a key role in lung cancer induction was analyzed. The therapeutic of efficacy of prunetin was evaluated by estimating the levels of metabolizing enzymes in cancer induced mice. The anticancer effect of prunetin was assessed by estimating the tumor marker CEA and anti-inflammatory markers. It was further confirmed with histopathological analysis of lung tissue. Our results had proven that prunetin significantly increased the white blood cell count, phagocytic, and activity index in lung cancer induced mice. It also decreased the levels of immunoglobulins and oxidative stress in white blood cells. Prunetin treatment decreased the levels of metabolizing enzymes, tumor marker CEA, and proinflammatory markers in cancer induced mice which proven the anticancer efficacy of prunetin. It was further confirmed with histopathological analysis of lung tissue. Conclusion: Over all our results authentically confirms prunetin is a potent anticancer drug to treat lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A healthy body is the foundation of education, and the guiding ideology of health first requires that all educational work in schools should take the health of students as the starting point and be responsible for the health of students. Taking the development of students as the foundation, its essential meaning is to make students develop into a "complete person," that is, to integrate and unify students' morality, intelligence, physique, beauty, life, habits, morality, skills, and other elements. The establishment of the evaluation index system of sports health literacy is a complex evaluation system with multiple factors and multiple indicators. The university student sports study psychological healthy evaluation is always looked as the multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) issue. In this paper, based on the generalized Heronian mean (HM) operator and generalized weighted HM (GWHM) operator, the generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic HM (G2TLNHM) operator and generalized 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic weighted HM (G2TLNWHM) operator are proposed with 2-tuple linguistic neutrosophic sets (2TLNSs). Finally, an example of university student sports study psychological healthy evaluation is used to show the proposed methods. Some comparative studies and parameter influence analysis on the final result are fully given. The results show that the built algorithms method is really useful for university student sports study psychological healthy evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the advent of the new era, my country has completed the popularization of higher education, and the country has gradually begun to pay attention to the quality of higher education. Under the background of Healthy China, the quality of physical education teaching in colleges and universities has become a hot topic of social concern. The quality of physical education teaching in colleges and universities directly determines the quality of physical education talents. A reasonable, complete, and scientific evaluation system of physical education teaching quality in colleges and universities is an effective measure to improve the quality of physical education teaching and the training of physical education talents. The physical education teaching quality evaluation in colleges and universities is frequently viewed as the multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) issue. In such paper, taxonomy method is designed for solving the MAGDM under single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs). First, the score function of SVNSs and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method is used to derive the attribute weights. Second, then, the optimal choice is obtained through calculating the smallest single-valued neutrosophic number development attribute values from the single-valued neutrosophic number positive ideal solution (SVNNPIS). Finally, a numerical example for physical education teaching quality evaluation in colleges and universities is given to illustrate the built method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A NIR luminescent Cd(II)–Nd(III) nanocage 1 was synthesized from a new long-chain Schiff base ligand. The cage dimensions are about 2.4 × 2.4 × 2.4 nm, which allow direct visualization by TEM. 1 exhibits rapid and stable ratiometric fluorescent response to Que with high sensitivity. The quenching constants of Que to the ligand-centered and lanthanide emissions of 1 are 1.7 × 105 M−1 and 8.1 × 104 M−1, respectively. The detection limits to Que are 1.8 μM for the ligand-centered emission and 3.7 μM for the lanthanide luminescence. The response behavior of 1 to Que is not influenced by some potential interferents such as biomolecules and ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cd8Tb4 nanoring (1) (molecular sizes: 1.2 × 2.8 × 2.8 nm) was constructed by the use of a flexible Schiff base ligand. It displays response to DPA by the enhancement of lanthanide luminescence and the decrease of ligand-centered emission, which can be directly observed by naked eyes. The detection limit of 1 to DPA is 10.7 μmol L−1. The luminescence sensitivity of 1 towards DPA is not influenced by the existence of interferents, for example, aromatic carboxylates and ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the measure estimate of nodal set of eigenfunction u$u$ of the bi‐harmonic operator, that is, ▵2u=λ2u$\hbox{{$\triangle$}} ^2u=\lambda ^2u$ in Ω$\Omega$ with some homogeneous linear boundary conditions. We assume that Ω⊆Rn$\Omega \subseteq \mathbb {R}^n$ (n⩾2$n\geqslant 2$) is a C(n+1)/2$C^{(n+1)/2}$‐bounded domain, ∂Ω$\partial \Omega$ is piecewise analytic, and analytic except a set Γ⊆∂Ω$\Gamma \subseteq \partial \Omega$ which is a finite union of some compact (n−2)$(n-2)$‐dimensional submanifolds of ∂Ω$\partial \Omega$. The main result of this paper is that the measure upper bound of nodal set of the eigenfunction u$u$ is controlled by λ$\sqrt {\lambda }$. We first define a frequency function and a doubling index related to the eigenfunction. With the help of establishing the monotonicity formula, doubling conditions and various a priori estimates, we obtain that the (n−1)$(n-1)$‐dimensional Hausdorff measure of nodal set of the eigenfunction in a ball is controlled by the frequency function and λ$\sqrt {\lambda }$. In order to further control the frequency function by λ$\sqrt {\lambda }$, we establish the relationship between the frequency function and the doubling index, and then separate the domain Ω$\Omega$ into two parts: the domain away from Γ$\Gamma$ and the domain near Γ$\Gamma$, and develop a new iteration argument to deal with the two cases, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inborn low electronic conductivity of NASCION-type Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 (NVP) restricts its widespread commercial applications. Traditionally carboreduction method could add a thin carbon-layer on the surface of the particles and enhance its conductivity to some extent, while the underlying mechanism about the reducing agent categories is blurred. In this paper, the mechanism of various frequently-selected carbon sources in the carbothermal process has been explored in detail, and the Na-storage property of NVP has been optimized focusing on the categories of the carbon sources. Owning to the acid etching effect of citric acid, carbon-coated NVP (NVP@C) particles synthesized via adopting citric acid as carbon source display tiny particle size as well as porous Na-storage structure. The construction of porous Na-storing structure, coupled with evenly carbon-coating, upgrades the dynamics of ion and electron transportation effectively, enhancing its Na-storing performances. The optimal experiments indicates that NVP@C prepared with citric acid with the overdose coefficient of 125 % (CR125%-NVP) exhibits the optimal electrochemical performances. In detail, CR125%-NVP showcased the initial discharging specific capacities of 116.2 and 101.