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Chiral conjugated polymer has promoted the development of the efficient circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) device, nevertheless, it remains a challenge to develop chiral polymers with high electroluminescence performance. Herein, by the acceptor copolymerization of axially chiral biphenyl emitting skeleton and benzophenone, a pair of axially chiral conjugated polymers namely R‐PAC and S‐PAC are synthesized. The target polymers exhibit obvious thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) activities with high photoluminescence quantum yields of 81%. Moreover, the chiral polymers display significant circularly polarized luminescence features, with luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) of nearly 3 × 10−3. By using the chiral polymers as emitters, the corresponding circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) exhibit efficient CPEL signals with electroluminescence dissymmetry factor |gEL| of 3.4 × 10−3 and high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 17.8%. Notably, considering both EQEmax and |gEL| comprehensively, the device performance of R‐PAC and S‐PAC is the best among all the reported CP‐OLEDs with chiral conjugated polymers as emitters. This work provides a facile approach to constructing chiral conjugated TADF polymers and discloses the potential of axially chiral conjugated luminescent skeletons in architecting high‐performance CP‐OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-specific endonucleases can be used for the digestion of nucleic acids because they hydrolyze DNA/RNA into 3–5 base pairs (bp) length oligonucleotide fragments without strict selectivity. In this work, a novel non-specific endonuclease from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PfNuc) with high activities for both DNA and RNA was successfully cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The production of PfNuc in flask scale could be achieved to 1.73 × 106 U/L and 4.82 × 106 U/L for DNA and RNA by investigation of the culture and induction conditions. The characterization of PfNuc indicated that it was Mg2+-dependent and the catalytic activity was enhanced by 3.74 folds for DNA and 1.06 folds for RNA in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+. The specific activity of PfNuc for DNA was 1.44 × 105 U/mg at pH 8.0 and 40 °C, and 3.93 × 105 U/mg for RNA at pH 8.5 and 45 °C. The Km of the enzyme for both DNA and RNA was close to 43 µM. The Vmax was 6.40 × 105 U/mg and 1.11 × 106 U/mg for DNA and RNA, respectively. There was no observed activity loss when PfNuc was stored at 4 °C and − 20 °C after 28 days or 10 repeated freeze–thaw cycles at − 80 °C. Molecular docking revealed that PfNuc formed 17 and 19 hydrogen bonds with single-stranded RNA and double-stranded DNA, respectively. These results could explain the high activity and stability of PfNuc, suggesting its great potential applications in the industry and clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Previous studies reported inconsistent results on the prevalence and prognostic implications of frailty among older adults with gastric cancer. This systematic review synthesized available literature pertaining on this topic to establish the prevalence and unfavorable outcomes of frailty in older adults with gastric cancer. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple English databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science as well as Chinese databases, namely, CNKI, Wan Fang, and CBM, from inception to July 4, 2023, to identify potential studies. Data related to the incidence of frailty and its unfavorable outcomes in older adults with gastric cancer were extracted. RevMan5.3 and R 4.2.2 were used to evaluate pooled prevalence, hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: This review comprehensively selected 13 studies, comprising 9 cohort studies and 4 cross-sectional studies, on 44,117 older adults diagnosed with gastric cancer. The incidence of frailty among older adults with gastric cancer ranged from 10 to 71%. The pooled prevalence of frailty was 29% (95% CI 0.21–0.39). Frailty was found to be associated with an elevated risk of postoperative complications (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.45–2.73), prolonged postoperative hospital stay (HR = 2.68, 95% CI 2.38–3.02), likelihood of readmission (HR = 3.28, 95% CI 1.77–6.08), and an increased mortality risk (HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.36–1.90). Conclusions: Frailty was associated with a poor prognosis in older adults with gastric cancer. Clinical medical staff should focus on the frailty of older adults with gastric cancer, conduct large-scale, multicenter, and prospective studies and early screening of patients, and provide guidance for the implementation of prevention and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the direct use of corn as energy feed, about 30% of the annual output is used to produce corn starch, sugar and ethanol and other deep processing products in China, while producing corn husk, corn pulp, corn embryo meal, corn protein meal, DDGS and other by-products. These by-products generally have problems such as high crude fiber content, low available energy, mycotoxin pollution, etc. If the quality and efficiency of these by-products are improved by processing technology, their feeding value can be significantly improved. In the paper, the nutritional characteristics, value-added processing and utilization technology of corn processing by-products and their application in animal production are reviewed, which can provide reference for the effective improvement of feed value, and also have important significance for alleviating the contradiction of feed resource shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of bacterial infections due to its resistance to most antibiotics and the production of diverse virulence factors. Various alternative approaches to treating staphylococcal infections have been proposed, including targeting the virulence factors or mechanisms that regulate their synthesis. The accessory gene regulator (agr) and the S. aureus exoprotein expression (sae) are two major virulence regulators of S. aureus. Here, we describe a dual reporter system capable of simultaneously monitoring the transcriptional activities of agr and sae in S. aureus. The reporter plasmid contained two fluorescent protein cassettes arranged back-to-back, with the mCherry cassette driven by the agrP3 promoter and the GFP cassette driven by the sbi promoter. We examined the fluorescent responses of wild-type, agr, and sae mutant strains using fluorescence microscopy and found that the activities of agr and sae systems could be detected without significant crosstalk in the dual reporter strain. The dual reporter system could be used to monitor the dynamic changes in agr and sae activities during batch growth in S. aureus. Additionally, we evaluated the responsiveness of the reporter strain to virulence inhibitors by treating it with several known inhibitors, including autoinducing peptides (AIPs) containing culture supernatants, indole, and flavone. The results suggested that the dual reporter system was sensitive to both agr and sae inhibitors. This reporter construct enables the characterization of the activity of a substance against two different targets in one screening round, significantly reducing screening time and expense. IMPORTANCE Staphylococcus aureus is a formidable pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections, and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has posed significant challenges in treating these infections. In this study, we have established a novel dual reporter system capable of concurrently monitoring