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Marine biofouling poses a major challenge to ship navigation and hinders the development of the shipping industry. Urgent action is required to tackle this problem through the implementation of innovative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides have garnered considerable attention due to their outstanding effectiveness, wide range of activity, and eco‐friendly characteristics. This study involved grafting the antibacterial peptide andricin 01 (AIGHCLGATL) onto the surface of an aluminum alloy, thereby creating a modified surface with antibacterial properties. In summary, amino groups were introduced onto the surface of aluminum alloys through the silanization process using (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), and then the peptides were covalently immobilized on the treated surface using glutaraldehyde as a cross‐linking agent. The successful modification of the peptide was confirmed by Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The antimicrobial peptide‐modified aluminum alloy surfaces exhibited significant bactericidal activity, killing 75.3% of Bacillus sp. and 85.5% of Escherichia coli, while achieving antifouling efficiencies of 88.6% and 90.7% against Bacillus sp. and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the inserted of the peptides into the phospholipid membrane caused a change in the local membrane curvature, which eventually led to membrane rupture. These results provide valuable information for the application of antimicrobial peptides in the field of antifouling and the elucidation of antifouling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the burst failure of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) via combined experimental and numerical research. Two completely different burst forms appeared during the experiments. The dry burst form occurs with matrix cracks, fiber breakage and crack of liner and coating, which is a common burst morphology. A new burst morphology, which is never reported in open literature, is observed in the experiments. This burst morphology, defined as wet burst form, presents a long dent in the coating and invisible composite damage. In order to simulate the burst failure of RTPs, a numerical model was proposed, in which element removal criteria and the nonlinear stiffness degradation model based on Hashin‐Yeh failure criterion were employed to conduct progressive failure analysis on 3D composites. It was found that the wet burst form has lower burst pressure and causes larger damaged area, which is more dangerous in engineering. For the damage propagation, progressive failure occurs on middle composites and induces the final burst when the dry burst form occurs. As for the wet burst form, water flows into the middle of RTPs, which causes the delamination, matrix crack and bulge of coating. During the process, fibers play few roles in bearing loads. Highlights: The wet burst form of reinforced thermoplastic pipes is firstly observed.Element removal criteria and nonlinear stiffness degradation model were used to simulate the burst failure.The numerical model has a good performance on predicting the burst pressure and damage propagation of composites.The wet burst form has lower burst pressure compared with the dry burst form.Fiber and matrix tensile failure mode are dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the bending stiffness and progressive failure of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) under bending loads, in which a theoretical method based on the strain energy equivalence of multi‐layered anisotropic cylinders, is proposed. The bending stiffness and stress field was derived from the equilibrium between the work done by bending moments and the strain energy. This new method could consider the hybrid of isotropic and anisotropic materials and improve computation efficiency significantly. To verify the theoretical method, Abaqus/Explicit quasi‐static analysis on 3D composite elements was performed, in which the progressive failure was considered by using a VUMAT subroutine. The degradation of composites was implemented by a nonlinear stiffness degradation model based on the Hashin‐Yeh failure criterion. The comparison showed that the theoretical results are slightly conservative as the theoretical method neglects the contribution of interlayer interactions. Meanwhile, it can accurately predict the dominant stresses of each composite lamina. According to numerical simulations, the fiber tensile failure, the matrix tensile and compressive failure are the dominant failure modes of RTPs under bending loads. Furthermore, the effects of the winding angles of fibers on damage propagation and the effects of the initial ovality on the bending stiffness are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to gain insight into the anisotropic deformation and fracture behaviours of short carbon fibre reinforced polyether-ether ketone composites (SCFR-PEEK) under complex loading using experimental and modelling approaches. Novel biaxial tensile experiments using optimised cruciform specimens are designed and performed to study the anisotropic elastoplasticity and fracture behaviours of SCFR-PEEK in various stress states. An advanced anisotropic constitutive model was developed, experimentally calibrated, numerically implemented, and successfully verified by mechanical responses of biaxial tension with various stress ratios. Furthermore, using a hybrid experimental-numerical approach, the biaxial failure stress at crack initiation sites captured by a high-speed camera in biaxial tension was obtained. Employing experimental failure stresses at various uniaxial and biaxial stress states, a maximum stress based failure criterion was developed, which is coupled with the anisotropic elastoplastic model, thus enabling the description the anisotropic elastoplastic and failure behaviours under complex loading. The prediction of the failure of SCFR-PEEK in complex biaxial stress states using the coupled model is in good agreement with biaxial tensile experimental results using circular-notched specimens. Therefore, the developed model is verified to be capable of describing both elastoplastic deformation and fracture failure behaviours of SCFR-PEEK composites in complex loading. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertainty of weather conditions has always been a major challenge limiting the performance of photovoltaic (PV) power prediction. Enhancing the accuracy and stability of PV power prediction is crucial for optimizing grid operation. In response to this challenge, this study introduces a hybrid model that integrates an attention mechanism with the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM). This model aims to mitigate the adverse impact of weather variability on the accuracy of PV power prediction by effectively extracting key features from multidimensional time series data. Additionally, through ablation experiments, this research further assesses the contribution of each model component to performance. Validated with actual data collected from a 1 MW PV power station in China, our proposed model demonstrates significant performance advantages compared to eight advanced prediction models. Ablation study results reveal that removing the CNN component led to a 58.2% increase in MAE and a 53.9% increase in RMSE, while the removal of the attention mechanism resulted in an 83.8% increase in maximum error. These findings underscore the substantial enhancement in prediction accuracy achieved through the integration of CNN and BiLSTM, and the introduction of the attention mechanism significantly boosts the model's prediction stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate and efficient characterization and modelling of deformation responses are critically essential in the development of advanced metal forming processes. This work presents a virtual laboratory enabled constitutive framework for modelling complex deformation responses of dual phase (DP) steels under complex stress states, based on multi-phase full-field crystal plasticity (CP) and advanced phenomenological modelling. In the CP based virtual testing method, kinematic hardening and degradation of elastic modulus are modelled in particular to improve the capability for describing evolving microstructure induced mechanical responses of DP steels. The workflow of this framework is completely built and numerically implemented, including (i) representative volume element (RVE) generation based on microstructure characterization, (ii) identification of multiphase CP model parameters, (iii) prediction of elastic modulus degradation, (iv) prediction of yield stresses and plastic potentials in uniaxial tension and biaxial tension with various stress ratios, and (v) prediction of stress–strain curves in reverse tension compression. Using DP780 and DP980 as case materials, the corresponding physical experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy of the virtual tests, showing a good agreement between the virtual and experimental approaches. Both experimental and virtual tests are used to calibrate advanced phenomenological constitutive models that include non-linear elasticity, anisotropic yielding, and kinematic hardening. The calibrated