Search

To explore the feasibility of geogrid reinforcement as a promising countermeasure to improve the liquefaction and post-liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand, extensive undrained monotonic and multi-stage triaxial tests were performed on unreinforced and geogrid reinforced calcareous sand with different relative densities. The test results illustrate that pore pressure generation curves of unreinforced and reinforced calcareous sand gradually evolve from S-shaped to hyperbolic-shaped with the increase in relative density, cyclic stress ratio, and effective confining pressure. Following this, a pore pressure model applicable to both unreinforced and reinforced calcareous sand is proposed. The liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand increases with the increase in relative density, whereas an elevated cyclic stress ratio increases its liquefaction susceptibility. A virtually unique relationship can be observed between the liquefaction resistance normalized to the product of phase transformation strength ratio and relative density against the number of cycles for triggering liquefaction, providing an effective means of early assessing sand liquefaction resistance. Moreover, the geogrid exhibits excellent reinforcement efficiency in enhancing the liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand at relative densities of 50% and 70%. During the post-liquefaction stage, increasing relative density and geogrid reinforcement can accelerate the recovery of stiffness and strength for liquefied calcareous sand and improve the post-liquefaction strength. In general, geogrid reinforcement is considered a good alternative to densification for improving the engineering properties of calcareous sand and offers great application prospects in marine engineering construction. • The effects of geogrid reinforcement and relative density on the liquefaction and post-liquefaction behaviors of calcareous sand are investigated. • A pore pressure model applicable to both unreinforced and reinforced calcareous sand is proposed. • The inclusion of geogrid enhances the liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand. • Increasing relative density and geogrid reinforcement accelerate the recovery of stiffness and strength for liquefied calcareous sand and improve the shear strength during the post-liquefaction stage. • Geogrid reinforcement is considered a good alternative to densification for improving the engineering properties of calcareous sand and offers great application prospects in marine engineering construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colossal permittivity (CP) materials show an attractive potential application in field of integrating circuit and medical equipment owing to ultrahigh permittivity. Herein, a good CP performance (ɛ>104, tan δ < 0.1, 1 kHz) and insulation performance (E b > 2 kV/cm) have been realized in (Zn 1/2 W 1/2) x (Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3) 0.01- x Ti 0.99 O 2 ceramics (ZWNTO x) at x = 0.25 %. Both the electrons pinned defect dipoles (EPDD) and internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) effect can be considered as the CP mechanism of ZWNTO x ceramics. Besides, the overall resistance is improved as increasing x contents are accompanied by decreasing of oxygen vacancies concentration in ceramics, which should be excited by formation of Zn2+-W6+ ion pairs. At same time, the point defects induced by Zn2+, Nb5+ ions ensure a high permittivity and a low dielectric loss of ZWNTO x ceramics. The co-existence of multiple defective structures has been exploited to jointly optimize dielectric performance and insulation performance in ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rutile TiO 2 ceramics substituted with acceptor and donor ions are regarded to be promising candidate materials for energy storage because of their colossal permittivity (CP). In this work, a good CP performance (ϵ r >104) was achieved in all of (Cu 0.5 W 0.5) x Ti 1- x O 2 (CWTO x) ceramics fabricated by a traditional solid reaction method. Remarkably, CWTO 0.015 ceramic obtained an acceptable temperature stability accompanied a low dielectric loss (tan δ < 0.1) within a broad frequency/temperature range, which satisfies the application requirement of X8R. Two kinds of abnormal dielectric relaxation at low and high temperature region were interpreted by interface polarization and ionization of oxygen vacancies, respectively. Data of complex impedance combined XPS and EPR results proved that the IBLC effect is dominant to the CP performance of CWTO x ceramics. The finding in this work is expected to promote the further development and application of CP materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescent cells accumulate following oncogene induction, but their role in transformation remains unclear. Prieto et al. and Haston et al. found that senescent cells in premalignant lung lesions are mainly macrophages that promote lung tumorigenesis, and removing them through senolytic approaches can prevent malignant progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the liquefaction resistance of calcareous sands reinforced with polypropylene fibers was reported. Stress-controlled cyclic simple shear tests were conducted on specimens prepared at a relative density of 50%, with and without fiber reinforcements. The liquefaction behavior was investigated by considering the effects of fiber contents ranging from 0% to 1%, fiber lengths varying from 3 mm to 12 mm and loading patterns. The results indicated that increasing fiber content and fiber length resulted in a decrease in the deformation, a reduction in pore pressure accumulation rate, and improved the liquefaction resistance of calcareous sands. Additionally, the risk of soil liquefaction could be significantly reduced when the fiber content was greater than 0.8%. The multidirectional loading had a considerable effect in reducing the liquefaction resistance compared to unidirectional loading. Further, the stiffness degradation of calcareous sands decreased with increasing fiber content and fiber length. The pore pressure generated in the cyclic tests was analyzed and was found to be affected by fiber content. A pore pressure prediction model was proposed to obtain the pore pressure characteristics of fiber-reinforced calcareous sands under various fiber content conditions. • The effect of fibers on the liquefaction behavior of calcareous sands is investigated. • The liquefaction resistance of calcareous sands significantly increases by increasing the fiber content and fiber length. • The multidirectional loading increases the liquefaction susceptibility of fiber-reinforced calcareous sands. • A modified pore pressure prediction model considering the effect of fiber contents is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DAZL, a germline-specific gene, is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer. • DAZL promotes non-small cell lung cancer progression and resistance to cisplatin by upregulating the translation of JAK2 and MCM8, respectively. • DAZL is a potential therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer. Germline-specific genes are usually activated in cancer cells and drive cancer progression; such genes are called cancer-germline or cancer-testis genes. The RNA-binding protein DAZL is predominantly expressed in germ cells and plays a role in gametogenesis as a translational activator or repressor. However, its expression and role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are unknown. Here, mining of RNA-sequencing data from public resources and immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays showed that DAZL was expressed exclusively in testis among normal human tissues but ectopically expressed in NSCLC tissues. Testis and NSCLC cells expressed the shorter and longer transcript variants of the DAZL gene, respectively. Overexpression of the longer DAZL transcript promoted tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Silencing of DAZL suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and cisplatin resistance in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Quantitative proteomic analysis based on tandem mass tag and Western blot analysis showed that DAZL upregulated the expression of JAK2 and MCM8. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assays showed that DAZL bound to the mRNA of JAK2 and MCM8. The JAK2 inhibitor fedratinib attenuated the oncogenic outcomes induced by DAZL overexpression, whereas silencing MCM8 counteracted the effects of DAZL overexpression on cisplatin-damaged DNA synthesis and half-maximal inhibitory concentration of cisplatin. In conclusion, DAZL was identified as a novel cancer-germline gene that enhances the translation of JAK2 and MCM8 to promote NSCLC progression and resistance to cisplatin, respectively. These findings suggest that DAZL is a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of PARP inhibitors (PARPis) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has marked a significant shift in the treatment landscape for solid tumors. Emerging preclinical evidence and initial clinical trials have indicated that the synergistic application of PARPis and ICIs may enhance treatment efficacy and potentially improve long-term patient outcomes. Nonetheless, how to identify specific tumor types and molecular subgroups most likely to benefit from this combination remains an area of ongoing research. This review thoroughly examines current studies on the co-administration of PARPis and ICIs across various solid tumors. It explores the underlying mechanisms of action, evaluates clinical efficacy, identifies potential responder populations, and delineates common adverse events alongside strategic management approaches. The aim is to offer a detailed understanding of this combination therapy, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies for solid tumors. [Display omitted] • Preclinical Study Confirms Theoretical Foundation for Combination Therapy with PARPi and ICIs. • Combination therapy improves the efficacy of recurrent ovarian cancer, Triple-negative breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and partial metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, while beneficial subtypes of urothelial carcinoma, lung, gastric, and pancreatic cancers are controversial. • Combining PAPRi, ICIs, and