the activities of two critical virulence regulators in S. aureus. By incorporating both reporters into a single screening platform, we provide a time- and cost-efficient approach for assessing the activity of compounds against two distinct targets in a single screening round. This innovative dual reporter system presents a promising strategy for the identification of molecules capable of modulating virulence gene expression in S. aureus, potentially expediting the development of antivirulence therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem that the optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is insufficiently sensitive for biomolecule detection, a novel sensing probe was proposed and designed, where the semiconductor material α-Fe2O3 was introduced for the first time. The α-Fe2O3 with high refractive index enhances the electric field and evanescent field depth at the interface between the α-Fe2O3 film and the ambient medium, resulting a sensitive performance. The characteristics of the sensors with gold film and α-Fe2O3 film at different thicknesses were analyzed and compared by finite element method. The thicker the α-Fe2O3 film, the higher the sensitivity. When the thickness of gold nanofilm is 50 nm and the thickness of α-Fe2O3 nanofilm is 20 nm, the highest figure of merit (FOM) is 50.98 RIU−1, corresponding to a sensitivity of 4800 nm/RIU, which is 2.16 times more sensitive than the traditional SPR sensor. In addition, three α-Fe2O3 film thickness-assisted SPR sensors were successfully prepared with the highest sensitivity of 4173.1 nm/RIU, which is nearly two times higher than without the α-Fe2O3 film. The enhancement after introducing α-Fe2O3 nanofilms and its promising application in the field of biosensing were confirmed through experiments and simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a promising therapeutic technique, which makes precise and rapid gene editing technology possible on account of its high sensitivity and efficiency. CRISPR/Cas9 system has been proved to able to effectively disrupt and modify genes, which shows great potential for cancer treatment. Current researches proves that virus vectors are capable of effectively delivering the CRISPR/Cas9 system, but immunogenicity and carcinogenicity caused by virus transmission still trigger serious consequences. Therefore, the greatest challenge of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer therapy lies on how to deliver it to the target tumor site safely and effectively. Non-viral delivery systems with specific targeting, high loading capacity, and low immune toxicity are more suitable than viral vectors, which limited by uncontrollable side effects. Their medical advances and applications have been widely concerned. Herein, we present the molecule mechanism and different construction strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 system for editing genes at the beginning of this research. Subsequently, several common CRISPR/Cas9 non-viral deliveries for cancer treatment are introduced. Lastly, based on the main factors limiting the delivery efficiency of non-viral vectors proposed in the existing researches and literature, we summarize and discuss the main methods to solve these limitations in the existing tumor treatment system, aiming to introduce further optimization and innovation of the CRISPR/Cas9 non-viral delivery system suitable for cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Qualities of non-viral vectors and anti-tumor effects for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery. • Breaking physiological barrier to improve gene editing efficiency. • Rationally design CRISPR/Cas9 releasing mechanism applicable to tumor site. • Enhanced anti-tumor efficacy through carrier modification. • Application of CRISPR/Cas9 in tumor therapy and current status of clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gejiu ore district (~ 3.2 Mt Sn) is located in eastern Yunnan Province, southwest China, and is one of the largest Sn polymetallic ore districts in the world. Athough it has been widely studied, the petrogenesis of ore-related granites is still unclear. In this paper, we present petrological, geochemical, and geochronological data on the granites associated with the Kafang Cu–Sn deposit in the Gejiu ore district (65 Mt Cu ore at a grade of 1.2% and 32 Mt Sn ore at a grade of 0.6%). We use these data to constrain the source, evolution, oxygen fugacity, and tectonic setting of the granitic magmatism. Zircon U–Pb dating yielded an age of 82.8 ± 0.6 Ma for the Kafang granite. The high zircon δ18O values (7.45–9.74‰; mean = 8.80‰) and narrow range of εNd(t) values (–9.0 to –7.7) of the Kafang granite indicate a highly evolved S-type granite derived by partial melting of metamorphic basement rocks of the Jiangnan orogenic belt. Rayleigh fractional crystallization modeling, along with the increase in Hf and Sn contents and decrease in Eu/Eu* values of zircons, record extensive fractional crystallization, and Sn enrichment during magmatic evolution. The Kafang granite was relatively reduced, as evidenced by low zircon Ce/Ce* (10.0–366; mean = 171), (Ce/Nd)N (0.76–8.32; mean = 4.41), △FMQ (–2.5 to 1.2) values, and Fe3+-depleted biotite compositions (Fe3+/(Fe3+ + Fe2+) = 0–0.10), which were favorable for Sn mineralization but not for Cu mineralization. Copper in the Kafang deposit may not have been derived from the granite. Our results suggest that biotite and zircon geochemical compositions, particularly biotite Mg# and A/CNK values and zircon Hf contents, Eu anomalies, and Ce/Ce* and (Ce/Nd)N ratios, are robust tracers of different types of magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits (i.e., Cu, Mo, W, and Sn). Late Cretaceous magmatism in the Gejiu region and other areas along the southern margin of South China formed an E–W-trending igneous belt that was likely related to northward subduction of the Neo-Tethyan plate rather than northwestward subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fluorescent emitter based on π-extended benzothiadiazole was synthesized. The emitter exhibited a large molar extinction coefficient, a high quantum yield of 98% and a large radiative decay rate of 108 s−1. Moreover, the obtained TADF-sensitized fluorescent OLED displayed excellent device performance with a high EQEmax of 14.3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Spinirta Jin & Zhang, 2020 (Araneae: Corinnidae) from Jiangxi Province, China are described here: S. sanxiandian sp. nov. (♂♀) and S. sishuishan sp. nov. (♂). Detailed descriptions and photographs of the new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal corrosion can potentially cause catastrophic engineering accidents threatening personal safety; thus, coating protection is a tremendously valuable anti-corrosion initiative. Recently, biphenylene, a novel two-dimensional (2D) graphene-based material, has achieved a remarkable synthetic breakthrough; the anti-corrosion properties of biphenylene, with its specific pore structure, are predicted to be beneficial in applications of metal corrosion resistance. In this study, the anti-corrosion mechanism of biphenylene is deciphered utilizing first principles and molecular dynamics. The results suggest that biphenylene with tetragonal, hexagonal, and octagonal carbon rings supplies adequate sites for stable O atom adsorption. The charge transfer amounts of +0.477 and +0.420 e facilitate the formation of a compact oxygen-rich layer on the material surface to acquire outstanding anti-corrosion properties. The moderate wettability of biphenylene prevents the water-based solution from encroaching on the biphenylene coating and substrate. In addition, the intensive binding between biphenylene and the aluminum substrate strengthens the integration of the two heterogeneous structures with −413.7 and 415.5 eV, which guarantees the durable application of biphenylene coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "[Retracted] Downregulation of long non-coding RNA GAS5 promotes cell proliferation, migration and invasion in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma" has been retracted by the Editor of Oncology Letters due to concerns about the integrity of the data presented. An area of similarity was identified in the cellular data, and the western blots showed atypical and possibly anomalous protein bands. The authors were asked for an explanation but did not respond. The Editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks the concerned reader for bringing this matter to their attention. [Extracted from the article]

