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This paper investigates the optimization of the inner thermal layout in nanofluid-filled horizontal annular pipes under natural convection conditions. Two-dimensional models of annular pipes are established using a numerical simulation approach. Then, using this as the simulation tool, the layouts of single-, triple-, and quadruple-heat-source annular pipes are optimized. The coordinates of the inner cylinders are defined as the decision variables, and the average Nusselt number (Nu) on the cold wall surface as the objective function. For the single-cylinder model, both the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) and the genetic algorithm (GA) derive the same results: an axisymmetric layout where the single heat source is positioned slightly above the axis of the annulus. However, the BOA takes much less computational time than the GA and, consequently, is chosen for cases with more complex geometry. The optimization layout of the three-cylinder model also shows an axisymmetric distribution, while the result for the four-cylinder model presents a centrally symmetric distribution. Compared to the original average Nu, the optimized ones are enhanced by 17.83%, 8.36%, and 6.18% for single-, triple-, and quadruple-heat-source annular pipes, respectively. The results of this study can be used for guiding the layout design and optimization of the nanofluid-filled exchangers with multi-inner heat sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Affinity‐based, selective orthosteric ligands for the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are difficult to develop due to high sequence homology across the five subtypes. Selectivity can also be achieved via the selective activation of a particular subtype or signalling pathway. Promisingly, a prior study identified compounds 6A and 7A as functionally selective and Gi biased compounds at the M2 mAChR. Here, we have investigated the activation of individual G protein subfamilies and the downstream signalling profiles of 6A and 7A at the M2 mAChR. Experimental Approach: G protein activation was measured with the TRUPATH assay in M2 mAChR FlpIn CHO cells. Activity in downstream signalling pathways was determined using the cAMP CAMYEL BRET sensor and assay of ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Key Results: M2 mAChRs coupled to Gɑi1, GɑoA and Gɑs, but not Gɑq, in response to canonical orthosteric agonists. Compounds 6A and 7A did not elicit any G protein activation, cAMP inhibition or stimulation, or ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. Instead, a Schild analysis indicates a competitive, antagonistic interaction of compounds 6A and 7A with ACh in the Gɑi1 activation assay. Overexpression of the M2 mAChR may suggest an expression‐dependent activation profile of compounds 6A and 7A. Conclusions and Implications: These data confirm that the M2 mAChR preferentially couples to Gɑi/o and to a lesser extent to Gɑs in response to canonical orthosteric ligands. However, this study was not able to detect Gɑi bias of compounds 6A and 7A, highlighting the importance of cellular background when classifying new ligands. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis, a critical health condition induced by an overactive innate immune response and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven host damage through apoptosis and ferroptosis, continues to pose a significant mortality risk. Despite accumulating evidence of the potential therapeutic properties of tea ingredients, their specific anti-sepsis potential remains inadequately explored. This study comprehensively investigates the targeted genes of tea ingredients, notably epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), and their correlation with sepsis signature genes. Our findings elucidate that tea ingredients, especially EGCG, exhibit substantial potential in mitigating inflammation and sepsis-induced damage. Through the inhibition of the MAPK cascade and macrophage activation and by impeding the transcriptional activity of RELA (transcription factor p65) in sepsis, EGCG demonstrates significant anti-sepsis efficacy. Molecular docking analysis further underpins this by revealing the close proximity of EGCG and (−)-catechin gallate binding sites to that of RELA on DNA. Subsequent in vitro assays illuminated EGCG's instrumental role in modulating macrophage M2 polarization, balancing M1 and M2 differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), curtailing inflammatory factor secretion, and inhibiting ROS production. Moreover, EGCG effectively suppresses the expression of ferroptosis/apoptosis markers in LPS-induced macrophages during their early stages. Our study advances our understanding of sepsis prevention and treatment strategies, suggesting that tea ingredients such as EGCG could play a pivotal role in developing future sepsis therapies due to their protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolic syndrome (PICS) are the main causes of poor outcomes in patients transferred out of ICU. Hyaluronic acid has a potential function to alleviate PICS, and, as a widely accepted food additive, HA can be consumed through food products such as dairy products, greatly increasing patient medical compliance. This study evaluated the remission effect of PICS model mice after oral administration of HA with different molecular weights. The results showed a nonlinear relationship between HA molecular weight and its effect of intervention with symptoms in PICS mice and the high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA) was more effective in relieving symptoms in PICS model mice. Therefore, we believe that HMW-HA can be used to prepare functional foods for the purpose of intervening with PICS disease. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a new functional food additive which has the potential to ameliorate persistent inflammation, immunosuppression and catabolism syndrome (PICS), but the biological effects of HA with various molecular weights differ dramatically. To systematically investigate the efficacy of HA in altering PICS symptoms, medium-molecular-weight (MMW) HA was specifically selected to test its intervention effect on a PICS mouse model induced by CLP through oral administration, with high-molecular-weight (HMW) and low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA also participating in the experimental validation process. The results of pathological observations and gut flora showed that MMW HA rapidly alleviated lung lesions and intestinal structural changes in PICS mice in the short term. However, although long-term MMW HA administration significantly reduced the proportions of harmful bacteria in gut flora, inflammatory responses in the intestines and lungs of PICS mice were significantly higher in the MMW HA group than in the HMW HA and LMW HA groups. The use of HMW HA not only rapidly reduced the mortality rate of PICS mice but also improved their grip strength and the recovery of spleen and thymus indices. Furthermore, it consistently promoted the recovery of lung and intestinal tissues in PICS mice, and it also assisted in the sustained restoration of their gut microbiota. These effects were superior to those of LMW HA and MMW HA. The experimental results indicate that HMW weight HA has the greatest potential to be an adjunct in alleviating PICS as a food additive, while the safety of other HAs requires further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inspiral of compact stellar objects into massive black holes are one of the main astrophysical sources for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and Taiji. These extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs) have great potential for cosmology and fundamental physics. A binary extreme-mass-ratio inspiral (b-EMRI) describes the case where binary black holes (BBHs) are captured by a supermassive black hole. The b-EMRIs serve as multi-band gravitational wave sources and provide insights into the dynamics of nuclei and tests of general relativity. However, if the b-EMRIs can be distinguished from the normal EMRIs or not is still not clear. In this work, with a few of assumptions, and using the Teukolsky equation, we calculate the approximate gravitational waves of b-EMRIs and assess their detectability by space-based detectors. We also decouple the secondary object information from the Teukolsky equation, enabling us to calculate the energy fluxes and generate the waveforms more conveniently. Variations in the quadrupole of the binary result in small but non-negligible changes in energy fluxes and waveforms, making it possible to distinguish b-EMRI signals with data analysis. This opens up the potential of using b-EMRIs to test gravity theories and for further astrophysical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Ce-based three-dimensional (3D) mesoporous microspheres with Mn homogeneous incorporation