Search

Chiral conjugated polymer has promoted the development of the efficient circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) device, nevertheless, it remains a challenge to develop chiral polymers with high electroluminescence performance. Herein, by the acceptor copolymerization of axially chiral biphenyl emitting skeleton and benzophenone, a pair of axially chiral conjugated polymers namely R‐PAC and S‐PAC are synthesized. The target polymers exhibit obvious thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) activities with high photoluminescence quantum yields of 81%. Moreover, the chiral polymers display significant circularly polarized luminescence features, with luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) of nearly 3 × 10−3. By using the chiral polymers as emitters, the corresponding circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) exhibit efficient CPEL signals with electroluminescence dissymmetry factor |gEL| of 3.4 × 10−3 and high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 17.8%. Notably, considering both EQEmax and |gEL| comprehensively, the device performance of R‐PAC and S‐PAC is the best among all the reported CP‐OLEDs with chiral conjugated polymers as emitters. This work provides a facile approach to constructing chiral conjugated TADF polymers and discloses the potential of axially chiral conjugated luminescent skeletons in architecting high‐performance CP‐OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-specific endonucleases can be used for the digestion of nucleic acids because they hydrolyze DNA/RNA into 3–5 base pairs (bp) length oligonucleotide fragments without strict selectivity. In this work, a novel non-specific endonuclease from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PfNuc) with high activities for both DNA and RNA was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The production of PfNuc in flask scale could be achieved to 1.73 × 106 U/L and 4.82 × 106 U/L for DNA and RNA by investigation of the culture and induction conditions. The characterization of PfNuc indicated that it was Mg2+-dependent and the catalytic activity was enhanced by 3.74 folds for DNA and 1.06 folds for RNA in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. The specific activity of PfNuc for DNA was 1.44 × 105 U/mg at pH 8.0 and 40 °C, and 3.93 × 105 U/mg for RNA at pH 8.5 and 45 °C. The Km of the enzyme for both DNA and RNA was close to 43 µM. The Vmax was 6.40 × 105 U/mg and 1.11 × 106 U/mg for DNA and RNA, respectively. There was no observed activity loss when PfNuc was stored at 4 °C and − 20 °C after 28 days or 10 repeated freeze–thaw cycles at − 80 °C. Molecular docking revealed that PfNuc formed 17 and 19 hydrogen bonds with single-stranded RNA and double-stranded DNA, respectively. These results could explain the high activity and stability of PfNuc, suggesting its great potential applications in the industry and clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Previous studies reported inconsistent results on the prevalence and prognostic implications of frailty among older adults with gastric cancer. This systematic review synthesized available literature pertaining on this topic to establish the prevalence and unfavorable outcomes of frailty in older adults with gastric cancer. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple English databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science as well as Chinese databases, namely, CNKI, Wan Fang, and CBM, from inception to July 4, 2023, to identify potential studies. Data related to the incidence of frailty and its unfavorable outcomes in older adults with gastric cancer were extracted. RevMan5.3 and R 4.2.2 were used to evaluate pooled prevalence, hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: This review comprehensively selected 13 studies, comprising 9 cohort studies and 4 cross-sectional studies, on 44,117 older adults diagnosed with gastric cancer. The incidence of frailty among older adults with gastric cancer ranged from 10 to 71%. The pooled prevalence of frailty was 29% (95% CI 0.21–0.39). Frailty was found to be associated with an elevated risk of postoperative complications (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.45–2.73), prolonged postoperative hospital stay (HR = 2.68, 95% CI 2.38–3.02), likelihood of readmission (HR = 3.28, 95% CI 1.77–6.08), and an increased mortality risk (HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.36–1.90). Conclusions: Frailty was associated with a poor prognosis in older adults with gastric cancer. Clinical medical staff should focus on the frailty of older adults with gastric cancer, conduct large-scale, multicenter, and prospective studies and early screening of patients, and provide guidance for the implementation of prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the direct use of corn as energy feed, about 30% of the annual output is used to produce corn starch, sugar and ethanol and other deep processing products in China, while producing corn husk, corn pulp, corn embryo meal, corn protein meal, DDGS and other by-products. These by-products generally have problems such as high crude fiber content, low available energy, mycotoxin pollution, etc. If the quality and efficiency of these by-products are improved by processing technology, their feeding value can be significantly improved. In the paper, the nutritional characteristics, value-added processing and utilization technology of corn processing by-products and their application in animal production are reviewed, which can provide reference for the effective improvement of feed value, and also have important significance for alleviating the contradiction of feed resource shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacterial infections due to its resistance to most antibiotics and the production of diverse virulence factors. Various alternative approaches to treating staphylococcal infections have been proposed, including targeting the virulence factors or mechanisms that regulate their synthesis. The accessory gene regulator (agr) and the S. aureus exoprotein expression (sae) are two major virulence regulators of S. aureus. Here, we describe a dual reporter system capable of simultaneously monitoring the transcriptional activities of agr and sae in S. aureus. The reporter plasmid contained two fluorescent protein cassettes arranged back-to-back, with the mCherry cassette driven by the agrP3 promoter and the GFP cassette driven by the sbi promoter. We examined the fluorescent responses of wild-type, agr, and sae mutant strains using fluorescence microscopy and found that the activities of agr and sae systems could be detected without significant crosstalk in the dual reporter strain. The dual reporter system could be used to monitor the dynamic changes in agr and sae activities during batch growth in S. aureus. Additionally, we evaluated the responsiveness of the reporter strain to virulence inhibitors by treating it with several known inhibitors, including autoinducing peptides (AIPs) containing culture supernatants, indole, and flavone. The results suggested that the dual reporter system was sensitive to both agr and sae inhibitors. This reporter construct enables the characterization of the activity of a substance against two different targets in one screening round, significantly reducing screening time and expense. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is a formidable pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has posed significant challenges in treating these infections. In this study, we have established a novel dual reporter system capable of concurrently monitoring the activities of two critical virulence regulators in S. aureus. By incorporating both reporters into a single screening platform, we provide a time- and cost-efficient approach for assessing the activity of compounds against two distinct targets in a single screening round. This innovative dual reporter system presents a promising strategy for the identification of molecules capable of modulating virulence gene expression in S. aureus, potentially expediting the development of antivirulence therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that the optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is insufficiently sensitive for biomolecule detection, a novel sensing probe was proposed and designed, where the semiconductor material α-Fe2O3 was introduced for the first time. The α-Fe2O3 with high refractive index enhances the electric field and evanescent field depth at the interface between the α-Fe2O3 film and the ambient medium, resulting a sensitive performance. The characteristics of the sensors with gold film and α-Fe2O3 film at different thicknesses were analyzed and compared by finite element method. The thicker the α-Fe2O3 film, the higher the sensitivity. When the thickness of gold nanofilm is 50 nm and the thickness of α-Fe2O3 nanofilm is 20 nm, the highest figure of merit (FOM) is 50.98 RIU−1, corresponding to a sensitivity of 4800 nm/RIU, which is 2.16 times more sensitive than the traditional SPR sensor. In addition, three α-Fe2O3 film thickness-assisted SPR sensors were successfully prepared with the highest sensitivity of 4173.1 nm/RIU, which