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The axle box bearing serves as a critical rotational component for high-speed trains. Thus, it is of great significance to obtain accurate loading conditions for axle box bearings for its reliability design. In this study, a bearing-vehicle coupled system dynamic model, consisting of an equivalent bearing model characterized by the time-varying stiffness in the bearing, a nonlinear high-speed train dynamic model, and a slab track model, is developed. The validity of the proposed coupled dynamic model is demonstrated by comparing the simulated results with those obtained in a field test and the literature, respectively. Subsequently, the influence of long- and short-wavelength irregularities on the dynamic responses of bearings is investigated using the proposed coupled model in terms of dynamic loads of the axle box bearing. The results obtained by the proposed model are further compared with those calculated using a traditional vehicle dynamic model that represents the bearing as a revolute joint, so as to illustrate the advantages of the proposed model. The results suggest that the loading responses of the bearing calculated by the two models exhibit differences, which are simultaneously related to the structural damping of the bearing and the mode frequency change of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial microbiota are involved in tick physiology and varies with various factors. The variation of bacterial microbiota among tick organs is less investigated. In this study, the bacterial microbiota of four organs (ovaries, salivary glands, midgut, and Malpighian tubules) from the engorged female Haemaphysalis longicornis were surveyed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated that the bacterial richness and diversity varied among tick organs, and ovaries had the lowest level of bacterial richness and diversity. The ovaries and salivary glands had relatively stable bacterial compositions when considering bacterial abundance. Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in the four organs, followed by Firmicutes, Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota. The ovaries carried more Proteobacteria, while the Firmicutes abundance was higher in salivary glands. The environmental bacteria including Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Brevundimonas, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Stenotrophomonas had high abundance in the midgut and salivary glands, suggesting that ticks can acquire environmental bacteria through blood meals or host skin. The predominant proportion of Coxiella in ovaries ensures its vertical transmission, and Coxiella in Malpighian tubules can provide nutrients to the host. In conclusion, organ-specific bacterial microbiota was observed in the engorged female H. longicornis, and the functions of these bacteria in organs remain to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plants in Japan and globally experience creep damage in the welded parts of their high-chromium steel assets. As the creep damage advances, voids develop at depth by preference and become dense and cause accidents. The voids cannot be detected using existing non-destructive methods, causing the unreasonable and uneconomic management of plants. To establish a non-destructive examination method that can be used for practical and economic maintenance, a detection method for dense creep voids using ultrasonic backscattered waves is proposed herein. The creep-damaged structures are modelled using a transducer and the transmission and reception characteristics are discussed. These characteristics are considered using the finite element method, as they cannot be measured through normal experiments. The results show that without a focusing process at the time of reception, changes in the amplitude of backscattered waves cannot be confirmed; thus, the contribution of transmission focus to creep void detection is limited. Conversely, it is confirmed that when the received backscattered waves in the direction normal to the transducer are integrated and the phase matching is reflected, the amplitude of the scattered waves increases with creep void density. The reception focus considerably contributes towards dense creep void detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fluid ferroelectrics, called ferroelectric nematics (NF), have recently become available by incorporating strong polarity into rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules. Its unprecedented electro-optic properties have created significant excitement in soft matter research. The further progression from the NF phase to the antiferroelectric smectic Z (SmZA) phase, and ultimately to the ferroelectric Smectic A (SmAF) phase, represents a remarkable journey in emerging polar liquid crystal states. Nevertheless, the limitation of NF liquid crystal materials remains one of the prominent obstacles to physical property optimization and optoelectronic device development. In this work, we synthesized a series of fluorinated liquid crystal molecules with large dipole moments and systematically investigated their phase behavior. We designed them with a similar fluorinated aromatic skeleton and varied the structures of the terminal group and bridging bond. We found that the dipole moment density and shape anisotropy significantly affect the phase behavior. Notably, diverse polar liquid crystal phases, including NF, SmZA, and SmAF were observed. Through a multi-component mixing strategy, we successfully achieved a much-expanded temperature window and improved low-temperature stability not only in the NF phase but also in the SmZA and SmAF phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The application of podocyte antigen M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R, GAg) and serum anti-PLA2R antibody (SAb) in predicting the prognosis of membrane nephropathy (MN) was controversial. Method: 328 biopsy-proven MN patients were divided into three phenotypes, 182 MN patients with GAg+/SAb+, 118 MN patients with GAg+/SAb-, and 28 MN patients with GAg-/SAb-. The baseline clinicopathological characteristics, therapy response, and prognosis were compared among the three groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of remission. Anti-PLA2R antibody was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve to find the optimal titer for MN diagnosis. Result: Lower eGFR (p = 0.009), higher UPCR (p < 0.001), and lower serum albumin (p < 0.001) were observed in GAg+/SAb+ MN patients, compared to GAg+/SAb-MN patients. More GAg+/SAb+ MN patients received cyclophosphamide (CTX) combined with glucocorticoids and calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) based therapy than the other two groups (p = 0.015 and p = 0.023, respectively). No significant difference was observed among the three groups in terms of complete remission, relapse, and developing ESRD. SAb+ status was an independent predictor for no remission (hazard ratio 1.378, 95% confidence interval 1.023 to 1.855; p = 0.035). The optimal cutoff value for anti-PLA2R antibody to predict MN was 2.055 RU/mL (sensibility 0.802, specificity 0.970). Conclusion: GAg+/SAb+ MN patients were related to more severe clinical manifestations and more requisition of immunosuppressive treatment. Positive anti-PLA2R antibody was an independent predictor for no remission. An anti-PLA2R antibody above 2.055 RU/mL can be a suggestive indicator of MN diagnosis in patients with proteinuria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the time-dependent mechanical behavior of tough and viscoelastic hydrogels under complex external loading is crucial. In this study, we utilized tough and viscoelastic hydrogels synthesized through the copolymerization of methacrylic acid and methacrylamide as a model system to investigate their mechanical behavior under multiaxial stretching across a wide range of strain rates. Three stretching modes examined were uniaxial, pure shear, and equal biaxial stretching. Our findings show that under equal biaxial stretching, the hydrogels exhibit higher mechanical properties and energy dissipation compared to uniaxial and pure shear stretching, owing to the greater contribution of hydrogen bonds to