were synthesized. The CeMn-0.4, characterized by a Ce/Mn molar ratio of 6:4, demonstrated exceptional catalytic activity and stability. The formation of CeMn solid solution strengthened the Ce-Mn interaction, yielding higher concentrations of Ce3+ and Mn4+. Mn4+ initiated toluene preliminary activation owing to its robust oxidative properties, while Ce3+ contributed to oxygen vacancy generation, enhancing the activation of gaseous oxygen and lattice oxygen mobility. Integrating experiments and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations elucidated the oxygen reaction mechanisms. A portion of oxygen was converted into surface reactive oxygen species (O ads) that directly oxidized toluene. Additionally, the presence of oxygen vacancies promoted the participation of oxygen in toluene oxidation by converting it into lattice oxygen, which was crucial for the deep oxidation of toluene. Diffuse Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) indicated the accumulation of benzene-ring intermediates on the catalyst surface hindered continuous toluene oxidation. Thus, the abundant oxygen vacancies in CeMn-0.4 played a pivotal role in sustaining the oxidation process by bolstering the activation of gaseous oxygen and the mobility of lattice oxygen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nonunion is a major concern for orthopedic surgeons, particularly nonunion of the clavicle, which can cause severe pain, loss of full range of motion, poor sleep quality, and loss of strength in the affected individuals. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), an important biological agent, is widely used in orthopedics. OBJECTIVE: We used a combination of three techniques – the PRP technique, autologous bone grafting technique, and internal plate fixation technique – to ensure adequate internal fixation and enable a bone growth-supportive environment at the fracture site. METHODS: The surgical approach was applied to a patient with clavicle nonunion. RESULTS: Based on postoperative follow-up findings and intraoperative findings at the time of re-removal of the patient's implant, the prognosis at the fracture site was considered satisfactory. CONCLUSION: We observed that the patient treated with this method had favorable clinical outcomes, and we recommend that this technique be used in patients with long-bone nonunion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave impeding block (WIB) barriers are often used to reduce vibration from different sources, but traditional vibration isolation of WIB has been limited to homogeneous materials and single-phase elastic or two-phase saturated foundations by many researchers. In fact, soils in nature are usually tri-phase unsaturated materials, and the propagation characteristics of elastic waves in unsaturated medium are completely different from those in single-phase elastic medium or two-phase saturated porous medium. In addition, the conventional WIB barrier has better vibration isolation only at low frequencies. Therefore, this paper improves the vibration isolation of the WIB by double-layer WIB with the same thickness on the basis of traditional WIB. Based on the wave theory of unsaturated porous media and elastic media, and according to the Helmholtz principle, we can obtain the solution of surface vertical displacement after setting double-layer WIB in unsaturated foundation, and then the isolation effect of double-layer WIB in unsaturated foundation under P -wave incidence is investigated. The wave impedance ratio at the interface between WIB and unsaturated soil and wave impedance ratio at the interfaces among the layers of WIB is first analyzed on the vibration isolation effect of double-layer WIB, and the wave impedance ratio corresponding to the optimal vibration isolation effect of WIB barrier is achieved. Then the key factors such as incidence angle, incidence frequency, saturation, thickness, and burial depth of the double-layer WIB are evaluated on its vibration isolation properties. Finally, the isolation effects of single-layer homogeneous WIB and double-layer non-homogeneous WIB with the same thickness are compared. For the same thickness isolation barrier, the vibration isolation efficiency of double-layer WIB is 42.73% higher than single-layer at the incidence angle of 1 6 ∘ – 9 0 ∘ . The double-layer WIB has better isolation effect at low, medium and high frequencies than single-layer WIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional wave impeding block (WIB) is designed as composite multilayer WIB with the same thickness to improve its vibration isolation effect. Based on the wave theory in unsaturated porous medium and elastic medium, the isolation effect of composite multilayer WIB on P-wave in unsaturated soil is investigated, and the solution of the vertical displacement at surface after setting composite multilayer WIB (as an example for triple-layer) in unsaturated foundation is obtained. The key factors such as incidence angle, frequency, saturation, thickness, and burial depth of the composite multilayer WIB are evaluated on its vibration isolation properties. The results show that the optimum vibration isolation effect can be achieved by controlling the wave impedance ratio among layers of materials. The isolation efficiency of composite multilayer WIB is 33.9% higher than homogeneous WIB with same thickness at l east, and has good vibration isolation effect for low, medium, and high frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the regulatory role of miR‐155 and Kinesin Superfamily Proteins‐5C (KIF‐5C) in the progression of pulpitis based on bioinformatic analysis. Methodology: Normal pulp tissues and pulpitis pulp tissues were collected and subjected to high‐throughput sequencing and the differentially expressed miRNAs were determined. An in vitro and in vivo pulpitis model was established. HE, IHC staining and histological evaluation were used to verify the inflammatory state of human and mouse pulp tissues. The mRNA expression of IL‐1β and TGF‐β1 were determined by RT‐qPCR and protein expression of IL‐1α, IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐10 and MCP‐1 were determined by protein chip. The target genes of miR‐155 were predicted by miRanda database and verified by Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RT‐qPCR and western blotting. MiR‐155 lentivirus were used to upregulate or downregulate miR‐155 and the siRNA of KIF‐5C was used to downregulate KIF‐5C. The expression of miR‐155 or KIF‐5C was determined by RT‐qPCR. All statistics were analysed using GraphPad prism 8.2. Results: The high‐throughput sequencing results showed that 6 miRNAs (miR‐155, miR‐21, miR‐142, miR‐223, miR‐486, miR‐675) were significantly upregulated in diseased human pulp tissues, and miR‐155 was significantly elevated among the six miRNAs. RT‐qPCR results demonstrated that miR‐155 expression was upregulated in human pulpitic tissue, mice pulpitic tissue and LPS‐HDPCs. IL‐1β was increased while TGF‐β1 was decreased in lenti‐miR‐155 transfected LPS‐HDPCs. Analysis of protein chip results indicated that lenti‐miR‐155 transfected LPS‐HDPCs produced higher levels of IL‐8, IL‐6, MCP‐1. The opposite results were obtained when miR‐155 was inhibited. Through miRanda database screen and Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, the target gene (KIF‐5C) of miR‐155 was identified. In lenti‐miR‐155 transfected LPS‐HDPCs, the expression of KIF‐5C was downregulated. However, when shRNA‐miR‐155 was transfected to LPS‐HDPCs, the opposite result was obtained. Silent RNA was used to knock down KIF‐5C, the results showed that when both KIF‐5C and miR‐155 were knocked down simultaneously, the downregulated expression of inflammatory factors observed in LPS‐HDPCs following miR‐155 knockdown was rescued. Conclusion: MiR‐155 plays an important role in promoting pulpitis through targeting KIF‐5C and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal catalytic oxidation (TCO) technology is one of the effective methods to remove formaldehyde. CeO2, known for its oxygen storage capacity (OSC), is a promising rare earth material for the thermal catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde. The oxidation mechanism of formaldehyde on the CeO2(110) surface was investigated by density functional theory (DFT). Herein, formaldehyde and oxygen could not be stably adsorbed on a stoichiometric CeO2(110) surface, which was verified by charge-density difference and PDOS analysis. The defective CeO2(110) surface strengthened the adsorption of formaldehyde and oxygen by filling oxygen vacancies and evolved the free oxygen into chemisorbed oxygen. Formaldehyde was difficult to dehydrogenate on stoichiometric or defective CeO2(110) surfaces without oxygen. The water-forming capacity of chemisorbed oxygen promoted the dehydrooxidation of formaldehyde. It not only greatly reduced the energy barrier for the rate-determining step in the formaldehyde oxidation process