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• Pool boiling heat transfer data were obtained on a reentrant cavity tube from −6.0 °C to 6.0 °C. • The optimum heat flux corresponding to the maximum heat transfer enhancement factor decreased with the increase in saturation temperature. • A dimensionless correlation was developed for predicting errors within ±5.0%. This study focused on the effects of saturation temperature under ice storage condition in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or related industry for the R134a boiling heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) of a newly designed reentrant cavity copper tube. Experiments were conducted at saturation temperature ranging from −6.0 °C to 6.0 °C with heat flux ranging from 10.0 kW/m2 to 65.0 kW/m2 and the tube was heated with ethylene glycol–water mixture. The nominal outside diameter of the test tube was 25.14 mm, and the length in the test section was 1000 mm. Experimental results showed that the maximum increase in HTCs varies between 18% and 58% with the increase in saturation temperature by 12 °C. The enhancement factor, which is the ratio of HTC of the enhanced tube to that of plain tube, reaches its maximum at each saturation temperature. With the increase in saturation temperature from −6.0 °C to 6.0 °C, the maximum value increases from 2.2 to 2.5, and the corresponding optimum heat flux decreases from 40.0 kW/m2 to 20.0 kW/m2. The HTC shows different varying rates for experimental heat flux smaller and larger than the optimum heat flux. An exponent-function-form correlation well-fitted with the distinctive change rule is developed with a predicted error less than ±5.0%. The current study can serve as reference for industrial design and future academic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For further improving the mechanical properties of the traditional honeycomb structure, a new excellent energy absorption structure named as the leaf vein branched honeycomb (LVBH) is proposed based on lotus leaf vein branched structure. The in-plane dynamic crushing of LVBH is numerically studied by LS-DYNA. Meanwhile, the crushing behavior of the regular circular honeycomb is carried out for comparison. The introduction of leaf vein branched characteristics affects the local deformation zone and the deformation mechanism of LVBHs can be classified into three categories: quasi-static mode, transition mode and dynamic mode. The mode classification map is further given. The comparison indicates that LVBH has better energy absorption performance with 79.94% higher specific energy absorption per unit mass (S E A m) than regular circular honeycomb (RCH). Following that, the influence of microstructure, relative density and crushing velocity on the energy absorbing characteristics of LVBH is systematically studied. The LVBHs with moderate structural parameters exhibit better mechanical properties. The quasi-static plateau stress depends upon the unit-cell configuration. Based on one-dimensional shock theory, the empirical equations of dynamic plateau stress for LVBHs with different relative densities are given by using least-square fitting. Furthermore, the numerical results show that the part of the outer-circle and branch-vein cell walls have higher energy absorption efficiency. The specific energy absorption per unit mass (S E A m) of LVBH can increase by 12.4% through the thickness matching between main-vein and the branch-vein cell walls. The results of this study will be helpful to design a novel honeycomb structure with better energy absorption ability. • A new circular honeycomb with leaf vein branched characteristic was established. • LVBH had better energy absorption performance with 79.94% higher specific energy absorption per unit mass (S E A m) than regular circular honeycomb. • The energy absorption capacity of honeycombs was improved greatly. • The formulas for the plateau stresses σ P of LVBHs were offered. • The S E A m of LVBH could increase by 12.4% through the thickness matching between main-vein and the branch-vein cell wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information regrading an experiment to determine the reactions of radical cations generated form 9-cyclopropylanthracene in the presence of methanol with the use of electrochemistry. Detailed information on this experiment; Discussion on the importance of radical cations to this experiment; Results form this experiment.

Analyzes the origin of the high intrinsic barrier to the nucleophile-induced ring opening of arylcyclopropane radical cations. Cyclopropane ring-opened products from the oxidation of substrates; Rate constant for the methanol-induced ring opening; Importance of the product-like transition state for ring opening.

A circular–triangular nested tube (CTNT) was proposed for dissipating impact or blast energy. Experimental studies on CTNT energy absorbers under a lateral quasi-static crushing load were first conducted to reveal their deformation modes, force–displacement responses, and energy absorption performances. In addition, the influences of the circular-tube thickness and triangular-tube shape on the energy absorption performances of CTNTs were also discussed. A new energy absorption parameter, average curvature change (ACC), was proposed for evaluating the influence of geometry on the performance of an energy absorber that dissipates energy through changes in its curvature; further, the optimum geometric performance of the proposed CTNT energy absorbers was demonstrated based on a comparison with other nested energy absorbers reported in extant literature. The blast responses of the CTNT energy absorbers used as sacrificial claddings were numerically studied. The numerical results clearly presented the deformation modes, blast load mitigation, and energy absorption performances of the sacrificial claddings. The deformation mode of a CTNT energy absorber used as sacrificial cladding under blast loading was significantly different from that under quasi-static loading because the inertial effect and energy absorption capacity of the CTNT energy absorber increased as the weight of the trinitrotoluene (TNT) charge was increased. Moreover, the transmitted force was found to be reduced by 50.1%–74.3% on employing the CTNT energy absorber as sacrificial cladding, and the reduction magnitude decreased as the TNT charge weight was increased. • A novel circular-triangular nested tube energy absorber was proposed. • Experimental tests on the energy absorbers under quasi-static load were conducted. • Blast response of the energy absorber as sacrificial cladding was numerically studied. • Different deformation modes were observed for the energy absorber under quasi-static and blast load. • Transmitted force was reduced by 50.1%–74.3% by employing the energy absorber as sacrificial cladding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Four curved SCS shells subjected to concentrated load were experimentally studied. • Failure mechanism and types of curved SCS shells were summarized. • Parameters affecting strength of curved SCS shells were numerically investigated. • Analytical models of curved SCS shells subjected to concentrated load were proposed. In this study, experimental works on four curved steel-concrete-steel (C-SCS) sandwich shells were carried out to assess their behaviors when subjected to concentrated loading with a 100-mm diameter hemispherical steel hammer through analyzing the failure mode, load–displacement relationship, strain, and deformation. The influences of the concrete and steel plate thicknesses, shear connector spacing, and rise–span ratio were numerically investigated. The results showed that the ultimate strength of C-SCS shells was improved with increasing concrete and face steel plate thicknesses and with decreasing shear connector spacing. The optimal rise-span ratio was found to be between 0.25 and 0.33. Moreover, to predict the nominal yield strength and the ultimate strength of C-SCS shells, an analytical model was developed, which matched well with the experimental and FE results. This analytical model can be used as a quick method to calculate the resistances of C-SCS shells under concentrated loading by a hemispherical steel hammer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel energy absorption connector with PU foam and multiple pleated plates was proposed. • Energy absorption performance of the connector was experimentally studied. • PU foam filler could significantly improve the energy absorption performance. • Analytical model was proposed to predict the force-displacement response of the connector. In this study, a novel energy absorbing connector with polyurethane (PU) foam and multiple pleated (MP) plates was contrived to dissipate energy, and the energy absorbing response was experimentally, numerically and analytically examined. First, quasi-static loading tests on the connectors were performed, from which the deformation modes, force–displacement curves, and energy absorbing performances (such as specific energy absorption (SEA) and crushing force efficiency (CFE)) were obtained. In addition, a numerical method was adopted to facilitate the evaluation of energy absorbing performance of the connectors. It was found that SEA could be increased by increasing the MP plate thickness, angle between the MP plate and flat plate (θ 0), and filling PU foam. Moreover, the PU foam-filled connector was also found to be superior to the empty connector with regards to higher CFE. Finally, an energy-balance based analytical model was established to forecast the force–displacement response of the proposed connector. The experimental and analytical results were found to be similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low velocity impact performance of curved