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[Display omitted] • Memory consolidation occurs primarily through a coordinated communication between hippocampus and neocortex. • Sharp-wave ripples represent the reactivation of neurons associated with recently acquired memories and play a crucial role in memory storage and use. • Abnormalities in neuronal reactivation are a common phenomenon in many kinds of neuropsychiatric diseases. • Impaired neural reactivation underlies the mechanism and symptoms of some neuropsychiatric diseases. Memory consolidation refers to a process by which labile newly formed memory traces are progressively strengthened into long term memories and become more resistant to interference. Recent work has revealed that spontaneous hippocampal activity during rest, commonly referred to as "offline" activity, plays a critical role in the process of memory consolidation. Hippocampal reactivation occurs during sharp-wave ripples (SWRs), which are events associated with highly synchronous neural firing in the hippocampus and modulation of neural activity in distributed brain regions. Memory consolidation occurs primarily through a coordinated communication between hippocampus and neocortex. Cortical slow oscillations drive the repeated reactivation of hippocampal memory representations together with SWRs and thalamo-cortical spindles, inducing long-lasting cellular and network modifications responsible for memory stabilization. In this review, we aim to comprehensively cover the field of "reactivation and memory consolidation" research by detailing the physiological mechanisms of neuronal reactivation and firing patterns during SWRs and providing a discussion of more recent key findings. Several mechanistic explanations of neuropsychiatric diseases propose that impaired neural replay may underlie some of the symptoms of the disorders. Abnormalities in neuronal reactivation are a common phenomenon and cause pathological impairment in several diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy and schizophrenia. However, the specific pathological changes and mechanisms of reactivation in each disease are different. Recent work has also enlightened some of the underlying pathological mechanisms of neuronal reactivation in these diseases. In this review, we further describe how SWRs, ripples and slow oscillations are affected in Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. We then compare the differences of neuronal reactivation and discuss how different reactivation abnormalities cause pathological changes in these diseases. Aberrant neural reactivation provides insights into disease pathogenesis and may even serve as biomarkers for early disease progression and treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 (CN) photocatalyst with both recyclability and efficient photocatalytic performance was synthesized by the hydrothermal method and achieved practice value enhancement. The optimal composite was identified as Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 combined with 5 wt% NiFe 2 O 4 (CN-5), exhibiting the capability to decompose 98.2% of RhB within 90 min. Remarkably, the photocatalytic activity remained above 90% even after 4 recycling cycles, and the magnetization saturation reached 2.6 emu/g, showcasing exceptional magnetic properties and photocatalytic stability. Meanwhile, characterization analysis proved successful compounding of NiFe 2 O 4 , and the specific surface area of CN-5 was slightly enhanced. The heterojunction structure generated by direct binding in CN-5 significantly reduced the photogenerated carrier complexation rate. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism indicated that the degradation of RhB followed the Z-type heterojunction mechanism, and photo-induced ·O 2 − played a pivotal role, followed by h+ and ·OH. In summary, the composite magnetic photocatalyst Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 could offer a promising alternative for wastewater purification. • Novel magnetic composite Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 displayed remarkable photocatalytic properties. • Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 /NiFe 2 O 4 offers economic viability and environmental sustainability. • A Z-type heterojunction was generated directly between Bi 12 O 15 Cl 6 and NiFe 2 O 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pathways of carbon-containing compounds in municipal sludge pyrolysis were Mapped. • In terms of gas pollution, most carbon was fully pyrolyzed into CO 2. • The pyrolysis liquid below 300 °C exhibited a potential for resource utilization. • The yield of CO in pyrolysis gas rapidly increased at temperature above 500 °C. • The insights hold practical implications for environmental management. Municipal sludge contains abundant amounts of carbon, with contents ranging from 14 % to 38 %. The various carbon-containing group compounds can be converted into beneficial products, but pollutants and greenhouse gases are also released through the municipal sludge pyrolysis process. Ascertaining the pathways by which carbon-containing group compounds is converted and transformed is crucial for addressing pollution concerns and promoting recycling. This study explored the transformation pathways of carbon-containing group compounds during the pyrolysis process of municipal sludge. The results showed that the three major carbon-containing group compounds including protein (61 %), cellulose (9 %), and hemicellulose (7 %), had significantly different pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C, 400 °C and 300 °C. In terms of gas pollution, most carbon was fully pyrolyzed into CO 2. While the temperature raised up to 500 °C, a part of the CO 2 converted into CO. Meanwhile, the various carbon-containing compounds exhibited distinct effects on gas production, which CH 4 was produced more with cellulose and protein presenting in the sludge. When temperature increased to 700 °C, the 60 % of the carbon-containing group compounds were transformed into liquid and solid. The pyrolysis liquid in the low-temperature stage (30–300 °C) contained a relatively high aliphatics content and lower organooxygen species (OOSs) content (at 200 °C), suggesting a potential for resource utilization. The yield of CO in the gas rapidly increased as the temperature increased in the high-temperature stage (500–700 °C). The insights from this study hold practical implications for enhancing municipal sludge pyrolysis efficiency, reducing pollution, and facilitating more sustainable and resource-efficient practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAX phase-reinforced composite coatings were successfully prepared by laser cladding in-situ reaction using TiAl–TiC–Al powder preset on R60702 zirconium alloy surface. The behavior of composite coatings under high-temperature oxidation and interfacial oxidation was investigated. Differential thermogravimetry (DTG) oxidation weight gain curves demonstrated that high-temperature oxidation resistance of composite coating was better than that of Zr alloy. Oxide phase of composite coating mainly contained TiO 2 and small amount of Al 2 O 3. Oxidation characteristics of carbides (TiC and Ti 2 AlC) and TiAl intermetallic compounds revealed that oxidation rates of carbides were higher than those of TiAl intermetallic compounds. In addition, reasons for their different diffusion or oxidation rates were also discussed from the perspective of stability of original microstructure before and after oxidation. At the highest experimental temperature (1100 °C), oxide film thickness of composite coating (20 μm) was smaller than that of Zr alloy (550 μm). Interfacial oxidation behavior indicated that there was bimetallic galvanic corrosion effect between composite coating and Zr alloy, which is related to high electronic energy level of Zr from the perspective of quantum mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, single image super-resolution (SR) has become a hotspot in the remote sensing area, and numerous methods have made remarkable progress in this fundamental task. However, they usually rely on the assumption that images suffer from a fixed known degradation process, e.g., bicubic downsampling. To save us from performance drop when real-world distribution deviates from the naive assumption, blind image super-resolution for multiple and unknown degradations has been explored. Nevertheless, the lack of a real-world dataset and the challenge of reasonable degradation estimation hinder us from moving forward. In this paper, a self-supervised degradation-guided adaptive network is proposed to mitigate the domain gap between simulation and reality. Firstly, the complicated degradations are characterized by robust representations in embedding space, which promote adaptability to the downstream SR network with degradation priors. Specifically, we incorporated contrastive learning to blind remote sensing image SR, which guides the reconstruction process by encouraging the positive representations (relevant information) while punishing the negatives. Besides, an effective dual-wise feature modulation network is proposed for feature adaptation. With the guide of degradation representations, we conduct modulation on feature and channel dimensions to transform the low-resolution features into the desired domain that is suitable for reconstructing high-resolution images. Extensive experiments on three mainstream datasets have demonstrated our superiority against state-of-the-art methods. Our source code can be found at https://github.com/XY-boy/DRSR • A simple and effective self-supervised degradation representation learning strategy is proposed. • The learned representations can promote cross-domain super-resolution generalization. • A dual-wise modulation network is established for effective feature adaption. • Our method achieves favorable performance on various remote sensing datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over-the-counter (OTC) and direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests have been gaining popularity due to their potential to provide accurate and quick