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and 10 C, respectively. It also performed perfect cycle stability, with a capacity retention of 88.9 % after 500 cycles at 10 C rate. [Display omitted] • NVP with densely and uniformly carbon-coating has been constructed successfully. • The CR-NVP synthesized via carbothermal reduction boasts porous structure. • The initial capacities and capacity retention rates are excellent for CR-NVP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and quantitative detection of isoquercitrin (Isq) has been attracting much attention due to its outstanding pharmacological and physiological activities. Herein, an interesting 48-metal Zn(II)-Nd(III) nanocluster (1 , molecular sizes 1.3 × 2.8 × 3.1 nm) with salen-type Schiff base ligand was constructed as molecular sensor for the luminescence detection of Isq. 1 exhibits visible ligand-centered emission and NIR luminescence of Nd(III), and shows ratiometric fluorescence response to Isq with high sensitivity even in the presence of other interferences. The fluorescence sensing behavior can be expressed by a second-order equation I 1060nm / I 480nm = A *[Isq]2 + B *[Isq] + C , which is used to quantitatively analyze the Isq concentrations in DMF and FCS. The LODs to Isq for the ligand-centered and lanthanide emissions of 1 in DMF are 0.21 μM and 0.11 nM, respectively. The quenching of the ligand-centered emission of 1 caused by Isq is attributed to the competitive absorption of light energy and "inner effect", while, the luminescence enhancement is due to the "antenna effect". [Display omitted] • Isoquercitrin (Isq) is detected firstly by a NIR luminescent high-nuclearity d-4f nanomolecular sensor. • The ratiometric fluorescence detection of Isq is fast and reliable. • The ratiometric fluorescence detection of Isq is highly sensitive and selective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pear black spot disease significantly threatens pear trees. • Proteome and transcriptome profiling of resistant and susceptible pear cultivars were obtained. • PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 were identified as potential key genes in the defense response. Pear black spot disease (BSD), caused by the pathogen Alternaria alternata , poses a significant threat to pear trees. In this study, we investigated the defense mechanisms of sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) against BSD using iTRAQ and transcriptome analysis. Proteome sequencing and iTRAQ-UPLC MS/MS identified 6487 reliable proteins, including 6230 quantifiable ones. Further analysis revealed 237 differential proteins following inoculation with the H strain of A. alternata. Among these, 20 were common to both 'Jinjing' pear and the susceptible 'Hongfen' pear, while 138 were specific to 'Jinjing' and 79 were specific to 'Hongfen'. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis implicated these proteins in processes like "plastid", "ion binding", "ribosome", and "amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism". We further identified 100 common genes from the proteome and transcriptome data, with 69% showing consistent expression patterns. Among these, we discovered a candidate gene, Pbr037418, which shares a close phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis AtJAZ1 and was designated PpJAZ1. We confirmed that Pp JAZ1 is localized in the nucleus and interacts with Pp MYC2-2 in the defense response. Notably, expression levels of PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 were higher in resistant 'Jinjing' pear compared to susceptible 'Hongfen' pear after pathogen inoculation. Following H strain inoculation, sand pear leaves with silenced PpJAZ1 exhibited disease spots and showed reduced expression of PpJAZ1 and PpMYC2-2 compared to control leaves. This study deepens our understanding of BSD resistance mechanisms and provides insights into proteomic and transcriptomic changes in sand pear during pathogen infection, and thus will facilitate future research on resistance gene discovery and functional studies in sand pear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the natural history and related factors of the pancreatic β-cell function in Chinese type 1 diabetic patients from 3C study Shantou center. Method. Stimulated C-peptide levels from follow-up data of 201 individuals in 3C study Shantou subgroup starting in 2012 were used. Residual β-cell function was defined as stimulated C − peptide level ≥ 0.2 pmol / mL , on the basis of cut-points derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Results. 36.8% of patients had residual β-cell function, and the percentage was 68.2% in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. COX regression analysis indicated that the age of diagnosis, HbA1C level, and duration were independent factors of residual β-cell function in individuals with ≤5 years duration, but in those with duration ≥5 years, only the age of diagnosis was a predictor. The pancreatic β-cell function mainly declined in the first 5 years of the duration, and the rate of decline was correlated negatively with the duration and age of diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the cut-off point of stimulated C-peptide was 0.615 pmol/mL in patients with <5 years duration to have 7% HbA1c. Conclusion. Age at diagnosis was the strongest predictor for residual C-peptide. There was a more rapid decline of stimulated C-peptide in duration ≤5 years and younger patients. Therefore, intervention therapies of β-cells should start from the early stage, and the recommended target goal of stimulated C-peptide is 0.615 pmol/mL or above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 18-metal lanthanide nanoring [Yb18(L1)8(HL2)2(OAc)20(MeOH)8(EtOH)6(H2O)4] (1), which shows a ratiometric fluorescent response to DPA, was constructed through the strategy of using two types of polydentate organic ligands. The addition of DPA increases the visible ligand-centered emission, but decreases the NIR lanthanide luminescence of 1. The limit of luminescent detection of 1 for DPA is 1.5 μM. The high fluorescence sensitivity of 1 to DPA is not affected by the existence of interferents such as aromatic carboxylates and ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: One near‐infrared (NIR) luminescent octanuclear Zn(II)‐Yb(III) complex [Zn6Yb2L4(OAc)2(DMF)EtOH] (1) was obtained from a new multidentate Schiff base ligand. It exhibits interesting luminescent sensing activity to antibiotics, in particular to nitrofuran antibiotics (NFAs) with high sensitivity due to the inner filter effect. The NIR luminescence quenching constants and limits of the detection of the complex towards NFAs are 2.9 × 104—5.5 × 104 L/mol and 1.27—2.38 μmol/L, respectively. Its high luminescence sensitivity to NFAs is not changed with the existence of other antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One 18-metal Eu(III) nanoring (size: 1.0 × 2.7 × 2.7 nm) was constructed as a rapid ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of dipicolinic acid with high sensitivity and selectivity, by using two types of polydentate organic ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the natural history and related factors of the pancreatic β-cell function in Chinese type 1 diabetic patients from 3C study Shantou center. Method. Stimulated C-peptide levels from follow-up data of 201 individuals in 3C study Shantou subgroup starting in 2012 were used. Residual β-cell function was defined as stimulated C − peptide level ≥ 0.2 pmol / mL , on the basis of cut-points derived from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Results. 