steel-concrete-steel (CSCS) sandwich shells with bolt connectors subjected to a hemi-spherical head drop hammer was investigated in this paper. Experimental results including impact force history, displacement history and permanent deformation were analyzed to reveal the influences of concrete core and steel plate thickness as well as shear connectors' spacing on the impact performances of CSCS shells. The impact process consisted of three stages, i.e., inertial stage, loading stage and unloading stage. Meanwhile, three failure types were observed from the nine specimens subjected to impact load. They were plastic deformation of steel plate without fracture (Failure type I), fracture of steel plate (Failure type II) and penetration of steel plate (Failure type III). The presence of bolt connectors was proven to be an effective way to prevent the detachment of steel plates from concrete core. Moreover, finite element (FE) method was used to simulate the CSCS shells subjected to impact load. The accuracy of the FE model was verified by comparing the impact load history, displacement history and failure type from FE simulations with test results. It turned out that concrete core was the main part to dissipate impact energy, followed by top steel plate and bottom steel plate. • Nine CSCS sandwich shells subjected to low velocity impact were experimentally conducted. • Failure modes and mechanism of CSCS sandwich shells under impact load were summarized. • Parameters influencing peak impact force and displacements of CSCS sandwich shells were experimentally analyzed. • Finite element model was validated and energy absorption of CSCS sandwich shell was numerically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dynamic crushing responses of polyurethane foam-filled energy absorption connectors with asymmetric pleated plates were studied through drop-weight impact tests and FE simulations, from which three deformation stages were identified according to the formation and rotation of plastic hinges of asymmetric pleated plates. The effects of polyurethane foam filler as well as thickness and geometric parameter k of pleated plate on the energy absorption characteristics of connectors were analyzed quantitatively. The results indicated that filling polyurethane foam and increasing parameter k could result in higher energy absorption and specific energy absorption. In addition, thicker pleated plate could also increase energy absorption and crushing force. The results also showed that filling polyurethane foam and decreasing parameter k could reduce the peak force before densification and thus, improving crush force efficiency. Moreover, a theoretical model, considering strain rate effects of polyurethane foam and steel, was also proposed to predict energy absorption–displacement relationships of the polyurethane foam-filled connectors subjected to impact loading and its correctness was validated by comparing the calculations with experimental results. • The novel energy absorption connector with polyurethane foam and asymmetric pleated plates is proposed. • The energy absorbing connectors were tested under drop-weight impact loading. • The energy absorption performances of the proposed connectors are quantitatively evaluated. • Finite element models were established to simulate the connectors under impact loading. • The analytical model considering strain rate effects of steel and polyurethane foam was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D printing technique has been developed which enables the treatment of osteosarcoma via personalized local chemotherapy. A series of in vivo trials were conducted which closely mimicked real clinical chemotherapeutic conditions. We have shown that 3D printed poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) implants are exceptional carriers for anticancer drugs and can be designed with finely tuned physical morphologies and controllable micropore structures. Their favorable biodegradability, in vitro cytotoxicity, in vitro blood compatibility, in vivo subacute toxicity, and in vivo sensitization tests have confirmed their biocompatibility and pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that local chemotherapy with the assistance of the as-prepared PLLA implant exhibits an anti-osteosarcoma efficacy superior to traditional chemotherapy through a series of in vivo anti-osteosarcoma tests according to clinical protocols. The proposed 3D printed drug delivery system can simultaneously realize individual local chemotherapy, multi-drug delivery, long-term sustainable drug release, and non-reoperation in osteosarcoma treatment. Our studies enable the utilization of the 3D printing technique in the treatment of osteosarcomas and guide future clinical trials. The established techniques and principles can also be adapted to the local chemotherapy of other tumors. Unlabelled Image • 3D printed PLLA drug carriers could realize the possibility of personalized local chemotherapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma. • 3D rapid prototypes suggested that the spherical implant should be more favorable for the anticancer drug delivery. • As a local chemotherapy, this novel 3D printed drug administration system has many other advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-doped carbon microspheres are synthesized from urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins by a direct carbonization method without any surfactants. UF resins provide not only carbon source, but also nitrogen source. The flower-like urea-formaldehyde resins carbon (UFC) has been successfully obtained through adjusting preparation parameters, including mole ratio of urea to formaldehyde, stirring time, reaction time, pH value, curing condition of HCl and heating rate. Flower-like UFC microspheres consist of nanosheets with the thickness of 50 nm. UFC N2 (UF resins carbonized in N 2 atmosphere) possesses a high N element percent of 11.73%, the large specific surface area of 611 m2 g−1 and a large specific capacitance of 276.79 F g−1 at the scan rate of 2 mV s−1. Even at 500 mV s−1, the specific capacitance still maintains 127.50 F g−1. More importantly, UFC N2 exhibits a high capacitance retention of 98.41% after 5000 charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1, indicating its good cycle stability. Synopsis: This study provides a controllable and stabilized flower-like carbon electrode material with large specific surface. Image 1 • The flower-like UFC has been synthesized through adjusting preparation parameters. • UF resins can be used not only as carbon source, but also nitrogen source. • UFC N2 has large specific surface area of 611 m2 g−1. • The specific capacitance of UFC N2 is 276.79 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urea-formaldehyde resins carbon (UFC) and Fe-containing UFC (Fe-UFC) have been prepared by direct carbonization of urea-formaldehyde resins (UF resins) without any surfactants. On this basis, N-doped materials of UFC/MnO 2 and Fe-UFC/MnO 2 composites were successfully synthesized by the situ redox method. UF resins played both roles of carbon source and nitrogen source. The specific surface areas are 265.7 m2·g−1 and 229.4 m2·g−1 for UFC/MnO 2 and Fe-UFC/MnO 2 , respectively. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) were assembled with the prepared catalyst as cathode catalyst, polymer fiber membrane (PFM) as electrolyte film and PtRu/C as anode catalyst. DMFCs and cyclic voltammetry (CV) performance tests indicate that Fe-UFC/MnO 2 -based DMFC displays superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic activity than UFC/MnO 2 owing to Fe-N x existing and a large number of pyridine-N in Fe-UFC/MnO 2. The lone pair electrons of pyridine-N can coordinate with transition metal elements and form Fe-N x groups on Fe-UFC/MnO 2 , which can be used as the electrocatalytic active sites for ORR. On the other hand, the presence of iron on the prepared catalyst can reduce the band gap, facilitate the transfer from MnIII to MnIV, and provide free electrons for adsorbed O 2 or active oxygen species, thus accelerating the conductivity and ORR catalytic efficiency. • UF resins can be used as not only carbon source, but also nitrogen source. • UFC/MnO 2 and Fe-UFC/MnO 2 have large BET surface areas of 265.7 and 229.4 m2·g−1, respectively. • Fe-N x groups on Fe-UFC/MnO 2 surface can act as the electrocatalytic active sites for ORR. • The presence of iron on catalyst can reduce the band gap thus accelerating the ORR catalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel energy absorption connector with PU foam and multiple pleated plates was proposed and two deformation patterns of the connector was observed. • The proposed connector dissipated energy through plastic deformation of multiple plated plates and PU foam compression. • PU foam filler could evidently improve the energy absorption performance in terms of higher EA, SEA and CFE as well as stabilizing the deformation mode. • The developed analytical model considering the transient strain rate effect of steel and PU foam could offer acceptable predictions on the force–displacement responses of the connectors. An innovative energy absorbing connecter with polyurethane (PU) foam and multiple pleated (MP) plates was designed to be placed between blast-resistant façade and structure to absorb blast-related energy along with reducing peak blast pressure transferred to the structure. Since the energy absorbing connector usually experiences impact loading transferred from blast-resistant façade, the deformation modes, force–displacement responses and energy absorbing characteristics of the contrived connectors subjected to impact loading were evaluated via employing drop-weight impact tests and FE simulations. The energy absorption, specific energy