diagnostic results without any test order from healthcare professionals, while providing patients the opportunity to actively engage in their own health management. Group A streptococcus is a common transmissible pathogen that leads to acute pharyngitis. Accurate and timely diagnosis of Group A streptococcus pharyngitis is critical to urge patients to seek professional healthcare, to support antibiotic stewardship, to reduce disease transmission, and to prevent rare but potentially life-threatening complications such as acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. This review provides an overview for OTC and DTC testing in general, discusses the clinical utilization of Group A streptococcus testing, analyzes the limitations and challenges of current Group A streptococcus testing methodologies if developed into OTC or DTC tests. Finally, this review provides an outlook for future developments that would further improve healthcare outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effect of fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B7 and Bacillus subtilis natto on phenolic compound levels and enzyme activity, as well as antioxidant capacity of the rose residue. Results showed that the polyphenol content of rose residue was significantly increased from 16.37 ± 1.51 mg/100 mL to 41.02 ± 1.68 mg/100 mL by fermentation at 37 °C and 2.0% (v/v) inoculum size for 40 h. The flavone, soluble dietary, and protein contents were also enhanced by almost 1-fold, 3-fold, and 1-fold, respectively. Fifteen phenolic compounds were quantified in the fermented broth, among which the concentration of gallic acid, quercetin, and p -coumaric acid increased by 5-fold, 4-fold, and almost 8-fold, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was a new phenolic compound produced during fermentation. Moreover, the fermented rose residue presented higher superoxide dismutase, α-amylase, and protease activity. ABTS•+, hydroxylradical, and DPPH• scavenging activity increased by 60.93%, 57.70%, and 37.00%, respectively. This provides an effective means of transforming rose residue into a highly bioactive value-added substance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxanes are widely used in cancer therapy, yet their mitotic-independent mechanisms in vivo remain enigmatic. Vennin et al. illuminate a mode of action whereby taxanes directly stimulate T cells to release cytotoxic extracellular vesicles to eradicate tumor cells. Taxanes-pre-treated T cells may enhance anti-tumor effects while circumventing systemic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was reported to enhance cetuximab-mediated natural killer cell activation and dendritic cell maturation. Polymorphisms in genes in the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING pathway may affect innate immune response. Therefore, we hypothesised that genetic variants in the cGAS-STING pathway may predict the efficacy of cetuximab-based treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Genomic DNA from blood samples of patients enrolled in FIRE-3 (cetuximab arm, n = 129; bevacizumab arm, n = 107) and TRIBE (bevacizumab arm, n = 215) was genotyped using the OncoArray-500K bead chip panel. Seven selected single nucleotide polymorphisms in 3 genes (cGAS, STING and interferon B1 (IFNB1)) were analysed for the association with overall survival and progression-free survival. In the cetuximab cohort, patients with STING rs1131769 any T allele showed significantly shorter overall survival (36.3 versus 56.1 months) than carriers of C/C in both univariate [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–4.07; P = 0.03] and multivariate (HR = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.35–6.6; P = 0.0085) analyses; patients carrying IFNB1 rs1051922 G/A and A/A genotype showed a significantly shorter progression-free survival than carriers of G/G allele in both univariate (G/A versus G/G, 10.2 versus 14.1 months, HR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.23–2.76; A/A versus G/G, 10.7 versus 14.1 months, HR = 2.19; 95% CI 0.97–4.96; P = 0.0077) and multivariate analyses (G/A versus G/G, HR = 2; 95% CI 1.22–3.3; A/A versus G/G, HR = 2.19, 95% CI 0.92–5.26, P = 0.02). These associations were not observed in the bevacizumab arm of FIRE-3 or TRIBE. These results suggest for the first time that germline polymorphisms in STING and IFNB1 genes may predict the outcomes of cetuximab-based treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. • Predictive values of SNPs involved in cGAS-STING pathway were tested. • STING rs1131769 was significantly associated with OS in patients receiving cetuximab-based first-line treatment.IFNB1 rs1051922 was significantly associated with PFS in patients receiving cetuximab-based first-line treatment. • Associations between tested SNPs and bevacizumab efficacy were not significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Port State Control inspects foreign ships in national ports to verify that ships' conditions and equipment obey international regulations and that the ships are crewed and operated in accordance with these regulations. Port State Control has proven useful in ensuring a "safer ship and cleaner ocean." To support the effectiveness and efficiency of inspections, targeted ships should only be considered if they are at a high risk for accidents. The key factors for ship selection have been included in inspection regimes, but their combined effect on causing ship detention is unclear. Meanwhile, certain factors are characterized by data uncertainty that may influence inspection results and even the time window of an inspection. Furthermore, although tens of thousands of inspection data items are produced yearly, the probability of ship detention is around 3%. Therefore, a new uncertain random forest algorithm has been developed to address factor uncertainty and data imbalances. This algorithm generates rules for the relationships between the multi-factors and ship detention with high accuracy and robustness performance. Based on uncertain random forest models, the following three results are presented. First, the optimal data balancing strategy is a detention ratio of 30% rather than 50%, which could better balance inspection accuracy and efficiency. Second, data uncertainty influences the prediction probability of ship detention; as the uncertainty interval range increases, the prediction probability decreases. Third, the uncertain random forest algorithm generates Port State Control's association rules. Thus, this algorithm can help port authorities identify substandard vessels more efficiently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cynaroside promoted healthspan and lifespan in C. elegans. • Cynaroside extended healthspan via insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway in C. elegans. • Cynaroside activated the Forkhead box O (FOXO) transcription factor DAF-16 in C. elegans. • Cynaroside improved neurodegeneration diseases through insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. The evolutionarily conserved insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway plays a central role in aging and aging related diseases such as neurodegeneration diseases. Inhibition of insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway has been proposed as an effective way to extend lifespan and delay neurodegeneration diseases in different organisms. Cynaroside (Cyn), a flavonoid contained in many medical plants and in vegetables, had been shown to exhibit pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-oxidant effects. The study demonstrated that lifespan extension and neurodegeneration diseases improving could be achieved by targeting evolutionarily conserved insulin/IGF-1 pathway through using pharmacological interventions. Via using this approach in tractable model Caenorhabditis elegans , we found that 10 μM Cynaroside significantly promoted the healthy lifespan in wild-type animals. Furthermore, via genetic screen, we showed that Cynaroside acted on IGF-1-R /DAF-2, which was followed by the activation of transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO to extend the healthy lifespan. Intriguingly, Cynaroside also improved neurodegeneration diseases such as Alzheimer's and polyglutamine disease by suppressing insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway. Our work suggests that Cynaroside may be a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of aging and neurodegeneration diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration of active ingredients and new activities of industrial crops could expand their scope of applications. Liriodendron chinense (L. chinense), an important ornamental and economic forest tree in China, has been widely used in timber, medicine and landscape. Flavonoids are major constituents of L. chinense leaves, while their effects of preventing brain damage are still unclear. In this study, flavonoids from L. chinense leaves (LCLF) were obtained through AB-8 resin chromatography and UPLC-MS/MS assay indicated that 16 compounds were identified from LCLF. LCLF treatment showed significant scavenging activities against DPPH•, ABTS•+, •OH, FRAP and total reducing power. D-galactose-impaired exploratory behaviors, cognitive functions and histopathological alterations in hippocampus of mice were obviously recovered by LCLF administration. Network pharmacology results demonstrated that LCLF could produce the healing efficacy through multiple pathways, mostly related to oxidative stress and inflammation. Further i n vivo experiments revealed that LCLF treatment could regulated MDA content, SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activity, as well as the production of inflammatory factors (NO, IL-1β and IL-6). The underlying mechanisms of LCLF were probably related to Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB and AMPK/SIRT1 pathways. Molecular docking results and surface plasmon resonance analysis validated that especially hesperidin in LCLF had strong binding activities with all 8 genes in the mentioned pathways. Our study revealed the beneficial effects of LCLF on oxidative activity and