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The necessity of helping older employees achieve career success in the digital workplace has drastically increased. Drawing on self‐affirmation theory, we postulate that using enterprise social media (ESM) to conduct intergenerational knowledge sharing (IGKS) is a generativity and self‐affirmation behaviour in the digital workplace, and investigate how it would help older employees enhance job performance and thus achieve successful ageing at work. Study 1 (a three‐wave time‐lagged survey study with 262 older employees over 40 years old) demonstrates that, older employees' IGKS in ESM positively affects their job performance via personal needs‐job supplies fit. Perceived younger colleagues' knowledge disseminative capacity can weaken, but perceived younger colleagues' knowledge absorptive capacity can strengthen the above indirect effect. We replicated the first study's findings in Study 2 using a two‐wave survey with 161 older employees over 50 years old. Additionally, we found that older employees' IGKS in ESM positively influences their job performance via a serial mediation of organization‐based self‐esteem and needs‐supplies fit. Perceived younger colleagues' knowledge disseminative capacity can weaken, but knowledge absorptive capacity can strengthen the serial mediation relationship. These findings contribute to integrating IGKS and ESM literature to improve the theoretical framework of successful ageing at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inferior mechanical performance and freeze–thaw (FT) resistance of recycled concrete are mostly due to the significant water absorption and porosity of recycled coarse particles. In this study, different dosages of zeolite powder were used in recycled concrete. A series of macroscopic tests were used to evaluate the workability and FT durability of zeolite powder-modified recycled concrete (ZPRC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to reveal the micro-mechanisms of FT resistance in ZPRC. The results show that the increase in zeolite powder content leads to a decrease in the slump and water absorption of ZPRC. Additionally, ZPRC with 10% zeolite powder has superior mechanical characteristics and tolerance to FT conditions. The higher strength and FT resistance of the ZPRC can be attributed to the particle-filling effect, water storage function, and pozzolanic reaction of zeolite powder, which results in a denser microstructure. The particle-filling effect of zeolite powder promotes the reduction of surface pores in recycled coarse aggregates (RCAs). The water storage function of zeolite powder can provide water for the secondary hydration of cement particles while reducing the free water content in ZPRC. The pozzolanic reaction of zeolite powder can also promote the generation of hydrated calcium silicate and anorthite, thereby making the microstructure of ZPRC more compact. These results provide theoretical guidance for the engineering application of recycled concrete in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the 16th leading cause of mortality worldwide. Clinical studies have raised that long-term use of omeprazole (OME) is associated with the morbidity of CKD. OME is commonly used in clinical practice to treat peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, the mechanism underlying renal failure following OME treatment remains mostly unknown and the rodent model of OME-induced CKD is yet to be established. We described the process of renal injury after exposure to OME in mice; the early renal injury markers were increased in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). And after long-term OME treatment, the OME-induced CKD mice model was established. Herein, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) translocation appeared after exposure to OME in HK-2 cells. Then for both in vivo and in vitro, we found that Ahr-knockout (KO) and AHR small interfering RNA (siRNA) substantially alleviated the OME-induced renal function impairment and tubular cell damage. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that antagonists of AHR and CYP1A1 could attenuate OME-induced tubular cell impairment in HK-2 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that OME induces CKD through the activation of the AHR-CYP axis in RTECs. Our findings suggest that blocking the AHR-CYP1A1 pathway acts as a potential strategy for the treatment of CKD caused by OME. Key messages: We provide an omeprazole-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) mice model. AHR activation and translocation process was involved in renal tubular damage and promoted the occurrence of CKD. The process of omeprazole nephrotoxicity can be ameliorated by blockade of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Erythroid and myeloid differentiation disorders are commonly occurred in leukemia. Given that the relationship between erythroid and myeloid lineages is still unclear. To find the co-regulators in erythroid and myeloid differentiation might help to find new target for therapy of myeloid