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Blastocystis sp. is a zoonotic unicellular eukaryote that is distributed worldwide. The pathogenicity of Blastocystis sp. has been debated over the years. In this study, mice were infected with Blastocystis sp. ST2 to assess the impact and underlying mechanisms on the host by integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and gut microbiomes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differences in the expression of genes related to inflammatory cytokines, tumors, and neuropathic disease-related factors in mice infected with the parasite. A total of 430 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in Blastocystis-infected female mice, as compared with the control mice, and among these genes, the expression levels of 195 were upregulated (P < 0.001), and that of 235 were downregulated (P < 0.001). Similarly, there were different 478 DEGs in male mice, among which the expression levels of 122 genes (P < 0.001) were upregulated, and that of 356 genes were downregulated (P < 0.001). Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genome analysis showed that 22 pathways in females and 28 pathways in males were enriched. Metabolomics results showed obvious metabolite changes in all mice infected with the parasite. In females, 82 different metabolites were identified, among which the expression levels of 27 metabolites were upregulated, and that of 55 metabolites were downregulated. In males, 118 metabolites were identified, among which the expression levels of 24 metabolites were upregulated, and that of 94 metabolites were downregulated. Microbiome analysis showed differences in the richness of bacterial families in Blastocystis sp. ST2-infected mice. LEfSe analysis showed differences in the abundance of bacterial families in female and male mice compared to the control groups. Multiomics analysis showed that the transcriptome, metabolome, and microbiome are interrelated. These results emphasize that Blastocystis sp. ST2 can negatively affect the host and may be a disease risk factor. The results provide insight into the mechanism of Blastocystis sp.–host interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dependency-aware jobs, such as the big data analytic workflows, are commonly executed on the cloud. They are compiled to directed acyclic graphs, with tasks linked in regarding the dependency. The cloud scheduler, which maintains a large number of resources, is responsible to execute tasks in parallel. To resolve the complex dependencies, Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) based schedulers are widely applied. However, we find that the DRL-based schedulers are vulnerable to the perturbations in the input jobs and may generate falsified decisions to benefit a particular job while delaying the others. By perturbation, we mean a slight adjustment to the job's node features or dependencies, while not changing its functionality. In this paper, we first explore the vulnerability of DRL-based schedulers to job perturbations without accessing the information of the DRL models used in the scheduler. We devise the black-box perturbation system, in which, a proxy model is trained to mimic the DRL-based scheduling policy. We show that the high-faith proxy model can help to craft effective perturbations. The DRL-based schedulers can be as high as 60% likely to be badly affected by the perturbations. Then, we investigate the solution to improve the robustness of DRL-based schedulers to such perturbations. We propose an adversarial training framework to force the neural model to adapt to the perturbation patterns during training so as to eliminate the potential damage during applications. Experiments show that the adversarial-trained scheduler is more robust, reducing the chance of being affected to 3-fold less and the potential bad effects halved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten‐doped diamond‐like carbon (W‐DLC) films were prepared by magnetron sputtering, followed by annealing in the temperature range of 100–500°C. The effects of the annealing treatment on the chemical compositions, mechanical properties and tribological behaviours of annealed W‐DLC films with a base oil were tested by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction and nanoindenter tests. The results indicated that increasing the annealing temperature led to a decrease in the thicknesses and hardness values of the W‐DLC films due to the graphitization and oxidation of the film surfaces. However, the structures of the W‐DLC films annealed at 500°C were destroyed. Under poly‐alpha olefin lubrication, when the annealing temperature was lower than 300°C, the tribological properties of the W‐DLC films were stable. This occurred because the graphitization of the sample surface was conducive to the removal of abrasive particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the power output and other power generation performance is the technical bottleneck restricting the industrial application of microbial fuel cell (MFC). Modification of the anode using nanomaterials can significantly increase the power output of MFC. The negatively charged characteristics of Rhodopseudomonas palustris was utilized to propose electroplating of graphene on the surface of biochar, and preparation of polyaniline (PANI) modified biochar electrode by in situ polymerization. Thus, a graphene oxide/polyaniline modified biochar (GO/PANI@Biochar) anode was prepared. Thus, compared the effects of GO/PANI@Biochar, biochar, traditional carbon cloth (CC), and graphite felt (GF) anodes on the power generation performance of MFC. The results showed that the contact angle θ of the new anode was as low as 0°. The biocompatibility is good, and a large number of electricity-producing microorganisms adhere to the surface of the anode material. The maximum power density of GO/PANI@Biochar anode MFC reached to 2025 mW/m2, which was 72.12% higher than that of unmodified biochar, and it was 3.5, 4.39 times that of traditional GF and CC. The maximum output voltage was 6.12% higher than before modification, 15.56% and 23.8% higher than traditional GF and CC anodes. GO/PANI@Biochar anode utilized the advantages of GO conductivity and biochar high biocompatibility effectively. The synergism of them can significantly improve the current and power density of MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Surgical resection plays an essential role in the treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). There are few reports comparing lobectomy and sublobectomy for pulmonary TB with cavity. To compare the advantages between lobectomy and sublobectomy for localized cavitory PTB, we performed a single-institution cross sectional cohort study of the surgical patients.Methods: We consecutively included 203 patients undergoing lobectomy or sublobectomy surgery for localized cavitary PTB. All patients were followed up, recorded and compared their surgical complication, outcome and associated characteristics.Results: Both groups had similar outcomes after follow up for 13.1 ± 12.1 months, however, sublobectomy group suffered fewer intraoperative blood losses, shorter length of stay, and fewer operative complications than lobectomy group (P <  0.05). Both groups obtained satisfactory outcome with postoperatively medicated for similar period of time and few relapse (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Both sublobectomy and lobectomy resection were effective ways for cavitary PTB with surgical indications. If adequate anti-TB chemotherapy had been guaranteed, sublobectomy is able to be recommended due to more lung parenchyma retain, faster recover, and fewer postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covariance estimation and selection for multivariate datasets in a high-dimensional regime is a fundamental problem in modern statistics. Gaussian graphical models are a popular class of models used for this purpose. Current Bayesian methods for inverse covariance matrix estimation under Gaussian graphical models require the underlying graph and hence the ordering of variables to be known. However, in practice, such information on the true underlying model is often unavailable. We therefore propose a novel permutation-based Bayesian approach to tackle the unknown variable ordering issue. In particular, we utilize multiple maximum a posteriori estimates under the DAG-Wishart prior for each permutation, and subsequently construct the final estimate of the inverse covariance matrix. The proposed estimator has smaller variability and yields order-invariant property. We establish posterior convergence rates under mild assumptions and illustrate that our method outperforms existing approaches in estimating the inverse covariance matrices via simulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A widening gap between official and real-world