energy dissipation in the former stretching mode. Additionally, employing the time-elongation separability method during the stretching process, we observed that the relaxation of dynamic hydrogen bonds in the hydrogels only depends on stretching time, independent of the elongation ratio and stretching modes. We anticipate that this study will yield valuable contributions to the design of durable load-bearing soft materials, particularly in dealing with complex deformation and strain rate responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural activities and industrial emissions can lead to high bromide and iodide concentrations in surface water, and potentially pollute drinking water sources. During drinking water disinfection process, bromide and iodide can transform into brominated disinfection by-products (Br-DBPs) and iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs), which are more toxic than chlorinated disinfection by-products (Cl-DBPs). Therefore, studying bromide and iodide removal from water is of great significance to the ecological environment, human health and resource recovery. In this work, we reviewed the techniques for bromide and iodide removal from water and unprecedently classified the techniques into four types: membrane techniques, adsorption techniques, electrochemical techniques and chemical oxidation techniques. It is worth mentioning that chemical oxidation is not covered in other reviews before. The halide removal performance, mechanism, applications, merit and demerit of each technique were discussed and compared. Finally, we proposed research priorities in the context of existing and future halide removal from water. Most of these methods have been studied in depth, but still have some problems and challenges. Electrolysis and chemical oxidation are mostly used in the field of bromine and iodine production, and less attention is paid to the remaining bromide and iodide in water. The research on electrolysis and chemical oxidation for halide removal is potential but lacking. It is hoped that this review will provide theoretical support and guidance for the development of new halide removal technologies and decision-making of environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses how to achieve inclusive resettlement for landless villagers amid China’s promotion of urbanization through resettlement. This research conceptualizes the right to resettlement in China by synthesizing the literature on resettlement, the right to the city, and informality. This research captures four subsets of rights to resettlement based on a review of existing resettlement literature, including rights to economic enhancement, spatial adaptation, social stability, and political inclusiveness. While state-led resettlement policies should have prioritized inclusive resettlement, our case study reveals the significant role played by villagers’ bottom-up approaches, utilizing informality and collective strategies, in enhancing inclusiveness. The research adopts an explanatory-sequential approach that uses principal component analysis, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaire surveys to investigate post-resettlement adaptation in 12 resettlement communities in Hangzhou, China. The empirical evidence suggests informal economic activities, spontaneous spatial transformation, hybrid governance structures, and non-institutionalized participation have contributed significantly to villagers claiming their right to resettlement. We conclude with recommendations for achieving inclusive resettlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heart is the main organ of the circulatory system and requires fatty acids to maintain its activity. Stress is a contributor to aggravating cardiovascular diseases and even death, and exacerbates the abnormal lipid metabolism. The cardiac metabolism may be disturbed by stress. Cholecystokinin (CCK), which is a classical peptide hormone, and its receptor (CCKR) are expressed in myocardial cells and affect cardiovascular function. Nevertheless, under stress, the exact role of CCKR on cardiac function and cardiac metabolism is unknown and the mechanism is worth exploring. After unpredictable stress, a common stress-inducing model that induces the development of mood disorders such as anxiety and reduces motivated behavior, we found that the abnormal contraction and diastole of the heart, myocardial injury, oxidative stress and inflammation of mice were aggravated. Cholecystokinin A receptor and cholecystokinin B receptor knockout (CCK1R2R-/-) significantly reversed these changes. Mechanistically, fatty acid metabolism was found to be altered in CCK1R2R-/- mice. Differential metabolites, especially L-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid, cholesterol, taurocholic acid, ADP, oxoglutaric acid, arachidonic acid and 17-Hydroxyprogesterone, influenced cardiac function after CCK1R2R knockout and unpredictable stress. We conclude that CCK1R2R-/- ameliorated myocardial damage caused by unpredictable stress via altering fatty acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are a variety of bioactive components in rice bran oil (RBO), among which the richer ones include γ-oryzanol, α-tocopherol and sitosterol. The activity of these ingredients is affected by the vehicle and formulation, and there is a significant synergy between these antioxidants. At present, the content of antioxidants in physically refined RBO has reached a high level. Therefore, comparing the activity of physically refined RBO with γ-oryzanol, α-tocopherol, and sitosterol as single components and the above three ingredients dissolved in the same base oil as RBO can provide information for better application of these antioxidants. The results showed that the antioxidant and anti-senescence capacities of physically refined RBO were significantly higher than those of dissolved γ-oryzanol, α-tocopherol, and sitosterol and better than those of the mixture. This study illustrates that the antioxidant and anti-senescence effects of highly active physically refined RBO are superior to those antioxidants derived from RBO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare stress, anxiety and depression levels among 3 groups of pregnant women: 1) low-risk outpatient (LRO), 2) high-risk outpatient (HRO), and 3) inpatient (IP). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using validated instruments. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies 23–37 weeks and maternal age > 18 years. The primary outcome was mean/median scores of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS). Secondary outcome was rate of abnormal scores. Results: Among 190 women approached, 180 (95%) participated, with 60 (33%) in each group. Mean PSS scores (range 0–40) significantly increased from LRO (12.0, standard deviation [SD] 7.8) to HRO (14.7, SD 7.9) to IP (15.6, SD 8.2); p = .04. Mean STAI scores (range 20–80) also significantly increased from LRO (32.0, SD 11.1) to HRO (35.8, SD 11.9) to IP (40.9, SD 13.1); p < .01. Abnormal anxiety (STAI ≥ 40) was present in 40% of women and significantly higher among IP compared to LRO (56% vs 25%; RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.36–3.67; aRR 2.24, 95% CI 1.34–3.74). Conclusion: Stress and anxiety scores significantly differ in LRO, HRO, and IP women. While depression screening is common postpartum, screening for stress, anxiety and depression prenatally may be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the birth injury outcomes and hospital length of stay and costs among newborns delivered at 34–42 weeks with neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) versus those without. Study design: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the National Inpatient Sample to identify all newborns hospitalizations that occurred in the U.S. between 2016 and 2017. We included non-anomalous single liveborn delivered in-hospital at 34–42 weeks. The newborns with NBPP were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Birth injury outcomes, and hospital length of stay and hospital costs were examined. A multivariable Poisson regression model with robust error variance was used to examine the association between NBPP and birth injury outcomes. A multivariable