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The reaction of 2‐alkynylanilines with phenyliodonium bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) and diaryl ditellurides was found to conveniently afford the corresponding 3‐aryltelluroindoles via oxidative cyclization/tellurolation. A plausible mechanism involving the in situ formation of the reactive ArTeOCOCF3 from the reaction of PIFA and diaryl ditellurides, and the subsequent oxidative C−N/C−Te bond formations was postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nano porous materials NiCuCoMn@TMOs were prepared by melt-spining and chemical delloying methods, and R-NiCuCoMn@TMOs were further prepared through heat treatment. The characterization of the material was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Xray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance testing of the electrodes was tested. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, R-NiCuCoMn@TMOs has a high capacity (394.9 mAh/g) at a current density of 0.1 A/g and exhibits an excellent capacity retention of 97.53% after 200 cycles. The material after heat treatment has the more abundant vacancies, lower charge transfer resistance (38 Ω) and better rate capability (with a specific capacity of 141.1 mAh/g at a current density of 2 A/g). Unique nano porous structure provides rich active site for reaction. The synergetic effect of multiple metal cations with different radius, valence states and reaction potentials makes R-NiCuCoMn@TMOs have a good volume tolerance to accommodate the volume change during the lithium-deintercalation process, and display a superior electrochemical performance. In addition, the raw material reserves of the electrode material are abundant, the price is low, and it is easy to realize mass production. This work provides a new idea for simple multielement transition metal oxide anode materials designing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics have been identified as obesogens contributing to the prevalence of obesity. Moreover, their environmental toxicity shows sex dependence, which might also explain the sex-dependent obesity observed. Yet, the direct evidence for such a connection and the underlying mechanisms remain to be explored. In this study, the effects of tetracycline, which is a representative antibiotic found in both environmental and food samples, on Drosophila melanogaster were studied with consideration of both sex and circadian rhythms (represented by the eclosion rhythm). Results showed that in morning-eclosed adults, tetracycline significantly stimulated the body weight of females (AM females) at 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 and 100.0 µg/L, while tetracycline only stimulated the body weight of males (AM males) at 1.0 µg/L. In the afternoon-eclosed adults, tetracycline significantly stimulated the body weight of females (PM females) at 0.1, 1.0 and 100.0 µg/L, while it showed more significant stimulation in males (PM males) at all concentrations. Notably, the stimulation levels were the greatest in PM males among all the adults. The results showed the clear sex dependence of the obesogenic effects, which was diminished by dysrhythmia. Further biochemical assays and clustering analysis suggested that the sex- and rhythm-dependent obesogenic effects resulted from the bias toward lipogenesis against lipolysis. Moreover, they were closely related to the preference for the energy storage forms of lactate and glucose and also to the presence of excessive insulin, with the involvement of glucolipid metabolism. Such relationships indicated potential bridges between the obesogenic effects of pollutants and other diseases, e.g., cancer and diabetes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phased-array-based ultrasonic full-matrix imaging of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates with total focusing method (TFM) is promising yet challenging due to the layered configuration and strong anisotropy. Traditionally, the precise a priori knowledge of ultrasonic ray paths in anisotropic CFRP laminates are required for accurate TFM imaging, making the inspection process complicated and time consuming. In this work, an adaptive ultrasonic-imaging method is proposed for arbitrarily anisotropic CFRP laminates through full-matrix capture (FMC) and TFM. Firstly, the elastic constants are derived from the FMC data, upon which the 3D group-velocity profiles of ultrasonic waves in CFRP laminates with arbitrary stacking sequences can be calculated. The anisotropic effect is then adaptively corrected for TFM. To verify the effectiveness of proposed method, simulations and experiments are conducted on different anisotropic CFRP laminates with mimicked defects, such as delamination, cracks, voids, etc. The simulated and experimental results well agree with each other, indicating that the proposed method can accurately reconstruct the internal defects of different types. This work provides a convenient and comprehensive avenue towards the ultrasonic inspection of arbitrarily anisotropic CFRP laminates, which markedly benefit the quality control of CFRP components in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Water-borne erythromycin (ERY) increased triglycerides with inhibition on lipolysis. • Dietary ERY increased triglycerides with lipolysis-inhibition and lipogenesis-stimulation. • ERY's effects involved insulin and nhr-49 signaling pathways. • ERY disturbed bacterial colonization in intestines and intestinal barrier permeabilities. • ERY affected fatty acid composition (especially SCFAs) in bacteria and nematodes. As emerging pollutants, antibiotics were widely detected in water bodies and dietary sources. Recently, their obesogenic effects raised serious concerns. So far, it remained unclear whether their obesogenic effects would be influenced by water- and diet-borne exposure routes. In present study, Caenorhabditis elegans , nematodes free-living in air–water interface and feeding on bacteria, were exposed to water- and diet-borne erythromycin antibiotic (ERY). The statuses of the bacterial food, inactivated or alive, were also considered to explore their influences on the effects. Results showed that both water- and diet-borne ERY significantly stimulated body width and triglyceride contents. Moreover, diet-borne ERY's stimulation on the triglyceride levels was greater with alive bacteria than with inactivated bacteria. Biochemical analysis showed that water-borne ERY inhibited the activities of enzymes like adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in fatty acid β-oxidation. Meanwhile, diet-borne ERY inhibited the activities of acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) in lipolysis, while it stimulated the activities of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in lipogenesis. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that water-borne ERY with alive bacteria significantly upregulated the expressions of daf-2 , daf-16 and nhr-49 , without significant influences in other settings. Further investigation demonstrated that ERY interfered with bacterial colonization in the intestine and the permeability of the intestinal barrier. Moreover, ERY decreased total long-chained fatty acids (LCFAs) in bacteria and nematodes, while it decreased total short-chained fatty acids (SCFAs) in bacteria but increased them in nematodes. Collectively, the present study demonstrated the differences between water- and diet-borne ERY's obesogenic effects, and highlighted the involvement of insulin and nhr-49 signaling pathways, SCFAs metabolism and also the interaction between intestinal bacteria and the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate (Hgs), a key component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT), has been implicated in many essential biological processes. However, the physiological role of endogenous Hgs in the vascular system has not previously been explored. Here, we have generated brain endothelial cell (EC) specific Hgs knockout mice to uncover the function of Hgs in EC polarity and cerebrovascular stability. Methods and results Knockout of Hgs in brain ECs led to impaired endothelial apicobasal polarity and brain vessel collapse in mice. We determined that Hgs is essential for recycling of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin to the plasma membrane, since loss of Hgs blocked trafficking of endocytosed VE-cadherin from early endosomes to recycling endosomes, and impaired the motility of recycling endosomes. Supportively, overexpression of the motor kinesin family member 13A (KIF13A) restored endosomal recycling and rescued abrogated polarized trafficking and distribution of VE-cadherin in Hgs knockdown ECs. Conclusion These data uncover a novel physiological function of Hgs and support an essential role for the ESCRT machinery in the maintenance of EC polarity and cerebrovascular stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface nuclear magnetic resonance (SNMR) could provide direct insights for hydrological investigations but is often limited because of its low signal-to-noise ratio. Many types of residual noise remain after denoising procedures, including despiking, power harmonic noise cancellation, and random noise attenuation. This residual noise prevents the detection of valid signals, especially in strong noise environments, such as cities and industrial areas. In this work, a lock-in amplifier modeling recovery (LIAMR) method is proposed for extracting SNMR signals from high-level residual noise after denoising. The desired SNMR signals can be extracted directly by establishing a model of the SNMR signal passing through the lock-in amplifier and then transforming mathematically the output of the amplifier. The performance of the proposed method is tested on synthetic SNMR signals under varied average relaxation times, simulation noise at different levels, and field noise. Experiment results show that LIAMR can obtain good estimations of SNMR signal parameters with residual noise. Moreover, the proposed method can provide more precise parameters compared with traditional signal extraction methods. LIAMR provides theoretical support for the application of SNMR technology in strong noise environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Adverse effects of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) include growth inhibition and antioxidant activation which showed trade-off effects. Yet, the influence of food availability on such effects have not been thoroughly investigated. Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to four SAs at high and low food availabilities which were represented by the optical densities of bacteria at 600 nm. The nematode feeding, growth and antioxidants including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were determined. Results showed that the control nematodes at low food availability had less growth and greater antioxidant responses than the nematodes at high food availability. In SA exposure, the nematode growth in the presence of food (at both high and low food availability) was less than that in its absence, supporting the role of food as an exposure pathway. The nematode growth at low food availability showed significantly greater inhibition than at high food availability (p < 0.05). The nematode antioxidants showed stimulations, and CAT had the greatest stimulation. Moreover, the stimulation on CAT at low food availability were significantly higher than those at high food availability (p < 0.05). That is to say, SA exposure at low food availability further biased the trade-off effects towards more energy investment in antioxidant with less in growth. Further studies on the expression levels of CAT encoding genes demonstrated that cells in intestines were the main antioxidant response sites, which further supported the contributions of food to the observed toxicities. Highlights • In controls, low food availability caused trade-off between growth and antioxidants. • Sulfonamide exposure at low food availability biased trade-off toward antioxidants. • Sulfonamide exposure with food inhibited growth more than without food. • Sulfonamides stimulated intestinal catalase at high and low food availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Influences on lipid metabolism and multi-generational obesogenic effects raised new concerns on lipophilic pollutants (e.g., lindane). Yet, the mechanisms remained unanswered. The present study exposed Caenorhabditis elegans to lindane for 4 consecutive generations (F0 to F3) at 1.0 ng/L, and measured effects in the directly exposed generations (F0 to F3), indirectly exposed ones (T1 and T1′) and un-exposed ones (T3 and T3′). Lindane stimulated fat storages in all generations. At the biochemical level, lindane stimulated both acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and carnitine palmitoyl-transferases (CPT) in F0, T1 and T2, while inhibited them in F3, T1′ and T3′, demonstrating the balance between fatty acid synthesis and its depletion toward fat accumulation over generations. Moreover, lindane caused different effects on insulin among generations. It inhibited insulin in F0 and F3 and exhibited consistent effects on the expression changes of daf-2 , sgk-1 and daf-16 genes in insulin-like signal pathway. Lindane also inhibited insulin in T1 and T3 but exhibited consistent effects on the expression changes of daf-2 , akt-1 and daf-16. Different roles of sgk-1 and akt-1 indicated the response strategies from tolerance (F0 and F3) to avoidance (T1 and T3). Lindane stimulated insulin in T1′ and T3′ and exhibited consistent effects on expression changes of daf-2 , sgk-1 and daf-16 genes that were similar in F0 and F3. Highlights • Multigenerational obesogenic effects of lindane were studied on C. elegans. • Lindane stimulated fat storages in F0, F3, T1, T3, T1′ and T3’. • Fat storage stimulation was due to greater fatty acid synthesis than its oxidation. • Lindane inhibited insulin in F0, F3, T1 and T3, but stimulated them in T1′ and T3’. • Insulin changes were consistent with expressions of daf-2 , sgk-1 / akt-1 and daf-16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The redox state of NADH/NADPH balance (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) is crucial in cellular homeostasis. Recent studies reported that sodium halide ions (NaX, X = F − , Cl − , Br − and I − ) stimulated NAD(P)H in Vibrio fischeri (VF). However, it remained unanswered whether this pattern applied in salts with other cations, e.g. , K + , Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , whose aquatic concentrations were increased by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Currently, VF were incubated with chloride salts, including KCl, MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 , and effects were measured in a time-dependent fashion. Both NADH and NADPH showed stimulation that increased over time, and the greatest maximum stimulation at 24 h was CaCl 2  > MgCl 2  > KCl. The changes of NADH/NADPH ratios over time in CaCl 2 , MgCl 2 and KCl were descendent, ascendant and stable, respectively. Simultaneously, FMN:NAD(P)H reaction catalyst (luciferase, in the form of expression levels of lux A and lux B), adenosine triphosphate and the expression levels of its regulating gene adk were also