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Poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) is a useful biomaterial and potential ecomaterial due to its biodegradability and good mechanical properties. Like other aliphatic polyesters, however, it has a low crystallization rate and low melt strength; it is difficult to produce thin films from it by blown film processing. In this work, poly(p-dioxanone)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites have been prepared successfully by in situ ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone and MMTs. The novel, biodegradable nanocomposites have a remarkably increased crystallization rate and melt strength; moreover, they can be blown into thin films, which have excellent mechanical properties. A typical sample showed a tensile strength of 59.2 MPa and elongation at break 605%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hemicellulose hydrolysate from corncobs, separated by diluted sulfuric acid and sequently detoxed by boiling, overliming and solvent extraction, was used for xylitol production by Candida tropicalis W103. The effect of glucose and acetate in hydrolysate on xylitol production was investigated. It was found that glucose in hydrolysate promoted growth of Candida tropicalis while acetate at high concentration was inhibitory. The acetate inhibition can be alleviated by adjusting pH to 6 prior to fermentation and a substrate feeding strategy. Under these optimum conditions, a maximal xylitol concentration of 68.4gl−1 was obtained after 72h of fermentation, giving a yield of 0.7gg−1 xylose and a productivity of 0.95gl−1 h−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Because rigidity of either hub or rim of diaphragm coupling is much greater than that of the disk, and asymmetrical bending is under the condition of high speed revolution, an assumption is made that each circle in the middle plane before deformation keeps its radius unchanged after deformation, but the plane on which the circle lies has a varying deflecting angle. Based on this assumption, and according to the principle of energy variation, the corresponding Euler’s equation can be obtained, which has the primary integral. By neglecting some subsidiary factors, an analytic solution is obtained. Applying these formulas to a hyperbolic model of diaphragm, the results show that the octahedral shear stress varies less along either radial or thickness direction, but fluctuates greatly and periodically along circumferential direction. Thus asymmetrical bending significantly affects the material’s fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Simple Summary: Twenty-seven complete mitochondrial genomes of Phasmatodea have been published in the NCBI. To shed light on the intra-ordinal and inter-ordinal relationships among Phasmatodea, more mitochondrial genomes of stick insects are used to explore mitogenome structures and clarify the disputes regarding the phylogenetic relationships among Phasmatodea. We sequence and annotate the first acquired complete mitochondrial genome from the family Pseudophasmatidae (Peruphasma schultei), the first reported mitochondrial genome from the genus Phryganistria of Phasmatidae (P. guangxiensis), and the complete mitochondrial genome of Orestes guangxiensis belonging to the family Heteropterygidae. We analyze the gene composition and the structure of the three mitochondrial genomes. We recover the monophyly of Phasmatodea and show the sister-group relationship between Phasmatodea and Mantophasmatodea after removal of the Embioptera and Zoraptera species. We recover the monophyly of Heteropterygidae and the paraphyly of Diapheromeridae, Phasmatidae, Lonchodidae, Lonchodinae, and Clitumninae. Insects of the order Phasmatodea are mainly distributed in the tropics and subtropics and are best known for their remarkable camouflage as plants. In this study, we sequenced three complete mitochondrial genomes from three different families: Orestes guangxiensis, Peruphasma schultei, and Phryganistria guangxiensis. The lengths of the three mitochondrial genomes were 15,896 bp, 16,869 bp, and 17,005 bp, respectively, and the gene composition and structure of the three stick insects were identical to those of the most recent common ancestor of insects. The phylogenetic relationships among stick insects have been chaotic for a long time. In order to discuss the intra- and inter-ordinal relationship of Phasmatodea, we used the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) of 85 species for maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses. Results showed that the internal topological structure of Phasmatodea had a few differences in both ML and BI trees and long-branch attraction (LBA) appeared between Embioptera and Zoraptera, which led to a non-monophyletic Phasmatodea. Consequently, after removal of the Embioptera and Zoraptera species, we re-performed ML and BI analyses with the remaining 81 species, which showed identical topology except for the position of Tectarchus ovobessus (Phasmatodea). We recovered the monophyly of Phasmatodea and the sister-group relationship between Phasmatodea and Mantophasmatodea. Our analyses also recovered the monophyly of Heteropterygidae and the paraphyly of Diapheromeridae, Phasmatidae, Lonchodidae, Lonchodinae, and Clitumninae. In this study, Peruphasma schultei (Pseudophasmatidae), Phraortes sp. YW-2014 (Lonchodidae), and species of Diapheromeridae clustered into the clade of Phasmatidae. Within Heteropterygidae, O. guangxiensis was the sister clade to O. mouhotii belonging to Dataminae, and the relationship of (Heteropteryginae + (Dataminae + Obriminae)) was recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference of drop heights will affect the biomechanics of lower extremities during drop-jump (DJ) landing. Therefore, this study explored the effects of drop heights and training volumes on interjoint coordination and the side-to-side asymmetry of the lower extremities during landing. Twenty males were randomly assigned to perform 200 DJs (DJs200) from 30, 40 and 50 cm (drop-jump height (DJH) 30, DJH40 and DJH50) platform. One-way ANOVA repeated measure, using MATLAB software, was used to compare the differences of interjoint coordination, side-to-side asymmetry of ground contact time (GCT) and the maximum impact in vertical ground-reaction forces peak (I-vGRFpeak) in the 1st, 50th, 100th, 150th and 200th jumps (DJ1, DJs50, DJs100, DJs150 and DJs200). To examine whether significant differences exist, the least significant difference's (LSD) method was used for post-hoc comparison. The mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) of hip–knee were lower than DJH50 at DJH30 and DJH40, while side-to-side asymmetry of GCT and I-vGRFpeak were greater than DJH30 and DJH40 at DJH50 within DJs200 (all p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference in MARP and DP of hip–ankle and knee–ankle. Therefore, training at DJH30 may effectively improve jumping performance and reduce musculoskeletal injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the load-carrying mechanisms of a seismic resistant steel-concrete composite connection with angle fuse elements at the bottom flange. The research was commenced by examining the test results of three full-scale test connections, in particular, the moment/force evolution responses of the connections were studied. Subsequently, detailed finite element (FE) models of