36.8% of patients had residual β-cell function, and the percentage was 68.2% in newly diagnosed diabetic patients. COX regression analysis indicated that the age of diagnosis, HbA1C level, and duration were independent factors of residual β-cell function in individuals with ≤5 years duration, but in those with duration ≥5 years, only the age of diagnosis was a predictor. The pancreatic β-cell function mainly declined in the first 5 years of the duration, and the rate of decline was correlated negatively with the duration and age of diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the cut-off point of stimulated C-peptide was 0.615 pmol/mL in patients with <5 years duration to have 7% HbA1c. Conclusion. Age at diagnosis was the strongest predictor for residual C-peptide. There was a more rapid decline of stimulated C-peptide in duration ≤5 years and younger patients. Therefore, intervention therapies of β-cells should start from the early stage, and the recommended target goal of stimulated C-peptide is 0.615 pmol/mL or above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One NIR luminescent 14-metal Nd(III) nanoring (1, molecular size: 1.0 × 2.2 × 2.6 nm) was obtained from a rigid tridentate ligand, which can absorb and transfer light energy to the Nd(III) ions. 1 shows interesting luminescence sensing activity to antibiotics, in particular to NFAs with high sensitivity due to the inner filter effect. The quenching constants and the limits of detection of 1 to NFAs are 1.05 × 104 M−1–2.33 × 104 M−1 and 3.05 μM–6.75 μM, respectively. The high fluorescence sensitivities of 1 to NFAs are not changed by the existence of other antibiotics. It also exhibits high sensitivity in the luminescent detection of NFAs contained in real antibiotic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global healthcare sector, while pivotal to economies, inadvertently leads to significant medical waste generation, an issue amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, grounded in emotion-symbolic work, examines the impact of visual attributes on healthcare professionals' attitudes toward medical waste, especially medical plastics. Focusing on visual clutter, the presence of human faces, and animals in imagery, this study aims to determine the potency of these elements in eliciting moral shocks and emotional responses. Moreover, the influence of target actors, encompassing connecting to a cause, collective identity, and non-profit organizations promoting green healthcare, is explored as a moderating variable. Inspired by emotion-symbolic work, this study seeks to discern the potential of symbolic visuals in driving behavioral shifts among healthcare professionals, underscoring the intertwined nature of patient care and environmental health in addressing the pressing challenge of medical waste management. We further offer actionable insights to healthcare institutions and activists, enabling them to craft impactful campaigns that resonate deeply with their audience, fostering a greener and more responsible healthcare paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have explored paleoenvironmental conditions in China's dune fields around the mid-Holocene (MH), ∼6000 calendar years ago, often based on individual paleosol-aeolian sand depositional sequences and local-scale landscape dynamics. So far, continent-scale modeling studies have only indirectly assessed dune activation and stabilization processes via changes in simulated precipitation, net precipitation (precipitation minus evaporation), and effective moisture (precipitation divided by evaporation). Here we conducted a comprehensive study using gridded data on potential evapotranspiration, precipitation, and surface wind velocity from 13 climate models participating in the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project phases 4 (PMIP4) and compared the model results with geological records. Our evaluation of spatial patterns of dune activity in northern China around the MH reveals that the intensity of annual MH dune activity exhibited significant differences between the eastern and western parts of Chinese deserts compared to those of the preindustrial period (PI). Dune activity was significantly weaker in the eastern region, while in the western part, it was considerably stronger. The key drivers of this disparity were the distinct spatial variations in near-surface wind speed and effective moisture between the two regions. Compared with the optically stimulated luminescence ages of the paleosol-aeolian sand sedimentary sequences derived from a compilation of geological records from 88 sites across northern China, the model results suggest that the weakening of dune activity and the process of dune stabilization in eastern China around the MH were mainly attributed to a significant increase in effective moisture and a concurrent decrease in near-surface wind speed due to the intensified East Asian summer monsoon. Additionally, the weakening of westerlies in western China resulted in reduced effective moisture, contributing to increased sand availability for dune development and subsequent desert expansion. • Mid-Holocene dune activity in Chinese deserts varied regionally, differing from preindustrial period. • Varied wind speed and moisture caused different mid-Holocene aeolian activities in northern China's western and eastern desert belt. • Numerical simulations aid in interpreting field-based geological findings comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary of main observation and conclusion: One six‐metal Zn(II)‐Yb(III) complex [Zn2Yb4L2(OAc)10(OH)2(CH3OH)2] (1) was constructed from Schiff base ligand bis(3‐methoxysalicylidene)ethylene‐1,2‐phenylenediamine (H2L). 1 shows a nanoscale rectangular structure with dimensions of approximately 0.8 nm × 1.1 nm × 2.8 nm. Excited by ligand‐centered absorption bands, 1 shows typical near‐infrared emission of Yb3+ ion. Interestingly, 1 exhibits lanthanide luminescent response towards metal ions, especially to Cd2+ at ppm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A packed bed is a good heat-storage method because of its simple structure, low cost, and good heat-transfer performance. Packed beds generally have a thermocline temperature distribution. This study analyzes a molten-salt thermocline storage system packed with a sensible heat material based on simulation and experimental research. The relationships between heat transfer and the characteristic parameters of the filling material, charging time, and initial conditions are obtained. Investigation results show that the thickness of the thermocline layer reduces with the increase in volume heat capacity but increases with time. The equivalent diameter of particles almost has zero effect on the thermocline thickness, and porosity has an indirect impact on the thickness of the thermocline layer but influences the movement speed of the thermocline. The maximum temperature difference between the fluid and solid decreases, but the range of temperature differences increases with time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the diagnostic performance of models based on a combination of contrast-enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) or time-intensity curves (TIC) in diagnosing malignancies of breast lesions.Methods: A double-blind retrospective study was conducted in 328 patients (254 for training and the following 74 for validation) who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of the breast with pathological results. Two score models, the DWI model (apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) + morphology + enhanced information) and the TIC model (TIC + morphology + enhanced information), were established with binary logistic regression for mass and non-mass enhancements (NMEs) in the training set. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were compared between the two models (DWI model vs. TIC model); p < 0.05 was considered as statistically different. External validation was used.Results: In the training set, the sensitivities, specificities, and AUCs of the DWI/TIC model were 95.2%/95.8%, 70.8%/47.9%, and 0.932/0.891 for masses, and 94.2%/90.4%, 47.4%/47.4%, and 0.798 (95% CI, 0.686-0.884)/0.802 (95% CI, 0.691-0.887) for NMEs, respectively. The AUC of the DWI model was significantly higher than that of the TIC model (p < 0.05) for masses. In the validation set, the AUCs of the DWI/TIC model were 0.896/0.861 for masses (p < 0.05) and 0.936/0.836 for NMEs (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Combined with CE MRI, the DWI model was superior or equal to the TIC model in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.Key Points: • Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in the diagnosis of breast neoplasms. • On the basis of contrast-enhanced MRI, the DWI model had significantly higher diagnostic ability than the TIC model in distinguishing benign and malignant masses. • It would be reasonable to replace the time-consuming TIC with DWI for less scan time and similar diagnostic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 14-metal lanthanide nanorings [Ln14(HL)2L20(DMF)8(H2O)8] (Ln = Nd(1) and Gd(2)) were constructed from a tridentate ligand. 1 displays NIR luminescence sensing properties towards metal cations and anions, especially Cu2+, Co2+, H2PO4− and F− at a ppm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High salinity gas reservoirs are prone to salt deposition in the middle and late stages of development, resulting in the decrease of porosity and permeability, which seriously affects the development of gas reservoirs. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the changes of reservoir porosity and permeability parameters in time. At present, the relationship between salt deposition, porosity, and permeability parameters is generally determined according to experimental data, which lacks strict theoretical basis. Therefore, based on the phase equilibrium of hydrocarbon-brine and the equation of state of porosity, a model of porosity and permeability variation considering salt deposition is established. The feasibility of the method is verified by matching the experimental data. The reservoir porosity and permeability variation under different salinity were simulated. Combined with the phase distribution, the reasons for the change of salt deposition and pore permeability parameters were analyzed. The results show that the pore permeability parameters are basically unchanged under high pressure, while the pore permeability parameters change obviously under low pressure due to the decrease of liquid water content. According to the downhole pressure and temperature changes, the reservoir porosity and permeability parameters can be monitored in real time, which provides theoretical guidance for the later gas reservoir development. Practical Applications: During the development of high salinity reservoirs, as the temperature increases and the pressure decreases, the water gradually evaporates and the salt precipitates. It causes blockage of the flow channel, greatly affects the porosity and permeability, and causes the reservoir difficulty in maintaining normal development. Based on the theory of phase equilibrium and mass conservation of salt, the mass of precipitated salt is calculated, and the porosity and permeability change models are established. The variation of underground porosity and permeability can be determined according to the produced fluid components, so as to achieve the purpose of real-time monitoring of the properties of underground reservoirs. The change of reservoir property parameters can be controlled by controlling the production pressure. It can avoid the downhole pollution in the production process in time and effectively improve the production efficiency. It is very important to deeply understand the changing characteristics of underground reservoir properties for the subsequent formulation of a reasonable working system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present evidence for the Late Quaternary activity of the Beihewan Fault (BHWF), along the southeastern margin of the Beishan block, western China. Field observations and analysis of UAV‐derived DEMs and Google Earth images reveal an ~10‐km‐long active fault trace in a region previously considered tectonically inactive. Offset landforms and trench exposures reveal that the fault is dominantly strike‐slip, with local thrust or normal displacements. Average rates of left‐lateral motion and thrusting since the Holocene are estimated to be ~2.69 and ~0.35 mm/a, respectively. The most recent surface‐rupturing event generated ~2.5 m of strike‐slip offset since 6.2–8.6 ka; with estimated M = 6.3–6.9. Modeling and two‐dimensional inversion of new magnetotelluric data indicate that the BHWF is a subvertical low‐resistivity zone that penetrates into the lower crust. Existing geological and geophysical evidence do not support subsurface linkage between the BHWF and Altyn Tagh–Jinta‐Nanshan Fault system further south in the Hexi Corridor. Close examination of high‐resolution satellite imagery west and east of the BHWF reveals other Quaternary surface fault scarps, pressure ridges, offset drainages, and truncated lithological strike belts. Collectively, these features constitute a previously unrecognized 150‐km‐long sinistral deforming belt along the southeastern Beishan and northern Hexi Corridor boundary that we call the Southeast Beishan Wrench Belt. Recognition of Quaternary activity along the BHWF within the larger Southeast Beishan Wrench Belt challenges long‐held assumptions that the Beishan region is a relatively stable and tectonically inactive block within the Late Cenozoic Indo‐Eurasian deformation field north of Tibet. Key Points: The Beihewan Fault (BHWF) is a late Pleistocene‐Holocene left‐lateral strike‐slip fault along the southern margin of the Beishan blockMT 2‐D inversion indicates that the BHWF is a steep conductive zone that penetrates the lower crust separate from the Altyn Tagh Fault systemThe BHWF is part of a newly identified wrench belt north of the Hexi Corridor that likely poses a previously unrecognized seismic hazard [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 42-metal lanthanide coordination nanorings [Ln42L14(OH)28(OAc)84] (Ln = Nd (1), La (2)) were prepared using a vanillin type ligand. The Nd42 cluster exhibits interesting NIR luminescence sensing behavior to metal ions and nitro explosives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dynamics of unstable steam-air jet condensing in water flow was investigated. • Effect of air content on interface and