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With climate change and urbanization expansion, wetlands, which are some of the largest carbon stocks in the world, are facing threats such as shrinking areas and declining carbon sequestration capacities. Wetland carbon stocks are at risk of being transformed into carbon sources, especially those of wetlands with strong land use–natural resource conservation conflict. Moreover, there is a lack of well-established indicators for evaluating the health of wetland carbon stocks. To address this issue, we proposed a novel framework for the safety assessment of wetland carbon stocks using the Super Slack-Based Measure (Super-SBM), and we then conducted an empirical study on the Quanzhou Bay Estuary Wetland (QBEW). This framework integrates the unexpected output indicator (i.e., carbon emissions), the expected output indicators, including the GDP per capita and carbon stock estimates calculated via machine learning (ML)-based remote sensing inversion, and the input indicators, such as environmental governance investigations, climate conditions, socio-economic activities, and resource utilization. The results show that the annual average safety assessment for carbon pools in the QBEW was a meager 0.29 in 2015, signaling a very poor state, likely due to inadequate inputs or excessive unexpected outputs. However, there has been a substantial improvement since then, as evidenced by the fact that all the safety assessments have exceeded the threshold of 1 from 2018 onwards, reflecting a transition to a "weakly effective" status within a safe and acceptable range. Moreover, our investigation employing the Super-SBM model to calculate the "slack variables" yielded valuable insights into optimization strategies. This research advances the field by establishing a safety measurement framework for wetland carbon pools that leverages efficiency assessment methods, thereby offering a quantitative safeguard mechanism that supports the achievement of the "3060" dual-carbon target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the modification of red clay with calcium carbonate. The pore distribution was obtained using a combination of mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The influence of calcium carbonate content, density, confining pressure, and shear strain on the pores was studied. Introducing pore classification to assess the extent of the damage under different conditions and the relationship between different types of pores. The results show that the content of added calcium carbonate has little effect on pore distribution when the density is low (1.4 and 1.5 g/cm3). The content of calcium carbonate has an influence on pore distribution when the density is high (1.6 g/cm3). With the density increases, the number of macropores and mesopores between soil particles decreases, while the small pores increase. The confining pressure results in the preferential drainage of free water from macropores. The porosity decreases as the confining pressure increases. Under the same confining pressure, as the shear strain increases, the large pores decrease while the small pores increase. Based on the analysis of damage degree, the shear strain is positively linearly related to the damage degree of intragranular mesopores, which forms a convex function relationship with intragranular macropores and intergranular mesopores (except under a confining pressure of 100 kPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a unique mode of cell death, which can release immunogenic damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor‐associated antigens to trigger long‐term protective antitumor immune responses. Thus, amplifying "eat me signal" during tumor ICD cascade is critical for cancer immunotherapy. Some therapies (radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), etc.) and inducers (chemotherapeutic agents, etc.) have enabled to initiate and/or facilitate ICD and activate antitumor immune responses. Recently, nanostructure‐based drug delivery systems have been synthesized for inducing ICD through combining treatment of chemotherapeutic agents, photosensitizers for PDT, photothermal transformation agents for PTT, radiosensitizers for radiotherapy, etc., which can release loaded agents at an appropriate dosage in the designated place at the appropriate time, contributing to higher efficiency and lower toxicity. Also, immunotherapeutic agents in combination with nanostructure‐based drug delivery systems can produce synergetic antitumor effects, thus potentiating immunotherapy. Overall, our review outlines the emerging ICD inducers, and nanostructure drug delivery systems loading diverse agents to evoke ICD through chemoradiotherapy, PDT, and PTT or combining immunotherapeutic agents. Moreover, we discuss the prospects and challenges of harnessing ICD induction‐based immunotherapy, and highlight the significance of multidisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration to promote the optimal translation of this treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Solar‐driven cross‐coupling reactions by dual nickel/photocatalysis under mild conditions have received considerable attention. However, the existing photo/nickel dual catalytic cross‐coupling reactions require the addition of expensive photosensitizers and organic ligands, and the catalytic activity is inadequate. Herein, we report a nickel single‐atom heterogeneous catalyst supported on mesoporous carbon nitride for photocatalytic C—O coupling reaction between 4‐bromobenzonitrile and ethanol, affording 4‐ethoxybenzonitrile in excellent yield compared to a semi‐heterogeneous catalytic system. The catalytic system exhibits a broad substrate scope including ketones, aldehydes, esters, and amides. This work presents a simple and cost‐effective strategy for anchoring metal single atoms onto carbon nitride, providing a new platform for enabling high‐performance photocatalytic production of aryl ether compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates effects of elevated rebar casting temperature on the interfacial porosity and Ca/Si ratio of the steel‐concrete interface by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental variables including rebar casting temperatures of 25°C, 40°C, 55°C, 70°C, and 85°C, water/cement ratios of 0.30, 0.45, and 0.60, and rebar diameters of 10 and 20 mm are considered. Large capillary pores of steel–concrete interface (SCI) were quantified by backscattered electron (BSE) imaging and Ca/Si ratio of hydration products of SCI were obtained by energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The results were analyzed by using statistical methods (ANOVA analysis and Pearson correlation analysis). Results indicate that the average interfacial porosity and the average Ca/Si ratio can increase as a result of heated rebar effects. Heated rebar effects can be enhanced by increasing rebar diameter. Impact ranges of the heated rebar effects are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beauveria bassiana is a well-known insecticidal biocontrol agent. Despite its broad field applications, its survival, colonization, and stability under field conditions remained unclear, mainly due to the lack of a quick and reliable detection method. In this study, we developed a quantitative real-time PCR technology to monitor the stability and population dynamics of B. bassiana in different substrates (water, soil, and on the cotton leaves surface), different spores of B. bassiana applied on Chinese cabbage leaves surface, and the lethality of Pieris rapae spraying with different spores of B. bassiana. Our results showed a decreased concentration of B. bassiana DNA in all three substrates from the 1st day till 9th day of post inoculation (dpi) period, possibly due to the death of B. bassiana. After this decrease, a quick and significant rebound of B. bassiana DNA concentration was observed, starting from the 11th dpi in all three substrates. The B. bassiana DNA concentration reached the plateau at about 13th dpi in water and 17th dpi in the soil. On cotton leaves surface, the B. bassiana DNA concentration reached the highest level at the 17th dpi followed by a small decline and then stabilized. This increase of DNA concentration suggested recovery of B. bassiana growth in all three substrates. We found that the most suitable killing effectiveness of P. rapae was the 1.0 × 107 spores/mL of B. bassiana. In summary, we have established a detection technology that allows a fast and reliable monitoring for the concentration and stability of B. bassiana under different conditions. This technology can benefit and help us in the development of proper management strategies for the application of this biocontrol agent in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a Merlin–Arthur proof system, the proof verifier (Arthur) accepts valid proofs (from Merlin) with probability 1, and rejects invalid proofs with probability arbitrarily close to 1. The running time of such a system is defined to be the length of Merlin's proof plus the running time of Arthur. We provide new Merlin–Arthur proof systems for some key problems in fine-grained complexity. In several cases our proof systems have optimal running time. Our main results include: Certifying that a list of n integers has