absorption as well as crushing force efficiency of the connectors were quantitatively evaluated. The experimental results revealed that filling PU foam could evidently enhance the energy absorbing performance of the connectors via increasing energy absorption, specific energy absorption as well as crushing force efficiency. Besides, increasing angle θ 0 (angle between MP plate and flat plate) and thickness of MP plate also leaded to higher specific energy absorption and absorbed energy. Finally, an energy-balance based analytical model incorporating transient strain rate effects of both steel and PU foam was proposed, which could be employed as a simple alternative to quickly yield the force–displacement relation of the connector. The accuracy of the developed analytical model was also validated with the experimental and finite element results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel polyurethane foam-filled energy absorption connector with advanced geometry to dissipate energy. Quasi-static loading tests of these connectors were first conducted to evaluate failure mechanisms and energy absorption performances. Numerical and analytical models which exhibited results consistent with those of the experiment were developed to predict and conduct an in-depth study of the energy absorption characteristics. The results revealed that most energy absorption parameters could be enhanced by filling polyurethane foam, increasing the armed plate thickness, and decreasing the height from the top of the armed plate to the intersecting point of the two arms. The findings from this work help understand the failure mechanism and energy absorption behaviour of the proposed connectors, and they will promote potential applications of these connectors in terms of dissipating blast or impact energy. • The polyurethane foam-filled connectors were tested under quasi-static loading. • The energy absorption performance of the connector could be improved by filling polyurethane foam. • Numerical model was developed to simulate the response of the connector. • Analytical model was developed to predict the absorbed energy–displacement response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine herpesvirus-8 (EHV-8) is one of the most economically significant viruses that infect mammals of the genus Equus worldwide, which cause severe respiratory diseases and abortion in horses. However, there is no report of abortion caused by EHV-8 in donkeys. Case presentation: The present case report is about a 4-year-old donkey having an abortion and showing a serious respiratory issue on the 296th day of pregnancy. Bacteriological and molecular tests were used to screen possible bacterial/viral pathogens to detect the etiological agent. Salmonella abortus equi, EHV-1, EHV-4, and EAV were all negative in the current study. EHV-8, on the other hand, was the only agent that was isolated and identified. Conclusions: This was for the first time that EHV-8 had been isolated from a donkey in China. EHV-8 infection can cause abortion in donkeys; therefore, veterinarians and breeders should be aware of it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonates possess an immature and plastic immune system, which is a major cause of some diseases in newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe and devastating intestinal disease that typically affects premature infants. However, the development of intestinal immune cells in neonates and their roles in the pathological process of NEC have not been elucidated. Results: We examined the ontogeny of intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes in the early life of mice and found a high percentage of RORγt+ cells (containing inflammatory Th17 and ILC3 populations) during the first week of life. Importantly, the proportion of RORγt+ cells of intestinal lamina propria further increased in both NEC mice and patients tissue than the control. Furthermore, the application of GSK805, a specific antagonist of RORγt, inhibited IL-17A release and ameliorated NEC severity. Conclusions: Our data reveal the high proportion of RORγt+ cells in newborn mice may directly contribute to the development of NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the impact resistance of sandwich panels under low-velocity impact, the lotus leaf vein is selected as a biological prototype to design a bio-inspired honeycomb (BIH) sandwich panel. ABAQUS is used to establish and effectively verify the finite element (FE) model of the BIH sandwich panel. To systematically compare and study the mechanical properties of BIH and conventional hexagonal honeycomb sandwich panels under low-velocity impact, the maximum displacement of face-sheets, the deformation mode, the plastic energy consumption and the dynamic response curve of the impact end are presented. At the same time, the performance differences between them are revealed from the perspective of an energy absorption mechanism. Furthermore, the influence of the circumscribed circle diameter ratio of the BIH trunk to branch (γ), the thickness ratio of the trunk to branch (K) and the impact angle (θ) on impact resistance is studied. Finally, the BIH sandwich panel is further optimized by using the response surface method. It can be concluded that, compared to conventional hexagonal honeycomb sandwich panels, the addition of walls in the BIH sandwich panel reduces the maximum deformation of the rear face-sheet by 10.29% and increases plastic energy consumption by 8.02%. Properly adjusting the structural parameters can effectively enhance the impact resistance of the BIH sandwich panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PCV3 is a pathogen associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS)-like clinical signs, reproductive failure, and cardiac and multiorgan inflammation, which was newly identified in 2016 in sows in USA. Recently, PCV3 has also been identified from several non-porcine species like (cattle, dog, wild boar, deer, mice and ticks). However, PCV3 infection in donkey is not well established. Since 2019, 300 blood samples were collected from female donkey, which was characterized by abortion and sterility, in Liaocheng city of China. Results: In the present study, an investigation of PCV3 in donkey blood samples was undertaken employing by real time PCR. Positive rates of PCV3 in donkeys reach to 21.0 %. In addition, one full-length PCV3 genome sequence was obtained, and it had a highest identity with porcine circovirus 3 PCV3/CN/Nanjing2017 strain and is clustered to PCV3a genotype based on ORF2 sequences. Conclusions: This is the first report of detection of PCV3 from female donkeys presenting reproductive failure in large-scale donkey farms, China. In addition, the PCV3 strain identified in this study shared the closest relationship with those from porcine, suggesting that PCV3 may be transmitted from pigs to donkeys. Totally, PCV3 infection in donkey should be concerned although the association between it and reproductive failure are not better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six novel carbazolyl double benzylidene ketones derivatives (CZs) with different electronic effect substituents distributed at the terminal and side positions of π-conjugated structures were designed and synthesized. As Norrish II photoinitiators, combined with MDEA, significant double bond conversions along with photobleaching and deep curing abilities of acrylates were achieved under visible light LEDs excitation. In addition, structurally stable 3D microarchitectures were rapidly constructed by two-photon polymerization under 780 nm fs laser. [Display omitted] • Novel N-carbazolyl double benzylidene ketones derivatives (CZs) were designed and synthesized. • CZs have substituents both on terminal and side positions of π-conjugated structures. • CZs shows excellent photoinitiating abilities in free radical polymerization under 405–475 nm LEDs irradiation. • Introduction of electron withdrawing F atom on side position endows impressive photobleaching properties and deep curing abilities. • Two-photon lithography of CZs in PETA exhibited considerable applications in 3D microfabrication technologies. Developing high-performance photoinitiation systems with high sensitivity is of great significance in one/two-photon polymerization. Especially, photoinitiators with rapid photobleaching effects, deep curing abilities and potential for two-photon lithography have great commercial prospects. However, such photoinitiators often require complex organic synthesis, thus having relatively limited varieties. Double benzylidene ketone is widely used as a high-performance dye and can be constructed through a one-step classical aldol condensation reaction. The optimization of its structure often involves introducing extended conjugated structures or different terminal substituents. However, the synergistic impacts of side substituents with different electron effects are rarely studied. Here, six novel carbazolyl double benzylidene ketones with tert -butyl on the terminal position and F atom or N , N -dimethylamino groups substituted at the side position on conjugated structures are designed and prepared to explore the structure–activity relationships. Notably, results show that introducing electron-donating groups at both positions can effectively induce a redshift in the absorption spectra of molecules, and the introduction of an electron-withdrawing F atom on the side position induces impressive photobleaching during photopolymerization under visible LED irradiation. Moreover, CZs/MDEA with PETA exhibit fast writing speed and excellent nano-patterning capability under 780 nm laser in two-photon polymerization (TPP) and have potential applications in 3D microfabrication technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Continuous, underwater