generalized linear regression model was used to examine the association between NBPP and hospital length of stay and hospital costs. Results: Of 7,019,722 non-anomalous single liveborn delivered at 34–42 weeks in the U.S. from 2016 to 2017, the rate of NBPP (n = 6695) was 0.95 per 1000 newborn hospitalizations. After multivariable regression adjustment, compared to newborns without NBPP, the risk of the composite birth injury outcome was 2.91 (95% CI 2.61–3.25) times higher in those with NBPP. Similar results of an increased risk among newborns with NBPP were observed in all individual birth injury outcomes. Compared to newborns without NBPP, after adjustment, the hospital length of stay was 1.48 (95% IC 1.38–1.59) times higher and the hospital costs were 2.21 (95% CI 1.97–2.48) times higher in those with NBPP. Conclusions: Among newborns delivered at 34–42 weeks, the risk of associated birth injuries, hospital length of stay and costs, were significantly higher in newborns with NBPP than those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess whether an early recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway after scheduled cesarean delivery was associated with a reduction in postoperative length of stay compared with standard perioperative care. Methods This was a prospective pre- and post-intervention study. Women were included if they were between 18 and 45 years of age and delivered a singleton, term, non-anomalous fetus via scheduled cesarean delivery by a provider within an academic practice. The ERAS pathway consisted of 23 evidence-based components regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. The primary outcome was the rate of postoperative length of stay of 3 or more days. Secondary outcomes included total postoperative narcotic use, postoperative complications, 30-day hospital readmission rates, and quality of recovery questionnaire scores. Results A total of 116 women were included. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the pre- and post-implementation groups in the post-implementation group, surgery time was longer (78.3 ± 27.8 vs 59.1 ± 19.2 min, p < .001) and blood loss volume was higher (910.3 ± 405.1 vs 729.1 ± 202.0, p = .003), compared to pre-implementation group. An ERAS pathway was not associated in a significant reduction in postoperative length of stay of 3 or more days (70.7% vs 75.9%, p = .529). It was also not significantly associated with a difference in postoperative narcotic use, maximum pain score, transfusion, postoperative complications or hospital readmission rates. Conclusion An early recovery after surgery pathway after scheduled cesarean delivery was not associated with a reduction in postoperative length of stay or narcotic use, though the recovery scores were better after implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To compare the composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes among low-risk pregnancies with versus without chorioamnionitis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using U.S. Vital Statistics Data. The study population was restricted to full term, low-risk, singleton pregnancies. Pregnancies were categorized into those affected and unaffected by chorioamnionitis. The primary outcome was composite neonatal adverse outcome and the secondary outcome was composite maternal adverse outcome. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to examine the factors associated with chorioamnionitis and to evaluate the association between chorioamnionitis and adverse outcomes [using adjusted relative risk (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI)]. Results Of 19.7 million live births, 59.4% met inclusion criteria; among them, 1.7% were complicated by chorioamnionitis. The risk of composite neonatal adverse outcome was higher in newborns delivered by women with chorioamnionitis (aRR = 3.40; 95% CI = 3.30–3.49). Compared to women without chorioamnionitis, those with chorioamnionitis had a higher risk of composite maternal adverse outcome (aRR = 2.42; 95% CI = 2.31–2.55). Infant mortality was also higher in affected pregnancies (aRR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.09–1.38). Conclusion Among low-risk pregnancies, chorioamnionitis is associated with a higher risk of composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes. Infant death is also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction To determine the impact of route of delivery on maternal outcomes among individuals who deliver preterm (before 37 weeks). Materials and methods This was a population-based retrospective cohort study using the U.S. vital statistics datasets on Period Linked Birth-Infant Death Data from 2014 to 2018. The study population was restricted to live births from women with non-anomalous singletons who delivered at 24–36 weeks of gestation. The main explanatory variable for this study was route of delivery, which was categorized as: (i) vaginal delivery, (ii) cesarean delivery with labor, and (iii) cesarean delivery without labor. The primary outcome was composite maternal adverse outcome, which encompassed any of the following: admission to the intensive care unit, maternal blood transfusion, uterine rupture, or unplanned hysterectomy. The results were presented as adjusted relative risk (aRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Over the study period 1,440,510 live births met the inclusion criteria, and the overall composite maternal adverse outcome was 14.38 per 1,000 live births. After multivariable adjustment, compared to women who underwent a vaginal delivery, the risk of composite maternal adverse outcome was higher in women who had a cesarean delivery with labor (aRR 3.70; 95% CI 3.52–3.90) and those who had a cesarean delivery without labor (aRR 4.79; 95% CI 4.59–4.98). Conclusion With preterm birth, cesarean delivery without labor has higher rate of composite maternal morbidity than cesarean during labor or vaginal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare the composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes among women with diabetes who labor and deliver at 37–41 weeks at distinct time shifts. Methods This population-based retrospective cohort study using the US Vital Statistics dataset on Period Linked Birth-Infant Death Data from 2013–2017. The study population was restricted to non-anomalous singleton live births from women with pregestational or gestational diabetes, who labored and delivered at 37 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks of gestation. The time of delivery was categorized as the first shift (7:00–15:00), the second shift (15:00–23:00), and the third shift (23:00–7:00). The primary outcome was a composite neonatal adverse outcome; the secondary outcome was a composite maternal adverse outcome. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to estimate the association between the time of delivery and adverse outcomes (using adjusted relative risk [aRR] and 95% CI). Results Of 19.8 million live births during the study period, 3.3% (643,610) met the study inclusion criteria. The overall rate of composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes were 9.62 and 3.63 per 1000 live births, respectively. Multivariable adjusted regression analysis showed that, compared to newborns delivered at the first shift, the risk of composite neonatal adverse outcome was modestly but significantly higher (aRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.12–1.27) in the third shift (23:00–7:00). There was no significant difference in the risk of composite maternal adverse outcomes between time shifts. In the sensitivity analysis stratified by the day of the week (weekday vs weekend), the results were consistent with the primary analyses. Conclusion Among term pregnancies complicated by diabetes, compared with delivery at 7:00–15:00, the risk of a composite neonatal adverse outcome is marginally but significantly higher if delivery occurs at the third shift (23:00–7:00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Among low-risk pregnancies, we ascertained the association between 10-minute Apgar score and adverse outcomes of newborn infants. Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the U.S. vital statistics datasets (2011–2018), which included live births from low-risk women with non-anomalous singleton gestations who delivered at 37–41 weeks. When a newborn infant had an abnormal 5-minute Apgar score (0–5), a 10-minute Apgar score was documented in the birth certificate. Apgar score at 10 min was categorized as low (0–3), moderate (4–6), and normal (7–10). The primary outcome was composite neonatal adverse outcome. The secondary outcomes were individual neonatal adverse outcomes and infant mortality. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate the association between 10-minute Apgar score and adverse outcomes (using adjusted relative risk [aRR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]). Results Of 31.5 million live births delivered (2011–2018), 111,163 (0.4%) met inclusion criteria; of them, 74.2%, 20.7%, and 5.1% had normal, moderate, and low 10-minute Apgar scores, respectively. The overall composite neonatal adverse outcome was 100.6 per 1,000 live births and the risk was significantly higher among those with a moderate (aRR 3.19; 95% CI 3.06–3.31) or low 10-minute Apgar score (aRR 6.62; 95% CI 6.34–6.91) than with a normal 10-minute Apgar score. Infant mortality also showed a similar pattern. Newborn infants with improved Apgar scores from 5 to 10 min were associated with lower risks of the composite neonatal adverse outcome, as well as infant mortality, than those with scores that remained stable. Conclusion Among low-risk pregnancies, newborn infants with a lower 10-minute Apgar score were associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor in men. Chemotherapy with docetaxel (DTX) and novel hormonal agents such as enzalutamide (EZL) and abiraterone are the preferred first-line therapeutic regimens. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is overexpressed on the surface of PCa cells. This study aimed to prepare a PSMA targeted (Glutamate-Urea-Lysine, GUL ligand modified), glutathione (GSH)-sensitive (Cystamine, SS), DTX and EZL co-loaded nanoparticles (GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs) to treat PCa. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was conjugated with oleic acid (OA) using a GSH-sensitive ligand: cystamine (PEG-SS-OA). GUL was covalently coupled to PEG-SS-OA to achieve GUL-PEG-SS-OA. GUL-PEG-SS-OA was used to prepare GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs. To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficiency of the system, human prostate cancer cell lines and PCa cells bearing mice were applied. Single drug-loaded nanoparticle and free drugs systems were utilized for the comparison of the anticancer ability. GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs showed a size of 143.7 ± 4.1 nm, with a PDI of 0.162 ± 0.037 and a zeta potential of +29.1 ± 2.4 mV. GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs showed high cancer cell uptake of about 70%, as well as higher cell growth inhibition efficiency (a maximum 79% of cells were inhibited after treatment) than single drug-loaded NPs and free drugs. GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs showed the most prominent tumor inhibition ability and less systemic toxicity. The novel GUL-SS DTX/EZL-NPs could be used as a promising system for PCa therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study discusses the evolution of bed morphology under 2D dam-break flow by conducting a set of laboratory experiments. The experiments were conducted in a 1.6 m × 28 m × 1.0 m glass flume with non-uniform fly ash as the bed material. Two scenarios were designed: no inflow (scenario 1) and nearly constant water level (scenario 2) in the upstream reservoir. During the experiment, the water levels were measured by pressure sensors which were buried under the sediment layer, and the bed morphology was measured by an ultrasonic ranging system. The results showed that: (1) in scenario 1, the range and depth of the scour pit continued to increase, but the location of the deepest scour point did not change significantly; (2) in scenario 2, the depth and range of scour increased after the dam break, but the growth rate slowed down obviously after t = 15 min. The data can be employed to understand the bed morphology evolution under a dam-break flow, validate numerical approaches, and test geomorphic flood models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Western Kunlun orogenic belt (WKOB) located south of the Tarim Basin and the north-western margin of the Tibetan Plateau, was previously considered a complex orogenic belt that closed along the Kudi-Qimanyute suture zone (KQSZ) and Mazar–Kangxiwar suture zone (MKSZ) from north to south during Proto- and Paleo-Tethys. The MKSZ between the South Kunlun and Tianshuihai terranes was interpreted as the southern boundary of the WKOB that formed during the subduction of the Paleo-Tethys oceanic crust. However, the evolution of the MKSZ in the Proto-Tethys Ocean remains controversial. We newly recognized seamount formation with pillow basalts and carbonate cap from Dongguashan group on Tianshuihai terrane. The pillow basalts had geochemical features of typical oceanic island basalts (OIBs). Zircon U–Pb dating revealed that this basalt had a crystallization age of 465 ± 6.6 Ma, with a gap of more than 10 Ma between the pillow basalts and fossils in the seamount. This implied that the basalt base reached the carbonate compensation depth. Accordingly, the seamount depositional age was restricted to the Late Ordovician. Detrital zircon showed that part of the clastic unit at the top of the Dongguashan group originated from the South Kunlun and Tianshuihai terranes, suggesting that the analysed sediments probably formed in the remnant of the Proto-Tethys Ocean and were deposited on the top of or accreted into the seamount during oceanic crust subduction. This discovery provides robust evidence of the MKSZ undergoing an evolution with Proto-Tethys. Moreover, our results supported the approach that an accretionary wedge, including the Late Ordovician seamount in the southern MKSZ, should be considered part the WKOB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extended exposure of crack sealant to the natural environment causes a gradual degradation of its properties owing to aging with complex mechanisms. Two types of sealants were directly exposed to natural environment to investigate the aging effects on the sealant properties. In comparison with the original sealant, the surface of the aged sealant gradually hardened, embrittled, and darkened, while numerous cracks with different depths and widths appeared during aging. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and three conventional properties of sealants were employed to discuss the micro- and macro-performance differences and mechanism before and after three-month-aging. Experimental programme results show that age-conditioned sealants cause a clear increase in sulphoxide and carbonyl compared with the unconditioned ones. During the aging process, the polymer particles degraded, and the base asphalt in the sealant has undergone fateful aging. The endothermic peak values of sealants in the differential scanning calorimetric curves become wide, particularly two endothermic peaks are observed after aging. This phenomenon suggests that the sealant properties become unstable after aging. Cone penetration dramatically declines while the softening point increases after aging. The two sealants are in the glass state under the low-temperature tensile test environment after aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, urban resettlement as a specific form of urbanisation has gained its momentum in planning practices to accommodate newcomers of cities, in line with the macro policy reforms of urban-rural integration. This paper synthesises literature related to the proposed term 'urban resettlement with Chinese characteristics' to shed light on the distinctive and unparalleled socio-economic and spatial transformation entailed by the ongoing urban resettlement in China. Mindful of China's socialist ideology and authoritarian regime, we argue that urban resettlement has become a potent tool for the Chinese government to fuel economic development and urbanisation. The longstanding issues such as involuntary resettlement