stimulated. The luminescence showed even more significant stimulations than the overall redox reaction. Together with earlier reported effects of NaCl, the chloride salts commonly disturbed the redox state and influenced the adaption of organisms to challenging environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excess of halide ions (F − , Cl − , Br − , I − ) can cause adverse effects. Earlier studies demonstrated time-dependent stimulations of organic salts with halide ions on photobacteria. Therefore, inorganic ones with halide ions ( e.g. , NaX, X = F − , Cl − , Br − , I − ) were assumed to cause similar effects. In the present study, Vibrio fischeri was exposed to NaX. Results showed that the contents of favin mono-nucleotide (FMN), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were stimulated by NaX with a time-dependent fashion. The maximum stimulations on FMN at 24 h were 172%, 168%, 211% and 298% of the control (p < 0.05) in NaF, NaCl, NaBr and NaI, respectively, with an order of NaF ≈ NaCl < NaBr < NaI. The maximum stimulations on NAD(P)H at 24 h followed similar orders. Similar time-dependent stimulatory effects were observed in the FMN:NAD(P)H reaction catalyst (luciferase, in the form of expression levels of lux A and lux B), adenosine triphosphate and the expression levels of its regulating gene adk . The luminescent stimulations were significantly higher than the biochemical ones despite of similar time-dependence and stimulation order among NaX. The overall results showed a common hormetic pattern in sodium halide salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis includes tumor invasion and migration and underlies over 90% of cancer mortality. The metastatic effects of environmental carcinogens raised serious health concerns. However, the underlying mechanisms remained poorly studied. In the present study, an in vivo Ras V12 / lgl -/- model of the fruitfly, Drosophila melanogaster, with an 8-day exposure was employed to explore the metastatic effects of 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and cadmium chloride (CdCl 2). At 1.0 mg/L, PCB126, PFOA, and CdCl 2 significantly increased tumor invasion rates by 1.32-, 1.33-, and 1.29-fold of the control, respectively. They also decreased the larval body weight and locomotion behavior. Moreover, they commonly disturbed the expression levels of target genes in MAPK and UPR pathways, and their metastatic effects were significantly abolished by the addition of p38 inhibitor (SB203580), JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and IRE1 inhibitor (KIRA6). Notably, the addition of the IRE inhibitor significantly influenced sna / E-cad pathway which is essential in both p38 and JNK regulations. The results demonstrated an essential role of sna / E-cad in connecting the effects of carcinogens on UPR and MAPK regulations and the resultant metastasis. [Display omitted] • Carcinogens induced metastasis in an 8-day exposure on an in vivo Drosophila model. • PCB126, PFOA and CdCl 2 inhibited body weight and reduced locomotion capacity. • Metastasis resulted from MAPK and UPR regulations • p38 pathway showed superior regulation than JNK. • sna / E-cad connects UPR and MAPK signaling regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A toxicity database of over 157 ionic liquids (ILs) was established on Vibrio fischeri (VF). The database contained mainly monotonic concentration-response relationship, and its application in risk assessment was challenged by potential non-monotonic hormetic effects of ILs. In the present study, the hormetic effects of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium salts ([emim]X, X = BF 4 , Cl and Br) were confirmed on VF, and biochemical explanations were explored in a time-dependent manner. On luminescence, [emim]BF 4 showed inhibitory effects compared with the control, and the median effective concentration (EC 50 ) increased from 3.15E-02 to 8.88E-02 mol/L from 0.25 to 24 h. Notably, [emim]BF 4 also showed stimulatory effects at 18 h when the maximum stimulation (E min ) was 51.8% higher than the control, and at 24 h when the E min increased to 120% higher than the control. Compared with [emim]BF 4 , [emim]Cl had higher EC 50 values which increased over time, while it had less maximum stimulation which also increased over time. In results of [emim]Br, there were only inhibitory effects. At the biochemical level, the stimulatory effects of [emim]BF 4 and [emim]Cl on triphosphopyridine nucleotide (NADPH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) were earlier than those on luminescence. Moreover, NAD(P)H showed stimulation in [emim]Br which did not have hormetic effects on luminescence. Meanwhile, the effects of [emim]X on flavin mononucleotide, adenosine-triphosphate, reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidases showed consistent time-dependent changes with those on luminescence. The results indicated different roles between NAD(P)H and other biochemical indices, e.g., the antioxidant responses, in the stimulation of [emim]X on luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier reports studied the time-dependent effects of imidazolium-based ionic liquids ([amim]X) in the aspect of biochemical explanation and that of key contributor in mixture effects. Presently, the effects of N -alkylpyridinium-based ILs ([apyr]BF 4 ) were studied combining the above two aspects, i.e. , the time-dependent effects of [bpyr]BF 4 , [hpyr]BF 4 and [opyr]BF 4 on luminescence and biochemical indicators in Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67, and those of the mixtures. In individual results, the inhibition on luminescence increased over concentrations and the side chain length, showing concentration- and side chain-dependence. Moreover, the inhibition of [apyr]BF 4 decreased from 0.25 to 24 h, showing a time-dependence. Notably, [hpyr]BF 4 stimulated the luminescence at 24 h. The biochemical effects, including inhibition and stimulation, were well correlated to those on luminescence. In mixture results, the inhibition on luminescence was lower than the predicted effects by concentration addition model which was based on individual results. Moreover, the mixture stimulation on luminescence was significantly higher than individual ones, and the mixture stimulation on biochemical indicators was even greater than that on luminescence. In mixture effects, [bpyr]BF 4 was the positive contributor, and [hpyr]BF 4 was the negative contributor. Similarities and differences between [amim]X and [apyr]BF 4 indicated underlying mechanisms of the commonly observed hormetic effects of ionic liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies showed that toxicities of excessive metals lasted over generations. Yet, these studies mainly employed one-generation exposure, and the effects of multigenerational challenges need further studies. Presently, Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to cadmium, copper, lead and zinc for four consecutive generations (G1 to G4) at environmental concentrations. The feeding, growth, initial reproduction, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined. All data were represented in the percentage of that in control (POC), and POC in the control was normalized to 100%. In G1 and G2, the POC values in feeding, growth and initial reproduction were generally within 10% of the control (100%), indicating non-significant effects. The POC values in SOD and CAT were significantly higher than 100%, showing stimulatory effects. In G3 and G4, the POC values in feeding, growth and initial reproduction were significantly lower than 100%, showing inhibitory effects which were more severe in G4 than