superelastic, durable PNAs with rime-mimetic structure was fabricated. • PNAs exhibit ultrahigh POP loading of 83 wt%, resulting in efficient uptake of micropollutants. • Well-designed interfacial interactions contribute to the stability and elasticity of PNAs. • HSP theory is adopted to guide the selection of the optimal elution solvent. Developing nanofibrous aerogels with high surface area, nanoscale porosity, and robust underwater stability has been considered as one of the most promising strategies for designing the next-generation of high-efficiency extraction media, yet still facing great challenges. Herein, we report a size rearrangement of porous organic polymers (POPs) into superelastic rime-mimetic structured aerogels based on bacterial cellulose nanofibers (BCNs)-assisted interfacial engineering strategy. This strategy facilitates micro-interlocking between POP and BCN, significantly enhancing the attaching strength of POP particles at the POP/BCN interface. Thus, the optimized aerogels (PNAs) exhibit excellent underwater elasticity and compression fatigue resistance (∼0% plastic deformation after 500 compression cycles), as well as high BET surface area (305.44 m2/g) and hierarchical porosity (containing micro/meso/macropores), mainly due to the ultrahigh loading of POP particles (83.33 wt%). Given the possession of the abovementioned features and the careful selection of elution solvents guided by Hansen solubility parameter theory, PNAs exhibit a superior micropollutant adsorption capability (∼250 mg/g) and elution efficiency (concentrate sample volume by 50 times). The successful preparation of such material could inspire the development of next-generation hierarchically porous nanofibrous aerogel-based extraction media for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The pathological features of inflammatory pain are briefly described. • Optogenetics is an emerging tool for studying pain. • The fundamentals of optogenetics are considered. • The application s of optogenetic neuromodulation in inflammatory pain is summarized. Inflammatory pain is one of the most prevalent forms of pain and negatively influences the quality of life. Neuromodulation has been an expanding field of pain medicine and is accepted by patients who have failed to respond to several conservative treatments. Despite its effectiveness, neuromodulation still lacks clinically robust evidence on inflammatory pain management. Optogenetics, which controls particular neurons or brain circuits with high spatiotemporal accuracy, has recently been an emerging area for inflammatory pain management and studying its mechanism. This review considers the fundamentals of optogenetics, including using opsins, targeting gene expression, and wavelength-specific light delivery techniques. The recent evidence on application and development of optogenetic neuromodulation in inflammatory pain is also summarised. The current limitations and challenges restricting the progression and clinical transformation of optogenetics in pain are addressed. Optogenetic neuromodulation in inflammatory pain has many potential targets, and developing strategies enabling clinical application is a desirable therapeutic approach and outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protocatechuic acid (PCA) has a protective effect on alcoholic liver injury, but the role of PCA in type 2 diabetes-induced liver injury is not well known. This study explores the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of PCA on type 2 diabetes-induced liver injury. An insulin resistance/type 2 diabetic (IR/D) model was established by high-fat diet for 4 weeks + streptozotocin (35 mg/kg; i.p) in male Wistar rats pretreated with or without PCA (15 or 30 mg/kg for 6 d). PCA at 15 and 30 mg/kg significantly upregulated the levels of body weight (BW; 230.2, 257.8 g), high density lipids (22.68, 34.78 mg/dL), glutathione (10.24, 16.21 nmol/mg), superoxide dismutase (21.62, 29.34 U/mg), glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose transporter-4, Wnt1, and β-catenin, while downregulating those of liver weight (LW; 9.4, 6.7 g), BW/LW (4.1, 2.6%), serum glucose (165, 120 mg/dL), serum insulin (13.46, 8.67 μIU/mL), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (5.48, 2.57), total cholesterol (68.52, 54.31 mg/dL), triglycerides (72.15, 59.64 mg/dL), low density lipids (42.18, 30.71), aspartate aminotransferase (54.34 and 38.68 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (42.87, 29.98 U/L), alkaline phosphatase (210.16, 126.47 U/L), malondialdehyde (16.52, 10.35), pro-inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α (149.67, 120.33 pg/mg)) , IL-6 (89.79, 73.69 pg/mg) and IL-1β (49.67, 38.73 pg/mg)), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1β, and ameliorated the abnormal pathological changes in IR/D rats. PCA mitigates the IR, lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in liver tissues of IR/D rats by modulating the NF-κB and Wnt1/β-catenin pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that individual difference plays an important role in the object-based cueing effect observed in experiments on attentional selection. A wide range of studies have also used the theory of cognitive style to explain individual strategies in most cognitive processes. However, the characteristics of individuals that modulate object-based attentional selection are still unclear. To investigate the modulation of object-based attention by cognitive style, this study used a classic two-rectangle paradigm and compared space-based effects and object-based effects for individuals who had been preselected as wholists or analysts in terms of cognitive style. The results revealed that a space-based effect was obtained for both wholist and analytic individuals. However, an object-based effect was obtained only for analysts and not wholists, regardless of object orientation. The results further indicated that a wholist versus analytic cognitive style can modulate object-based attention by way of perceptual grouping. Our study provides the first evidence that object-based attention can indeed be influenced by individual characteristics and extends traditional model of cognitive style by indicating that wholist individuals tend to group two or more objects in a scene into one larger gestalt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: During voyages, seafarers experience psychological problems that act to decrease operational safety. Psychological problems in seafarers can lead to changes in functional brain networks. This study investigated the low-frequency brain effective connectivity (EC) in seafarers during voyages by using the coupling strength (CS) of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) imaging. Approach: This study recruited 15 seafarers (seafarer group) working on a container ship and 15 healthy age-matched controls (control group). The EC was assessed using dynamic Bayesian inference (DBI) of the oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (delta HbO2) as measured through a 14-channel fNIRS system. These channels covered the left and right prefrontal cortices (LPFC/RPFC), left and right motor cortices (LMC/RMC), and left and right occipital lobes (LOL/ROL). Main results: The EC levels of LPFC to RMC (F = 4.239, p = 0.049), LPFC to ROL (F = 5.385, p = 0.028), LOL to RPFC (F = 11.128, p = 0.002), ROL to RPFC (F = 10.714, p = 0.003) and LMC to ROL (F= 6.136, p = 0.02) were significantly lower in the seafarer group than in the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores were positively correlated with the systolic blood pressure (SBP) values, delta HbO2 values and EC levels, respectively. Meanwhile, the correlation analysis revealed that the SBP values significantly positively correlated with the CS values. Significance: Decreased EC levels may be a marker of psychological subhealth in seafarers. The approach combines fNIRS and PHQ-9 scores, providing a quantitative method for the assessment of mental health problems and further help with better rehabilitation designs in seafarers during voyages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unconscious inhibition has generally been perceived to be dependent on stimulus–response (S-R) associations. Some research has shown that the inhibition related to strong associations increases with response latency to the target. Although this finding suggests that the inhibitory process may need time to unfold, its exact internal temporal dynamic remains to be elucidated. This study examined the role of spontaneous reaction time (RT) fluctuations on sensorimotor processes using letters (Experiments 1 and 2) and faces (Experiment 3), which are more ubiquitous in our environment and do not contain strong associations as stimuli in fixed and free-choice tasks. The results averaged across trials showed that there was no negative compatibility effect in either fixed or free-choice tasks. However, when trials were classified by their response latency, the results indicated that compatibility effects decreased and became negative with longer RTs in the fixed task. These results suggest that the internal temporal dynamic of unconscious inhibitory mechanisms related to fixed responses remains effective for stimuli that do not contain strong S-R associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Astragaloside IV has shown its promising effect on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Objectives: We aim to explore whether astragaloside IV is effective for ARDS treatment in a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced cell model and whether autophagy is involved in the therapeutic function of astragaloside IV. Methods: MLE-12 cells were induced by LPS to construct an ARDS model in vitro. Cell viability was estimated by cell counting kit-8 and cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, Beclin-1 and autophagy-related (atg) 5 mRNA was evaluated by quantitative PCR, and the expression of ZO-1, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) I and, LC3B II protein by Western blot. Results: LPS effectively inhibited cell viability and LC3B I expression and enhanced LC3B II, Beclin-1 and atg5 expressions in MLE-12 cells. In LPS-induced ARDS cell model, astragaloside IV up-regulated cell viability, SOD activity and ZO-1 and LC3B I expressions but down-regulated cell apoptosis, TNF-α, IL-6, LC3B II, Beclin-1 and atg5 expressions and LDH and MDA levels. 