no 3-SUM solution can be done in Merlin–Arthur time O ~ (n) . Previously, Carmosino et al. [ITCS 2016] showed that the problem has a nondeterministic algorithm running in O ~ (n 1.5) time (that is, there is a proof system with proofs of length O ~ (n 1.5) and a deterministic verifier running in O ~ (n 1.5) time). Counting the number of k-cliques with total edge weight equal to zero in an n-node graph can be done in Merlin–Arthur time O ~ (n ⌈ k / 2 ⌉) (where k ≥ 3 ). For odd k, this bound can be further improved for sparse graphs: for example, counting the number of zero-weight triangles in an m-edge graph can be done in Merlin–Arthur time O ~ (m) . Previous Merlin–Arthur protocols by Williams [CCC'16] and Björklund and Kaski [PODC'16] could only count k-cliques in unweighted graphs, and had worse running times for small k. Computing the All-Pairs Shortest Distances matrix for an n-node graph can be done in Merlin–Arthur time O ~ (n 2) . Note this is optimal, as the matrix can have Ω (n 2) nonzero entries in general. Previously, Carmosino et al. [ITCS 2016] showed that this problem has an O ~ (n 2.94) nondeterministic time algorithm. Certifying that an n-variable k-CNF is unsatisfiable can be done in Merlin–Arthur time 2 n / 2 - n / O (k) . We also observe an algebrization barrier for the previous 2 n / 2 · poly (n) -time Merlin–Arthur protocol of R. Williams [CCC'16] for # SAT: in particular, his protocol algebrizes, and we observe there is no algebrizing protocol for k-UNSAT running in 2 n / 2 / n ω (1) time. Therefore we have to exploit non-algebrizing properties to obtain our new protocol. Certifying a Quantified Boolean Formula is true can be done in Merlin–Arthur time 2 4 n / 5 · poly (n) . Previously, the only nontrivial result known along these lines was an Arthur–Merlin–Arthur protocol (where Merlin's proof depends on some of Arthur's coins) running in 2 2 n / 3 · poly (n) time. Due to the centrality of these problems in fine-grained complexity, our results have consequences for many other problems of interest. For example, our work implies that certifying there is no Subset Sum solution to n integers can be done in Merlin–Arthur time 2 n / 3 · poly (n) , improving on the previous best protocol by Nederlof [IPL 2017] which took 2 0.49991 n · poly (n) time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working memory (WM) deficits are recognized as serious cognitive impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This review aims to clarify the effects of impaired WM function in patients with MDD and explore non‐invasive and effective treatments that can be adopted in clinical practice. This review (1) synthesizes extant literature examining brain function and brain areas in terms of WM in individuals with depression, (2) utilizes the outcomes of the studies presented in this review to discuss the effects of impaired WM function on cognitive processing in individuals with depression, (3) integrates the treatments explored in current studies and (4) provides some suggestions for future research. We found that (1) central executive (CE) components affect the processing of WM, and this might be one of the factors influencing cognitive biases, as it is implicated in repetitive negative thinking and rumination; (2) the left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the regions of the default mode network (DMN) play a vital role in CE functioning; and (3) psychotherapy, cognitive training, exercise and physical therapy can be used as complementary treatments for MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review pooled data from the literature to examine the association between preeclampsia (PE) and subsequent risk of breast cancer in women. Cohort studies published in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to 18 July 2023 were searched. Adjusted data were pooled to obtain the risk ratio (RR). Eleven studies with 15 cohorts and a cumulative sample size of 7,838,693 women were included. Meta-analysis of all studies demonstrated a reduced risk of breast cancer in women with PE as compared to those without PE (RR: 0.89 95% CI: 0.83, 0.95 p < 0.001 I2 = 50%). Follow-up ranged from 8 to 29.2 years. Results did not change during sensitivity analysis. Outcomes varied on subgroup analysis based on location, study type, data extraction method, incidence of breast cancer, and follow-up. To conclude, women with PE may have a reduced risk of breast cancer later in life. However, the risk reduction is minimal and may not have much clinical significance. The evidence is also limited by high inter-study heterogeneity and lack of adjustment of all possible confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive form of lung cancer characterized by dismal prognosis. Although SCLC may initially respond well to platinum-based chemotherapy, it ultimately relapses and is almost universally resistant to this treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved as the first- and third-line therapeutic regimens for extensive-stage or relapsed SCLC, respectively. Despite this, only a minority of patients with SCLC respond to ICIs partly due to a lack of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Transforming the immune "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors that are more likely to respond to ICIs is the main challenge for SCLC therapy. Ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis represent the newly discovered immunogenic cell death (ICD) forms. Promoting ICD may alter the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the influx of TILs, and combination of their inducers and ICIs plays a synergistical role in enhancing antitumor effects. Nevertheless, the combination of the above two modalities has not been systematically discussed in SCLC therapy. In the present review, we summarize the roles of distinct ICD mechanisms on antitumor immunity and recent advances of ferroptosis-, necroptosis- and pyroptosis-inducing agents, and present perspectives on these cell death mechanisms in immunotherapy of SCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel defective g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst co-decorated with K+ doping and cyano groups (KHCN) was prepared. • KHCN showed exceptional efficiency in the photocatalytic removal of U(VI) under air and visible LED light irradiation. • KHCN exhibited impressive reusability and high selectivity in uranium removal. • The photocatalytic mechanism was discussed in depth. Utilizing elemental doping and defect engineering are effective means to enhance the efficiency of g-C 3 N 4 materials for photocatalytic removal of uranium. In this investigation, we synthesized a defective g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst co-decorated with K+ doping and cyano groups (KHCN) through a straightforward one-step alkali etching process. The alkali etching not only enhances the specific surface area to improve the adsorption of uranium by KHCN but also significantly accelerates the photocatalytic removal of uranium through the introduction of K+ and cyano groups. The KHCN can almost completely remove 40 mg/L of U(VI) under air and visible LED light irradiation (pH 5.0, 298.15 K). Notably, the photocatalytic removal of U(VI) by KHCN demonstrated excellent selectivity and reusability. The mechanism studies reveal that alkali etching-induced introduction of K+ ions and cyano groups enhances visible light absorption, strengthens the efficiency of photogenerated carrier separation, and reduces the band gap. The activation of U(VI) in solution primarily occurs through photogenerated e- and O 2 –, subsequently immobilizing as metastudtite ((UO 2)O 2 ·2H 2 O). This study provides a viable approach for synthesizing highly efficient photocatalytic materials for uranium removal, leveraging synergistic doping and defect engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potential measurement of reinforced concrete is critical for identifying the corrosion state of rebar and monitoring the pH value and chloride concentration of concrete pore solution but remains a challenging task due to the many uncertainties involved. This study aims to investigate the effects of concrete carbonation and the sponge wetting solution on the diffusion potential of partially carbonated concrete blended with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Portland cement is replaced by silica fume (SF), pulverized fly ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) at different replacement levels. Other experimental variables include the degree of concrete carbonation, the wetting solution of the sponge (tap water and 0.3 M NaOH) and the degree of saturation. The results indicate that concrete carbonation-induced diffusion potential would lead to significant errors on the monitoring of the pH value and chloride concentration by measuring the potential between the embedded sensors and external reference electrode. During the pH value and chloride concentration monitoring, 0.3 M NaOH should be used as the wetting solution of sponge for non-carbonated concrete and partially carbonated concrete while tap water should be used for fully carbonated concrete. To some extent, the decline in the degree of concrete saturation can reduce the diffusion potential. • Diffusion potential induced by carbonation can affect