A list of 26 gnaphosid species belonging to 14 genera collected in Jiangxi Province, China, is provided. Three new species of ground spiders from Jiangxi Province of China are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Haplodrassus yinae Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), Hitobia xiaoxi Liu, sp. nov. (♂), and Zelotes dingnan Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀). Haplodrassus yinae Liu, sp. nov. was previously erroneously recorded in Jiangxi Province as H. montanus Yin et al., 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of salticids were collected from China: Synagelides emangou Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀) from Gansu province, and S. jinding Liu, sp. nov. (♂), S. serratus Liu, sp. nov. (♂, ♀), S. shuqiang Liu, sp. nov. (♂), and S. triangulatus Liu, sp. nov. (♀) from Jiangxi Province. All species are described and illustrated with photographs and SEM micrographs, and their distributions are also mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of 34 thomisid species belonging to 21 genera collected in Jangxi Province of China is provided. Five new species are described: Angaeus xieluae Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), Lysiteles subspirellus Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Oxytate mucunica Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Pharta lingxiufengica Liu, sp. nov. (♀), Stephanopis xiangzhouica Liu, sp. nov. (♀). A new combination is proposed: Ebelingia forcipata (Song & Zhu, 1993) comb. nov. (ex. Ebrechtella Dahl, 1907). Previously unknown females of E. forcipata (Song & Zhu, 1993), Oxytate bicornis Liu, Liu & Xu, 2017, and Xysticus lesserti Schenkel, 1963 are described for the first time. Stephanopis O Pickard-Cambridge, 1869, a genus previously known from Australasia and South America, is recorded from the Asian mainland for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively discusses the seismic performance of steel moment-resisting frames with hybrid-self-centring connections (SMRF-HSCC) employing energy dissipation sequences by probabilistic seismic assessment. The hysteretic model of the HSCC was first developed based on experimental results, and a simplified nonlinear-spring-based model to simulate the behaviour of the connection was proposed and verified by physical test data. A series of codified prototype structures were developed, considering the fracture behaviour of post-tensioned (PT) steel strands in the connections. The seismic performance of prototype structures was assessed in terms of nonlinear static analyses and nonlinear dynamic analyses. The results indicated that the hysteretic response of SMRF-HSCC exhibited trilinear hysteretic features with the expected energy dissipation sequences. The influence of the high-mode effects on SMRF-HSCC was mitigated with the increase in energy dissipation and post-yield stiffness of the structure. Finally, the fragility analyses of the prototype structures were further performed, and the risk assessment was also made considering a 50-year service period. The collapse probability and the exceedance probability of target residual drift over a 50-year service period of SMRF with conventional self-centring connections showing flag-shaped hysteresis were higher than that of SMRF-HSCCs. The results also confirmed that the collapse probability and exceedance probability of target residual drift over a 50-year service period of SMRF-HSCC can be adjusted by reasonably modulating the arrangement of the HSCCs. • Hybrid-self-centring connection (HSCC) was proposed. • The trilinear hysteretic model of the HSCC was developed. • Probabilistic seismic assessment of SMRF equipped with HSCCs was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel triptycene-fused hole transport material is designed and synthesized. • The HTM exhibits both high T 1 of 2.95 eV and large hole mobility of 9.73 × 10-5 cm2 V−1 s−1. • Efficient OLEDs based on this HTM show high EQE max of up to 33.5%, which are more prefer than the commercial HTMs. The improvement of high-performance organic light-emitting diodes (OELDs) is still attracted much attention in research and application fields. In an OLED device, the hole/electron transport layers, emitting layers and electrodes together determine the performance of the device. However, the development of hole transport materials (HTM) is severely fallen behind. Herein, we report a novel triptycene-derived HTM 2,6-di-[4-(N , N -di-p-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]triptycene (TAPT), which can transform the molecule from planar to 3D configuration. Compared with most of commercial HTMs, TAPT exhibits a relatively high T 1 of 2.95 eV, which is very helpful for blocking exciton leakage. Moreover, TAPT shows the hole mobility up to 9.73 × 10-5 cm2 V−1 s−1, which are almost two orders of magnitude higher than those commercial HTMs. By using TAPT as hole transport layer (HTL), it is further found that the fabricated OLEDs with various emitters display more preferable device performance than those using TAPC as HTL. This work provides an advanced approach for constructing high-performance hole transport materials and corresponding OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxometalate-based organic–inorganic hybrids have attracted considerable attention due to their fascinating structures and wide application prospects. In this work, using the same building blocks, ligands and metal ions (ZnW12O406−(ZnW12), 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy), and Cu2+), we synthesized three new POM-based hybrids by controlling the pH values of the reaction systems. These three compounds {(Zn0.6(H2)0.4W12O40)[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)3]}2·6H2O (1), (Me4N)2{ZnW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)3]}·5H2O (2), and {(Zn0.5(H2)0.5W12O40)[Cu(2,2′-bipy)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]}·5H2O (3) have been structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 appears as a dimeric cluster structure, while compounds 2 and 3 appear as a 1D chain structure and a 2D network, respectively. The semiconducting properties of compounds 1–3 are different, which was demonstrated by band gap (Eg) and photocurrent response measurements. Compound 3 can efficiently catalyze the photooxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde with high selectivity using molecular oxygen as the oxidant component. Moreover, compound 3 was recycled and reused three times without significant degradation in conversion and selectivity. In addition, the mechanism of the photocatalytic reaction was also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a two-party quantum private comparison (QPC) protocol using orthogonal product states. This protocol introduces a semi-honest third party who will faithfully execute the protocol and will not conspire with any of the participants. Every participant encodes the hash value of her (his) secret data into