3-methyladenine promoted cell viability and ZO-1 expression, down-regulated Beclin-1 and atg5 expression, while Rapamycin (Rap) had an opposite effect. Astragaloside IV suppressed cell viability and ZO-1 expression after the Rap treatment. Conclusions: Astragaloside IV might suppress autophagy initiation directly or indirectly through suppressing the oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which further enhances the cell viability and tight junction and reduces apoptosis in LPS-stimulated pulmonary endothelial ARDS cell model, thus exerting its therapeutic function in ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alloy phosphides as one of the most prospect materials are used in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) because of their adjustable composition, electronic structure and optimized activation energy for the electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, amorphous quaternary alloy phosphide NiCoFeP@NiCoP/NF with pagoda-like hierarchical nanoarrays structure grown on Ni foam is synthesized. The synergy effect between alloy components, the superior hierarchical nanoarrays structure and superaerophobic characteristic enables NiCoFeP@NiCoP/NF to be a pH-Universal electrocatalyst with high electrocatalytic performance toward HER and simulated seawater. To achieve 10 mA cm−2, this catalyst just required overpotential of 77, 136 and 184 mV in alkaline, acidic and neutral aqueous solution. The NiCo 2 O 4 @Ni [Fe (CN) 6 ]/NF has stable HER performance (over 10 h) and a Faradic efficiency of 90.5% in simulated seawater. This work is expected to open up a new road for the construction of amorphous alloy phosphides with hierarchical nanoarrays structure for energy storage and conversion. Unlabelled Image • An amorphous quaternary alloy phosphide hierarchical nanoarrays(NiCoFeP@NiCoP/NF) was synthesized. • NiCoFeP@NiCoP/NF show superior pH-universal HER performance (pH = 0-14). • It also displayed remarkable HER activity and stability in simulated seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-carbonation can be a solution to the incompatibility of calcium carbide slag with cement. • The generation of CaCO 3 through the carbonation of calcium carbide slag refined the pore structure of mortars. • The carbonation process of calcium carbide slag was characterized. • Calcium carbide slag can be a good CO 2 absorbent. To promote the utilization of high-calcium and high-alkali calcium carbide slag (CCS) in the construction industry, a pre-carbonation method has been employed to convert Ca(OH) 2 in CCS to CaCO 3 to improve the compatibility of CCS with cement. The study investigated the effects of different carbonation durations (10 min, 20 min, and 30 min) on the performance of CCS mortars. Results showed that 30 min carbonation duration for CCS achieved a 24.83% CO 2 uptake and converted 92.2% of Ca(OH) 2 to CaCO 3 , thereby reducing the pH of the CCS suspension from 12.5 to 11.4. Moreover, the carbonation process generated CaCO 3 , which acted as seed and filling effects, accelerating, and promoting the hydration of the mortar. This led to an optimized pore distribution and a denser microstructure at 28d. The mortar with carbonated CCS for 20 min demonstrated the highest compressive strength, exhibiting an enhancement of 0.8% to 41.4% at 3d, 7d, and 28d compared to un-carbonated CCS mortar. These experimental findings provide a sustainable and efficient solution for the consumption of CCS in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) is an attractive drug target for some autoimmune diseases owing to its roles in the differentiation of human T helper 17 (Th17) cells which produce pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17. RORγt agonists and inverse agonists are classically targeted to the hydrophobic and highly conserved orthosteric binding pocket of RORγt ligand binding domain (LBD). Although successful, this approach also brings some challenges, including off-target effects due to lack of selectivity over other nuclear receptors (NRs). Allosteric regulation of RORγt by synthetic small molecules has recently emerged as novel research interests for its interesting modes of action (MOA), satisfying bioactivity profile and improved selectivity. In this review, we delineated the discovery and identification of the allosteric pocket of RORγt. Subsequently, we focused on examples of small molecules that allosterically inhibit RORγt, with a central attention on structural-activity-relationship (SAR) information, biological activity, pharmacokinetic (PK) property, and the ligand binding mode of these compounds. We also discussed the potential role of RORγt allosteric inverse agonists as small molecule therapeutics for autoimmune diseases. [Display omitted] • RORγt is an attractive drug target for several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. • Discovery and identification of the allosteric pocket of RORγt were delineated. • Small molecules with different structures that allosterically inhibit RORγt were summarized. • The potential roles of RORγt allosteric inhibitors as small molecule therapeutics for autoimmune diseases were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Vortex-related data using continuous observations at Kelameili Station in the Gurbantunggut Desert. • The correlation analysis of NEE, GPP, Reco and various environmental factors was carried out. • Assess the carbon sequestration capacity of China's second largest desert and largest fixed semi-fixed desert (Gurbantunggut Desert). • The comparison of carbon source/sink functions in different terrestrial ecosystems provides a reference. • a new direction for finding "carbon failures". Although previous studies have illustrated the variation of CO 2 fluxes in different terrestrial ecosystems, more needs to be reported on desert ecosystems. This study, based on the eddy covariance (EC) measurements data over the Gurbantunggut Desert, analyzed the controlling factors and variations of net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross primary production (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco) during the growing season (April-September2021) in Gurbantunggut Desert. The results were as follows: 1) Carbon fluxes in the Gurbantunggut Desert had prominent daily and seasonal variations during the growing season. On the daily scale, it showed a net uptake during the day and a net release at night, and the monthly average daily change curve of NEE was "U" shaped; on the seasonal scale, carbon uptake was observed in all months, with a peak of −37.76 gC m−2 month−1 in May. 2)The cumulative amounts of NEE, GPP, and Reco in the Gurbantunggut Desert were −193.74, 235.43, and 41.69 g C m−2, respectively, throughout the growing season, showing carbon sinks. 3) Correlation analysis with environmental factors revealed that NEE, GPP, and Reco of desert ecosystems were highly significantly correlated with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at different time scales (p < 0.01). Second, at the half-hourly scale, all environmental factors showed vital significance, with a high correlation with air temperature (Tair) and soil temperature (Tsoil); at the monthly scale, they were significantly correlated with Precipitation (p < 0.05). 4) Photosynthetically active radiation is the dominant factor affecting the daily net ecosystem carbon exchange rate. The two are consistent with the rectangle hyperbola model where the daily net ecosystem carbon exchange rate decreases with increasing photosynthetically active radiation. The results indicate that carbon fluxes in the growing season of the Gurbantunggut Desert ecosystem are more sensitive to the response of photosynthetically active radiation. The results have significant reference value for further understanding and research in predicting the source-sink function and influence mechanism of desert ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Habitat filtering is the dominant mechanism for building plant communities in the Gurbantunggut Desert. • Plant communities of different life types in the same habitat have different construction mechanisms. • The mechanism of community construction on different slopes is mainly influenced by short-lived plants. • Soil factors indirectly influence community phylogenetic diversity by affecting species richness. Analysis of the phylogenetic structure of a community based on the phylogenetic relationships among species in the community can reflect the ecological process of community composition and determine the mechanism of plant community construction. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of the phylogenetic structure and diversity of plant communities in the Gurbantunggut Desert and their interactions with soil factors and explored the mechanisms of species maintenance in the communities. The results showed that the ecological traits of plants were conserved, habitat filtering was the primary process affecting plant communities, and the diversity of phylogeny was ranked as fixed dunes > semifixed dunes > mobile dunes. At different slope positions within the dune, there is greater phylogenetic diversity at the bottom and lower slope, and habitat filtering dominates community construction, with the dominant role of habitat filtering in the community diminishing as the slope position rises. The phylogenetic diversity of plant communities of different life types is ranked as short-lived plants > small trees and shrubs > annual and perennial herbs. On the bottom and lower slopes, short-lived plants and annual and perennial herbaceous communities are mainly influenced by habitat filtering. Habitat filterability decreased with increasing slope position. On the upper slopes and at the top, competitive exclusion effects between small trees and shrubs dominated. Our analysis shows that soil water content and organic carbon affect phylogenetic diversity mainly by influencing community species richness and that the interaction between soil water content, grain size and plant diversity leads to clustering of species with similar soil preferences, which in turn affects the phylogenetic structure of the community. In addition, the change from habitat filtering to intraspecific competition in plant community construction from the bottom to the top of the slope is mainly influenced by short-lived plant communities, and this type of plant needs to be given priority consideration in the conservation and restoration of desert plant communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre‐intercalating ions between VO layers is considered to be an effective strategy to modulate the interlayer spacing of 2D vanadium oxides. However, the rigid pre‐intercalated ions hardly keep stable during repeated charging/discharging process and their sizes limit the extent of interlayer spacing expansion, which inevitably lead to poor rate capability and cycle stability. In this work, aliphatic diamines are adopted as pre‐intercalated guests to elastically modulate the interlayer spacing of VO layers by tuning the chain length of the organic diamine molecules. Benefiting from the strong interaction between the terminal doubly protonated amine and the polar negative oxygen bridge of the VO layers, the aliphatic diamine molecules can act as a structural stabilizer between the layers and boost fast Na ion diffusion (10−8 to 10−10 cm2 s−1). The sodium ion battery based on the first synthesized 1,6‐hexanediamine pre‐intercalated vanadium oxide supported on nickel foam hybrid cathode achieves a large specific capacity of 597 mAh g−1 at 0.09 A g−1, as well as superior rate performance and cycling stability. This work provides a strategy to elastically modulate 2D layered materials with tunable interlayer spacing for batteries based on large‐size‐ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Grasslands are facing the threat of climate change and intensive land use. Soil respiration (Rs) in grassland ecosystems can be potentially altered by changes in precipitation and land use. We aimed to quantify the impact of changes in precipitation and common land use practices in an Inner Mongolia grassland, i.e., mowing and grazing, on soil respiration. Methods: We performed an in situ experiment with altered precipitation (+ 50%, ambient, and -50%) and land use (control or fencing, mowing, and grazing) to explore their impacts on soil respiration and its autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) components. Results: Altered precipitation had stronger impacts on abiotic and biotic drivers than land use, leading to stronger impacts on Rs and its components. Over the 3-year experiment, Rs, Ra and Rh decreased by 36%, 42% and 33% with reduced precipitation and increased by 29%, 36% and 25% with increased precipitation, respectively. Grazing and mowing caused relatively small decreases in Rs compared to fencing (generally < 10%). However, precipitation and land use interactively impacted abiotic and biotic drivers and thus Rs. The decrease in Rs with reduced precipitation was greater with grazing (38%) and mowing (37%) than with fencing (32%). Conclusions: Rs and its components may decrease under the projected decrease in precipitation and may further decrease with grazing and mowing compared to fencing. Therefore, land use should be considered when predicting grassland carbon cycling in response to future precipitation changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Others' gaze direction and traffic arrow signal lights play significant roles in guiding observers' attention in daily life. Previous studies have shown that gaze and arrow cues can direct attention to the cued location. However, it is ambiguous where gaze and arrow cues guide attention: the cued location or a broader cued region. Therefore, the present study adopted a primary cue-target task and manipulated possible target locations to explore this issue. The results revealed that due to the different physical characteristics of non-predictive gaze and arrow cues, physically unfocused-pointing gaze cues guided attention to a broader cued region, whereas focused-pointing arrow cues guided attention to the exact cued location. Furthermore, gaze cues could also direct attention to the exact cued location when observers' attention was focused in a top-down manner (with highly predictive probability). These findings suggest that where gaze and arrow cues direct attention depends on whether observers' attention is focused by the cues, either in a bottom-up or top-down manner. Accordingly, a preliminary framework called the "Focused-Diffused Attentional Orienting Model" is proposed to explain how gaze and arrow cues direct humans' attention. The present study enhances our understanding of human attentional orienting systems from a behavioral perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs), first identified in HIV a few decades ago, deserved great attention in the last two decades; especially to support the penetration of anticancer drug means. In the drug delivery discipline, they have been involved in various approaches from mixing with hydrophobic drugs to the use of genetically conjugated proteins. The early classification as cationic and amphipathic CPPs has been extended to a few more classes such as hydrophobic and cyclic CPPs so far. Developing potential sequences utilized almost all methods of modern science: choosing high‐efficiency peptides from natural protein sequences, sequence‐based comparison, amino acid substitution, obtaining chemical and/or genetic conjugations, in silico approaches, in vitro analysis, animal experiments, etc. The bottleneck effect in this discipline reveals the complications that modern science faces in drug delivery research. Most CPP‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) efficiently inhibited tumor volume and weight in mice, but only in rare cases reduced their levels and continued further processes. The integration of chemical synthesis into the development of CPPs made a significant contribution and even reached the clinical stage as a diagnostic tool. But constrained efforts still face serious problems in overcoming biobarriers to reach further achievements. In this work, we reviewed the roles of CPPs in anticancer drug delivery, focusing on their amino acid composition and sequences. As the most suitable point, we relied on significant changes in tumor volume in mice resulting from CPPs. We provide a review of individual CPPs and/or their derivatives in a separate subsection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroencephalography (EEG) is widely used for monitoring the depth of anesthesia in surgical patients. Distinguishing age-related EEG features under general anesthesia will help to optimize anesthetic depth monitoring during surgery for elderly patients. This retrospective cohort study included 41 patients aged from 18 to 79 years undergoing noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia. We compared the power spectral signatures and phase–amplitude coupling patterns of the young and elderly groups under baseline and surgical anesthetic depth. General anesthesia by sevoflurane significantly increased the spectral power of delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands and strengthened the cross-frequency coupling both in young and elderly patients. However, the variation in EEG power spectral density and the modulation of alpha amplitudes on delta phases was relatively weaker in elderly patients. In conclusion, the EEG under general anesthesia using sevoflurane exhibited similar dynamic features between young and elderly patients, and the weakened alteration of spectral power and cross-frequency coupling patterns could be utilized to precisely quantify the depth of anesthesia in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe‐based amorphous ribbons with the brand name 1K101 can adsorb methylene blue (MB) solution. The adsorption reaction is multilayer adsorption, in which chemical adsorption plays a major role. There are also some processes like physical adsorption, liquid phase diffusion, and internal diffusion of particles. The adsorption reaction is exothermic and spontaneous, which is more favorable at low temperatures. During the adsorption process, the entropy value decreases, the degree of disorder and freedom of the solution decreases, and the structure also changes. What's more, H2O2, pH, ribbons's dosage, dye's concentration, and temperature affect the degradation performance of 1K101 on MB. Degradation reactions are mainly controlled by surface chemical reactions, including chemical reduction reactions and adsorption. When c(H2O2) is 15 mm, pH is 2, ribbons' dosage is 0.9 g, c(MB) is 20 mg L−1, temperature is 338 K, the degradation effect is the best. The optimal conditions with lowest overall cost obtained under the orthogonal experiment are: c(H2O2) = 20 mm, pH = 2, ribbons's dosage = 0.7 g, c(MB) = 20 mg L−1, and T = 