have been alleviated with the gradualist institutional changes, but emerging predicaments concerning social mismatch, space mismatch, and spatial mismatch still linger. This paper calls for researchers to draw lessons and implications from the discourse of 'urban resettlement with Chinese characteristics' to expand the knowledge of sustainable urban-rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, Cryptococcus initially infects the respiratory tract, but can spread, eventually crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and causing meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Specifically, Cryptococcus invades the vascular endothelial cells of the BBB, from which it enters the brain. The main mechanisms through which Cryptococcus crosses the BBB are transcellular traversal, the paracellular pathway, and via Trojan horse. In this paper, the mechanisms by which Cryptococcus crosses the BBB were explained in detail. In addition to pathways of entry to the brain, this paper presents a discussion on some rare cryptococcal infections and provides some insights for future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the merits of higher heat transfer efficiency, spirally corrugated tubes are widely used in a range of applications for heat transfer enhancement, especially in coaxial heat exchangers. This article studied a novel hybrid smooth and six-start spirally corrugated tube and focused on its heat transfer performance as well as its pressure drop. Firstly, we focused on the secondary flow derived from the centrifugal force due to the continuous spiral structure, and discovered the flow patterns of fluids in the hybrid tube. In this part, we applied models with different lengths of the corrugation part. Then, the corrugation parts connected with a smooth part can be arranged in identical rotation or opposite rotation of the corrugations, where the fluid affected by the corrugation part is still whirling. For the above different models, both heat transfer and pressure drop performances of two corrugation arrangements are investigated. This work reveals the enhanced heat transfer mechanism of the hybrid smooth and spirally corrugated tube and should be of interest to researchers in heat transfer issues of corrugated tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fouling on heat exchanger surfaces can weaken the heat-transfer capability, increase the energy consumption, and even cause the failure of the whole system. In coaxial heat exchangers, spirally corrugated tubes perform better than smooth ones concerning heat transfer and antifouling. In this article, a parametric study on the antifouling performance of a six-start spirally corrugated tube is carried out with a solid–liquid two-phase model. First, comparisons between a smooth tube and a specific sample six-start spirally corrugated tube on the solid particle volume fraction distributions are carried out. Then, the effects of solid particle diameter, the main geometric parameters, including pitch and the corrugation depth, are investigated. Analyzing the solid particle volume fraction with different geometries, solid particle diameters and Reynolds number, the roles played by the centrifugal force, drag force, and gravity of solid particles on fouling performance in six-start spirally corrugated tubes are obtained. In addition, the corrugation depth affects the volume fraction range more while the pitch affects more on the steady range of particle volume fraction. This work is of significance for further design of spirally corrugated tubes and analysis of fouling problems in heat exchangers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a rare complication that Onyx gel blocked the MCA trunk and branches unexpectedly during AVM embolism and our strategy to rescue. Material and methods: A 16 years old otherwise healthy girl hold a left side Spetzler – Martin grade III fronto-temporal AVM, during embolization, the L-MCA and its branches were blocked by Onyx completely, the patient was transferred to the operating room to extract the Onyx gel immediately. Result: After totally 10 arterotomies, all the Onyx gel were removed. 8 hours after occlusion, all arteries were then seen to pulsate. Conclusion: Iatrogenic MCA full-length acute occlusion is a rare and severe complication during AVM embolism. Carefully identify the feeding arteries, micro-catheter angiography before Onyx gel injection and balloon-assisted embolism could probably prevent it. Surgical operation to extract onyx gel and re-canalize MCA was recommended, AVM should be resect if possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard therapies for autoimmune cytopenias, including idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and Evans syndrome (ES), are corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin G. However, the recurrence rate is high. Data from 80 patients with ITP, AIHA and ES who were refractory to corticosteroids/relapsed and were treated with tacrolimus from January 2018 to January 2019 in Peking Union Medical Colleague Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. There were 24 males and 56 females, with a median age of 43 (14–81) years, including 66 with ITP, 11 with AIHA and 3 with ES. The median disease duration before tacrolimus was 16 (2–432) months. The complete response (CR) rates were 30.3%, 63.6% and 0%; the overall response (OR) rates were 63.6%, 72.7% and 66.7% for ITP, AIHA and ES, respectively; and the median time to response was 3 (2–10) months. In a median of 18 (10–24) months of follow-up time, 21.4% of ITP patients relapsed at a median time of 7 months. No relapse was found for patients with AIHA and ES. Side effects occurred in 16.3% of patients, including elevated creatinine (N = 3, 3.8%), gastrointestinal reactions (N = 3, 3.8%), and pulmonary infection (N = 2, 2.5%), and resulted in 3 patients stopping tacrolimus. The OR rate was found to be related with age (P = 0.01) but not with sex (P = 0.62), the duration of disease (P = 0.66), tacrolimus concentration (P = 0.99) or disease type (P = 0.84). Tacrolimus can achieve a durable response with mild side effects in patients with steroid-refractory/relapsed autoimmune cytopenias. Patients with younger age had a better response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer education has been extensively incorporated into various inclusion schemes, for purposes ranging from health promotion to participant empowerment. This paper examines the impact of peer education on reducing stigmatization in marginalized populations through an examination of the structure and activities of Rebirth Peer Education, a Chinese anti-drug peer education program. Based on the thematic analysis of organizational documents and interview data collected from RPE's social workers, peer educators, and peer members, this study finds that peer education can actually work to exacerbate the stigmatization and marginalization of people who use drugs (PWUD) through the 'othering' processes encountered in these programs. 