but also helped formaldehyde to complete a complete oxidation cycle pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the complicated process of using the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the interaction between straw and machinery, existing straw models do not exhibit failure properties. This affects simulation accuracy because some of the interaction processes are not being simulated. To solve these problems, a mechanical model of wheat straw with failure characteristics was developed based on the Hertz–Mindlin (no-slip) contact model and bonded-particle model (BPM). In this model, two types of bonding keys with different bonding parameters were used to bond straw stems. The bonding parameters of the straw model were calibrated using tension, compression, three-point bending, and shear tests, and response surface method. By calculating and solving the regression equation of the Box–Behnken design, the bond parameters (normal and tangential stiffness per unit area, and critical normal and tangential stresses) were calibrated as Bond1 and Bond2. The model can simulate the breaking, fracture, flexural, and shear behaviours of straw during tension, compression, bending, and shearing. The simulated tensile strength, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and shear strength of the model were 9.84%, 1.99%, 10.21% and 15.57% different from their respective experimental average values. The results show that the straw model can accurately reflect the mechanical properties of wheat straw with failure properties, which not only helps to improve the accuracy of straw simulation but also provides a reference for modelling the interaction between straw, or other crops, and mechanical equipment. • An innovative mechanical model of wheat straw with destructibility was constructed. • Two bonding keys with different parameters were newly used to bond the straw unit. • Bonding parameters were calibrated by tension, compression, bending and shear tests. • Tensile, compressive and shear strength, and modulus of elasticity were verified. • Model can reflect the mechanical properties while having destructive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies a parallel grad-div stabilized finite element algorithm for the damped Stokes equations. In this algorithm, in the light of a fully overlapping domain decomposition technique, we solve a global grad-div stabilized problem to compute a local solution in an intersecting subdomain on a global composite mesh, which is fine in the subdomain and rough elsewhere, making the proposed algorithm easy to implement based on an available sequential solver. We derive error bounds of the approximate solutions from our presented algorithm by the theoretical tool of local a priori estimate for the grad-div stabilized finite element solution. Numerical results verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the benefits of the proposed algorithm. On the one hand, compared with the counterpart one excluding grad-div stabilization, this algorithm can reduce significantly the effect of pressure on the approximate velocities, and hence, yields much better approximate velocities in the case of small viscosities. On the other hand, it takes much less computational time in getting approximate solutions with a comparable accuracy than the standard grad-div stabilization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by sustainable development, the energy-saving manufacturing and on-site repairing processes for fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are highly desired to replace the conventional autoclave or oven. In this work, the flexible, thin free-standing laser-induced graphene (FS-LIG) film was obtained by one-step laser irradiation on polybenzoxazine resin followed by rapid quench-peeling. The FS-LIG film showed the uniform, low-voltage driven, and long-term stable Joule heating effect. With attractive Joule performance, the FS-LIG film was developed as a heater for the out-of-autoclave fabrication of FRP composites. Compared with the conventional oven curing process, the FS-LIG-based Joule heating saved around 45% of the energy required without compromising the mechanical performance of obtained composites. Moreover, the FS-LIG film was interlayered into FRP composites to prepare the self-heating patch, which could not only provide heat for the on-site repair of structural composites but also serve as the reinforcement for mechanical properties. Furthermore, the integration of FS-LIG layer enabled the cured composites with additional functionalities including temperature and mechanical sensing to monitor the structural health of composites. This easy-fabricated FS-LIG heater showed enormous practical promise in the advanced manufacturing and repairing of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant-parasitic nematode infective juveniles (J2) use phytochemical signals released into the rhizosphere to locate host roots. Amino acids are the second most abundant metabolites of root exudates, but it is unknown if they are associated with J2 chemotaxis. In this study, J2 chemotaxis and mortality of the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and M. hapla) were examined in response to 15 amino acids and the corresponding pH values for tested amino acid solutions were measured. Responses varied by amino acid and among the species. Significant attraction, determined by J2 count within amino acid solution dispensers after 24 h exposure, occurred with 19 out of 45 J2-amino acid combinations. Heterodera glycines , M. hapla and M. incognita were attracted to nine, three and seven amino acids, respectively. Strongest attractions were to acidic polar amino acids aspartate and glutamate (H. glycines , M. hapla) and basic polar arginine (M. hapla), as previously reported, acid and basic pH attracting nematodes, thereby indicating that pH might be one of the attraction factors for these amino acids. All three nematodes exhibited clustering behaviours, such as halo or balling formations, just outside amino acid solution dispensers, with H. glycines , M. hapla and M. incognita responding to four, 12 and two amino acids, respectively. Six of 15 amino acid solutions, representing a range of pH values, caused increased mortality. Certain aspartate and glutamate affected both H. glycines and M. hapla ; arginine, aspartate, cysteine, lysine, methionine affected M. incognita ; and cysteine caused complete mortality in M. hapla. All the results suggest that amino acids affect nematode attraction and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GO/MWCNT–AgNS membranes were fabricated using the vacuum filtration method. • Enrichment and SERS detection of nanoplastics in water was performed. • Concentrations of 50 nm PS nanoplastics as low as 5 × 10−5 mg/mL were detected. • The retention rate of 50 nm nanoplastics in water was 97.1 %. Nanoplastic water contamination has become a critical environmental issue, highlighting the need for rapid and sensitive detection of nanoplastics. In this study, we aimed to prepare a graphene oxide (GO)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–silver nanostar (AgNS) multifunctional membrane using a simple vacuum filtration method for the enrichment and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of polystyrene (PS) nanoplastics in water. AgNSs, selected for the size and shape of nanoplastics, have numerous exposed Raman hotspots on their surface, which exert a strong electromagnetic enhancement effect. AgNSs were filter-arrayed on GO/MWCNT composite membranes with excellent enrichment ability and chemical enhancement effects, resulting in the high sensitivity of GO/MWCNT–AgNS membranes. When the water samples flowed through the portable filtration device with GO/MWCNT–AgNS membranes, PS nanoplastics could be effectively enriched, and the retention rate for 50 nm PS nanoplastics was 97.1 %. Utilizing the strong SERS effect of the GO/MWCNT–AgNS membrane, we successfully detected PS nanoparticles with particle size in the range of 50–1000 nm and a minimum detection concentration of 5 × 10−5 mg/mL. In addition, we detected 50, 100, and 200 nm PS nanoplastics at concentrations as low as 5 × 10−5 mg/mL in real water samples using spiking experiments. These results indicate that the GO/MWCNT–AgNS membranes paired with a portable filtration device and Raman spectrometer can effectively enrich and rapidly detect PS nanoplastics in water, which has great potential for on-site sensitive water quality safety evaluation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ce-doped TiO 2 (0 0 1) single-atom (SA) catalyst exhibit superior SO 2 /H 2 O-resistance. • CT(0 0 1)-SA protect Ce site from sulfation/hydration with TiO 2 (0 0 1) as trapping site. • Electron capture behavior of SO 2 /H 2 O cause an electron-deficient state of CT(0 0 1)-SA. • Electron-deficiency promote NH 3 adsorption and suppress secondary sulfation/hydration. • Sulfation/hydration