anti-angiogenic drugs, PD-1 combined with CTLA-4/LAG-3, and highly selective targeting of PARP1 inhibitors for advanced solid tumors are still investigational topics. • The adverse events of combination therapy mainly include mild-to-moderate hematologic, gastrointestinal reactions, and fatigue, while proper management can improve the patient's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this issue of Structure , Mabanglo et al. characterize five ClpP agonists termed TRs. The co-crystal structures reveal more robust shape and charge complementarities than the anti-cancer agent ONC201. These novel compounds are of potential therapeutic interest because they enhance ClpP proteolytic activity and have an inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel chitosan films incorporating epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) were prepared and demonstrated the ideal physical and mechanical properties required of candidate food packaging materials alongside desirable antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Compared with traditional chitosan films, chitosan films incorporated with EGCG were thicker, had higher tensile strength and water solubility, and had lower elongation at break, moisture content, degree of swelling, and water contact angles. Although EGCG-containing films were slightly darker in color than pure chitosan films, they exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on light-induced oxidation with obviously improved UV–vis barrier capability and opacity. Scanning electron microscopy results suggested that EGCG-incorporated samples had a rougher surface structure. This was further confirmed by atomic force microscopy and indicated that the addition of EGCG facilitated the formation of protective barriers through the interaction between the film and food surface. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that EGCG interacted with chitosan by intermolecular hydrogen bonding and effectively improved the thermal stability of chitosan films. Notably, the incorporation of EGCG significantly enhanced the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of chitosan films. Hence, chitosan films incorporating EGCG have potential applications in the food industry as a novel active packaging material, especially in preventing food oxidation and spoilage in perishable foods. [Display omitted] • Chitosan films incorporated with EGCG were developed and characterized. • EGCG improved the mechanical and UV–vis barrier properties of chitosan films. • Chitosan films carrying EGCG showed higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities. • Chitosan-EGCG films were suggested as a novel active packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The asymptotic relationships of thin film motor module in the linear/nonlinear optical field are originally proposed. • The thin film motor module has three characteristics of damper, spring and motor in the linear/nonlinear optical field. • The thin film motor in the linear optical field is more efficient than that in the nonlinear field. • The proposed thin film motor module in the linear/nonlinear optical field provides guidance for its engineering application. Currently, there is significant interest in photo-excited self-oscillation systems utilizing a thin film of liquid crystal elastomer. However, studying their complex dynamic behaviors is challenging due to the inhomogeneity of the optically driven deformations. In this paper, we derive the asymptotic relationship of the thin film motor module in the inhomogeneous light fields by establishing a theoretical framework for the module. Subsequently, the asymptotic relationship of the module is applied to investigate the liquid crystal elastomer thin film-mass systems in both linear and nonlinear light fields. Through the use of asymptotic relationship, three dynamic behaviors of the system are discovered, namely, damper, spring and motor, each characterized by different effective viscoelasticity coefficients. In particular, the liquid crystal elastomer motor can operate more efficiently in the linear optical field, requiring less energy to generate the same amplitude of self-oscillation as in the nonlinear field. The proposed asymptotic relationship of the optical thin film motors under both linear and nonlinear optical fields can be readily referenced in other research, offering convenience and guidance for soft robotic motors, energy harvesters, and micro-machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-galloping of a thin liquid crystal elastomer catenary cable in a steady temperature field is first observed. • The mechanism of self-galloping is elucidated by proposing a thermomechanical model. • The effects of system parameters on the amplitude, frequency and equilibrium position are obtained. • The results are helpful for the design and control of self-galloping LCE catenary systems. Thermally-driven self-sustained motion allows for direct absorption of heat from a steady temperature field to maintain its own continuous motion, making it a valuable technology for thermal sensors, harvesters, and soft robotics. Exploring a straightforward and durable system that operates with self-sustained motion driven by heat is a formidable challenge. Based on a thin liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) fiber, we propose a thermally-driven self-galloping catenary cable system in this paper. Experiments show that the LCE catenary cable can engage in continuous periodic self-galloping in a steady temperature field with gradient. Combining the well-established dynamic LCE model and catenary theory, the governing equations of the self-galloping LCE catenary cable are established and its dynamics are theoretically investigated. The LCE catenary cable always develops into two motion modes, i.e., static and self-galloping modes, according to numerical calculations. The theoretical predictions are in general agreement with the experimental results. The LCE catenary cable maintains the self-galloping by absorbing thermal energy to offset the damping dissipation. The effects of system parameters on the amplitude, frequency and equilibrium position of the self-galloping are also obtained. This LCE catenary cable has advantages in terms of simple structure, customizable size, minimal requirement for movement space, and flexible adjustment, and it is anticipated to satisfy the demands of actual complex scenarios such as thermal sensors, energy harvesters, and autonomous robots. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new Schiff-base probe Sal-cn was developed and used for the reversible detection Al3+ (which can reversibly react to Al3+for 3 times) with high selectivity and sensitivity. • There was a significant increase in fluorescence at 435 nm and absorbance at 369 nm and 320 nm of the probe Sal-cn with the addition of Al3+. • LOD values for Al3+ were determined to be 0.21 μM which is lower compared to the reported values. • The mechanism was carried out by Job's plot, HR-MS and DFT, and the endogenous of Al3+ in living cells was investigated. Aluminium plays an important role in many areas, which has been shown to be associated with some serious diseases. According to the coordination of aluminium with N and O, we conducted probe Sal-cn for the detection of Al3+, the structure of Sal-cn was determined by HR-MS, NMR and IR. Sal-cn showed a good selective and sensitive response towards Al3+ via a fluorescence turn-on output. The detection limit was 0.21 μM. The mechanism was carried out by Job's plot, HR-MS and DFT and related to the coordination of aluminium. What's more, the reversibility showed that Sal-cn could be used for 3 times. Besides, Sal-cn was used for imaging of Al3+ in HEK293T cells. A simple, selective and reliable probe was investigated for the reversible detection of Al3+ (which can reversibly respond to Al3+ for 3 times), allowing us to visualise and analyse Al3+ with a low detection limit (0.21 μM) in living cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores the flame propagation and explosion dynamic behavior of gas/powder two-phase compound explosions, taking methane and coal dust mixture as the research object. The influence of different methane concentrations on the compound explosion characteristics was researched. The vertical pipeline, high-speed camera, ion current probe, and pressure sensor be used to test the propagation behaviors, microstructure characteristics, and explosion dynamics of compound explosion flames. The function of methane concentration on the propagation behaviors, combustion reaction zone thickness, flame temperature, propagation velocity, and explosion pressure of compound flame was revealed, and the propagation mechanisms of gas/powder compound explosion flames were explained. The experimental research discovered that the compound flame of methane/coal dust explosion presents a white luminous zone with uniform distribution and appears to have an approximate homogeneous combustion state. The explosion dynamics parameters all showed a trend of first increased and then decreased as the methane concentration increased, but the reaction zone thickness of the combustion first reduced and then increased. In addition, the dominant position of homogeneous or heterogeneous combustion in the combustion reaction zone will also switch with the change in methane concentration. The compound flame is similar to premixed gas combustion under optimal methane concentration, the combustion zone thickness (δ) and preheating zone thickness (β) are the smallest, and the compound explosion shows powerful performance. In addition, the flame propagation mechanisms of methane/coal dust compound explosion were elucidated based on the theory of heat. [Display omitted] • The effect of methane concentration on compound explosions was investigated. • The flame propagation mechanisms were revealed based on the theory of heat. • The influence of methane concentration on reaction zone thickness was discussed. • The homogeneous or heterogeneous combustion modes were affect by the methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characters of large volume, complex dependency and frequent reuse of the data in data-intensive scientific workflow systems make the data management more and more complex but crucial. Automating the data management is an urgent need for scientific workflow systems and, requires accurate