models are implemented into the finite element (FE) codes to predict complex deformation and springback behaviours of DP780 and DP980 sheets in U-bending processes. In comparison with forming experiments of U-channel parts, the virtually calibrated models are validated and show good performance in predicting deformation and springback behaviours, providing a high capability for process analysis. The findings support that the virtual laboratory enabled modelling approach could be a substitute for extensive, expensive, and hard-to-access physically mechanical experiments required in the model calibration for a more effective and efficient analysis of metal forming processes. • A virtual laboratory enabled constitutive framework for dual phase (DP) steels is developed. • Kinematic hardening and elastic modulus degradation are modelled in crystal plasticity (CP). • Mechanical responses of DP steels under complex stress states are experimentally characterized. • CP-based virtual tests accurately reproduce the material responses under complex stress states. • Virtually-calibrated models provide high capability for deformation and springback analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Chronic pain is a serious problem that affects billions of people worldwide, but current analgesic drugs limit their use in chronic pain management due to their respective side effects. As a first-line clinical drug for chronic pain, COX-2 selective inhibitors can relieve mild to moderate pain, but they also have some problems. The most prominent one is that their analgesic intensity is not enough, and they cannot well meet the treatment needs of chronic pain. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop COX-2 inhibitors with stronger analgesic intensity. In this article, we used virtual screening method to screen out the structurally novel COX-2 inhibitor for chronic pain management, and conducted a preliminary study on its mechanism of action using molecular dynamics simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a crystallographic texture-based multi-scale modelling framework to predict mechanical anisotropy of textured aluminium alloy sheet. The multi-scale scheme was constructed by the combination of a full-field crystal plasticity model in mesoscopic scale and a newly developed phenomenological yield function in continuum scale. In this approach, the mechanical anisotropy of materials is directly obtained from crystal plasticity (CP) modelling without extensive directional tensile tests. The results show that the multi-scale scheme predicted earing profiles coincide well with experimental measurements. This multi-scale modelling could be utilised to design an optimised blank shape with minimum earing for the deep-drawn component, and a convoluted cut-edge was devised accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model is presented to predict the progressive failure of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) under axial compression, in which the existing homogenization method and a nonlinear stiffness degradation model are combined to predict the continuum damage mechanical response in an iterative and cyclic way. As the homogenization method ignores the effect of the cross‐sectional curvature on the damage sequence, a stress correction factor is defined to consider this effect. Once corrected stresses satisfy Hashin‐Yeh failure criteria, the nonlinear stiffness degradation model is adopted to update the constitutive relationship established by the homogenization method. The proposed model is capable of identifying the damage location and failure mode, analyzing damage accumulation and predicting the ultimate compression. Meanwhile, ABAQUS Explicit quasi‐static analyses calling a user‐defined subroutine were conducted to capture the progressive failure mechanisms in 3D composites and verify the proposed model. The proposed model was found to give accurate prediction on the elastic stiffness, first ply failure, the damaged stiffness, the ultimate compression, and stress distributions. Furthermore, the effects of fiber's winding angles and the thickness‐radius ratios have been discussed, which illustrate that tensile failure mode would appear even when RTPs are under axial compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the collapse behavior of RTPs was analyzed by an experimentally-verified numerical method, in which the eccentricity directions, the combinations of eccentricity and initial ovality are considered. Eigenvalue analysis and Riks analysis were combined to simulate the progressive failure of composites during the collapse, which was conducted by a continuum damage model based on Hashin failure criterion and fracture energy dissipation. The stress analysis showed that the hoop stress of composites is much higher than that of isotropic layers both in the elastic and progressive failure phases. Because of this, thick composites always play important roles in bearing external pressure. Except the experimentally observed O-/U-type collapse modes, the C-type collapse mode was observed and simulated for the first time. They all go through the uniform contraction-collapse-large deformation process, and have the same failure modes of composites. However, different from the O-/U-type collapse modes, the cross-sectional deformation of the C-type collapse is not symmetrical and has a moving maximum-displacement point. The collapse pressure decreases linearly as the increase of the eccentricity and the initial ovality. The effect of eccentricity directions can be concluded as: more dispersed eccentricity distribution makes composites contribute more to the pressure resistance. • Eigenvalue and Riks analyses were combined to simulate the collapse of RTPs. • The progressive failure of composites was considered by a continuum damage model based on Hashin failure criterion. • Collapse tests were conducted to verify the numerical method. • Stress analysis during the collapse process were discussed to show the reinforcement of composites. • Different collapse modes were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a multi-scale model for AA3104-H19 and AA2024-T3 aluminium alloy with strong cold rolled crystallographic texture is proposed. This model consists of two components: (i) a full-field crystal plasticity spectral method using fast Fourier transformation (CPFFT) that can be used to predict anisotropic mechanical properties in both the in and out-of-plane uniaxial and multi-axial stress states and (ii) a 3D new phenomenological anisotropic yield function with enough flexibility to describe the in and out-of-plane mechanical anisotropies of strongly textured aluminium alloy sheet. This multi-scale model was implemented into a commercial finite element (FE) software Abaqus via a user-defined material subroutine UMAT to predict the anisotropic plastic deformation in a multi-step forming process (deep drawing). Results showed that this new modelling approach is able to accurately predict earing profiles with multiple ears in deep drawn cups based on the crystallographic texture information data obtained from orientation density functions (ODFs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multilayer Bi 2 WO 6 micro-nano hierarchical structures were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method using sucrose as template in the presence of four kinds of surfactants. • All the hierarchical structures Bi 2 WO 6 show high selectivity and fast response-recovery characteristic to the H 2 S at 260 °C. • The sensors based on BWO-F127 exhibit the highest sensitivity to H 2 S, due to the existed O vacancies, the high specific surface areas and large pore volume. • The sensors based on Bi 2 WO 6 presented favorable linear relationship with the H 2 S concentration (1∼660 ppm) in logarithmic forms. The goodness of fit indicates high accuracy, which can provide potential applications for H 2 S detecting. Multilayer Bi 2 WO 6 micro-nano hierarchical structures were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method using sucrose as template in the presence of four kinds of surfactants. The morphologies and phases were determined by SEM, TEM and XRD. All the hierarchical structures Bi 2 WO 6 are composed of nanocrystals with orthorhombic lattice. The grain size, specific surface areas and pore size vary with the surfactant. And the influence of different surfactants on oxygen vacancy (OV) was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), the sample prepared by F127 has a certain OV concentration and show the highest sensitivity. As gas sensing material, all the hierarchical structures Bi 2 WO 6 show high selectivity and fast response-recovery characteristic to the H 2 S at 260 °C. Meanwhile, the sensors presented a favorable linear relationship with the H 2 S concentration (1∼660 ppm). The sensors based on BWO-F127 exhibit the highest sensitivity to H 2 S, due to the existed O vacancies, the high specific surface areas and large pore volumes, which can provide potential applications for detecting H 2 S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical anisotropy of FCC aluminium alloy is influenced by the polycrystalline orientations transformed by cold rolling. The relationship between mechanical anisotropy and evolution of crystallographic textures