exhibite a "dual-edged sword" effect for NH 3 -SCR on CT(0 0 1)-SA. SO 2 /H 2 O-resistance remains challenges for selective catalytic reduction with NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR). The detailed promotion and/or inhibition effects of sulfation/hydration on cerium-titanium (CT) catalysts for NH 3 -SCR are still controversial. Herein, a series of adsorption characteristics, bonding strengths, electronic effects, and reaction pathways were performed by first-principles density functional theory calculations to explore the structure-performance/resistance of CT catalysts and unravel the effects of sulfation/hydration for NH 3 -SCR. We constructed six CT catalyst structures based on three TiO 2 facets [(0 0 1)/(1 0 1)/(1 0 0)] and two surface configurations [single-atom (SA)/interface (IF)]. CT(0 0 1)-SA could protect the active Ce site from sulfation/hydration with TiO 2 (0 0 1) as SO 2 /H 2 O-trapping site, which was the optimal SO 2 /H 2 O-resistant structure among six CT catalyst structures. An electron-deficient state of CT(0 0 1)-SA was caused by sulfation/hydration through electron capture behavior. From the perspective of reactants adsorption, this electron-deficient state not only promoted the NH 3 /NO adsorption but also suppressed the secondary sulfation/hydration. As for NH 3 -SCR pathways, hydration promoted NH 3 dissociation, N-N coupling, and N-O breaking, but inhibited the H1 transfer (rate-determining step). Sulfation impaired the redox ability of Ce site, promoted H1 transfer and N-O breaking, but inhibited the NH 3 dissociation, N-N coupling, and H2 transfer (rate-determining step). Hence, sulfation/hydration exhibited "dual-edged sword" effects for NH 3 -SCR on CT(0 0 1)-SA via electronic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In educational reform, people actively promote educational innovation by applying intelligent technology. As the main participants in education, people experience a series of psychological and cognitive changes in the teaching process. This autonomy and uncertainty will directly affect the effect of network teaching. Due to the variability in the characteristics of individuals, following the psychological perception and subjective value of people and optimizing the development of wisdom education with a reasonable technical cognitive attitude have become a focus. This study uses the grounded theory method to conduct in-depth interviews and questionnaire surveys on 330 e-learners and extracts 400 codes, 38 concepts, 9 categories and 4 core categories. This paper reconstructs the theoretical model of psychological distance in the network education process and identifies four new dimensions: cost distance, initiative distance, control distance and interaction distance. In addition, the four dimensions reflect four core value needs of learners for online education: convenience, self-efficacy, self-identity and binding force. The paper provides a good theoretical basis to improve the user experience and satisfaction in online education and optimize the level of intelligent education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-12Si-4Cu-2Ni-0.8Mg-0.2Gd alloy was investigated. Results show the Si particles become stable and more intermetallic compounds dissolve in the matrix after solution treatment at 500 °C for 2 h followed by 540 °C for 3 h (T4). The skeleton-like Al3CuNi develops into two parts in the T4 alloy: one is Al3CuNi which has the framework shape; the other is intermetallics including the Al3CuNi (size: 5–10 µm) and AlSiCuNiGd phases (size: ≤5 µm) with complex structure. Adding 0.2% Gd can improve the mechanical properties of the alloys after two-step solution treatment (500 °C/2 h followed by 540 °C/3 h), the hardness of the alloy increases from 130.9 HV to 135.8 HV compared with the alloy with one-step solution treatment (500 °C/2 h), the engineering strength increases from 335.45 MPa to 352.03 MPa and the fracture engineering strain increases from 1.44% to 1.67%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to improve the current situations in rice–wheat rotation region in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, such as large amount of rice straw, complex returning process, short-time stubble connection, high power consumption, poor smoothness and especially unstable performance, and further promote the resource utilization process of full straw returning in Jiangsu province, this study, combined with the agronomic requirements of wheat sowing in rice-stubble land, developed an innovation of strip fertilization planting for straw crushing with back-throwing and interrow-laying in full stubble fields. Results: Structural design and theoretical analysis were carried out on key components such as straw crushing device, broken-straw control device, soil rotary-tillage device and power transmission device, etc., to determine the corresponding structure and operating performance parameters, and then the field performance and verification tests were completed on the uniformity of inter-row mulching-straw Y1 and the variability of seed-band width Y2. The results showed that the crushing spindle rotation-speed A had an extremely significant impact on Y1, followed by the machine ground speed B. The conveying impeller rotation-speed C had an extremely significant effect on Y2, also secondary to the machine ground speed B. And the superior combination of factor levels as A2B2C2 was adopted through the comprehensive power energy consumption analysis. The verification test results indicated that under the optimized operation parameter combination, namely, when the crushing spindle rotation-speed A was 2100 r/min, the machine ground speed B was 0.8 m/s, and the conveying impeller rotation-speed C was 210 r/min, the mean value of inter-row straw uniformity Y1 and seed-band width variation Y2 were 90.85% and 10.73%, respectively, after machine operation. Conclusion: It meets the requirements of operation quality and planting agronomy of relevant protective tillage machinery, and provides technical and equipment support for the research and development of similar straw crushing and no-tillage sowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing the resistance of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst to K poisoning can be effectively achieved through modification. This study investigated the impact of transition metal modification on improving the ability of Ce/TiO 2 (CT) catalysts to resist K poisoning by DFT (Density functional theory) calculations. Mo-, Nb-, and W-doping could effectively suppress the adsorption of K. O v (oxygen vacancy) formation and hydrogenation reactions were both facilitated due to the modification of Cu, Co and Sb. The Cu-doping had a significant contribution to the adsorption of NH 3 and NO, and showed the best resistance to K poisoning in the adsorption of reactive species. Additionally, Cu-doping decreased the energy barriers for NH 3 dehydrogenation, NH 2 NO generation and decomposition, and NO 2 formation on CT catalyst, and weakened the inhibition effect of K on the above elementary reactions. Consequently, this provided an effective improvement in the k-poisoning tolerance of the CT catalysts. [Display omitted] • A method for screening modified elements based on DFT calculation was reported. • M-doping benefits hydrogenation, oxygen vacancy formation, and adsorption of NH 3 /NO. • M-doping mitigated the toxic effect of K in adsorption energy and energy barrier. • The modification effect of Cu was better than that of Co, Sb, Mo, Zr, Nb, W. • CCuT extremely weakened the inhibition of E-R and L-H mechanisms by K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nb doping enhances the acidity of Ce-Ti catalysts and anti-poisoning performance. • Zn prefers to adsorb around Nb and the Ce sites are further protected by Nb. • Zn species reduce the specific surface area and occupy acidic sites of CNT. • Anions creates new NH 3 adsorption sites but the activation of adsorbed NH 3 is more difficult. The effect of different Zn species (ZnSO 4 , ZnCl 2 , and ZnO) on Nb-doped Ce-Ti catalyst (CNT) was explored with XRD, N 2 physisorption, NH 3 -TPD, H 2 -TPR, XPS, in situ DRIFTS and DFT calculation. The experimental results show that the deactivation rate of CNT by different Zn species was in the order: CNT-ZC > CNT-ZO > CNT-ZS. Nb doping enhanced the acidity of Ce-Ti catalyst and protected Ce active sites from different Zn species. After different Zn species were loaded on CNT, its specific surface area decreased, and the acid sites were occupied. The results from in situ DRIFTS demonstrated that, after anion poisoning, anions (SO 4 2-, O2–, and Cl-) would create new NH 3 adsorption sites while theoretical calculations also indicated that NH 3 adsorption was enhanced by the poisoning of anions, but the activation of adsorbed NH 3 was more difficult. Finally, in situ DRIFTS reveals that the SCR reaction on CNT is still under both E-R