potential measurement of concrete. • Tap water is not recommended for measuring corrosion potential. • 0.3 M NaOH is recommended for potential measurement. • SCM can enlarge error related to potential measurement. • Diffusion potential can be reduced by decreasing saturation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A metal coordination combining with electrodialysis system was developed. • The ligands and ligand concentration had influence on the separation of valuable metal ions. • An efficient one-step separation of lithium, cobalt and nickel was achieved. • Solar energy was applied to drive the electrodialysis system, realizing excellent separation. Efficient recycling of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is essential for the circular economy and ecological environment. However, the simultaneous separation and recovery of multiple metal ions face a huge challenge due to their similar physicochemical properties. Herein, we propose metal coordination combing with electrodialysis to achieve one-step separation of lithium, cobalt, and nickel. By regulating the ligands and ligand concentration, the Co2+ selectively coordinates with ligand to form anionic complex, which passes through the home-made anionic polymer inclusion membrane under electric field. Li+ passes through the monovalent cationic exchange membrane, whereas the Ni2+ is retained in the feed solution, thereby achieving the one-step separation of metal ions. When using NH 4 SCN as ligand, the transport flux of Li+ and Co(SCN) 4 2- reaches around 25.0 µmol m−2 s−1 and 12.7 µmol m−2 s−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the separation efficiency of lithium and cobalt is 80 % and 95 %, respectively at the NH 4 SCN concentration of 0.1 M and current density of 10 mA/cm2. Additionally, sustainable solar energy is successfully applied to drive the electrodialysis system, and the purity of lithium, cobalt, and nickel is as high as 94.3 %, ∼100 %, and 99.2 %, respectively, demonstrating great potential in decreasing energy consumption. This work which applies metal coordination combining with electrodialysis for one-step separation of lithium, cobalt, and nickel, provides a promising candidate for the recycling of valuable metals from spent LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients, this paper will apply continuous early intervention to the nursing of breast cancer patients. The continuous early intervention nursing model can propose countermeasures for the health problems faced by patients with postoperative chemotherapy. In order to analyze the effect of continuous early intervention nursing on negative emotions and quality of life in breast cancer patients, the effect of continuous early intervention in improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients is analyzed by means of experimental research. The control group is given routine nursing, and the observation group is given continuous early intervention nursing intervention. Moreover, this paper obtains data statistics in combination with statistical analysis. Through the comparison of the test results, it can be seen that the implementation of continuous early intervention nursing intervention in breast cancer patients can improve the nursing effect, effectively relieve the negative emotions of patients, and improve the quality of life of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective recovery and utilization of elemental sulfur in the direct leach residue (DLR) from zinc oxygen pressure leaching poses a significant challenge. This study analyzes the distribution characteristics of sulfur in DLR and determines its solubility in n -decane at various temperatures. Results indicate a gradual increase in sulfur solubility with temperature, reaching a maximum of 6.84 g/100 mL at 150 °C Utilizing the Apelblat model, a fitting equation of ln X = 88.3–7155.9/ T − 12.0ln T is derived. Under conditions of 130 °C, a liquid–solid ratio of 8:1, a reaction time of 3 min, and a stirring speed of 300 rpm, 99.2% of sulfur in the residue can be dissolved in n -decane. Additionally, this separation process naturally enriches other valuable elements in the residue. The cooling rate significantly influences sulfur purity, with elemental sulfur forming high-quality crystals exhibiting a positive octahedral rhombic morphology at a cooling rate of 0.018 °C/s. Finally, the dissolution mechanism of sulfur in n -decane involves sulfur complexation, and the reliability of the sulfur solubility model is verified. • Achieving good separation of sulfur in direct leaching residue from zinc oxygen pressure leaching. • Realize the harmless and resourceful treatment of direct leaching residue. • Crystallization by slow cooling gives better crystalline ortho-octahedral sulfur. • Analysis of sulfur dissolution mechanism in direct leaching residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing the amount of steel reinforcement in construction is imperative, driven by the objectives of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating steel corrosion. Among the various alternatives to steel reinforcement, basalt fiber reinforced polymer bar (BFRP) is considered a promising solution. The aim of this study is to examine the seismic performance of shear walls entirely reinforced with BFRP bars, utilizing BFRP for both longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. To address the inherent limitations of BFRP bars, a novel composite shear wall, incorporating BFRP bars, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and normal strength concrete, is proposed. Specifically, UHPC boundary elements are employed to strengthen the potential compression zone of BFRP reinforced shear walls. Four shear wall specimens, fully reinforced with BFRP bars, were fabricated and tested for their seismic performance, with two specimens incorporating UHPC boundary elements. Comprehensive test results, including failure modes, load-bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, stiffness degradation and rebar strain, are presented and discussed. A detailed discussion of the effects of axial load ratio (ALR) and UHPC boundary elements is included. The test results indicate that the specimens featuring UHPC boundary elements showed significant improvements in deformability, lateral strength and energy dissipation capacity. This reveals that the integration of UHPC boundary elements considerably enhances the seismic performance of BFRP bar reinforced shear walls. Moreover, although all test specimens experienced failure due to concrete crushing in the compression zone, those with UHPC boundary elements manifested higher tensile strain on the BFRP bars on the tension side, facilitating more effective utilization of the high tensile strength of the BFRP bars. Ultimately, a method to ascertain the flexural capacity of BFRP bar reinforced shear walls, both with and without UHPC boundary elements, is proposed and validated by the test results. • BFRP bar-reinforced shear walls were fabricated and tested to study their seismic behavior. • Specimens without UHPC boundary elements are prone to brittle failure and exhibit limited deformability. • UHPC boundary elements significantly enhance the seismic performance of BFRP bar-reinforced shear walls. • Theoretical flexural capacity of BFRP bar-reinforced shear walls is proposed and validated using test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the evolution of pore structure in red clay during triaxial shear, nuclear magnetic resonance tests were performed on soil samples to determine their pore characteristics after undergoing different shear strains during triaxial consolidated undrained shear tests under different confining pressures. The results showed that the effects of confining pressure and shear on the intragranular pores of the soil samples were minimal. In contrast, during consolidation and triaxial shear, interparticle macropores in the soil sample were compressed. Generally, the greater the confining pressure during the test, the faster the soil structure stabilized. Once the axial strain exceeded 8%, the soil structure also stabilized, and both deviatoric stress and pore diameter remained unchanged. Evolution of the pore characteristics during triaxial shear revealed that their shear deformation history determined the new microstructure of the saturated compacted red clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of considering corrosion propagation in service life design of carbonated concrete with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has been highlighted by the decline in carbonation resistance caused by partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with SCMs. This study proposes a novel Carbonation-induced Early Corrosion Propagation based Service-life Assessment Model (CECP-SAM) for carbonated SCM concrete, which is characterized by the considerations of semi-carbonation zone and macrocell corrosion in corrosion propagation with an incipient crack as end of service life. Experimental and field data were used to verify CECP-SAM. The effects of exposure conditions, SCM replacements, water/binder ratio, cover thickness, rebar diameter, semi-carbonation zone and macrocell corrosion on service life are presented. Results indicate that the partial replacement of OPC