in G3. Meanwhile, SOD and CAT continuously showed stimulatory effects, and the stimulatory effects on SOD increased from G1 to G4. The effects with multigenerational challenges were different from those in one-generation exposure. The effects in later generations demonstrated the importance of multigenerational challenges in judging long-term influences of metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applications of 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium salts ([amim]X) in pharmaceuticals call for studies on the biological effects. Previously, [amim]Cl and [amim]Br caused time-dependent stimulatory effects on Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 (Q67). Further studies are still needed to answer the question whether [amim]X with other anions have similar effects, and to explain such stimulatory effects. Here, effects of four [amim]BF 4 with different alkyl side chains on Q67 were investigated. At the apical level, they inhibited luminescence at high concentrations and the toxicities decreased with time increasing from 0.25 to 12 h. Meanwhile, they stimulated luminescence at low concentrations, and the stimulations increased over time. The maximum stimulations followed an order of [emim]BF 4 > [bmim]BF 4 > [hmim]BF 4 > [omim]BF 4 . Compared with [emim]BF 4 , imidazole caused lower stimulations, while NaBF 4 caused significantly higher ones. Overview on effects of [amim]BF 4 , imidazole and NaBF 4 indicated significant anionic contributions. At biochemical and molecular levels, favin mono-nucleotide (FMN) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) increased over time, and expressions of lux A and lux B (encoding luciferase that catalyzes FMN:NADH reaction) in Q67 showed up-regulations, suggesting an overall enhancement of the bioactivities. Moreover, superoxide dismutase and catalase showed inductions with up-regulations on their encoding genes, indicating improved antioxidant responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image-based displacement measurement techniques are widely used for sensing the deformation of structures, and plays an increasing role in structural health monitoring owing to its benefit of non-contacting. In this study, a non-overlapping dual camera measurement model with the aid of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is proposed to sense the three-dimensional (3D) displacements of high-rise structures. Each component of the dual camera system can measure a pair of displacement components of a target point in a 3D space, and its pose relative to the target can be obtained by combining a built-in inclinometer and a GNSS system. To eliminate the coupling of lateral and vertical displacements caused by the perspective projection, a homography-based transformation is introduced to correct the inclined image planes. In contrast to the stereo vision-based displacement measurement techniques, the proposed method does not require the overlapping of the field of views and the calibration of the vision geometry. Both simulation and experiment demonstrate the feasibility and correctness of the proposed method, heralding that it has a potential capacity in the field of remote health monitoring for high-rise buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sulfonamides are one typical antibiotic which is an emerging hazardous material to the ecological stability due to their continuously application and biological effects to non-target organisms. The parent–progeny transgenerational effects need investigations to indicate their long-term consequences. Currently, we tested the transgenerational effects of sulfadiazine (SD), sulfapyridine (SP) and sulfamethazine (SMZ) on L3 larva of Caenorhabditis elegans. The nematodes were exposed to aqueous sulfonamides at micromolar concentrations for 96h, and then the effects on the behavior and growth in the exposed parent and unexposed progeny were measured. Results showed that SD, SP and SMZ inhibited three behavior indicators including body bending frequency (BBF), reversal movement (RM) and Omega turn (OT), and the growth indicator (body length, BL). Behavior indicators showed higher sensitivities than the growth indicator, and BBF had the highest sensitivity among the behavior indicators. Moreover, the effects of sulfonamides were also observed in the unexposed progeny with partially rescued or more severe inhibitions on the indicators. The behavior also showed higher sensitivity than the growth in the progeny. The transgenerational effects of sulfonamides indicated that parental exposure can multiply the harmful effects of antibiotic pollution in following generations and their potential ecological risks at environmental concentrations were further raised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, a novel MgAl2O4 spinel whisker reinforced composite was synthesized in situ in an Al matrix by a powder metallurgy technique. In MgAl2O4/Al composite, the whisker content was varied from 3% to 15% in weight and each one was completely investigated. The as-produced MgAl2O4/Al composites were hot extruded and MgAl2O4/Al composites rods with high relative density were obtained. Both the hardness and the softening temperature of the composites increased with increasing content of MgAl2O4 whisker. The dilatometric measurements show that MgAl2O4 whisker reinforced Al composites exhibit better thermal stability and lower thermal expansion coefficient than aluminum alloys. Moreover, wear resistance is also enhanced due to the formation of the whisker-formed network structure which is capable of bearing and transferring abrasion effect. Thus, the enhanced properties of the composites could be obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Single-crystal aluminum borate (Al4B2O9) nanowhiskers with diameters from 20 to 200nm have been synthesized on the surface of aluminum powder at relatively low temperatures after high energy ball-milling pretreatment. It was found that the reaction temperature plays an important role in determining the diameter and length of the single-crystal Al4B2O9 nanowhiskers. The growth of the nanowhiskers can occur at a low temperature of 650°C due to the ball-milling pretreatment. The growth mechanism of the nanowhiskers is considered to be the solution–liquid–solid (SLS) growth. Our in-situ growth of nanowhiskers on the aluminum matrix is an effective way to prepare Al4B2O9 nanowhisker/aluminum composite powders with homogenous distribution of the reinforcement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Short-chained perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS, four-carbon) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, six-carbon) are widely employed to substitute long-chained per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Recent studies showed the potential persistence of PFBS and PFHxS, and also reported their correlation with obesity. However, the long-term outcome and underlying mechanisms remained poorly understood. Presently, the effects of PFBS and PFHxS were studied on C. elegans with multi- and trans -generational experiments. The multi-generational effects were measured in continuous four generational exposure (i.e., F1 to F4). Results showed that PFBS did not stimulate the fat content in F1 but in F4 with continuous but different disturbances on the lipid metabolism and the insulin and insulin-like (IIS) pathway. PFHxS stimulated the fat content in F1 and F4 with similar disturbances on the lipid metabolism and IIS pathway. The trans -generational results showed that the effects of PFBS and PFHxS on the lipid metabolism and IIS pathway were not totally recovered in the offspring of F1 (i.e., T1-T3) and F4 (i.e., T1′-T3′) which were not continuously exposed. PFHxS showed a common pattern to up-regulate daf-7 in both multi- and trans -generational effects. The long-term consequences of the short-chained PFASs substitutes should be concerned and epigenetic regulations should be considered in future mechanism studies. [Display omitted] • PFBS stimulated the fat content not in F1 but in F4 generation. • PFBS disturbed lipid metabolism and IIS pathway differently from F1 to F4. • PFHS stimulated the fat content in F1 and F4 generation. • PFHS had similar disturbances on lipid metabolism and IIS pathway from F1 and F4. • PFHS commonly up-regulated daf-7 in both multi- and trans -generational effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). The obtained nanocomposites showed enhanced tensile strength, modulus and elongation at break than that of PLLA/PCL blends. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed the increasing mechanical properties with temperature dependence of nanocomposites. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the material formed the nanostructure. Adding OMMT improved the thermal stability and crystalline abilities of nanocomposites. The morphology was investigated by environmental scanning electron microscopy, which showed that increasing content of OMMT reduces the domain size of phase-separated particles. The specific interaction between each polymer and OMMT was characterized by the Flory–Huggins interaction parameter, B, which was determined by the equilibrium melting point depression of nanocomposites. The final values of B showed that PLLA was more compatible with OMMT than PCL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Camera calibration is crucial for geometric vision-based three-dimensional (3D) deformation measurement tasks. Among existing calibration techniques, the one based on planar targets has attracted much attention in the community due to its flexibility and reliability. Our study proposes a calibration technique to obtain high-accuracy internal and external parameters based on low-cost ordinary planar patterns. The proposed method determines the optimal internal parameters for each camera by refining 3D coordinates of planar control points, where an analytic model of optics distortion is presented to enable lens distortion to be corrected directly in subsequent external calibration and underlying 3D reconstruction. External parameters are estimated by minimizing a bundle adjustment framework, which is carefully designed based on the proposed distortion correction model and depth parameterization. In contrast to the existing techniques, the proposed method is capable of obtaining a high-accuracy calibration with ordinary targets rather than the well-designed and fabricated ones. We experimented the proposed method with a calibration performance analysis and a displacement measurement; both results demonstrated the accuracy and robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a kind of central nervous system (CNS) autoimmune disease, which mainly damages nerves, the brain, and the spinal cord. Recently, several clinical cases reported the relativity between Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the development of MS, but the mechanism of how COVID-19 affects the occurrence of MS was still not clear. It is bioinformatics technology that we use to explore the potential association at the gene level. The genetic information related to the two diseases was collected from the DisGNET platform for functional protein network analysis and used STRING to identify the complete gene set. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was analyzed by STRING. Finally, in the GEO database, we selected peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) RNA sequencing data (GSE164805, GSE21942) from COVID-19 patients and MS patients to verify the potential cross mechanism between the two diseases. The similar gene set of immune or inflammation existed between the patients with COVID-19 and ones with MS, including L2RA, IFNG, IL1B, NLRP3, and TNF. Interaction network analysis among proteins revealed that IL1B, P2RX7, IFNB1, IFNB1, TNF, and CASP1 enhanced the network connectivity between the combined gene set of COVID-19 and MS associated with NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling. The involvement of NLR signaling in both diseases was further confirmed by comparing peripheral blood monocyte samples from COVID-19 and MS patients. Activation of NLR signaling was found in both COVID-19 and MS. The PBMC samples analyses also indicated the involvement of the NLR signaling pathway. Taken together, our data analyses revealed that the NLR signaling pathway might play a critical role in the COVID-19-related MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2219 aluminum alloy thin-walled complex components manufactured by spin forming are frequently applied to the bottom end of rocket fuel tanks. However, fracture and quality problems (large part-mold contact gap, low roundness, thickness accuracy) are prone to occur during their multi-pass spin forming. While the material anisotropy, complicated components geometry and the complex stress state evolution make it difficult to obtain the appropriate forming process parameters in spin forming. With the help of finite element methods, it is possible to solve this difficulty. Thus, based on the anisotropic Barlat89 yield function and the DF2016 fracture criterion, a spin forming finite element model considering material anisotropy and damage evolution is established first for the components. Then, a method by using multi-pass involute spinning track with variable diameter base circle to form the components is proposed, and also the spinning passes are determined. Finally, taking the non-fracture as the constraint condition and the forming quality indexes (part-mold contact gap, roundness, and thickness accuracy) as the optimization objectives, a multi-objective optimization model based on orthogonal experimental design and response surface model is established. The optimized process parameters are solved and determined by a combination of the Archive-Based Micro Genetic Algorithm, and the optimized results are verified by the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate radical (SO 4 ·-)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) attract increasing attention in the control of micropollutants. However, SO 4 ·- can react with other chemicals present in water and result in undesired oxidation by-products (OBPs) generation. The formation and degradation mechanisms of CX 3 R-type OBPs during cobalt catalyzed peroxymonosulfate (Co2+/PMS) oxidation were investigated. In the formation of CX 3 R-type OBPs, both Co3+ and SO 4 ·- could convert chloride to free chlorine that then reacted with natural organic matter, leading to the formation of CX 3 R-type OBPs. The concentrations of trichloromethane, chloral hydrate, dichloroacetonitrile, dichloroacetamide and trichloroacetamide after 15 min reaction were 9.8, 3.9, 1.2, 5.9 and 22.3 nM, respectively. Compared to SO 4 ·-, Co3+ played a more significant role in the CX 3 R-type OBP formation and calculated toxicity values of CX 3 R-type OBPs. CX 3 R-type OBPs could not only be formed but also be degraded at the same time during Co2+/PMS oxidation. As for the degradation of CX 3 R-type OBPs, both Co3+ and SO 4 ·- could transform CX 3 R-type OBPs to chloride. Compared to Co3+, SO 4 ·- played a more important role in the degradation of CX 3 R-type OBPs and the conversion from chloride to final by-product chlorate. The adverse effects that results from Co3+ need more