fuel consumption of passenger cars has been reported worldwide. However, previous policy evaluation has not adequately incorporated real-world performance. To comprehensively evaluate China's Corporate Average Fuel Consumption (CAFC) policy, we update the fuel consumption gap with millions of consumer-reported records and calculate CAFC and evaluate the national average fuel consumption (NAFC) under four scenarios. The results show that China's fuel consumption gap has reached 37%. The average CAFC decreases from 6.72 L/100 km in 2016 to 5.91 L/100 km in 2020, far slower than the rated performance. The real-world NAFC non-compliance is disaggregated into on-road discrepancy (2.5 L/100 km), new-energy discounts (0.4 L/100 km), lightweight impacts (0.3 L/100 km), and additional technology improvements (0.8 L/100 km). This study can improve the state-of-the-art understanding of the real-world fuel consumption of passenger cars in China, thus calling for a more real-world-featured regulation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interactions of different ion irradiation conditions for polymers modification were systematically concluded. • Summarize the characterization methods of atoms, molecules, crystals, free radicals, and chemical structures to understand the changes in physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of polymers, and found the unity of microstructure and macro performance characterization. • The current applications and progress of modified polymers by ion irradiation are concluded with the innovative polymer products in electrolyte membrane, electronic devices, and biomaterials fields. Modifying polymers through ion irradiation is an advantageous method for controlling polymer with desirable properties. The surface modification mechanism and application of polymers by ion irradiation are under exploration. This review systematically analyzes the recent progress on the surface modification of common polymers by ion irradiation. The fundamentals of irradiation principle and chemical interaction, the irradiation effect of microstructure, macroproperties, and related characterization methods are introduced for the innovated applications. The effect of ion beam conditions (heavy or light ions, high or low energy/fluences) on different polymers is systematically analyzed for the different irradiation effect to achieve surface modification, in which the coupling mechanism between nuclear and electronic stopping power is provided. To meet the requirement of various application, the relationship between micro representation and macro performance is thoroughly discussed and established combined with the concerns regarding ion irradiation induced regulation mechanism. For the practical/potential application prospects, the frontier research on membrane separation, electrical, and biomedical applications are discussed. This review offers valuable insights into the modified microstructures versus the necessary surface properties of polymer by ion irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tungsten and titanium co-doped diamond-like carbon films (W/Ti-DLC) on the AISI 316 L stainless steel substrate with different currents of Ti target are deposited by ion beam deposition/DC magnetron sputtering technology, and Ti contents in the W/Ti-DLC films varies from 0 to 1.9 at.%. The mechanical properties, chemical composition and tribological properties of the W/Ti-DLC films are analyzed by nano-indentation instrument, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectrometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The friction and wear behaviors of the films versus AISI 52100 steel ball under molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate (MoDTC) and zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) containing lubrication conditions are investigated by using an SRV tribometer. The results show that doping Ti with high content can cause graphitization on the film surface. The variances of the coefficients of friction and wear rates of the films with Ti content under lubrications are mainly governed by the graphitization and tribofilms formed on the worn surfaces. MoDTC presents better friction reduction effect on the W/Ti-DLC film and Ti content has effect on the formation of ZDDP derived tribofilm. • In PAO, the friction coefficient of the W/Ti-DLC film decreases with the increase of the current of titanium target. • Compared with PAO, the friction coefficients of the films are obviously decreased after the addition of MoDTC. • When ZDDP is added, the friction coefficients increase and the wear volume is smaller when the current of target is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Roadside vehicular pollution is simulated by coupling traffic dynamics, emission model and pollutant dispersion model. • Non-local trucks greatly increase traffic emissions and roadside concentration of BC at night. • Unfavourable dispersion conditions are a major reason for higher roadside BC concentration at night. • Smart transportation management should consider the temporal traffic and meteorological patterns. Abstract Increasing attentions have been attained to transportation air quality in developing countries. Multi-disciplinary models are useful to understand the relationship between traffic dynamics and air quality, however, which generate higher demand for input data regarding traffic and emission. In Beijing, the environmental impact from non-local heavy-duty trucks (HDTs) has not been evaluated yet, which may be an important reason for higher black carbon concentration at night. This study selected one link of the North Fourth Ring Road, a major urban traffic corridor, to characterize BC pollution for typical weekdays by coupling traffic data investigation, vehicle emission calculation and roadside concentration modelling. We found local meteorological conditions would play a more governing role than changes of vehicle emissions in elevating roadside BC concentration, in particular for the night hours when dispersion conditions were significantly worsened. AERMOD-modelled results were in a good agreement with simultaneously observed BC concentration data, which could be responsible for 17% of the total roadside BC concentration during the summer period. We further identified that approximately 30–40% of the total HDT fleet on the North Fourth Ring Road were non-local HDTs, which could increase total BC emissions by ∼60% and roadside BC concentration by ∼2 μg m−3 at night compared to a local HDTs exclusive scenario. In addition to stricter emission controls for non-local HDTs, policy-makers may consider allowing HDTs to drive within the urban area at noon under a delicate scheme based on fine-grained weather forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhang, S.;Wu, W.; Zheng, Q., and Wang, M., 2018. Effect of dispersants on bio-degradation of marine spilled oil. In: Liu, Z.L. and Mi, C. (eds.), Advances in Sustainable Port and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, pp. 364–368. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Light crude oil and heavy crude oil are selected to stimulate spilled oil pollution, mixed ratio of nonionic surfactant agent in dispersants of spilled oil is designed to determine the formula of efficient low temperature environment-friendly dispersant and the suitable application conditions, the effect of dispersant dosage, water salinity and temperature on the emulsification rate of spilled oil. Enriched oil degrading mixed bacteria is selected as the bio-degradation bacteria. Effect of dispersant dosage on bio-degradation of crude oil and influence of adding nutrient salts on bio-degradation of crude oil after emulsification of dispersants are studied by batch shaking experiment. Experimental results show that adding proportional dispersants is beneficial to the growth and propagation of microorganisms and the degradation of crude oil. The addition of nutrient salts can also significantly improve the bio-degradation rate of dispersants after emulsification of dispersants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tackling vehicle emissions is one important task for governmental stakeholders to develop cleaner cities. Gasoline-fueled light-duty passenger vehicles (LDPVs) are intensively used in populous urban areas to meet passenger transportation demand. However, gasoline vehicle emissions raise the health risk due to the proximity of exposure to gasoline exhaust. To better understand the genotoxicity of gasoline emissions, this study is focused on their emissions of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p-PAHs). We combined dynamometer testing, filter sampling and offline chemical analysis to measure p-PAH emissions from five in-use gasoline LDPVs. The results indicate that the emission factors of tested vehicles under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle (WLTC) decrease significantly with emission standard, from 11.27 μg km −1 for one China 3 LDPV to below 6 μg km −1 for the other newer LDPVs (China 4 and 5). Different from the mass distribution of p-PAH species for diesel vehicles, medium-and high-molecular-weight PAHs (e.g., 4, 5, and 6-ring species) are considerably identified from the gasoline particle samples. These medium and high-weight PAHs, such as benzo [a]pyrene (BaP) and dibenzo [ah]anthracene (DaA), in general have much greater toxic equivalency factors than low-molecular-weight PAHs. Furthermore, this study also reports that engine type and driving cycle conditions would have discernible impacts on p-PAH emissions. The gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine-equipped LDPVs would increase p-PAH emissions compared with the counterparts using port-fuel injection (PFI) engines. Cold start and transient driving conditions could also result in increased p-PAH emissions, while high-speed driving conditions tend to reduce the p-PAH content in total particles. The significant health impacts caused by p-PAH emissions from gasoline LDPVs should be concerned, and more effective measures should be taken to eliminate gasoline particle emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrification has been rapidly promoted to transform the energy source for public transit buses. Among all electric technologies penetrating the public bus fleet, battery electric buses (BEBs) dominates the market. Nevertheless, real-world energy consumption (EC) is of great concern, since BEBs are often used under congested conditions that may affect their energy and environmental benefits. This study proposes an operating mode binning method to assess on-road EC and well-to-wheel (WTW) air pollutants emissions of BEBs under complex real-world usage patterns. Second-by-second EC and operating data of two BEBs demonstrated in Macao, China is adopted to establish the EC profiles under each micro modes. Results show that EC value would be below zero in certain operation modes with negative vehicle specific power values, which suggests the regenerative brake system is effectively functioning under deceleration conditions. Average EC are estimated to be 1.7 to 4.1 kWh km −1 for BEB12 and 1.2 to 2.9 kWh km −1 for BEB10 (i.e., vehicle length of 12 m and 10 m), respectively, under all operating conditions (i.e., 18 various patterns) by average speed, loading mass and air conditioner usage. The large variation in real-world EC would proportionally affect WTW emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and air pollutants from BEBs. When deployed in Macao where non-fossil electricity is relatively abundant, BEB can significantly reduce WTW emissions of nitrogen oxides (NO X ) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 60%–80%, along with considerable reductions of 10%–40% for CO 2 and fine particulate matters (PM 2.5 ). Further, the benefits related to WTW CO 2 and PM 2.5 emissions would not exist if BEBs are deployed in coal power-rich regions. Our measurement results and WTW emission suggests that current fuel economy testing procedure of BEB should be modified to better inform customers and policy-makers of their real-world performance and benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted on the specific heat and thermal conductivity of a calcined dolomite briquette, a ferrosilicon sample, and a pre-reduction Pidgeon-processed briquette. The laser flash method was used in the measurement of thermal conductivity. Based on the results, a combination of the Series and Maxwell–Eucken 2 models was deduced to fit the effective thermal conductivity of a Pidgeon-processed briquette, which was demonstrated by an analysis of the briquette microstructure. In contrast to previous studies, the proposed study provided specific measured values of briquette density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity, which could be used in the calculation of the Pidgeon process. Moreover, this study offers new potential for the improvement of the numerical simulation accuracy of the Pidgeon process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problem of difficult metallization between polymer and metal layers of electronic substrates, the surface modification of dielectric layers with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly (perfluoroethylene) (FEP) is carried out by nitrogen ion implantation, a transition layer and electrolytic copper are processed and deposited on the polymer to form the direct surface metallization of polymers. The microstructure, surface bonds and energy, the dielectric property with different doses is analyzed. The implantation of nitrogen ions with 1015 ions/cm2 introduce more polar molecules, and the enhanced electron cloud overlap increases the dielectric conductivity and dielectric loss. While the dielectric loss is reduced under the irradiation of 1016 ions/cm2 by forming internal C C bonds and depressing the orientation. The interlayer mechanical anchoring force plays a major role in improving interlayer adhesive strength on the modifying layer, and it's helpful to fabricate the electronic substrates with strong binding forces. Therefore, the surface modification method of polymer we offer is to obtain electronic substrates with low-background levels and low-temperature resistance, which has good electrical performance, also has strong application potential in rare event detection. • The metallization of polymer is processed for the low-background electronic substrates. • More polarity bonds species and free radicals are generated by low dose implantation. • Mechanical anchoring force generated by high dose is critical in interlayer adhesion. • The electrical properties of electronic substrates are compared between different doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous well-to-wheels (WTW) analyses on electric vehicles (EVs) have reported tremendous results of potential energy and environmental effects. However, there remains a challenge to lower the uncertainties that were introduced when obtaining life-cycle parameters from a macro perspective (e.g., nationwide or regional scales). This study takes Beijing as a case, because it is an important regional hub for EV promotion and represents megacities with severe urban air pollution issues and congested traffic conditions. We collected up-to-date data concerning the electricity generation mix, fuel transport, end-of-pipe controls, real-world fuel economy and emissions, and estimated the WTW energy consumption and CO 2 and air pollutant emissions for various light-duty passenger vehicle technologies currently (2015) and in the mid-term future (2030). Unlike previous results, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are shown to significantly reduce WTW CO 2 emissions by 32% for the present model year (MY) 2015 compared with their conventional gasoline counterparts, primarily due to the shift from coal to gas in local power plants in Beijing and the significantly higher real-world fuel consumption of conventional vehicles compared with the type-approval value. By 2030, WTW CO 2 emissions by BEVs should approach 100 g km −1 due to the increased importation of non-fossil electricity, even lower than that of hybrid electric vehicles. Furthermore, significant improvements in end-of-pipe controls for coal-fired power plants have effectively lowered WTW emissions of air pollutants. In terms of VOCs and NO X that are of most concerns among all pollutants emitted from passenger vehicles, the WTW emissions of VOCs for MY 2015 BEV are already significantly lower than their conventional counterparts by 95%. Although WTW NO X emissions for BEVs are currently higher by 66% than conventional gasoline vehicles, we expect that BEVs can achieve WTW emission reduction benefit of NO X (41%) by 2030. This study indicates the significance of fine-grained and real-world features when assessing the WTW energy and environmental effects of EVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large (26-fold over the past 25 years) increase in the on-road vehicle fleet in China has raised sustainability concerns regarding air pollution prevention, energy conservation, and climate change mitigation. China has established integrated emission control policies and measures since the 1990s, including implementation of emission standards for new vehicles, inspection and maintenance programs for in-use vehicles, improvement in fuel quality, promotion of sustainable transportation and alternative fuel vehicles, and traffic management programs. As a result, emissions of major air pollutants from on-road vehicles in China have peaked and are now declining despite increasing vehicle population. As might be expected, progress in addressing vehicle emissions has not always been smooth and challenges such as the lack of low sulfur fuels, frauds over production conformity and