was established using the crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM) based on measured polycrystalline orientation density functions (ODFs) and used to determine the parameters of a phenomenological convex anisotropic yield function which are solved with an implicit finite element (FE) stress integration code. A multi-scale modelling system is generated by combining CPFEM and the phenomenological yield function enabling accurate simulations of forming operations without the need for conventional physical mechanical testing of the material. • Quantify the evolution of texture induced anisotropy of FCC aluminium alloy sheet during cold rolling process. • A multi-scale modelling system is generated by combining crystal plasticity method and phenomenological approach. • The multi-scale modelling system has been shown to accurately predict the deformation of sheet metal in forming process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new temperature-dependent anisotropic hardening and yield function based on non-associated flow rule (NAFR) which accurately describes the anisotropic properties of aluminium alloy sheet metal is presented in this paper. This new NAFR coupling yield function has been successfully implemented in commercial FEM software Abaqus via user material subroutine UMAT to model warm forming of AA5086-H111 aluminium alloy and good agreement was found in the predicted earing profiles and spring-back compared with experiments. The new NAFR coupling yield function has been shown be superior to the existing Hill48 (associated flow rule) yield function making it suitable for FEA of warm deep drawing and design of tooling for various automotive panels and components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the anisotropy and progressive failure of composites, the collapse problem of RTPs is more complex compared with that of traditional steel pipes. To address this problem, the collapse behavior of RTPs subjected to external pressure was studied by conducting collapse tests and numerical simulations. Two different collapse modes including the O-type and U-type mode were observed during the collapse tests. It was the first time to observe the U-type collapse mode of RTPs in open literature. For O-type collapse mode, the cross-section turned into an ellipse. And for U-type collapse mode, it turned heart-shaped. Meanwhile, numerical simulations were conducted by combing eigenvalue analysis and arc-length method, in which the progressive failure of composites was considered by employing a fracture energy degradation model based on the Hashin criterion. To simulate the U-type collapse mode, eccentricity was also introduced. Research results indicated that the critical pressure obtained by tests and numerical simulations agreed well for both O-/U-type collapse modes. The collapse process could be described as "contraction-collapse point-large deformation". It was found that the progressive failure of composites would reduce the pressure-resisting capacity greatly. For the composites, the shear failure, the matrix and fiber compressive failure were dominant failure modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate modelling of local evolving texture and yield surface evolution in complex strain path are of crucial importance to the accurate sheet metal forming simulations. This work proposed a novel multi-scale computational scheme, in which the full-field crystal plasticity (CP) modelling is mapped and real-time updated into each integration point following the local strain path in the finite element (FE) model. By the real-time close-loop feedback and update between the FE model and CP model, the evolving texture and its induced anisotropic plasticity evolution are considered utilizing on-the-fly virtual tests in the full deformation field. To carefully verify the developed computational framework, a comprehensive validation including plastic anisotropy characterization, cyclic hardening tests and deep drawing tests is conducted in an AA6016-T4 aluminium sheet with strong cube texture using ESAFORM Benchmark 2021. By comparison with experimental results and the conventional approaches with constant yield surface for the forming case, the newly developed method is thoroughly validated, showing that the significant texture evolution is observed in large plastic deformation and various strain paths lead to different texture evolution. The local evolving texture induced plastic anisotropy evolution has a considerable effect on the prediction accuracy of the deep drawing simulations, such as earing profile, wall thickness and loading history. Additionally, this method does not increase too much computation cost, enabling cost-effectively simulation of complex forming processes. [Display omitted] • A multi-scale modelling framework for evolving texture and anisotropy is established. • The developed methods enable the analysis of complex plasticity behaviours. • The multi-scale model shows superior accuracy than conventional approaches. • The local texture evolution during forming is successfully predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new anisotropic yield function which accurately describes the complex anisotropy of aluminium alloy sheet metal is proposed in this paper. A non-linear least square method is used to determine the coefficients of this yield function based on the experimental results. By employing the back-Euler stress integration algorithm, this anisotropic constitutive model has been successfully implemented in commercial FEM software ABAQUS via user material subroutine UMAT to predict earing profile of AA3104-H19 deep-drawn and redrawn cups. Good agreement was found in the predicted earing profiles and those obtained in experimental deep-drawn and redrawn cups. The FE model was used in an iteration optimisation process to determine the optimal shape of non-round blanks to obtain the ear-free deep-redrawn cups, and non-round tooling was designed accordingly. Results showed the height of the ears is significantly reduced in the cup formed using this non-round blank compared with that of a conventional round blank which is important for smooth running of high-speed multi-step forming of aluminium can body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and PFHxS-related compounds are listed in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention without specific exemptions. Substances that potentially degrade to PFHxS are considered as their related compounds. Unfortunately, the degradation behavior of PFHxS precursors, an important basis for the corresponding chemical regulation, remains unclear. Herein, based on the hypothesis that bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE) is the determining factor for the degradation of PFHxS precursors, the BDE of PFHxS-related precursors to produce C 6 F 13 S O 2 − groups was calculated. In addition, quantitative structure-activity relationship models based on partial least squares, partial least squares discrimination analysis, and support vector machine algorithms were developed to predict the BDE of 48 PFHxS precursors and distinguish the precursors with different degradation potential. Subsequent photodegradation experiments demonstrated that the order of degradation rates was consistent with that predicted by theoretical models. Importantly, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorobutanoic acid, and not PFHxS, were detected as the degradation products of potential PFHxS precursors. Sulfonamides, phenyl unit, and other radicals in the non-nucleus part of PFHxS precursors were identified as the critical molecular segments that affect their degradation potential. Ultimately, by comparing BDE values, it was theoretically speculated that PFHxS related compounds exhibit a greater potential to generate PFHxA than PFHxS. Results in this study indicated for the first time that not all the compounds containing C 6 F 13 S O 2 − groups were guaranteed to degrade into PFHxS under natural conditions. [Display omitted] • The primary degradation products of PFHxS precursors are PFHxA and PFBA. • Sulfonamides and phenyl unit were critical segments affecting the degradation potential. • QSAR models were developed to predict the BDE of PFHxS precursors. • The estimated degradation potential was consistent with experiments and theoretical models. • Not all the compounds containing C 6 F 13 S O 2 − could degrade into PFHxS under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major threat to rice production is the disease epidemics caused by insect-borne viruses that emerge and re-emerge with undefined origins. It is well known that some human viruses have zoonotic origins from wild animals. However, it remains unknown whether native plants host uncharacterized endemic viruses with spillover potential to rice (Oryza sativa) as emerging pathogens. Here, we discovered rice tiller inhibition virus (RTIV), a novel RNA virus species, from colonies of Asian wild rice (O. rufipogon) in a genetic reserve by metagenomic sequencing. We identified the specific aphid vector that is able to transmit RTIV and found that RTIV would cause low-tillering disease in rice cultivar after transmission. We further demonstrated that an infectious molecular clone of RTIV initiated systemic infection and causes