and L-H mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wireless power supply solution has shown great advantages in rail transit applications, such as maglev trains and trams. However, research works on designing the magnetic coupler for wireless charging system in rail applications, which is a crucial problem, are not sufficient. Considering the high power and lightweight requirements, this article selects the coaxial M-shape magnetic coupler with LCL/S compensation for railway applications, which contains the transmitting rail and the receiving coil wound on an M-shape magnetic core. First, analysis was conducted on the requirements for inductance parameters of the magnetic coupler under the circuit constraints, including transmission power, input and output voltages, and component electrical stress, etc. Then, the influence of the geometric parameters of the coil structure and misalignment on its inductance parameters is analyzed. Based on these analysis results, the design method for the M-type magnetic coupler based on the lightweight principal is proposed. The geometric parameters are designed following a certain sequence to minimize the number of iterations and FEM simulation parameter sweeps, making the design procedure suitable for engineering practice. According to the proposed method, the magnetic coupler for a 360 kW wireless charging tram is designed and implemented. Through simulations and experiments, the magnetic coupler is verified to be feasible for the system with light weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has become popular for the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The very highly up-migrated lumbar disc herniation (VHUM-LDH) is difficult to remove under PELD. The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility, clinical efficacy and operative nuances of a novel VTT involving TELF for this type of herniation.Methods: Eleven patients with very highly up-migrated LDH who underwent VTT involving TELF discectomy from May 2016 to May 2019 were included in this study. The operative time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were recorded. Pre-and postoperative radiologic findings were investigated. All the patients were followed more than 1 year. The visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and modified MacNab criteria were used to assess surgical efficacy.Results: All the 11 patients underwent successful surgery. We compared the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores before and after surgery. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 10 patients were assessed as "excellent", 1 patient was assessed as "good" at the last follow up.Conclusion: The novel VTT involving TELF discectomy is a supplement to the traditional PELD. This technique enables the endoscope with working cannula to get closer the sequestrated nucleus pulposus without irritating the exiting nerve root, and facilitates the nucleus pulposus be removed successfully under direct visualization. The VTT involving TELF discectomy can be a safe, effective and feasible surgical procedure for the treatment of LDH with very highly up-migrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: China was affected by an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in 2019–2020. Research data are needed to develop evidence-driven strategies to reduce the adverse psychological and occupational impacts on healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: From March 1, 2020, to March 8, 2020, 946 HCWs in China completed a survey consist of sociodemographic data, precautionary measures against COVID-19, and concerns about COVID-19. Self-administered questionnaire were collected to assess psychological and occupational adverse outcomes of HCWs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes. Results: A total of 55.0%, 56.0% and 48.3% of the HCWs experienced burnout, psychological distress and posttraumatic stress, respectively. A total of seven factors were independently associated with burnout: good health status (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36–0.71), fear of contagion (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.003–1.79), avoiding contact with children (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03–1.91), enough staff support at the workplace (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38–0.92), having to work overtime (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.83), maladaptive coping (OR 3.28, 95% CI 2.42–4.45) and adaptive coping (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.35–0.62). A total of 11 factors were independently associated with high psychological distress: having one child (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38–0.77), good health status (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.83), alcohol abuse (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.25), thinking the epidemic would continue for quite a long time (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08–2.34), wearing extra-work clothes (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.06–2.15),effective protective equipment (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22–0.90), enough staff support at the workplace (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34–0.89), unable to take care of families (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.42–2.78), economic losses (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14–2.31), maladaptive coping (OR 6.88, 95% CI 4.75–9.97),and adaptive coping (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.21–0.41). These factors were independently associated with posttraumatic stress: living with the elderly (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.04–2.05), alcohol abuse (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.002–1.98), working at a 3A hospital(OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.88), acquaintances confirmed COVID-19 (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.20–3.84), fear of contagion (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.40–2.50), believing they would survive if infected (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46–0.86), self-disinfected after arriving home (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.01–2.02), interpersonal isolation (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.21–2.26), unable to take care of families (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.05–1.88) and maladaptive coping (OR 3.09, 95% CI 2.32–4.11). Conclusion: The variance in adverse outcomes was explained by the effect of various factors, which will help policymakers better prepare for subsequent potential outbreaks of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The effect of different metal doping (Cu, Co, Ce, Fe) on the oxidation performance of α-MnO 2 toluene was revealed. • MnCu exhibits excellent catalytic activity, thermal stability, and resistance to H 2 O due to the optimal crystal structure, appropriate Mn3+/Mn4+ proportion, and superior redox properties. • The generation of oxygen vacancies in MnCu promotes the Mn3+ ↔ Mn4+ interconversion and lattice oxygen (O lat) migration. • The highest lattice oxygen (O lat) mobility in MnCu accelerates the deep oxidation of toluene. • The balance between toluene adsorption and deep oxidation is needed to ensure that toluene can be oxidized continuously. α-MnO 2 doped with four metals (Cu, Ce, Co, Fe) were prepared via a redox co-precipitation method. MnCu exhibited the highest activity and the temperature required for achieving 90% toluene conversion was 224℃ at a weight hourly space velocity of 30000 mL·g−1·h−1. Moreover, MnCu possessed outstanding thermal stability and resistance to H 2 O. The optimal crystal structure, appropriate Mn3+/Mn4+ proportion, and superior redox properties of MnCu contributed to the generation of oxygen vacancies and the highest lattice oxygen (O lat) mobility. Both surface and bulk lattice oxygen consumed in MnCu can be supplemented promptly by gaseous oxygen. Therefore, a balance between toluene adsorption and deep oxidation was built in MnCu to ensure the continuous oxidation of toluene. Although the abundant surface defects and a relatively active surface lattice oxygen accelerated the adsorption and activation of toluene over MnFe, it exhibited the poorest activity. This was because the deep oxidation of toluene was inhibited owing to poor lattice oxygen migration. The adsorbed toluene and part intermediates might cover the catalyst surface preventing the continuous oxidation of toluene. This further illustrated that the deep oxidation of toluene was much more important than the adsorption for the design of MnO 2 -based mixed oxide catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fe 3 O 4 @mTiO 2 @Ag NPs were prepared as SERS substrates. • This SERS-based method could analyze quinolone antibiotics in aquaculture water. • Six