a quantum sequence of orthogonal product states. Each of these states comes from a locally indistinguishable set of product states. To ensure information security, each participant splits the quantum sequence of product states that she (he) generates into two single-particle sequences and transmits these two single-particle sequences separately. After the third party calculates and publishes the results, the two participants can know whether their secret information is equal by a simple calculation. Security and efficiency analyses show that our protocol is secure and efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A POM-based one-dimensional (1D) chain compound, {BW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)2]2[Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)]}{BW12O40[Cu(2,2′-bipy)2][Cu(2,2′-bipy)(H2O)2]}·7H2O, has been synthesized and structurally characterized, which represents an unprecedented 1D double chain structure with opposite charges. In contrast to common POMs, this compound exhibits a relatively high electrical conductivity of 1.17 × 10−9 S cm−1 at 25 °C. In addition, its semiconducting properties have also been investigated by application of photoelectrochemical sensing of H2O2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable Sn isotopes have been widely used to trace the planetary differentiation processes, the provenance and trade paths of ancient bronze artifacts, the mineralization history of tin ore deposits, and the terrestrial magmatic processes. However, systematic Sn isotope studies of felsic igneous rocks especially the Sn mineralization-related highly evolved granites are still lacking. In this study, we present the first high-precision Sn isotope data of two Sn-rich highly evolved S-type granites (Laochang and Kafang) from the world-class Gejiu Sn ore district. These granite samples show remarkably variable δ122/118Sn values (relative to the Sn standard solution NIST 3161a) ranging from 0.11 ± 0.02‰ to 0.93 ± 0.02‰ (2σ), which is the largest variation range reported in granites so far. The absence of correlations between Sn isotopes and LOI (loss-on-ignition) and ε Nd (t) values, along with the low magmatic oxygen fugacity (△FMQ < 0) for these granites, rule out hydrothermal alteration, wall-rock assimilation, source composition heterogeneity, and anatexis processes as causes of the Sn isotope fractionation. The Laochang granites show negative correlations between δ122/118Sn values and magmatic differentiation indicators (e.g., CaO, Fe 2 O 3 , Ti, Eu/Eu*, F/Cl), suggesting fractional crystallization increased the δ122/118Sn isotopes in the residual melts. The fractional crystallized minerals are mainly composed of biotite, plagioclase, and minor ilmenite. Compared with the Laochang granites, the Kafang granites show higher SiO 2 contents, F/Cl ratios, and δ122/118Sn values, suggesting the magma at this stage was fluid-saturated and fluid exsolution coupled with fractional crystallization would further enrich the heavy Sn isotopes in the residual melts. We further quantified the contributions of crystal fractionation and fluid exsolution on Sn isotopic variability using a Rayleigh fractionation model. The modeling indicates that △122/118Sn crystal-melt = −0.6 to −0.5‰ and △122/118Sn fluid-melt = −1.9 to −0.7‰ with an initial H 2 O content of 2 wt.% can explain the observed δ122/118Sn values of Gejiu granites. This study implies that both crystal fractionation and fluid exsolution processes cause increase of Sn isotopic values in the highly evolved granites and Sn isotopes are useful for tracing the evolution of highly differentiated igneous rocks. [Display omitted] • Sn-rich Gejiu highly evolved granites show remarkable Sn isotope fractionation (0.11–0.93‰ in δ 122 / 118 Sn). • Both the fractional crystallization and fluid exsolution processes could increase the Sn isotopes in the residual magmas. • The mineralization-related hydrothermal fluids at Gejiu deposit are exsolved from highly differentiated magmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) results in abnormal morphology and gastrointestinal function, such as reduced villi height and crypt depth, thinner mucosa and muscle layers, and reduced brush border enzyme activities, delayed gastric emptying, increased stress response. As a gastrointestinal growth factor, the manner by which the porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 (pGLP-2) microsphere administration restored the gastrointestinal function and growth performance of IUGR piglets was investigated. Fourteen newborn Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace) IUGR piglets (0.92 ± 0.113 kg) were assigned into the IUGR (negative control group) and pGLP-2 microsphere groups. The piglets in group pGLP-2 were intraperitoneally administered with 100 mg pGLP-2 microspheres on day 1 after birth. From days 15 to 26 of trial, the body weight of the pGLP-2 group was significantly higher than that of the control. IUGR piglets of group pGLP-2 showed a significantly increased pancreas weight, serum insulin content and activity of lipase and amylase. Injection of pGLP-2 microspheres restored the intestinal absorptive capacity by significantly increasing the mRNA expression of the sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 in the jejunum and the peptide transporter 1 in the jejunum. It also restored the redox balance by increasing the catalase mRNA expression and decreasing the heat shock protein 70 mRNA expression. In addition, this improvement was associated with the significant increase in gut diameter, length and weight. Therefore, it was concluded that the injection of pGLP-2 microspheres was a suitable therapeutic strategy for compensatory growth in low birth weight IUGR piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight new Otacilia species were collected from Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province, China during a survey of the phrurolithid fauna of the region: Otacilia bizhouica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. gougunao Liu, sp. nov. (♂), O. nanhuashanica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. subfabiformis Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. wugongshanica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), Otacilia yusishanica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. zaoshiica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀) and O. ziyaoshanica Liu, sp. nov. (♀). All species are described and illustrated with photographs and SEM micrographs, and their distribution is also mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we mainly study the stability for parametric unified weak quasivariational inequality (PUWQVI) under free-disposal set mappings. Firstly, by using a nonlinear scalarization method, we establish the semicontinuity of gap functions and solution mappings for (PUWQVI). Then, under the free-disposal set mapping assumption, we obtain some sufficient conditions of the outer-continuity and the outer-openness for (PUWQVI), and the inner-openness for parametric unified set-valued strong vector quasivariational inequality, respectively. Moreover, examples are given to illustrate our results, our results are new and improve the corresponding ones in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-type lectins (CTLs) play important roles in innate immune system of crustaceans as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). In this study, a novel CTL gene was obtained from the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii , designated as PcLec. PcLec encodes a peptide with 175 amino acids, with a signal peptide and a single carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). The PcLec transcripts were specifically expressed in crayfish stomach and were induced by