pressure oscillation was discussed. • Interface and pressure oscillation became extremely violent at low air content. • Pressure oscillation intensity decreased when air content exceeded a critical value. Pressure oscillation occurs during the steam jet condensation in water, notably in unstable flow pattern region. Consequently, pressure oscillation may risk the thermal system. In this work, we introduce a method of reducing the pressure oscillation intensity by adding a small amount of air into steam in unstable flow pattern region. The effects of the air content on the unstable flow patterns and pressure oscillation characteristics were studied experimentally. Notably, the air layer showed a periodic accumulation-and-dispersion phenomenon around the steam–water interface. This phenomenon resulted in a periodic and dramatic fluctuation of the interface at a relatively low air mass fraction. When the air mass fraction increased to a critical value, the flow pattern became stable due to a sharp reduction in condensation rate. Accordingly, the pressure oscillation intensity increased and then dropped at the critical air mass fraction, showing a convex-shaped distribution. The air mass fraction should exceed the critical value if air is added into steam to reduce the pressure oscillation intensity. Otherwise, the air could lead to a much stronger pressure oscillation. A theoretical model for the critical air mass fraction was established and could predict the critical air mass fraction within a deviation of ±14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tenet of the Milankovitch theory is that Northern Hemisphere solar insolation, controlled by Earth's orbital is responsible for cyclic climate variations. Eccentricity in this context is responsible for cyclic variability of 100 ka and may drive periodicity in climate change during the middle and late Pleistocene. Although abundant evidence exists for 100 ka cyclic climatic fluctuations driving glacial-interglacial cycles, our knowledge about the record of cyclic climatic changes preserved in terrestrial landscapes remains limited, especially over multi-millennial (several glacial-interglacial) timescales. The intermontane Yanqi Basin in the southeastern Tian Shan, Central Asia, preserves at least seven generations of alluvial surfaces spanning multiple glacial cycles and yields insights into the record of climatic fluctuations that lead to aggradation and incision of river systems. We complement existing chronologic data with two new cosmogenic 10Be depth profiles and four surface exposure ages of alluvial surface abandonment in the south Tian Shan piedmont within the Yanqi Basin. New surface-exposure dating reveals the successive abandonment of these surfaces with a 100 ka cyclicity between 5.1 ± 0.9 and ~550 ka and indicates that there were multiple aggradation-incision cycles. The superimposed 100 ka cycles of aggradation-incision are best explained by eccentricity-driven climate change. Within these cycles, sediment is produced during glaciations by glacial and periglacial erosion. However, due to the dry and cold conditions of the glacial periods in central Asia, there is little discharge available to transport and evacuate the sediment from the valleys to the piedmont. Later, during the glacial to interglacial transition, higher precipitation and high discharge due to glacial melt water resulted in higher transport capacity of the river beyond a threshold to evacuate sediment. Subsequent rapid incision occurs after the upstream sediment reservoir is depleted and its timing corresponds to the glacial to interglacial transition period in our study area. Compared with the aggradation and incision of the northern piedmont of the Tian Shan governed by the Westerlies, the sedimentary systems of the South Tian Shan piedmont within the Yanqi Basin are mainly controlled by eccentricity-driven glacial-interglacial cycles. • 10Be chronology of alluvial surfaces of south Tian Shan was reconstructed since 600 ka. • The abandonment of alluvial surfaces occurs over 100-ka cycles. • Aggradation-and-incision cycles are best explained by eccentricity-driven climate change. • Incision correlates with global glacial-interglacial transition periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two long Schiff base ligands H 2 L1 and H 2 L2 that have flexible long-chain backbones were used to synthesize 8- and 12-metal Zn-Ln nanoclusters [Zn 4 Eu 4 (L1) 2 (OAc) 10 (NO 3) 2 (OH) 4 ] (1) and [Zn 8 Yb 4 (L2) 8 (OAc) 8 ](OH) 4 (2), respectively. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 show that their molecular sizes are about 9 × 10 × 11 Å and 9 × 19 × 28 Å, respectively. Both clusters display typical emission bands of lanthanide ions. Interestingly, the Zn–Yb cluster 2 exhibits NIR luminescent response to metal cations, especially to Co2+ and Cu2+ at the ppm level. A 12-metal Zn–Yb nanocluster with high NIR luminescent sensitivity to Co2+ and Cu2+ cations at the ppm level was prepared using a long-chain Schiff base ligand. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clay dunes are characterized by a relatively high content of silt and clay and are typically developed on the lee side margin of closed-basins in arid and semi-arid areas. Although they are widely distributed aeolian landforms on Earth, little is known about their development and distribution in Asia. Our field investigations have identified for the first time the occurrence of clay dunes in the Alashan Plateau, north China. The clay dunes occur in three isolated lowland areas of the Suhongtu (SHT) Basin and their morphologies (barchans, hooked barchans, asymmetrical barchans, and linear or seif dunes) differ substantially from those of the well-studied clay dunes in Australia, Africa and North America. These differences could be mainly attributed to the asymmetrical bimodal wind regime, prolonged drought and sediment physical properties, which indicate that dunes of any type can be formed in sand, silt or clay. Based on the known evolution of the SHT paleo-lake basin and regional climate change, we infer that the landscape of modern clay dunes in the desert of the Alashan Plateau does not predate MIS 5, and probably formed during the late Holocene. Analyses of grain-size distributions and the contents of trace and rare earth elements, combined with geomorphological characteristics, indicate that the source sediments of the clay dunes are mainly local Cretaceous-Tertiary and Quaternary red fluvial-lacustrine mudstone and sediments, while the ultimate source is the weathered and denuded products of granitoids of the East Altay Mountains. Comparison of the morphology and alignment of the clay dunes with the prevailing wind pattern tends to support Tsoar's (1984) model of the transition in dune shape from barchans to seif or linear dunes. During 2003–2013, the seif or linear dunes of the SHT Basin migrated laterally and elongated northeastward at rates of about 2–4 m/yr and 16–20 m/yr, respectively. • Clay dunes were identified in the Alashan Plateau, north China. • Chinese clay dunes are actually not especially clay rich. • Clay dune activity does not appear to pre-date MIS 5. • Most of the clay dunes are barchans, asymmetrical barchans, and clay-rich linear dunes. • Provenance of the clay dunes are mainly from the local Cretaceous-Tertiary and Quaternary red fluvial-lacustrine sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the environmental history and its responses to palaeoclimatic changes since the start of the Holocene in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China by comparing the aeolian sandpalaeosol sequences and their palaeoclimatic proxies. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the aeolian sandpalaeosol sedimentary sequences and a series of palaeoenvironmental proxies show that: (1) The large-scale dune landscape currently in the Kubuqi Sand Sea was formed during the Holocene in general; and the palaeosol was generally developed during the period of 4–2 ka, indicating conditions favorable for vegetation growth, soil development, and organic carbon accumulation due to increased precipitation or effective moisture and weakened aeolian activities; the large-scale expansion of dunes in the recent 2 ka is closely linked to human activities. The variable discharge of the Yellow River with diversions for irrigation may have resulted in a more consistent supply of aeolian particles for dune field expansion. (2) The dune landscape of the Hunshandake Sandy Land was likely formed around 12 ka, and before this, the western part of the Hunshandake Sandy Land would have been covered by a single large lake; it was obviously wetter than today in the sandy land during the period of 9.6–3 ka and the palaeosols were developed at the same time. But the aeolian activities have not been completely dormant in this long-lasting wetter epoch; because the Holocene wetter period was likely time-transgressive across the region. (3) The palaeosol of the Hulunbuir Sandy Land began to develop as early as 14.5 ka, probably continuing until the last 2 ka. The palaeosol development of various dune fields in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China is spatially heterogeneous, and even the palaeosol development time in different locations within each sandy land is inconsistent. During the middle Holocene (especially the 7.5–3.5 ka), all the sandy lands were stabilized in general and the intensity of aeolian activities was significantly weakened. The number of palaeoenvironmental records in the eastern portion of the desert belt (sand seas and sandy lands) in northern China has increased rapidly in the past decade, but the amount of published data still does not match the vast extent of the dune fields. It does require much more in-depth palaeoenvironmental studies for a full understanding of the relationship between aeolian activities and climate change in northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet need for easy‐to‐visualize drug carriers that can deliver therapeutic cargoes deep into solid tumors. Herein, we report the preparation of ultrasmall luminescent imine‐based lanthanide nanocages, Eu60 and Tb60 (collectively Ln60), designed to encapsulate anticancer chemotherapeutics for tumor therapy. The as‐prepared nanocages possess large cavities suitable for the encapsulation of doxorubicin (DOX), yielding DOX@Ln60 nanocages with diameters around 5 nm. DOX@Ln60 are efficiently internalized by breast cancer cells, allowing the cells to be visualized via the intrinsic luminescent property of Ln(III). Once internalized, the acidic intracellular microenvironment promotes imine bond cleavage and the release of the loaded DOX. DOX@Ln60 inhibits DNA replication and triggers tumor cell apoptosis. In a murine triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model, DOX@Ln60 was found to inhibit tumor growth with negligible side effects on normal tissues. It proved more effective than various controls, including DOX and Ln60. The present nanocages thus point the way to the development of precise nanomedicines for tumor imaging and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an unmet need for easy‐to‐visualize drug carriers that can deliver therapeutic cargoes deep into solid tumors. Herein, we report the preparation of ultrasmall luminescent imine‐based lanthanide nanocages, Eu60 and Tb60 (collectively Ln60), designed to encapsulate anticancer chemotherapeutics for tumor therapy. The as‐prepared nanocages possess large cavities suitable for the encapsulation of doxorubicin (DOX), yielding DOX@Ln60 nanocages with diameters around 5 nm. DOX@Ln60 are efficiently internalized by breast cancer cells, allowing the cells to be visualized via the intrinsic luminescent property of Ln(III). Once internalized, the acidic intracellular microenvironment promotes imine bond cleavage and the release of the loaded DOX. DOX@Ln60 inhibits DNA replication and triggers tumor cell apoptosis. In a murine triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model, DOX@Ln60 was found to inhibit tumor growth with negligible side effects on normal tissues. It proved more effective than various controls, including DOX and Ln60. The present nanocages thus point the way to the development of precise nanomedicines for tumor imaging and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Growth, propagation, merging and detachment of interface wave was observed. • Interface wave was proved to grow exponentially in axial direction. • Pressure oscillation of supersonic steam jet condensation was induced by interface wave. • A correlation for dominant frequency was proposed based on interface wave propagation. Pressure pulse is a potential risk during the application of condensing supersonic vapor jet in various industrial areas, particularly in a confined space, such as a pipe system. However, the source of pressure pulse remains unknown. In this work, experimental study on the dynamics of condensing supersonic steam jet in a rectangular channel was performed. Interface dynamics were captured by high-speed photography and quantitatively studied via an image-processing technique. The pressure pulse characteristics inside the channel were investigated using dynamic pressure transducers. Results proved that pressure pulse was caused by the growth, propagation, and detachment of interface wave induced by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability for the first time. In addition, the interface wave was proved to grow exponentially by experimental and theoretical methods. The dominant frequency was negative related, whereas its amplitude was positive related to the interface penetration length, which could be explained well by the growth, propagation, and detachment of interface wave. Finally, a prediction model for the dominant frequency was proposed on the basis of the propagation characteristics of interface wave. The proposed model could predict the dominant frequency at a maximum deviation of ±30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformable image registration is a widely used technique in the field of computer vision and medical image processing. Basically, the task of deformable image registration is to find the displacement field between the moving image and the fixed image. Many variational models are proposed for deformable image registration, under the assumption that the displacement field is continuous and smooth. However, displacement fields may be discontinuous, especially for medical images with intensity inhomogeneity, pathological tissues, or heavy noises. In the mathematical theory of elastoplasticity, when the displacement fields are possibly discontinuous, a suitable framework for describing the displacement fields is the space of functions of bounded deformation (BD). Inspired by this, we propose a novel deformable registration model, called the BD model, which allows discontinuities of displacement fields in images. The BD model is formulated in a variational framework by supposing the displacement field to be a function of BD. The existence of solutions of this model is proven. Numerical experiments on 2D images show that