the three full-scale test specimens were developed. The predictions by the FE analysis were in good agreement with the test results in terms of the hysteretic responses and the forces of the angles. Following the verification study, the results of the FE analysis were utilised to offer an in-depth insight into the behaviour of the connections, and the force transfer mechanism of the connection was examined. In particular, it was confirmed that the fuse angles could resist the applied moment via axial forces, and the shear resistance was mainly provided by the connection plates at the top flange in the inelastic stage. In addition, an analytical model for quantifying the connection resistance was developed. Design considerations were also proposed to offer design guides for practicing engineers [Display omitted] • The stress distribution and force transfer mechanism of a novel connection was examined. • The force evolution of the individual elements in the connection was clarified. • A simplified beam model for quantifying the shear resistance of the connection plates was established. • The design equations of the moment/shear resistance of the connection were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) production is favored by high amount of glycerol which also contributes to the lethal 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) accumulation. The influences of three culture conditions including initial glycerol concentration, stirring rate, and oxidoreduction potential (ORP) regulation on 3-HPA accumulation and 1,3-PD production were investigated. 3-HPA detoxification was available at initial glycerol concentration, aeration rate and stirring rate of up to 40gl−1, 0.5vvm air flow and 250rpm, respectively. Alternatively, the stirring rate of 300rpm was sufficient to fulfill the fermentation with initial 50gglyceroll−1. In addition, 3-HPA accumulation could be avoided at the initial 50gglyceroll−1 under the regulated reducing conditions (−200 and −400mV). However, ORP regulation was not convenient and feasible for the industrial production in that more carbon was distributed to weak organic acids. Consequently, two-stage fed-batch strategy was presented to achieve 3-HPA detoxification and maintain the expected high productivity of 1,3-PD, in which the batch culture stage was conducted at initial glycerol concentration and stirring rate of 40gl−1 and 250rpm, respectively, and the feeding culture stage was performed at stirring rate of 300rpm. 74.07g 1,3-PDl−1 was produced in 24h with the yield and productivity of 0.62molmol−1 and 3.08gl−1 h−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) with a high molecular weight (viscosity-average molecular weight (M ν)>100,000g/mol) is not easy to be obtained in a short time, a new approach has been developed to produce high molecular weight poly(p-dioxanone) (HPPDO-T) by chain-extending reaction of hydroxyl-terminated PPDO (HPPDO) prepolymers using toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) as chain extender. Here HPPDO prepolymers were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone (PDO) monomer initiated by 1,4-butanediol (BD) with Stannous octoate (SnOct2) as catalyst. The resulting polymers, having a highest M ν of 250,000g/mol, were characterized by 1H NMR, TG, DSC and WXRD. HPPDO prepolymers can react with TDI more effectively than the PPDO prepolymers initiated by mono-functional initiators, and the molecular weights of resulting chain-extended products increase several decade times in an hour comparing to the prepolymers. The chain extended products HPPDO-T have better thermal stability, and higher glass transition temperatures and lower crystallization rates than PPDO homopolymer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to increase the reducing sugar concentration in the sugarcane bagasse hemicellulose acid hydrolysate and recover the acid, the acid hydrolysis was carried out in an acid recycle process and detoxification of hydrolysate was performed by electrodialysis. Two cycles of acidic treatments increased the reducing sugar concentration from 28 to 63.5gl−1 and sulphuric acid consumption decreased to 0.056gg−1 bagasse. After treatment by electrodialysis, 90% of acetic acid in hydrolysate was removed and the recovery ratio of sulphuric acid was 88%. The pretreated hydrolysates, supplemented with nutrient materials, were fermented to ethanol using Pachysolen tannophilus DW06. A batch culture with pretreated hydrolysate as substrate was developed giving 19gethanoll−1 with a yield of 0.34gg−1 sugar and productivity of 0.57gl−1 h−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol (PDO) using Klebsiella pneumoniae M5al under anaerobic condition was scaled up from scale 5 to 5000l in series. A simple strategy for scale-up was to transfer the optimized conditions of a lab scale bioreactor to pilot-scale fermentation. Multistage inocula were developed and their fermentation abilities were assessed in a small-scale fermenter. The experimental results showed that inoculum development in the early steps of a scale-up process could influence the outcomes of a large scale fermentation. Through three-stage liquid inoculum development and a pulse addition of (NH4)2SO4 and yeast extract at 30h of fermentation, the best results in a 5000l fermentation were achieved leading to 58.8gl−1 1,3-propanediol with a yield of 0.53molmol−1 glycerol and productivity of 0.92gl−1 h−1. This is the first report on pilot-scale 1,3-propanediol production using K. pneumoniae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Styrene was oxidized by molecular oxygen over TiO2 and TiO2/SiO2 for the formation of benzaldehyde. In the absence of catalyst at 100°C and 10atm O2, polystyrene is the major product. Over the catalysts, the oxidation of styrene is enhanced with benzaldehyde and formaldehyde being the major whereas phenylacetaldehyde, acetophenone, styrene oxide, benzoic acid, and polymer being the minor products. The polymerization of styrene was initiated by the radicals formed in the oxidation reaction. The addition of radical inhibitor nitrobenzene and/or the employment of a catalyst of high specific surface area can promote the termination of the radicals, and hence improve the selectivity of benzaldehyde. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigate the non-Gaussianity of the brane inflation which happens in the same throat in the framework of the generalized KKLMMT model. When we take the constraints from non-Gaussianity into account, various consequences are discussed including the bound on the string coupling, such as the string coupling is larger than 0.08 and the effective string scale on the brane is larger than in KKLMMT model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We consider a more general initial condition satisfying the minimal uncertainty relationship. We calculate the power spectrum of a simple model in inflationary cosmology. The results depend on perturbations generated below a fundamental scale, e.g. the Planck scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we investigated the anti-vasculature effects and the antitumor effects of combining attenuated Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strain encoding murine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (flk1) with plasmid DNA vector encoding the murine interleukin-12 (mIL-12) gene. In combination, flk1 based DNA vaccine and mIL-12 slowed down tumor growth more effectively than either one alone. Splenocytes from the combined group were showed a strong CTL response against both the flk1 and tumor cells. Automated image analysis revealed that the mean microvessel density was significantly reduced after administering either flk1 based DNA vaccine or mIL-12. In addition, the combination of flk1 based DNA vaccine and mIL-12 appeared more effective at reducing the microvessel density of tumor (P<0.01, both comparisons). In summary, the antivasculature effect and the anti-tumor effect were better when the combination of flk1 based DNA vaccine and IL-12 was administered in comparison to the individual treatment groups, suggesting the synergistic action of flk1 based DNA vaccine and mIL-12. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: If we separate energy in a holographic theory into an extensive part and an intrinsic part, where the extensive part is given by the cosmological constant, and assume entropy be given by the Gibbons–Hawking formula, the Cardy–Verlinde formula then implies an intrinsic part which agrees with a term recently proposed by Hsu and Zee. Moreover, the cosmological constant so derived is in the form of the holographic dark energy, and the coefficient is just the one proposed recently by Li. If we replace the entropy by the so-called Hubble bound, we show that the Cardy–Verlinde formula is the same as the Friedmann equation in which the intrinsic energy is always dark energy. We work in an arbitrary dimension. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermal transition, crystallization and spherulitic morphology of starch-g-poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) copolymers were studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical micrographs (PM). It is found that the graft structures of copolymers have obvious effects on the thermal and crystallization behaviors. Because there were more defect sites in the crystalline phase originating from the short grafted chains of poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) (PPDO), the crystal structure of the copolymers was much less perfect than that of PPDO. PM revealed that the spherulitic morphology of the graft copolymers depended on graft structures and crystallization temperatures. From the single polarized micrograph of the graft copolymers it was observed clearly that the starch segments acted as nucleation sites. The Avrami equation was used to analyze the overall isothermal crystallization of the graft copolymers. Avrami exponents were almost constant at crystallization temperatures Tc ranging from 45 to 60°C. Both the PM observation and the DSC investigation (crystallization rate constant, K values) indicated that the graft copolymers crystallize faster than pure PPDO, especially at higher crystallization temperatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Poly(1,4-dioxan-2-one) (PPDO)/starch blend is a novel biodegradable polymer system, and it has potential applications in preparing various low-cost environmentally friendly materials. In order to understand the relationship between their structure and properties, the thermal transition, crystallization and spherulitic morphology of PPDO/starch blends have been studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy. It was found that when 5 wt% starch was added to PPDO, a clear nucleating effect was observed. When the blends were crystallized from the melt, they formed banded spherulites that exhibited a well-defined Maltese cross depending on the crystallization temperature. Avrami exponents and crystallization rate constants of the blends with 5 wt% starch were higher than those of PPDO and those of the blends with 10 wt% starch. Both the dynamic DSC results and isothermal crystallization data indicated that the starch, with a content of 5 wt% in the blends, acted as the nucleating agent for PPDO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) samples with different molecular weights have been synthesized by the ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone. The thermogravimetric analysis of PPDO shows that the increase of molecular weights can improve the thermal stability of PPDO. The rheological property of PPDO with different molecular weights has been investigated using a Capillary Rheometer. The results show that PPDO exhibits a shear-thinning behavior; the apparent viscosity of melt increases with the molecular weight of PPDO and is very sensitive to temperature, decreasing sharply with the rise of temperature. In vitro degradation of PPDO films has also been carried out and excellent degradability has been found. The mechanical test shows that the tensile strength and modulus of PPDO increase with molecular weights. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thermal degradation of poly (1,4-dioxan-2-one)/starch was studied by thermogravimetric analysis in order to determine the actual reaction mechanism (RM) of the decomposition. The activation energy of the solid state process was determined using Kissinger''s method, which does not require knowledge of the RM, whose result is 121 kJ/mol. Different integral and differential methods were used to compare with this value. Also, the experimental results were compared to master curve plots in the range of Doyle approximations. Analysis of experimental results suggests that in the range of conversions studied, 5–20%, the actual RM is D3 type, which is three-dimensional diffusion. The addition of starch will not change the recyclability of PPDO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The critical Rayleigh number for convective flow of pore water through a permeable spherical body is derived. The result affords constraints on carbonaceous chondrite planetesimal sizes and rates of heat production. If the chemical compositions of carbonaceous chondrites are taken as evidence against flow of pore water, then the present calculations suggest that the parent bodies were less than ∼80 km in diameter. The maximum diameter for absence of flow depends in part on the high permeabilities required by estimates of high water/rock ratios in altered carbonaceous chondrites. Pore water would have flowed through parent bodies larger than ∼120 km in diameter with typical rock-like permeabilities. Convective flow and isochemical alteration are not compatible and our calculations can be used to identify the combinations of parent body size and heat generation consistent with one or the other. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The kinetics of the thermal degradation and thermal oxidative degradation of poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Kissinger method, Friedman method, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method and Coats–Redfern method have been used to determine the activation energies of PPDO degradation. The results showed that the thermal stability of PPDO in pure nitrogen is higher than that in air atmosphere. The analyses of the solid-state processes mechanism of PPDO by Coats–Redfern method and Criado et al. method showed: the thermal degradation process of PPDO goes to a mechanism involving random nucleation with one nucleus on the individual particle (F1 mechanism); otherwise, the thermal oxidative degradation process of PPDO is corresponding to a nucleation and growth mechanism (A2 mechanism). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Starch, one of the most inexpensive and most readily available of all natural polymers, can be processed into thermoplastic materials only in the presence of plasticizers and under the action of heat and shear. Poor water resistance and low strength are limiting factors for the use of materials manufactured only from starch, and hence the modification of starch is often achieved by blending aliphatic polyesters. In this review, the literatures concerning the properties of various blends of starch and aliphatic polyesters have been summarized. The biodegradable rates of blends can be controlled to a certain extent depending on the constitutions of blends, and the mechanical properties of blends are close to those of traditional plastics such as polyethylene and polystyrene. The reduction of their sensitivity to humidity makes these materials suitable for the production of biodegradable films, injection-molded items, and foams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in telecommunication networks, and, in particular, the Internet have transformed the economic landscape for financial decision-making. In this paper, we focus on financial networks with electronic transactions and with different tiers of decision-makers and we develop an integrated framework for the modelling, analysis and computation of solutions to such problems. Specifically, we consider an economy consisting of three types of decision-makers: those with sources of funds; intermediary ones, and consumers associated with the financial products at the demand markets. Those with sources of funds can transact with the intermediaries either physically or electronically as well as directly in an electronic manner with the consumers. The intermediaries, in turn, can also transact with the consumers either in a physical or an electronic fashion. We address the behaviour of the decision-makers, identify the network structure of the problem, derive the equilibrium conditions, and establish the variational inequality formulation. In addition, we propose a continuous time adjustment process for the study of the disequilibrium dynamics and prove that the set of stationary points of the resulting projected dynamical system coincides with the set of solutions of the variational inequality. We then utilize variational inequality theory to derive qualitative properties of the equilibrium price and financial flow pattern. Finally, we apply an algorithm for the determination of equilibrium prices and financial flows in several examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proposes a multilevel network perspective for the conceptualization of the dynamics underlying supply in the presence of competition. Components of the multilevel network; Behavior of the network decisionmakers; Adjustments of the commodity shipments and the prices over space and time.

Measurements by the Galileo probe in Jupiter''s deep atmosphere support the possibility that the mean zonal multiple-jet flows in Jupiter''s atmosphere are deep rooted. As a consequence of Jupiter''s high rotation rate, the primary dynamics of the zonal flows must be geostrophic, i.e., the dynamic balance is largely between the Coriolis and pressure forces. This paper describes a new analytical theory for the generation of zonal multiple-jet flows on the basis of the nonlinear interaction of slowly traveling, nearly two-dimensional and non-axisymmetric geostrophic waves. An explicit analytical expression for the geostrophic waves is obtained as the leading-order solution of the weakly nonlinear problem. In the high-order problem taking into account of nonlinear effects, an analytical expression for an alternating multiple-jet flow is derived. Implications of the theory for Jupiter and other planets are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper reviews the synthesis, properties, and applications of biodegradable polymer, poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO), and its copolymers. Recent progress in ring-opening polymerization of p-dioxanone employing several effective catalysts is described. Properties of PPDO are given. The copolymers based on PPDO are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a framework for the modelling, analysis, and computation of solutions to financial network problems in the presence of intermediation. Specifically, we consider an economy consisting of three types of agents: those with sources of funds, such as households and firms; intermediary ones, such as banks, savings institutions, insurance companies, investment companies, etc, and, finally, the consumers located at demand markets corresponding to the uses of funds, such as household loans, real estate loans, business loans, etc. We address the behaviour of the agents, construct the hierarchical network, and demonstrate how the equilibrium financial flows, as well as the prices, can be determined using finite-dimensional variational inequality theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, a diverse array of smart materials, drawing inspiration from nature, is developed, exhibiting remarkable shape or color‐changing capabilities, which hold great promise in applications such as bionic soft robots and information encryption platforms. Achieving reversible shape‐shifting and color variation harmoniously within a single material is a particularly appealing prospect. Herein, a facile approach to creating such materials is presented, capable of undergoing reversible shape and color‐change synchronously. This is achieved by harnessing the stress‐free two‐way shape‐memory effect (2W‐SME) of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), meticulously programmed at both macro and micro scales. Specifically, the LCE with stress‐free 2W‐SME is fabricated, and permanent grating nanostructures are meticulously constructed through UV‐assisted nanoimprinting. By enabling reversible shape alterations at multiple dimensions, encompassing both macro and micro scales, the LCE material concurrently exhibits reversible changes in shape and color, triggered by heat. As a result, intelligent information encryption and decryption platforms that leverage the unique capabilities of LCE are demonstrated. The outcomes of this research endeavor are poised to pave the way for the advancement of smart materials in the realms of data storage and encryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-centering beam-to-column connections (SBCs) were widely investigated to enhance conventional steel moment-resisting frame's (MRF's) post-earthquake repairability by reducing residual displacements. The peak displacement-targeted design methodology was adopted to develop the design guidelines for enhancing MRFs with the emerging self-centering members, where the desired post-earthquake repairability of the enhanced MRF needs to be achieved with inevitable iterative dynamic analyses. This paper intends to develop a novel post-earthquake repairability-based methodology for enhancing MRFs with SBCs, where residual and peak displacements are both targets. To this end, artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed to estimate the peak and residual displacements of the enhanced MRFs with SBCs under given seismic intensities. Peak and residual displacement-based design (PRBD) procedures were developed based on the proposed post-earthquake repairability-based methodology and established ANN models. Four design cases were designed through the developed PRBD procedure and analyzed. The design and analysis outcomes