attention in SO 4 ·--based AOPs application. ga1 • The formation and degradation pathways of CX 3 R-type OBP were proposed. • Co2+/PMS promotes CX 3 R-type OBP formation compared to PMS. • Co3+ outweighs SO 4 ·- in CX 3 R-type OBP formation. • SO 4 ·- plays a significant role in CX 3 R-type OBP degradation. • Co3+ makes great contributions to toxicity of treated water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of N -arylpropynamides with (dichloroiodo)benzene (PhICl2) and diselenides/disulfides resulted in a divergent synthesis of chalcogenylated quinolinones and spiro[4.5]trienes through intramolecular electrophilic cyclization and chalcogenylation. The chalcogenyl functional group was introduced by an electrophilic reactive organosulfenyl chloride or selenenyl chloride species, generated in situ from the reaction of disulfides/diselenides and PhICl2. Notably, the divergent cyclization pathways were determined by the substituent type on the aniline ring in N -arylpropynamide substrates. Substrates bearing a fluoro, methoxy or trifluoromethoxy group at the para -position of the aniline underwent an alternative spiralization pathway to give the 3-chalcogenylated spiro[4,5]trienones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PFOA showed obesogenic effects in exposed generations and the unexposed offspring. • Fat accumulation was due to greater fatty acid synthesis rather than greater consumption. • PFOA affected pathways including MAPK, fatty acid degradation and TGF-β. • PFOA provoked different results between wild and daf-2 mutant nematodes. • Insulin signal functioned in obesogenic effects and reaction with other pathways. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), especially perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been showed to induce obesogenic effects which may last over generations. However, the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the present study, wild-type N2 Caenorhabditis elegans and the daf-2 mutant were exposed to PFOA for 4 consecutive generations (F0 to F3) at 1.0 ng/L. Effects on fat content and fat metabolism in the directly exposed F0 to F3 generations, the offspring of F0 (T1 to T3) and also those of F3 (T1′ to T3′). Results showed that PFOA significantly stimulated the fat contents in F0 (with the percentage of the control as 184.1%), T1 (189.5%), F1 (167.3%), F2 (238.0%), T2′ (193.9%) and T3′ (159.4%) while inhibited them in T3 (70%). The changes of fat contents over generations were accompanied with significant changes in enzymes facilitating fatty acid synthesis (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase and desaturase, and glycerol phosphate acyltransferase) and those in fatty acid consumption (e.g., acetyl CoA synthetase, fatty acid transport protein, acyl-CoA oxidase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase). Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis was performed on F0, F3 and T3 generations. Based on the KEGG analysis of differential genes, PFOA exposure affected lipid metabolism signaling pathways including MAPK, fatty acid degradation, TGF-β signaling pathways. Notably, PFOA exposure provoked significantly different effects in daf-2 nematodes on fat contents, lipid metabolizing enzymes and even different signaling pathways. The overall results demonstrated that the obesogenic effects of PFOA were resulted from a complex combination of various enzymes and pathways with essential involvement of insulin signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SMX provoked obesogenic effects on nematodes over 11 generations' exposure. • The obesogenic effects transferred from F10 to their non-exposed offspring T13. • The obesogenic effects were from greater fatty acid synthesis than its consumption. • Obesogenic mechanisms involved with regulations of PPAR and IIS pathways. • Epigenetic regulations via H3K4me3 were significant in F10 and T13. Increasing concerns are earned on the multigenerational hazards of antibiotics due to the connection between their mother-children transfer via cord blood and breast milk and obesity in the children. Currently, Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to sulfamethoxazole (SMX) over 11 generations (F0–F10). Indicators of obesogenic effects and gene expressions were measured in each generation and also in T11 to T13 that were the offspring of F10. Biochemical analysis results showed that SMX stimulated fatty acids in most generations including T13. The stimulation was resulted from the balance between enzymes for fatty acid synthesis (e.g., fatty acid synthetase) and those for its consumption (e.g., fatty acid transport protein). Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the obesogenic effects of SMX involved peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs, e.g., nhr-49) and insulin/insulin-like signaling (IIS) pathways (e.g., ins-1 , daf-2 and daf-16). Further epigenetic analysis demonstrated that SMX caused 3-fold more H3K4me3 binding genes than the control in F10 and T13. In F10, the most significantly activated genes were in metabolic and biosynthetic processes of various lipids, nervous system and development. The different gene expressions in T13 from those in F10 involved development, growth, reproduction and responses to chemicals in addition to metabolic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT for pathological response after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods: The clinical data of 54 patients with ESCC who underwent two cycles of NICT followed by surgery were retrospectively analyzed. NICT consisted of PD‐1 blockade therapy combined with chemotherapy. 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans were performed before and after NICT. The pathological results after surgery were used to assess the degree of pathological response. The scan parameters of 18F‐FDG PET/CT and their changes before and after NICT were compared with the pathological response. Results: Among the 54 patients, 10 (18.5%) achieved complete pathological response (pCR) and 21 (38.9%) achieved major pathological response (MPR). The post‐NICT scan parameters and their changes were significantly associated with the pathological response. In addition, the values of the changes in the scanned parameters before and after treatment can further predict the pathological response of the patient. Conclusion: 18F‐FDG PET/CT is a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of NICT and predict pathological response in patients with ESCC. The post‐NICT scan parameters and their changes can help identify patients who are likely to achieve pCR or MPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressures, such as contaminant exposure, may affect stable isotope ratios in biota. These changes are driven by alterations in the nutrient allocation and metabolic pathways induced by specific stressors. In a controlled microcosm study with the amphipod Gammarus spp., we studied effects of the β-blocker propranolol on stable isotope signatures (δ15N and δ13C), elemental composition (%C and %N), and growth (protein content and body size) as well as biomarkers of oxidative status (antioxidant capacity, ORAC; lipid peroxidation, TBARS) and neurological activity (acetylcholinesterase, AChE). Based on the known effects of propranolol exposure on cellular functions, i.e., its mode of action (MOA), we expected to observe a lower scope for growth, accompanied by a decrease in protein deposition, oxidative processes and AChE inhibition, with a resulting increase in the isotopic signatures. The observed responses in growth, biochemical and elemental variables supported most of these predictions. In