the BD model outperforms the classical demons model, the log-domain diffeomorphic demons model, and the state-of-the-art vectorial total variation model. Numerical experiments on two public 3D databases show that the target registration error of the BD model is competitive compared with more than ten other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinic keratoses (AKs) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) are precursor lesions for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), the second most common form of cancer. Current topical therapies for AKs and SCCIS promote skin inflammation to eradicate lesions and do not directly target the biological mechanisms driving growth. We hypothesized that topical small molecule inhibitors targeting kinases promoting keratinocyte growth in AKs and SCCIS could induce regression of these lesions with less inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we determined the efficacy of topical dasatinib, 5‐fluorouracil and BEZ‐235 in inducing regression of cSCCs in the K14‐Fyn Y528 transgenic mouse model. Topical dasatinib induced regression of cSCC with less inflammation, no ulceration and no mortality compared to 5‐fluorouracil. Topical BEZ‐235 induced cSCC regression similar to dasatinib without erythema or ulceration. These data indicate that topical small molecule kinase inhibitors targeting drivers of AK/SCCIS/cSCC growth represent a promising therapeutic approach to treat these common skin lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Gelatin/Dex-MA composite fibers were prepared via electrospinning. • The electrospun gelatin/Dex-MA composite fibers could be photocrosslinked. • The composite fibers could support cell proliferation and adhesion. Abstract Developing natural polymers-based fibers is highly desirable for tissue engineering. In this study, an effective method to synthesize electrospun gelatin/dextran–maleic anhydride (gelatin/Dex-MA) composite fibers with enhanced physical and biological properties has been proposed. Photocrosslinkable Dex-MA was first synthesized and gelatin/Dex-MA composite fibers were then prepared by electrospinning followed by photocrosslinking. The physical properties of the as-synthesized composite fibers including water absorption, mechanical properties, and degradation were investigated. It was found that the physical properties of the composite fibers could be dramatically improved with the content of Dex-MA, where the tensile strength can be enhanced up to 1.75 MPa and the degradation can be increased up to 40.30%. In addition, the biocompatibility study in vitro showed that the composite fibers could support cell proliferation and adhesion. Our electrospun crosslinked gelatin/Dex-MA fibers are potential to be applied in the field of tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common malignancy with a poorly understood pathogenesis. Currently, the efficacy of anti-PC therapies is insufficient, partially due to the chemoresistance of cancer cells. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-183 in the proliferation, apoptosis, and chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine of human PC cells and the associated mechanisms. PANC-1 cells were transfected with microRNA (miR)-183 inhibitors, and the effect of miR-183 on cell proliferation was evaluated via MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were determined by flow cytometry. In vivo tumor xenograft models of PANC-1 cells were generated in BALB/c nude mice to examine the effect of miR-183 downregulation on tumor growth. Furthermore, components of the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway were examined via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in the collected cells. Finally, PANC-1 cells were treated with 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine and transfected with miR-183 inhibitors, and the viability of cells was determined by MTT assay. The results demonstrated that knockdown of miR-183 could significantly decrease proliferation and promote apoptosis of PANC-1 cells. The cells transfected with miR-183 inhibitors were significantly arrested at the G1 phase (P<0.01). Furthermore, miR-183 downregulation led to significant decreases in the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression (P<0.001), and significant increases in PTEN and Bcl-2 associated X protein expression in PANC-1 cells (P<0.001). Knockdown of miR-183 was able to significantly increase the chemosensitivity of PANC-1 cells to 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine. These results indicate that downregulation of miR-183 can inhibit the growth of PC cells in vitro and in vivo, and increase cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine through regulating the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three polynuclear Zn–Ln nanoscale complexes [Ln2Zn2(L1)2(OAc)6] (Ln = Eu (1) and Nd (2)) and [Eu6Zn6(L2)2(L3)2O2(OAc)18] (3) were constructed using two Schiff base ligands featuring Ph(CH2)Ph (H2L1) and naphthyl (H2L2) backbones. The use of the Schiff base ligand H2L1 leads to the formation of linear complexes 1 and 2 with molecular sizes of approximately 7 × 10 × 24 Å, while planar complex 3 (approximately 10 × 15 × 22 Å) is constructed from H2L2. In 1–3, the chromogenic Zn/ligand moieties can absorb energy from and transfer energy to lanthanide centers, and all of these complexes display the typical emissions of Ln3+ ions. Interestingly, 3 displays luminescence response to the addition of metal ions and has high sensitivity to Ag+ and Cd2+ ions at the ppm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and wide complication of antibiotics therapy. In the present review article, we assessed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and clinical manifestation of antibiotic-induced AKI. The risk factors for the occurrence of antibiotic-induced AKI include medical comorbidities, coexisting drug therapies and the dosage, and therapeutic period of antibiotics. The prognosis of antibiotic-induced AKI varies by antibiotics types. This review summarizes the clinical controversy of antibiotic treatment and the future clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total variation (TV) based models have been used widely in multiplicative denoising problem. However, these models are always accompanied by an unsatisfactory effect named staircase due to the property of BV space. In this paper, we present two high-order variational models based on total generalized variation (TGV) for two kinds of multiplicative noises. The proposed models reduce the staircase while preserving the edges. In the meantime we develop an efficient algorithm which is called Prediction-Correction proximal alternative direction method of multipliers (PADMM) to solve our models. Moreover, we show the convergence of our algorithm under certain conditions. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our high-order models outperform the classical TV-based models in PSNR and SSIM values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of 4- and 9-metal lanthanide-based nanoclusters [Ln2Zn2(L1)2(OAc)6] (Ln = Yb (1) and Er (2)) and [Yb9L2(L3)2(OAc)15(OH)8(H2O)2(DMF)] (3) were constructed using two Schiff base ligands that have long backbones with two and three phenyl groups. The molecular sizes of 1–2 and 3 are about 7 × 10 × 23 Å and 11 × 17 × 22 Å, respectively. These clusters exhibit typical NIR luminescence of lanthanide ions. Interestingly, 3 exhibits luminescent sensing of metal ions and exhibits high sensitivities towards Cd2+ and Co2+ ions at the ppm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the provenance of aeolian sediments in deserts is of great importance for understanding the Earth surface processes. In this context, we conducted detailed fieldwork in the Ordos Deserts (Maowusu and Kubuqi) in the middle portion of the desert belt in northern China, and measured the major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) of aeolian sands and their potential source rocks and sediments. Our results show that aeolian sands in the eastern (northeastern) and western (southwestern) Maowusu (Mu Us) Sandy Land exhibit different degrees of mineralogical maturity and Eu/Eu* values. Thus, we interpret that these aeolian sands have different provenances, though in the same sandy land. Our data suggest that the local lacustrine sediments and sandstones are the main sources of aeolian sands in the eastern province of the Maowusu Sandy Land, while aeolian sands in the western Maowusu Sandy Land and the Kubuqi Desert have the same external sources. The comparison of geochemical compositions of sediments in the Ordos Deserts with their potential sources in adjacent regions indicates that there is no genetic linkage between the Helan Mountains, the Yinshan Mountains and the Ordos Deserts although they are not far apart. The Qilian Orogenic Belt in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau is, however, the most likely original provenance for the western Maowusu (Mu Us) Sandy Land and the Kubuqi (Hobq) Desert, but with fluvial sediments in the Ningxia-Inner Mongolian section of the Yellow River as the immediate source. In one side, our results demonstrate that dune fields that are close to each other can have significantly different source sediments. On the other hand, our work suggests that some dune fields and landforms that are far apart from one another, e.g., the Badain Jaran Desert in western Inner Mongolia, the Ordos Deserts and the fluvial sediments in Ningxia-Inner Mongolian section of the Yellow River, can share the same ultimate sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is epithelial cell malignancy with very poor prognosis. A lot of patients were diagnosed at advanced stage of CCA and no risk factors were identified. There are limited treatment options available for the management of CCA patients. It is urgent to develop effective targeted therapies for the treatment of CCA. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate the target genes. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR-10a-5p in CCA. Methods: Human CCA cell lines (CCLP1 and SG-231) were transfected with miR-10a-5p mimic or miR-10a-5p inhibitor. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the miR-10a-5p level. Proliferation, colony formation, and apoptosis were analyzed. Luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the targeting of miR-10a-5p on PTEN. For in vivo tumorigenesis assay, CCLP1 cells with stable knockdown of miR-10a-5p or control CCLP1 cells were injected subcutaneously into the flank of the SCID mice and animals were monitored for tumor growth. Results: miR-10a-5p expression was significantly upregulated in human CCA cell lines (CCLP1 and SG-231). Inhibition of miR-10a-5p significantly suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis in CCLP1 and SG-231. PTEN is a direct target of miR-10a-5p in CCA cells.Conclusion: Inhibition of miR-10a-5p can decrease CCA cells growth by downregulation of Akt pathway. These results indicate that miR-10a-5p may serve as a potential target for the treatment of CCA and help to develop effective therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of crustal shortening rates across foreland fold-and-thrust belts is essential for evaluating how convergence is accommodated throughout the orogenic belt and analyzing seismic hazard in neighboring cities. In this study, we focused on active fold along the western portion of the Qilian Shan Foreland Thrust Belt in NE Tibet. The shortening rate across the Hujiatai Anticline (HA) along the eastern segment of the Fodongmiao-Hongyazi Fault (FHF) is 0.8 ± 0.2 mm/a based on terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) dating of deformed Late Pleistocene fluvial terrace. When this rate is combined with the shortening rates of 1.1–1.4 mm/a and 0.7–1.2 mm/a along the western and central segments obtained by previous studies, it is apparent that crustal shortening rates along the FHF gradually decrease to the east. This eastward decrease in fault activity may be a result of the northward propagation of the FHF or partitioning of strain off to nearby faults or folds. Furthermore, tectonic geomorphology and trenching suggest that several thrust faults around the HA ruptured during the historical 1609 earthquake. Combining the shortening rate of 0.6–0.8 mm/a across the north side of the Jiudong basin with our rate, we suggest that the total crustal shortening rate across the basin is about 1.3–2.2 mm/a assuming little internal deformation, which accounts for roughly 20–40% of the amount of crustal shortening deformation across the Qilian block. These results demonstrate that the Qilian Shan Foreland basin plays an important role in accommodating the crustal deformation of northeastern Tibet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New material with room-temperature flexibility and high-temperature shape stability. • The contact thermal resistance of TPS is reduced by 50% compared with that of EPDM. • The maximum temperature is controlled below 56 °C at the discharge rate of 2.5C. • The temperature difference of the CPCM cooling battery module is lower than 4.0 °C. Phase change materials have potential uses in battery thermal management because of their controllable phase change temperature and high latent heat. However, the application of phase change materials is limited by their strong rigidity, difficult assembly, high contact thermal resistance, low thermal conductivity, and leakage. In this study, a novel flexible composite phase change material (CPCM) with good mechanical properties is prepared, which can maintain flexibility at room temperature and shape stability at high temperatures. A thermoplastic styrene-based polymer (TPS) is used as the support material, paraffin is used as the phase change material, and expanded graphite is used as the reinforced thermal conductive filler. Results show that the composites have good flexibility and extensibility at room temperature and can maintain good shape stability at 60 °C and certain pressure. The contact thermal resistance of CPCM is 50% of the contact thermal resistance of similar materials. Thermal management experiments of single battery and square battery modules are designed. After six cycles of 2.5C high-rate discharge, the maximum temperature of the battery module cooled by CPCM is 2 °C and 10.4 °C lower than that of forced air cooling and natural air cooling, respectively. The temperature difference of the battery module is lower than 4.0 °C. This study shows that the new flexible CPCM thermal management system is easy to assemble and can reduce the temperature of battery modules, and this feature is conducive to the application of CPCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three Zn–Ln clusters [Ln8Zn6(L1)2(OAc)20(O)2(NO3)4(OH)4] (Ln = Sm (1) and Nd (2)) and [Nd4Zn4(L2)2(OAc)10(NO3)2(OH)4] (3) were prepared using two long-chain Schiff base ligands. The Zn–Ln clusters exhibit interesting nano-square-like structures. Their visible and NIR luminescence properties were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]