leukemia. In hematopoiesis, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) is reported to inhibit neutrophil lineage determination by targeting transcription factor ELK1 in granulocyte-monocyte progenitors via splicing factor SF3B1. However, further exploration is needed to determine whether ELK1 is a common regulatory factor for erythroid and myeloid differentiation. Methods: In vitro culture of isolated CD34+, CMPs (common myeloid progenitors) and CD34+ CD371– HSPCs (hematopoietic stem progenitor cells) were performed to assay the differentiation potential of monocytes, neutrophils, and erythrocytes. Overexpression lentivirus of long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 transduced CD34+ HSPCs were transplanted into NSG mice to assay the human lymphocyte and myeloid differentiation differences 3 months after transplantation. Knocking down of SRSF11, which was high expressed in CD371+GMPs (granulocyte-monocyte progenitors), upregulated by ALA and binding to ELK1-RNA splicing site, was performed to analyze the function in erythroid differentiation derived from CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs (hematopoietic progenitor cells). RNA sequencing of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 overexpressed CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs were performed to assay the signals changed by ELK1. Results: Here, we presented new evidence that ALA promoted erythroid differentiation by targeting the transcription factor ELK1 in CD34+ CD371– hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs). Overexpression of either the long isoform (L-ELK1) or the short isoform (S-ELK1) of ELK1 inhibited erythroid-cell differentiation, but knockdown of ELK1 did not affect erythroid-cell differentiation. RNAseq analysis of CD34+ CD123mid CD38+ CD371– HPCs showed that L-ELK1 upregulated the expression of genes related to neutrophil activity, phosphorylation, and hypoxia signals, while S-ELK1 mainly regulated hypoxia-related signals. However, most of the genes that were upregulated by L-ELK1 were only moderately upregulated by S-ELK1, which might be due to a lack of serum response factor interaction and regulation domains in S-ELK1 compared to L-ELK1. In summary, the differentiation of neutrophils and erythrocytes might need to rely on the dose of L-ELK1 and S-ELK1 to achieve precise regulation via RNA splicing signals at early lineage commitment. Conclusions: ALA and ELK1 are found to regulate both human granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis via RNA spliceosome, and ALA-ELK1 signal might be the target of human leukemia therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing aging population, osteoporosis has emerged as a public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological data reveal that the prevalence of osteoporosis in cold regions is high, and low temperatures may crucially affect bone mass. Recent studies have found that the transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) channel, a cold-sensitive ion channel, can sense cold environment, and can be activated in cold environment. It may play an antagonistic role in low temperature-induced bone mass reduction. Mechanistically, this function may be ascribed to the activation of TRPM8 channel proteins in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs), which causes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in the bone. TRPM8 channel on the surface of brown adipocytes participates in the thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and the regulation of whole-body energy balance to maintain bone homeostasis. TRPM8 may be involved in bone remodeling throughout life. This paper reviews recent research on the possible antagonistic mechanism of TRPM8 in signaling pathways related to low temperature-induced bone mass loss and assesses the possibility of TRPM8 as a molecular target for the prevention and treatment of low temperature-induced osteoporosis in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose and analyse pressure-correction schemes based on marker and cell (MAC) method for the linear Stokes–Biot system with a fixed interface. The implicit backward Euler scheme for the time discretization is used, whereas the coupling terms are treated explicitly. These schemes are computationally efficient in that we only solve two decoupled problems. And for Stokes equations, we solve one vector-valued elliptic equation and one scalar-value Poisson equation per time step. These methods have optimal order without the incompressibility constraint of the Stokes system. We prove rigorously that they are unconditionally stable and present the numerical experiments to show their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, high-throughput sequencing technology was adopted to visualize the microbial communities on the surfaces of two types of carbon steel immersed in Sea Area Ⅰ. The results showed that different microbial communities were formed on different carbon steel surfaces, in which the genus with the highest abundance on the surface of Q235 was Escherichia–Shigella, while