low-tillering disease in an elite rice variety after Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation or stable plant transformation, and RTIV can also be transmitted from transgenic rice plant through its aphid vector to cause disease. Finally, global transcriptome analysis indicated that RTIV may disturb defense and tillering pathway to cause low tillering disease in rice cultivar. Thus, our results show that new rice viral pathogens can emerge from native habitats, and RTIV, a rare aphid-transmitted rice viral pathogen from native wild rice, can threaten the production of rice cultivar after spillover. Author summary: Emerging and re-emerging dangerous viruses cause epidemics or pandemics to threaten human and economically important crops and animals. Some of the most dangerous human viruses have zoonotic origins from wild animals. Native plants may also host new endemic viruses that can spread to cause epidemics in cultivated rice, one of the most important staple plants in the world. In the research, we discovered Rice tiller inhibition virus (RTIV), a new insect-borne positive-strand RNA virus, from Asian wild rice plants through metagenomic sequencing, and demonstrated that RTIV could be transmitted by a wide-distributed specific species of aphids to cultivated rice and inhibited tillering, an important agronomic trait of rice plants. We further rescued RTIV by developing infectious clone and confirmed that it can be a dangerous aphid-transmitted viral pathogen of cultivated rice plants. Thus, not only a rare aphid-transmitted viral pathogen of rice plants was discovered in the research, our findings also indicate that novel pathogenic viruses could spread out from native plants to threaten important crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the problems of finite-time boundedness (FTB) and H ∞ FTB for time-delay Markovian jump systems with a partially unknown transition rate. First of all, sufficient conditions are provided, ensuring the FTB and H ∞ FTB of systems given by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A new type of partially delay-dependent controller (PDDC) is designed so that the resulting closed-loop systems are finite-time bounded and satisfy a given H ∞ disturbance attenuation level. The PDDC contains both non-time-delay and time-delay states, though not happening at the same time, which is related to the probability distribution of the Bernoulli variable. Furthermore, the PDDC is extended to two other cases; one does not contain the Bernoulli variable, and the other experiences a disordering phenomenon. Finally, three numerical examples are used to show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Well-designed composite catalysts are of increasing concern due to their improved performance compared to individual components. Herein, we designed and synthesized an Fe3O4@MoS2 composite via a simple hydrothermal method. As for the resultant composite, the MoS2 nanolayers presented a novel piezo-catalytic effect, while the Fe3O4 core provided a magnetic separation property. The structure and properties of Fe3O4@MoS2 were determined by relevant experiments. It was found that Fe3O4@MoS2 exhibited enhanced piezo-catalytic degradation of rhodamine B and good magnetic recovery/recycling features. The kobs for rhodamine B degradation over Fe3O4@MoS2 was 0.019 min−1—a little longer than that over MoS2 (0.013 min−1). Moreover, Fe3O4@MoS2 also showed a favorable ability to adsorb rhodamine B in solution, with a saturation adsorption of 26.8 mg/g. Further studies revealed that piezo-electrons, holes, and superoxide anions were key species in the piezo-catalytic degradation of rhodamine B. Notably, the step where oxygen trapped electrons to produce superoxide anions had a significant impact on the degradation of the dye. This work, not limited to the development of a high-performance MoS2-based piezo-catalyst, is expected to provide new insights into the working mechanisms and process profiles of composite piezo-catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piezo‐Fenton system has attracted attention not only because it can enhance the Fenton reaction activity by mechanical energy input, but also because it is expected to realize a class of stimuli‐responsive advanced oxidation systems by regulating energy input and hydrogen peroxide self‐supply, thus greatly enriching the application possibilities of Fenton chemistry. In this work, a series of Fe‐doped g‐C3N4 (g‐C3N4‐Fe) as a piezo‐Fenton system were synthesized where the iron stably immobilized through Fe−N interaction. The piezo‐induced electrons generate on g‐C3N4 matrix support the conversion of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and promote rate‐limiting step of Fenton reaction. With the optimal Fe loading, g‐C3N4‐0.5Fe can achieve methylene blue (MB) degradation under ultrasonic treatment with first‐order kinetic rate constants of 75×10−3 min−1. Most importantly, the g‐C3N4‐Fe can maintain good catalytic activity in a wide pH range (pH=2.0∼9.0) and be cyclic used without iron leaching to solution (<0.001 μg ⋅ L−1), overcoming the disadvantage of traditional Fe‐based Fenton catalysts that can only be applied under acidic conditions and prone to secondary pollution. In addition, g‐C3N4‐0.5Fe also exhibits antibacterial properties of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under ultrasound. Hydroxyl radicals mainly contribute to the degradation of MB and the sterilization process. Our work is an attempt to clarify the role of g‐C3N4‐Fe in the conversion of mechanical energy to ROS and provide inspirations for the piezo‐Fenton system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fatigue cracks were initiated at the interface between two micro-textured regions. • Crystal plasticity model was used for quantifying the micromechanical response. • Stress concentration and dislocation pile-up lead to the fatigue crack initiation. Micro-textured regions (MTRs) are the presence of large regions of α grains aggregates with strong local texture, which are detrimental to the fatigue performances in titanium alloys. This work proposes an EBSD map-image based crystal plasticity model to study the fatigue crack initiation in MTRs. Crystal plasticity simulations reveal that the crack initiation may be attributed to the significantly high plastic strain accumulated on prismatic a slip systems leading to significantly high dislocation pile-ups, and high stress concentrations on the cluster of hard grains leading to the stress redistribution and cleavage fracture of the specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel theoretical model is proposed to study the continuum damage mechanical (CDM) behavior of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) under bending moments, in which stress analysis of composites, failure evaluation and stiffness degradation are combined in loop calculation. Based on the existing homogenization assumption, the stress distribution of every ply could be calculated according to the equilibrium equations between the RTP and a hypothetical homogenous pipe. Once stresses of composite plies satisfy Hashin-Yeh failure criterion, dominant failure modes are determined by filtering failure coefficients. Subsequently, the stiffness degradation model would be performed, in which a sine weight function is employed to consider the damage distribution along the hoop direction. Meanwhile, the von Mises criterion and Ramberg-Osgood curve are used to simulate the material nonlinearity of liner and coating. Four-point bending tests and numerical simulations were conducted to verify the proposed theoretical model. A user-defined VUMAT subroutine was employed to simulate the progressive failure of 3D composites. Compared with experimental tests and numerical simulations, the proposed model could give accurate predictions on the linear and nonlinear responses, such as the bending stiffness, the stress field and the damage propagation. Furthermore, different methods for the four-point bending test were also compared and good correlation found. • A theoretical continuum damage model is proposed to study the progressive failure of RTPs under bending moments. • Four-point bending tests were conducted on 6 RTP specimens. • A user-defined VUMAT subroutine was employed in the four-point and pure bending simulations. • Experimental, analytical and numerical results agreed well. • Different methods for the four-point bending test were also compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical model is proposed to investigate the linear and nonlinear mechanical response of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) under axial tension, in which the existing homogenization method, failure criteria and material degradation models are combined to predict the CDM behavior in an iterative and cyclic way. To obtain damage sequences, the homogenization method is modified by a stress correction factor to consider the effect of cross-sectional curvature. Once corrected stresses of homogenous layers satisfy von Mises criterion, Ramberg-Osgood curve is used to update elastic constants of isotropic materials. For composite laminates, a nonlinear stiffness degradation model is adopted to update the stiffness matrix if Hashin-Yeh failure criterion is satisfied. Quasi-static