particular, an increase in %N was observed in the propranolol exposures, whereas both protein allocation and body size declined. Moreover, both ORAC and TBARS levels decreased with increasing propranolol concentration, with the decrease being more pronounced for TBARS, which indicates the prevalence of the antioxidative processes. These changes resulted in a significant increase of the δ15N and δ13C values in the propranolol-exposed animals compared to the control. These findings suggest that MOA of β-blockers may be used to predict sublethal effects in non-target species, including inhibited AChE activity, improved oxidative balance, and elevated stable isotope ratios. The latter also indicates that metabolism-driven responses to environmental contaminants can alter stable isotope signatures, which should be taken into account when interpreting trophic interactions in the food webs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anti-wear filler of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) coated chopped carbon fiber (SCF) was synthesized by hydrothermal method and blended with nano-SiO 2 to enhance the tribological properties of PEEK composites materials. The results show that the SCF-MoS 2 has stronger adhesion with the PEEK matrix, which is more conducive to the internal stress transfer of PEEK composites. Compared with pure PEEK, the elastic modulus and tensile strength of PEEK/SiO 2 /SCF-MoS 2 composites are increased by 62.04% and 26.49% respectively. The friction coefficient and wear rate of PEEK/SiO 2 /SCF-MoS 2 composites are reduced by 31.43% and 79.18% respectively. In addition, it also shows good tribological properties in the simulation coal mine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive toxicities over generations are essential to assess the long-term impacts environmental fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs). In the present study, the multi-generational effects of ofloxacin (OFL) and norfloxacin (NOR) on reproduction were studied on Caenorhabditis elegans from 9 successive generations (F1-F9). Results showed that OFL showed no effects in F1, stimulation in F2 to F4, and inhibition F5 to F9. The effects of NOR also showed oscillation between stimulation and inhibition across generations. Further biochemical analysis demonstrated that the reproductive toxicities of OFL and NOR were more closely connected with total cholesterol (TCHO), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T), than major sperm protein (MSP) and vitellogenin (Vn). Moreover, OFL and NOR also showed significant trans-generational reproductive toxicities in T4 and T4′, the great-grand-daughter of F1 and F9. Differences between T4 and T4′ and between OFL and NOR, indicated influences of multi-generational exposure and urged more exploration on different mechanisms between FQs. [Display omitted] • Ofloxacin and norfloxacin significantly influenced reproduction of C. elegans. • Effects of OFL and NOR oscillated between stimulation and inhibition from F1 to F9. • Reproductive effects closely related to cholesterol, progesterone and testosterone. • Reproductive toxicities lasted to the non-exposed great-grand-daughter generations. • OFL and NOR showed different multi- and trans-generational effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonaceous materials are considered strong candidates as anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), which are expected to play an indispensable role in the carbon‐neutral era. Herein, novel braided porous carbon fibres (BPCFs) are prepared using the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method. The BPCFs possess interwoven porous structures and abundant vacancies. The growth mechanism of the BPCFs can be attributed to the polycrystalline transformation of the nanoporous copper catalyst in the early stage of CVD process. Density functional theory calculations suggest that the Na+ adsorption energies of the mono‐vacancy edges of the BPCFs (−1.22 and −1.09 eV) are lower than that of an ideal graphene layer (−0.68 eV), clarifying in detail the adsorption‐dominated sodium storage mechanism. Hence, the BPCFs as an anode material present an outstanding discharge capacity of 401 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 500 cycles. Remarkably, this BPCFs anode, under high‐mass‐loading of 5 mg cm−2, shows excellent long‐term cycling ability with a reversible capacity of 201 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 over 1000 cycles. This study provided a novel strategy for the development of high‐performance carbonaceous materials for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive organosulfenyl chlorides (ArSCl) or selenenyl chlorides (ArSeCl), generated in situ from the reaction of PhICl2 with diorganyl disulfides or diselenides, enable the intramolecular oxidative cyclization/chalcogenylation of β,γ-unsaturated oximes, leading to the formation of a series of chalcogenylated isooxazolines in good to excellent yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The characterization of microbial communities of different depth sediment samples was examined by a culture-independent method and compared with physicochemical parameters, those are organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), pH and redox potential (Eh). Total genomic DNA was extracted from samples derived from different depths. After they were amplified with the GC-341f/907r primer sets of partial bacterial 16S rRNA genes, the products were separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The profile of DGGE fingerprints of different depth sediment samples revealed that the community structure remained relatively stable along the entire 45 cm sediment core, however, principal-component analysis of DGGE patterns revealed that at greater sediment depths, successional shifts in community structure were evident. The principle coordinates analysis suggested that the bacterial communities along the sediment core could be separated into two groups, which were located 0–20 cm and 21–45 cm, respectively. The sequencing dominant bands demonstrated that the major phylogenetic groups identified by DGGE belonged to Bacillus, Bacterium, Brevibacillus, Exiguobacterium, γ-Proteobacterium, Acinetobacter sp. and some uncultured or unidentified bacteria. The results indicated the existence of highly diverse bacterial community in the lake sediment core. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A series of alkoxylated isobenzofuranones were conveniently synthesized from the reaction of 2-(1-arylvinyl)benzoic acids with PhI(OR)2, generated in situ from the reaction of iodosobenzene (PhIO) with alkyl alcohols. This hypervalent iodine mediated one-pot transformation is postulated to undergo a cascade reaction involving lactonization, 1,2-aryl migration and alkoxylation processes. The organocatalytic and chiral organoiodine-catalyzed asymmetric reactions of the current transformation were also probed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that causes a spectrum of diseases including life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Vascular leakage is a common clinical crisis in DHF/DSS patients and highly associated with increased endothelial permeability. The presence of vascular leakage causes hypotension, circulatory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation as the disease progresses of DHF/DSS patients, which can lead to the death of patients. However, the mechanisms by which DENV infection caused the vascular leakage are not fully understood. This study reveals a distinct mechanism by which DENV induces endothelial permeability and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mice