in-use inspection tests, and unreliable retrofit programs have been encountered. Considering the high emission density from vehicles in East China, enhanced vehicle, fuel and transportation strategies will be required to address vehicle emissions in China. We project the total vehicle population in China to reach 400–500 million by 2030. Serious air pollution problems in many cities of China, in particular high ambient PM 2.5 concentration, have led to pressure to accelerate the progress on vehicle emission reduction. A notable example is the draft China 6 emission standard released in May 2016, which contains more stringent emission limits than those in the Euro 6 regulations, and adds a real world emission testing protocol and a 48-h evaporation testing procedure including diurnal and hot soak emissions. A scenario ( PC[1] ) considered in this study suggests that increasingly stringent standards for vehicle emissions could mitigate total vehicle emissions of HC, CO, NO X and PM 2.5 in 2030 by approximately 39%, 57%, 59% and 79%, respectively, compared with 2013 levels. With additional actions to control the future light-duty passenger vehicle population growth and use, and introduce alternative fuels and new energy vehicles, the China total vehicle emissions of HC, CO, NO X and PM 2.5 in 2030 could be reduced by approximately 57%, 71%, 67% and 84%, respectively, (the PC[2] scenario) relative to 2013. This paper provides detailed policy roadmaps and technical options related to these future emission reductions for governmental stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region is one of the most prosperous and densely populated regions in China and is facing tremendous pressure to mitigate vehicle emissions and improve air quality. Our assessment has revealed that mitigating vehicle emissions of NO x would be more difficult than reducing the emissions of other major vehicular pollutants ( e.g. , CO, HC and PM 2.5 ) in the YRD region. Even in Shanghai, where the emission control implemented are more stringent than in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, we observed little to no reduction in NO x emissions from 2000 to 2010. Emission–reduction targets for HC, NO x and PM 2.5 are determined using a response surface modeling tool for better air quality. We design city-specific emission control strategies for three vehicle-populated cities in the YRD region: Shanghai and Nanjing and Wuxi in Jiangsu. Our results indicate that even if stringent emission control consisting of the Euro 6/VI standards, the limitation of vehicle population and usage, and the scrappage of older vehicles is applied, Nanjing and Wuxi will not be able to meet the NO x emissions target by 2020. Therefore, additional control measures are proposed for Nanjing and Wuxi to further mitigate NO x emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling fuel consumption of light-duty passenger vehicles has created substantial concerns due to the uncertainty from real-world operating conditions. Macao is world-renowned for its tourism industry and high population density. An empirical model is developed to estimate real-world fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for gasoline-powered light-duty passenger vehicles in Macao by considering local fleet configuration and operating conditions. Thanks to increasingly stringent fuel consumption limits in vehicle manufacturing countries, estimated type-approval fuel consumption for light-duty passenger vehicles in Macao by model year was reduced from 7.4 L/100 km in 1995 to 5.9 L/100 km in 2012, although a significant upsizing trend has considerably offset potential energy-saving benefit. However, lower driving speed and the air-conditioning usage tend to raise fleet-average fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission factors, which are estimated to be 10.1 L/100 km and 240 g/km in 2010. Fleet-total fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are modeled through registered vehicle population-based and link-level traffic demand approaches and the results satisfactorily coincide with the historical record of fuel sales in Macao. Temporal and spatial variations in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions from light-duty passenger vehicles further highlight the importance of effective traffic management in congested areas of Macao. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an original solvent selection method was developed for the separation of biosurfactant rhamnolipids from fermentation broth by high-speed countercurrent chromatography. For this method, calculations were based on solubility and functional group parameters that enabled the rapid selection of suitable solvent systems at no more than 10% of average time by traditional method. Based on selection results, a three-phase solvent system composed ofn-hexane-methyl acetate-acetonitrile-water (2:2:2:5, v/v) was efficiently used for one-step separation of a mixture of six rhamnolipids. Thereby, RhaC10C10(0.73 mg), RhaC10(0.51 mg), Rha2C10(0.12 mg), RhaC10C12(1.26 mg), Rha2C10C10(1.03 mg), and Rha2C10C12(0.87 mg) were extracted from preparedPseudomonas aeruginosa(100.0 mg) with purities of 96.37, 95.20, 91.25, 84.41, 89.8, and 90.26%, respectively. The purified compounds were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy, plus1H and13C nuclear magnetic resonance studies. This study provides a new perspective on concepts involving efficient solvent system selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer has various molecular subtypes and displays high heterogeneity. Aberrant DNA methylation is involved in tumor origin, development and progression. Moreover, distinct DNA methylation patterns are associated with specific breast cancer subtypes. We explored DNA methylation patterns in association with gene expression to assess their impact on the prognosis of breast cancer based on Infinium 450K arrays (training set) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The DNA methylation patterns of 12 featured genes that had a high correlation with gene expression were identified through univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and used to define the methylation risk score (MRS). An improved ability to distinguish the power of the DNA methylation pattern from the 12 featured genes (p = 0.00103) was observed compared with the average methylation levels (p = 0.956) or gene expression (p = 0.909). Furthermore, MRS provided a good prognostic value for breast cancers even when the patients had the same receptor status. We found that ER-, PR- or Her2- samples with high-MRS had the worst 5-year survival rate and overall survival time. An independent test set including 28 patients with death as an outcome was used to test the validity of the MRS of the 12 featured genes; this analysis obtained a prognostic value equivalent to the training set. The predict power was validated through two independent datasets from the GEO database. The DNA methylation pattern is a powerful predictor of breast cancer survival, and can predict outcomes of the same breast cancer molecular subtypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 13 diesel buses and 12 diesel trucks in Macao were tested using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS) including a SEMTECH-DS for gaseous emissions and a SEMTECH-PPMD for PM 2.5 . The average emission rates of gaseous pollutants and CO 2 are developed with the operating mode defined by the instantaneous vehicle specific power (VSP) and vehicle speed. Both distance-based and fuel mass-based emission factors for gaseous pollutants (e.g., CO, THC and NO X ) are further estimated under typical driving conditions. The average distance-based NO X emission of heavy-duty buses (HDBs) is higher than 13 g km −1 . Considering the unfavorable conditions for selective reductions catalyst (SCR) systems, such as low-speed driving conditions, more effective technology options (e.g., dedicated natural gas buses and electric buses) should be considered by policy makers in Macao. We identified strong effects of the vehicle size, engine displacement and driving conditions on real-world CO 2 emission factors and fuel consumption for diesel vehicles. Therefore, detailed profiles regarding vehicle specifications can reduce the uncertainty in their fleet-average on-road fuel consumption. In addition, strong correlations between relative emission factors and driving conditions indicated by the average speed of generated micro-trips are identified based on a micro-trip method. For example, distance-based emission factors of HDBs will increase by 39% for CO, 29% for THC, 43% for NO X and 26% for CO 2 when the average speed decreases from 30 km h −1 to 20 km h −1 . The mitigation of on-road emissions from diesel buses and trucks by improving traffic conditions through effective traffic and economic management measures is therefore