models and efficient methods for data storage and request response. This paper deals with the problems of data regeneration and storage optimization by using data dependency for cloud scientific workflow systems. Through representing the data storage strategies as 0-1 strings, a global discrete model for data storage optimization is constructed, which has a complexity of O (2 n) (n is the dataset number). In terms of data regeneration, we develop a deterministic method to determine optimal regeneration strategies for requested datasets with minimal computation under any data storage strategy, such that the systems can satisfy the data requests automatically and evaluate the computation cost accurately. To solve this storage optimization problem, the enumeration method and elitist canonical genetic algorithm are constructed by shortening the representation of storage strategies to avoid redundant computation. At last, experiments are conducted to test the proposed methods. Experimental results and comparisons show the positiveness and effectiveness of the proposed methods for data management in cloud scientific workflow systems. • Optimal deterministic data regeneration method using data dependency is proposed. • Data storage optimization models with solution algorithms are developed. • Experiments on complex nonlinear problems show the superiority of our approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, digestive system tumors (DST) have become the primary cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Improving tumor prognosis and drug response prediction holds significant importance in personalized medicine. In order to construct an effective and interpretable model that integrates multiple omics data, the Multi-omics Fusion Graph Attention Network (MFGAN) is proposed for survival prediction and drug response prediction in DST. In this method, the similarity matrix of each kind of omics data is calculated and a new graph structure is learned by Graph Transformer (GT). Next, to learn the features of every kind of omics data from the TCGA and GDSC databases, the Graph Attention Network (GAN) is used. Lastly, the View Correlation Discovery Network (VCDN) combines different types of omics data features to predict survival risk and drug response. Among them, the survival prediction results showed an improvement of up to 9% relative to other methods in terms of the c-index metric, with a minimum improvement of 2.6%. In terms of drug response prediction performance, there was an improvement of 4%. The ablation experiment demonstrates MFGAN's feature integration capability, and the functional enrichment analysis for significant genes explains the functional characteristics of the model. Furthermore, the prediction of unknown tumor drug response demonstrates the model's prediction ability. The proposed high-prediction comprehensive model could have important potential value for the personalized medicine of DST. • Proposing a multi-omics fusion model for survival and drug response prediction in digestive system tumors. • GT learns new graph structures, and VCDN explores the correlation of GAN-learned multi-omics features. • Experiments verified the efficacy of the proposed multi-omics integration method in survival and drug response prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polystyrene-based magnetic composite nanoparticles with well-defined core-shell morphology, customizable surface functionalization, and adjustable magnetic properties are promising catalyst support materials. In this work, chloromethylated magnetic polystyrene composite nanoparticles are successfully prepared through RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. A comprehensive investigation is carried out to explore the influence of copolymer monomer ratios and polymerization degrees on emulsion polymerization conversion and encapsulation efficiency. The results unveil the critical importance of moderately adjusting the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the macroRAFT agents in achieving an effective encapsulation process. Excessive monomer addition is found to disrupt the conditions necessary for emulsion polymerization by causing the detachment of macroRAFT agents from the surface of the modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoclusters. These results are instructive for the future rational design and synthesis of high-performance catalysts. [Display omitted] • Synthesized chloromethylated magnetic polystyrene nanocomposites via RAFT polymerization. • Controlled magnetic properties of nanocomposites by tailoring polymerization process. • Revealed importance of hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties for macroRAFT agent selection. • Clarified polymer encapsulation mechanism on magnetic clusters mediated by macroRAFT agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important biomarker, D-3-hydroxybutyrate (D-3-HB) is closely associated to the occurrence and development for diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Herein, a novel fluorescent probe Eu(flu) 2 Cl (flu = (E)-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)acrylic acid) was synthesized for monitoring D-3-HB by a simple coordination. The experimental results showed that Eu(flu) 2 Cl had high selectivity and sensitivity for D-3-HB in DMSO solution with a detection limit of 78 nM. Meanwhile, the recognition was not disturbed by the tested anions, cations and some amino acids. More importantly, the possible binding mechanism between Eu(flu) 2 Cl and D-3-HB was proposed and verified by the Job's plot titration experiments, density functional theory (DFT) and mass spectra experiment. Furthermore, the fluorescence sensing performance of Eu(flu) 2 Cl makes it perfect for practical applications in drinkable water and urine samples with satisfactory recovery values (93.75%–111.04 %). This would provide an efficient detection method for the early detection of DKA. [Display omitted] • A novel fluorescent probe Eu(flu) 2 Cl for detection D-3-HB were developed. • Eu(flu) 2 Cl has a nanomolar detection limit (78 nM), high binding constant and rapid response time. • The mechanism of Eu(flu) 2 Cl with D-3-HB was supported by job's plot, TOF MS and DFT. • Eu(flu) 2 Cl was successfully utilized to recognize D-3-HB in Drinking Water, Non Diabetes Urine and Diabetes Urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitrimers have attracted great interest in the past a dozen years and several ways have been developed to improve their appealing dynamic properties caused by the networks rearrangement. However, it is still a great challenge to improve their dynamic properties like stress relaxation and malleability by introducing fillers that commonly restricted chain mobility in vitrimer composites. Herein, vitrimer composites including single-layer epoxy vitrimer (SEV) composites and multi-layer epoxy vitrimer (MEV) composites were prepared by introducing aligned graphite flakes (GFs) into epoxy vitrimer matrix. Different from the suppressing effect of particle fillers in vitrimer networks, the aligned GFs improved the dynamic properties of vitrimer composites, which accelerated the stress relaxation behaviors and optimized the malleable properties. Meanwhile, the vitrimer composites exhibited unique anisotropic stress relaxation and malleability interestingly. For instance, the characteristic time (τ) of stress relaxation decreased from 1190s (reference epoxy vitrimer) to 863s (MEV composites-horizontal) and 773s (MEV composites-vertical) at 160 °C, while the critical temperature (T v) of malleability decreased from 160 °C (reference epoxy vitrimer) to 155 °C (MEV composites-horizontal) and 143 °C (MEV composites-vertical). Moreover, the activation energy (E a) of vitrimer composites increased and their prefactor τ 0 decreased, resulting in their improved stability at service condition and promoted dynamic properties at malleable state. The accelerated and anisotropic dynamic properties of vitrimer composites was achieved by introducing aligned GFs for the first time. [Display omitted] • By multi-layer heat pressing, graphite flakes were introduced into epoxy vitrimer and were aligned in vitrimer composites. • The stress relaxation behaviors and malleability of vitrimer composites were anisotropic. • The vitrimer composites exhibited accelerated stress relaxation and improved malleability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Graphite carbonitride (g-C 3 N 4) has been developed and investigated as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for iodine-mediated photo-induced reversible complexation mediated radical polymerization (RCMP). The precise control of molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution (approximately 1.2) was achieved through careful examination of the polymerization conditions. Spatiotemporal control experiments and chain-extension reactions conducted on g-C 3 N 4 catalyzed by iodine-mediated RCMP confirm the high fidelity of chain-ends in iodine-capped polymers. Furthermore, g-C 3 N 4 can be easily separated and retains its catalytic capacity even after five cycles of polymerization, demonstrating the exceptional recyclability of this polymerization system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Micron alloy anodes with stable cycling performances for sodium-ion batteries. • Ultra-low electrolyte could help achieve stable electrode/electrolyte interface. • Na+ has a faster migration rate due to large steric hindrance of BPh4- anions. Alloy anodes (e. g. Sn, Bi) applied in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have received a lot of interest due to their increased capacity and mild sodiation/desodiation potentials. However, severe capacity fading caused by high volume changes, as well as brittle SEI issues, limit the practical uses. An electrolyte engineering using ultra-low concentration electrolyte strategy containing sodium salt with super bulky BPh 4 − anions and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) solvent is employed in this work to stabilize micron Sn and Bi anodes, where a cation solvation structure including the type and location of the anions plays a critical role. In this designed 0.1M NaBPh 4 -DME electrolyte system, Na+ has a faster migration rate due to substantial steric hindrance of BPh 4 − anions and side reactions on the electrode/electrolyte interface are decreased because