demonstrate that the improved MRFs can attain the intended post-earthquake repairability and meet the peak and residual displacement objectives without necessitating iterative design and dynamic analyses. This confirms the effectiveness and precision of the proposed post-earthquake repairability-based approach and PRBD procedure. Moreover, the enhanced MRFs with partially self-centering behavior achieved nearly zero residual displacements (lower than 0.2%) under maximum considered earthquakes. This finding shows that the partially self-centering MRF is a more cost-efficient solution for developing seismic resilient MRF than fully self-centering MRF to achieve excellent post-earthquake repairability with a lower requirement of self-centering capacities. • Post-earthquake repairability-based design methodology was proposed. • PRBD procedures were developed for enhancing MRFs with SBCs. • The enhanced MRFs can achieve the desired post-earthquake repairability without iterative design and dynamic analyses. • The enhanced MRFs with partially self-centering behavior can achieve nearly zero residual displacements under MCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) obtained from biomass is an important platform chemical for the next generation of plastics and biofuel production. Although industrialized, the high yield of HMF in aqueous systems was rarely achieved. The main problem is that HMF tends to form byproducts when co-adsorbed with water at acid sites. In this study, the pressure was reduced to improve the maximum yield of HMF from 9.3 to 35.2% (at 190 °C in 60 min) in a glucose aqueous solution. The mechanism here involved water boiling as caused by pressure reduction, which in turn promoted the desorption of HMF from the solid catalyst, thereby inhibiting the side reaction of HMF. Furthermore, the solid catalysts could be reused three times without a significant loss of their catalytic activity. Overall, this work provides an effective strategy to improve the yield of HMF in water over heterogeneous catalysts in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-term ENF decreased the abundance of soil diazotrophs. • Long-term ENF decreased species richness and diversity of soil diazotrophs. • Soil pH and EC values were the main factors affecting soil diazotrophs. • The maize rhizosphere could enrich soil diazotrophs. • The diazotrophic bacterial variations under ENF might inhibit early maize growth. Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization (ENF) and low utilization efficiency of fertilizer-derived N in high-input, high-yield cropping systems are serious ecological and economic problems in China. To examine the effects of long-term ENF on soil diazotrophs in relation to maize growth, we performed a 5-year field trial whereby 0–300 kg N ha−1 were added to black soil under a maize monocropping system in Northeast China. At the end of the 5-year field trial, the abundance and community structure of diazotrophs in the bulk soil and rhizosphere were investigated at the maize jointing stage by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and high-throughput sequencing. The results showed that: 1) ENF (N300) limited maize growth in the early stages and did not increase grain yield compared with moderate N supplementation (N180); 2) ENF significantly reduced nifH copy number, species richness, and Shannon index values of soil diazotrophs by 53.7%–79.7%, 37.2%–47.6%, and 20.0%–31.6%, respectively, reduced the relative abundance of Burkholderia , and increased the relative abundance of Sphingobium ; 3) ENF decreased soil pH and increased electrical conductivity, which were the main factors affecting soil diazotrophic community structure as determined by Mantel test; and 4) diazotrophs were 1.3–3.0 times more abundant in the rhizosphere than in bulk soil, but no differences in α -diversity and community composition of diazotrophs were observed between rhizosphere and bulk soil. Thus, long-term ENF has negative impacts on the soil diazotrophic community, inhibiting maize growth in the early stage. Split N fertilization or slow/controlled-released N fertilizer should be used to avoid the negative effects of ENF on the soil diazotrophic community structure and early maize growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the quality of the sea surface image under foggy weather, we propose an innovative single-image defogging algorithm based on the dark channel prior principle. The median filter is combined with the minimum filter for the purpose of obtaining accurate dark channel values in areas where the depth of field changes sharply. Then, the algorithm constructs a fog density detection model to obtain the atmospheric light value from the dense fog area and effectively eliminate the interference of bright spots. Subsequently, the atmospheric scattering model is applied to obtain a preliminary fog-free image. Finally, an adaptive logarithmic mapping algorithm is introduced to enhance the visual effect of the defogged image. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve image quality degradation and avoid halos in the intersection region of sky and sea, Moreover, the method does not require guided filtering for transmittance refinement, which greatly improves the execution speed of the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) has been identified as a key physiological modulator and signaling molecule in animals and plants. However, due to its high reactivity, our knowledge of its production and consumption pathways in the ocean remain limited. Laboratory experiments showed that Ulva prolifera can produce NO, producing as much as 0.44 ± 0.04 nmol h−1 g−1. During the growth period, U. prolifera released NO, but during the decay period NO was absorbed by U. prolifera and bacteria. Furthermore, field investigations examined NO concentrations in the coastal waters of the Yellow Sea off Qingdao, where the U. prolifera green tide occurred in summer 2018. The average concentrations of NO in the surface seawater were 70.2 ± 38.2 pmol L−1 and 18.9 ± 10.3 pmol L−1 in the late- and after-bloom periods, respectively. NO release by U. prolifera was the primary contributor to the high NO concentrations during the late-bloom period. The study area was a net source of NO to the atmosphere during the study period, with average NO sea-air fluxes from the Qingdao coastal waters being 1.5 × 10−12 mol m−2 s−1 and 0.4 × 10−12 mol m−2 s−1 in the late- and after-bloom periods, respectively. This study concluded that the coastal waters of the Yellow Sea off Qingdao contributed more NO to the atmosphere during the bloom of U. prolifera than afterward. Image 1 • The growing U. prolifera could produce NO with the maximum rate of 0.44 nmol h−1 g−1. • The rate of NO release by U. prolifera was lower than the photoproduction rate. • NO concentration during the late-bloom was 2.7 times higher than after the bloom. • The study area acted as a source of NO to the air with a higher flux during a bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of heating, atomic thermal motion causes an increase in Cu or Zn anti-sites and the degree to which atoms randomly occupy sublattices. The disordered solid solution can be separated into partially disordered and fully disordered solid solutions, and the transition from a fully ordered structure to a fully disordered structure of the solid solution should occur as an evolutionary process of atoms that randomly