uniaxial tension tests were conducted on two RTP specimens to verify the proposed model. Besides, numerical simulation by calling a VUMAT subroutine were performed to observe the stress field in 3D composites. The proposed model was found to give accurate prediction on stiffness characteristics and stress field, and have functions including identifying damage location, predicting failure mode, and analyzing damage propagation. Furthermore, the effects of winding angles are studied, which showed that dominant failure mode would change from tensile fiber to tensile matrix as winding angles rise. • An analytical model is proposed to predict the CDM behavior of RTPs. • The homogenization method, failure criteria and degradation models are combined. • A nonlinear stiffness degradation model is applied to degrade composites. • Ramberg-Osgood curve is used to simulate the plasticity of isotropic layers. • Quasi-static uniaxial tension tests were conducted to verify the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by atypical symptoms, difficult diagnosis, variable course and poor prognosis, and it develops mainly in elderly individuals. The authors aimed to identify the clinical-pathological characteristics, prognosis, and prognostic factors in elderly MPM patients. Methods: From the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology End Results (SEER) database, 1492 patients with MPM from 1975 to 2016 were selected and divided into the elderly group (≥ 65) and the adult group (< 65). We compared the clinical-pathological characteristics and treatment methods of the elderly group (N = 665) and the adult group (N = 827). At the same time, we analysed specific selected clinicopathological parameters and prognostic factors for elderly MPM patients. Results: Compared with the adult group, the elderly group had higher percentages of male patients (P = 0.017) and white patients (P = 0.043) and lower proportions of insured patients (P < 0.001) married patients (P < 0.001), patients with peritoneal tumours (P = 0.006) and patients who underwent surgery (P < 0.001) and chemotherapy (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the differentiation grade between the two groups (P = 0.003). Elderly patients had a shorter median survival time than adult patients (6 months vs. 19 months). Uninsured (hazard ratio (HR): 5.187, P = 0.005), sarcomatoid type (HR 3.913, P < 0.001), poorly differentiated (HR 3.900, P < 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 1.735, P = 0.001), no cancer-directed surgery (HR 1.733, P < 0.001), and no chemotherapy (HR 1.532, P < 0.001) were independently associated with poorer prognosis in elderly MPM patients. Conclusion: Compared with adult patients, elderly MPM patients had a higher male ratio, poor differentiation and relatively conservative treatment. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate of elderly MPM patients was significantly lower than that of adult patients. Insurance status, histology type, differentiation grade, stage, surgery status, and chemotherapy status were all independent prognostic factors for elderly MPM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The homogenized hoop elastic moduli are key parameters of RTPs that must be considered in the buckling collapse predictions and pipe designs. However, it is difficult to give an accurate analytical solution due to the material anisotropy of RTPs. To address this problem, a novel method is proposed based on the classical elastic stability theory and NASA SP-8007 formula. This method is under the assumption that the critical pressures of homogenized RTPs equal the critical pressures calculated by the classical lamination theory and Donnell-type stability differential equations. One advantage of this method is that it could simultaneously consider the extensional response, the bending response, and the extensional-bending coupling response of laminates in the calculation of homogenized hoop elastic moduli. Meanwhile, it gives a more concise formula form and doesn't involve successive iterations in comparison with the existing homogenization method. Numerical simulations of the crushing case were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with numerical results and the existing homogenization method, the proposed method was found to give accurate results. Furthermore, the effects of fiber's winding angles and thickness-radius ratios, and the proportional relations between the homogenized hoop elastic moduli and the reciprocal of radii were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) can experience collapse under external pressure. The maximum external pressure that RTPs can resist before buckling collapse must be considered in engineering practice. To predict the critical pressure of RTPs, a new analytical model is proposed by analyzing the hoop stress distributions of crushed rings. The model is made under the assumption that the maximum hoop stress equals the critical stress when pipes collapse. Different from the previously reported studies, focusing on axial compression, the critical stress of cylinders' buckling under crushing loads is formulated. With regard to the material anisotropy of RTPs, the equivalent stiffness method is applied to obtain the homogenized hoop elastic modulus in the proposed model. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by eigenvalue analyses on solid models and continuum shell models. Compared with numerical methods and Timoshenko and Gere (1961), the proposed model was found to give accurate critical pressures and hoop stress distributions. Furthermore, the optimal range for fiber's winding angle is obtained, and the effect of thickness-radius ratios on critical pressure and the disproportionate motions of singularity points are also discussed. • A new analytical model is proposed to predict the buckling collapse of RTPs. • The maximum hoop stress is determined, and the critical stress of cylinders' buckling under crushing loads is derived. • The proposed model predicts accurate critical pressures and hoop stress distributions. • The optimal range for fiber's winding angle is obtained. • The effect of thickness-radius ratio and the disproportionate motions of singularity points are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Phloem sieve elements (PSE), the primary conduits collaborating with neighboring phloem pole pericycle (PPP) cells to facilitate unloading in Arabidopsis roots, undergo a series of developmental stages before achieving maturation and functionality. However, the mechanism that maintains the proper progression of these differentiation stages remains largely unknown.We identified a gain‐of‐function mutant altered phloem pole pericycle 1 Dominant (app1D), producing a truncated, nuclear‐localized active form of NAC with Transmembrane Motif 1‐like (NTL9). This mutation leads to ectopic expression of its downstream target CALLOSE SYNTHASE 8 (CalS8), thereby inducing callose accumulation, impeding SE differentiation, impairing phloem transport, and inhibiting root growth.The app1D phenotype could be reproduced by blocking the symplastic channels of cells within APP1 expression domain in wild‐type (WT) roots. The WT APP1 is primarily membrane‐tethered and dormant in the root meristem cells but entries into the nucleus in several cells in PPP near the unloading region, and this import is inhibited by blocking the symplastic intercellular transport in differentiating SE.Our results suggest a potential maintenance mechanism involving an APP1‐CalS8 module, which induces CalS8 expression and modulates symplastic communication, and the proper activation of this module is crucial for the successful differentiation of SE in the Arabidopsis root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and accurate detection of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in human blood still remains a challenge. We present a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method based on aptamer-SERS bio-probe recognition coupled with micropore membrane filtration capture for the detection of CTCs at single cell level. The parylene micropore membrane with optimized micropore size installed on a filtration holder could capture bio-probe labeled CTCs by gravity in less than 10 s, and only with very less white blood cells (WBCs) residual. In order to facilitate the synthesis of the aptamer-SERS bio-probe, ethyl acetate dehydration method was established. The bio-probe can be rapidly synthesized within 2 h by binding SH-aptamer to 4- mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) modified AuNPs with the help of ethyl acetate. The SERS bio-probe with selected specific aptamer could distinguish single human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells from residual WBCs on membrane efficiently and reliably based on their Raman signal intensity difference at 1075 cm−1. Through the filter membrane coupled with aptamer-SERS bio-probe system, even 20 A549 cells in blood solution simulating CTCs sample can be detected, which the recovery rate and recognition rate are more than 90%. This method is rapid, reliable and cost-effective, which indicates a good prospect in clinical application for CTCs detection. An aptamer-SERS bio-probe was fabricated by binding specific aptamer of A549 tumor cell to