D-galactose-induced brain injury, offering experimental support for its potential application in pharmaceutical and other industries. [Display omitted] • LCLF was a flavonoid-rich fraction from L. chinense leaves. • LCLF showed significant scavenging capacities against different radicals. • LCLF prevented D-galactose-induced brain injuries via AMPK/SIRT1-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways. • Hesperidin in LCLF had strong binding activities with 8 genes in the mentioned pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a process that produces combustible gas by the in-situ gasification of coal seams. For a steady and efficient gasification project, the ignition of coal seam is a prerequisite. The heating method and reacting process of coal seam play an essential role to the ignition. A coal seam ignition model coupled with heptane combustion was created to simulate the deep UCG ignition stage employing the chemical ignition method. A 1700 K heptane jet flame and a U-shaped pyrolysis gas flame formed the heat source. The flame temperature of pyrolysis gas was around 1300 K. The effective heating length of the flame increased with the heating time, which reached 600 mm at 400 s. The coal seam reaction process was divided into four stages: (1) heptane flame stabilization, (2) coal seam heating, (3) pyrolysis gas release, and (4) pyrolysis gas flame stabilization. It was the third stage when the coal seam ignited. The coal seam would ignite faster with a lower excess air coefficient, and the ignition time ranged from 225 to 275 s when the excess air coefficient was 1.39. The outlet carbon dioxide concentration increased by about 5 %–17 % when the coal seam ignited. • A coal seam ignition model coupled with heptane combustion was created. • The ignition process of a deep Underground coal gasification was simulated. • Coal seam reaction characteristics in four stages were explored. • The increase in outlet CO 2 can be used as an indication of coal seam ignition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pt, Ru, or Rh single-atom transforms the CO 2 physisorption to chemisorption on MgO (1 0 0). • The Ru@MgO surface has the maximum CO 2 adsorption energy of −1.46 eV. • The Ru@MgO surface activates the inactive O = C = O bond of CO 2. • CO 2 electro-catalyzed to CH 4 on Ru@MgO exhibits high activity and selectivity. CO 2 capture and electrochemical CO 2 conversion are both extremely energy-intensive processes, and synergistic coupling between the two processes can increase the ecological sustainability of the system and decrease the cost of the generated products. Here, we investigated the enhancement of CO 2 capture performance on MgO (1 0 0) surface by thirteen types of metal single-atom engineering using density functional theory (DFT) method. The doping of Pt, Ru, or Rh single atom transforms the adsorption of CO 2 on the surface of MgO (1 0 0) from physical to chemical processes. The MgO surface doped with Ru single atom has the maximum CO 2 adsorption energy of −1.46 eV. Notably, this chemical interaction with the surface activates inactive O = C = O bond of CO 2 significantly, which is advantageous for the generation of the intermediate *COOH during the electrochemical conversion process. Reaction pathway analysis shows that Ru@MgO surface exhibits high activity and selectivity for the electrochemical conversion of CO 2 to CH 4. DFT results show that Ru@MgO can be used to separate CO 2 from flue gas and electro-catalyze CO 2 into CH 4 in-situ efficiently, paving the way for the development of a novel CO 2 separation technology with low energy consumption and high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts with indestructible active sites for high-performance Zn-air batteries (ZABs) remains a significant challenge. Herein, we achieve an innovative active site design by encaging Co nanoparticles within the Co−N 4 atomic sites-dispersed graphite nanopocket (Co SAs-NPs /NC), leading to outstanding alkaline ORR activity and stability, and consequently ultra-high power density of 193.8 mW cm–2 and specific capacity of 819.1 mAh g Zn –1 at 10 mA cm–2 of a primary ZAB assembled, along with impressive power density of 73.4 mW cm–2 and charging/discharging stability up to 110 cycles of a flexible solid-state ZAB. Theoretical calculations unveil the enhanced ORR kinetics can be traced to the significantly optimized local electronic structure of Co−N 4 sites with upshifted d-band center and reduced energy barrier of rate-limiting step by the encaged Co nanoparticle. This study showcases a creative conformational design for guiding the construction of valid synergy in hybridized metal/single-atom catalysts. [Display omitted] ● A MOF-based ligand exchange strategy is designed for the synthesis of Co SAs-NPs /NC. ● Co NP encaged in atomic Co-dispersed graphite nanopocket is found in Co SAs-NPs /NC. ● Co SAs-NPs /NC owns alkaline electrocatalytic ORR performance exceeding that of Pt/C. ● High-performing liquid and solid-state flexibile Zn-air batteries are both gained. ● DFT results verify the strong electronic synergy between Co-NPs and Co-SAs for ORR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spillover crisis arises when an external organization's events create worry, ambiguity, or unfavorable perceptions for another organization. The study shows that organizational response strategies for spillover crises are influenced by an anchoring effect, where competitors' level of accommodation in their crisis response serves as an anchor point. The difference between accommodative and advocative crisis responses becomes more pronounced when the anchor response has a lower level of accommodation. Additionally, stakeholders' confidence in an organization's ability to manage crises can predict its reputation during spillover crises. If an organization chooses to respond with advocacy, it may experience a decline in reputation compared to adopting a competitor's accommodative anchor response due to decreased stakeholder confidence. Conversely, using an accommodative response can result in a higher organizational reputation than following a competitor's advocative anchor response since it boosts stakeholder confidence. The study highlights the importance of considering situational factors such as competitor responses in the contingency theory of accommodation. Additionally, this study provides evidence that a continuum of public response confidence could be another valuable tool for understanding how crises impact reputation. • Competitors' level of accommodation in their crisis response serves as an anchor point in crisis communication. • Opting for advocative response over competitor's accommodative approach can damage organization's reputation by reducing stakeholder confidence. • Opting for accommodative response over competitor's advocacy approach boost organizational reputation by increasing stakeholder confidence. • The study highlights the importance of considering situational factors such as competitor responses in the contingency theory of accommodation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are committed to the study of generalized difference gap (D-gap) functions and error bounds for hemivariational inequalities in Hilbert spaces. By introducing a new gap function, we define a generalized D-gap function for the hemivariational inequality considered, for which we investigate the local Lipschitz continuity and coercivity. Then, some error bound results for the generalized D-gap function are established and the relationship between the solution to the hemivariational inequality and the stationary point of the generalized D-gap function is discussed. Finally, we construct a descent algorithm for solving the hemivariational inequality based on the generalized D-gap function and further prove a convergence result for the algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The steel–concrete (SC) composite beams used in bridge engineering are experimentally tested under contact explosion. • The effects of shear connectors on the failure mode, acceleration response, and energy absorption mechanisms of concrete slab and steel beam are investigated. • Stress wave propagation within the cross-section and stress changes in the typical locations are investigated. The steel–concrete composite beam, consisting of a concrete slab, a steel beam, and shear connectors, is extensively utilized in bridge engineering due to its effective utilization of material properties and convenient construction. Considering the significant impact of explosive incidents on bridge safety, and the limited experimental research on blast performance of composite beams, this study tested three small-scale SC composite beams arranged with commonly used shear connectors, including studs, PBL ribs, and combination connectors, under contact explosion with 200 g of TNT. Finite element (FE) models, validated by the experimental data, were established to conduct damage analysis to understand the damage mode and characteristics of SC composite beams. The results showed that the SC composite beams exhibit a localized damage pattern concentrated in the mid-span of the beams under contact explosions. The concrete spalling on the bottom surfaces could be divided into two parts by the top flange of the steel beam. The concrete slab, which absorbs more than 94 % of the total internal energy of the SC composite beams, plays the most important role in reducing the damage to the beams under contact explosion. In some aspects, the type of shear connectors influences the crack pattern, concrete spalling degree, the deformation of the steel beam, and the difference in acceleration response between the concrete slab and steel beam, but on the whole, it has a limited effect on the damage mode and degree of SC composite beams subjected to contact explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive astrocytes undergo morphological, molecular, metabolic, and functional remodeling in response to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, we still know very little about how the metabolic switching of astrocytes influences, or is influenced by, reactive