required. This study demonstrates the important role of PEMS in understanding vehicle emissions and mitigation strategies from science to policy perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting mutation in BRCA1/2 is a generally accepted strategy for screening ovarian cancers that have impaired homologous recombination (HR) ability and improved sensitivity to PARP inhibitor. However, a substantial subset of BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer patients shows less impaired or unimpaired HR ability, resulting in nonequivalent outcome after ovarian cancer development. We hypothesize that genomic instability provides a lifetime record of DNA repair deficiency and predicts ovarian cancer outcome. Based on the multi-dimensional TCGA ovarian cancer data, we developed a biological rationale-driven genomic instability score integrating somatic mutation and copy number change in a tumor genome. The score successfully divided BRCA-mutant ovarian tumors into cases of significantly improved outcome and cases of unimproved outcome. The score was also capable of discriminating HR-deficiency indicated by BRCA1 epigenetically silencing, EMSY amplification and homozygous deletion of core HR genes. We further found that the score was positively correlated with the complete response rate of chemotherapy and the rate of platinum-sensitivity, and predicted improved outcome of ovarian cancer, regardless of BRCA-mutation status. The score may have important value in outcome prediction and clinical trial design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Recent studies on human disease have revealed that aberrant interaction between proteins probably underlies a substantial number of human genetic diseases. This suggests a need to investigate disease inheritance mode using interaction, and based on which to refresh our conceptual understanding of a series of properties regarding inheritance mode of human disease.Results: We observed a strong correlation between the number of protein interactions and the likelihood of a gene causing any dominant diseases or multiple dominant diseases, whereas no correlation was observed between protein interaction and the likelihood of a gene causing recessive diseases. We found that dominant diseases are more likely to be associated with disruption of important interactions. These suggest inheritance mode should be understood using protein interaction. We therefore reviewed the previous studies and refined an interaction model of inheritance mode, and then confirmed that this model is largely reasonable using new evidences. With these findings, we found that the inheritance mode of human genetic diseases can be predicted using protein interaction. By integrating the systems biology perspectives with the classical disease genetics paradigm, our study provides some new insights into genotype–phenotype correlations.Contact: haodapeng@ems.hrbmu.edu.cn or biofomeng@hotmail.comSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Nitrogen oxides (NO X ) emissions are creating significant air quality challenges in China’s megacities. Since Euro IV diesel buses equipped with selective catalyst reduction (SCR) systems failed to mitigate on-road NO X emissions as expected, real-world NO X emissions from newly introduced Euro V diesel buses, diesel hybrid and alternative fuel (e.g., natural gas) buses are of great concern to policymakers in China. In this study, NO X emissions from two Euro V diesel, two Euro IV diesel hybrid, nine compressed natural gas (CNG) and two liquefied natural gas (LNG) buses were measured on-road by using portable emission measurement systems (PEMS). The average NO X emission factor of the Euro V diesel buses was 7.5 ± 0.1 g km −1 for a typical driving cycle, 37% lower than the Euro IV diesel buses. However, the average brake-specific emission factor still exceeded the Euro V standard by 180%. The diesel hybrid buses had an average NO X emission factor of 4.4 ± 1.1 g km −1 , much lower than their conventional diesel counterparts. CNG and LNG buses also had lower NO X emission factors. The average NO X emission factor of the LNG buses was 3.2 ± 0.7 g km −1 , due to the performance of the SCR systems under higher exhaust temperatures. Furthermore, real-world NO X emission factors for all tested vehicle categories except diesel hybrids were significantly sensitive to changes of average speed. Operation of air conditioning in the bus reduced average NO X emissions by 38% for diesel hybrid buses although fuel consumption increased. These results suggest hybrid and CNG/LNG technologies are better options than the Euro V diesel engines to mitigate NO X emissions from urban buses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene expression is modulated by multiple mechanisms, including genetic and/or epigenetic regulation, and associated with the processes of cellular differentiation and morphogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and DNA methylation play important roles in regulating gene expression. In this study, we focused on revealing the relationship between SNPs, DNA methylation and gene expression in two human populations genome-wide through proposing four regulation patterns and developed maximum likelihood estimate models. Using simulated data with different correlation coefficients between any two traits, the power of our approach showed a favourable performance and relative stability. In all, 6733 SNP–CpG-gene pairs including 957 genes were obtained in Northern European ancestry (CEU) population. As the results showed, SNPs and DNA methylation had approximately the same effect on expression regulation of 49% genes, which was termed cooperative/antagonistic regulation pattern. Less than 30% of genes are controlled only by one of the factors (SNP/DNA methylation). The others showed SNPs that affect methylation have no consequent effects or crosstalk regulation on gene expression. Similar result was shown in Yourba (YRI) population. Specific genes were inferred using the different mechanisms of gene regulation involved in complex diseases by combining literature. This approach provides a method to comprehensively assess regulation patterns of gene expression in the whole genome. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Industrial aquaculture wastewater contains large quantities of suspended particles that can be easily broken down physically. Introduction of macro-bio-filters, such as bivalve filter feeders, may offer the potential for treatment of fine suspended matter in industrial aquaculture wastewater. In this study, we employed two kinds of bivalve filter feeders, the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and the blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, to deposit suspended solids from marine fish aquaculture wastewater in flow-through systems. Results showed that the biodeposition rate of suspended particles by C. gigas (shell height: 8.67±0.99 cm) and M. galloprovincialis (shell height: 4.43±0.98 cm) was 77.84±7.77 and 6.37±0.67 mg ind−1•d−1, respectively. The total solid suspension (TSS) deposition rates of oyster and mussel treatments were 3.73±0.27 and 2.76±0.20 times higher than that of the control treatment without bivalves, respectively. The TSS deposition rates of bivalve treatments were significantly higher than the natural sedimentation rate of the control treatment (P<0.001). Furthermore, organic matter and C, N in the sediments of bivalve treatments were significantly lower than those in the sediments of the control (P<0.05). It was suggested that the filter feeders C. gigas and M. galloprovincialis had considerable potential to filter and accelerate the deposition of suspended particles from industrial aquaculture wastewater, and simultaneously yield value-added biological products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As a pioneer in controlling vehicle emissions within China, Beijing released the Clean Air Action Plan 2013–2017 document in August 2013 to improve its urban air quality. It has put forward this plan containing the most stringent emission control policies and strategies to be adopted for on-road vehicles of Beijing. This paper estimates the historic and future trends and uncertainties in vehicle emissions of Beijing from 1998 to 2020 by applying a new emission factor model for the Beijing vehicle fleet (EMBEV). Our updated results show that total emissions of CO, THC, NO x and PM2.5 from the Beijing vehicle fleet are 507 (395–819) kt, 59.1 (41.2–90.5) kt, 74.7 (54.9–103.9) kt and 2.69 (1.91–4.17) kt, respectively, at a 95% confidence level. This represents significant reductions of 58%, 59%, 31% and 62%, respectively, relative to the total vehicle emissions in 1998. The past trends clearly posed a challenge to NOx emission mitigation for the Beijing vehicle fleet, especially in light of those increasing NO x emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) which have partly offset the reduction benefit from light-duty gasoline vehicles (LDGVs). Because of recently announced vehicle emission controls to be adopted in Beijing, including tighter emissions standards, limitations on vehicle growth by more stringent license control, promotion of alternative fuel technologies (e.g., natural gas) and the scrappage of older vehicles, estimated vehicle emissions in Beijing will continue to be mitigated by 74% of CO, 68% of THC, 56% of NO x and 72% of PM2.5 in 2020 compared to 2010 levels. Considering that many of the megacities in China are facing tremendous pressures to mitigate emissions from on-road vehicles, our assessment will provide a timely case study of significance for policy-makers in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The increasing discrepancy between on-road and type-approval fuel consumption for LDPVs (light-duty passenger vehicles) has attracted tremendous attention. We measured on-road emissions for 60 LDPVs in three China's cities and calculated their fuel consumption and CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions. We further evaluated the impacts of variations in area-averaged speed on relative fuel consumption of gasoline LDPVs for the UAB (urban area of Beijing). On-road fuel consumption under the average driving pattern is 10 ± 2% higher than that normalized to the NEDC (new European driving cycle) cycle for all tested vehicles, and the on-road NEDC-normalized fuel consumption is higher by 30 ± 12% compared to type-approval values for gasoline vehicles. We observed very strong correlations between relative fuel consumption and average speed. Traffic control applied to LDPVs driving within the UAB during weekdays can substantially reduce total fleet fuel consumption by 23 ± 5% during restriction hours by limiting vehicle use and improving driving conditions. Our results confirmed that a new cycle for the type approval test for LDPVs with more real-world driving features is of great necessity. Furthermore, enhanced traffic control measures could play an important role in mitigating real-world fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for LDPVs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fuel economy of diesel buses is not significantly improved over the decade in China. [•] We improve speed corrections by integrating mode binning and micro-trip methods. [•] Speed is the leading indicator of traffic conditions affecting on-road fuel use. [•] NG buses have higher fuel consumption to diesel buses but comparable CO2 emissions. [•] Fuel saving potential of hybrid buses is largely offset by air conditioning usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The analysis of allele-specific gene expression (ASE) is essential for the mapping of genetic variants that affect gene regulation, and for the identification of alleles that modify disease risk. Although RNA sequencing offers the opportunity to measure expression at allele levels, the availability of powerful statistical methods for mapping ASE in single or multiple individuals is limited. We developed a maximum likelihood model to characterize ASE in the human genome. Approximately 17% of genes displayed an allele-specific effect on gene expression in a single individual. Simulations using our model gave a better performance and improved robustness when compared with the binomial test, with different coverage levels, allelic expression fractions and random noise. In addition, our method can identify ASE in multiple individuals, with enhanced performance. This is helpful in understanding the mechanism of genetic regulation leading to expression changes, alternative splicing variants and even disease susceptibility. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Guangzhou government adopted many vehicle emission control policies and strategies during the five-year preparation (2005–2009) to host the 2010 Asian Games. This study established a multi-year emission inventory for vehicles in Guangzhou during 2005–2009 and estimated the uncertainty in total vehicle emissions by taking the assumed uncertainties in fleet-average emission factors and annual mileage into account. In 2009, the estimated total vehicle emissions in Guangzhou were 313 000 (242 000–387 000) tons of CO, 60 900 (54 000–70 200) tons of THC, 65 600 (56 800–74 100) tons of NO x and 2740 (2100–3400) tons of PM10. Vehicle emissions within the urban area of Guangzhou were estimated to be responsible for ∼40% of total gaseous pollutants and ∼25% of total PM10 in the entire city. Although vehicle use intensity increased rapidly in Guangzhou during 2005–2009, vehicle emissions were estimated to have been reduced by 12% for CO, 21% for THC and 20% for PM10 relative to those in 2005. NO x emissions were estimated to have remained almost constant during this period. Compared to the “without control” scenario, 19% (15%–23%) of CO, 20% (18%–23%) of THC, 9% (8%–10%) of NO x and 16% (12%–20%) of PM10 were estimated to have been mitigated from a combination of the implementation of Euro III standards for light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and improvement of fuel quality. This study also evaluated several enhanced vehicle emission control actions taken recently. For example, the enhanced I/M program for LDVs was estimated to reduce 11% (9%–14%) of CO, 9% (8%–10%) of THC and 2% (2%–3%) of NO x relative to total vehicle emissions in 2009. Total emission reductions by temporary traffic controls for the Asian Games were estimated equivalent to 9% (7%–11%) of CO, 9% (8%–10%) of THC, 5% (5%–6%) of NO x and 10% (8%–13%) of PM10 estimated total vehicle emissions in 2009. Those controls are essential to further vehicle emission mitigation in Guangzhou required by the new National Ambient Air Quality Standards. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aqueous capture collection, low pressure purge-and-trap concentration, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed for the determination of gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted from a diesel engine. The collection method was improved with help of several cosolvents rather than solid adsorbents. The concentration system was modified by using a purge-and-trap instrument to enhance recovery of the high boiling point polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from 22% to 81%. GC-MS analysis of diesel engine exhaust emissions included 16 main polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at the picogram level. The present method shortened the collection and pretreatment time to no more than 10% of the traditional methods and minimized the loss of analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: To search for genetic regulators influencing miRNA transcript abundance, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify quantitative trait loci associated with primary miRNA transcript abundance (pri-miQTL) using genotype data from HapMap CEU phased data. We detected robust expression for 150 pri-miRNAs out of 1523 interrogated using RNA-seq. We have identified some pri-miRNAs that showed significant evidence for cis- (34%) and trans-pri-miQTLs (3%). Furthermore, we observed that multiple cis-pri-miQTLs, showed allele-specific expression associated with single pri-miRNA expression. Interestingly, a cis-regulatory variation influenced the expression levels of two pri-miRNAs that expressed identical mature sequences. We also observed that a single trans-regulatory variation was associated with multiple unrelated pri-miRNAs: rs292253 was associated with the expression of hsa-mir-3181, hsa-mir-3665 and hsa-mir-762. These findings revealed that the expression of pri-miRNA detected by RNA-seq can be used to identify pri-miQTLs, as an alternative method to dissect the genetic control mechanisms governing pri-miRNA expression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Knowledge of the mechanism by which arsenic trioxide exerts the anti-tumor effects may help in designing a more effective regimen for therapy. Transcription factor Sox2, a key gene implicated in maintaining the “stemness” of embryonic and adult stem cells, plays an important role in the carcinogenesis and maintenance of glioblastoma. Here, we found that the expression of Sox2 at transcriptional level was decreased during As2O3-induced glioma cell apoptosis. And, the ectopic expression of Sox2 attenuated the apoptotic effect of As2O3 on glioma cell. Furthermore, As2O3 inhibited the self-renewal of glioma stem cells, and efficiently induces the apoptosis of glioma stem cells, at least, partly through down-regulation of Sox2. These data identify a previously unrecognized mechanism of the anti-tumor effects of arsenic trioxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A fast and simple solvent system screening method was established based on average polarity, which was much