is nearly two times higher than without the α-Fe2O3 film. The enhancement after introducing α-Fe2O3 nanofilms and its promising application in the field of biosensing were confirmed through experiments and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a promising therapeutic technique, which makes precise and rapid gene editing technology possible on account of its high sensitivity and efficiency. CRISPR/Cas9 system has been proved to able to effectively disrupt and modify genes, which shows great potential for cancer treatment. Current researches proves that virus vectors are capable of effectively delivering the CRISPR/Cas9 system, but immunogenicity and carcinogenicity caused by virus transmission still trigger serious consequences. Therefore, the greatest challenge of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer therapy lies on how to deliver it to the target tumor site safely and effectively. Non-viral delivery systems with specific targeting, high loading capacity, and low immune toxicity are more suitable than viral vectors, which limited by uncontrollable side effects. Their medical advances and applications have been widely concerned. Herein, we present the molecule mechanism and different construction strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 system for editing genes at the beginning of this research. Subsequently, several common CRISPR/Cas9 non-viral deliveries for cancer treatment are introduced. Lastly, based on the main factors limiting the delivery efficiency of non-viral vectors proposed in the existing researches and literature, we summarize and discuss the main methods to solve these limitations in the existing tumor treatment system, aiming to introduce further optimization and innovation of the CRISPR/Cas9 non-viral delivery system suitable for cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Qualities of non-viral vectors and anti-tumor effects for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. • Breaking physiological barrier to improve gene editing efficiency. • Rationally design CRISPR/Cas9 releasing mechanism applicable to tumor site. • Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy through carrier modification. • Application of CRISPR/Cas9 in tumor therapy and current status of clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gejiu ore district (~ 3.2 Mt Sn) is located in eastern Yunnan Province, southwest China, and is one of the largest Sn polymetallic ore districts in the world. Athough it has been widely studied, the petrogenesis of ore-related granites is still unclear. In this paper, we present petrological, geochemical, and geochronological data on the granites associated with the Kafang Cu–Sn deposit in the Gejiu ore district (65 Mt Cu ore at a grade of 1.2% and 32 Mt Sn ore at a grade of 0.6%). We use these data to constrain the source, evolution, oxygen fugacity, and tectonic setting of the granitic magmatism. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 82.8 ± 0.6 Ma for the Kafang granite. The high zircon δ18O values (7.45–9.74‰; mean = 8.80‰) and narrow range of εNd(t) values (–9.0 to –7.7) of the Kafang granite indicate a highly evolved S-type granite derived by partial melting of metamorphic basement rocks of the Jiangnan orogenic belt. Rayleigh fractional crystallization modeling, along with the increase in Hf and Sn contents and decrease in Eu/Eu* values of zircons, record extensive fractional crystallization, and Sn enrichment during magmatic evolution. The Kafang granite was relatively reduced, as evidenced by low zircon Ce/Ce* (10.0–366; mean = 171), (Ce/Nd)N (0.76–8.32; mean = 4.41), △FMQ (–2.5 to 1.2) values, and Fe3+-depleted biotite compositions (Fe3+/(Fe3+ + Fe2+) = 0–0.10), which were favorable for Sn mineralization but not for Cu mineralization. Copper in the Kafang deposit may not have been derived from the granite. Our results suggest that biotite and zircon geochemical compositions, particularly biotite Mg# and A/CNK values and zircon Hf contents, Eu anomalies, and Ce/Ce* and (Ce/Nd)N ratios, are robust tracers of different types of magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits (i.e., Cu, Mo, W, and Sn). Late Cretaceous magmatism in the Gejiu region and other areas along the southern margin of South China formed an E–W-trending igneous belt that was likely related to northward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan plate rather than northwestward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fluorescent emitter based on π-extended benzothiadiazole was synthesized. The emitter exhibited a large molar extinction coefficient, a high quantum yield of 98% and a large radiative decay rate of 108 s−1. Moreover, the obtained TADF-sensitized fluorescent OLED displayed excellent device performance with a high EQEmax of 14.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Spinirta Jin & Zhang, 2020 (Araneae: Corinnidae) from Jiangxi Province, China are described here: S. sanxiandian sp. nov. (♂♀) and S. sishuishan sp. nov. (♂). Detailed descriptions and photographs of the new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal corrosion can potentially cause catastrophic engineering accidents threatening personal safety; thus, coating protection is a tremendously valuable anti-corrosion initiative. Recently, biphenylene, a novel two-dimensional (2D) graphene-based material, has achieved a remarkable synthetic breakthrough; the anti-corrosion properties of biphenylene, with its specific pore structure, are predicted to be beneficial in applications of metal corrosion resistance. In this study, the anti-corrosion mechanism of biphenylene is deciphered utilizing first principles and molecular dynamics. The results suggest that biphenylene with tetragonal, hexagonal, and octagonal carbon rings supplies adequate sites for stable O atom adsorption. The charge transfer amounts of +0.477 and +0.420 e facilitate the formation of a compact oxygen-rich layer on the material surface to acquire outstanding anti-corrosion properties. The moderate wettability of biphenylene prevents the water-based solution from encroaching on the biphenylene coating and substrate. In addition, the intensive binding between biphenylene and the aluminum substrate strengthens the integration of the two heterogeneous structures with −413.7 and 415.5 eV, which guarantees the durable application of biphenylene coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "[Retracted] Downregulation of long non-coding RNA GAS5 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma" has been retracted by the Editor of Oncology Letters due to concerns about the integrity of the data presented. An area of similarity was identified in the cellular data, and the western blots showed atypical and possibly anomalous protein bands. The authors were asked for an explanation but did not respond. The Editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks the concerned reader for bringing this matter to their attention. [Extracted from the article]

A list of 26 gnaphosid species belonging to 14 genera collected in Jiangxi Province, China, is provided. Three new species of ground spiders from Jiangxi Province of China are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Haplodrassus yinae Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), Hitobia xiaoxi Liu, sp. nov. (♂), and Zelotes dingnan Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀). Haplodrassus yinae Liu, sp. nov. was previously erroneously recorded in Jiangxi Province as H. montanus Yin et al., 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of salticids were collected from China: Synagelides emangou Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from Gansu province, and S. jinding Liu, sp. nov. (♂), S. serratus Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀), S. shuqiang Liu, sp. nov. (♂), and S. triangulatus Liu, sp. nov. (♀) from Jiangxi Province. All species are described and illustrated with photographs and SEM micrographs, and their distributions are also mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of 34 thomisid species belonging to 21 genera collected in Jangxi Province of China is provided. Five new species are described: Angaeus xieluae Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), Lysiteles subspirellus Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Oxytate mucunica Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Pharta lingxiufengica Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Stephanopis xiangzhouica Liu, sp. nov. (♀). A new combination is proposed: Ebelingia forcipata (Song & Zhu, 1993) comb. nov. (ex. Ebrechtella Dahl, 1907). Previously unknown females of E. forcipata (Song & Zhu, 1993), Oxytate bicornis Liu, Liu & Xu, 2017, and Xysticus lesserti Schenkel, 1963 are described for the first time. Stephanopis O Pickard-Cambridge, 1869, a genus previously known from Australasia and South America, is recorded from the Asian mainland for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively discusses the seismic performance of steel moment-resisting frames with hybrid-self-centring connections (SMRF-HSCC) employing energy dissipation sequences by probabilistic seismic assessment. The hysteretic model of the HSCC was first