astrocytes in response to neurological diseases. In this review, we initially cover a brief introduction into reactive astrocyte function under pathological conditions. Subsequently, we summarize the emerging roles of glucose and lipid metabolism in reactive astrocytes in the context of CNS injury to provide a new insight into metabolic mechanisms of reactive astrocyte-mediated neuroprotection or damage. Finally, we propose that deciphering the mechanistic link between astrocyte heterogeneity metabolism and improved methods is an emerging frontier for the therapeutic investigation of CNS injury and disease. The morphological and functional diversity of astrocytes, named astrocyte heterogeneity, depends largely on their location, microenvironment, developmental stage, and stimuli. Increasing evidence suggests that simple binary divisions of reactive astrocytes into good versus bad or neurotoxic versus neuroprotective cannot represent the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes. Knowledge of metabolic alteration (e.g., glucose and lipid metabolism) in influencing the phenotype of reactive astrocytes in neurological diseases provides novel insights into the potential causal relationships between metabolic changes and astrocyte heterogeneity. A deep deciphering of the initiating metabolic mechanisms that determine the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes may provide therapeutic targets for related neurological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Big data will cause the system for business public opinion to be overburdened, and dynamic changes in computing resources will cause tasks to be delayed. To end the situation, this study assigns non-fixed execution time to each task node based on the task soft deadline and task constraints and solves the problem of difficult task scheduling caused by task dependency constraints. Aiming at the problem of task delay caused by dynamic changes of computing resources, this paper proposes an adaptive offloading and scheduling algorithm for dependent tasks in the mobile edge computing environment. This study takes the economic efficiency analysis system as an example and uses the resource allocation management algorithm based on linked lists and edge servers to study the communication resource allocation management of the economic efficiency analysis system. In addition, this study designs experiments to perform performance analysis of the algorithm proposed by this study. The research results show that the proposed algorithm has an obvious effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core-shell ZrC/Ti 2 AlC reinforced intermetallic composite coatings were successfully prepared by laser cladding in-situ reaction using TiAl–TiC–Al powder preset on R60702 zirconium alloy surface. As-obtained coatings showed good metallurgical bonding with substrates. Composite coatings mainly contained dendritic ZrC/Ti 2 AlC reinforced phase with core-shell structure and intermetallic matrix of Ti x Al y and Zr x Al y , with small amounts of Ti 3 AlC. During laser pool solidification, TiC nucleated at boundary of primary precipitated ZrC dendrite. Al atoms then diffused into TiC outer layer during subsequent solidification process to finally form core-shell structure with ZrC as core and Ti 2 AlC as outer layer. Ti 2 AlC phase of shell structure improved physical performance between hard ZrC particles and matrix in terms of hardness and thermal expansion coefficient. The maximum hardness of cladding layer (848.8 HV) was 5-fold higher than that of zirconium alloy substrate. Also, no cracking was found inside the coatings or at the junction with substrates. In sum, these findings look promising for future applications of MAX phase composite coatings in nuclear power equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) small phosphatase like 2 (CTDSPL2), also known as SCP4 or HSPC129, is a new member of the small CTD phosphatase (SCP) family and its role in cancers remains unclear. Here, we used a Phos-tag technique to screen a series of phosphatases and identified CTDSPL2 as a mitotic regulator. We demonstrated that CTDSPL2 was phosphorylated at T86, S104, and S134 by cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) in mitosis. Depletion of CTDSPL2 led to mitotic defects and prolonged mitosis. Resultantly, CTDSPL2 deletion restrained proliferation, migration, and invasion in pancreatic cancer cells. We further confirmed the dominant negative effects of a phosphorylation-deficient mutant form of CTDSPL2, implying the biological significance of CTDSPL2 mitotic phosphorylation. Moreover, RT2 cell cycle array analysis revealed p21 and p27 as downstream regulators of CTDSPL2, and inhibition of p21 and/or p27 partially rescued the phenotype in CTDSPL2-deficient cell lines. Importantly, both CTDSPL2 depletion and phosphorylation-deficient mutant CTDSPL2 hindered tumor growth in xenograft models. Together, our findings for the first time highlight the novel role of CTDSPL2 in regulating cell mitosis, proliferation and motility in pancreatic cancer and point out the implications of CTDSPL2 in regulating two critical cell cycle participants (p21 and p27), providing an alternative molecular target for pancreatic cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SAM enhances innate immunity by reducing the bacterial burden in the intestine. • SAM induces the expression of immune response genes, including irg-1 and T24B8.5. • SAM functions in germline to enhance innate immunity via an H3K4 methyltransferase complex to up-regulate the immune response genes. • SAM protects mice from P. aeruginosa PA14 infection by reducing the bacterial burden in lung. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was a methyl donor for modifying histones, which had crucial roles in lipid accumulation, tissue injury, and immune responses. SAM fluctuation might be linked to variations in histone methylation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of whether the SAM diet influenced the immune response via histone modification remained obscure. In this study, we utilized the Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to investigate the role of SAM diet in innate immunity. We found that 50 μM SAM increased resistance to Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 by reducing the bacterial burden in the intestine. Furthermore, through the genetic screening in C. elegans , we found that SAM functioned in germline to enhance innate immunity via an H3K4 methyltransferase complex to upregulate the immune response genes, including irg-1 and T24B8.5. Intriguingly, SAM also protected mice from P. aeruginosa PA14 infection by reducing the bacterial burden in lung. These findings provided insight into the mechanisms of molecular connections among SAM diet, histone modifications and innate immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Flow and mass transfer in the cuboid KDP crystals grown by LSLM was studied. • Spatio-temporal evolution of the flow and supersaturation fields was presented. • Supersaturation field on the crystal face at various factors was analyzed. • Map of the relative strengths of natural and forced convections was summered. • Convective mass transfer regime was revealed. The growth of high-quality large-sized KDP crystals is to meet the requirements of high-power laser systems. The convective transport characteristics of KDP solution are one of the key factors affecting the growth of large-sized KDP crystals in the growth vessel. In this work, the three-dimensional simulation of flow and mass transfer occurring in the process of large-sized cuboid potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) grown by the long seed limitation method (LSLM) has been performed employing the finite element method. The standard k - ε model with the enhanced wall treatment is used to calculate the turbulence flow in the growth vessel. The temporal and spatial evolution of flow field near the crystal face and supersaturation field on the crystal face during the growth is discussed in detail. The time-averaged supersaturation field on the crystal face at various factors is analyzed. The relative strengths of natural and forced convections on different conditions is compared, the convective mass transfer regime at different conditions is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Proposed a new compression-twist coupling structure containing curved beams. • Introduced IGA to analyse the C-TCSs' behaviours for improving the coupling effect. • A genetic algorithm based framework is developed to optimize the C-TCSs. • PCs with CBs are designed and optimized to achieve desired performance. • Metamaterial composed of gradient PCs with CBs is built which has extremely large stopband. Compression-twist coupling structures (C-TCSs) with curved beams (CBs) exhibit unusual static and dynamic mechanical behaviours, leading great application potentials for massive engineering structures including metamaterials. Specially, the acoustic metamaterials or phononic crystals (PCs) featured by C-TCSs present outstanding bandgap properties (such as tuneable central-position and width of bandgaps adjusted via the geometry of the CBs) than those from traditional designs, endowed with numerous applications with respect of vibration and wave control fields. This paper proposes a C-TCS connected by CBs for super coupling effect and specified bandgap behaviour when treated as PCs. To investigate the performance of the C-TCS and the resulting PCs, isogeometry analysis and finite element method are adopted. A design and optimization framework with genetic algorithms is further established to search for the optimal geometry configuration of the C-TCSs. Our results show that the refined C-TCSs with CBs enhance significantly the coupling performance. And the redesigned PCs, especially those with gradient unit cells, present advanced capabilities of low-frequency, large width and prescribed bandgaps. The proposal creates a new way to the design of novel acoustic metamaterials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Schisandrin A increases resistance to pathogens. • Schisandrin A protects