Raman reporter 4-MBA modified AuNPs. CTCs sample labeled by the bio-probes can be captured on micropore parylene membrane with optimized micropore size by quick filtration. Single CTC on filter membrane was identified by SERS mapping method. [Display omitted] • Parylene membrane with suitable pore size capture CTCs rapidly and remove most WBCs. • Bioprobe synthesis with ethyl acetate dehydration in 2 h and keep Raman signal. • Selected aptamer ensure specificity for A549 cells compared to other cell and WBCs. • Low cost, time-saving, high capture efficiency and detection specificity for CTCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical anisotropy of aluminium alloy AA2024-T3 with strong cold-rolled crystallographic texture is investigated in this paper. A non-contact and non-destructive laser speckle imaging sensor is developed for surface strain measurement so that extensive mechanical tests can be readily performed without surface preparation on the specimens. Both Hill's 48 and Yld2004-18p yield functions are accurately calibrated using the experimental results from uniaxial tensile, pure shear and plane-strain tensile tests. The constitutive models based on these yield functions were successfully implemented in a commercial finite element (FE) package Abaqus via user material subroutine UMAT. Simulations of single element tensile tests and pure shear tests were carried out to validate the accuracy of UMAT subroutine. The performance of these constitutive models was further evaluated with deep drawing experiments in which the predicted earing profiles were compared with those obtained from FE simulations. The results showed that the constitutive model based on Yld2004-18p yield function accurate representing the anisotropic behaviour of AA2024-T3. The predicted earing profiles coincide well with experimental measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biofouling presents a significant challenge to the sustainable development of the maritime industry. Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) offers a promising strategy to combat biofouling. However, the inherent susceptibility of natural AMPs composed of L-amino acids to proteolytic degradation limits their practical application. This study investigated the stability of peptides containing d-amino acids against proteolytic degradation and evaluated their antifouling performance through the modification of aluminum-based surfaces with these peptides. d-peptides exhibited remarkable stability compared to the l-peptides counterpart when exposed to pepsin. Furthermore, the surfaces modified with d-peptides displayed excellent antifouling capacity by significantly inhibiting the adhesion of Bacillus sp. (58.6%) and E. coli (88.7%), the comparable effects observed with l-peptides (61.7%) and (87.5%), respectively. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and scanning electron microscopy results analyses revealed that immobilized d-peptides effectively disrupted bacterial cell membranes, thereby preventing bacterial adhesion. This research provided a viable approach to enhance the stability of peptides against proteolytic degradation while maintaining outstanding antifouling performance, contributing to the development of effective strategies for antifouling in the maritime industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia have been shown to contribute to the clearance of brain amyloid β peptides (Aβ), the major component of amyloid plaques, in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it is not known whether microglia play a similar role in the clearance of tau, the major component of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). We now report that murine microglia rapidly internalize and degrade hyperphosphorylated pathological tau isolated from AD brain tissue in a time-dependent manner in vitro. We further demonstrate that microglia readily degrade human tau species released from AD brain sections and eliminate NFTs from brain sections of P301S tauopathy mice. The anti-tau monoclonal antibody MC1 enhances microglia-mediated tau degradation in an Fc-dependent manner. Our data identify a potential role for microglia in the degradation and clearance of pathological tau species in brain and provide a mechanism explaining the potential therapeutic actions of passively administered anti-tau monoclonal antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterostructural composite composed of g-C3N4 and Bi2O3 was achieved by the one-pot and thermal-induced polycondensation method using melamine and Bi(NO3)3 as precursor at 550∘C under air atmosphere. The crystalline phase, components and morphologies of the as-prepared composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, the photocatalytic activity of composites was evaluated by degrading RhB aqueous solution at room temperature under visible light irradiation. Compared with bulk g-C3N4, the photocatalytic efficiency of the 0.5% Bi2O3/g-C3N4 (Bi–CN) was increased by up to four times. The introduction of Bi2O3 enhances not only the light absorption ability, but also the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. A heterostructural Bi2O3/g-C3N4 was achieved by the one-pot and thermal-induced poly-condensation method. Comparing with bulk C3N4, the photocatalytic efficiency of the 0.5% Bi2O3/g-C3N4 increased by up to four times. The introductions of Bi2O3 enhance not only the light absorption ability but also the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have sparked intense interest among the scientific community owing to their extraordinary mechanical, optical, electronic, and thermal properties. In particular, the outstanding electronic and optical properties of 2D materials make them show great application potential in high-performance photodetectors (PDs), which can be applied in many fields such as high-frequency communication, novel biomedical imaging, national security, and so on. Here, the recent research progress of PDs based on 2D materials including graphene, transition metal carbides, transition-metal dichalcogenides, black phosphorus, and hexagonal boron nitride is comprehensively and systematically reviewed. First, the primary detection mechanism of 2D material-based PDs is introduced. Second, the structure and optical properties of 2D materials, as well as their applications in PDs, are heavily discussed. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of 2D material-based PDs are summarized and prospected. This review will provide a reference for the further application of 2D crystal-based PDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Torsional characteristics must be considered in the mechanical analysis of offshore pipelines. However, there is no specific theoretical model for RTPs to predict the torsional behavior due to the multilayered helically winding laminates. To address the problem, a theoretical model using the energy method is constructed, in which the governing equation is based on the strain energy-work equivalence of helically anisotropic hollow cylinders instead of homogenous structures in previous studies on unbonded flexible risers. The strain energy of RTPs is firstly obtained by the stress analysis of helically anisotropic elements, while the work is derived by the torsion-deformation relationship. It gives a concise theoretical expression of torsional stiffness of RTPs for the first time and greatly improves the computation efficiency. Another improvement is that it could consider the coexistence of the isotropic and orthotropic materials due to the symmetry of isotropic materials. To verify the proposed model, quasi-static torsion tests and numerical simulations were conducted on two RTP specimens. The proposed model could give accurate torsional stiffness predictions in both twisting directions. Besides, the stress distributions, the effect of thickness-radius ratios and fiber's winding angles were also investigated, in which the applicability of the proposed model was further discussed. • A theoretical model is proposed to predict the torsional stiffness of RTPs. • The governing equation is based on the strain energy-work equivalence of helically anisotropic hollow cylinders. • The proposed model could include the isotropic and orthotropic materials simultaneously. • Quasi-static torsion tests and numerical simulations were conducted to verify the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advantages of the combination of phytochemicals with chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer treatment. [Display omitted] The therapeutic limitations such as insufficient efficacy, drug resistance, metastasis, and undesirable side effects are frequently caused by the long duration monotherapy based on chemotherapeutic drugs. multiple combinational anticancer strategies such as nucleic acids combined with chemotherapeutic agents, chemotherapeutic combinations, chemotherapy and tumor immunotherapy combinations have been embraced, holding great promise to counter these limitations, while still taking including some potential risks. Nowadays, an increasing number of research has manifested the anticancer effects of phytochemicals mediated by modulating cancer cellular events directly as well as the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, these natural