with pulverized fuel ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) can significantly decrease service life from 66 years to 8 years and 17 years, respectively. Corrosion propagation can result in a 91% reduction in service life but service life can be extended from less than 20 years to more than 90 years by considering early corrosion propagation. Practical equations are proposed to facilitate performance-based service life design. Prescriptive limits are also provided for service lives of 50 and 100 years. • Service life model considering early corrosion propagation for carbonated SCM RC. • PFA and GGBS substitutions can decrease service life from 66 to 8 and 17 years. • Early corrosion propagation can extend service life from 20 years to 90 years. • Effects of semi-carbonation zone and macrocell corrosion on service life. • Performance-based service life design based on carbonation coefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop Ultra-lightweight low-carbon LC3 cement composites. • Perform compressive and tensile tests of ULCC-LC3. • Explore compressive and tensile behavior of ULCC-LC3. • Propose compressive and tensile constitutive models for ULCC-LC3. • Perform FE simulations on ULCC-LC3 subjected to both compression and tension. The present study aims to characterize the constitutive models of a novel ultra-lightweight low-carbon LC3 cement composite (ULCC-LC3) under monotonic uniaxial compression and tension tests. The compressive stress – strain curves of ULCC-LC3 were obtained based on axial compressive tests. The curve characteristics were analyzed and the data was fitted with the existing concrete compression constitutive model. Modified axial compression constitutive model for ULCC-LC3 was proposed and verified using the independent test data and related data of ULCC in other literatures. The characteristics of tensile stress – strain curves of ULCC-LC3 were also analyzed and studied. Based on existing experimental data, the applicability of the Tetsushi et. al.'s model to this composite was verified. The experimental results show that use of PE fibers can improve the ductility of ULCC-LC3. As compared with normal concrete, ULCC-LC3 exhibits a higher compressive peak strain (over 0.3% for fiber reinforced specimens and over 0.5% for non-fiber reinforced specimens). These findings contribute to the understanding of the mechanical behavior of ULCC-LC3 and provide constitutive models that can be used in numerical simulations and engineering applications to promote the use of this novel ultra-lightweight low-carbon material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of different levels of buckwheat bran inclusion onto the physicochemical, pasting properties and in vitro starch digestibility of buckwheat flour gels. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities (DPPH radical-scavenging activity and ferric reducing/antioxidant power) were also measured. Total starch content per 100 g of gel ranged from 64.45 to 75.66, and the percentage of resistant starch ranged from 1.36% to 1.75%, while protein ranged from 12.07% to 12.93%. The results showed that the amount of bran addition decreased total starch and slightly reduced protein content, but increased resistant starch content. The level of bran addition increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the gels, while it reduced the blood sugar response. As the bran levels increased, the glucose released decreased (95.17, 84.08, 69.80, 60.23 mg glucose/g sample, respectively). The results showed that the bran of buckwheat (a pseudocereal) has nutritional value and can be used in the development of buckwheat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large uncertainties of electrochemical input parameters, along with their variation with chemical environment and time, can significantly affect the accuracy of simulations and oversimplify the nonuniform corrosion distribution over time. To bridge the gap, this study investigated the effects of chloride ion concentration, humidity, and concrete mix on the electrochemical parameters through a long-term experiment of natural corrosion. The results revealed that the logarithmic anodic and cathodic exchange current density are almost constant values of −4.80 and −5.49 , respectively. The cathodic equilibrium potential slightly fluctuates around 253 mV versus the saturated calomel electrode. The increase in chloride ion concentration above 0% generally leads to a reduction in the anodic Tafel slope, while the absolute cathodic Tafel slope remains almost constant when chloride ion concentration exceeds 1.214%. Due to the distinct controlling mechanisms of corrosion, the effects of chloride and water-to-cement ratio on the electrochemical parameters are susceptible to the humidity level of concrete. Interestingly, at 90% humidity, the corrosion potential may shift negatively for a lower water-to-cement ratio, resulting in a decrease in the anodic Tafel slope. Nevertheless, a lower corrosion rate can still be anticipated. Employing the Butler–Volmer equation and Nernst equation, semiempirical models were constructed by representing the effects of humidity with piecewise functions. The accuracy has been validated through experimental data from both this work and previous studies. The results and empirical models of this study provide reasonable electrochemical input parameters for simulation of nonuniform corrosion and the evolution over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of precipitated calcium carbonate on the strength and microstructure of red clay was studied. Precipitated calcium carbonate was added to red clay at ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Shear tests were carried out on the samples to observe the effect of calcium carbonate on the mechanical properties of red clay. The results showed that, with increasing calcium carbonate content, the strength of red clay first decreased and then increased. The maximum strength was obtained for the sample with 20% calcium carbonate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the changes in microstructure caused by addition of calcium carbonate. The pores and cracks analysis system (PCAS) was used to quantitatively characterize the microstructure changes detected in SEM images. The addition of calcium carbonate decreased the pore area and increased the total number of pores of red clay. The incorporation of calcium carbonate caused the red clay particles to agglomerate. The higher the calcium carbonate content, the stronger the agglomeration of red clay particles in the soil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aims to investigate the role of miR‐144‐3p and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), along with their crosstalk with the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to measure the gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and colony formation assay were used to examine cell proliferation via standard protocol. Transwell assay was conducted to examine cell invasiveness. A flow cytometer was used to determine cell apoptosis. Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay (SLDL‐100) was used to confirm the target relationship between miR‐144‐3p and PTEN. Xenografts were used to detect the in vivo effects of the molecules of interest. Results: miR‐144‐3p was significantly overexpressed, whereas PTEN was more underexpressed in tumor tissues than in adjacent tissues. miR‐144‐3p promoted the proliferation and invasion of NPC cells and inhibited apoptosis by directly targeting PTEN, which improves PI3K–Akt signaling. miR‐144‐3p forced epithelial–mesenchymal transition in NPC. Conclusion: miR‐144‐3p promotes the progression of NPC by directly targeting PTEN via crosstalk with PI3K–Akt signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MK replacement can decrease corrosion rate of GGBS-based alkali-activated mortars. • PFA replacement can accelerate corrosion propagation GGBS-based alkali-activated mortars. • Corrosion propagation of GGBS-based alkali-activated mortars can be porosity controlled. • MK replacement decreases medium capillary pores under high activator concentration. Alkali-activated materials have great potential in reducing CO 2 emissions in cement production industry. This study aims to investigate the corrosion propagation performance of alkali-activated slag mortars with various pulverized fuel ash (PFA) and metakaolin (MK) replacements subject to chloride-induced corrosion. The corrosion propagation performances including corrosion potential, corrosion rate and mortar electrical resistivity under wetting and drying cycles in seawater are studied. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and pH value measurement were conducted to analyze the effects of PFA and MK replacements on the relationship between reaction degree, pore structure, pH value and corrosion propagation performances. The results show that the MK replacement can enhance the corrosion propagation resistance of slag-based alkali-activated mortars under high activator concentration while the PFA replacement reduces the resistance to metallic corrosion of alkali-activated mortars. Mechanisms controlling the corrosion propagation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The combined addition of EA and SF can produce a self-prestressing UHPM. • Self-prestressing UHPM can reduce the corrosion rate up to 87.3%. • Self-prestressing UHPM also improves residual compressive strength significantly. • Oxides with the least relative volume are predominant in rust for the self-prestressing UHPM. Chloride-induced corrosion poses extreme vulnerabilities to the strength degradation and delamination of reinforced concrete structures in the oceanic environment. For this reason, the self-prestressing effect produced from the synergy of the combined addition of expansive agent (EA) and steel fibre (SF) into the concrete is suggested to enhance the corrosion performance (cracking and degradation) of concrete-steel tubular columns (CSTCs). Four mortar mixtures were prepared with the no EA and SF, individual use of EA or SF and combined use. The corrosion rate was measured by the linear polarization resistance (LPR) method, while crack-width and pit-depth were measured with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Test results revealed that the self-prestressing ultra-high-performance mortar (UHPM) prepared by the combined use of EA and SF reduced the corrosion rate, pit depth, and crack width up to 87.3%, 55.8%, and 68.3%, respectively. Furthermore, it also results in the highest residual compressive strength. The corrosion products characterized by using an energy-dispersive x-ray detector (EDX) and x-ray diffractometry (XRD) for self-prestressing UHPM were oxides with a volume ratio to parent iron of approximately 2, which is the lowest amongst all and justifies its superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woven lattice truss sandwich panels (WLTSPs) structure has excellent anti-stripping ability and energy absorption effect. The warp and weft distributions have an effect on the WLTSPs. Foam-filling technique and different heights of WLTSPs were double studied by the testing. Through the compression test and lateral compression test reveal the deformation, damage, failure and energy absorption. In the compression testing, the foam-filling can effectively increase peak force (PF) and energy absorption (EA), especially the weft distribution along the length direction-the specific energy absorption per unit mass of foam (△SEA) is 7.086 J/g. The foam filling transforms the piles from compression-shear coupled damage to progressive damage. In the lateral compression testing, when the WLTSPs at a low height the foam filling leads the load-displacement curve changes from brittleness to ductility. Foam filling improves the PF of PB by up to 459% at the height of 80 mm and restrain the decrease of bearing capacity with the increased height. The failure modes of the WLTSPs includes bending failure to progressive failure, concave, and the end fracture compression. • Foam filling technology has an effect on the performance and energy absorption of WLTSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of C−N bonds is considered one of the most useful reactions in synthetic chemistry due to their widespread presence in pharmaceuticals, natural products, etc. Pd‐catalyzed Buchwald–Hartwig amination (BHA) has provided the most efficient method to form (hetero)aryl amines but it required strong base and sophisticated ligands. In comparison, the combination of photocatalysis and nickel chemistry has revolutionized catalytic strategies and is emerging as a quintessence to realize BHA, termed as Ni‐metallaphotoredox BHA. To pursue a universal protocol, diverse photocatalysts were designed and employed in Ni‐metallaphotoredox BHA, and smoothly promoted C−N bond formations under irradiation of light from ultraviolet to red light, respectively. Note that the matching of photocatalyst and light was critical for success. Therefore, this review mainly focuses on the discussion of Ni‐metallaphotoredox BHA according to the irradiation light's wavelength, covering ultraviolet, purple, blue, red, and white light as well as solar light. We try to find a clue in the relationship of structure‐photophysical behaviors of photocatalysts under the same or different irradiation light. At last, current limitations and potential trends for advancing Ni‐metallaphotoredox BHA are highlighted. We deem that it could encourage chemists to continue designing suitable photocatalyst for C−N bond formations under sunlight mimicking plants' photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradable composites with low cost and excellent mechanical property, namely PLA/talc blends, have been successfully prepared by using epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as a reactive compatibilizer with the presence of peroxides to accelerate the in situ grafting between talc and other components. The surface treatment of talc powder was performed through the in situ reactions of its rich hydroxyl groups with the epoxide ring of ESO and scission radical of PLA during the blending process. Both FTIR and the extracting experiment results verified that surface modification mechanisms. Such a facile and efficient one‐step process can bring a dramatic improvement on both miscibility and mechanical properties of the PLA/talc composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1618–E1625, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bond strength of FRP bars in UHPC is greatly affected by rib geometry. • Rib geometry and materials properties of FRP bars dominates the bond strength. • The existing codes cannot be used for FRP bars embedded UHPC directly. • A bond strength model that accounts for rib geometry is established. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bar reinforced ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) members have attracted wide interest due to their excellent durability and mechanical properties. Determining bond strength is of great importance to the design of FRP bar reinforced UHPC members. This study investigates the effects of bar type, concrete type and rib geometry on the bond behavior of helically wound FRP bars embedded within UHPC. Pull-out tests on a total of 48 specimens with three types of concrete (0%, 1% and 2% steel fiber content), three types of bar (steel, basalt FRP and glass FRP) and three types of surface condition (smooth, shallow ribbed and deep ribbed) have been conducted. The results show that the bond strength of FRP bars embedded within UHPC is greatly affected by rib height. Indeed, FRP bars with deep ribs can reach a bond strength comparable to that of ribbed steel bars. A novel bond strength model for FRP bars embedded within UHPC, considering the effect of rib geometry, has been proposed and validated by the experimental results and existing data in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of bond length of over-crowded rebar becomes a remarkable challenge in the critical loaded structure members. Enhancing bond strength between concrete and rebar is a feasible way to improve this situation, which can be realized by improving the bar surface condition (i.e., rib height and rib space). However, effect of these two parameters on the bond performance are not comprehensively studied. In this paper, 16 groups including 48 samples were tested, in which three types of bars (i.e., steel bar, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars) with different surface conditions were considered. To study the adhesion and friction effect, Scanning-Electron-Microscope (SEM) observations were performed. When the rib effect on the bond performance was investigated, the bond strength caused by adhesion and friction effect was excluded from the bond strength of ribbed bars. Experimental results indicate that bond strength can be enhanced if bars with larger rib height is used. To predict the bond strength that can consider the effect of rib height, a theoretical model is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel O, K co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (OKDCN) photocatalyst was prepared. • OKDCN shows excellent photocatalytic performance for U(VI) under air atmosphere without sacrificial agents. • OKDCN shows great recyclability and high selectivity. • The U(VI) was immobilized as a schoepite precipitate. Photocatalytic reduction of soluble hexavalent uranium to insoluble tetravalent uranium is a promising strategy for uranium-containing wastewater treatment, while this method generally requires anaerobic conditions and/or the addition of sacrificial agents. Obviously, providing anaerobic environment and sacrificial agent will not only increase the cost but also causes secondary pollution. Thus, efficient removal of U(VI) by photocatalytic techniques under air atmosphere without sacrificial agents is an urgent task and great challenge. In this work, a novel O, K co-doped g-C 3 N 4 (OKDCN) photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple thermal reaction for the photoreduction removal of U(VI) under air atmosphere without sacrificial agents. Batch experiments show that the OKDCN-2 can nearly completely remove U(VI) in the solution within 120 min at pH 5.0. In addition, the OKDCN showed excellent reusability and selectivity in the process of photocatalytic reduction of U(VI). Further mechanism studies show the doping of O and K can improve the photogenerated carrier transfer and separation efficiency of OKDCN, and then improve the performance of photocatalytic reduction of uranium. These results provide a reference for breaking through some bottleneck issues in the research field of photocatalytic removal of U(VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Esophageal carcinoma is among the most fatal malignancies with increasing incidence globally. Tumor onset and progression can be driven by metabolic reprogramming, especially during esophageal carcinoma development. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles, display an average size of ∼100 nanometers, containing multifarious components (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, etc.). An increasing number of studies have shown that exosomes are capable of transferring molecules with biological functions into recipient cells, which play crucial roles in esophageal carcinoma progression and tumor microenvironment that is a highly heterogeneous ecosystem through rewriting the metabolic processes in tumor cells and environmental stromal cells. The review introduces the reprogramming of glucose, lipid, amino acid, mitochondrial metabolism in esophageal carcinoma, and summarize current pharmaceutical agents targeting such aberrant metabolism rewiring. We also comprehensively overview the biogenesis and release of exosomes, and recent advances of exosomal cargoes and functions in esophageal carcinoma and their promising clinical application. Moreover, we discuss how exosomes trigger tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunosuppression as well as tumor microenvironment remodeling through focusing on their capacity to transfer materials between cells or between cells and tissues and modulate metabolic reprogramming, thus providing a theoretical reference for the design potential pharmaceutical agents targeting these mechanisms. Altogether, our review attempts to fully understand the significance of exosome-based metabolic rewriting in esophageal carcinoma progression and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, bringing novel insights into the prevention and treatment of esophageal carcinoma in the future. [Display omitted] • Overview of metabolic reprogramming in esophageal carcinoma. • Functions and potential clinical application of exosomes in esophageal carcinoma. • Exosomes-mediated metabolic reprogramming in esophageal carcinoma progression. • Exosome-mediated metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to high-value transportation petrol, jet and diesel fuels is of great importance to develop versatile renewable energy and boost the rural economy, thus it is receiving worldwide attention. However, the state-of-the-art processes still suffer from a low efficiency in yield and productivity, which hinders the progress of its commercialization. Thus, it is essential to explore the consolidated catalytic reaction and refinery process. Here we report an advanced approach/process that could continuously produce long-chain (C5–C15) ketones from lignocellulosic biomass in a cascade mode by integrating several bio- and chemical catalysis reactions/processes, which exhibits a high efficiency and stable conversion rate. This technology consolidated the acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation, palladium catalyzed alkylation and in situ product recovery, allowing the catalytic reaction to proceed consistently and smoothly. The remarkable conversion properties are mainly attributed to the excellent compatible linkage of chemical catalysis with biosynthesis and process design to stabilize the Pd catalytic reaction. This validated strategy for the rational process design and integration of chemical- and bio-catalysis offers great demonstration in producing high-value transportation biofuels derived from agricultural residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has led to a decrease in the corrosion initiation of carbonated reinforced concrete (RC). Hence, studies on the corrosion propagation of carbonated SCM concrete are becoming important but remain limited. In this study, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with pulverized fly ash (PFA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag and silica fume, using two replacement levels. Experiments were conducted to investigate the microcell and macrocell corrosion behaviors of carbonated SCM concrete under wetting and drying cycles. A novel numerical model is proposed and validated to examine the effect of macrocell corrosion on the duration of corrosion propagation. Results show that macrocell corrosion plays a more important role in carbonated SCM concrete compared with OPC concrete. The corrosion of carbonated PFA concrete can be accelerated by 170% upon galvanic coupling, resulting in a decrease of 47% in the duration of the corrosion propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the corrosion rate measurement of reinforcing steel under chloride-induced macrocell corrosion in reinforced concrete (RC). The corrosion rates of RC columns with different cover thicknesses and chloride concentrations were evaluated using different techniques and cathode over anode ratios. The applicability of the Stern-Geary equation on the macrocell corrosion of RC was studied. The results show that the corrosion rate of highly corroding steel can be underestimated by an order of magnitude by the linear polarisation resistance method due to a failure to compensate for diffusion resistance. The effect of macrocell corrosion on the measurement of polarisation resistance is moderate with a relative error less than 2. The galvanostatic polarisation technique can eliminate the influence of diffusion resistance and therefore reliably measure polarisation resistance. A B value of 52 mV is recommended under macrocell corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), a biodegradable plastic produced by alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide, is amorphous at glass-transition temperature of ∼35 °C; therefore, it becomes brittle at temperatures <20 °C. This article reports on the synthesis of low molecular weight urethanes, such as 1,6-bis(hydroxyethyl urethane)hexane (BEU), 1,6-bis(hydroxyisopropyl urethane)hexane (BPU), and 1,6-bis(methyl urethane)hexane (HDU) bearing rich NH and Cby a non-isocyannate method and their use as plasticizers for PPC. The hydrogen-bonding interaction between BPU and PPC was found to be significantly more effective as compared with BEU and HDU, and the highest hydrogen-bonding interaction fraction reached 5.2% in a PPC/BPU blend with 15 wt% BPU loading. Solubility parameters calculated from Hoy’s method, in combination with differential scanning calorimetric analysis, indicated that HDU and BPU were miscible with PPC at a molecular scale, while BEU was immiscible with PPC. Usually, plasticizing is generally accompanied by sacrificing of tensile strength; however, it was encouraging to observe that the elongation at break for PPC/HDU blend with 10 wt% of HDU loading reached 727% – an increase 53 times that of pure PPC – while the tensile strength was maintained at 30 MPa, which was comparable with that of linear low-density polyethylene. The hydrogen-bonding interaction generated a remarkable improvement in the mechanical performance of PPC; it not only confined the migration of the plasticizer to the surface and thus ensured stability of the blending material over time, but it also maintained the mechanical strength of the plasticized PPC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was blended with o-lauroyl chitosan (OCS) by solution casting using chloroform as common solvent. FTIR and XPS confirmed hydrogen bonding interaction between PPC and OCS, which was saturated when OCS loading reached 20wt%. Because of the hydrogen bonding interaction, a 2–3°C increase in glass transition temperature and a 5% improvement (46–53°C) in weight loss temperature (T 5%) were observed in the PPC/OCS blend with OCS loading of 10–20wt%. The interaction was beneficial to improving the mechanical performance of PPC. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young''s modulus of the pure PPC film were 31MPa, 3.8%, and 392MPa, respectively. For the blend with 10wt% OCS loading, the effect of toughening was so substantial that the maximum elongation at break increased twofold to 8.1% and Young''s modulus increased nearly threefold to 1014MPa; the tensile strength and stress at break remained unchanged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: According to the working temperature and load of superalloy GH4049 in an aero-engine, we systematically study its high temperature mechanical behaviors that have crucial effects on component life. Creep tests are performed in the stress range of 137–600MPa and the temperature range of 700–900°C. The strain-rate sensitivities (SRSs) under simple tension, fatigue and creep conditions are also analyzed in detail at 600°C, 768°C and 832°C, the working temperatures at typical positions on the turbine blade. Through creep experiments of GH4049 under single- and multistage loading conditions, we obtain the relationship between the minimum creep rate and the rupture time, the effect of high temperature strain recovery after creep and the effect of warm-working at high temperatures on the subsequent room-temperature strength. In the SRS analysis, we achieve the SRS indexes under different experimental conditions. Meanwhile, we generalize the SRS definition from simple tension to low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and multistage creep conditions, and verify the validity of these generalizations. The verifications illustrate that the SRS definitions in this paper can quantitatively describe the strain-rate dependence behaviors under LCF and multistage creep. All these fundamental works establish the basis of complex mechanical behavior simulations for GH4049 and the basis of the analysis of structural integrity and reliability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), the function of FGF9 in neural development remains undefined. To address this question, we deleted the Fgf9 gene specifically in the neural tube and demonstrated that FGF9 plays a key role in the postnatal migration of cerebellar granule neurons. Fgf9-null mice showed severe ataxia associated with disrupted Bergmann fiber scaffold formation, impaired granule neuron migration, and upset Purkinje cell maturation. Ex vivo cultured wildtype or Fgf9-null glia displayed a stellate morphology. Coculture with wildtype neurons, but not Fgf9-deficient neurons, or treating with FGF1 or FGF9 induced the cells to adopt a radial glial morphology. In situ hybridization showed that Fgf9 was expressed in neurons and immunostaining revealed that FGF9 was broadly distributed in both neurons and Bergmann glial radial fibers. Genetic analyses revealed that the FGF9 activities in cerebellar development are primarily transduced by FGF receptors 1 and 2. Furthermore, inhibition of the MAP kinase pathway, but not the PI3K/AKT pathway, abrogated the FGF activity to induce glial morphological changes, suggesting that the activity is mediated by the MAP kinase pathway. This work demonstrates that granule neurons secrete FGF9 to control formation of the Bergmann fiber scaffold, which in turn, guides their own inward migration and maturation of Purkinje cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Bleeding gap is found below rib of vertical rebar. • Interfacial porosity can be affected by rib and diameter of rebar. • Locations of rust stains are associated with locations with respect to rib. • Correlations between distribution of chloride ions and rebar geometry. • Recommended methods to reduce cutting damage on the steel-concrete interface. This paper investigates the effects of rebar geometry, namely the rib and diameter of rebar, on the steel – concrete interface (SCI) and corrosion initiation of reinforcing steel. Cutting-induced damage on the SCI is also studied using various W/C ratios, cutting wheels and rebar diameters. Interfacial porosity and the distribution of chloride ions at different locations with respect to the rib of vertical rebar and the phase distribution of the SCI of horizontal rebar with various diameters is quantified. The results show that a macroscopic gap can be found below the rib of vertical rebar. Corrosion initiation of vertical rebar is associated with interfacial porosity at different locations with respect to the rib of vertical rebars. Local water content near the SCI of horizontal rebar is increased when using a larger rebar diameter. Cutting-induced damage can be reduced by decreasing the water to cement ratio and rebar diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium phosphate compounds form the inorganic phases of our mineralised tissues such as bone and teeth, playing an important role in hard tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In dentistry and oral care products, hydroxyapatite (HA) is a stable and biocompatible calcium phosphate with low solubility being used for various applications such as tooth remineralisation, reduction of tooth sensitivity, oral biofilm control, and tooth whitening. Clinical data on these products is limited with varied results; additionally, the effectiveness of these apatite compounds versus fluoride, which has conventionally been used in toothpaste, has not been established. Therefore, this review critically evaluates current research on HA oral care, and discusses the role and mechanism of HA in remineralisation of both enamel and dentine and for suppressing dentine sensitivity. Furthermore, we position HA's role in biofilm management and highlight the role of HA in dental applications by summarising the recent achievement and providing an overview of commercialised HA dental products. The review also indicates the existing limitations and provides direction for future research and commercialisation of apatite-based oral care products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The article focuses on the study of rare earth molten salt electrolytic slag. • Recovery of RE and Li via fluoride sulfate conversion and mineral phase reconstruction. • Removal rate of F was 95.28%. • Transformation rates of Nd, Pr, Dy, and Li reached >95%. • Precipitation rates of Nd, Pr, Dy, and Li reached 92.35%, 87.24%, 87.35%, and 94.31%. To solve the problem of rare earths (RE) lithium (Li) and fluorine (F) recovery in rare earth molten salt electrolysis slag, a recovery method was developed based on magnetic separation, sulfuric acid leaching, HF recycling, water leaching, fluorination precipitation. First, RE, Li and iron-containing phases in a slag sample were separated using a magnetic separation method. Second, sulfuric acid-leaching was used to reconstruct the phases of RE and Li in the non-magnetic fraction, which were transformed into a rare earth sulfate easily dissolved in water. At the same time, the HF generated in the sulfuric acid leaching process is recovered by multistage adsorption. Finally, qualified fluoride rare earth products were obtained by HF cycle precipitation. The results show that the recovery of iron is 85.30% under the condition that the magnetic separation intensity of 0.668 T, particle size of 58–75 μm, and the main phase in the non-magnetic fraction is the rare earth phase, and the iron content is only 2.90%. Under the conditions of a concentrated acid concentration of 98.00%, a temperature of 633 K, a liquid–solid ratio of 2:1, a particle size of 58–75 μm, a constant stirring speed of 300 r·min−1, and reaction time of 3 h, the removal rate of F is 95.30%, and the transformation rates of Nd, Pr, Dy, and Li reached more than 95.00%. Through water immersion and fluorination precipitation, rare earth fluoride products can be obtained. The purity, particle size, and water content of the products met the standards required for industrial rare earth molten salt electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The elastic compensation method (ECM) based on the conventional linear elastic finite element method is a simple and effective method for structural limit analysis. However, for structures containing flaws, computational errors of the ECM are relatively greater and numerical singularity is often caused before a better solution can be achieved. Firstly, the present paper employs the Banach''s contraction mapping theorem in mathematical analysis to discuss the convergence problem of the iterative method of the ECM. The discussions demonstrate that only when iterative elastic modulus sequences are contraction mappings can a good limit load solution be obtained. Secondly, a modified elastic compensation method (KtECM) is proposed, in which iterative elastic modulus sequences of structural main load-carrying elements can satisfy the condition of contraction mapping. Moreover, an adjustable factor related with structural stress concentration factor () is introduced to define a rational nominal stress and to dynamically balance the computational precision and CPU time consumed. Finally, we perform limit load analyses for several representative structures containing flaws. These solutions obtained by the KtECM are compared with results from the analytical method, the elastic-plastic analysis method (EPAM) and the ECM. It reaches the conclusion that the KtECM can provide good estimations of plastic limit loads for structures containing flaws. The KtECM has the advantages of simplicity, high efficiency and convenience for engineering applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the applications of the proposed models, namely the modified linear damage summation (MLDS) method and the modified strain range partitioning (MSRP) method described in Part I of the series papers, to life prediction of turbine blades under creep–fatigue interaction. To begin with, a detailed FEM analysis is conducted considering peak loading of thermal load, centrifugal force and airflow force to determine life assessment positions. Secondly, according to the blades rig testing load, a stress–strain response analysis is performed for pure low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep–fatigue interaction, in which steady-state temperature field, plastic kinematic hardening and contact between the blade body and hoop segment are taken into consideration to achieve accordance with practical conditions. Finally, based on FEM simulation results, the life of turbine blades is predicted using the five different models for creep–fatigue loading. A minimum safe and conservative life of 1293h is given by the MLDS method based on power-exponent function model. The predicted lives by the MLDS and MSRP methods show reasonable agreement with the rig testing