the animals from the infection by enhancing the tolerance to the pathogens infection. • Schisandrin A increases the expression of antibacterial peptide genes by activation PMK-1/p38 MAPK. • Schisandrin A protects mice against P. aeruginosa infection. Schizandrin A (SA), also known as deoxyschizandrin, is one of the most biologically active lignans isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Fructus schisandrae chinensis. Schisandrin A has proven benefits for anti-cancer, anti-inflammation, hepatoprotection, anti-oxidation, neuroprotection, anti-diabetes. But the influence of Schisandrin A to the innate immune response and its molecular mechanisms remain obscure. In this study, we found that Schisandrin A increased resistance to not only the Gram-negative pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica but also the Gram-positive pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. Meanwhile, Schisandrin A protected the animals from the infection by enhancing the tolerance to the pathogens infection rather than by reducing the bacterial burden. Through the screening of the conserved immune pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans , we found that Schisandrin A enhanced innate immunity via p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, Schisandrin A increased the expression of antibacterial peptide genes, such as K08D8.5 , lys-2 , F35E12.5 , T24B8.5 , and C32H11.12 by activation PMK-1/p38 MAPK. Importantly, Schisandrin A-treated mice also enhanced resistance to P. aeruginosa PA14 infection and significantly increased the levels of active PMK-1. Thus, promoted PMK-1/p38 MAPK-mediated innate immunity by Schisandrin A is conserved from worms to mammals. Our work provides a conserved mechanism by which Schisandrin A enhances innate immune response and boosts its therapeutic application in the treatment of infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underground coal gasification (UCG) in deep coal seam was attracting more and more attentions all over the world due to its characteristics of safety, clean and low carbon. In the study, the ignition of UCG in deep coal seam was simulated by employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A new method setting gas diffusion in coal seam as transitional diffusion (TD) was put forward, and the TD and Fickian diffusion (FD) mechanism were compared. It was elucidated that TD mechanism was more accurate for UCG model. The default FD mechanism in coal seam overestimated the reaction rate of coal seam. With TD mechanism, coal seam in turn went through external heating controlled (EHC) region and hybrid heating controlled (HHC) region during the ignition of UCG. The demarcation temperature between EHC and HHC regions was 720 K. Then, various inlet temperatures and mass fractions of O 2 were attempted during the simulation of UCG ignition. The time spent by the ignition was shortest with 1100 K inlet temperature and it was ∼180 s. The less the inlet mass fraction of O 2 was used, the slower combustion rate was. CO 2 was the most potential indicator to get access to the underground condition. • Appropriate courant number was 0.83 for UCG ignition simulation. • Coal seam in turn went through EHC region and HHC region during ignition. • FD mechanism overestimated the reaction rate of coal seam. • The optimum inlet temperature and mass fraction of O 2 were 1100 K and 18.4 %. • The increase of CO 2 concentration on outlet is an indicator of UCG ignition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analyzing the CCD of UR and EE and influencing factors of CCD in Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration. • The urbanization level showed a fluctuating downward trend, while the eco-efficiency level showed a fluctuating upward trend from 2011 to 2020. • The CCD showed a fluctuating trend, and mainly presented the characteristics of "bipolar distribution" in Chengdu-Chongqing. • Green environment and consumption level can significantly improve the CCD, while degree of government intervention and industrial structure can significantly reduce the CCD. Ecological and environmental protection is a key issue that cannot be ignored in the process of urbanization. To achieve the goal of urban sustainable development, the dynamic and complex relationship between urbanization and the ecological environment must be coordinated. A comprehensive evaluation of 16 cities within the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration from 2011 to 2020 utilized the entropy weight method, super-SBM model, and coupling coordination degree model to analyze urbanization levels, ecological efficiency, and their interplay. The findings reveal a fluctuating descent in urbanization levels with a fluctuating upward in eco-efficiency across Chengdu-Chongqing from 2011 to 2020. The coupling coordination degree, exhibiting a dynamic, bimodal distribution, reflects the intricate balance between urbanization and ecological efficiency. A kernel density model and Tobit model further elucidate the evolving nature of the coordination degree and its principal determinants. This research underscores the role of green initiatives and consumption patterns in enhancing coordination, while governmental intervention and industrial structure emerge as critical factors undermining coordination. The study provides insights for government policy formulation, offering substantial contributions to the recalibration of urban development strategies and the optimization of city planning paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder whose prevalence is increasing in China consistent with rising obesity trends. OSA is a heterogeneous disorder depends on anatomical and nonanatomical risk factors. Ethnicity differentially influences the attribution of these OSA risk factors. Chinese patients had more craniofacial bony restriction and Caucasians were more obese. This suggests ethnic differences in potential applications for diagnostics and therapeutics. However, current strategies for the management of OSA reflect a one-size-fits-all approach based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the first-line and most efficacious treatment for OSA, the acceptance is unacceptably low in China. Therefore, targeted therapies to treat OSA need to be developed. This review summarizes the differences in OSA pathogenesis of Chinese patients and analyzes the current condition of personalized medicine to patients with OSA in China. The application of personalized medicine to OSA in the Chinese population is still a long way off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the differences in material removal behavior during grinding for different ceramics, scratching of Al 2 O 3 , AlN, Si 3 N 4 and ZrO 2 (3Y-TZP) ceramics by a cube-corner diamond indenter was investigated in this paper. Scratching characteristics, including material deformation, scratching force, coefficient of friction (COF) and scratching damage of different ceramics were compared and analyzed. Elastic recovery rate model and stress field model were built to analyze the mechanism of material deformation and scratching damage during scratching on different ceramics. The results demonstrated that material deformation behaviors vary significantly, and depend on mechanical properties of the ceramics. Ceramics with higher hardness exhibit shallower penetration depth of scratching, while higher fracture toughness results in shorter maximum surface damage distance. Elastic recovery rate model can predict the extent of material deformation. The ceramic with the highest elastic recovery rate is Al 2 O 3 , followed by Si 3 N 4 , ZrO 2 , and finally AlN. Elastic recovery rate decreases with increase in force. In stress field model, AlN exhibits the highest maximum principal stress, followed by Al 2 O 3 and Si 3 N 4 , with ZrO 2 displaying the lowest stress. These distribution patterns are consistent with the results of scratching damage pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the global express delivery industry growing rapidly, the service that uses high-speed rail (HSR) passenger trains to carry parcels has been introduced in China, signaling that the competition between HSR and air transport is no longer limited to the passenger sector. In this paper, we build a simple model to study the competition between air and rail in both the passenger market and the cargo market. We consider the transport operators face passengers directly but they rely on a forwarder at the downstream for the cargo service. Three scenarios are investigated: 1) both the passenger and the cargo sectors are only served by air transport; 2) the passenger sector is served by both air transport and HSR while the cargo sector is only served by air transport; and 3) both sectors are served by both transport modes. We find that when airlines use aircraft belly to transport cargo while the belly capacity is limited, it is possible that introducing HSR as a competitor in the passenger sector is social welfare deteriorating. However, social welfare will always be improved if HSR enters not only the passenger sector but also the cargo sector. • This is the first paper to analytically investigate the impacts of high-speed rail express delivery (HSReD). • This is the first paper to examine the competition between air transport and HSR in both passenger and cargo markets. • It contributes to the literature of air-HSR interaction. • It identifies a potential source of welfare reduction caused by new HSR projects. • It provides reasons for the government to support the development of HSRed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Immunization with Aβ3-10-KLH eliminated amyloid-β after its appearance in APP/PS1 mice. • Immunization with Aβ3-10-KLH ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction. • Immunization with Aβ3-10-KLH improved cognitive function. Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia, for which no disease-modifying therapy is yet available. Aβ3-10-KLH, a vaccine for active immunization, has been shown to prevent pathological changes in young transgenic models of AD, but the effects of treatment with it and its effects on mitochondrial dysfunction remain unclear. We immunized 6-month-old Tg-APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice with Aβ3-10-KLH to analyze whether it is capable of eliminating amyloid-β after its appearance. The vaccine effectively decreased amyloid-β deposits, improved cognitive function and ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction. These results indicate the potential of Aβ3-10-KLH as a vaccine to treat AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Paranasal sinus involvement (PSI) is an independent prognostic factor for NPC. • The appropriate position in TNM staging system and diagnostic criteria of PSI has not reach on a uniform consensus yet. • NPC patients with PSI should be classified into two groups: PSI-slight (sinus bone wall erosion only) and PSI-severe (tumor penetrate into sinus cavity). • That survival outcomes of the patients with PSI-severe in T3 category are similar to those in AJCC T4 category disease. • NPC patients with PSI-severe is recommended to classify as T4 category in AJCC staging system for NPC. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of paranasal sinus involvement (PSI) in NPC and to explore its appropriate position in the current AJCC staging system. Pretreatment MRI of 1317 patients with NPC treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) between January 2010, and January 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Survival was compared between patients with PSI-slight (sinus bone wall erosion only) and PSI-severe (tumor penetrated into sinus cavity). Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of survival. The study included 1317 patients (median age 46 years; range, 11–78 years). PSI-slight was present in 15.2% (200/1317) patients and PSI-severe in 20.0% (263/1317) patients. Overall survival (OS), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS), loco-regional recurrence–free survival (LRFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were significantly lower in patients with PSI-severe (all P <.05). In multivariable analysis, PSI-severe was an independent prognostic factor for OS, DMFS, LRFS, and PFS (all P <.05). 96 AJCC T3 category patients with PSI-severe were reclassified as T4 category. The revised T category had significantly better predictive value (higher C-index) than that the AJCC system for survival (OS, 0.661 vs. 0.652; DMFS, 0.655 vs. 0.650; and PFS, 0.625 vs. 0.625; P <.05 for all). PSI-severe is an independent negative prognostic factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is recommended to be classified as T4 category in the 8th AJCC staging system for NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Port State Control (PSC) guarantees that foreign ships do not jeopardize marine safety, security, and the environment when entering foreign ports. To share inspection information and improve the efficiency of PSC, countries in the same regions cooperate and follow memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Globally, a total of ten MoUs govern three different inspection regimes designed to select and inspect substandard ships. In this study, we use a super-slacks-based measure (super-SBM) to evaluate and compare the inspection efficiency of the three inspection regimes implemented by these ten MoUs and relies on the Malmquist production index (MPI) to identify the most applicable regimes. Our analyses produce three main conclusions. First, we use the average scores of the super-SBM in the past 11 years to confirm the efficiency rankings of the ten MoUs. Second, we combine the average efficiency scores of the three inspection regimes to show that the New Inspection Regime (NIR) is more economically efficient than other inspection regimes. Third, we use MPI scores to obtain a better understanding of the efficiency changes in MoUs' productivity over time and confirm that the NIR is more stable than other inspection regimes. • Evaluating and comparing the inspection efficiency of the three different inspection regimes applied for PSC. • Ranking the efficiency and analyzing the efficiency change of each MoU from 2009 to 2019 one after another. • Confirming that the NIR is more economically efficient and stable than other inspection regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to treat diabetic cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) by affecting blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and integrity. The CI/RI model in DM mice and a high glucose (HG) treated oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) brain endothelial cell model were established for the study. Evans blue (EB) staining was used to evaluate the permeability of BBB in vivo. TTC staining was used to analyze cerebral infarction. The location and expression of tribbles homolog 3 (TRIB3) in endothelial cells were detected by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of TRIB3, tight junction molecules, adhesion molecules, phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT) and AKT. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by qRT-PCR. Trans -epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran were used to measure vascular permeability in vitro. TRIB3 ubiquitination and acetylation levels were detected. Acetyltransferase bound to TRIB3 were identified by immunoprecipitation. TRIB3 was localized in cerebral endothelial cells and was highly expressed in diabetic CI/R mice. The BBB permeability in diabetic CI/R mice and HG-treated OGD/R cells was increased, while the junction integrity was decreased. Interference with TRIB3 in vitro reduces BBB permeability and increases junction integrity. In vivo interfering with TRIB3 reduced cerebral infarction volume, BBB permeability and inflammation levels, and upregulated p-AKT levels. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin reversed the effects of TRIB3-interfering plasmid. In vitro HG treatment induced TRIB3 acetylation through acetyltransferase p300, which in turn reduced ubiquitination and stabilized TRIB3. Interfering TRIB3 protects BBB by activating PI3K/AKT pathway and alleviates brain injury, which provides a new target for diabetic CI/RI. • The protective effect of TRIB3 interference on endothelial cell permeability was found for the first time. • TRIB3 interference has a protective effect on the BBB and brain injury in diabetic CI/RI mice. • TRIB3 knockdown has a protective effect on endothelial cell permeability through activation of PI3K/AKT pathway in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steel-concrete (SC) composite bridge slab is widely used in long-span bridges. With the increasing threat of explosive attacks on bridges, understanding the blast-resistant performance of composite bridge slabs is important. In this paper, SC composite slabs with different types of interfaces between concrete slab and steel plate, and different steel plate thickness, were tested under contact explosion. The damage modes and dynamic responses were carefully observed and measured. Refined FE models were developed to investigate the damage mechanism by analyzing and comparing the detailed damage process of slabs and characteristics of stress wave propagation. The results revealed that the damage modes of SC composite slabs varied significantly depending on the type of interface. For slabs with stud connectors, the compressive stress wave propagated within the composite slab in a spherical pattern and finally induced a circular concrete crater and steel plate deformation. Increasing the thickness of steel plate significantly reduced steel plate deformation. For slab with PBL connectors, the stress wave in the concrete was attenuated when it propagated across the PBL ribs, while the stress of concrete between the ribs nearest to the explosion was much large than that outside the ribs. Stress reflection on the top of PBL ribs increased the damage degree of concrete, potentially leading to induced cracks along the ribs. The overall response of composite slabs could be divided into the combined phase and separated phase. The PBL ribs could better restrain the interface detachment compared to studs. • Three small-scale steel-concrete composite bridge slabs were tested under contact explosion. • The effects of different shear connectors and steel plate thickness were investigated. • Two dynamic response phases, including combined phase and separated phase, were observed and analyzed. • Different damage modes were explained using the stress wave method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Examined the coupled coordination of the Wenchuan earthquake disaster area. • The coupling coordination degree in Wenchuan earthquake disaster area has been improved. • Spatiotemporal disparity and dynamic mechanism in CCD were discussed in detail. • Case studies were provided for sustainable urban development and government planning. Natural disasters have a profound and far-reaching impact on human society, economic progress, and ecological stability. Swift post-disaster reconstruction, aiding economic recovery, and minimizing social losses are paramount for attaining sustainable development in afflicted regions. This study delves into the coupling and coordinated development of the economic-ecological-social (EES) complex system during the post-disaster reconstruction following the Wenchuan earthquake in China. Using data spanning from 2005 to 2020, we constructed a comprehensive indicator system for the EES complex system. Subsequently, a coupled evaluation framework was established to assess its sustainable and coordinated development. Employing the AHP-entropy method and the coupled coordination degree model (CCD), we explored the interrelationships within the EES complex system. The results indicate that the CCD of the EES system in Wenchuan exhibited an upward trend in the decade following the earthquake, significantly expediting sustainable development in the disaster-stricken area. Geographically, CCD scores increased from the northeast to the southwest, revealing distinct stratification differences. Furthermore, CCD closely correlated with geographic location, ecological resource