developed based on experimental results, and a simplified nonlinear-spring-based model to simulate the behaviour of the connection was proposed and verified by physical test data. A series of codified prototype structures were developed, considering the fracture behaviour of post-tensioned (PT) steel strands in the connections. The seismic performance of prototype structures was assessed in terms of nonlinear static analyses and nonlinear dynamic analyses. The results indicated that the hysteretic response of SMRF-HSCC exhibited trilinear hysteretic features with the expected energy dissipation sequences. The influence of the high-mode effects on SMRF-HSCC was mitigated with the increase in energy dissipation and post-yield stiffness of the structure. Finally, the fragility analyses of the prototype structures were further performed, and the risk assessment was also made considering a 50-year service period. The collapse probability and the exceedance probability of target residual drift over a 50-year service period of SMRF with conventional self-centring connections showing flag-shaped hysteresis were higher than that of SMRF-HSCCs. The results also confirmed that the collapse probability and exceedance probability of target residual drift over a 50-year service period of SMRF-HSCC can be adjusted by reasonably modulating the arrangement of the HSCCs. • Hybrid-self-centring connection (HSCC) was proposed. • The trilinear hysteretic model of the HSCC was developed. • Probabilistic seismic assessment of SMRF equipped with HSCCs was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel triptycene-fused hole transport material is designed and synthesized. • The HTM exhibits both high T 1 of 2.95 eV and large hole mobility of 9.73 × 10-5 cm2 V−1 s−1. • Efficient OLEDs based on this HTM show high EQE max of up to 33.5%, which are more prefer than the commercial HTMs. The improvement of high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OELDs) is still attracted much attention in research and application fields. In an OLED device, the hole/electron transport layers, emitting layers and electrodes together determine the performance of the device. However, the development of hole transport materials (HTM) is severely fallen behind. Herein, we report a novel triptycene-derived HTM 2,6-di-[4-(N , N -di-p-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]triptycene (TAPT), which can transform the molecule from planar to 3D configuration. Compared with most of commercial HTMs, TAPT exhibits a relatively high T 1 of 2.95 eV, which is very helpful for blocking exciton leakage. Moreover, TAPT shows the hole mobility up to 9.73 × 10-5 cm2 V−1 s−1, which are almost two orders of magnitude higher than those commercial HTMs. By using TAPT as hole transport layer (HTL), it is further found that the fabricated OLEDs with various emitters display more preferable device performance than those using TAPC as HTL. This work provides an advanced approach for constructing high-performance hole transport materials and corresponding OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxometalate-based organic–inorganic hybrids have attracted considerable attention due to their fascinating structures and wide application prospects. In this work, using the same building blocks, ligands and metal ions (ZnW12O406−(ZnW12), 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy), and Cu2+), we synthesized three new POM-based hybrids by controlling the pH values of the reaction systems. These three compounds {(Zn0.6(H2)0.4W12O40)[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)3]}2·6H2O (1), (Me4N)2{ZnW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)3]}·5H2O (2), and {(Zn0.5(H2)0.5W12O40)[Cu(2,2′-bipy)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]}·5H2O (3) have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 appears as a dimeric cluster structure, while compounds 2 and 3 appear as a 1D chain structure and a 2D network, respectively. The semiconducting properties of compounds 1–3 are different, which was demonstrated by band gap (Eg) and photocurrent response measurements. Compound 3 can efficiently catalyze the photooxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde with high selectivity using molecular oxygen as the oxidant component. Moreover, compound 3 was recycled and reused three times without significant degradation in conversion and selectivity. In addition, the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a two-party quantum private comparison (QPC) protocol using orthogonal product states. This protocol introduces a semi-honest third party who will faithfully execute the protocol and will not conspire with any of the participants. Every participant encodes the hash value of her (his) secret data into a quantum sequence of orthogonal product states. Each of these states comes from a locally indistinguishable set of product states. To ensure information security, each participant splits the quantum sequence of product states that she (he) generates into two single-particle sequences and transmits these two single-particle sequences separately. After the third party calculates and publishes the results, the two participants can know whether their secret information is equal by a simple calculation. Security and efficiency analyses show that our protocol is secure and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A POM-based one-dimensional (1D) chain compound, {BW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)2]2[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)]}{BW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)2][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]}·7H2O, has been synthesized and structurally characterized, which represents an unprecedented 1D double chain structure with opposite charges. In contrast to common POMs, this compound exhibits a relatively high electrical conductivity of 1.17 × 10−9 S cm−1 at 25 °C. In addition, its semiconducting properties have also been investigated by application of photoelectrochemical sensing of H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable Sn isotopes have been widely used to trace the planetary differentiation processes, the provenance and trade paths of ancient bronze artifacts, the mineralization history of tin ore deposits, and the terrestrial magmatic processes. However, systematic Sn isotope studies of felsic igneous rocks especially the Sn mineralization-related highly evolved granites are still lacking. In this study, we present the first high-precision Sn isotope data of two Sn-rich highly evolved S-type granites (Laochang and Kafang) from the world-class Gejiu Sn ore district. These granite samples show remarkably variable δ122/118Sn values (relative to the Sn standard solution NIST 3161a) ranging from 0.11 ± 0.02‰ to 0.93 ± 0.02‰ (2σ), which is the largest variation range reported in granites so far. The absence of correlations between Sn isotopes and LOI (loss-on-ignition) and ε Nd (t) values, along with the low magmatic oxygen fugacity (△FMQ < 0) for these granites, rule out hydrothermal alteration, wall-rock assimilation, source composition heterogeneity, and anatexis processes as causes of the Sn isotope fractionation. The Laochang granites show negative correlations between δ122/118Sn values and magmatic differentiation indicators (e.g., CaO, Fe 2 O 3 , Ti, Eu/Eu*, F/Cl), suggesting fractional crystallization increased the δ122/118Sn isotopes in the residual melts. The fractional crystallized minerals are mainly composed of biotite, plagioclase, and minor ilmenite. Compared with the Laochang granites, the Kafang granites show higher SiO 2 contents, F/Cl ratios, and δ122/118Sn values, suggesting the magma at this stage was fluid-saturated and fluid exsolution coupled with fractional crystallization would further enrich the heavy Sn isotopes in the residual melts. We further quantified the contributions of crystal fractionation and fluid exsolution on Sn isotopic variability using a Rayleigh fractionation model. The modeling indicates that △122/118Sn crystal-melt = −0.6 to −0.5‰ and △122/118Sn fluid-melt = −1.9 to −0.7‰ with an initial H 2 O content of 2 wt.