anaerobic Desulfovibrio on the surface of 921a was the most abundant, and the dominant genus varied with the depth of the rust layer. In addition, the distribution of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on the surface of Q235 submerged in Sea Area Ⅱ was compared with the sulfate-reducing bacteria's distribution in Sea Area Ⅰ, using the environmental factors correlation analysis. The results showed that the concentrations of Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Al3+ were positively correlated with the distribution of SRB, while the concentrations of Cu2+, Zn2+, SO42−, Cl−, NO3−, and organic carbon were negatively correlated with it. Furthermore, there was a highly significant correlation between each geochemical factor and Desulfotomaculum (p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre‐dialysis education forms a crucial part of dialysis preparation. Acute start dialysis patients often commence and remain on in‐center hemodialysis (ICHD) without the benefit of an informed decision making process for kidney replacement therapy options. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding methods of education provision to the acute dialysis start population and their associated outcomes. Publications have described a holistic education pathway with multimedia provision of information and interactive experiences. One or more trained specialist nurses provided information over 3–5 sessions. Formal education was mostly initiated as an inpatient. 86%–100% of acute start dialysis patients are initiated and remain on ICHD. Following formal education, 21%–58% of patients chose peritoneal dialysis (PD), 10%–24% home hemodialysis, 33%–58% ICHD. This brings the number of patients maintained on an independent form of dialysis similar to the planned dialysis start population. Patients commenced on PD without needing temporary hemodialysis, hence avoided complications associated with such. Patients aged under 75 (p < 0.0001) and males (p = 0.006) were more likely to be influenced by education to select PD. The adjusted 5 year survival rates among discharged patients were similar between home and ICHD groups (73% vs. 71% respectively), with a comparable age of death. A targeted education program in the acute dialysis start population has proven to be feasible. Adaptations are likely required for each center; however, various methods have been shown to be effective, with an increased number of patients choosing an independent dialysis modality when given the choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, microbial adhesion expedites formation and alteration of aluminous minerals within aviation fuel tank systems. The corrosion mechanisms of two uncoated aluminium alloys and three types of coating-pretreated aluminium alloys by hydrocarbon-degrading Shewanella algae are examined. NO 3 - reduction of microorganisms induces corrosion acceleration of LY12 aluminium alloy (1.48 g*m−2*h−1) and corrosion inhibition of 7B04 aluminium alloy. CLSM and SEM observation of coating morphology highlight the microbial deterioration behaviors of coatings (pitting, swelling, and peeling). It inspires material selection and surface coating of microbial corrosion protection of aluminium alloy in marine and aerial environments. • First report on hydrocarbon-degrading Shewanella algae corrosion. • Coated materials deterioration characterization through CLSM and EDS. • Microbial corrosion acceleration and inhibition rely on interface properties. • NO 3 - degradation affects interaction between microbial attachment and rust formation. • Universal linked cells on aluminium surface show tolerance of toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CdTe-MIP/SiO 2 NPs coated chromatoplate was coupled with miniaturized fluorimeter. • The system was used for fluorescence detection of malachite green in fish tissues. • The system possesses excellent linearity range, selectivity, sensitivity, and rapidity. • Both fluorescence method and HPLC are suitable for MG analysis. Malachite green (MG) possesses high toxicity, therefore, the detection of MG in fish tissues is of vital importance. A novel core–shell MIPs doped CdTe quantum dots coated silica nanoparticles (CdTe-MIP/SiO 2 NPs) were synthesized via a simple one-pot strategy. The materials were characterized carefully. The resulting CdTe-MIP/SiO 2 NPs were coated on the thin layer chromatography plate, and coupled with miniaturized fluorimeter for fluorescence detection of MG in fish samples. The resulting CdTe-MIP/SiO 2 NPs based system possessed good linearity (0.01 ∼ 20 μmol/L), high recoveries (98.36 %∼101.45 %) and low detection limit (3.7 nmol/L) for MG. Furthermore, CdTe-MIP/SiO 2 NPs based system were employed to measure fish samples spiked with MG, meanwhile, HPLC was utilized to evaluate the accuracy and reliability. And the paired t -test was conducted to evaluate differences between fluorescence method and HPLC, P > 0.05 means no significant difference was observed, the results demonstrated that both fluorescence method and HPLC are suitable for MG analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global synchromodal transportation is a promising strategy for providing efficient, reliable, flexible, and sustainable container shipping services across continents. It involves integrating multiple modes and routes owned by various operators to create a comprehensive transport plan. However, these operators often have their own local networks and are hesitant to cede control to a centralized platform. Instead, they prefer to share limited information in a coordinated manner to achieve a common goal without sacrificing their own benefits. This paper proposes a coordinated mechanism for global synchromodal transport planning, in which a global operator proposes incentives to local operators to select the most efficient modes and routes for shipping containers from one continent to another. An augmented Lagrangian relaxation approach is developed for the global operator to generate incentives, and a heuristic algorithm is designed to address the computational complexity of the optimization problems faced by local operators. We incorporate the proposed approaches with a rolling horizon framework to handle dynamic shipment requests received from spot markets and with a buffer strategy to address travel time uncertainties. The coordinated mechanism is tested on a real network between Asia and Europe, and results show that it can significantly increase total profits, reduce request rejections, and reduce infeasible transshipments compared to decentralized global transportation plans currently in use, particularly under scenarios with higher degrees of dynamism and uncertainty. • A coordinated approach is proposed for global synchromodal transportation. • Both vertical and horizontal collaboration among multiple operators are considered. • A rolling horizon framework and a buffer strategy are designed. • The centralized, coordinated, and decentralized approaches are compared. • Real networks between Europe and China are used to conduct extensive experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The innovative application of the semi-IPN pressure-sensitive adhesive for transdermal drug delivery system. • Pressure-sensitive adhesive with excellent mechanical properties, effective adhesion to the skin, and high drug release. • A simple but effective method to synthesize the semi-IPN pressure-sensitive adhesive with high cohesion and adhesion. The application of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) in transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDSs) is limited. Insufficient cohesion in TDDS can lead to cold flow, patch displacement, dose inaccuracies, and the 'dark ring' phenomenon. To address these issues, we developed a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) PSA using a 2-hydroxyethylacrylate-modified acrylic copolymer as the linear polymer and poly[tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate] as the cross-linked network. Semi-IPN PSAs have better mechanical properties compared to traditional PSAs. The cohesion of the semi-IPN PSA was 31 times and 1.6 times that of commercially available DURO-TAK®87-2287 and DURO-TAK® 87–4098, respectively, and the cold flow of the semi-IPN PSA was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the semi-IPN PSA adhered to the human forearm for longer time and did not exhibit the 'dark ring' phenomenon after removal. When loaded with flurbiprofen, the semi-IPN PSA was found to maintain high levels of drug release and skin permeation amount, and flurbiprofen loading did not affect its superior cohesive performance. In conclusion, the innovative application of the semi-IPN PSA for TDDS showed excellent mechanical properties, effective adhesion to the skin without irritation, and highly effective drug release. These findings indicate that the use of the semi-IPN is both simple and highly effective for TDDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. To investigate whether there are differences in inflammatory and chronic structural damages, as assessed by a semiquantitative MRI scoring method, between non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with active inflammation at baseline, and to evaluate the treatment response in these patients after 3 months of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor treatment.Methods: Fifty-eight axSpA patients with active inflammation were included in the study. The patients were divided into nr-axSpA group and AS group. MRI examinations of the sacroiliac joints were performed before and after treatment. Inflammatory and structural damages in these patients were assessed using the established Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) inflammation and sacroiliac joint structural (SSS) scoring methods, which are two MRI-based scoring methods. The SPARCC score, SSS score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were compared between the two groups.Results: At baseline, SPARCC scores for patients in the nr-axSpA and AS groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05); however, SSS scores for fat metaplasia, erosion, and backfill for patients in the AS group were significantly higher (P < 0.001). Compared with baseline, SPARCC scores were significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001); however, after treatment, no statistically significant difference was found regarding SPARCC scores between the AS and nr-axSpA groups. Compared with baseline, a significant increase in the SSS scores for fat metaplasia and backfill (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the SSS scores for erosion (P < 0.001) were observed in all axSpA patients. Changes in the SPARCC score was inversely correlated with the changes in the SSS score for fat metaplasia (r = - 0.634, P < 0.001). Changes in the SSS score for backfill were positively correlated with the changes in the SSS score for fat metaplasia (r = 0.277, P < 0.05) and inversely correlated with those for erosion (r = - 0.443, P < 0.001).Conclusion: The SPARCC and SSS scoring systems can be used to assess inflammatory and chronic structural damages as well as treatment responses in patients with axSpA. More severe structural damages were seen in AS patients. TNF-α inhibitor treatment for 3 months could effectively reduce inflammation in axSpA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional target recognition and classification is mostly done manually, with low efficiency and high cost. Improving the level of target recognition automatically has become an important research topic. This paper proposes a target recognition method based on transfer learning to effectively complete the classification and recognition of targets using a brain–computer interface (BCI) model. Based on the construction of the faster‐RCNN deep learning model, the pre‐training of the model is achieved by VGG‐16 and Inception‐v2, and the transfer learning algorithm is used to optimize the faster‐RCNN deep learning model based on the kinematics model. Experiments are carried out with the aim to detect tableware by the persons whose brain signals recognition rate has been substantially improved using faster‐RCNN. Compared with the traditional recognition methods, the results at the lab‐scale level illustrated that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the speed and accuracy of target recognition by using the BCI model to classify tableware of different colors and shapes in a complex background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe-Mn oxide was prepared via a new method of redox–precipitation and aging. • Fe was doped in MnO 2 lattice and resulted in structural distortion. • The morphology of MnO 2 material was transformed from nanowires to nanoparticles. • The mechanism of morphological evolution of the material was proposed. • The Fe-Mn oxides showed high activity for o -xylene catalytic oxidation. Fe-MnO 2 nanocomposite was prepared via a redox–precipitation method combined with a subsequent aging treatment at low-temperature. Various characterizations showed that Fe was incorporated into MnO 2 lattice that changed the relative intensity of MnO 2 crystal planes. Thus, the structural defect was formed and the anisotropic growth of the MnO 2 crystallite phase was suppressed. As a result, the morphology of MnO 2 was transformed from nanowires to nanoparticles. In addition, the catalytic property of Fe-MnO 2 was significantly enhanced than that of pristine MnO 2 for the complete oxidation of o -xylene. This work provides a simple and effective strategy for regulating MnO 2 texture and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the coordination advantage of N-heterocyclic carboxylate ligands in the construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), we hope to adopt them to build up more structurally stable MOFs for proton conduction research. Therefore, the multifunctional ligand of 2-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-imidazole dicarboxylic acid (o-CPH4IDC) was selected by us. Consequently, two highly water-stable Ba(II) and Cd(II) MOFs, {[Cd(o-CPH2IDC)(4,4′-bipy)0.5(H2O)2]·3H2O}n (1) (4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine) and [Ba(o-CPH2IDC)]n (2) were made. The further study of water-assisted proton conduction for 1 and 2 demonstrated that both were temperature- and humidity-dependent proton conductors, and their best proton conductivities could reach 10−4 S·cm−1 at 100 °C and 98% RH. The vehicle mechanism can be proposed for 1 and 2 by calculating the activation energy and by analysing their crystal structures. Apparently, the adsorbed water molecules and carboxylate groups in the MOFs played an important role in the proton conduction process. Our work gives more choice for the design of novel proton conductive MOF materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First report on the microbial corrosion mechanism of Acinetobacter soli. • EDS distinguishes abiotic and biotic processes in microbial corrosion systems. • EDS and XRD highlight the significance of oxygen mass transfer in X70 corrosion. • Accumulation of acetic acid influences iron ion dissolution. • Coupling of metal microbial corrosion with oil microbial