338 K. Overall, 1K101 amorphous ribbon can be utilized to treat MB solution, and its degradation effect is better than adsorption effect, which can provide new ideas for the reuse of waste amorphous ribbon and the treatment of azo dye wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Shear failure mechanisms of SCS sandwich beams are explored. • Structural behaviours of SCS sandwich beams are simulated by finite element models. • Parametric studies on failure mechanisms of SCS sandwich beams are investigated. • Theoretical analysis of SCS sandwich beams is carried out considering bond-slip. Abstract The steel-concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich structure has been proposed for containment buildings in third-generation nuclear power plants. In this paper, 27 static tests on SCS sandwich beams (by the authors and others) are adopted serially to summarize the failure modes and explore the failure mechanisms of SCS sandwich beams with different bond-slip conditions between the steel plate and concrete. Further, a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model is developed to simulate the ultimate strength of SCS sandwich beams under different failure modes. The accuracy of the developed FE model in predicting ultimate strength, cracking behaviours and bond-slip behaviours is verified by static tests. Based on the validated FE model, 65 numerical cases are calculated to investigate the effects of analytical parameters on the failure mechanism and ultimate strength of SCS sandwich beams under different bond-slip conditions. The analytical parameters include the steel plate ratio, shear span to depth ratio, spacing of shear studs and shear reinforcement ratio. In addition, theoretical models are proposed to predict the ultimate strength of SCS sandwich beams under different bond-slip conditions. The accuracy of the theoretical model is verified by comparison with current design codes for SCS sandwich beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the aluminum alloy building structure is at risk of the accidental impact loadings, which seriously threatens the personal security and the safety of the property. However, the existing research on the local lateral impact performance of the aluminum foam-filled tube applied to building structures is limited. In this study, impact tests on 9 aluminum foam-filled tubes with fixed boundaries were conducted by using a drop hammer impact test device to investigate the dynamic performance of the foam-filled tube under local lateral low-velocity impact loadings. The failure modes, impact force histories, displacement histories, and permanent deformation of the foam-filled tubes were obtained and compared with those of the empty tubes under the same impact loading. The finite element (FE) model was also established via the software ANSYS/LS-dyna and the accuracy of the FE method was verified against impact test results. Based on the experimental and numerical results, the aluminum foam-filled aluminum tube shows better lateral impact resistant performance than the empty tube due to the support effect of the aluminum foam on the tube wall by good energy absorption and deformation characteristics. Especially, filling the aluminum foam prevents the generation of cracks for the composite tube near the impact position when the impact energy is high. The influence law of the aluminum foam filler and its density, shape of hammer head on the lateral impact resistant performance of the aluminum foam-filled composite tube was then investigated based on the experimental and numerical results by consideration of the damage level, energy absorption, impact force–lateral displacement relationship, and permanent deformation. By filling the aluminum foam into the empty tube, the energy absorption is improved by up to 67.2% and 44.9%, respectively, when the hammer displacement reaches 20 mm and 40 mm within the impact load condition conducted in this study. • Local lateral impact behavior on fully clamped AL foam-filled tube is studied. • AL foam filler improves the impact resistance and energy absorption capacity. • The interaction between AL foam and tube wall decreases deformation degree of tube. • Both depth and length of the local deformation region are reduced after filling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel hyperbranched polymers that contained cationic polymerizable groups both on and around the hyperbranched framework were designed and synthesized as macromers. The hyperbranched macromers can polymerize from both inside and outside, resulting in a denser and more uniform structure of the cross-linked network, thus improving the performance of the photocured coatings. [Display omitted] • A series of hyperbranched polymers containing oxetane groups on and around the hyperbranched framework were designed and synthesized. • The newly synthesized hyperbranched polymers, as a new type of macromer, have excellent photopolymerization performance. • The addition of hyperbranched macromers allows the UV curing to form a more compact crosslinked structure. • The optimized macromer has good performance and application prospects in the UV curing coatings. On the basis of aliphatic nucleophilic substitution polycondensation reactions, a series of hyperbranched macromers that contained cationic polymerizable groups, e.g., oxetane, internally and peripherally, was prepared using 3,3-dibromomethyl-1-oxetane and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as A 2 and CB 2 monomers, respectively. The structures of these macromers were confirmed via proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and gel permeation chromatography analyses. The effect of the hyperbranched macromers on the ultraviolet (UV) curing of commercial resin was investigated via photo-differential scanning calorimetry and rheological experiments. The addition of hyperbranched macromers substantially improves the performance of the coating, such as its mechanical properties, pencil hardness, adhesive force, and thermogravimetric stability. It is superior to the addition of small molecule monomers, linear macromers, and hyperbranched macromers with oxetane only at the periphery under the same conditions. The best overall performance of the coating is achieved when the molar ratio of A 2 to CB 2 is 1.4. Results show that because hyperbranched internal units can also participate in crosslinking during the curing process, such macromers may be good candidates for high-performance UV curing coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a new electrolytic water hydrogen production coupling system is the key to realize efficient and low‐cost hydrogen production and promote its practical application. Herein, a green and efficient electrocatalytic biomass to formic acid (FA) coupled hydrogen production system has been developed. In such a system, carbohydrates such as glucose are oxidized to FA using polyoxometalates (POMs) as the redox anolyte, while H2 is evolved continuously at the cathode. Among them, the yield of glucose to FA is as high as 62.5 %, and FA is the only liquid product. Furthermore, the system requires only 1.22 V to drive a current density of 50 mA cm−2, and the Faraday efficiency of hydrogen production is close to 100 %. Its electrical consumption is only 2.9 kWh Nm−3 (H2), which is only 69 % of that of traditional electrolytic water. This work opens up a promising direction for low‐cost hydrogen production coupled with efficient biomass conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a new electrolytic water hydrogen production coupling system is the key to realize efficient and low‐cost hydrogen production and promote its practical application. Herein, a green and efficient electrocatalytic biomass to formic acid (FA) coupled hydrogen production system has been developed. In such a system, carbohydrates such as glucose are oxidized to FA using polyoxometalates (POMs) as the redox anolyte, while H2 is evolved continuously at the cathode. Among them, the yield of glucose to FA is as high as 62.5 %, and FA is the only liquid product. Furthermore, the system requires only 1.22 V to drive a current density of 50 mA cm−2, and the Faraday efficiency of hydrogen production is close to 100 %. Its electrical consumption is only 2.9 kWh Nm−3 (H2), which is only 69 % of that of traditional electrolytic water. This work opens up a promising direction for low‐cost hydrogen production coupled with efficient biomass conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem services (ESs) are important for supporting human development. However, a changing climate and anthropogenic impacts are resulting in the degradation of dryland ecosystems to varying degrees. While there has been the global implementation of Ecological Restoration Programs (ERPs) to restore degraded ecosystems, there remains limited comprehensive assessment of their impacts on ESs of drylands. In this study, the sandy areas of northern China were used as the study area. The RUSLE, RWEQ, CASA, and InVEST models were used to simulate four major ESs: soil conservation (SC), sand fixation (SF), carbon sequestration (CS), and water yield (WY). The study aimed to evaluate the influences of various ERPs on major ESs. The dominant factors affecting the overall benefits provided by ESs were also identified. Since ERPs were implemented, forest areas have increased by 2.8 × 104 km2, whereas the areas of cropland, shrubland, and grassland have decreased. There were generally increasing trends in SF, SC, and CS, whereas there was a decreasing trend in WY. We then used a scenario-based simulation approach to eliminate the influence of climate variability on ESs. The results showed increasing trends in SF, SC, and CS, whereas there were minimal changes in WY. The results suggested that