% can explain the observed δ122/118Sn values of Gejiu granites. This study implies that both crystal fractionation and fluid exsolution processes cause increase of Sn isotopic values in the highly evolved granites and Sn isotopes are useful for tracing the evolution of highly differentiated igneous rocks. [Display omitted] • Sn-rich Gejiu highly evolved granites show remarkable Sn isotope fractionation (0.11–0.93‰ in δ 122 / 118 Sn). • Both the fractional crystallization and fluid exsolution processes could increase the Sn isotopes in the residual magmas. • The mineralization-related hydrothermal fluids at Gejiu deposit are exsolved from highly differentiated magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic helical π‐conjugated skeleton makes helicenes highly promising for circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL). Generally, carbon helicenes undergo low external quantum efficiency (EQE), while the incorporation of a multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) BN structure has led to an improvement. However, the reported B,N‐embedded helicenes all show low electroluminescence dissymmetry factors (gEL), typically around 1×10−3. Therefore, the development of B,N‐embedded helicenes with both a high EQE and gEL value is crucial for achieving highly efficient CPEL. Herein, a facile approach to synthesize B,N‐embedded hetero[9]helicenes, BN[9]H, is presented. BN[9]H shows a bright photoluminescence with a maximum at 578 nm with a high luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) up to 5.8×10−3, attributed to its inherited MR‐TADF property and intrinsic helical skeleton. Furthermore, circularly polarized OLED devices incorporating BN[9]H as an emitter show a maximum EQE of 35.5 %, a small full width at half‐maximum of 48 nm, and, more importantly, a high |gEL| value of 6.2×10−3. The Q‐factor (|EQE×gEL|) of CP‐OLEDs is determined to be 2.2×10−3, which is the highest among helicene analogues. This work provides a new approach for the synthesis of higher helicenes and paves a new way for the construction of highly efficient CPEL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic helical π‐conjugated skeleton makes helicenes highly promising for circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL). Generally, carbon helicenes undergo low external quantum efficiency (EQE), while the incorporation of a multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) BN structure has led to an improvement. However, the reported B,N‐embedded helicenes all show low electroluminescence dissymmetry factors (gEL), typically around 1×10−3. Therefore, the development of B,N‐embedded helicenes with both a high EQE and gEL value is crucial for achieving highly efficient CPEL. Herein, a facile approach to synthesize B,N‐embedded hetero[9]helicenes, BN[9]H, is presented. BN[9]H shows a bright photoluminescence with a maximum at 578 nm with a high luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) up to 5.8×10−3, attributed to its inherited MR‐TADF property and intrinsic helical skeleton. Furthermore, circularly polarized OLED devices incorporating BN[9]H as an emitter show a maximum EQE of 35.5 %, a small full width at half‐maximum of 48 nm, and, more importantly, a high |gEL| value of 6.2×10−3. The Q‐factor (|EQE×gEL|) of CP‐OLEDs is determined to be 2.2×10−3, which is the highest among helicene analogues. This work provides a new approach for the synthesis of higher helicenes and paves a new way for the construction of highly efficient CPEL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the inelastic seismic demands of steel frames equipped with shape memory alloys (SMAs) subjected to mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences. Based on the multiple nonlinear stages of steel frames equipped with SMAs, a trilinear self-centring hysteretic model is introduced and validated first. Then, inelastic spectral analyses of steel frames equipped with SMAs subjected to mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences are conducted. In particular, the energy modification factors of the corresponding single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) under single mainshocks and mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences are examined and compared. The results show that the energy modification factor of steel frames equipped with SMAs under mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences is higher than that under single mainshocks, and the energy modification factor shows sensitivity to trilinear self-centring hysteretic parameters. Last, an amplification coefficient is developed and estimated for quantifying the amplification effect of recorded mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences on the energy modification factor. Specifically, several machine learning (ML) algorithms are implemented and compared for estimation and interpretation. The results indicate that the XGBoost model performs best in predicting the amplification coefficient with the highest coefficient of determination of 0.9845. Besides, the interpretable ML approaches including partial dependence plot (PDP) and shapely additive explanations (SHAP) are proved helpful in explaining the trained ML model. • A trilinear hysteretic model is proposed and verified. • Effects of the influential parameters on energy modification factors are investigated. • Amplification effect of mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences is quantified. • Prediction model for amplification effect is developed utilising machine learning technologies. • Interpretable machine learning approaches are adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallelogram shaped sections are compelling candidates for structural boundary members to accommodate transitions at corners and to cater for architectural aesthetics. Generally, parallelogram shaped sections possess no axis of symmetry and therefore require careful design considerations in engineering practice. However, there is limited information on this topic in the literature. This paper examined the behaviour of parallelogram shaped hollow structural sections subjected to bending moments. Closed-form solutions were derived for two types of parallelogram shaped sections (i.e., parallelogram sections and parallelogram hollow structural sections), including equations of moment inertia, general flexure equations, and equations of neutral axis. Toward practical applications, two common loading conditions were discussed, and design equations for the yield moment and plastic moments were formulated. Furthermore, the stresses at the vertices of the parallelogram were rewritten in a straightforward form as the product of a stress factor and the stress of a rectangular section. Finite element (FE) models verified by test results in the literature were developed to enable a parametric study, and the correlation among test results, FE data, and predictions by equations justified the adequacy of the proposed theoretical model and the corresponding closed-form solutions. The findings in this work show that the aspect ratio and inclination angle have a major influence on the section properties and stress distribution of parallelogram sections, whereas parallelogram hollow structural sections are further affected by an additional factor known as the shape constant. Parallelogram shaped sections may produce much greater stresses than rectangular sections under the same moments. • Closed-form design solutions were derived for parallelogram shaped sections. • Aspect ratio and inclination angle are key parameters for parallelogram sections. • Aspect ratio, inclination angle, and shape constant are vital for parallelogram HSS. • Parallelogram HSS may produce much greater stresses than rectangular HSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current composite floors, the strength of the deck connections restraining the profiled steel decks to the floor beams or to the neighboring steel decks are much weaker compared with the sectional strength of the steel deck, which would limit the load-carrying capacity of the composite floors under progressive collapse scenarios. Given this, this study proposed two novel types of enhanced deck connections for improving the load-carrying behavior of the deck-to-beam connection and deck-to-deck connection. Based on a 5-story steel prototype building, the feasibility of the proposed deck connections in improving the progressive collapse resistance was validated by comparing with the common practice of the deck connections via a reduced-order (RO) modeling approach. The structural robustness of the prototype building in the case of sudden column removal was evaluated and discussed. Compared with the commonly used deck connections, the enhanced deck connections could improve the structural robustness of the prototype building by 27%. • Novel enhanced profiled deck connections are proposed. • The structural configurations are designed using high-fidelity analysis results. • Verified reduced-order models are developed. • Enhanced deck connections can improve the structural robustness of steel frame building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative self-centring damper equipped with shape memory alloy elements and wedge-shaped friction plates (i.e. SMA-VFSD) characterised by multiple energy-dissipation mechanisms was developed. First, the notion and rationale of the damper was illustrated. Then, an analytical model enabling quantification of the hysteretic behaviour of the proposed SMA-VFSD was derived. A numerical parametric study using validated modelling techniques was subsequently conducted. The good agreement between the hysteretic responses of numerical models and analytical predictions confirmed the promise of the proposition and the adequacy of the analytical design model. Resorting to the analytical model, sensitivity analyses covering a wider spectrum of design parameters were performed, and the influence of essential parameters on the hysteretic behaviour of the damper was examined. Finally, the constant-ductility-based non-linear spectral analyses of an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system representing steel frames equipped with SMA-VFSDs were performed to quantify the structural seismic demand and examine the effectiveness of the damper in improving