quinolone antibiotics could be quantitatively analyzed. • Fe 3 O 4 @mTiO 2 @Ag NPs could efficiently catalyze the photolysis of antibiotics. Antibiotic residues in aquaculture environments disrupt the ecosystem balance and pose a potential hazard to human health when entering the food chain. Therefore, ultra-sensitive detection of antibiotics is necessary. In this study, a multifunctional Fe 3 O 4 @mTiO 2 @Ag core–shell nanoparticle (NP), synthesized using a layer-by-layer method, was demonstrated to be useful as an enhanced substrate for in-situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of various quinolone antibiotics in aqueous environments. The results showed that the minimum detectable concentrations of the six investigated antibiotics were 1 × 10−9 mol/L (ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enoxacin, enrofloxacin, and norfloxacin) and 1 × 10−8 mol/L (difloxacin hydrochloride) under the enrichment and enhancement of Fe 3 O 4 @mTiO 2 @Ag NPs. Additionally, there was a good quantitative relationship between the antibiotics concentrations and SERS peak intensities within a certain detection range. The results of the spiked assay of actual aquaculture water samples showed that the recoveries of the six antibiotics ranged from 82.9% to 113.5%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 1.71% to 7.24%. In addition, Fe 3 O 4 @mTiO 2 @Ag NPs achieved satisfactory results in assisting the photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics in aqueous environments. This provides a multifunctional solution for low concentration detection and efficient degradation of antibiotics in aquaculture water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N-doped carbon encapsulated FeSe 2 (FeSe 2 @NC) has prepared for sodium-ion batteries. • The carbon layer improves electronic conductivity and alleviates volume expansion. • FeSe 2 @NC exhibits superior pseudocapacitance contribution and Na-ion storage. • Sodium-ion capacitors were assembled using FeSe 2 @NC anode and AC cathode. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have great potential for large-scale energy storage, whereas the development of satisfactory anode material is still a challenge. Herein, the nitrogen-doped carbon encapsulated FeSe 2 (FeSe 2 @NC) with spindle-like nanostructures are proposed by polymerization, carbonization and selenization strategies. The N-doped carbon layer effectively improves the electronic conductivity, provides more activity sites, and alleviates the volume expansion. As expected, the prepared FeSe 2 @NC delivers excellent rate performance (232.3 mAhg−1 at 1.0 Ag−1) and superior cycle stability (269.8 mAhg−1 after 500 cycles). Significantly, this work proposes an effective material engineering approach for designing transition metal selenides for high-performance SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes. Previous studies have implicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the development of PDN, but its pathogenesis and mechanism have not been fully investigated. Methods: In this study, we used high‐fat diet/low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced rats as a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Behavioral testing, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and complex sensory nerve conduction velocity studies were used to assess peripheral neuropathy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, tissue reactive oxygen species, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the function and morphology of mitochondria in DRG. Real‐time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the mechanism. Results: We found that damaged mitochondria were accumulated and mitophagy was inhibited in PDN rats. The expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which is an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase in mitochondria, was inhibited. Overexpression of SIRT3 in DRG neurons by intrathecally administered LV‐SIRT3 lentivirus ameliorated neurological and mitochondrial dysfunctions. This was evidenced by the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, as well as the restoration of MMP and ATP levels. Overexpression of SIRT3 restored the inhibited mitophagy by activating the FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin signaling pathway. The effects of SIRT3 overexpression, including the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, the improvement of impaired mitochondria and mitophagy, and the restoration of PINK1 and Parkin expression, were counteracted when FoxO3a siRNA was intrathecally injected. Conclusion: These results showed that SIRT3 overexpression ameliorates PDN via activation of FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy, suggesting that SIRT3 may become an encouraging therapeutic strategy for PDN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical vortices are the light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM), helical phase fronts and azimuthal component of the wave vector. The demand for miniaturization and scalability requires avoiding shortcomings of bulk optics via photonic integration. The integrated OAM emitters are designed to generate and manipulate OAM beams. Photonic integration is compatible with high purity of single mode emission and high efficiency, achieving controllable mode superposition and multiplexing. The potential applications in microscopy, micromanipulation, telecommunications and quantum information are presented and reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a theoretical model (cavityless pulsed solid-state-laser theory) to analyze the pulse characteristics of cavity-less solid-state lasers. A high gain Nd:YVO4end-pumped cavityless laser system is adopted to verify the theoretical model. It shows that the performance of output energy and pulse width achieved in cavityless configuration is better than that in resonator configuration when the small-signal gain reaches the saturated level. The simulation results calculated by our theoretical model agree very well with the experimental results. This agreement proves the validity of our theoretical model, which has great importance for theoretical analyses of high gain pulsed laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Na poisoning mechanism on Ce/TiO 2 (001) surface was studied by DFT calculations. • Ce/TiO 2 (001) surface was easily poisoned due to the high affinity with Na. • Na doping changed the catalyst structure and reduced the reactivity of the surface. • Na poisoning significantly increased the energy barrier of elementary reactions. • Both Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms were inhibited. The presence of alkali metal Na in flue gas can significantly impair the reactivity of Ce/TiO 2 (CT) SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst. This study investigates the deactivation mechanism of Na on the Ce/TiO 2 catalyst using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, focusing on the adsorption of surface species and the pathway of elementary reaction. Due to the high affinity between Na atom and the catalyst surface, Na poisoning readily occurs on Ce/TiO 2 (001) surface. The presence of Na on the catalyst surface hampers hydrogenation, oxygen vacancy formation, and NH 3 adsorption, while also reducing the catalyst's acidity and reducibility. Additionally, Na impedes the NH 3 dehydrogenation reaction, as well as the formation and decomposition of NH 2 NO and the dissociation of O 2 on the catalyst surface, thereby inhibiting the NH 3 -SCR reaction. The inhibition of NO 2 formation further affects the fast SCR reaction, which may explain the low-temperature deactivation of the catalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sulfate increased the adsorption of NH 3 , but the increased NH 3 was not active. • Mo doping could inhibit the sulfation of the catalyst. • Mo doping could alleviate the competitive adsorption among NO x , H 2 O and SO 2. • Mo doping changed the reaction mechanism of CeO 2 -Nb 2 O 5 /TiO 2 catalyst. MoO 3 -doped CeO 2 -Nb 2 O 5 /TiO 2 catalyst was synthesized by a sol–gel method. It was found that Mo doping observably enhanced the tolerance of CeO 2 -Nb 2 O 5 /TiO 2 catalyst to the combined poisoning of H 2 O, SO 2 and K 2 O. Mo doping could restrain the generation of ammonium sulfate and metal sulfate on the surface of the catalyst. This came down to the large specific surface area, strong acidity and superior redox performance of CeO 2 -MoO 3 -Nb 2 O 5 /TiO 2 catalyst. In situ DRIFTS results indicated that K/S/H-CMNT catalyst still proceeded the SCR reaction according to the L-H and E-R mechanisms together, while K/S/H-CNT catalyst only followed the E-R mechanism. Mo doping could enhance the adsorption of NH 3 and NO x species in the presence of K 2 O, H 2 O, and SO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether to use an information sharing mechanism is investigated in a