bacterial challenge. In vitro assays with recombinant PcLec protein revealed that it had bacterial binding activity, polysaccharide binding activity, bacterial agglutination activity, and antimicrobial activity. Most importantly, PcLec knockdown significantly impaired the survivability of crayfish upon oral infection with its pathogen A. hydrophila. According to these results, we infer that the PcLec plays a crucial role in antibacterial defense of crayfish. • PcLec is stomach specific and responds to bacterial challenge. • PcLec has direct antimicrobial activity against both Gram+ and Gram-bacteria. • PcLec knockdown impaired the survivability of crayfish upon oral infection with bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic helical π‐conjugated skeleton makes helicenes highly promising for circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL). Generally, carbon helicenes undergo low external quantum efficiency (EQE), while the incorporation of a multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) BN structure has led to an improvement. However, the reported B,N‐embedded helicenes all show low electroluminescence dissymmetry factors (gEL), typically around 1×10−3. Therefore, the development of B,N‐embedded helicenes with both a high EQE and gEL value is crucial for achieving highly efficient CPEL. Herein, a facile approach to synthesize B,N‐embedded hetero[9]helicenes, BN[9]H, is presented. BN[9]H shows a bright photoluminescence with a maximum at 578 nm with a high luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) up to 5.8×10−3, attributed to its inherited MR‐TADF property and intrinsic helical skeleton. Furthermore, circularly polarized OLED devices incorporating BN[9]H as an emitter show a maximum EQE of 35.5 %, a small full width at half‐maximum of 48 nm, and, more importantly, a high |gEL| value of 6.2×10−3. The Q‐factor (|EQE×gEL|) of CP‐OLEDs is determined to be 2.2×10−3, which is the highest among helicene analogues. This work provides a new approach for the synthesis of higher helicenes and paves a new way for the construction of highly efficient CPEL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic helical π‐conjugated skeleton makes helicenes highly promising for circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL). Generally, carbon helicenes undergo low external quantum efficiency (EQE), while the incorporation of a multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) BN structure has led to an improvement. However, the reported B,N‐embedded helicenes all show low electroluminescence dissymmetry factors (gEL), typically around 1×10−3. Therefore, the development of B,N‐embedded helicenes with both a high EQE and gEL value is crucial for achieving highly efficient CPEL. Herein, a facile approach to synthesize B,N‐embedded hetero[9]helicenes, BN[9]H, is presented. BN[9]H shows a bright photoluminescence with a maximum at 578 nm with a high luminescence dissymmetry factor (|glum|) up to 5.8×10−3, attributed to its inherited MR‐TADF property and intrinsic helical skeleton. Furthermore, circularly polarized OLED devices incorporating BN[9]H as an emitter show a maximum EQE of 35.5 %, a small full width at half‐maximum of 48 nm, and, more importantly, a high |gEL| value of 6.2×10−3. The Q‐factor (|EQE×gEL|) of CP‐OLEDs is determined to be 2.2×10−3, which is the highest among helicene analogues. This work provides a new approach for the synthesis of higher helicenes and paves a new way for the construction of highly efficient CPEL materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phrurolithidae spiders were collected from Jinggang Mountain National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China, during the past six years. The new genus Alboculus Liu, gen. nov., with the type species Phrurolithus zhejiangensis Song & Kim, 1991, is described, and its previously unknown male is described for the first time. Furthermore, seven new species of Otacilia are described: O. acutangula Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. bijiashanica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. longtanica Liu, sp. nov. (♀), O. ovoidea Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. shenshanica Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O. subovoidea Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), and O. xiaoxiica Liu, sp. nov. (♀). All species are illustrated with photographs and their distributions are mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Tonsilla Wang & Yin, 1992 are described from Jinggang Mountain National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China: T. jinggangensis K. Liu & X. Xu, sp. nov. (♀) and T. subyanlingensis K. Liu & X. Xu, sp. nov. (♂♀). The new species are illustrated, and their distributions are mapped. Detailed generic characters and an updated key to Tonsilla species are also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tight sandstones of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation are important gas reservoirs in the western part of the Sichuan Basin, China. However, their diagenesis and the factors controlling diagenetic processes are poorly constrained. The petrological and geochemical nature of diagenetic minerals of the Xujiahe sandstone reservoirs was analysed from 105 core samples of three wells in the Xinchang Gas Field. The lower member, Xu‐2, sandstones have an average framework composition of Q65F16R19, and 47% of the total lithic fragments are volcanic rock fragments (VRFs). In contrast, the upper member, Xu‐4, sandstones have an average framework composition of Q53F0R47 with a near absence of feldspar and VRFs. The main phase of carbonate cementation in the Xu‐2 sandstones is mesogenetic ferroan dolomite, whereas in the Xu‐4 sandstones, it is intergranular poikilotopic calcite. A fair amount (0.97% in bulk rock and 29% in clay fraction) of authigenic kaolinites appear in the Xu‐4 sandstones, but they are completely absent in the Xu‐2 sandstones. The observed textural occurrence of kaolinites, in combination with the positive relationship between δ13C and δ18O in the calcite cements, suggests that meteoric water flushed the Xu‐4 sandstones, resulting in the dissolution of feldspar to a negligible amount. Quartz cementation is more extensive (1.4 vol%) in the Xu‐2 sandstones than in the Xu‐4 sandstones (0.4 vol%). The fluid inclusions within the quartz cements in the Xu‐2 sandstones have a higher homogenization temperature interval (84–217°C) than those in the Xu‐4 sandstones (81–147°C), indicating that quartz cementation continued to affect the Xu‐2 sandstones during deep burial but ceased relatively early in the Xu‐4 sandstones. High‐intensity chlorite authigenesis, feldspar overgrowth, and albitization occur only in the Xu‐2 sandstones, suggesting that the source of these sandstones was primarily from the alteration of VRFs during late‐stage diagenesis. These clear variations in diagenetic features between the Xu‐2 and Xu‐4 members were most likely controlled by the significant variations in their depositional environments (marine vs. non‐marine) and in the original framework compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For visible light communication (VLC), the light signals are transmitted without optical fibers or any sort of wave-guiding. Due to the inherent broadcast nature, physical-layer security emerges as a promising method to protect information delivery from eavesdropping. As for the secrecy capacity of VLC channel, there exist two features. In one way, the limited optical power makes the common capacity expressions in radio-frequency (RF) communication unapplicable for VLC. In another way, several correlated geometrical parameters directly alters the Lambertian model of indoor VLC channel, which gives the secrecy capacity