the structural seismic performance. Two conventional self-centring systems characterised by flag-shaped hysteretic features were also studied for comparison. The analysis results showed that the multiple energy-dissipation mechanisms of the SMA-VFSDs are beneficial in reducing the structural inelastic seismic demand, highlighting the potential of the damper towards performance advances in self-centring structures. • A self-centring damper with multiple energy-dissipation mechanisms was developed. • An analytical model predicting the damper's behaviour was established. • The sensitivity analysis of damper design parameters was examined. • Non-linear spectral analyses of an equivalent SDOF system were conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reported an experimental study of hybrid-self-centering connections (HSCCs) employing energy dissipation sequences. The dual self-centering mechanism of the connection consisting of post-tensioned (PT) steel strands and shape memory alloy (SMA) bolts provided the self-centering driving force, and the energy dissipation sequences can be realized by friction dampers and SMA bolts. An experimental program employing five proof-of-concept connections was tested under the cyclic loading scenarios. The test results including hysteretic responses, strain gauge readings, force evolution in PT steel strands, strength and stiffness, energy dissipation capability, and self-centering ability were examined and discussed. The obvious trilinear hysteretic feature of the test connection accompanied by excellent self-centering ability, moderate energy dissipation capability, and satisfactory ductility was confirmed. In addition, the encouraging repairability of the test connection was verified by retests of repaired specimens. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models verified by the experimental results were developed to further examine the behavior of the proposed connection. A design model was developed enabling the quantification of the multilinear behavior of moment-rotation responses of the proposed connection. The good agreement between the stiffness and strength of the connection from the test data confirmed the rationality of the proposed design model. The analysis results of nonlinear spectral analyses confirmed the effectiveness of structures equipped with the HSCC in reducing acceleration response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A π-extended acceptor strategy for designing chiral TADF materials with highly efficient CPEL properties was proposed. • Three pairs of axially chiral TADF materials were designed and synthesized. • The chiral TADF materials with π-extended acceptors showed small Δ E ST and high PLQY. • Efficient CP-OLEDs with EQE max of up to 21.0% and | g EL | of up to 4.4 × 10−3 were achieved. In this work, a π-extended acceptor strategy for designing chiral thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF)-active materials with highly efficient circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) properties has been proposed. Consequently, three pairs of TADF-active enantiomers based on axially chiral biphenyl skeleton, namely R / S - Ax-CN , R / S - Ax-H , R / S - Ax-OCH 3 , were designed and constructed. Various para -substituted push–pull electron groups were introduced into the axially chiral skeleton to comprehend the structure–property relationship. Compared with R / S - Ax-H and R / S - Ax-OCH 3 , R / S - Ax-CN exhibited a higher PLQY of 88.6% and a smaller Δ E ST of 0.13 eV, ascribing to the pull electron effect of CN group to make a more delocalized distribution of LUMO orbital and a lesser overlapping of frontier molecular orbitals. Consequently, the CP-OLEDs of R / S - Ax-CN showed a remarkable external quantum efficiency up to 21.0% and 19.7% and intense CPEL signals with the electroluminescent dissymmetry factors (g EL) up to +4.2 × 10−3/−4.4 × 10−3, respectively. This work can provide an efficient and facile way to construct highly efficient CP-OLEDs based on chiral TADF-active emitters by simple molecular engineering of introducing π-extended acceptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we utilize four parallel reservoirs to model the chaotic dynamics of the output four polarization components (PCs) from a driving QD spin-VCSEL. Here, the four parallel reservoirs are implemented using the four PCs of a reservoir QD spin-VCSEL. High-quality chaos synchronizations of four pairs of PCs can be realized by using the four parallel reservoirs based on a reservoir QD spin-VCSEL. Under these high-quality synchronizations, we successfully implement four-channel secure communications with 4 × 100 Gb/s 16 QAM messages under guaranteeing. We further discuss the performances of the bit error ratios (B E R s) for four decoding messages under different parameters. We show that all B E R s via different parameters are less than 7 × 10−3, denoting that high-quality data-transmissions can be potentially obtained in the system. Moreover, we prove that our proposed multi-channel optical chaotic communication scheme has the same level of security as the traditional schemes. Our findings show that the delay-based optical reservoir computing based on a QD spin-VCSEL provides an effective method for realization of multi-channel optical secure communication. • We propose to use four parallel optical reservoirs to precisely predict the chaotic dynamics of the four polarization components output by a driving QD spin-VCSEL, respectively. • We successfully implement four-channel secure communications with 4×100 Gb/s 16 QAM messages. • All bit error ratios via different parameters are less than 0.007, denoting that high-quality data-transmissions can be obtained. • Our proposed multi-channel optical chaotic communication scheme has the same level of security as the traditional schemes. • Our findings show that the delay-based optical reservoir computing based on a QD spin-VCSEL provides an effective method for realization of multi-channel optical secure communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Molybdotellurate-based metal–organic complexes constructed from flexible pyrazine-pyridine ligand are synthesized. • 1 -CPE shows obvious sensing performance for the detection of BrO 3 – and ascorbic acid. • 1 -CPE can achieve tunable and selective electrochemical sensing performance. • The title complex exhibits excellent electrochemical sensing stability in acid condition. In this research, a kind of molybdotellurate-based metal–organic complexes decorated by flexible ligand with tunable electrochemical sensing performance is prepared: H 2 {M 2 (nppa) 2 (H 2 O) 6 (TeMo 6 O 24)}·4H 2 O [M = Ni (1), Co (2)]. (nppa = N-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrazin-2-amine). In complexes 1 and 2 , [TeMo 6 O 24 ]6– polyoxoanions connect with metal ions to form one-dimensional chain structures, where the nppa ligands are modified with the metal ions in monodentate model. The title complex shows obvious sensing performance for the detection of BrO 3 – and ascorbic acid (AA), with low detection limits of 6.44 and 0.92 μM, respectively. Owing to the different catalytic activities of reduction products in multi-step redox process, tunable electrochemical sensing performance is realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reported an experimental and numerical study of a novel brace-type hybrid damper composed of steel slit plates enhanced by the friction mechanism. A test programme including six proof-of-concept specimens was carried out. The test results showed that the specimens exhibited multiple yielding stages, and the hysteretic response curves of the specimens were dependent on geometric configurations of the steel slit plates and the clamping force of bolts. The expected energy dissipation sequence accompanied by excellent ductility of the novel hybrid damper specimens was confirmed. The ploughing effect phenomenon between the friction interfaces as evidenced by the wear of the steel plates and increasing friction force was confirmed, which contributed to enhanced friction energy dissipation of the dampers under cyclic loadings. Then, a numerical investigation was conducted to take insights into the resisting mechanism of the specimens. The adequacy of the finite element modelling techniques was justified by a good correlation between test responses and numerical simulations. The test and numerical studies demonstrated that the energy dissipation sequence as a result of the hybrid energy dissipation mechanism contributed to improving the energy dissipation capacity and ductility of the steel slit plates. To facilitate the practical design of the novel hybrid dampers, a theoretical prediction model enabling quantification of critical mechanical quantities of the novel hybrid damper was developed, and the sufficiency of the design model was justified by comparison among the test responses, numerical results, and design predictions. • A novel brace-type hybrid damper composed of steel slit plates enhanced by the friction mechanism was proposed. • Six damper specimens were designed and physically tested. • Proposed hybrid damper can achieve excellent energy-dissipation capacity and ductility. • The resisting mechanism of the hybrid