'Othering' is a process in which those who are considered different are labelled, dismissed and scapegoated. Consequently, this process also stigmatizes and marginalizes those who are defined as 'others.' In RPE, 'othering' takes place through the organizations' recruitment and promotion processes, which are based on and further reinforce a perception of 'clean,' strong-willed, former PWUD and 'unclean,' weak, current PWUD. The glorification of peer educators further works to 'other' PWUD. The results suggest that peer education has the potential to further, rather than reduce, the stigmatization of PWUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the social network perspective and a case study of Chongqing Jiaotong University, this study analyzes the engagement of alumni entrepreneurs in the university student entrepreneurship development process in China. It employs primary data gathered through interviews of senior university managers, alumni and student entrepreneurs, and student start-ups. The study found that the importance of alumni entrepreneurs is comparatively weak at the formation stage of student entrepreneurial intention but relatively strong at the entrepreneurial resource acquisition stage. The most important resource provided by the alumni is information, followed by materials, clients, and human, technological and financial resources. Professors play the most important role in nurturing student entrepreneurship, both at the formation stage and the resource acquisition stage. The findings suggest that universities should involve alumni entrepreneurs actively to foster student entrepreneurship as well as incentivize professors to proactively nurture student entrepreneurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two innovative collectors, i.e. ionic collectors and microemulsion collector were prepared from waste oil to achieve clean flotation of fine coal by gradient flotation, which helps to reduce dependence on traditional nonrenewable collectors. Ionic collectors were prepared and used for the removal of gangue particles from fine coal. Further, the biodiesel prepared from waste oil was emulsified to improve the dispersibility, and microemulsion collector was used for deep purification of fine coal. The effect of microemulsion collector dosage on flotation kinetics was also analyzed. The flotation results show that the ionic collector can effectively remove the gangue particles. When the ionic collector dosage is 1500 g/t, the ash removal reaches 43.63% with 9.17% combustible loss. Zeta analysis shows that the negative electricity on the particle surface hindered the adsorption of gangue particles and collectors in the neutral environment. The flotation kinetics test results of microemulsion collector show that the flotation rate of particles increases with the increase of collector dosage. The first-order model adopted in this study has good fitting accuracy. This study provides an environmentally friendly flotation process for fine coal and realizes the utilization of waste oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large genome-wide association study showed that five new variants, {EPDR1 (rs3816415), CHAT (rs1258267), GLIS3 (rs736893), FERMT2 (rs7494379), and DPM2–FAM102A (rs3739821)}, were associated primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Considering the shared clinical features between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and PACG, this study was conducted to investigate the association of these genetic variants with POAG in a Han Chinese population. A total 799 POAG patients and 799 controls are enrolled in this case–control study. All individuals were genotyped for the five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using ABI SNaPshot method. Four genetic models (homozygous, heterozygous, dominant, and recessive) were applied to further evaluate the possible correlation between the five SNPs and POAG. In our study, rs736893 in the GLIS3 gene was found to be associated with POAG (Bonferroni corrected p =.001, OR = 1.282, 95% CI = 1.103–1.491). Rs736893-AA and rs736893-AA/AG carriers showed an increase risk for POAG compared with rs736893-GG carriers (corrected p =.028, OR = 1.605, 95% CI = 1.137–2.267; corrected p =.012, OR = 1.349, 95% CI = 1.108–1.642; respectively) in homozygous and dominant models. For rs3816415 in the EPDR1 gene, rs3816415-AG and rs3816415-AA/AG carriers have a marginally lower risk than rs3816415-GG carriers (corrected p =.036, OR = 0.710, 95% CI = 0.548–0.919; corrected p =.04, OR = 0.718, 95% CI = 0.557–0.925) in heterozygous and dominant models. Our findings indicated that GLIS3 (rs736893) was associated with POAG in this Chinese population. Further genetic epidemiologic studies and functional work are necessary to reveal their pathogenesis with POAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-armed scarab (Cheirotonus gestroi) is an endangered large insect in southwestern China and neighboring countries; however, limited information is available regarding its population genetics, hindering conservation efforts. Therefore, we investigated the population genetic structure and evolutionary history of C. gestroi in southwestern China. Twenty-five haplotypes were obtained from 47 specimens across five populations. The Dawei Mountain (DWS) population differed from other populations by a high genetic distance. Population structure analysis generated three distinct clades, corresponding to Hengduan Mountains (HM), Ailao Mountains (AM), and Dawei Mountains (DM), and high-level genetic diversity was found in two HM populations. Collectively, the strong genetic differentiation among populations might be due to limited gene flow, geographical isolation, and habitat fragmentation. Therefore, while developing a conservation strategy, HM, AM, and DM groups should be defined as separate management units. Additionally, the DWS population should be given priority protection due to its uniqueness and low genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Methotrexate (Mtx) is prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients; however, improved repair and mobility of joints still are the major concerns. Magnesium oil (MO) improves joint mobility and repair; therefore, MO-assisted transdermal delivery of Mtx was aimed. Methods: MO integrated Mtx nanoemulsion (Mtx-MONE) was prepared with uniform size (175 ± 35.4 nm), pH (6.15 ± 0.3) near to skin pH, and high entrapment efficiency (65 ± 8.6%). Mtx-MONE was transformed to nanogel (Mtx-MONEG) with semisolid consistency (43,408 ± 77.72 cP) and good spreadability (3.63 ± 0.033 mJ). Results: Mtx-MONEG showed significant reduction in oedema, arthritic scores, level of inflammatory cytokines, and improved walking as compared to diseased control. MO offered additional improvements in joints, mobility, and repair. Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of Mtx has been successfully achieved by Mtx-MONEG. Tremendous recovery from inflammation, improved joints mobility and repair, and reduced pain strongly support the use of MO as an adjutant of Mtx for improved transdermal application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, definite intestine targeting and immediate drug releasing are both important for the treatment of colon cancer via oral administration of anti-cancer drugs. We developed a highly specific oral colon-targeted pulsatile capsule, based on the effective enzyme-responsive 'pulse plug', which can be degraded under mannanase abundant in colon. Indomethacin (IN) solid dispersion immediate-release pellets were filled in an insoluble capsule body, a guar gum-lactose-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) composed tablet was embedded on the top of capsule as the 'pulse plug', and then covered by enteric soluble cap. In this study, the influence of the proportion of guar gum/lactose/HPMC, the viscosity of HPMC, and the tablet weight on the degradation behaviour of the plug tablet was investigated. The drug-releasing profiles of those pulsatile capsules in different simulated colon medium verified the 'pulse plug' could realise the colon-targeted pulsatile drug-releasing. Furthermore, the rabbit pharmacokinetic experiments showed that the in vivo time lag of drug loaded pulsatile capsules was significantly extended to 5.61 ± 0.08 h (p<.01), compared with that (0.33 ± 0.47 h) of the marketed tablets (YUNPENG®). These results indicated that colon-targeted pulsatile capsules would be effective oral delivering system for colon cancers therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies a demographic characteristics perspective to understand the internal contingencies of the relationship between university-industry collaboration (UIC) motivation (commercialisation, learning, accessing the resources, and teaching) and UIC performance (number of publications, number of patents, commercial products, and number of business cooperation cases). The paper focuses on two aspects of demographic characteristics, age and gender among UIC scholars, and their effect on scholars' UIC motivation as potential enhancements to improve UIC performance. We collected data from 376 scholars with UIC experience in Taiwan, and the proposed hypotheses were empirically tested. Our results extend the literature by showing that specific categories of UIC performance depend on a scholar's specific type of UIC motivation. We also specify the moderating effect of demographic characteristics on the relationship