it is difficult for BPh 4 − anions to get close to the alloy anode. This electrolyte design may expose the core cause of alloy anode failure and pave the way for a new approach to stabilizing alloy anodes in SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide new insights into the liquefaction and post-liquefaction behaviors of calcareous sand with and without geosynthetics reinforcement, a series of multi-stage cyclic triaxial tests were conducted. The geosynthetics employed in this study include geogrid, geotextile, and geotextile-geogrid composite. The multi-stage tests consist of an initial cyclic loading applied to cause liquefaction, followed by undrained monotonic loading without excess pore pressure dissipation. The effect of different arrangements of reinforcement layer on the behaviors of calcareous sand is examined and discussed in this study. The test results indicate that a unique relationship can be observed between the double amplitude axial strain and the pore pressure ratio of calcareous sand, irrespective of the influence of reinforcement layer arrangement, providing an effective means of predicting the strain at a given pore pressure level. The liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand increases with the increase in the number of reinforcement layer and decreases with the increase in the distance from the first layer of reinforcement to the sample's top surface. Compared to geogrid and geotextile, the proposed geotextile-geogrid composite exhibits better efficiency in enhancing the liquefaction resistance of calcareous sand. The reinforcement also accelerates the recovery of strength for liquefied calcareous sand and increases the maximum shear strength of sand at large axial strain during the post-liquefaction stage. • The liquefaction and post-liquefaction behaviors of reinforced calcareous sand are investigated. • The relationship between double amplitude axial strain and the pore pressure ratio is established. • The arrangement of reinforcement layer has a significant influence on the liquefaction and post-liquefaction behaviors of calcareous sand. • The geotextile-geogrid composite exhibits satisfactory efficiency in improving the liquefaction and post-liquefaction characteristics of calcareous sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable natural resource management encompasses not only technical aspects but also the capacity and inclination for collective action. Using semi-structured interview data and social network analysis, this paper assesses the characteristics of three elements of social capital (norms, communication networks, and trustworthiness) and their effects on collective action, in the context of the marketization of rural collectively-owned operating construction land (COCL) in Dingluan Town, Henan Province, China. The results reveal that villagers possess a superficial understanding of compensation schemes at the normative-level analysis, impeding effective collective decision-making. Communication network analysis exposes strong ties that may impede collective action if only information flows within villages. In contrast, weak ties serve as vital bridges promoting marketization. Additionally, we observe that groups with strong ties rely more on key actors for accurate calls to action, underscoring the importance of trustworthiness. More importantly, the results point to three dilemmas regarding land marketization in rural China: cognitive bias of norms, challenges in expressing stakeholders' demands, and crisis of trust among key actors. We further highlight trust as a potent means of breakthrough to address these dilemmas rooted in normative, communicative, and trust-related aspects that present formidable challenges to collective action. These results provide important insights for trust-building strategies for researchers and policy promoters to solve the collective action dilemma in environmental management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The donor-derived imDCs has the potent in mediating antigen-specific immunotolerance. • Donor-derived imDCs prolonged allograft survival by increasing the content of Tregs. • Inducing donor-specific CD8+Tregs modified by tolDCs derived from BM-MSCs may a new direction to break through immune tolerance induction. • Rapa modified tolDCs reversed graft rejection by improve tolerance characteristics of CD8+CD45RC−Treg in a rat acute LT. To investigate the influence of tolerance dendritic cells (tolDCs), generated from Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) treated with rapamycin (Rapa) on liver allograft survival in a rat acute liver transplantation model. Different GM-CSF induction project was used to obtain immature DCs (imDCs), mature DCs (matDCs) or tolDCs from BM-MSCs. First, MLR was performed to analyze the activity of tolDCs on polyclonaly stimulated total T cells. Then, co-cultured imDCs, matDCs and tolDCs with CD8+T cells isolated by magnetic activated cell sorting to analyze the influence on its regulatory characteristic. Last, the established rat acute liver transplantation model were adoptive transfused with imDCs, matDCs or tolDCs isolated by anti-CD11c immunomagnetic beads. The phenotype of DC cells and level of CD8+Treg in the culture system and in vivo, the expression of CD8 and CD45RC in the tissues were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The loGM-CSF plus IL-4 decreased the costimulatory molecules of CD80/86 and MHC class II of DCs comparison with hiGM-CSF from BM-MSCs no matter whether stimulation by LPS (P<0.05). Rapa treated not only reduced the expression of CD80/86 and MHC class II but also down-regulated the expression of CD11c after LPS stimulation which was more obviously in tolDCs by loGM-CSF project (P<0.05). Moreover, tolDCs displayed a rather higher level of IL-10 and low level of IL-12p70 than others (P<0.01), which shown a rather lower stimulative effect on the proliferation of T cells comparison with matDCs and imDCs. Co-cultured with CD8+Treg showed an improvement on induction of CD8+TCR+CD45RC−T cells (CD8+Treg) in ex vivo. The rats transfused with tolDCs has a delayed survival benefits with high level of CD8+Tregs (P<0.01) and high expression of CD45RC in liver tissue (P<0.01) and spleen when comparison with other groups. The infused tolDCs improved a mean survival time (MST) of 32 days comparison with a MTS of 9.5 days and 15.75 days displayed by rat that per-infused with matDCs and imDCs, respectively. Rapa modified tolDCs derived from BM-MSCs reversed graft rejection by improve tolerance characteristics of CD8+CD45RC−Treg in acute liver rat transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tk-PQ attenuated the immune rejection during allogeneic transplantation. • Tk-PQ promoting Th2 polarization and suppressing Th1 response. • Tk-PQ down regulated the secretion of IL-1β, IFN-γ and IL-6 while increased that of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-33. • Tk-PQ upregulated the expression of Foxp3 and CTLA-4 on Tregs. • PI3K-Akt pathway plays important role in Tk-PQ mediated immune tolerance. Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) is one of the main complications affecting long-term survival of post-lung transplantation patients. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Tk-PQ (a peptide derived from trichosanthin) in alleviating OB in a mouse ectopic tracheal transplant model. We found that post-transplantation treatment of Tk-PQ significant ameliorated OB symptoms including luminal occlusion, epithelial cells loss and fibrosis in the allograft. In addition, Tk-PQ promoted immune suppressive environment by inducing Th2 polarization and increasing Treg population which in turn led to elevated levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-33 and decreased levels of pro-inflammatory IL-1β. Mechanistically, we used transcriptome analysis of splenic T cells from allografted mice to show that Tk-PQ treatment down-regulated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Indeed, the immune suppression phenotypes of Tk-PQ was recapitulated by a PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Taken together, Tk-PQ regulates post-transplantation immuno-rejection by modulating the balance of T cell response via the PI3K-Akt pathway, making it a promising peptide based immune rejection suppressant for patients receiving allotransplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the biomechanical effect of anterior talofibular ligament injury in Weber B lateral malleolus fractures after lateral plate fixation.Method: A three-dimensional model was established based on CT images from a healthy volunteer. The simulation of lateral malleolus fracture, and the modeling and assembly of plate were completed by referring to characteristics of Weber B lateral malleolus fractures, as well as the technical characteristics of open reduction and internal fixation of lateral plate. Operating conditions were set up for groups A-D. The proximal end of the model was restrained in all four groups, 200N of upward force and 100N of backward force were applied at anterior of talus head in order to simulate the dorsiflexion of ankle joint. Biomechanical differences of the lateral plate were observed under various conditions of different ligament ruptures.Results: The maximum stress value of group A was the smallest, approximately 78.47N, while that of group C was the largest, approximately 238.83N. The maximum stress value of group B was about 91.69N; and that of group D was about 184.08N. Importantly, location of the maximum stress in group D (CUT ATaF) was displaced from the posterior edge to the anterior edge of the plate, which was different from those of the other three groups.Conclusions: The anterior talofibular ligament injury may be a major contributing factor to the stress of lateral plate fixation following Weber B lateral malleolus fracture. It should be considered as an essential risk factor for evaluation of the stability in these fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a double-ceramic-layer (DCL) thermal barrier coating (TBC) with high-entropy rare-earth zirconate (HE-REZ) as the top layer and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as the inner layer sprayed on Ni-based superalloy by atmospheric plasma spraying. La 2 Zr 2 O 7 (LZ) was selected as a reference for the HE-REZ. Thermal cycling test results demonstrate that the HE-REZ/YSZ DCL coating exhibited obviously improved thermal stability when compared to the LZ/YSZ DCL coating. The reasons for the improvement of the thermal shock resistance are considered to be the anti-sinterability of the HE-REZ ceramics during the thermal cycling test attributed to the sluggish diffusion effect and as well as the better match in the coefficient of thermal expansion of HE-REZ coating with the YSZ inner layer. In addition, the HE-REZ coating maintains fluorite structure after thermal cycling test. This study makes one step forward in the development and application of high-entropy rare-earth zirconate ceramic thermal barrier coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower color is one of the most important features of ornamental plants. Anthocyanin composition and concentration are usually closely related to flower color formation. The biosynthesis of anthocyanin is regulated by a series of structural genes and regulatory genes. The basic helix-loop-helix proteins (bHLHs) are considered as one of the key transcription factors known as the regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the bHLH transcription factor family of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) has not been systematically studied in previous studies, especially for the regulation of petal pigmentation. The aim of this study was to identify bHLH genes and unravel their underlying molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in tree peony. Based on transcriptome profiling analysis, we identified three bHLHs candidate anthocyanin regulators, PsbHLH1 , PsbHLH2, and PsbHLH3. PsbHLH1-3 were phylogenetically clustered in the IIIf bHLH subgroup, which is involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in other plant species. In addition, three bHLH proteins were localized in the nucleus and displayed transcriptional activation activity in a yeast hybrid system. Through a series of functional experiments, we further demonstrated that PsbHLH1 could transcriptionally activate the expression of PsDFR and PsANS via directly binding to their promoters. These results laid a solid foundation to better understand the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in P. suffruticosa and to benefit molecular breeding of tree peony cultivars with novel color. • Five anthocyanins were detected in petals of Paeonia suffruticosa 'Heihua Kui'. • Three bHLH transcription factors PsbHLH1-3 clustered into IIIf subgroup were screened. • Expression patterns of PsbHLH1-3 and eight structural genes were analyzed. • PsbHLH1-3 act as transcription factors and localize in the nucleus. • PsbHLH1 participated in anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation by activating PsANS and PsDFR promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behaviour and performance of different reinforced slopes during earthquake loading were investigated through a series of shaking table tests. Concrete-canvas and composite reinforcement (geogrid attached to concrete-canvas) were proposed for reinforcing slopes. By considering the effects of different reinforcement methods, the seismic responses of the reinforced slopes were analysed, along with the accelerations, crest settlements, and lateral displacements. The failure patterns of different model slopes were compared using white coral sand marks placed at designated elevations to monitor the internal slide of the reinforced slopes. Both the concrete-canvas and composite reinforcement could increase the safety distance, which ranged from the slide-out point to the back of the model box. The composite reinforcement decreased the volume of the landslide and increased the failure surface angle as a result of the larger global stiffness in the reinforced zone. These results indicate that the recently developed concrete canvas has a better effect on restricting the slope deformation during seismic loading than the nonwoven geotextile reinforcement, and that the use of composite reinforcement could improve the seismic resistance of slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving satisfactory internal fixation for patients with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures has become a critical problem. The purpose of this study was to compare a common standard internal reduction and fixation method for femoral neck fractures to the modified fixation methods. A computed tomography scan of the femur was performed to make a Three-dimensional (3D) model, and a fracture line was simulated in the femoral neck. 3Dfinite element analysis was carried out for different insertion methods of cannulated tension screws. Six healthy femur specimens were harvested from three formalin-fixed cadavers, and Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture was artificially created in bilateral femurs. The right side was treated with the inverted triangle construct method and the left side by the modified screw fixation method. After fixation, uniaxial compression and maximum load experiments on the bilateral femoral necks were carried out using the non-contact full-field dynamic strain measurement system (VIC-3D) on a pressure testing machine. Both 3D finite element analysis and biomechanical study showed that the modified screw fixation method(group D) provided better anti-shearing and anti-rotation properties for Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures, and offered better interfragmentary compression. Therefore, this modified screw fixation method can offer patients a better option for treatment of Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures. Changing the placement of the anterosuperior screw in the inverted triangle construct as perpendicular to the fracture line has the advantages in anti-shearing, anti-rotation and increasing interfragmentary compression. • This method is much better in anti-rotation and increasing fracture surface pressure. • The modified fixation can withstand greater vertical shearing force. • Modified screw fixation increases interfragmentary compression. • The anterosuperior screw will be inserted perpendicular to the fracture line. • Theoretically, this modified fixation creates the best primary healing condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wavelet features of rotating detonation waves (RDWs) are numerically investigated using Euler equations and a two-step induction-reaction model. The effects of the inflow stagnation temperature T st and the heat release rate k R on the number, height and intensity of the RDWs are discussed in this study. An increase in the stagnation temperature results in more detonation waves in a combustion chamber, which indicates the number of RDWs is sensitivity to the thermodynamic state of the reactants. As the heat release rate decreases, the number of detonation wave decreases and an unstable wavelet pattern is observed. This is represented as the oscillation in height and intensity of the detonation. In addition, some numerical cases are performed to determine the effects of ignition patterns on the number of RDWs. The features of the flow fields are analyzed using varied inflow stagnation temperature and initiation patterns, identifying the co-existence of different wavelet configurations. • An increase in the stagnation temperature generates more rotating detonations. • The variation of heat release rate also changes the wavelet number. • The height and pressure of the detonation front oscillates periodically. • The wavelet features in rotating detonation is sensitive to the ignition patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gaseous detonation has complicated cellular surface, whose comprehensive investigation is critical not only to the detonation physics but also the detonation engine development. Because measuring the high-resolution dynamic surface is beyond the present experimental technical skills, we propose a reconstruction method of detonation wave surface based on post-surface flow field. This method combines two technologies, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) in fluid research and the artificial neural network (ANN) in machine learning research. POD is employed to extract the main features of flow fields, and the pre-trained ANN builds up the connection between the reduced coefficients of full flow fields and post-surface flow fields. The reconstruction is tested through the numerical results from one-step irreversible heat release model, displaying a good performance in both cellular normal detonations and unstable oblique detonations. The method may provide a universal frame for the detonation research, and has the potential to be employed in other numerical and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JLX001, a novel compound with similar structure with cyclovirobuxine D (CVB-D), has been proved to exert therapeutical effects on permanent focal cerebral ischemia. However, the protective effects of JLX001 on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and its anti-apoptotic effects have not been reported. We investigated the efficacy of JLX001 in two pharmacodynamic tests (pre-treatment test and post-treatment) with rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). The pharmacodynamic tests demonstrated that JLX001 ameliorated I/R injury by reducing infarct sizes and brain edema. The results of Morris water maze, neurological scores, cylinder test and posture reflex test implied that JLX001 improved the learning, memory and motor ability after MCAO/R in the long term. Anti-apoptotic effects of JLX001 and its regulation of cytosolic c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) signal pathway were confirmed in vivo by co-immunofluorescence staining and western immunoblotting. Furthermore, primary cortical neuron cultures were prepared and exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) for in vitro studies. Cytotoxicity test and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) test showed that JLX001 enhanced cell survival rate and maintained MMP. Flow cytometry and TdT-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated the anti-apoptotic effects of JLX001 in vitro. Likewise, JLX001 regulated JNK signal pathway in vivo, which was also confirmed by western immunoblotting. Collectively, this study presents the first evidence that JLX001 exerted protective effects against I/R injury by reducing neuronal apoptosis via down-regulating JNK signaling