degradation. Deterioration corrosion occurs between the external surface of oil pipelines and aerobic oil-degrading microorganisms in oil fields. Microorganisms with aerobic oil pollution remediation capabilities may catalyze more serious anaerobic microbial corrosion due to the carbon source supply. In this study, Acinetobacter soli strains were isolated from oil-contaminated environments, and their role in the deterioration corrosion behavior of X70 steel in an oil-water environment was investigated using the EDS multipoint scanning method. The presence of oil controls the deposition of carbon and phosphorus and diffusion of oxygen, leading to significant adhesion attraction and initial growth inhibition of biofilm on the metal surface. A. soli facilitates oxygen transfer and iron ion dissolution, thereby accelerating the pitting corrosion of X70 steel. This corrosion of the X70 steel, in turn, further accelerates the microbial degradation of oil, inhibiting the appearance of calcareous scale in the later stage of corrosion. The corrosion of X70 steel is influenced by microbial degradation, and the specific corrosion behaviors are related to the activity of A. soli in the petroleum environment. This study sheds light on the corrosion mechanisms of X70 steel by A. soli at different stages, providing insights into the interactions between microorganisms, oil pollution, and metal corrosion in oil fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to address the issue of service time uncertainty in synchromodal freight transport, which can cause delays, inefficiencies, and reduced satisfaction for shippers. The proposed solution is an online deep Reinforcement Learning (RL) approach that takes into account the service time uncertainty, assisted by an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search (ALNS) heuristic that provides state and reward information based on the routing and scheduling. The proposed planning approach re-plans in response to unexpected events and learns from real-time information from various transport modes, including road, railway, and inland waterways. The performance of the proposed planning approach is evaluated in the European Rhine-Alpine corridor under various scenarios with different types and severities of unexpected events. The results demonstrate that the RL approach consistently outperforms other strategies by effectively handling service time uncertainty, leading to reduced costs, emissions, and waiting time, as well as decreased transport delays and improved rewards through accurate decision-making and agile transport re-planning. This study also finds that incorporating event severity information improves the average reward obtained by the RL approach in scenarios involving multiple types of events. • We propose a synchromodal transport re-planning framework that can accommodate different strategies. • We develop a model-assisted Reinforcement Learning approach to handle the service time uncertainty online. • We evaluate the proposed approach under scenarios with disturbances and disruptions using realistic transport networks. • We provide managerial insights for the real-time management of synchromodal transport systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes an LED driver circuit which is wide-range continuous dimmable for high power lighting application. The proposed LED driver is based on single-inductor–multiple-output (SIMO) dc–dc converter. A pulsewidth modulation (PWM) control strategy is applied on the LED driver to control the brightness of LEDs flexibly and precisely, with which the dimming frequency can be increased significantly, and the dimming ratio for all branches can be adjusted separately. PWM dimming would cause the inductor current overshooting when dimming switch alters from off to on, which makes the LED current varying. To suppress the inductor current overshooting, a sampling–holding circuit is adopted in the feedback loop of the proposed LED driver. A prototype of the proposed LED driver is fabricated and tested. The measurement results show that the dimming frequency can be increased to 10 kHz, the dimming ratio can be set from 5% to 100% with a minimum pulsewidth of 5  $\mu$ s, and the inductor current overshooting is suppressed from 150% to approximately 0%. The proposed LED driver can output more than 80 W and achieve a conversion efficiency of 97%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a two-section pyrolysis reactor was used for the pyrolysis of corn straw at 550°C. The pyrolysis of corn straw was performed in the first section, while a biochar sample (untreated biochar, acid-washed biochar, or biochar loaded with NaCl, KCl, MgCl2, or CaCl2) was placed in the second section. The effects of the biochar and the metal salts it contained on corn straw pyrolysis were researched. The results showed that acid-washing pretreatment removed most of the metal ions (99.1% of K, 95.2% of Ca, 94.3% of Na, and 95.3% of Mg) in biochar. As the amount of acid-washed biochar added raised from 0 to 3 g, the bio-oil yield declined from 51.2% to 45.3%, the