tissues. We initially show that DENV2 promotes the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression and secretion in DHF patients' sera, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and macrophages. This study further reveals that DENV non-structural protein 1 (NS1) induces MMP-9 expression through activating the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Additionally, NS1 facilitates the MMP-9 enzymatic activity, which alters the adhesion and tight junction and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mouse tissues. Moreover, NS1 recruits MMP-9 to interact with β-catenin and Zona occludens protein-1/2 (ZO-1 and ZO-2) and to degrade the important adhesion and tight junction proteins, thereby inducing endothelial hyperpermeability and vascular leakage in human endothelial cells and mouse tissues. Thus, we reveal that DENV NS1 and MMP-9 cooperatively induce vascular leakage by impairing endothelial cell adhesion and tight junction, and suggest that MMP-9 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of hypovolemia in DSS/DHF patients. Author summary: DENV is the most common mosquito-transmitted viral pathogen in humans. In general, DENV-infected patients are asymptomatic or have flu-like symptoms with fever and rash. However, in severe cases of DENV infection, the diseases may progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in school-age children in tropical and subtropical regions. DENV-induced vascular leakage is characterized by enhanced vascular permeability without morphological damage to the capillary endothelium. This study reveals a possible mechanism by which DENV NS1 and MMP-9 cooperatively induce vascular leakage. NS1 also recruits MMP-9 to degrade β-catenin, ZO-1, and ZO-2 that leads to intervene endothelial hyperpermeability in human endothelial cells and mouse vascular. Moreover, the authors further reveal that DENV activates NF-κB signaling pathway to induce MMP-9 expression in patients, mice, PBMC, and macrophages though NS1 protein. This study would provide new in signs into the pathogenesis of DENV infection, and suggest that MMP-9 may act as a drug target for the prevention and treatment of DENV-associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The anesthesia maintenance phase is characterized by a significant decrease in the complexity and power of cerebral hemodynamic signals. • Adults exhibit a higher coupling between low frequency oscillations (0.01–0.1 Hz) in fNIRS and EEG as compared to children. • fNIRS offers a complementary neurovascular assessment to EEG that improves the accuracy of anesthesia monitoring. This study aims to understand the neural and hemodynamic responses during general anesthesia in order to develop a comprehensive multimodal anesthesia depth monitor using simultaneous functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) and Electroencephalogram (EEG). 37 adults and 17 children were monitored with simultaneous fNIRS and EEG, during the complete general anesthesia process. The coupling of fNIRS signals with neuronal signals (EEG) was calculated. Measures of complexity (sample entropy) and phase difference were also quantified from fNIRS signals to identify unique fNIRS based biomarkers of general anesthesia. A significant decrease in the complexity and power of fNIRS signals characterize the anesthesia maintenance phase. Furthermore, responses to anesthesia vary between adults and children in terms of neurovascular coupling and frontal EEG alpha power. This study shows that fNIRS signals could reliably quantify the underlying neuronal activity under general anesthesia and clearly distinguish the different phases throughout the procedure in adults and children (with less accuracy). A multimodal approach incorporating the specific differences between age groups, provides a reliable measure of anesthesia depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) method is a non-invasive, efficient and advanced geophysical method for groundwater detection. However, the MRS signal received by the coil sensor is extremely susceptible to electromagnetic noise interference. In MRS data processing, random noise suppression of noisy MRS data is an important research aspect. We propose an approach for intensive sampling sparse reconstruction (ISSR) and kernel regression estimation (KRE) to suppress random noise. The approach is based on variable frequency sampling, numerical integration and statistical signal processing combined with kernel regression estimation. In order to realize the approach, we proposed three specific sparse reconstructions, namely rectangular sparse reconstruction, trapezoidal sparse reconstruction and Simpson sparse reconstruction. To solve the distortion of peaks and valleys after sparse reconstruction, we introduced the KRE to deal with the processed data by the ISSR. Further, the simulation and field experiments demonstrate that the ISSR-KRE approach is a feasible and effective way to suppress random noise. Besides, we find that rectangular sparse reconstruction and trapezoidal sparse reconstruction are superior to Simpson sparse reconstruction in terms of noise suppression effect, and sampling frequency is positively correlated with signal-to-noise improvement ratio (SNIR). In one case of field experiment, the standard deviation of noisy MRS data was reduced from 1200.80 nV to 570.01 nV by the ISSR-KRE approach. The proposed approach provides theoretical support for random noise suppression and contributes to the development of MRS instrument with low power consumption and high efficiency. In the future, we will integrate the approach into MRS instrument and attempt to utilize them to eliminate harmonic noise from power line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Transition metal oxide based pseudocapacitors possess the merits of high theoretical specific capacitance and high energy density. However, the poor rate performance especially for thick electrodes, originating from the poor conductivity of most transition metal oxides, is still a hindrance for their practical applications. To resolve the conundrum, increasing the conductivity of metal oxides and developing new electrode constructions with high electron/ion conductivity are effective alternatives to acquire high-rate performance and high specific capacitance. In this study, we report a facile approach to fabricate low-cost transition metal based amorphous oxy-hydroxide epitaxially grown on intermetallics nanofoam by electrochemical polarization in an alkaline solution. The enhanced electron/ion conductivity, generated from the continuous metal substance and pore channel networks in the whole electrode, as well as amorphous structure induced transportation channels of oxy-hydroxide, contributes to the ultrahigh specific capacitance (1058 F/cm3 at a current density of 1 A/cm3) and excellent rate performance (74.2% retention when the current density increases from 1 A/cm3 to 10 A/cm3). Combined with their excellent cyclic stability and low cost, the 3D amorphous oxy-hydroxide/metal architectures demonstrate great potentials for applications in next generation supercapacitors. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Amorphous NiVMn oxy-hydroxide/intermetallics nanofoam electrode is fabricated by electrochemical polarization. • The composite electrode exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1058 Fcm−3. • Amorphous structure of the oxy-hydroxide improves the electron/ion transportation. • The excellent performance of electrode is generated from the bicontinuously nanoporous structure and high conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]