pathway. • JLX001 attenuated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in MCAO/R rats. • JLX001 inhibited neuronal apoptosis in MCAO/R rats and OGD/R neurons. • JLX001 down-regulated MAPK/JNK signal both in vivo and in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal phosphides have attracted much research interests in energy conversion and storage as a result of their enhanced physiochemical properties. Here, we report the successful synthesis of tri-metal (CoNiFe) based porous hierarchical hollow sphere-like phosphides through a simple solvothermal process and a low temperature phosphorization process. The special nanostructure endows the phosphide electrocatalyst a rough surface, which in turn provides much more active sites and defects to enhance the performances in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and lithium storage. The synergetic effects among the metal elements and combination with the advantages of metal phosphides contribute mostly to the enhanced performances. The optimized electrocatalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 279 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 62.9 mV dec−1 for OER. Benefiting from the structural and compositional advantages of the phosphide catalyst, it also shows good stability and high capacity in lithium storage. ZIF-67 derived hollow sphere-like CoNiFe phosphides are synthesized with enhanced performance on oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and lithium storage property. Image 1 • The porous tri-metal (CoNiFe) phosphides electrocatalysts were synthesized successfully. • Excellent oxygen evolution reaction performance was obtained. • The prepared electrocatalyst also exhibited good lithium storage performance. • Multi-metal synergetic effect and phosphorization enhanced the performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mineralization is initiated by the accumulation of calcium and inorganic phosphate, followed by crystal growth which mainly in the form of crystalline hydroxyapatite. • Organic/inorganic n-HAP/CS scaffolds were prepared induced by ALP enzyme mediation. • Slowly mineralization speed to form much denser and more uniform nano HAP deposition in the matrix. • The scaffold promoted the osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts in vitro and demonstrated excellent tissue integration in vivo. To increase uniform deposition of nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) in porous chitosan (CS) scaffolds, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme-induced biomineralization method was developed. The results showed that ß-glycerol phosphate calcium (ß-GPC) could enter the scaffolds slowly through dialysis, be further decomposed to calcium and phosphate ions by preexisting ALP inside the scaffolds, and finally be transformed into n-HAP after aging for certain amount of time. The XRD and FT-IR results verified the formation of weakly crystalline HAP and showed that higher concentrations of ALP and more aging time were beneficial for HAP formation. These n-HAP minerals were observed to be densely and uniformly deposited on the CS by SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved thermal stability of the composites with the increase of inorganic content. Notably, the scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts in vitro and demonstrated excellent tissue integration in vivo. The unique biomineralization method developed herein might provide a novel strategy for fabricating bioactive degradable composites as bone replacement materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypochloric acid (HOCl) plays vital roles in cell signaling and homeostasis which involved in many related diseases. Therefore, the accurate detected level of OCl− for discussing the complex contributions of OCl− to human health is of great significance. In this study, a novel mitochondrion-targeting fluorescent probe DMI bearing a carbon-carbon double bond as an OCl−-responsive site has been developed. Probe DMI exhibited specific fluorescence response toward OCl− with fast response (within 4 s) and high sensitivity (detection limit is 0.05 μM), where the obvious color changes could be observed by the naked eye. More importantly, DMI could be applied in the bioimaging of OCl− in living A549 cells successfully benefited from its good sensing properties and low toxicity. Fluorescence co-localization test was further carried out and confirmed mitochondria-targetable ability of DMI which can be used for investigating physiological function of HOCl at organelle levels. Image 1 • Probe DMI is a mitochondria-targeting visual fluorescence probe. • DMI could highly sensitive and selective detected of hypochlorite. • The mechanism of DMI has been proved to be via oxidation fracture of C C. • DMI can be used to imaging of OCl− in living A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A nationwide, representative survey with a large sample size was performed in China. • Low coverage of tuberculosis (TB) awareness among rural-to-urban migrants in China was observed. • The study provides new insight into the role of TB control institutes in delivering TB information. • TB awareness levels are higher in regions with public health system. The aim of this study was to understand how tuberculosis (TB) control institutes raise awareness of TB among domestic migrants in China, specifically whether migrants have received TB information and how they received it. This multi-level analysis included both county-level data and individual-level data covering 31 provinces in mainland China. Multi-level logistic models were used to explore the factors associated with receiving TB information. This analysis included 205 990 migrants from 31 provinces and municipalities. Only 77 460 (37.60%) migrants reportedly received any TB information in mainland China. The center for disease control and prevention (CDC), the center for tuberculosis control (CTC), and the center for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases (CPTCD) were the most likely to provide TB information for migrants in comparison to other types of TB control institutes, such as general hospitals, specialized hospitals, and community healthcare centers. The odds ratios were calculated as: 1.563 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.246–1.959) for CDCs, 1.385 (95% CI 1.063–1.804) for CTCs, and 1.723 (95% CI 1.424–2.085) for CPTCDs. China has not achieved universal coverage of TB awareness. TB awareness levels are higher in regions with CDC, CTC, and CPTCD institutes. Domestic migrants who have moved to western areas are more likely to have received TB information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are rare cancer cells that are shed from the tumors into the peripheral blood and are instrumental in distant metastasis. Early detection of CTCs can therefore improve prognoses and help design patient-specific treatment regimen. However, the current CTC isolation techniques have poor efficacy and selectivity, owing to the rarity and heterogeneity of the CTCs. We designed a microchip for integrated single-cell isolation of CTCs – based on cell size and immuno-phenotype – and analysis. Each isolation unit consisted of a trap channel, a bypass channel, and a release channel. The larger cells were preferentially captured at the trap channels and flushed out selectively via release microvalves according to their immuno-phenotype. The average recovery rate and purity of lung cancer cells isolated from a spiked WBC population were respectively 92.5% and 94% using the microchip, which were significantly higher compared to that obtained using anti-CD45 magnetic beads. In addition, the isolated cancer cells were analyzed on chip for the surface markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition. Taken together, the integrated microchip is a promising tool for the isolation and analysis of CTCs in the clinical setting. fx1 • High purity and recovery rate were achieved via selectively release of cells. • Cells isolation and cells analysis were integrated in the single microchip. • Introduced microvalves brought about convenient operations and friendly control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A light-powered self-oscillation in liquid crystal elastomer auxetic metamaterials is originally proposed. • A supercritical Hopf bifurcation between the static pattern and the self-oscillation pattern is presented. • The critical conditions, frequency and amplitude of self-oscillation can be modulated. • The self-oscillation system with large volume change and universality aids design and motion control. Self-oscillation can harvest energy directly from the environment to maintain its motion and is characterized by its autonomy, with various promising applications in the fields of actuators, soft robots and medical devices. Limited to conventional materials, challenges remain in designing novel self-oscillating systems. Auxetic metamaterials can exhibit exceptional properties of negative Poisson's ratio and volume expansion, and the integration of metamaterial structures into self-oscillation can provide additional functionality and improve existing properties and its application. This paper proposes a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) auxetic metamaterial, and theoretically investigates the self-oscillation of the LCE auxetic metamaterial-mass system under steady illumination. The system can undergo a supercritical Hopf bifurcation between the static pattern and self-oscillation pattern, which arises from the light-driven contraction of LCE fibers and is maintained by light energy input from the environment to compensate for the damping dissipation. This paper also investigates the Hopf bifurcation conditions, as well as the vital systematic parameters affecting frequency and amplitude of the self-oscillation pattern in detail. Different from the existing self-oscillating systems, this LCE metamaterial structure can provide additional functionality and potentially improve existing properties such as large volume change. More generally, the idea of integrating LCE fibers into the re-entrant honeycomb lattices can be applied to other auxetic structures such as arrows and chirality, and it is expected to offer more diverse design ideas of metamaterial and motion control for artificial hearts, hydraulic pumps, sensors, and energy harvesters. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • P. tomentosa had higher TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity than P. pseudocerasus. • Two cherry species were clearly discriminated according to metabolite profiles. • 104 differential compounds were identified between P. pseudocerasus and P. tomentosa. • Machine learning prediction methods based on untargeted metabolomics were developed. • Back propagation neural network was the best prediction model in this research. P. pseudocerasus and P. tomentosa are the two native Chinese cherry species of high economic and ornamental worths. Little is known about the metabolic information of P. pseudocerasus and P. tomentosa. Effective means are lacking for distinguishing these two similar species. In this study, the differences in total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and in vitro antioxidant activities in 21 batches of two species of cherries were compared. A comparative UPLC-QTOF/MS-based metabolomics coupled with three machine learning algorithms was established for differentiating the cherry species. The results demonstrated that P. tomentosa had higher TPC and TFC with average content differences of 12.07 times and 39.30 times, respectively, and depicted better antioxidant activity. Total of 104 differential compounds were identified by UPLC-QTOF/MS metabolomics. The major differential compounds were flavonoids, organooxygen compounds, and cinnamic acids and derivatives. Correlation analysis revealed differences in flavonoids content such as procyanidin B1 or isomer and (Epi)catechin. They could be responsible for differences in antioxidant activities between the two species. Among three machine learning algorithms, the prediction accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) was 85.7%, and those of random forest (RF) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) were 100%. BPNN exhibited better classification performance and higher prediction rate for all testing set samples than those of RF. The study herein found that P. tomentosa had higher nutritional value and biological functions, and thus considered for usage in health products. Machine models based on untargeted metabolomics can be effective tools for distinguishing these two species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent adaptable networks relying on dynamic cross-links have been developed to make the conventional thermosets degradable and reprocessable, but the greater challenge lies in how to overcome the trade-off between excellent degradability and mechanical properties. It remains a formidable challenge to achieve complete degradation of high mechanical materials (such as epoxy) especially at more moderate conditions. Herein, dual-responsive epoxy thermosets that were serially cross-linked by double dynamic bonds of disulfide bonds and cation-π interactions were prepared from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), dithiodianiline (DTDA), N -expoxypropane-indole (EIN) and MgCl 2. The dual-responsive epoxy exhibited moderate mechanical properties with the tensile strength of 55 MPa, while the glass transition temperature (T g) was 85 °C. In addition, the dual-responsive epoxy could be degraded by either DTT or PPi, due to the thiol-disulfide oxidation/reduction reaction and the complexation reaction of PPi and Mg2+. Furthermore, the degradation times could be controlled from <100 to 2700 min with optimal conditions by varying the concentration of reactive molecules and temperature. Meanwhile, the dual-responsive epoxy also exhibited excellent reprocessing properties. The dual-responsive dynamic epoxy thermoset is expected to be useful for coatings, adhesives, and matrix polymers of composites that require controlled degradation and recyclability. [Display omitted] • Dual-responsive epoxy thermosets that are cross-linked by disulfide bonds and cation-π interactions are prepared. • Prepared epoxy exhibits moderate mechanical properties with the tensile strength of 55 MPa. • Obtained epoxy can be degraded by either DTT or PPi. • The degradation times can be controlled by varying the concentration of reactive molecules and temperature. • The dual-responsive epoxy also exhibits excellent reprocessing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

You only look once (YOLO) series have gained great popularity in the deep learning task of object detection, for its optimal speed and accuracy trade-off. This paper presents an improved deep convolutional neural network based on YOLOX, called SRP-YOLOX, to precisely and robustly detect the vias from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the integrated circuit (IC) chips, for the purpose of the subsequent netlist extraction. Compared with YOLOX, the novelty of our method is as follows. Firstly, the number of prediction heads is adapted to improve the performance of detecting tiny vias. Then, the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) is deployed to find the attention regions in scenarios with dense objects. Finally, we utilize the structural re-parameterization (SRP) to achieve further improvement without increasing the inference-time costs. Experiments on 270 testing images of 1024 × 1024 pixels show that the proposed SRP-YOLOX achieves a recall of 99.98 % and a precision of 99.94 %. Moreover, the inference results on 50 images of 8192 × 8192 pixels taken from new ICs demonstrate that the proposed SRP-YOLOX has good robustness in the task of IC via detection. • We modify the original YOLOX to make it specialized for the task of via detection. • Decoupling the network structures for a further performance improvement without increasing the inference-time costs. • Our proposed SRP-YOLOX achieves the state-of-arts performance on two real-world datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although active targeting liposomes with cancer-specific ligands can bind and internalize into cancer cells, only a few high-efficiency liposomes have been developed so far because traditional single branched ligand modified liposomes generally failed to deliver adequate therapeutic payload. In this paper, we broke the traditional design concept and synthesized the double branched biotin modified cholesterol (Bio 2 -Chol) for the first time. On this basis, different biotin density modified liposomes ((Bio-Chol)Lip, (Bio-Chol) 2 Lip and (Bio 2 -Chol)Lip) were successfully prepared and used as active targeting drug delivery systems for the treatment of breast cancer. The in vitro and in vivo breast cancer-targeting ability of these liposomes were systemically studied using paclitaxel (PTX) as the model drug. And the uptake mechanism of (Bio 2 -Chol)Lip was investigated. The results showed that (Bio 2 -Chol)Lip had the best breast cancer-targeting ability compared with naked paclitaxel, unmodified Lip, (Bio-Chol)Lip and (Bio-Chol) 2 Lip. In particular, the relative uptake efficiency (RE) and concentration efficiency (CE) of (Bio 2 -Chol)Lip were respectively enhanced by 5.61- and 5.06-fold compared to that of naked paclitaxel. Both distribution data and pharmacokinetic parameters suggested that the double branched biotin modified liposome ((Bio 2 -Chol)Lip) is a very promising drug delivery carrier for breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose the first black phosphorus (BP) – fiber optic biosensor for ultrasensitive diagnosis of human neuron-specific enolase (NSE) cancer biomarkers. A novel optical-nano configuration has been exploited by integrating BP nanosheets with a largely tilted fiber grating (BP-TFG), where the BP is bio-functionalized by the poly-L-lysine acting as a critical cross-linker to facilitate bio-nano-photonic interface with extremely enhanced light-matter interaction. BP nanosheets are synthesized by a liquid ultrasonication-based exfoliation and deposited on fiber device by an in-situ layer-by-layer method. The BP-induced optical modulation effects in terms of thickness-tunable feature, polarization-dependence and enhanced light-matter interaction are experimentally investigated. The anti-NSE immobilized BP-TFG biosensor has been implemented to detect NSE biomarkers demonstrating ultrahigh sensitivity with limit of detection down to 1.0 pg/mL, which is 4 orders magnitude lower than NSE cut-off value of small cell lung cancer. The enhanced sensitivity of BP-TFG is 100-fold higher than graphene oxide or AuNPs based biosensors. We believe that BP-fiber optic configuration opens a new bio-nano-photonic platform for the applications in healthcare, biomedical, food safety and environmental monitoring. • First black phosphorus (BP) – fiber optic biosensor. • Novel photonic-nano-bio configuration. • Successful bio-functionalization of BP. • LOD of 1.0 pg/mL, 4 orders magnitude lower than NSE cut-off value of small cell lung cancer. • Ultrahigh sensitivity, 100-fold higher than GO or AuNPs based biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied IFN mRNA/protein expression in MDV-infected hosts for the first time. • MDV inhibited type Ⅰ IFN expression in the thymus and bursa of infected chickens. • Inhibition of type I IFNs by MDV strains of varying pathogenicity differed. Marek's disease virus (MDV), an α -herpesvirus targeting avian species, causes fatal Marek's disease (MD) in chickens. The host interferon (IFN) responses play a key role in resisting viral infection. However, host IFN responses following MDV infection in the chicken central immune organs (thymus and bursa of Fabricius), which contain numerous MDV target cells, is poorly understood. In this study, we performed animal experiments in specific pathogen-free chickens infected with two virulent MDV strains (BS/15 and Md5) or without infection as negative controls. Specifically, the type I IFN (IFN-α and IFN-β) transcriptional and proteomic expression levels at 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 days post infection (dpi) were detected and analyzed. Our results indicated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of IFN-α and IFN-β in the thymus and bursa of Fabricius were mainly downregulated in cytolytic infection (such as 10 dpi) and reactivation (such as 17 dpi) stages, but not the latent (such as 14 dpi) stage of MDV infection, which was determined by comprehensively analyzing the MDV viral load and immune organ damage caused by MDV infection. These data suggest that MDV could inhibit the expression of host type I IFNs, which may be involved in the MDV-induced host immunosuppression and contribute to the immune escape of MDV from host immunity. Furthermore, we found that the downregulated expression of the host type I IFNs induced by BS/15 and Md5 infection was significantly different, which we speculated may be related to the diverse virulence and pathogenicity of MDV strains. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that MDV mostly inhibited the expression of type I IFNs in infected hosts, which may be associated to its pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Different from the distributed photovoltaic (PV) system, large-scale PV cluster is regarded as a weakly connected sending-end system, encountering severe voltage issues. This paper proposes a three-layer voltage/var control (VVC) strategy for the coordination of VVC devices in PV cluster, which considers not only voltage deviation, but also steady-state voltage stability (SVS) of the system. The central approaches are adopted into the former two layers. In the first layer, capacitor banks and on-load tap changer are scheduled based on 30-min interval PV active power forecast. In the second layer, PV inverters and static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) are scheduled based on 10-min interval PV active power forecast. Considering computation effort and communication delay, in the third layer, the PV inverters and STATCOM continue to respond to real-time PV active power via the local approach. For improving the application performance of the centralized approaches, model prediction control is applied in the first control layer for enhancing robustness of the control. The sensitivity analysis is used for reducing optimization time in the second layer. Simulation results indicate that the proposed VVC strategy is effective for PV cluster to ensure the voltage within the safe range and improve SVS of the whole PV cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new DDES and γ − R e ‾ θ t coupling model for separated transitional flow is proposed. The studies in this paper indicate that the activation of the LES branch in the free stream may lead to an inappropriate decrease in the inflow turbulence intensity and a delayed transition. To address this problem, a new flow-dependent RANS/LES switch function based on identification functions for the boundary layer and wake regions is designed. In this new model, the adoption of the RANS or LES branch is decided by both the local grid density and local flow properties, and the LES branch is only allowed to be active in the wake region. Therefore, the inflow turbulence intensity uncertainties caused by grid dependence of the LES branch in the free stream are largely eliminated. Separated transitional cases including flows over an A-Airfoil (small separation), a DBLN-526 airfoil (moderate separation), and a circular cylinder in subcritical and critical regimes (massive separation) are studied. The performance of two commonly employed boundary layer shielding functions is examined. Good agreements are achieved between the numerical and experimental results, and the accuracy and reliability of the new model are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To compare the fixed-beam intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with the volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for different cancers using the biologically effective dose (BED). Methods Recruited patients were divided into three groups in terms of tumor anatomic site, including head and neck, thoracic, and abdominal cancers. All of plans were generated using the fixed-beam IMRT and the VMAT techniques. The qualities of the plans were assessed using the conformity index (CI) and the homogeneous index (HI) with respect to the dose delivered to the tumors. Some selected organs-at-risk (OARs) were analyzed. For the efficiency of the plan, monitor units (MUs) were compared between the paired plans. All parameters were collected and evaluated based on the conventional dose-volume histogram (DVH) of the paired plans. All BED were calculated from the physical dose. Results For CI and HI, the fixed-beam IMRT and the VMAT gained significant differences (p < 0.05), mainly in the head and neck (HN) group, with the exception of the CI of the plan gross tumor volume (PGTV) in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) site. In the thoracic group, the HI gained significant differences (p < 0.05) in the plans of the lung cancer with the central tumor without lymph node metastasis. The CI gained significant differences (p < 0.05) in the plans of the lung cancer with the surrounding tumor without lymph node metastasis. The MUs were higher in the VMAT plans compared with the fixed-beam IMRT plans in only two types of cancers. Analysis of the statistical significances regarding the BED values between the fixed-beam IMRT and the VMAT plans were the same as the values of the physical doses when the two paired plans were analyzed. Conclusion There is no difference in the data comparison of the paired plans using the BED values compared with the physical doses. Highlights • We use the BED formula to compare IMRT with VMAT plans for different cancers. • There are three anatomic sites recruited in this study. • The statistical significances of BED values are the same as the physical doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The high coercivity of alnico mostly comes from nanoscale-isolated α 1 (FeCo-rich) rods. • The grain boundary phases reverse magnetization direction at lower applied magnetic field. • Porosity, TiS 2 precipitates, and grain misorientation brings difference in magnetic properties. Abstract Magnetic property enhancement of alnico, a rare-earth free permanent magnet, is highly dependent on both the initial microstructure and the evolution of the spinodal decomposition (SD) inside each grain during the heat treatment process. The size, shape and distribution of the magnetic FeCo-rich (α 1) phase embedded in continuous non-magnetic AlNi-rich (α 2) phase as well as a minor Cu-enriched phase residing in between are shown to be crucial in controlling coercivity. Phase and magnetic domain morphology in a commercial alnico 9 alloy was studied using a combination of structural characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and Lorentz microscopy. Our results showed that casting created structural nonuniformity and defects, such as porosity, TiS 2 precipitates and grain misorientation, are heterogeneously distributed, with the center section having the best crystallographic orientation and minimal defects. The optimal spinodal is a "mosaic structure", composed of rod-shape α 1 phase with {1 1 0} or {1 0 0} planar faceting and diameter of ∼30–45 nm. There is also a Cu-enriched phase residing at the corners of two 〈1 1 0〉 facets of the α 1 phase. It was observed that grain boundary phase reverse magnetization direction at lower external magnetic field compared to the SD region inside the grain. Improving grain orientation uniformity, reducing detrimental grain boundary phase volume fraction, and the branching of the α 1 rods, as well as their diameter, are promising routes to improve energy product of alnico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract DNA nanomaterials have been widely used in bioassays due to their promising properties for sensitive and specific detection of biomolecules. Herein, a label-free electrochemical method was developed for quantitative detection of microRNAs by integrating Y-shaped DNA (Y-DNA) structures with non-linear hybridization chain reaction (non-linear HCR). The Y-DNA structures consisting of three sequences (Y1, Y2 and Y3) serve as stable and specific probes for recognizing target miRNAs. In the presence of target miRNA, competitive hybridization occurs between miRNA and Y-DNA, resulting in the release of Y3 and the disintegration of the Y-DNA structure. The triggers, which were blocked by Y3 previously, were exposed and initiated the non-linear HCR. Remarkable electrochemical signal changes were produced after the isothermal amplification reaction. Therefore, the proposed biosensor achieved sensitive detection of microRNAs (miRNAs). Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) was reduced to 0.3334 fM and linear range was from 1 fM to 10 pM. The special design of Y-DNA helped the biosensor obtain the ability to distinguish between single base mutations. What's more, this biosensor was capable of detecting miRNAs in clinical serum samples. We hope that this developed biosensor would provide a potential application for DNA nanomaterials in the field of microRNAs detection and inspire more interests in the development of DNA nanomaterial biosensors. Highlights • A DNA nanomaterial-based biosensor for microRNA detection was constructed. • The label-free biosensor could achieve microRNAs detection without enzymes. • High sensitivity detection and single base mutation detection could be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Maximum power extraction for PV systems under partial shading conditions (PSCs) relies on the optimal global maximum power point tracking (GMPPT) method used. This paper proposes a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control method for PV system with reduced steady-state oscillation based on improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and variable step perturb and observe (P&O) method. Firstly, the grouping idea of shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) is introduced in the basic PSO algorithm (PSO–SFLA), ensuring the differences among particles and the searching of global extremum. Furthermore, adaptive speed factor is introduced into the improved PSO to improve the convergence of the PSO–SFLA under PSCs. And then, the variable step P&O (VSP&O) method is used to track the maximum power point (MPP) accurately with the change of environment. Finally, the superiority of the proposed method over the conventional P&O method and the standard PSO method in terms of tracking speed and steady-state oscillations is highlighted by simulation results under fast variable PSCs. Highlights • Output characteristics of PV system under different PSCs. • A hybrid intelligent GMPPT algorithm is proposed. • Simulation experiments on the Simulink platform are conducted. • The proposed algorithm reduces the steady-state oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]