dynamic supply chain, where one manufacturer, one carrier, and one retailer are faced with uncertain yield, demand, and lead time during multiple periods. Each member is modeled as an adaptive agent based on multiagent technique, and their decisions can be adjusted timely to adapt to external environment. There are two choices for the whole supply chain to deal with uncertain risks: information sharing (IS) or no information sharing (NS). Under strategy IS, the information about market demand and the retailer's inventory can be shared within the supply chain. For each strategy, the effects of yield, demand, and lead time uncertainties on costs of the supply chain and channel members are studied. It is found that (i) it is rewarding for the upstream manufacturer to use a retailer's shared information under uncertain yield or demand; (ii) however, information sharing (IS) strategy sometimes should be abandoned for other members and the whole supply chain; (iii) counterintuitively, the increase of transportation time uncertainty benefits the retailer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts prepared by co-precipitation method were used for the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate to benzyl alcohol. These catalysts were characterized at various stages of preparation by nitrogen adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results show that the addition of ZnO to the catalyst greatly improves the selectivity of benzyl alcohol. When the Cu/Zn/Al molar ratio is 2:2:1 and the calcination temperature of the catalyst is 650 °C, the catalyst exhibits very highly catalytic performance. In addition, the effects of reaction temperature, pressure and time were also investigated during the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate to benzyl alcohol. When the methyl benzoate was hydrogenated over this catalyst at 160 °C and 7 MPa of H2 for 10 h, the conversion of methyl benzoate can reach 93.89% and the selectivity of benzyl alcohol is 88%. This effectively catalytic performance can be attributed to the presence of highly dispersed and stable metallic copper nanoparticles, and the weak acidity of the catalyst surface. Besides, the reaction pressure and temperature play a crucial role in the conversion of methyl benzoate and the selectivity of benzyl alcohol.Graphical Abstract: Application of Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst in hydrogenation of methyl benzoate to benzyl alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti54.7Ni30.7Cu12.3Co2.3 shape memory alloy was rolled to predetermined thickness by two-roll hot -cold rolling mill, and conducted insulation treatment at 200 °C, above the end temperature of martensite inversion, for 2 h. The recovery rates of samples were tested. The results indicate that the shape memory alloy showed the maximum recovery rate of 88.89% at the recovery temperature of 200 °C for 2 h when the pre-deformation a-mount was set as 4%. The recovery effect of the alloy fell off at this recovery temperature for 2 h when the pre-deformation amount was above 4%, which denoted that the shape memory alloy possessed maximum pre-deformation of roughly 4 % at the recovery temperature of 200 °C for 2 h, and the alloy could not recover completely at this temperature for 2 h when pre-deformation was beyond limit. The shape memory alloy demonstrated maximum breaking strength (2 475 MPa), higher yield strength (1 586 MPa) and plastic strain rate (13.5%) with insulation heat treatment at the temperature of 465 °C for 30 min, which manifested the alloy presented optimal room temperature compression performance, and maximum promotion of microhardness with insulation heat treatment at the temperature of 465 °C for 30 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, intensively-investigated multi-functional sensors and luminescent lanthanide detectors have become two fields of intense investigation. Functional combination of these two fields is becoming cutting edge research area. Herein, three new dinuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln 2 (IMBA) 6 (dmp) 2 ] (IMBA = 4-iodo-3-methylbenzoic acid; dmp = 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline; Ln = Eu3+, 1a ; Ln = Gd3+, 1b ; Ln = Tb3+, 1c) are obtained. These complexes are fully characterized by multiple techniques such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Luminescence properties of 1a and 1c , including luminescence spectra, decay lifetimes and quantum yields are discussed in detail. It is noteworthy that 1a shows ultrahigh luminescence quantum yield (QY) of 73%. Besides, it is a highly selective bifunctional sensor for diethyl ether (Et 2 O) and Fe2+, and the Fe2+ can be discriminated easily by the naked eye with limit of detection (LOD) of 1.0 × 10−6 M. Further in-depth research evidences that the sensing of Fe2+ would not be disturbed by Fe3+ or other species. Graphical abstract Three new lanthanide complexes have been prepared. Eu3+ complex shows ultrahigh luminescence QY of 73%. It is a highly selective bifunctional sensor, the sensing of Fe2+ can be discriminated by the naked eyes and would not be disturbed by other species. fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper studies sign consensus, a collective behavior of multiagent systems, when both cooperative and antagonistic interactions coexist among agents. By sign consensus, it means that the states of all agents will eventually achieve the same sign but may with different magnitudes. Compared with some recent works on sign‐consensus problems, where only fixed graphs are considered and the graph adjacency matrix needs to be eventually positive, this paper allows the graph to be switching over time. Control laws are proposed and analyzed with respect to three classes of switching graphs. Examples illustrate the efficacy of the control algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poisoning effect of PbO and PbCl 2 on CeO 2 -TiO 2 catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH 3 was investigated and compared. Both Pb species could deactivate the CeO 2 -TiO 2 catalyst and PbO had a stronger poisoning effect than PbCl 2 . From the characterization results of BET, XRD, XPS, NH 3 -TPD and H 2 -TPR, it was concluded that the more serious deactivation by PbO could be ascribed to smaller BET surface area, fewer surface Ce 3+ and chemisorbed oxygen, stronger interaction between PbO and CeO 2 -TiO 2 catalyst, lower redox properties and surface acidity. The in situ DRIFT study results revealed that the NH 3 -SCR reaction over CeO 2 -TiO 2 catalyst was governed by both E-R and L-H mechanisms, which wasn’t changed over the Pb-poisoned samples. The greater loss of Brønsted acid sites attributed to fewer surface Ce 3+ and more serious inhibition of NO oxidation to NO 2 due to fewer surface chemisorbed oxygen were two key factors responsible for more serious deactivation by PbO. Furthermore, the presence of Pb species inhibited the NH 3 adsorption on the Lewis acid sites, aggravating the deactivation of CeO 2 -TiO 2 catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) is ubiquitous in human’s environment, and is strongly linked to breast cancer development. microRNA (miRNA) is an important regulator of target genes. So far, no studies have been reported yet to reveal the action of miRNAs in BBP-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we showed that BBP induced proliferation of both ER(+) MCF-7 and ER(-) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, proved by increased cell viability, transition of cell cycle from G1 to S phase, upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1, and downregulation of p21. Meanwhile, the expression of oncogenic miR-19a/b and PTEN/AKT/p21 axis was also modulated by BBP. Furthermore, for the first time we revealed that miR-19 played crucial role in the promoting effect of BBP on breast cancer cells through targeting PTEN 3’UTR. Findings from this study could provide an important new perspective on the molecular mechanisms through which BBP exerts its promoting effect on breast cancer as well as its target intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Han, H. and Jiang, Y., 2018. The evolution of mariculture structures and environmental effects in China. In: Liu, Z.L. and Mi, C. (eds.), Advances in Sustainable Port and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, pp. 155–166. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. China's fishery has undergone the structural changes of shifting from fishing-dominated to aquaculture-dominated sectors. Structural changes of mariculture sector are undergoing as a result of internal and external factors, rising demand, government promotion policies, technological advancement, resource and environmental constraints should be responsible for the evolution of geographical distribution, varieties, waters and modes, which in turn have exerted environmental impacts. It is shown that mariculture is transferring from traditional waters to deep-sea and onshore waters. Accompanying the development of new varieties, intensive modes are developed fast while traditional extensive modes are still dominant. The rapid development of intensive mariculture and modern mariculture modes has exerted internal source pollution to marine environment. To facilitate sustainable development of mariculture, it is necessary to expand the mariculture space, optimize the cultivated modes and varieties. It is believed that irrational human economic activities should be responsible for coastal water pollution and ecological degradation. Scientific guidance on mariculture industry layout, modern ecological farming pattern and reasonable matching cultured population, the development of mariculture technologies and pollution treatment facilities, and supervision and guidance of laws and regulations are urgently required to facilitate balanced sustainable development of mariculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of Ca doped Ce-Ti oxides prepared by a single step sol-gel method were investigated for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3. The results show that Ca doping had both positive and negative effects on the activities of Ce-Ti oxide. Ca0.1CT possessed the best catalytic activity and widest temperature window. Further investigations on BET, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR and NH3-TPD demonstrated that the good SCR performance of Ca0.1CT could be attributed to the increase in the amount of Ce3+ and surface adsorbed oxygen as well as the enhancement of Brønsted acidity and redox ability. In addition, the good dispersion of active Ce species, the alleviation of support sintering, and the interaction among Ce, Ti and Ca species were also responsible for its enhanced activity.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phrenic nerve transfer has been a well-established procedure for restoring elbow flexion function in patients with brachial plexus avulsion injury. Concerning about probably detrimental respiratory effects brought by the operation, however, stirred up quite a bit of controversy. We present a case report of the successful application of phrenic nerve as donor to reinnervate the biceps in a septuagenarian with brachial plexus avulsion injury, not accompanied with significant clinical respiratory problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel CeO 2 -MoO 3 -WO 3 /TiO 2 (CMWT) catalyst was prepared by a single step sol-gel (SG) method. It exhibited 93.8%–98.9% of NO conversion at 275–450 °C and high tolerance to 10% H 2 O and 1000 ppm SO 2 at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 90,000 h − 1 . Superior SCR activity of CMWT catalyst could be attributed to the presence of more Ce 3 + and chemisorbed oxygen, higher redox ability, stronger adsorption capacity of NH 3 species and the strong interaction among ceria, molybdenum, tungsten and titania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new complexes based on the 4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazole (Hcpt) ligand, {[Co(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]·H 2 O}( 1 ), {[Cr(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]·10H 2 O}( 2 ), {[Fe(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ]·10H 2 O}( 3 ), {[Zn(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ]}( 4 ) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction and TGA. For complexes 1 , 2 , and 3 , they almost have the same coordination mode that only one nitrogen atom of triazole are involved in the coordination, while in the complex 4 , only the group COO − participates in the coordination. In the crystal structure of 1 , each structural unit[Co(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] is linked to another by hydrogen bonding formed by the lattice water molecules, thus forming a one-dimensional chain structure; In the crystal structure of 2 or 3, each structural unit[Cr(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] or [Fe(cpt) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] forms a two-dimensional layered structure by intermolecular hydrogen bonds from the coordinated water molecule and the group COO − . The results of thermogravimetric analysis show that the loss of lattice water and coordinated water molecules in 1 , 2 and 3 is below 120 °C, while the loss of coordinated water molecules in 4 is in the temperature range of 190–260 °C. Hirshfeld surface shows that the N H⋯O hydrogen bonding interaction plays a significant role towards the conformation of the basic structure of these complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the robustness of the video watermarking algorithm, we propose an improved video zero-watermarking algorithm in pseudo 3-D discrete cosine transform (3D-DCT) domain. In this scheme, we first select key frames through the inter-frame Euclidean distance algorithm, and then apply the three frames difference algorithm to extract the moving object of the key frame. Afterwards the moving object of the key frame is segmented as blocks, and the pseudo 3D-DCT is performed on the blocks. After the sequences of video eigenvalues are constructed by AC coefficients, we embed watermark signals into the sequences of eigenvalues to structure zero-watermark. Finally, the zero-water - mark is registered in a database. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is invisible and robust against most attacks, including noise filtering attacks, frame cropping, rotation, scaling and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxyfluoride glass with Na 5 Y 9 F 32 :Ce3+/Dy3+ nanocrystals were fabricated via a conventional melt-quenching route. The characterization results showed that Na 5 Y 9 F 32 nanocrystals with particle sizes (40–75 nm) were successfully formed, and homogeneously dispersed in the glass matrix. Color tunable emission can be realized via varying the Dy3+ concentration. Energy transfer from Ce3+ to Dy3+ ions was confirmed by the fluorescence spectra and the decay curve measurement. The dependence of fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) on temperature were evaluated from the emission spectra, demonstrating that glass ceramics (GCs) can achieve high sensitivity (1.025% K-1). All these properties indicate that the developed Na 5 Y 9 F 32 :Ce3+/Dy3+ GCs could be an ideal material in color tunable luminescence and temperature sensors. • Ce3+ and Dy3+ ions were co-doped in Na 5 Y 9 F 32 glass ceramics for the first time. • Tunable emission can be achieved by varying the Dy3+ concentration. • The glass ceramics possess high relative sensitivity. • The glass ceramics is an ideal material in tunable emission and temperature sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple and sensitive UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS method for determing PNS in trace amount of rabbit tears was established. • The developed method was successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic study of PNS eye drop solution in rabbits. • This is the first pharmacokinetic study of PNS administration for eye drops. Panax notoginseng total saponins (PNS), the main bioactive components of the radix and rhizome of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F.H. Chen, could treat eye disorders. For the treatment of ocular diseases, eye drops are the first choice with the most common, economic and good compliance. So we proposed that PNS might be able to treat inflammatory ocular surface diseases by eye drops based on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The short elimination half-life (t 1/2) and rapid elimination of PNS after oral or intravenous administration may limit its application for eye disorders. Meanwhile, there is a lack of pharmacokinetic study on trace amount of tear samples with PNS eye drops. Therefore, a simple and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) method by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ion mode was firstly developed and applied in the pharmacokinetic study of PNS in rabbit tears. Tears samples were prepared by protein precipitation using methanol. The linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, specificity, precision, repeatability, stability, recovery, and matrix effect have been investigated and passed their validation criteria. Compared with prior methods, this method has the advantages of rapid analysis, high sensitivity, simple sample preparation and less sample demands. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that PNS eye drops had a slower elimination and a longer t 1/2 by topical ocular administration, which is expected to improve the success rate of eye drops in the treatment of anterior segment diseases. The ocular pharmacokinetics of PNS provides an experimental guidance and feasibility basis for in vivo effect verification of PNS eye drops in the future investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]