easier to find a suitable solvent system for high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) separation. Six alkaloids were separated and purified simultaneously with n-hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (2:5:2:5) on HSCCC in one step. As a result, 4.7mg palmatine, 7.1mg berberine, 0.8mg worenine, 1.5mg epiberberine, 1.9mg coptisine and 0.6mg jatrorrhizine from 20mg Rhizoma coptidis extract were obtained with the purities of 98.5%, 94.1%, 90.4%, 95.5%, 88.4% and 91.1% respectively as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and they were characterized by MS and 1H NMR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this work, we fabricated a sensitivity chronocoulometric DNA sensor (CDS) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/poly(l-lysine) complex film modified glassy carbon electrode. Hexaammineruthenium(III) chloride ([Ru(NH3)6]3+) was used as the electroactive indicator. The assembled process was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronocoulometry (CC). CC is used to monitor the DNA hybridization event by measurement of electrostatic binding [Ru(NH3)6]3+. Under the optimal conditions, the signal of [Ru(NH3)6]3+ was linear with the logarithm of the concentration of the complementary oligonucleotides from 1.0×10−13 to 1.0×10−11 M, and the detection limit is 3.5×10−14 M. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A fast and simple solvent system screening method was established based on average polarity, which was much easier to find a suitable solvent system for high speed countercurrent chromatography separation. Dl-tetrahydropalmatine was separated and purified in one step with n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (4-6-5-5) on high speed countercurrent chromatography. Acetic acid was successfully used to adjust the pH value of the sample solution to improve recovery of the separation. As a result, 4.37 mg dl-tetrahydropalmatine was separated from 25 mg crude extract at the purity of 92.7% with the recovery of 95.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective analysis method for tablet of Corydalis tuber for alleviating pain was developed by high performance liquid chromatography in the presence of solvent mixtures of acetic acid, triethylamine, methanol, and water in gradient elution. It was applied to 12 tablet samples that were collected stochastically from pharmacies and hospitals. An image chromatographic fingerprint was developed and four marker compounds were identified in the fingerprint. A digitized chromatographic fingerprint spectrum was developed based on the seventeen common peaks that were obtained in these samples. Several quantitative parameters including relative retention time, relative standard deviation of relative retention time, relative peak area, relative standard deviation of relative peak area, difference rate, and total difference rate were applied in the digitized fingerprint of tablet of Corydalis tuberfor alleviating pain to supply an applicable and quantitative quality control method for this kind of traditional Chinese medicine preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The expressions of the refractive indices corresponding wave vector are given by using coordinate transformations for the refractive indices ellipsoid equation of biaxial crystals. The refractive index expression of the wave, whose velocity is slower, is given by and that of the wave, whose velocity is faster, is given by [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) is a process that wind energy converts to the mechanical energy of the bluff body. Enhancing VIV to harvest wind energy is a promising method to power wireless sensor nodes in the Internet of Things. In this work, a VIV-driven square cylinder triboelectric nanogenerator (SC-TENG) is proposed to harvest broadband wind energy. The vibration characteristic and output performance are studied experimentally to investigate the effect of the natural frequency by using five different springs in a wide range of stiffnesses ( 27   N / m < K < 90   N / m ). The square cylinder is limited to transverse oscillation and experiments were conducted in the Reynolds regime ( 3.93 × 10 3 – 3.25 × 10 4 ). The results demonstrate the strong dependency of VIV on natural frequency and lock-in observed in a broad range of spring stiffness. Moreover, the amplitude ratio and range of lock-in region increase by decreasing spring stiffness. On the other hand, the SC-TENG with higher spring stiffness can result in higher output under high wind velocities. These observations suggest employing an adjustable natural frequency system to have optimum energy harvesting in VIV-based SC-TENG in an expanded range of operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The mixed solution of acetone-epoxy resin containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes was prepared by ultrasonic dispersion. • The effects of MWCNT content, test temperature and strain rate on the properties of FMLs were systematically investigated. • The enhancement mechanisms of multi-walled carbon nanotubes mainly involve fracture, pull-out and crack bridging. • As the geometric ratio increases, necking occurs and the outermost metal produces an edge curl effect. • With the increase of grain size, the fracture mode changes from microporous aggregated fracture to cleavage fracture. At present, titanium alloy/carbon fiber reinforced polymer (TA1/CFRP) laminates, representing the latest fourth generation of fiber metal laminates (FMLs), are predominantly applied in the field of aerospace. The miniaturization of traditional FMLs in thickness or plane size to the micron level for the study of structural properties of ultra-thin laminates will further expand the application of FMLs in the field of micro-devices. Given that carbon nanotubes have a strengthening mechanism in polymers. However, most existing studies have focused on the effect of carbon nanotubes on the properties of macro-scale FMLs, while the enhancement mechanism of the interfacial and mechanical properties of ultra-thin micro-scale FMLs has not been studied, leaving the mechanism still unclear. Based on this, this paper explores the interfacial deformation mode, damage fracture and performance enhancement mechanism of the ultra-thin TA1/CFRP laminates by comparing the parameters of tensile strength and elongation under quasi-static conditions and different process parameters of multi-walled carbon nanotubes content, test temperature, geometry size and grain size. Meanwhile, the correlation law between high-speed tension and quasi-static tension is determined, a 29.3 % increase in tensile strength as the strain rate rises from 0.001 s−1 to 100 s−1, yielding the basic deformation law of ultra-thin FMLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction pathways and phase transitions during primary magnesium production via silicon reduction of CaO·MgO under vacuum conditions were examined using thermodynamic calculations, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalyzer scanning (EPMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The findings suggest that the actual chemical reaction involves Si interacting with CaO in dolime to form CaSi 2 , which subsequently serves as a reducing agent to reduce MgO, resulting in magnesium vapor. Solid–solid reactions occur in pellets at temperatures below 1028 °C, whereas solid–liquid reactions take place above this temperature. The solid–liquid reaction notably enhances the reaction rate. In addition, the limited hydration reactivity of the slag from the silicothermic process is attributable to the formation of large MgO particles through the solid–liquid reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Start emissions from gasoline light-duty passenger vehicles (LDPVs) remain an important source of emissions modeling. This study measured start emissions of gaseous pollutants and solid particle number based on dynamometer tests for a fleet of 111 LDPVs in China, and selected a portion of samples to be tested under low temperature or shorter soak conditions. The cold-start phase, defined to follow soak durations of more than 6 h, typically lasts less than 200 s but accounts for a high proportion of total tailpipe emissions under the regulatory cycle (e.g., ~60% for China 6 CO emissions). Low temperature predominantly increases start emissions rather than hot-running emissions, and the increase ratios vary by pollutant and vehicle technology. Metrological data and soak duration profiles informed by a large sample of LDPVs were used to quantify the seasonal, diurnal and spatial variabilities of LDPV emissions across China. One notable case indicates that tailpipe THC emissions in January could be 283% higher than those in July for the fleet in Beijing, and the emissions peak in the morning rush hour during a day due to long overnight soak durations. This