although ERPs can significantly increase regional ESs, unregulated expansion in vegetation can result in a water crisis and affect regional water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study adopted a primed target grasping-categorization task and selected pictures of animals as target stimuli to investigate whether motor inhibition influences the motor interference effect of dangerous animals. The results identified more positive P2 and P3 amplitudes accompanied by larger delta event-related synchronization in the dangerous condition than in the neutral condition, suggesting that compared to neutral animal targets, dangerous animal targets attracted increased attentional resources in early processing and that subjects recruited more cognitive resources to process dangerous animal targets than neutral animal targets. Moreover, the results identified larger theta event-related synchronization (reflecting motor inhibition) in the dangerous condition than in the neutral condition. Thus, the results suggested that prepared motor responses were inhibited to avoid touching dangerous animal targets in the current task, supporting that motor inhibition influences the motor interference effect of dangerous animals based on a primed target grasping-categorization task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether the Object-based Correspondence Effect caused by task-irrelevant handles of graspable objects is attributed to the spatial-based or motor-based accounts, or both, has been controversial thus far. In this study, we investigated this question from the time dynamic perspective with the modified stimulus-response (S-R) compatibility paradigm. Specifically, we used three different types of objects in three behavioral experiments: objects with a handle, symmetrical objects, and objects with unilateral protrusion. The objects were broken or remained intact at three different time points (i.e., 50 ms, 150 ms, and 250 ms). The results showed that the object with an intact handle had the correspondence effect at 150 ms, while the correspondence effect disappeared when the handle was broken (Experiment 1). However, no similar pattern was found for symmetric objects (Experiment 2) and objects with unilateral protrusion (Experiment 3). Meanwhile, similar compatibility effects were found in all three experiments when the breakage occurred at 50 ms, which suggests that spatial-based, attention-related factors play a key role in early visual information representation. Our findings suggest that both early spatial-based and later motor-based mechanisms are necessary for the object-based correspondence effect, corroborating the development of visual information representation over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased the past few decades, the most frequent type has been identified to be the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Following thyroidectomy, radioiodine ablation treatment on PTC is routinely performed. However, many patients do not benefit from radioiodine therapy. Therefore, novel targeted therapies to suppress tumor growth and improve radioiodine uptake are required. La ribonucleoprotein domain family member (LARP)7 is a member of the LARP family and functions as a potential suppressor of the progression of carcinoma. In the present study, the expression status of LARP7 in PTC tissues and cell lines was investigated, and the cell viability, proliferation and apoptotic rate, radioiodine uptake ability of PTC cells with overexpression of LARP7 in vitro was determined. Expression levels of LARP7 were significantly downregulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of LARP7 inhibited the proliferation and increased the radioiodine uptake ability of PTC cells in vitro and inhibited the tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, LARP7 overexpression inhibited the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway and increased sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression. However, treatment with recombinant human SHH partially reduced radioiodine uptake ability and NIS expression induced by LARP7. In conclusion, LARP7 may act as a tumor suppressor in PTC by inhibiting the SHH signaling pathway and may be a promising therapeutic target in patients with PTC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new benzo[ d ]oxazole- and benzo[ d ]thiazole-fused β-ketoiminate boron complexes ( BF 2 -TBO and BF 2 -TBT ) modified by tetraphenylbutadiene have been designed and successfully prepared, and their intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT), aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties were investigated. The results showed that the two D-π-A type compounds exhibited typical ICT emission, evident AIE characteristics (α AIE = 89 and 33, respectively), and high state emission intensity (up to 0.445 and 0.367, respectively). More importantly, BF 2 -TBO and BF 2 -TBT showed the reversible MFC behavior with their emitting colors changing from yellowish green (located at 528 and 530 nm) to yellow and orange (located at 552 and 572 nm) upon grinding, respectively, with red-shifts of 24 and 42 nm were obtained. The X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed that the MFC properties of BF 2 -TBO and BF 2 -TBT should be derived from a phase transition between crystalline and amorphous states. It was noticed that benzo[ d ]thiazole-fused BF 2 -TBT showed more contrasting MFC behavior relative to benzo[ d ]oxazole-fused BF 2 -TBO . The reason is that the existence of sulfur atom in BF 2 -TBT could lead to a larger degree of ICT in the excited state than that of BF 2 -TBO , which endowed it with greater planar intramolecular charge transfer (PICT) after grinding, resulting in a larger red-shift in the PL spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two tetraphenylethene functionalized β-diketonate boron complexes C2TPE-CAR and C16TPE-CAR that were bridged by carbazole bearing alkyl chains of different lengths, have been designed and successfully synthesized. The two donor–acceptor luminogens showed typical twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) emission. In particular, they exhibited alkyl-dependent aggregation-induced emission (AIE), self-assembly and mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties. Results showed that C16TPE-CAR with a long hexadecyl chain formed gels in certain solvents and also exhibited gelation-induced emission enhancement. H-aggregates were formed driven by the synergistic effect of π-stacking interaction and van der Waals force in the gel phase. However, C2TPE-CAR , which possessed the short ethyl group, exhibited no self-assembly behavior. Simple mechanical force could change the emission color of C2TPE-CAR and C16TPE-CAR powders from initial bright yellow (571 and 558 nm) to final red (617 and 610 nm), thus high contrast mechanofluorochromism with large spectral shifts of up to 46 and 52 nm, respectively, was observed. The powder XRD studies showed that the MFC behavior might be switched reversibly under the stimulus of external force because of crystalline-amorphous phase transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the histopathological and ultrastructural lesions of liver of freshwater turtle Chinemys reevesii exposed to Cadmium (Cd). The animals were exposed to 0 mg kg −1 (0.85% normal saline (NS)), 7.5 mg kg −1 , 15 mg kg −1 , 30 mg kg −1 Cd chloride separately by intraperitoneal injection. Liver samples were collected for examination of lesions under light and electronic microscopes. Results showed that liver tissues from Cd -treated animals presented various degrees of histopathological lesions. Liver cells showed swollen, degeneration and necrosis with dose-dependent manner. Under electronic microscope, nucleus, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum presented various degrees of lesions with dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, Cd has significant toxicity on liver tissue of the freshwater turtle, which occurs in a dose-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional practice in grasslands, grazing significantly affects soil respiration (R s ). To improve our understanding of grassland carbon cycling, it is critical to partition the responses of soil respiration to grazing into autotrophic (R a ) and heterotrophic (R h ) respiration. In addition, it remains unclear how grazing patterns, such as warm- and cold- season grazing, influence R s and its components in alpine grasslands that are subject to increasing grazing pressure. Here, we conducted a six-year manipulative experiment combining with a meta-analysis, to investigate the responses of R s and its components to moderate grazing in a Tibetan alpine grassland. Grazing patterns included warm-season grazing by sheep during the growing seasons of 2008 to 2010 and simulating cold-season grazing by clipping during the non-growing seasons of 2011 to 2013. Our results showed that warm-season grazing minimally affected R s while cold-season grazing significantly increased R s by 13.1%. This result was supported by a meta-analysis at seven grassland sites across the Tibetan Plateau. Further, we found that warm-season grazing did not affect R a or R h , whereas cold-season grazing enhanced R a (23.2%) more than R h (4.9%). Cold-season grazing affected R s and R a differently depending on interannual variation in climate conditions. A significant increase of 17.1% and 26.3%, respectively, was recorded in dry and cold years, but no change was recorded in wet and warm years. This study highlights the differential responses of R s components to grazing, and suggests that different grazing patterns should be considered when evaluating future carbon cycles in grazing ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]