occupy sublattices to different degrees. In this paper, the concept of "disorder degree" is proposed, and a pseudo-atomic lattice inversion potential method is used to simulate the order to disorder transition of CuZn solid solution. The potential parameters can be obtained using density functional theory (DFT) calculation and Chen's lattice inversion method. The results indicate that the lattice distortion exhibits a quadratic relationship in which the disorder degree weakens the cohesive energy in the order-disorder transition process. The calculated vibrational entropy difference between the fully ordered B 2 and fully disordered A 2 CuZn solid solution is 0.24 k B /atom. Furthermore, a new pseudo-atom γ -(Zn or Cu) system is built to calculate the thermodynamic properties of a non-stoichiometry Cu-Zn alloy system, and the results show that the vibrational entropy, specific heat capacity, and bulk modulus exhibit an approximately linear change with Zn concentration. The vibrational entropy and bulk modulus are sensitive to the phase transition, and the slope mutation facilitates the determination of the phase boundary. The order-disorder transition of the solid solution can be treated as an evolutionary process of atoms that randomly occupy sublattices to different degrees. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The neural cells in the brains of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PWP) display aberrant synchronized oscillatory activity within the beta frequency range. Additionally, enhanced gamma oscillations may serve as a compensatory mechanism for motor inhibition mediated by beta activity and also reinstate plasticity in the primary motor cortex affected by Parkinson’s disease. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) can synchronize endogenous oscillations with exogenous rhythms, thereby modulating cortical activity. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the addition of tACS to multidisciplinary intensive rehabilitation treatment (MIRT) can improve symptoms of PWP so as to enhance the quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease based on the central-peripheral-central theory. Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blind trial that enrolled 60 individuals with Parkinson’s disease aged between 45 and 70 years, who had Hoehn-Yahr scale scores ranging from 1 to 3. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the tACS + MIRT group or the sham-tACS + MIRT group. The trial consisted of a two-week double-blind treatment period followed by a 24-week follow-up period, resulting in a total duration of twenty-six weeks. The primary outcome measured the change in PDQ-39 scores from baseline (T0) to 4 weeks (T2), 12 weeks (T3), and 24 weeks (T4) after completion of the intervention. The secondary outcome assessed changes in MDS-UPDRS III scores at T0, the end of intervention (T1), T2, T3, and T4. Additional clinical assessments and mechanistic studies were conducted as tertiary outcomes. Discussion: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that tACS can enhance overall functionality and improve quality of life in PWP, based on the framework of MIRT. Additionally, it seeks to establish a potential correlation between these therapeutic effects and neuroplasticity alterations in relevant brain regions. The efficacy of tACS will be assessed during the follow-up period in order to optimize neuroplasticity and enhance its potential impact on rehabilitation efficiency for PWP. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300071969. Registered on 30 May 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unsatisfactory because of tumor heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and poor target accumulation. Therefore, multimodality-treatment with accurate drug delivery has become increasingly popular. Herein, a cell penetrating peptide-aptamer dual modified-nanocomposite (USILA NPs) was successfully constructed by coating a cell penetrating peptide and aptamer onto the surface of sorafenib (Sora), ursolic acid (UA) and indocyanine green (ICG) condensed nanodrug (USI NPs) via one-pot assembly for targeted and synergistic HCC treatment. USILA NPs showed higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity in HepG2 and H22 cells, with a high expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Furthermore, these NPs caused more significant mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and cell apoptosis. These NPs could selectively accumulate at the tumor site of H22 tumor-bearing mice and were detected with the help of ICG fluorescence; moreover, they retarded tumor growth better than monotherapy. Thus, USILA NPs can realize the targeted delivery of dual drugs and the integration of diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the effects were more significant after co-administration of iRGD peptide, a tumor-penetrating peptide with better penetration promoting ability or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody for the reversal of the immunosuppressive state in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor inhibition rates of USILA NPs + iRGD peptide or USILA NPs + PD-L1 antibody with good therapeutic safety were 72.38 % and 67.91 % compared with control, respectively. Overall, this composite nanosystem could act as a promising targeted tool and provide an effective intervention strategy for enhanced HCC synergistic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex network theory involves network structure and dynamics; dynamics on networks and interactions between networks; and dynamics developed over a network. As a typical application of complex networks, the dynamics of disease spreading and control strategies on networks have attracted widespread attention from researchers. We investigate the dynamics and optimal control for an epidemic model with demographics and heterogeneous asymmetric control strategies (immunization and quarantine) on complex networks. We derive the epidemic threshold and study the global stability of disease-free and endemic equilibria based on different methods. The results show that the disease-free equilibrium cannot undergo a Hopf bifurcation. We further study the optimal control strategy for the complex system and obtain its existence and uniqueness. Numerical simulations are conducted on scale-free networks to validate and supplement the theoretical results. The numerical results indicate that the asymmetric control strategies regarding time and degree of node for populations are superior to symmetric control strategies when considering control cost and the effectiveness of controlling infectious diseases. Meanwhile, the advantages of the optimal control strategy through comparisons with various baseline immunization and quarantine schemes are also shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Net section rupture is a common failure mode of bolted tension members. In particular, the net section capacity of tension angle is significantly affected by the effect of shear lag. This paper reports the tensile test results of twelve high strength steel angles and six normal steel angles of grade S690 and S275, respectively. The test parameters included steel grades, connection length (bolt number) and out-of-plane eccentricity. All the specimens were failed by net section rupture. Finite element (FE) analysis was used to simulate the structural behaviour of the test specimens