life, which further illustrates the validity of power-exponent function model and its applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on power transformation method, this paper advances a power-exponent function model for low-cycle fatigue (LCF) life prediction and then introduces it to creep–fatigue life prediction methods – the strain range partitioning (SRP) method and the linear damage summation (LDS) method for comprehensive assessment of power-exponent function model. Power transformation exponents (p) are given for some typical materials. Through LCF and creep–fatigue life predictions for these materials, we illustrate the validity of power-exponent function model and its applications. The comparisons between different models show that the power-exponent function model has better performances for LCF life prediction. In nature, Manson–Coffin law is the first order Taylor expansion approximation of power-exponent function model in log–log scale coordinates, corresponding to p =1. The enhancement of nonlinearity makes the power-exponent function model and its applications to creep–fatigue life prediction methods more precise than the corresponding unmodified methods, whereas these models still use linear parameter regression method and remain simple for engineering applications. An example of these models’ applications to life prediction of turbine blades under creep–fatigue interaction is given in the accompanying paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights Polyurethane has been widely studied as a lightweight reinforcing material. This paper uses two types of hollow glass microspheres to modify polyurethane in different proportions to prepare a variety of lightweight cores for reinforcing carbon fiber tubes. A quasi‐static lateral compression test was performed on the reinforced carbon fiber tube to analyze the effect of reinforcement materials on mechanical properties, failure modes and crashworthiness. The results show that BR20 reinforcement material has the best effect on enhancing the mechanical properties and crashworthiness of the structure, and its energy absorption is 3.5 times higher than that of carbon fiber tubes. Hollow glass microspheres can improve the reinforcing effect of polyurethane. Lightweight cores prepared from different types of hollow glass microspheres show different failure modes during lateral compression (polyurethane and BR60 show better ductility, and BR20 shows shear failure). The BR20 and BR60 are mixed in different proportions, the reinforced polyurethane foam reinforced carbon fiber tube can have little difference in the energy absorption. The addition of BR20 and BR60 showed a large difference in the force‐displacement curve during the compression stage. A qualitative analysis is conducted based on the effect of the total energy absorption of the structure on the reinforcement materials. The lightweight core is prepared by hollow glass microspheres and polyurethane. Reinforcement materials enhance the lateral compression performance. Reinforcement materials enhance the crashworthiness performance. Reinforcement materials affect failure modes. The proportion of BR20 and BR60 affects the performance of the lightweight core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of refreshment in nucleus pulposus (NP) cellularity leads to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Nevertheless, the cellular sequence of NP cell differentiation remains unclear, although an increasing body of literature has identified markers of NP progenitor cells (NPPCs). Notably, due to their fragility, the physical enrichment of NP‐derived cells has limited conventional transcriptomic approaches in multiple studies. To overcome this limitation, a spatially resolved transcriptional atlas of the mouse IVD is generated via the 10x Genomics Visium platform dividing NP spots into two clusters. Based on this, most reported NPPC‐markers, including Cathepsin K (Ctsk), are rare and predominantly located within the NP‐outer subset. Cell lineage tracing further evidence that a small number of Ctsk‐expressing cells generate the entire adult NP tissue. In contrast, Tie2, which has long suggested labeling NPPCs, is actually neither expressed in NP subsets nor labels NPPCs and their descendants in mouse models; consistent with this, an in situ sequencing (ISS) analysis validated the absence of Tie2 in NP tissue. Similarly, no Tie2‐cre‐mediated labeling of NPPCs is observed in an IVD degenerative mouse model. Altogether, in this study, the first spatial transcriptomic map of the IVD is established, thereby providing a public resource for bone biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polarization resistance method (PRM) is applied to microcell and macrocell corrosion (MMC). • Stern-Geary equation is modified to account for the effects of macrocell current. • Dispersion of the imposed polarization current affects the corrosion rate measured by PRM for MMC. • Macrocell current is correlated with the measured corrosion rate of passive rebars during MMC. The applicability of the polarization resistance method to microcell and macrocell corrosion (MMC) has been often ignored. To address this research gap, this study investigates corrosion rate measurement by using the polarization resistance method on MMC of reinforced concrete. A modified Stern-Geary equation for MMC is proposed to consider the effects of the macrocell current. The Tafel kinetic parameters and polarization resistance are obtained by conducting potentiodynamic polarization tests in a simulated concrete pore solution. The proposed equation is validated for both active and passive steel rebars. A significant overestimation is found for passive steel rebars while a substantial measurement error is found for active steel rebars due to the macrocell current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species use Fe+2 and H 2 O 2 to oxidize a wide variety of compounds to simpler molecules. Both pathogen killing by leukocytes (neutrophils and lymphocytes) and degradation of cellulose by brown rot fungi rely on excretion of Fe+2 ions and H 2 O 2 , the Fenton reagent. To elucidate the mechanism of Fenton oxidation of carbohydrates, β1,3 glucan (laminaran), a major fungal wall polysaccharide, was oxidized using a molar ratio of monomer/Fe+2/H 2 O 2 of 10:1:1 (primarily). We labeled the reaction products and profiled them as fluorescent-labeled molecules in polyacrylamide gels and as hydrophobic-tagged molecules using reverse phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Sub-stoichiometric concentrations of Fe+2 and H 2 O 2 fragmented laminaran into smaller molecules containing carbonyl and carboxylic acid groups visible on fluorescent-labeled carbohydrate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HPLC/MS analysis of glucan fragments showed masses consistent with six classes of molecules: aldoses, dialdoses, uronic acids, hexosuloses, aldonic acids, and hexulosonic acids. The results were consistent with published mechanisms where hydrogen radical (H•) abstraction from a C–H or O–H bond begins a cascade of reactions leading to 1) C–C bond cleavage to produce aldose/dialdose pairs; 2) oxo-group (O =) addition to produce uronic and aldonic acids; 3) hydroxyl group (HO-) addition to produce gluconolactone and hexosuloses; and 4) hexulosonic acids. Most products resulted from regioselective H• abstractions characteristic of oxidations by ferryl-oxo ion [(Fe O)+2] or perferryl-oxo ion [(Fe O)+3] in close contact with specific positions in the glycan. Therefore, oxidations initiated by regioselectively-bound Fe ions were the predominant initiators of polysaccharide degradations. Sub-stoichiometric concentrations of Fe+2 and H2O2 fragmented laminaran into smaller molecules containing carbonyl and carboxylic acid groups. HPLC/MS analysis of glucan fragments from Fenton-oxidized laminaran showed masses consistent with six classes of molecules: aldoses, dialdoses, uronic acids, hexosuloses, aldonic acids, and hexulosonic acid(s). Image 1 • Fe+2 ions, H 2 O 2 , (Fenton's reagent) react to form powerful secondary oxidants. • The secondary oxidants [(HO.•), (Fe O)+2, and (Fe O)+3 can abstract H•. • Alkyl radicals are long-lived, but carbonyl radicals radicals are unstable and quickly convert to carbonyl groups. • Oxygen-centered diol radicals scission the bonds between diol carbons. • Neutrophils and lymphocytes kill pathogens by excreting Fe+2 ions and H 2 O 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High temperatures during rebar casting can increase the corrosion rate of carbonated concrete. • Moisture content of concrete noticeably affects the heated bar effect on the corrosion rate. • Pulverized fuel ash used as a partial substitute for cement does not mitigate the heated bar effect. The heated bar effect on the corrosion rate, corrosion potential and resistivity of partially carbonated concrete is discussed in this paper. The potential use of pulverized fuel ash (PFA) as a substitute for cement to mitigate the heated bar effect is explored. It is found that the heated bar effect can lead to an increase in the corrosion level. The moisture content of concrete noticeably affects the heated bar effect on the corrosion performance of partially carbonated concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]