endowment, science and education, and the labor force. The study also analyzed spatial discrepancies in CCD scores and identified underlying factors. Based on these findings, we offer policy recommendations to fortify infrastructure development, reconfigure industrial layout, and heighten environmental consciousness. These results offer valuable insights for decision-making in post-disaster recovery and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovering 3D hand mesh from a monocular RGB image has a wide range of application scenarios such as VR/AR. The parametric hand model provides a good geometric prior to the shape of hand, and is commonly used to recover the 3D hand mesh. However, the rotation parameters of hand model are not easy to learn, which influences the accuracy of model-based methods. To address this problem, we take advantage of the inverse kinematic chains of hand to derive an analytical method, which can convert hand joint locations into rotation parameters. By integrating such analytical method into the neural network, we propose an end-to-end learnable model named IKHand to recover the 3D hand mesh. IKHand comprises detection module and mesh generation module. Detection module predicts the 3D hand keypoints while mesh generation module takes these keypoints to generate the 3D hand mesh. Experimental results show that our proposed method can generate impressive and robust 3D hand meshes under several challenging conditions, and can achieve competitive results on FreiHAND dataset as well as RHD. • An end-to-end learnable model to recover 3D hand mesh is proposed. • The proposed model achieves competitive results on hand datasets. • The method fully utilizes the mathematical inverse kinematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tartary buckwheat protein-derived peptide (Ala-Phe-Tyr-Arg-Trp, AFYRW) is a natural active peptide that hampers the atherosclerosis process, but the underlying role of AFYRW in angiogenesis remains unknown. Here, we present a system-based study to evaluate the effects of AFYRW on H 2 O 2 -induced vascular injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were co-incubated with H 2 O 2 for 2 h in the vascular injury model, and AFYRW was added 24 h in advance to investigate the protective mechanism of vascular injury. We identified that AFYRW inhibits oxidative stress, cell migration, cell invasion, and angiogenesis in H 2 O 2 -treated HUVECs. In addition, we found H 2 O 2 -induced upregulation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB decreased by AFYRW. Taken together, AFYRW attenuated H 2 O 2 -induced vascular injury through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Thereby, AFYRW may serve as a therapeutic option for vascular injuries. • Tartary buckwheat protein-derived peptide (Ala-Phe-Tyr-Arg-Trp, AFYRW) is a natural active peptide. • AFYRW attenuated vascular injury through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. • AFYRW may serve as a therapeutic option for vascular injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high power characteristics of supercapacitors (SC) are attractive for grid scale energy storage. The core to achieve the large scale application of SC lies in the preparation of high performance electrode materials. Herein, a facile wet mechanochemistry (WMC) coupled K 2 FeO 4 activation is used to fabricate O/N/S doped coal-derived hierarchical porous carbon (CHPC). K 2 FeO 4 generates high-energy sputtering O 2 under mechanical force to impact precursor, leading to an increase in lattice defects, and full exposure of active sites, which facilitates activation of precursor and coupling of heteroatoms. Furthermore, K 2 FeO 4 has the pore forming ability of K-based component and the catalytic graphitization effect of Fe-based component, which could synergistically regulate pore structure and graphitization of CHPC. Experimental exploration combined with density functional theory calculation showed that the unique micro-mesopores structure of CHPC provides a fast ion transport channel and a large ion accessible specific surface area (S SSA). Meanwhile, the high heteroatom doping and graphitization synergistic promote ion storage (high adsorption energy, E ads) and electron transport. The specific capacitance (C) of optimized CHPC 900 can obtain 335 F g−1 under 0.5 A g−1. The C retention is 96.2% after 10,000 cycles at 1 A g−1. CHPC 900 //CHPC 900 delivers remarkable energy/power characteristics (9.9 Wh kg−1 of 125 W kg−1). [Display omitted] • Facile WMC coupled K 2 FeO 4 activation strategy is used to prepare functional CHPC. • WMC induce K 2 FeO 4 synergistically regulate pore structure and graphitization of CHPC. • The obtained CHPC 900 possess large S SSA , high O/N/S doping and adsorption energy. • CHPC 900 show high specific capacitance, superior energy density and cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to complex yarn geometries and multiscale nature, it is very challenging to predict mechanical properties and strength constants of woven composites in an accuracy and efficient way. In this paper, mechanics of structure genome (MSG) is employed to predict effective material properties and strength constants of woven composites. The microscale analysis is performed to compute the effective properties and strength constants of yarns based on a hexagonal packed microstructure. Then, the mesoscale analysis is performed to compute the effective material properties and strength constants of woven composites. The accuracy and efficiency of the MSG method are compared with the computational homogenization method. In addition, simulation data using the MSG model is generated to train deep learning neural networks (DNN) models. The trained models provide ultra-efficient surrogate models with high accuracy. The DNN models are further applied to a design optimization problem to tailor geometry parameters to enhance the mechanical performance of plain woven composites, and the optimization can be efficiently solved with gradients from the DNN models. The developed computational framework can be applied to general woven composites featuring complex microscale and mesoscale features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Uncertainty in Chla and SS inversion analyzed using multisource remote sensing data. • UAV and satellite data provide water quality maps for different purposes. • Chla and SS inversion have different sensor requirements. • Chla inversion is dependent on the sensor's spatiotemporal and spectral resolution. • High spatial resolution may instead lead to a decrease in SS inversion accuracy. In recent decades, phytoplankton proliferation and sediment input to rivers (especially urban rivers) have become more dramatic under the compound pressure of climate change and human activities. Given the generally narrow width of rivers and current high spatial resolution satellites, which are limited by band settings, bandwidth, and the signal-to-noise ratio, UAVs with their exceptional spatiotemporal resolution can be used as a useful tool for river environmental monitoring and inversion uncertainty assessment. In this study, UAV-based hyperspectral (X20P) and multispectral (P4M) images, along with Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI), Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Landsat-9 OLI2 data, were used to assess the uncertainty in retrieving chlorophyll-a (Chla) and suspended sediment (SS) concentrations in rivers. Chla and SS models based on UAV and satellite data were constructed using stepwise multiple regression and typical Chla and SS retrieval algorithms, respectively, and the performance of the models was the focus of our research. The results demonstrated that in the Chla concentration inversion, each sensor performed as follows: X20P > P4M > Landsat9 OLI2 > Sentinel-2 MSI > Landsat8 OLI, and the performance in the SS concentration inversion was as follows: X20P > Sentinel-2 MSI > P4M > Landsat9 OLI2 > Landsat8 OLI. In addition, the uncertainty of high spatial resolution satellite retrievals was analyzed with the assistance of the UAV-based model. Results showed that narrow bandwidths and finely tuned band settings are more essential for the Chla inversion. The typical Chla retrieval algorithm, NDCI, is only effective in certain bands (band 1 from 684 to 724 nm and band 2 from 660 to 680 nm). It is also noted that Landsat8 and Landsat9 lack some key band settings (e.g., the red-edge band of 700–710 nm), severely limiting practical application in relation to Chla. However, specific variances in different sensor bands have a relatively small impact on SS inversion, for example, the correlation between SS and the R/B (a typical SS retrieval algorithm) constructed by each sensor ranged from 0.68 to 0.77. Chla monitoring, on the other hand, necessitates a higher spatial resolution than SS monitoring. The accuracy decreased markedly when UAV images were resampled to 10 m and 30 m spatial resolution. However, it is not as crucial for the SS inversion, images with the original spatial resolution (RMSE <30cm = 6.28 mg/L) were resampled to 10 m resolution (RMSE 10m = 5.85 mg/L) and 30 m resolution (RMSE 30m = 4.08 mg/L) while using P4M for SS inversion, and the accuracy increased. Our results demonstrated and highlighted various options for future monitoring of Chla and SS, while exploiting the synergy between UAVs and satellites to achieve more precise observations at greater spatial and temporal scales, which will benefit aquatic environment management and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Concrete spalling of members with different cross sections under contact blast are investigated. • Stress wave propagation along width, thickness and height direction is investigated. • A damage index and a damage classification method are proposed. • A rapid evaluation approach is developed for concrete members under contact explosion. Concrete members such as columns, beams, slabs, and walls exhibit different damage modes under contact explosion due to their different cross-sectional properties, potentially posing distinct levels of threat to structural safety. Understanding the effect