and to further interpret the test results. The test and the numerical analysis results showed that the test efficiency of tension angles, which was defined by the ratio of the ultimate test load to the calculated net section resistance, was sensitive to the material ductility and the connection details (i.e. out-of-plane eccentricity and connection lengths). The effectiveness of the available design specifications for quantifying the net section resistance of S690 steel angles was evaluated. A design approach proposed by Yam and colleagues considering the influence of material mechanical characteristics and connection configurations was also revisited. It was found that the current design specifications produced inconsistent predictions of net section resistance of tension angles, whereas the method proposed by Yam and colleagues gave good predictions of net section resistance of bolted S690 steel angles. • Structural performance of bolted S690 and S275 steel angle is examined. • The influence of steel grades and connection configuration is studied. • Test observations are strengthened by finite element model results. • Design comments are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) serine/threonine protein phosphatase PstP plays an important role in regulating Mtb cell division and growth by reversible phosphorylation signaling. However, the substrates of Mtb with which the PstP interacts, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, we performed an Mtb proteome microarray to globally identify the PstP bindings. In this way, we discovered 78 interactors between PstP and Mtb proteins, and found a novel connections with EthR. The interaction between PstP and EthR has been validated by Bio-Layer interferometry and Yeast-two-hybrid. And functional studies showed that PstP significantly enhances the binding between EthR and related DNA domain through its interaction with EthR. Phenotypically, overexpression of PstP promoted the resistance of Mycobacterium smegmatis with the antibiotic of ethionamide. Overall, we hopefully wish that the PstP interactors identified in this study will serve as a useful resource for further systematic studies of the roles that PstP plays in the regulation of Mtb dephosphorylation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis, which is responsible of ~1.5 million death per year. Understanding the knowledge about the basic biological regulation pathways in Mtb is an effective approach to discover the novel drug targets for cure TB. PstP is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase in Mtb, and plays important roles in regulating Mtb cell division and growth by reversible phosphorylation signaling. In this study, we identified 78 PstP interacting Mtb proteins using Mtb proteome microarray, which could preliminarily explain the roles of PstP played in Mtb. Moreover, functional analysis showed that a novel transcription factor EthR had been found regulated by PstP through binding, which could enhance the resistance to the antibiotic ETH. Overall, this network constructed with PstP-Mtb proteins could serve as a valuable resource for studying Mtb growth. Unlabelled Image • A list of 78 binding Mtb proteins with PstP have been found using Mtb proteome microarray. • PstP plays significant roles in regulating Mtb metabolic, growth, and transcription pathways. • PstP promotes the resistance of Msm with ETH through enhancing the binding of EthR with its DNA domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Both high temperature and long drying time deteriorated fiber properties. • Both high temperature and long drying time inhibited fiber enzymatic hydrolysis. • Moisture before drying slightly affected on fiber properties and enzymatic yield. • Increased drying times caused fiber properties to decrease and fluctuate. • Increased drying times led to fluctuations in enzymatic yield with a downward trend. Thermal drying for lignocellulosic fibers is a common procedure in laboratories and factories, which isn't a pretreatment traditionally used to enhance cellulose conversion but inevitably occurs. This study investigated the effects of thermal drying conditions on the characteristics and enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic fiber granules with high lignin content. The results showed that fiber characteristics decreased linearly with the increase of temperature, which caused the linear reduction of enzymatic digestibility. Then, the increase of time caused the exponential decrease of fiber characteristics and enzymatic digestibility. Moreover, the reduction of initial water content obtained by centrifugation resulted in almost the same porosity and slightly increased water retention value (WRV) of fibers, which caused slight changes of lignocellulose digestibility. Finally, repeated drying and swelling led to complex changes in fiber characteristics, which caused fluctuations in enzymatic hydrolysis with a downward trend. This article will provide a reference for lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with gastrointestinal diseases frequently suffer from skeletal abnormality, characterized by reduced bone mineral density, increased fracture risk, and/or joint inflammation. This pathological process is characterized by altered immune cell activity and elevated inflammatory cytokines in the bone marrow microenvironment due to disrupted gut immune response. Gastrointestinal disease is recognized as an immune malfunction driven by multiple factors, including cytokines and signaling molecules. However, the mechanism by which intestinal inflammation magnified by gut-residing actors stimulates bone loss remains to be elucidated. In this article, we discuss the main risk factors potentially contributing to intestinal disease-associated bone loss, and summarize current animal models, illustrating gut-bone axis to bridge the gap between intestinal inflammation and skeletal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports a numerical study on the local web buckling strength and behaviour of single-coped beam with slender web (SCBSW). First, finite element (FE) models of SCBSW connections were developed, and the effectiveness of the modelling techniques was validated by the results of full-scale SCBSW connection tests conducted by the authors and those in the literature. Subsequently, an extensive parametric investigation covering a wide range of web slenderness ratio, cope geometries and rotational stiffness of the connection was conducted. A database of the FE results of 243 SCBSW models connected with a rotationally rigid support was developed. The analysis results show that all of the models were governed by local web buckling, and post-buckling behaviour of the SCBSW connections was confirmed. The interaction among the slender web, cope configurations and rotational stiffness of the connections on the structural behaviour and local web bucking capacity of SCBSW connections was characterised. A practical approach for evaluating the local web buckling strength of end-plate type SCBSW connecting with a rotationally rigid support was developed using the available FE results. The post-buckling behaviour and the interactive effect among the slender web and the other essential factors were considered in the proposed method. The proposed method produces reasonable predictions of the local web buckling strength of SCBSW connections with a rotationally rigid support comparing with those