between specific subconstructs of UIC motivation and UIC performance. The study's implications and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To evaluate the effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities, and participation in children with CP of various functional levels by using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth (ICF-CY) checklist. Methods:Fourteen children with cerebral palsy (CP) (3–8 years of age) were recruited for a 36-week study composed of baseline, intervention, and withdrawal phases (12 weeks for each phase, ABA design). Hippotherapy was implemented for 30 min once weekly for 12 consecutive weeks during the intervention phase. Body Functions (b) and Activities and Participation (d) components of the ICF-CY checklist were used as outcome measures at the initial interview and at the end of each phase. Results:Over the 12 weeks of hippotherapy, significant improvements in ICF-CY qualifiers were found in neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions (b7), mobility (d4) and major life areas (d8) and, in particular, mobility of joint functions (b710), muscle tone functions (b735), involuntary movement reaction functions (b755), involuntary movement functions (b765), and play (d811) (allp< 0.05) when compared with baseline. Conclusion:This study demonstrated the beneficial effects of hippotherapy on body functions, activities, and participation in children with CP.Implications for RehabilitationICF-CY provides a comprehensive overview of functioning and disability and constitutes a universal language for identifying the benefits of hippotherapy in areas of functioning and disability in children with CP.In children with CP, hippotherapy encourages a more complementary approach that extends beyond their impairments and limitations in body functions, activities, and participation.The effect of hippotherapy was distinct from GMFCS levels and the majority of improvements were present in children with GMFCS levels I–III. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Phytochemical study on 90% ethanol extract from the green walnut husks of Juglans mandshurica Maxim. resulted into the isolation of three undescribed triterpenoids, juglansmanoids A–C (1–3). Structural elucidation of all the compounds were performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. The isolated components were evaluated in vitro for anti-hyaluronidase activities. As a result, triterpenoid 1 exhibited potent anti-hyaluronidase activity (IC50 = 9.78 μg/ml) three times more than the positive control drug oleanolic acid (IC50 = 40.12 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving lead-free flexible materials with excellent γ-ray shielding as well as good mechanical properties are of significance to radiation protection safety and wear comfort of wearable articles. In this paper, polydopamine (PDA) is coated on Bi2O3 particles to form a typical core–shell structure Bi2O3@PDA, which is used to intensely bond bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) with chloroprene rubber (CR). It promotes the interface interaction between Bi2O3 and CR matrix, leading to the uniform dispersion of the filler and rich interfacial compatibility in CR/Bi2O3@PDA composite with as high as 50 wt% filling. Furthermore, 50 wt% CR/Bi2O3@PDA composite displays 53.6% shielding rate for 105 keV γ-rays. Meanwhile, its tensile strength and elongation at break are 9.6 MPa and 1424.8%, respectively, which are without sacrificing too much in comparison with the neat rubber. We propose a versatile route to prepare superior integrated properties of flexible materials, which can be used as wearable articles for radiation shielding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly discovered trihydroxynaphthalenone derivative, epoxynaphthalenone (1) involving the condensation of ortho-hydroxyl groups into an epoxy structure, and a novel pyrone metabolite characterized as pyroneaceacid (2), were extracted from Talaromyces purpurpgenus, an endophytic fungus residing in Rhododendron molle. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through a comprehensive analysis of their NMR and HRESIMS data. The determination of absolute configurations was accomplished using electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and CD spectra. Notably, these recently identified metabolites exhibited a moderate inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase (XOD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is a large industrial country where tropical meteorological disasters occur frequently. Therefore, natural-technological (Natech) risk cannot be ignored. Assessing the social vulnerability of an industrial city prone to tropical meteorological disaster-induced Natechs is urgent. To analyze the social vulnerability of such cities, we propose a Bayesian network (BN)-based method to model the social vulnerability framework. Natech is characterised by high-consequence and low-probability. The industrial cities in Southeast China are selected as a case study. The Monte Carlo method simulates the data generated in industrial cities suffering from tropical disaster-induced Natechs, and the conditional probability tables of BN descendant nodes are obtained by the expert scoring method. After sensitivity analysis, we conclude that the 'catastrophic index of tropical cyclones,' 'population density,' and 'prevention capacity' have important impacts on social vulnerability. Human traits, the social environment, and the economy play important roles in social vulnerability assessments. Therefore, reducing the catastrophic index of tropical cyclones and population density and strengthening prevention capacity management measures are necessary. Some suggestions obtained after sensitivity analysis can assist governments in improving disaster prevention and mitigation abilities and formulating urban planning policies for sustainable development. Highlights Industry city's vulnerability analysis for Natural-technological (Natech) accidents A social vulnerability assessment framework for sustainable development A Bayesian network combined with the Monte Carlo simulation data and expert judgment Risk management for high-consequence and low-probability events [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With large patient population and complement inhibitors naïve background, the characteristics patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in China have not been well studied, especially for different subtypes. We retrospectively reviewed patients with complete data who visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from 2009 to 2019 and had been followed up for more than 2 years. Five hundred and twelve patients were enrolled including 56.3% males and 43.7% females. The median age at disease onset was 33 (9∼80) years. Most were aged 21∼40 years (50.6%). 52.1%, 46.3% and 1.6% of the patients had classic PNH, bone marrow failure (BMF)/PNH and subclinical PNH, respectively. Symptoms of classic PNH were associated with hemolysis, whereas bleeding was more common in BMF/PNH patients. Classic PNH had higher survival rate, larger PNH clone size, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and lower ferritin level than BMF/PNH. Although the rate of thrombosis was similar in the classic PNH and BMF/PNH (P = 0.66), those with BMF/PNH had higher chance of renal impairment (P < 0.05). Immunosuppressive agents was more common use in BMF/PNH (P < 0.05), but glucocorticoids, iron supplements and anticoagulants were more common used in classic PNH (P < 0.05) patients. Less evolution to myeloid malignancies was observed in classic PNH than in BMF/PNH (P = 0.02). The major causes of deaths were thrombosis (29.6%), hemorrhage (18.5%) and infections (18.5%). Patients with classic PNH and BMF/PNH have different clinical profiles, and we described a more hemolytic features of PNH in China which might be improved with complement inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the kinematics of upper body and cue stick among players of various skill levels when performing back spin and top spin shots. Twenty-eight male cue sports players were assigned to the novice (n = 10), intermediate (n = 9), or skilled groups (n = 9). The back spin and