damper was comprehensively numerical studied. • A theoretical prediction model of the novel hybrid damper was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the hysteretic performance of a novel hybrid self-centring beam-to-beam connection equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA) plates and SMA Belleville washers. An experimental programme employing three proof-of-concept test specimens with varied SMA plate geometries and connection configurations was conducted. The test connections showed recentring performance with controllable residual deformations. The encouraging energy dissipation capacity of the test connections accompanied by excellent ductility was also confirmed. Subsequently, a numerical study was carried out to help interpret the test results and to further examine the connection's load carrying mechanism. In the numerical work, a hybrid finite element (FE) modelling technique enabling reproducing the residual strain development of SMA plates under hysteretic loading was developed and verified. The test and numerical study showed that the self-centring ability of the connection was appreciably affected by the hysteretic behaviour of SMA plates. The FE results also confirmed that the connection behaviour was sensitive to the connection configuration, and a minor gap between the beam segments could initiate intense buckling of the SMA plates. Nevertheless, the lateral deflection of the SMA plates can be suppressed by effective buckling restraints. To facilitate practical application, a theoretical prediction model enabling the quantification of a bilinear skeleton response of the connection was proposed, and the adequacy of the prediction model was evidenced by the correlation among the results of the tests, FE simulations and design predictions. • Beam-to-beam connections equipped with SMA plates and washers were tested. • The connections showed recentring performance. • A hybrid finite element modelling technique was developed. • A bilinear model for quantifying the nonlinear behaviour was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of electrochemical sensing material with tunable activity and high stability is fabricated from polymolybdate-based metal–organic complex. [Display omitted] In this paper, a kind of electrochemical sensing material with tunable activity and high stability is fabricated from polymolybdate-based metal–organic complex. The polymolybdate-based metal–organic complex: H 2 Ni(nppa) 2 (H 2 O) 2 [γ-Mo 8 O 26 ] (1) is synthesized by introducing a flexible pyrazine-pyridine ligand containing amine groups: N-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrazin-2-amine (nppa) under hydrothermal condition. Complex 1 exhibit 1D chain structure based on polyoxoanions and metal ions. The nppa ligands are decorated on the 1D chain in monodentate fashion. Bulk-modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) fabricated by the title complex is used as the working electrode for electrochemically sensing inorganic and organic molecules in aqueous systems. 1 -CPE displays electrochemical sensing activity towards BrO 3 – and ascorbic acid (AA) with low detection limits of 1.22 and 0.76 μM, respectively. Meanwhile, 1 -CPE can achieve tunable electrochemical sensing performance, relying on different catalytic activity of reduction products corresponding to multi-step redox reactions. Additionally, its electrochemical activity can be retained under different acid environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High strength steel frames with curved knee braces (HSSFs-CKBs) are typical seismic resilient structural systems. Previous experimental research showed that an HSSF-CKBs specimen could be readily repaired after an earthquake by replacing damaged curved knee braces (CKBs) which serve as energy dissipating devices, as long as high strength steel components stay essentially elastic to shake down post-earthquake residual deformations. To provide a practical tool for engineers in seismic resilience design, this paper developed a performance-based damage-control design framework for low-to-medium rise HSSFs-CKBs. A multi-storey HSSF-CKBs was first interlinked with an equivalent bilinear single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. Then, the seismic input energy demand of the HSSF-CKBs was determined based on the seismic energy balance of the equivalent SDOF system, which was further distributed to different storeys to design structural components. To facilitate the design, a stepwise design procedure was proposed. A three-storey low-rise HSSF-CKBs and a six-storey medium-rise HSSF-CKBs were designed following the procedure. The seismic response of the designed structures was examined by pushover analyses and nonlinear time-history analyses using numerical models verified by shaking table test data. The analysis results showed that the designed structures exhibited the expected behaviour, and the maximum interstorey drifts were controlled below the design target, which verified the effectiveness of the proposed design framework. • A subassemblage model of high strength steel frames with curved knee braces was developed. • Numerical modelling techniques were developed and verified by shaking table tests. • A performance-based damage-control design framework was proposed. • The adequacy of the proposed design framework was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presented reduced-order modeling methods for evaluating the structural robustness of steel frame buildings with different composite floor slabs under ground floor column loss scenarios. The adequacy of the reduced-order modeling technique was justified by relatively high-fidelity models, which were verified by a full-scale composite floor test and detailed material coupon tests. This reduced-order modeling method was applied to the progressive collapse simulation of a five-story prototype building. The effect of floor slabs, slab rebars, and steel decks' longitudinal continuity on its progressive collapse resistance was examined. Composite slabs with four different profiled steel decks were considered in this study, which are trapezoidal deck, dovetail deck, reentrant deck, and rebar-truss deck; in addition, reinforced concrete (RC) slab was also considered for comparative purposes. To account for the possible sudden column failure scenario in practice, an energy-based approach was used to convert the quasi-static response curves to dynamic response curves. The structural robustness was evaluated by comparing each column failure case's dynamic ultimate capacities with corresponding design requirements. The structural robustness of prototype buildings under progressive collapse scenarios was summarized and discussed. The analysis results showed that the structural robustness of the prototype building with rebar-truss composite slab was higher than that with RC slab or other composite slabs. The prototype building with floor slabs using HRB400 rebars had higher structural robustness than that using CRB550 rebars. • Structural robustness of steel frame buildings with different composite slabs is evaluated. • Reduced-order modeling methods are proposed for simulating the progressive collapse response of different composite slabs. • Rebar-truss composite slab has the advantage in improving structural robustness of steel frame building. • The effect of longitudinal continuity of steel deck is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental study of replaceable fuse beam-to-column connections for the steel-concrete composite beams. Two types of composite connections equipped with varied fuse elements were examined. The prediction model for the connection resistance of the proposed composite connection was explored, and the proposition was further examined by a test programme employing three full-scale specimens. The results showed that the inelastic deformation was mainly concentrated in bottom fuse angles, and the remaining steel members were elastic or moderately stressed. The inclusion of the concrete slab would increase the resistance and stiffness of the connection significantly, but the ductility of the connection was compromised. The presence of the concrete slab also affected the neutral axis, and the configuration of the asymmetric fuse arrangement with heavier top layer reinforcement shifted the neutral axis upwards more effectively, further minimising the damage to the concrete slab. The repairability of the composite connection was confirmed by conducting the retest of a specimen with replaced fuse angles. The retest specimen showed a strength reduction due to bolt slippage at the bottom flange. The theoretical model could reasonably predict the yield strength of the fuse connection, but the ultimate strength of the fuse connection was overestimated. • The types of composite connections equipped with varied fuse elements were experimentally examined. • The fuse angles can concentrate the inelasticity effectively in a wide deformation range. • The inclusion of a concrete slab would increase connection resistance and stiffness, but compromise the connection ductility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater images typically exhibit color distortion and low contrast due to the absorption and scattering of the non-uniform medium during the propagation of light underwater. To address these problems, an effective underwater image restoration method is presented in this paper. Firstly, we adopted an adaptive dark channel prior that can be applied to underwater images with different color tones. Then, the local water light with strong robustness is obtained by utilizing maximum filtering and Gaussian low-pass filtering. Additionally, a linear relationship between blurred and clear images in the dark channel was introduced combining with the attenuation coefficient compensation to estimate the transmission of r , g and b channels. Ultimately, we designed a new adaptive color compensation method by taking into account the attenuation difference of the three color channels. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the clarity and contrast of the image and eliminate color distortion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work is intended to investigate the morphological instability of lipid membrane induced by peroxyl radical (ROO•) and the underlying mechanism. To this end, the giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) made from phosphatidylcholine was employed as a membrane model, and the azo compounds 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMVN) and 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) were used as the precursors of ROO•. Upon mild pyrolysis, the GUV immobilized in agarose gel was followed by conventional optical microscopy in real time, and the morphological variation was quantified by the image heterogeneity, perimeter and area all as a function of time for up to an hour. Lipid oxidation initiated from lipid phase with AMVN and from aqueous phase with AAPH led to different types of morphological changes, i.e. membrane coarsening and vesicle deformation/budding, respectively. Based on the compositional analysis of lipid oxidation products, we propose that ROO• as the primary radical initiator is responsible for the morphological changes of the GUV-AMVN while both ROO• and RO• are responsible for the morphological changes of the GUV-AAPH system. Lipophilic β -carotene and amphipathic plant phenols as antioxidants are found to be able to stabilize the membrane integrity effectively, in corroboration with the proposed mechanisms for membrane destruction. [Display omitted] • Dynamics and mechanisms of peroxyl radical (ROO•) induced biomembrane destruction • Lipid oxidation initiated with ROO• from lipid and aqueous phases lead to different types of morphological changes, which are attributed to specific oxidative products and reaction mechanisms. • Lipophilic and amphipathic antioxidants can significantly stabilize the membrane integrity via anti-lipooxidation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the demand of producing novel seismic resilient structures, this study focused on steel moment resisting frames equipped with superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA) connections in the self-centring energy dissipation bays, and the emphasis was given to a direct-iterative design method for performance-based-plastic-design of the system under earthquake motions. Utilising the equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDF) oscillator which may reasonably quantify the dynamic responses of a multi-storey structure, an inelastic structural seismic demand model motivated by nonlinear spectral analyses was developed, and the statistic features were accounted. As the theoretical basis of the design philosophy, the seismic energy equilibrium equation of the structure was correlated with structural arrangement and earthquake motion characteristics. Then, a stepwise plastic design methodology enabling practising engineers to search for a feasible design strategy was proposed. Three prototype structures were developed following the proposed method, and finite element models of the systems were developed. The adequacy of the modelling techniques was verified by the test database, and the sufficiency of the hysteretic model of the structure was also justified. The seismic responses of the prototype structures were estimated by nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. The analysis data pool confirmed that the prototype structures were able to achieve the damage-control objective by limiting the maximum interstorey drifts below the prescribed deformation threshold, and inelastic actions were concentrated in the self-centring energy dissipation bays. [Display omitted] • Probabilistic energy factor demand spectra for self-centring system under near-field earthquake motions was developed. • A performance-based-plastic-design methodology was developed from a statistic perspective. • The sufficiency of the proposed design methodology was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell wall is the first physical barrier to aluminum (Al) toxicity. Modification of cell wall properties to change its binding capacity to Al is one of the major strategies for plant Al resistance; nevertheless, how it is regulated in rice remains largely unknown. In this study, we show that exogenous application of putrescines (Put) could significantly restore the Al resistance of art1, a rice mutant lacking the central regulator Al RESISTANCE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 (ART1), and reduce its Al accumulation particularly in the cell wall of root tips. Based on RNA‐sequencing, yeast‐one‐hybrid and electrophoresis mobility shift assays, we identified an R2R3 MYB transcription factor OsMYB30 as the novel target in both ART1‐dependent and Put‐promoted Al resistance. Furthermore, transient dual‐luciferase assay showed that ART1 directly inhibited the expression of OsMYB30, and in turn repressed Os4CL5‐dependent 4‐coumaric acid accumulation, hence reducing the Al‐binding capacity of cell wall and enhancing Al resistance. Additionally, Put repressed OsMYB30 expression by eliminating Al‐induced H2O2 accumulation, while exogenous H2O2 promoted OsMYB30 expression. We concluded that ART1 confers Put‐promoted Al resistance via repression of OsMYB30‐regulated modification of cell wall properties in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on celestite-carbonate-cemented veins that developed in the Jialingjiang Formation of the Lower Triassic carbonates from the Libixia anticline in eastern Sichuan Basin, China. Comparative petrography and geochemistry of the host rock and vein minerals provide clues to the nature, origin, and evolution of the vein-cementing fluids. The host rocks are composed mainly of micrite dolomite which yields δ18O, δ13C and 87Sr/86Sr ratios close to the values that characterize contemporaneous seawater. Two generations of vein-mineralization were recognized based on textural relationships, fluid inclusion data and isotope geochemistry. The early generation is dominated by celestite and saddle dolomite, formed from hypersaline, Sr-enriched, hydrothermal fluids. The later generation is represented by calcites, precipitated from less saline fluids at lower temperatures. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of vein dolomite and celestite vary from 0.7076 to 0.7081, significantly lower than those of host carbonate counterparts (0.7078 to 0.7081; average 0.7080). This isotopic discrepancy suggests that the majority of Sr was sourced from deeper sequences of the lower Triassic carbonates, probably associated with thermochemical sulfate reduction for Sr accumulation. It is argued that the fracture systems associated with the Huayingshan fault provided the heat source and served as conduits for migration of hydrothermal fluids through several hundred meters, and the final mineralization occurred as a result of mixture of Sr-enriched brines with sulfate-bearing solutions. The large celestite ore bodies in the studied area are proposed to form related partially to these hydrothermal fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full-scale test programme for reinforced single-coped beams with slender web (RSCBSW) connections is reported in this paper. The test matrix included reinforcement types and coping details. The adequacy of the two reinforcement strategies was confirmed by the test results, and it was found that all specimens failed by buckling of the plate girder section away from the coped region. The test results also showed that for the reinforcement strategy with double full-depth transverse stiffeners, the decrease in the strength of the specimen in the post-ultimate stage was comparatively less significant compared with the specimens strengthened by a single full-depth transverse stiffener, and this phenomenon was more apparent in the case of a deep cope. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models of test specimens were developed to replicate the behaviour of the RSCBSW connections, based on which a parametric study covering a wider range of factors was conducted. The numerical results further confirmed the effectiveness of the reinforcement strategy, and no models experienced local web buckling in the vicinity of the cope. The available design equations to quantify the buckling resistance of the plate girders were applied to the test specimens and the numerical database. It was found that for cases with double full-depth transverse stiffeners, the design predictions were generally conservative. In contrast, unsafe predictions were obtained for several cases with a deep cope which was enhanced by a single full-depth transverse stiffener. [Display omitted] • Reinforcement strategies for enhancing single-coped beam with slender web connections were experimentally examined. • A parametric study covering a wider range of factors was conducted. • The effect of the longitudinal stiffener was confirmed. • The design equations for quantifying the resistance of the specimens were revisited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the block shear performance of 16 steel angle specimens connected by double-line bolts. Among these specimens, 10 were made of S690 high-strength steel and 6 were made of normal-strength steel. The angle specimens were fabricated using two hot-rolled steel plates through groove welding. Two angle sections, i.e., 125 × 65 × 6 and 125 × 85 × 6 mm (long leg length × short leg length × thickness), were considered in the test. All angles were connected to the long leg. Apart from steel grade, the test parameters included bolt rows, parallel pitch, transverse pitch, edge distance, and unconnected leg length. Typical block shear of specimens were observed, and different fracture patterns were characterised. The test results confirmed that the block shear strength of the tension angles could be improved by increasing the tension plane area with the increase of the transverse pitch and edge distance and increasing the shear plane area with the increase of the bolt row number and parallel pitch. However, the test results showed that the block shear strength of the angles was not affected by the length of the unconnected leg. Subsequently, numerical models were built to further investigate the block shear behaviour of the double-line bolted angles, and the analysis parameters were the end distance, unconnected leg length, and connected leg length. According to the experimental and numerical results, the accuracy and adequacy of design specifications in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan and design equations documented in the literature for evaluating the block shear performance of double-line bolted steel angles were evaluated. • Structural performance of double-line bolted high-strength steel angles is examined. • Comparison with block shear behaviour of normal-strength steel angles is conducted. • Effects of connection dimensions are investigated. • Design recommendations are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effective mass is gradually increased with stability in the order of B- α , B- β , B- γ. • The effective mass of electron/hole is as low as 0.06/0.03 m0 for B- α CsSnI3. • The mobility is mainly determined by the scattering from polar optical phonon. • Carrier mobility is limited by static and high frequency dielectric constant. • At room temperature, the mobility is predicted by electron-phonon coupling process. [Display omitted] Phase stability of CsSnI 3 and CsPbI 3 is revealed by analyzing molecular volume, free energy and lattice vibration. Furthermore, the carrier effective mass is calculated by constant energy surface. Surprisingly, the values for electron/hole are as low as 0.06/0.03 m 0 for B- α CsSnI 3 , and 0.08/0.06 m 0 for B- α CsPbI 3. They gradually increase in the order of B- α , B- β and B- γ. The effective mass for CsSnI 3 is lower than that for CsPbI 3 , implying a high mobility in CsSnI 3. At 300 K, the mobility is predicted by empirical models and electron-phonon coupling (EPC) matrix element based on Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). The value from longitudinal acoustic phonon (LAP) model is much higher than that from longitudinal optical phonon (LOP) model. So the mobility is mainly determined by the scattering from polar optical phonon. These perovskites exhibit small high frequency dielectric constant (ϵ ∞) and large dielectric constant difference (Δ ϵ = ϵ 0 − ϵ ∞), which limit the mobility. Finally, phonon-limited mobility is predicted by the EPC matrix element. The values of CsSnI 3 /CsPbI 3 are μ e = 311/118 and μ h = 450/70 cm2V−1s−1 in B- β , μ e = 99/70 and μ h = 218/46 cm2V−1s−1in B- γ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective is to analyze the difference of microelectrode recording (MER) during awake and asleep subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) and the necessity of MER during "Asleep DBS" under general anesthesia (GA). The differences in MER, target accuracy, and prognosis under different anesthesia methods were analyzed. Additionally, the MER length was compared with the postoperative electrode length by electrode reconstruction and measurement. The MER length of two groups was 5.48 ± 1.39 mm in the local anesthesia (LA) group and 4.38 ± 1.43 mm in the GA group, with a statistical significance between the two groups (p < 0.01). The MER length of the LA group was longer than its postoperative electrode length (p < 0.01), however, there was no significant difference between the MER length and postoperative electrode length in the GA group (p = 0.61). There were also no significant differences in the postoperative electrode length, target accuracy, and postoperative primary and secondary outcome scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that "Asleep DBS" under GA is comparable to "Awake DBS" under LA. GA has influences on MER during surgery, but typical STN discharges can still be recorded. MER is not an unnecessary surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the most destructive pathogens in marine fish aquaculture and is capable of infecting more than 50 fish species worldwide, which resulted in great economic losses. Effective drugs for managing NNV infection are urgently required. Medicinal plants have been known for thousands of years and benefit of medicinal plants against pathogens in aquaculture have emerged. Nowadays, the most commonly used method for detecting virus infection and assessing antiviral drugs efficacy is reverse transcription‐quantitative real‐time PCR. However, the application is limited on account of high reagent costs, complex time‐consuming operations and long detection time. Aptamers have been widely applied in application of pathogens or diseases diagnosis and treatments because of high specificity, strong affinity, good stability, easy synthesized and low costs. This study aimed to establish an aptamer (GBN34)‐based high‐throughput screening (GBN34‐AHTS) model for efficient selection and evaluation of natural ingredients against NNV infection. GBN34‐AHTS is an expeditious rapid method for selecting natural ingredients against NNV, which is characterized with high‐speed, dram, sensitive and accurate. AHTS strategy could reduce work intensity and experimental costs and shorten the whole screening cycle of effective ingredients. AHTS should be suitable for rapid selection of effective ingredients against other viruses, which is important for improving the prevention and controlling of aquatic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the hysteretic behaviour of commercial Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) plates to promote their seismic applications in beam-to-column energy dissipation connections, and the research focus was given to the cyclic tension-release behaviour. Based on a series of SMA plate specimens, the investigation was commenced by examining the thermal characteristics, and the phase transformation behaviour of the SMA plates was characterised. Subsequently, cyclic tension-release tests of the SMA plates were conducted in the laboratory at room temperatures, and multi-phase tests considering varied loading protocols were carried out. It was observed that the self-centring capability of the SMA plates was comparatively less encouraging than bars and wires examined in the literature, whereas training cycles enabled stabilisation of the behaviour of the specimens by producing a newly recentring strain range with increased post-yield behaviour and decreasing martensite transformation stress. However, the energy dissipation of the SMA plates was reduced after experiencing the training protocols. Following the test programme, detailed numerical models of novel beam-to-column energy dissipation connection equipped with SMA plates were developed, and the feasibility of exploiting the cyclic behaviour of SMA plates was confirmed. Nonlinear spectral analyses of single-degree-of-freedom (SDF) systems representing structures were analysed to examine the influence of the structural hysteretic parameters on the structural inelastic demands quantified by strength reduction factor, and the influence of hysteretic parameters of the SMA plates on the structural seismic demand was characterised. • The cyclic tension-release behaviour of SMA plates is examined. • The thermal–mechanical behaviour of SMA plates is characterised. • Effects of the training protocol on the hysteretic behaviour are investigated. • Feasibility of applying SMA plates in beam-to-column connections is confirmed. • Strength reduction factor demand of representative systems are analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]