predicted by the FE results and the available test data, which may offer a basis for a full-fledged design guide for SCBSW. • Structural performance of single-coped beam with slender web is examined. • A parametric study is conducted using a finite element model database. • The influence of the slender web and the cope detail is studied. • The post-buckling behaviour is evident. • The strength of the single-coped beam with slender web is quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Novel ginsenoside M1 3′–ester derivatives (1c , 2c , 3c) were synthesized. • Synthesis of all derivatives through the strategy of protection–esterification–deprotection. • 2c and 3c possess higher abilities of inhibition growth on MCF–7 cells. • 2c and 3c can cause autophagy in MCF–7 cells. Ginsenoside M1 (M1) was considered to be the main antitumor component of ginsenoside metabolites in the body. In order to enhance its potency on antitumor effect, three novel M1 3′–ester derivatives (1c , 2c , 3c) were synthesized and evaluated. The yield of these derivatives was between 41% and 69%. Compared with M1, 2c and 3c can improve the efficacy of the inhibition on breast cancer MCF–7 and MDA–MB–231 cells, especially for MCF–7 (fold: 0.7–4.2, p < 0.0001). Further study suggested that 2c and 3c may cause cell autophagy and promote apoptosis in MCF–7 cells. The results indicated the 3′–ester modified M1 derivatives 2c and 3c possess higher abilities of inhibition growth towards triple–positive breast cancer and provided a new source for synthesis of potential anti-breast cancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are crucial for cell proliferation, metabolism, motility, and cancer progression. Since the selective PI3Kδ inhibitor, idelalisib, was firstly approved by the FDA in 2014, large numbers of selective PI3Kδ inhibitors have been reported, but the detailed mechanisms of selective inhibition to PI3Kδ for idelalisib or its derivatives have not been well addressed. In this study, 3D-QSAR with COMFA, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations was used to explore the binding modes between PI3Kδ and idelalisib derivatives. Firstly, a reliable COMFA model (q2 = 0.59, ONC = 8, r2 = 0.966) was built and the contour maps showed that the electrostatic field had more significant contribution to the bioactivities of inhibitors. Secondly, two molecular docking methods including rigid receptor docking (RRD) and induced fit docking (IFD) were employed to predict the docking poses of all the studied inhibitors and revealed the selective binding mechanisms. And then, the results of the MD simulation and the binding free energy decomposition verified that the binding of PI3Kδ/inhibitors was mainly contributed from hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions and some key residues for selective binding were highlighted. Finally, based on the models developed, 14 novel inhibitors were optimized and some showed satisfactory predicted bioactivity. Taken together, the results provided by this study may facilitate the rational design of novel and selective PI3Kδ inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Broad-complex Tramtrack and Bric-a-brac (BTB) domain participates in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, however its role is unknown in pepper plants. CaBPM4 has meprin and TRAF homology (MATH) and BTB domains at its N- and C-termini, respectively, and it contains a 1589-bp full-length cDNA that encodes a protein containing 403 amino acids. In this study, the pepper gene CaBPM4 (Capsicum annuum BTB-POZ and MATH domain protein) was cloned, and its role in responses to Phytophthora capsici, cold, drought, and salt stress were characterized. The results of quantitative RT-PCR revealed that CaBPM4 was down-regulated under P. capsici infection, salicylic acid, H2O2, and abscisic acid treatments, while abiotic stresses, including salt, cold, and drought, enhanced its transcript level. Furthermore, CaBPM4 silencing significantly impaired resistance to P. capsici, apparently by altering the transcript level of defense-related genes CaPR1, CaDEF1, and CaSAR82 and reducing root activity. However, CaBPM4-silenced plants exhibited remarkably increased peroxidase activity and decreased malondialdehyde concentrations, indicating that CaBPM4 may enhance resistance to salt and drought stress. Further study should focus on the mechanism by which CaBPM4 regulates the defense response to P. capsici infection and abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat transfer process for trench laying cable is complex. To guarantee safe operation of the cable, it is necessary to predict the temperature and maximum current capacity of trench laying cable rapidly and accurately. Therefore, in this study, an adaptive optimized particle swarm optimization algorithm (LFVPSO) is proposed based on Levy flight algorithm, and it is used to modify the back propagation neural network algorithm (LFVPSO-BPNN). Then, combined with numerical simulations, a network algorithm for temperature prediction of trench laying cable is developed using LFVPSO-BPNN. Finally, the maximum current capacity of four-loop three-phase trench laying cable is calculated using LFVPSO-BPNN together with genetic algorithm (GA&LFVPSO-BPNN). At first, it is found that the LFVPSO-BPNN algorithm proposed in this study is reliable and accurate to predict the cable maximum temperature for different loops (Tmax,i) in the trench. Furthermore, as compared with other similar algorithms, when LFVPSO-BPNN algorithm is used to predict the temperature of trench laying cable, its computation time would be reduced and the prediction accuracy would be improved as well. Second, it is revealed that the effect of ground air temperature (Tsur) on the maximum current capacity of trench laying cable (It,max) is remarkable. As Tsur increases, the It,max for both flat-type and trefoil-type trench laying cable would significantly decrease. In addition, with the same Tsur, the It,max for the flat-type trench laying cable are obviously higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive location systems receive electromagnetic waves at one or multiple base stations to locate the transmitters, which are widely used in security fields. However, the geometric configurations of stations can greatly affect the positioning precision. In the literature, the geometry of the passive location system is mainly designed based on empirical models. These empirical models, being hard to track the sophisticated electromagnetic environment in the real world, result in suboptimal geometric configurations and low positioning precision. In order to master the characteristics of complicated electromagnetic environments to improve positioning performance, this paper proposes a novel geometry optimization method based on multiagent reinforcement learning. In the proposed method, agents learn to optimize the geometry cooperatively by factorizing team value function into agentwise value functions. To facilitate cooperation and deal with data transmission challenges, a constraint is imposed on the data sent from the central station to vice stations to ensure conciseness and effectiveness of communications. According to the empirical results under direct position determination systems, agents can find better geometric configurations than the existing methods in complicated electromagnetic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]