top spin tests were administrated while kinematic data were recorded using a 3D motion capture system. The results revealed greater upper limb joint ranges of motions (all p < 0.05), maximum angular velocities (all p < 0.05), and cue tip speed in the back spin than top spin shots (p < 0.001). None of joint kinematic or shot performance variables investigated was significantly different among the three skill levels (all p > 0.05). For the head movement, the novice group exhibited greater anteroposterior displacement than the skilled group (p = 0.020). In conclusion, except for the head movement, the upper body and cue stick kinematics did not significantly differ among players with varied skill levels. Greater joint ranges of motions and angular velocities were required to generate a faster cue tip speed for the back spin shots when compared with the top spin shots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to integrate transaction cost theory and the knowledge-based view of the firm to explore why and how a network's hub organisations orchestrate their members to create knowledge in the health services setting. Guided by organisation theory, this study examines a theoretical model at the organisation level, through a qualitative case study of Taiwan's health services sector. In addition to the discovery of a new sub-construct, the findings provide preliminary evidence that, both, transaction cost and knowledge-based factors influence the health services network as per the study's propositions. This study contributes to strategic technology management research by providing a conceptual model to describe and evaluate health services networks' orchestrating process for knowledge creation. The framework also provides a better understanding of, and a practical approach to managing networks to improve knowledge creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a prediction model was studied and carried out to predict phase equilibrium conditions for semiclathrate hydrates formed from the ternary system of liquid water, tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide, and CO2, CH4, or N2. Based on the Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state along with the Chen–Guo model, the predictions of phase equilibria of semiclathrates of CO2, CH4, and N2+ pure water/tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide aqueous solution has been made. A new correlation for activity relating to the system temperature and tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide concentration has been proposed. The prediction results were analyzed and showed good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations, a three-dimensional numerical model is proposed to study the interaction between waves and adjacent cylinder arrays. The Partial Cell Treatment is introduced to handle the grids near the cylinders and the Volume of Fluid method is adopted to reconstruct the free surface. The standardk–model is employed to close the Reynolds equations. In the simulations, a wave is generated numerically in the left boundary, with a numerical sponge layer before the outlet boundary used to absorb the wave energy. The model is validated using the Morison equation and experimental data. The validated model is then used to evaluate the wave loads on adjacent cylinder arrays including tandem, side-by-side and 2×2 arrangements in the Jintang Bridge in the East China Sea. It is found that there is no significant interference between cylinders when the spacing between cylinders exceeds four diameters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An improved lattice Boltzmann (LB) model with a new scheme for the interparticle interaction force term is proposed in this paper. Based on the improved LB model, the equation-free method is implemented for simulating liquid–vapour phase change and multiphase flows. The details of phase separation are presented by numerical simulation results in terms of coexistence curves and spurious currents. Compared with existing models, the proposed model can give more accurate results in a wider temperature range with the spurious currents reduced and less time consumed. Characteristics of phase separation can be quickly and accurately reflected by the proposed method. Then, the contact angle of the solid surface is numerically investigated based on the proposed model. The proposed model is valid for steady flow with near zero velocity; unsteady cases will be investigated in further studies. This work will be helpful for our long-term aim of multi-scale modelling of convective boiling. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the process of water filling in long-distance water transfer projects, the transient flow of water and air, along with the fluctuation in pressure, indicates the complexity of the hydraulic transition process, particularly when there are curved pressurized pipes, and the movement of air inside the pipes is not easily determined. This study focuses on pipeline systems with significant changes in elevation, such as those crossing rivers or roads. It employs a combined approach of generalized model experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the formation and transformation of flow patterns in the pipeline system during the filling process. It also analyses the fluctuation of pressure on both sides of the curved pipe under different filling modes and reveals the coupling mechanism between the movement of large-scale air bubbles and turbulent vortex structures within the curved pipe. When the water filling velocity at the pipeline inlet is v = 0.8 m s–1, the size of the bubbles formed by the air is larger, the variety of flow patterns is greater, and the evolution of flow patterns is more complex. When impounded water occurs in the river crossing pipeline due to maintenance, the pipeline system forms slug flow at a filling flow velocity of v = 0.8 m s–1. This leads to an abrupt change in the overall pressure of the pipeline system, with the maximum pressure being 1.36 times that of the filling flow velocity of v = 0.4 m s–1. At a filling flow velocity of v = 0.8 m s–1, bends in the pipe readily foster the formation of large-scale bubbles. The interaction between the buoyancy and drag forces acting on these bubbles and the centrifugal forces provided by the bends results in continuous changes in the hydraulic conditions within the pipe. The research findings not only enrich the study of the hydraulic transition process in pipeline systems but also hold significant importance for expediting the construction pace of long-distance water transfer projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenolic compound-modified hydrogel wound dressings with excellent wet tissue adhesion, antimicrobial properties, stretchability, and full-thickness skin healing properties are still extremely rare so far. Polyphenolic compounds such as tannic acid or dopamine can improve the antibacterial and bioadhesive properties of hydrogels, and are also polymerization inhibitors for free radical polymerization. In this study, polyacrylic acid (PAA) aqueous solution was first synthesized, and then antibacterial PAA-TA hydrogel was prepared by mixing it with tannic acid (TA) and the crosslinker 1,6-hexanediol bis(2-methyl-1-propionic acid azide) (HBMAP). This method avoids the hindrance of the phenolic hydroxyl groups in TA on acrylic acid polymerization, and we were able to obtain a series of TA hydrogels (in the range of 0–15 wt.%. We applied these PAA-TA hydrogels to wound dressings and found that they had excellent adhesion to biological tissues, and the tensile strength and elongation at break of PAA-TA hydrogels with 15 wt.%TA content were as high as 1.72 MPa and 1446.3% in tensile strength evaluation. In addition, microbiological analysis showed that wound dressings had significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In vitro wound healing experiments confirmed that the wound dressing was biocompatible and could significantly promote the healing of full-thickness skin defects in the guinea pig model. Our work describes an injectable, self-healing, antimicrobial hydrogel that may have promising clinical applications as a wound dressing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]