more meanings. However, the issue considering both aspects has not been studied recently. In this paper, from the practical scenarios, we extract a typical geometrical model to reveal the mobility principles of the legitimate receiver and the eavesdroppers. Then, we character two typical distributions of the geometrical parameter. Correspondingly, we derive the upper and lower bounds on the average secrecy capacity, which have the closed forms. Finally, simulation results show that our upper and lower bounds are tight at high optical signal-to-noise rates (OSNRs). Moreover, the geometrical features of VLC systems and distribution parameters of the receiver mobility are effectively reveal by the bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evolution and popularity are two keys of the Barabasi–Albert model, which generates a power law distribution of network degrees. Evolving network generation models are important as they offer an explanation of both how and why complex networks (and scale-free networks, in particular) are ubiquitous. We adopt the evolution principle and then propose a very simple and intuitive new model for network growth, which naturally evolves modular networks with multiple communities. The number and size of the communities evolve over time and are primarily subjected to a single free parameter. Surprisingly, under some circumstances, our framework can construct a tree-like network with clear community structures—branches and leaves of a tree. Results also show that new communities will absorb a link resource to weaken the degree growth of hub nodes. Our models have a common explanation for the community of regular and tree-like networks and also breaks the tyranny of the early adopter; unlike the standard popularity principle, newer nodes and communities will come to dominance over time. Importantly, our model can fit well with the construction of the SARS-Cov-2 haplotype evolutionary network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant invasions can alter the behaviour and performance of native herbivorous insects because the insects are evolutionarily naïve to the novel plants. An ecological trap results when native insects prefer invasive plants over their native hosts but suffer reduced fitness on the invaders. Although such traps are predicted to occur frequently, given the prevalence of invasive plants, empirical support for ecological traps and their underlying mechanisms remains sparse.We examined the potential for the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora to act as an ecological trap for the native moth Laelia coenosa, which previously fed mainly on the indigenous plant Phragmites australis in a Chinese saltmarsh. We surveyed Laelia egg densities on Spartina and Phragmites in the field, and determined adult oviposition preference and offspring development on the two plant species. To investigate the causes of adult preference and offspring performance patterns, we compared resource abundance in the field, plant‐odour attractiveness and leaf nutritional and defensive traits between Spartina and Phragmites.We found that Laelia egg density and female preference for ovipositing were higher on Spartina than Phragmites. However, performance of offspring was poorer on Spartina than Phragmites. Spartina dominated a larger area and had greater leaf biomass than Phragmites in the field, and volatile odours released by Spartina were more attractive to Laelia females than those released by Phragmites. Although leaf C, C:P ratio and terpenoid content did not differ significantly between the two plant species, Spartina leaves were tougher and more waxy, had lower N and had higher concentrations of alkaloids and phenolics than Phragmites leaves.Synthesis. Our data suggest that invasive Spartina can create an ecological trap for the native insect Laelia. This trap appears to result from environmental cues (resource availability and leaf odours) that attract the herbivore to the plant, but do not reliably predict the dietary qualities (nutrition and defences) that negatively affect herbivore offspring performance. These findings reveal an important negative effect of plant invasions on resident herbivores and highlight the roles of resource availability and plant traits at different life stages of the insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of PC12 cells to 10 mM glutamate caused significant viability loss, cell apoptosis, decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). In parallel, glutamate significantly increased the intracellular levels of ROS and intracellular calcium. However, pretreatment of the cells with acteoside and isoacteoside significantly suppressed glutamate-induced cellular events. Moreover, acteoside and isoacteoside reduced the glutamate-induced increase of caspase-3 activity and also ameliorated the glutamate-induced Bcl-2/Bax ratio reduction in PC12 cells. Furthermore, acteoside and isoacteoside significantly inhibited glutamate-induced DNA damage. In the mouse model, acteoside significantly attenuated cognitive deficits in the Y maze test and attenuated neuronal damage of the hippocampal CA1 regions induced by glutamate. These data indicated that acteoside and isoacteoside play neuroprotective effects through anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, and maintenance of steady intracellular calcium. Protective effect of acteoside and isoacteoside on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) was successfully coated with nano-Mg(OH)2 platelets. Due to the strong interaction between chitosan and nano-Mg(OH)2, it was possible to yield modified foam with a weight-gain of up to 15 wt% by depositing one chitosan layer and one nano-Mg(OH)2 layer. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ on FPUF covered with 10 wt% coating (FPUF-10) shows the Langmuir behavior. It was found that for the FPUF-10, the removal % for Cu2+ after 30 min and 50 min treatment were 86% and 90%, respectively. Moreover, the maximum removal % could reach up to 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs), as an important class of smart materials, have been attracting interests from both academia and industries. Over the past two decades, the fundamental principles of SMPs have been well established, facilitating research to design different types of SMPs at the molecular structure level. Meanwhile, in recent years, increasing attention has been paid to design SMPs with unique shape-memory behavior and manufacture SMP articles with sophisticated shape towards practical applications. Notably, photo-cross-linking strategy has actively established a powerful platform to develop SMPs from basic molecular structure design to advanced design and manufacturing. This review emphasizes the view that there is a close connection between photo-cross-linking strategy and SMPs. Following a brief introduction on the important general aspects of SMPs, progress in research on various photo-cross-linking approaches used for molecular structure design of SMPs is reviewed. To depict the significance of photo-cross-linking strategy for SMPs beyond conventional molecular structure design, achievements at unconventional aspects of advanced design and 4D printing are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the inelastic seismic demands of steel frames equipped with shape memory alloys (SMAs) subjected to mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences. Based on the multiple nonlinear stages of steel frames equipped with SMAs, a trilinear self-centring hysteretic model is introduced and validated first. Then, inelastic spectral analyses of steel frames equipped with SMAs subjected to mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences are conducted. In particular, the energy modification factors of the