compounds exhibited suppression of cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of cancer cells, P-glycoprotein inhibition, decreasing vascularization and activation of tumor immunosuppression. Due to the low toxicity and multiple modulation pathways of these phytochemicals, the combination of chemotherapeutic agents with natural compounds acts as a novel approach to cancer therapy to increase the efficiency of cancer treatments as well as reduce the adverse consequences. In order to achieve the maximized combination advantages of small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs and natural compounds, a variety of functional nano-scaled drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, host–guest supramolecules, supramolecules, dendrimers, micelles and inorganic systems have been developed for dual/multiple drug co-delivery. These co-delivery nanomedicines can improve pharmacokinetic behavior, tumor accumulation capacity, and achieve tumor site-targeting delivery. In that way, the improved antitumor effects through multiple-target therapy and reduced side effects by decreasing dose can be implemented. Here, we present the synergistic anticancer outcomes and the related mechanisms of the combination of phytochemicals with small-molecule anticancer drugs. We also focus on illustrating the design concept, and action mechanisms of nanosystems with co-delivery of drugs to synergistically improve anticancer efficacy. In addition, the challenges and prospects of how these insights can be translated into clinical benefits are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zn doping of CuI films is achieved by a simple solution-process. • Zn doping concentration plays a key role on the quality of CuI films. • Photoresponse properties of CuI/Si self-powered photodetectors can be tuned through Zn doping concentration. • The optimized CuI/Si photodetector shows a high responsivity of 0.561 A/W at 0 V bias. • The photodetector demonstrates superior reliability and stability during 100-cycle tests. Zn doping engineering was achieved in copper iodide (CuI) films for CuI/Si heterojunction ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors (PDs) by employing a facile solution approach. The morphology, grain sizes and optical properties of CuI films with various Zn2+ doping concentrations are systematically investigated. Our results indicate that an appropriate Zn doping concentration can significantly improve the quality of CuI thin films, leading to an improved photodetection performance, while an excessive amount of Zn dopant can cause poor interface and quality of CuI films. The optimized Zn-doped CuI/Si UV PD exhibited remarkable photodetection performance with a high responsivity of 0.561 A/W at 0 V bias, surpassing all reported CuI-based photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, high-entropy alloy coatings, based on MoFeCrTiWNb2.5(Al2O3)x (x = 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6), were successfully fabricated on the surface of an M2 high-speed steel by laser cladding. The addition of Al2O3 promoted the formation of a eutectic microstructure. When x < 0.5, the coatings had a hypoeutectic structure with a proeutectic BCC phase. When x > 0.5, the coatings formed hypereutectic alloys with a proeutectic Laves phase. When x = 0.5, the coating had a typical eutectic lamellar microstructure with a hardness of 775 HV0.2. The microstructure and property evolution of MoFeCrTiWNb2.5(Al2O3)0.5 coatings treated for 6 h at different annealing temperatures of 750-1050 °C were investigated. The phase structure remained unchanged after annealing. The MoFeCrTiWNb2.5(Al2O3)0.5 coating is a typical lamellar eutectic microstructure, exhibiting excellent microstructural stability at 750 °C. When the annealing temperature exceeded 850 °C, the hardness and wear resistance of the coating decreased. The hardness of the coating remained 582 HV0.2 after annealing at 1050 °C for 6 h, indicating that the coating had excellent high-temperature softening resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a novel methodology to evaluate fatigue life with the consideration of both confidence level and reliability for CFRP laminates by combining fracture fatigue entropy (FFE) theory and knowledge of statistics. After carrying out distribution analysis and statistical hypothesis testing, it is found that the FFEs obey well to log-normal distribution and the average values and deviations of logarithmic FFEs under different stress levels exhibit no obvious difference. The γ - p - S - N curves are predicted by single side allowance factor analysis and the prediction is found to be more conservative and have a larger scatter comparing to experimental results. • The correlation coefficients show FFE data obey well to log-normal distribution. • The FFE values under different stress levels exhibit no obvious different. • A new method based on statistical analysis is developed to predict p-r-S-N curves. • The predicted p-r-S-N curves are conservative comparing to experimental ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The Na V 1.8 channel, mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, is recognized as one of the key factors in chronic pain. The molecule VX-150 was initially promising in targeting this channel, but the phase II trials of VX-150 did not show expected pain relief results. By analyzing the interaction mode of VX-150 and Na V 1.8, we developed two series with a total of 19 molecules and examined their binding affinity to Na V 1.8 in vitro and analgesic effect in vivo. One compound, named 2j , stood out with notable activity against the Na V 1.8 channel and showed effective pain relief in models of chronic inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. Our research points to 2j as a strong contender for developing safer pain-relief treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heat dissipation caused by internal friction plays an important role during fatigue property prediction based on self-heating data but it is still unclear for Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). In this paper, fatigue tests and thermal data analysis are carried out in order to investigate internal friction and Fracture Fatigue Entropy (FFE) of CFRP laminates with various stacking sequences. The fatigue limit is firstly estimated based on an improved graphic method developed by our previous study and then used to mark the beginning of fatigue damage occurs. It is found that the relationship between internal friction and applied stress amplitude is non-linear which is different from metals. Quadratic function is employed to characterize the internal friction region below fatigue limit and the trend line is used to separate heat dissipation related to damage and internal friction beyond fatigue limit. Results show that the internal friction effect of cross-ply laminates is significantly greater than that of unidirectional laminates. FFEs estimated by the heat dissipation related to damage are found to be independent of applied stress amplitude, which can be used to predict S–N curve of CFRP laminates efficiently and precisely. • The relationship of internal friction and stress amplitude is found to be non-linear for CFRP laminates. • Internal friction effect of cross-ply laminates is significantly greater than that of unidirectional laminates. • FFEs estimated by the heat dissipation related to damage are found to be independent of applied stress amplitude. • A new method based on FFE is developed to predict S–N curve of CFRP laminates efficiently and precisely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain sensing around the fastener holes is fundamentally significant in structural health monitoring and failure detections. Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques typically have limitations in performing reliable and efficient inspections. Here, a laser speckle imaging system (LSIS) has been developed to achieve non-contact, non-destructive and remote strain sensing. Methods for determining optimal laser speckle patterns have been investigated to achieve remote sensing of strain up to a working distance of 5 m. This LSIS was applied to study the anisotropic properties of un-notched and circular notched specimens in cold-rolled aluminium sheet, an important material for the construction of lightweight aircraft structures. The results showed that strain distributions determined by LSIS are consistent with finite element (FE) predictions in which the evolution of strain concentrations not only depends on the notch size but also on material anisotropy. This study demonstrates the potential application of LSIS as an effective NDT technique for full-field, non-contact and remote sensing of anisotropic deformation around fastener holes. • Laser speckle imaging sensor (LSIS) for remote strain sensing has been successfully developed. • The effects of wavelength and f-ratios on and laser speckle size were experimentally studied. • Anisotropic strain distribution measured by LSIS are consistent with finite element prediction. • The technical feasibilities of LSIS for in-situ structural health monitoring are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mutations and deletions in PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) cause autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. PINK1 is a nuclear-genome encoded Ser/Thr kinase in mitochondria. PINK1 deletion was reported to affect dopamine (DA) levels in the striatum and mitochondrial functions but with conflicting results. The role of PINK1 in mitochondrial function and in PD pathogenesis remains to be elucidated thoroughly. In this study, we measured DA release using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in acute striatal slices from both PINK1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice at different ages. We found that single pulse-evoked DA release in the dorsal striatum of PINK1 KO mice was decreased in an age-dependent manner. Furthermore, the decrease was because of less DA release instead of an alteration of DA transporter function or DA terminal degeneration. We also found that PINK1 KO striatal slices had significantly lower basal mitochondria respiration compared with that of WT controls, and this impairment was also age-dependent. These results suggest that the impaired DA release is most likely because of mitochondrial dysfunction and lower ATP production. Highlights • Loss of PINK1 reduces DA release in dorsal striatum in an age-dependent manner. • The decrease is due to less DA release instead of an alteration of DAT function. • There is an age-dependent decrease in basal mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis. • Developed an approach to measure mitochondrial respiration by OCR in striatal slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed germination is tightly regulated by multiple endogenous signaling molecules and metabolites, such as abscisic acid (ABA), the products of fatty acid β-oxidation for energy production and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In Arabidopsis the expression of pyruvate decarboxylase 1 (PDC1), which is involved in fermentation metabolism, was strongly induced by ABA during seed germination, suggesting that PDC1 might regulate seed germination in response to ABA. To prove this hypothesis, we characterized the role of PDC1 in ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination. The percentages of seed germination and cotyledon greening of PDC1-deficiency pdc1 mutants were higher, whereas those of PDC1 -overexpression lines were lower, than those of wild-type (WT) plants in the presence of ABA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that the ABA-responsive element BINDING FACTOR 4 (ABF4) transcription factor could bind to the PDC1 promoter and activate gene expression. ABA-induction of PDC1 expression was impaired in abf4–1 mutants, and overexpression of ABF4 in pdc1–1 plants can partially rescue their ABA-insensitive phenotypes. In addition, ABA-induced ROS accumulation was impaired in pdc1–1 seedlings, whereas it was enhanced in PDC1 -overexpression lines, as compared with WT plants. Furthermore, the levels of free fatty acids were lower in pdc1–1 mutants, but higher in the PDC1 -overexpression lines, than WT plants. This is consistent with the altered expression of fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes in these plants. Taken together, our results indicated that ABF4 activates PDC1 expression, thereby promoting fatty acid β-oxidation and enhancing ROS accumulation, leading to inhibition of seed germination in Arabidopsis. • ABF4 binds to the PDC1 promoter and enhances its expression. • ABF4 acts upstream of PDC1 in the ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination. • PDC1 participates in ABA-induce d ROS accumulation during the seed germination process. • Fatty acid metabolism is involved in PDC1-mediated ROS accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) can rapidly activate signaling pathways independent of nuclear hormone receptors through membrane receptor regulation, which leads to endocrine disrupting effects. In the present work, the molecular initiating event (MIE) and the key events (KEs) which cause the endocrine disrupting effects of PFOA have been explored and determined based on molecular dynamics simulation (MD), fluorescence analysis, transcriptomics, and proteomics. MD modeling and fluorescence analysis proved that, on binding to the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER), PFOA could induce a conformational change in the receptor, turning it into an active state. The results also indicated that the binding to GPER was the MIE that led to the adverse outcome (AO) of PFOA. In addition, the downstream signal transduction pathways of GPER, as regulated by PFOA, were further investigated through genomics and proteomics to identify the KEs leading to thr endocrine disrupting effects. Two pathways (Endocrine resistance, ERP and Estrogen signaling pathway, ESP) containing GPER were regulated by different concentration of PFOA and identified as the KEs. The knowledge of MIE, KEs, and AO of PFOA is necessary to understand the links between PFOA and the possible pathways that lead to its negative effects. [Display omitted] • PFOA might exert estrogenic effects by a novel nongenomic mechanism. • Binding to GPER was the molecular initiating event (MIE) leading to the adverse outcome of PFOA. • Membrane receptor GPER was the starting point of regulation. • ERP and ESP pathways were the key events of endocrine disrupting effects of PFOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash-butt welding (FBW) has recently been employed to construct continuously welded rails. However, the failure mechanisms of FBW joints remain unclear. In this study, the weldability of mobile flash-butt welded joints was investigated in terms of microstructures, mechanical properties, and residual stresses. The microhardness test results indicated that the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the PG4 welds showed significant reductions in hardness of up to 140 HV, whereas the digital image correlation (DIC) measurements showed high heterogeneous strains of up to 4%. Crystallographic analysis indicated that the grains in the HAZ underwent plastic strain with a lattice reorientation of approximately 80% and 55% in the face- and body-centred cubic phase, respectively. The uniaxial tensile tests established the phenomenological relationship between the bond strength and HAZ width: specifically, the bond strength was relatively high at the foot and head of the rail, progressively decreased at the web, and was inversely correlated with the HAZ width. A fractographic analysis confirmed that the shrinkage cracks, inclusions, and flat spots in the rail web were the main cause of early failure in uniaxial tensile tests. Residual stress measurements also showed that FBW can introduce high residual stresses in the rail web of up to 436.76 ± 18.10 MPa and 225.80 ± 12.94 MPa in the vertical and longitudinal directions, respectively. The results of this study reveal that the bond strength of mobile FBW can be assessed based on their HAZ width and provide reliable guidelines for improving the safety and stability of railway systems. [Display omitted] • Flash-butt welding technology was applied to join pearlite rail steels. • Microstructure, bond strength, and residual stress of flash-butt welds were studied. • Grain misorientation in flash-butt rail welds was quantitively analyzed. • Phenomenological relationship between bond strength and HAZ width was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofouling, the settlement of nuisance fouling organisms on underwater surfaces, seriously affects the performance of the ship and the development of the maritime industry. Using antimicrobial peptides to obtain antifouling performance is one of the most effective methods to solve this challenge. The present work assessed the peptide with the key amino acid residues and sequence (LWFYTMWH) of the marine microalgae Tetraselmis suecica as the antifoulants to aluminum alloy. The aluminum surface was introduced Al C bond through reduction of aryldiazonium salts. The peptides were grafted onto the surfaces by covalently binding the amino groups of peptides with the carboxyl groups on surfaces via 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activation. The ATR-FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the successful modification of peptides on the surfaces. The as-modified surfaces showed good antifouling capacity against the settlement of Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus sp.) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) by destroying the cell membranes. The antibacterial mechanism of peptides was explained by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. It was revealed that the peptides mainly interacted with the phospholipid membranes through the amino residues at the carboxyl terminus, resulting in changes in the thickness and local curvature of the phospholipid membranes, eventually causing the membranes to rupture. • A directional grafting strategy was adopted to retain the antibacterial properties of the peptides. • The peptide-modified surfaces showed good antifouling capacity against the settlement of bacteria. • The peptides interacted with the membranes through the amino residues at the carboxyl terminus. • The peptides kill bacteria by changing in the thickness and local curvature of the membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]