of cross-sectional properties on damage to concrete members is fundamental for accurately predicting blast response and rapidly assessing damage degrees of engineering structures. In this paper, FE models for concrete members under contact explosion were established and validated. Based on the FE models, parameter analyses were conducted to investigate the concrete spalling behavior of concrete members with varying cross-sectional thickness and width under contact explosions, and the stress wave propagation character was investigated to reveal the damage mechanics of concrete members and the effects of cross-sectional properties. It is found that, on the whole, the increase of both cross-sectional thickness and width reduces the concrete spalling damage on back surface, and the increase of cross-sectional width instead of thickness reduces the concrete spalling damage on side surfaces. Both the relation between spalling angle on the back surface and cross-sectional thickness and relation between spalling angle on the side surface and cross-sectional width are linear. Increasing the cross-sectional dimension restrains the concrete damage on the side surface more effectively compared to that on the back surface. According to the concrete spalling character, a damage index and a damage classification method were proposed, and based on the numerical results, a rapid damage evaluation approach was developed for concrete members with different cross-sectional properties under contact explosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single object tracking (SOT) in satellite video (SV) enables the continuous acquisition of position and range information of an arbitrary object, showing promising value in remote sensing applications. However, existing trackers and datasets rarely focus on the SOT of oriented objects in SV. To bridge this gap, this article presents a comprehensive review of various tracking paradigms and frameworks covering both the general video and satellite video domains and subsequently proposes the oriented object tracking benchmark (OOTB) to advance the field of visual tracking. OOTB contains 29,890 frames from 110 video sequences, covering common satellite video object categories including car, ship, plane, and train. All frames are manually annotated with oriented bounding boxes, and each sequence is labeled with 12 fine-grained attributes. Additionally, a high-precision evaluation protocol is proposed for comprehensive and fair comparisons of trackers. To validate the existing trackers and explore frameworks suitable for SV tracking, we benchmark 33 state-of-the-art trackers totaling 58 models with different features, backbones, and tracker tags. Finally, extensive experiments and insightful thoughts are also provided to help understand their performance and offer baseline results for future research. OOTB is available at https://github.com/YZCU/OOTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a mathematical model which describes the contact between a viscoelastic body and a rigid-deformable foundation with memory effects. We derive a variational formulation of the model which is in the form of a history-dependent variational inequality for the displacement field. Then we prove the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem. We also study the continuous dependence of the solution with respect to the data and prove two convergence results, under different assumptions on the data. The proofs are based on arguments of lower semicontinuity, pseudomonotonicity, and compactness. Finally, we use our convergence results in the study of several optimization problems associated to the viscoelastic contact model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A nano-welding technique induced by the microwave thermal effect of graphene was developed. • The graphene encapsulated bismuth oxide nanoflakes self-standing anodes were prepared. • The modified self-standing anodes displayed high specific capacity and excellent rate performance. • The cycle stability of the assembled supercapacitor-battery hybrid device was significantly improved. To meet the energy storage demand of developing electronic information technology, the supercapacitor-battery hybrid devices based on Bi 2 O 3 have attracted much attention due to their superior energy storage characteristics. However, the poor cycling stability limits its application. Herein, through the nano-welding technique induced by the microwave thermal effect of graphene, the carbon nanotube film-supported Bi 2 O 3 electrode with a graphene/carbon dots encapsulation structure is fabricated. The as-prepared composite electrode delivers a remarkable capacity of 1.90 mAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 as well as high rate performance (1.57 mAh cm−2 at 100 mA cm−2). Assembled device with above composite electrode as anode and the carbon nanotube loaded nickel cobalt as cathode exhibits a maximum energy density of 589.3 μWh cm−2 (98.2 Wh kg−1) at power density of 0.8 mW cm−2 and maintain 288.3 μWh cm−2 (48.1 Wh kg−1) at 57.1 mW cm−2. Most notably, by virtue of the flexible confinement of graphene, the device exhibits impressive cycle stability (80.1% capacity retention after 8000 cycles, ∼4.5 times than that of a device assembled with a raw anode). This work opens a new pathway to the design and fabrication for high energy density and durable cyclic stability energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EDC pollution more severe in surface water and sediments than groundwater in China. • Surface-groundwater interaction plays a decisive role in EDCs migration. • The removal process of EDCs needs improved removal technologies for water security. • The EDCs pollution and high risk in China require strict monitoring and management. Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) are ubiquitous in soil and water system and have become a great issue of environmental and public health concern since the 1990s. However, the occurrence and mechanism(s) of EDCs' migration and transformation at the watershed scale are poorly understood. A review of EDCs pollution in China's major watersheds (and comparison to other countries) has been carried out to better assess these issues and associated ecological risks, compiling a large amount of data. Comparing the distribution characteristics of EDCs in water environments around the world and analyzing various measures and systems for managing EDCs internationally, the significant insights of the review are: 1) There are significant spatial differences and concentration variations of EDCs in surface water and groundwater in China, yet all regions present non-negligible ecological risks. 2) The hyporheic zone, as a transitional zone of surface water and groundwater interaction, can effectively adsorb and degrade EDCs and prevent the migration of high concentrations of EDCs from surface water to groundwater. This suggests that more attention needs to be paid to the role played by critical zones in water environments, when considering the removal of EDCs in water environments. 3) In China, there is a lack of comprehensive and effective regulations to limit and reduce EDCs generated during human activities and their discharge into the water environment. 4) To prevent the deterioration of surface water and groundwater quality, the monitoring and management of EDCs in water environments should be strengthened in China. This review provides a thorough survey of scientifically valid data and recommendations for the development of policies for the management of EDCs in China's water environment. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-scale uncertainty analysis framework to deal with hybrid random and interval uncertainties is presented to analyse dynamic characteristics of FRP composite structures. The proposed method consists of a perturbation-based probabilistic analysis, particle swarm optimization interval analysis to address the hybrid uncertainties, and the Mori–Tanaka method based homogenization theory to propagate uncertainties from microscale to macroscale. The proposed numerical approach provides estimates of the natural frequencies of composite plates, with mean and standard deviation lower and upper bounds, at a low computational cost. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for different forms of composite structures, and also to verify its effectiveness and accuracy in predicting natural frequencies. Results show that the proposed method is highly accurate in calculating the upper and lower frequency bounds for advanced composite laminates under complicated uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Investigating digitalization as well as data sharing in the maritime logistics industry; • Understanding the strategies and payoffs of two players-platform enterprises and participants; • Distinguishing key and general participants with high or low privacy costs; • Policy implication on promoting data sharing in the digital platform is given. Digital platforms simplify the complexities of day-to-day transactions in the maritime logistics industry and facilitate participants to seamlessly connect with each other. However, platform enterprises find it difficult to involve participants in their platforms. It is also challenging for these enterprises to share data out of consideration for participants' privacy concerns, rights, and interests. To promote data sharing, this study intends to understand the strategies of both platform enterprises and participants based on a dynamic game model to provide policy implications to platform enterprises and the government. The main findings are as follows. First, when platform enterprises move first, they should subsidize key participants with high privacy costs to compensate for the negative externality of data. Second, in the early stages of building a platform, when supporting platform enterprises move first, they must subsidize both key participants with low privacy costs and general participants. Third, governments must introduce regulations and laws to govern the delimitation of data property rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]