study provides a comprehensive dataset and useful tools for addressing the seasonal, diurnal and spatial variations in tailpipe emissions of gasoline vehicles in China, and has the potential to improve future emission inventories and air quality simulations. Image 1 • Start emissions were tested for 111 light-duty passenger vehicles in China. • Impacts of ambient temperature and soak time on start emissions were characterized. • Vehicle emissions were modeled according to individual trip-chain profiles. • Territorial, seasonal and hourly variabilities of start emissions were quantified. • THC emissions in January could be 283% higher than July for the fleet in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest China VI emission standard has introduced a remote monitoring rule for regulating in-use emissions of heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs). Real-time data regarding engine and aftertreatment operating conditions and tailpipe nitrogen oxides (NOx) concentrations are required to be collected through electronic control unit and on-board NOx sensors by vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and then transmitted to environmental authorities. Beijing has developed a local standard that requires OEMs to design China VI-like on-board monitoring (OBM) systems for new China V HDDVs since September 2018. Additionally, Beijing has been a pioneer in retrofitting in-use China IV and China V HDDVs with OBM systems since 2017. This paper contains a timely technical and policy assessment for the state-of-the-art OBM programs in China with a focus on the recent progress in Beijing. Both OEM-performed and retrofitted OBM data were collected from a fleet of OBM-instrumented vehicles. First, our assessment shows high data integrity and quality of OEM-performed OBM systems. In contrast, a considerable fraction of HDDVs equipped with retrofitted OBM systems did not completely report NOx concentrations, intake mass air flow and other parameters. Next, eight OBM-instrumented HDDVs were tested on road by portable emissions measurement systems (PEMSs) to examine the reliability of sensor-based NOx concentrations. The majority (6 of 8) shows a good agreement between OBM and PEMS results with an average relative error of approximately −15%. Furthermore, calculation of NOx mass emissions, inter-trip variability, and alternative methods of enforcing in-use emissions management (e.g., to develop concentration metric-based emission limits) are discussed. This early-stage assessment suggests the OBM approach has the potential to play a central role in in-use emission inspections for HDDVs in China. The regulatory agency should focus more attention to the data integrity and the reliability of NOx sensors by developing effective verification processes. Unlabelled Image • China's on-board emission monitoring (OBM) standards for HDDVs are introduced. • Data integrity and quality of selected OBM-equipped HDDVs in Beijing are evaluated. • PEMS tests show good reliability of OBM NO X data for the majority of tested HDDVs. • Alternative methods based on OBM data are discussed for managing in-use emissions. • Verification of data quality and NO X concentrations is recommended for future inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the polarization plane gyration and the electro-optic effect existing simultaneously in an optical activity crystal, the theory on interaction of optical activity and electro-optic effect on the arbitrary linearly polarized light propagating through the crystal along the optical axis is studied. The electro-optical Q-switch is designed successfully. With the conclusion of the theory, the optimal length of optical activity crystal using as electro-optical Q-switch at a given wavelength is calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

China's government has announced the mandatory, nationwide use of ethanol blended gasoline fuels (E10, namely, 10% ethanol blend) by 2020. It is necessary to assess the air quality and health impacts of E10 gasoline in China. This study compares two E10 gasoline fuels, ELA (lower content of aromatics) and ELO (lower content of olefins), assuming 100% utilization in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) and Yangtze-River Delta (YRD) regions in 2030. We found that reduced emissions of primary fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and increased emissions of NO X could be achieved by using both E10 fuels. For nonmethane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC), on-road emissions would be increased by 8% under Scenario ELA and reduced by 3% under Scenario ELO because of the different impacts of the two E10 fuels on evaporation. By using an atmospheric chemical transport model, the annual average reduction in PM 2.5 concentrations is estimated to reach nearly 0.2 μg m−3 in the urban areas under Scenario ELO , while the benefit of the decline of the ambient PM 2.5 concentrations is smaller under Scenario ELA (<0.1 μg m−3). E10 fuels could increase ambient NO 2 concentrations, and the greatest increase, up to 0.4–0.5 μg m−3 (0.7%–1.5%), is estimated to occur in Beijing. For ozone (O 3) formation, the impacts of the two E10 fuels are different. Scenario ELA is estimated to increase ambient O 3 concentrations while Scenario ELO would help reduce O 3 , both exhibiting VOC-limited characteristics. We further found that positive health impacts could be achieved by using E10 fuels based on the estimated mortality attributable to long-term exposures to ambient PM 2.5 and O 3. 1015 (679–1258) and 790 (522–991) premature deaths are estimated to be avoided in the BTH and YRD regions, respectively, by using the ELO fuel. Future analysis is recommended to investigate detailed species-resolved emissions, more fuel formulas and future vehicle technologies. • Future air quality impacts in China are evaluated for two E10 gasoline fuels. • Two E10 fuels can reduce ambient PM 2.5 concentrations in most locations of two regions. • The changes of O 3 are different between the two E10 fuels, and vary seasonally and spatially. • The E10 fuels can avoid hundreds of premature deaths due to PM 2.5 and O 3 pollution in two regions. • In general, ethanol gasoline is conducive to improving air quality and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Open-access traffic congestion index data were used to estimate vehicle emissions. • High-resolution vehicle emissions of CO 2 and major air pollutants were estimated. • Rush-hour traffic could cause 14.3–30.4% excess emissions in a business district. • Freight transportation greatly increase fleet-level emissions of NO X , PM 2.5 and CO 2. The high populations of vehicles in global megacities have raised serious mobility and sustainability challenges, such as traffic congestion, air pollution deterioration and energy consumption issues. Detailed emission inventories at the link level are a prerequisite to accurately quantifying ambient pollution concentrations and identifying hotspots of human exposure within urban areas. The increasing adoption of intelligent transportation system data in smart-city initiatives worldwide has offered unprecedented opportunities for improving transportation air quality management. Based on the open-access traffic congestion index, we construct a high-resolution emission inventory of hourly fluxes of air pollutants and carbon dioxide from on-road vehicles over the whole road network in Shenzhen, China. Fine-grained quantification of 'excess' emissions from rush-hour traffic is explored, finding varied emission enhancement (14.3–30.4%) for different pollutants, as well as 24.3–26.8% and 19.6–22.0% 'excess' consumption for gasoline and diesel, respectively, in a central business district of Shenzhen during the rush hour periods. Also, we quantified the impacts of freight activities on pollutant emissions that freight activities can largely increase the street-level emission rates of nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and carbon dioxide, in which heavy-duty trucks share up to 50% of the total emissions of these species. This study provides a novel approach of high-resolution traffic emission inventory construction that can be potentially utilized in many types of cities, particularly for cities suffering from data-sparse situations, and further strengthen the intelligence and accuracy of vehicle emission management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present a novel method to achieve voltage-decreased electro-optical Q-switch with three different blocks of optically active crystal. The dynamic/static energy rate can be up to 82%. We also find a theory function to explain the achievement of Q-switch and find the requirement of the achievement of voltage-decreased Q-switch with optically active crystal. The theory coincides with the experiment result well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]