corresponding single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) under single mainshocks and mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences are examined and compared. The results show that the energy modification factor of steel frames equipped with SMAs under mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences is higher than that under single mainshocks, and the energy modification factor shows sensitivity to trilinear self-centring hysteretic parameters. Last, an amplification coefficient is developed and estimated for quantifying the amplification effect of recorded mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences on the energy modification factor. Specifically, several machine learning (ML) algorithms are implemented and compared for estimation and interpretation. The results indicate that the XGBoost model performs best in predicting the amplification coefficient with the highest coefficient of determination of 0.9845. Besides, the interpretable ML approaches including partial dependence plot (PDP) and shapely additive explanations (SHAP) are proved helpful in explaining the trained ML model. • A trilinear hysteretic model is proposed and verified. • Effects of the influential parameters on energy modification factors are investigated. • Amplification effect of mainshock-aftershock earthquake sequences is quantified. • Prediction model for amplification effect is developed utilising machine learning technologies. • Interpretable machine learning approaches are adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallelogram shaped sections are compelling candidates for structural boundary members to accommodate transitions at corners and to cater for architectural aesthetics. Generally, parallelogram shaped sections possess no axis of symmetry and therefore require careful design considerations in engineering practice. However, there is limited information on this topic in the literature. This paper examined the behaviour of parallelogram shaped hollow structural sections subjected to bending moments. Closed-form solutions were derived for two types of parallelogram shaped sections (i.e., parallelogram sections and parallelogram hollow structural sections), including equations of moment inertia, general flexure equations, and equations of neutral axis. Toward practical applications, two common loading conditions were discussed, and design equations for the yield moment and plastic moments were formulated. Furthermore, the stresses at the vertices of the parallelogram were rewritten in a straightforward form as the product of a stress factor and the stress of a rectangular section. Finite element (FE) models verified by test results in the literature were developed to enable a parametric study, and the correlation among test results, FE data, and predictions by equations justified the adequacy of the proposed theoretical model and the corresponding closed-form solutions. The findings in this work show that the aspect ratio and inclination angle have a major influence on the section properties and stress distribution of parallelogram sections, whereas parallelogram hollow structural sections are further affected by an additional factor known as the shape constant. Parallelogram shaped sections may produce much greater stresses than rectangular sections under the same moments. • Closed-form design solutions were derived for parallelogram shaped sections. • Aspect ratio and inclination angle are key parameters for parallelogram sections. • Aspect ratio, inclination angle, and shape constant are vital for parallelogram HSS. • Parallelogram HSS may produce much greater stresses than rectangular HSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyethylene glycosylated (PEGylated) porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 (pGLP-2) considerably increases half-life and stability compared with the native pGLP-2, but the effective dose for intestinal damage is still unclear. This study aims to evaluate the available dose of polyethylene glycosylated porcine glucagon-like peptide-2 (PEG-pGLP-2), a modified, long-acting form of pGLP-2 in an experimental rat model of ulcerative colitis.Methods: Thirty-five male rats were randomly assigned into five groups: control, dextran sodium sulphate (DSS), DSS + PEG-pGLP-2(L), DSS + PEG-pGLP-2(M) and DSS + PEG-pGLP-2(H). Rats in control group received only water; other rats were fed with 5% (w/v) DSS and intraperitoneally administered with 12.5, 25 and 100 nmol/kg PEG-pGLP-2 daily for 6 days.Results: Compared with the control treatment, DSS treatment significantly (p < 0.05) decreased body weight change, colonic length, duodenal villus height and expression of zonula occludens-1, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) increased colonic damage score and expression of claudin-1, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-7, IL-10, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in colon. However, the three doses of PEG-pGLP-2 all reduced these effects; these treatments significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight change and duodenal villus height, whereas significantly (p < 0.05) decreased colonic damage score and expression of IL-1, IL-7 and TNF-α in colon. Specifically, low-dose (12.5 nmol/kg/d) PEG-pGLP-2 was effective.Conclusions: These results indicated that PEG-pGLP-2 is a novel and potentially effective therapy for intestinal healing in a relatively low dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A demand index quantifying the residual deformation ratio is defined. • Near-fault ground motions are applied as input excitations. • Effects of the damage-control core and its shifting path are studied. • Empirical formulas of residual displacement ratio demand are developed. This research investigates the post-earthquake residual displacement ratio demand of high strength steel frames with energy dissipation bays (HSSF-EDBs) under near-fault earthquake ground motions. The study focuses on the ultimate stage of the structure where the HSS frame develops sufficient inelastic deformations. The nonlinear force-displacement behaviour of a HSSF-EDB is idealised by a classical trilinear kinematic model, and the idealised hysteretic behaviour is assigned to oscillators for representing the novel system. To facilitate performance-based seismic design of HSSF-EDBs, the post-earthquake residual displacement demand is related to the yield displacement characterising yielding of energy dissipation bays using the trilinear oscillator analogy, and a non-dimensional residual displacement ratio is proposed. A large number of inelastic spectral analyses of trilinear oscillators covering a reasonable spectrum of hysteretic parameters are performed to quantify the influence of the essential variables on the residual displacement ratio demand of the systems. The results show that the residual displacement ratio of trilinear oscillators representing HSSF-EDBs subjected to near-fault earthquake ground motions is affected by hysteretic parameters in various yielding stages. To offer a practical tool for estimating the residual displacement demand of HSSF-EDBs in the preliminary design phase, empirical formulas quantifying the post-earthquake residual displacement ratio demand of trilinear oscillators are proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of using trilinear oscillators for quantifying post-earthquake residual displacement demand of HSSF-EDBs is emphasised by a comparative study on seismic responses of a prototype HSSF-EDB system and equivalent oscillators under near-fault ground motion samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simple hydrothermal self‐assembly of metal ions, 5,5′‐(4,5‐dicarboxy‐1,2‐phenylene)bis(oxy)diisophthalic acid (L1'), and N2H4·H2O at pH = 8 (adjusted by oxalic acid) created two new acylhydrazinetetracarboxylate‐extended 3‐D Sr2+ and Ba2+ coordination polymers [Sr2(HL1)(H2O)] (H5L1 = 5,5′‐(1,4‐dioxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydrophthalazine‐6,7‐diyl)bis(oxy)diisophthalic acid) 1 and [Ba5(HL1)2(ox)(H2O)2]·6H2O·N2H4 (ox = oxalate) 2. H5L1 originated from the in situ acylation of L1′ with N2H4. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction analysis reveals that (i) the 3‐D network of 1 is based on a rod‐like secondary building unit (SBU), which can be described as an alternate arrangement of two types of dinuclear Sr‐O clusters; (ii) the 3‐D network of 2 is also based on a rod‐like SBU. The different is that the SBU for 2 can be described as an alternate arrangement of a kind of trinuclear cluster and a kind of tetranuclear cluster. Both 1 and 2 emit blue light. With regard to their good photoluminescence properties, their trinitrophenol (TNP) sensing ability was investigated. The results indicate that both can selectively detect TNP. The quenching constants Ksv are calculated to be 3.21 × 104m–1 for 1 and 2.98 × 104m–1 for 2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Jacaena jinxini Liu & Xu, sp. nov. (Liocranidae) is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work focuses on the seismic performance of high-strength-steel frame equipped with mild-carbon-steel sacrificial beams of non-compact sections in energy dissipation bays, namely the HSSF-NCEDB structure. This work was commenced with a test program of a HSSF-NCEDB system as a feasibility study. The test results indicate that the novel structure exhibits the desirable damage-control behavior with inelastic actions locked in the sacrificial beams with non-compact sections for the expected deformation range. Even though both high-strength-steel members and sacrificial beams with non-compact sections were restricted by the limited energy dissipation, ductile manner was observed. A finite element (FE) model was established, and good agreement between the test results and the FE results was obtained. For practical applications, the concept of the buckling hinge was developed for quantifying the stable energy dissipation stage of sacrificial beams with non-compact sections. Lastly, the effectiveness of the HSSF-NCEDB system for mitigating the post-earthquake residual deformations was demonstrated by preliminary nonlinear dynamic analyses of single-degree-of-freedom oscillators with validated hysteretic models. The research findings from this work indicate that the HSSF-NCEDB structure is a promising option for structures in low-to-moderate seismic regions. Highlights • The concept of HSSF-NCEDB structure is proposed. • HSS frame is equipped with sacrificial links with non-compact sections. • A buckling-hinge model is proposed. • The potential of the structure for residual deformation mitigation is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) was successfully coated with nano-Mg(OH)2 platelets. Due to the strong interaction between chitosan and nano-Mg(OH)2, it was possible to yield modified foam with a weight-gain of up to 15 wt% by depositing one chitosan layer and one nano-Mg(OH)2 layer. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherms of Cu2+ on FPUF covered with 10 wt% coating (FPUF-10) shows the Langmuir behavior. It was found that for the FPUF-10, the removal % for Cu2+ after 30 min and 50 min treatment were 86% and 90%, respectively. Moreover, the maximum removal % could reach up to 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Link prediction is the problem of predicting the location of either unknown or fake links from uncertain structural information of a network. Link prediction algorithms are useful in gaining insight into different network structures from partial observations of exemplars. However, existing link prediction algorithms only focus on regular complex networks and are overly dependent on either the closed triangular structure of networks or the so-called preferential attachment phenomenon. The performance of these algorithms on highly sparse or treelike networks is poor. In this letter, we proposed a method that is based on the network heterogeneity. We test our algorithms for three real large sparse networks: a metropolitan water distribution network, a Twitter network, and a sexual contact network. We find that our method is effective and performs better than traditional algorithms, especially for the Twitter network. We further argue that heterogeneity is the most obvious defining pattern for complex networks, while other statistical properties failed to be predicted. Moreover, preferential attachment based link prediction performed poorly and hence we infer that preferential attachment is not a plausible model for the genesis of many networks. We also suggest that heterogeneity is an important mechanism for online information propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through employing the hydrothermal in situ acylation of organic acids with N2H4, six L12−-based coordination polymers, [M(L1)(H2O)]·H2O (M2+ = Cd2+1, Zn2+2, Fe2+3, Mg2+4; H2L1 = 6,6′-(perfluoropropane-2,2-diyl)bis(2,3-dihydrophthalazine-1,4-dione)), [Pb(L1)] 5, and [Er2(L1)2(ox)(H2O)2]·5H2O (ox = oxalate) 6, were obtained. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis reveals that (i) the L12−-based Cd2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Mg2+ coordination polymers are isostructural, and they possess a 2D single-layer network structure with a 44 topology; (ii) 5 possesses a 3D network structure, which is constructed from the dinuclear Pb2O812− clusters by the L12− molecules; (iii) 6 possesses a 2D double-layer network structure. Two 2D single-layer networks (the same as those in 1–4) are supported by ox to form this 2D double-layer network. 1D channels (428.9 Å3 for total potential solvent-accessible void volume) are observed in 6. 1, 2, 5 and 6 are found to emit blue light, corresponding to the L12−-centered electronic excitation. Based on the photoluminescence properties, their sensing ability towards the inorganic Cr2O72− anion was investigated. 5 exhibits the better sensing ability towards Cr2O72−. The heavy-atom effect should play a key role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Caponiidae Simon, 1890 is reported for the first time from China. The total number of the known spider families from China increases to 72 with the addition of this family newly recorded in the present paper. Based on male and female specimens collected from Guangxi, China, Laoponia saetosa Platnick & Jäger, 2008 is illustrated and a global distribution map is generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prepare chiral monomer with single chiral center and higher stereospecificity, a pair of amino-functionalized chiral 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) derivatives, chiral (3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin-3-yl)methyl 2-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl) amino]-3-phenylpropanoate (ProDOT-Boc-Phe), were synthesized. Chiral poly[(3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin-3-yl)methyl 2-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-3-phenylpropanoate] (PProDOT-Boc-Phe) modified electrodes were synthesized via potentiostatic polymerization of chiral ProDOT-Boc-Phe. Chiral PProDOT-Boc-Phe films displayed good reversible redox activities. The enantioselective recognition between chiral PProDOT-Boc-Phe modified glassy carbon electrodes and DOPA enantiomers was achieved by different electrochemical technologies, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). (D)-PProDOT-Boc-Phe and (L)-PProDOT-Boc-Phe showed higher peak current responses toward L-DOPA and D-DOPA, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]