gas yield raised from 21.9% to 27.1%, and volume fraction of CO and H2 increased from 33.5% and 10.8% to 35.6% and 13.1% respectively. In addition, the acid-washed biochar promoted the decomposition of acid substances in the pyrolysis volatiles and the formation of phenolic substances. After loading with various metal salts in biochar, the bio-oil yield is further reduced while gas yield is further increased. Among the metal salts, KCl exhibited the strongest effects on the enrichment of phenolics and decomposition of acids. In addition, MgCl2 clearly promoted CO formation. The results in this study confirm that both biochar and its constituent metal ions play important roles in the secondary cracking of pyrolysis volatiles, and thus biochar has potential for application as a catalyst in biomass pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine is the harshest corrosive environment where almost all marine underwater equipment and facilities undergo corrosion caused by marine microorganisms. With the development of marine resources globally, the marine engineering and relevant infrastructures have increased exponentially. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) leads to severe safety accidents and great economic losses. The specific aggregation of corrosive microbial communities and their interactions with materials conform to a typical ecological adaptation mechanism. On the one hand, corrosive biofilms in the marine environment selectively colonize on a specific steel substrate by utilizing their complex community composition and various extracellular polymeric substances; on the other hand, the elemental composition and surface microstructure of different engineering steels affect the microbial community and corrosive process. MIC in the marine environment is a dynamic process evolving with the formation of corrosive biofilms and corrosion products. In this mini-review, the interactions between corrosive biofilm and steel substrates are explored and discussed, especially those conducted in situ in the marine environment. Herein, the important role of iron in the dynamic process of marine corrosion is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a SiC MOSFETs gate driver for parallel connections is proposed and implemented. The proposed design enhances the reliability of parallel-connected SiC MOSFETs in high-frequency applications. High-speed over-current protections are applied for both over-voltage and under-voltage situations. In addition, a dynamic balancing current sharing scheme for SiC MOSFETs is proposed for high-speed parallel applications by current feedback and switching delay time compensation. With the proposed design, parallel-connected SiC MOSFETs can work at an operation frequency of 1 MHz with over-current protections. In addition, with the dynamic current balancing scheme, the operation temperature decreases from 115 to 86.9 °C, while the temperature difference for paralleled devices drops from 25.8 to 1.8 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The C2H2 zinc finger protein family plays important roles in plants. However, precisely how C2H2s function in Opisthopappus (Opisthopappus taihangensis and Opisthopappus longilobus) remains unclear. Results: In this study, a total of 69 OpC2H2 zinc finger protein genes were identified and clustered into five Groups. Seven tandem and ten fragment repeats were found in OpC2H2s, which underwent robust purifying selection. Of the identified motifs, motif 1 was present in all OpC2H2s and conserved at important binding sites. Most OpC2H2s possessed few introns and exons that could rapidly activate and react when faced with stress. The OpC2H2 promoter sequences mainly contained diverse regulatory elements, such as ARE, ABRE, and LTR. Under salt stress, two up-regulated OpC2H2s (OpC2H2-1 and OpC2H2-14) genes and one down-regulated OpC2H2 gene (OpC2H2-7) might serve as key transcription factors through the ABA and JA signaling pathways to regulate the growth and development of Opisthopappus species. Conclusion: The above results not only help to understand the function of C2H2 gene family but also drive progress in genetic improvement for the salt tolerance of Opisthopappus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rats subjected to a skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) procedure developed mechanical allodynia and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. • SMIR caused activation of microglia and astrocytes, as well as increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). • Magnesium ion (Mg2 +) levels were decreased in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SMIR-injured rats, correlating with pain and emotional behaviors, oral administration of magnesium-L-Threonate (L-TAMS) increased Mg2 + levels in SMIR-injured rats. • L-TAMS administration reversed SMIR-induced mechanical allodynia, glial activation, proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ACC and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) and its emotional comorbidities poses health burden to patients who have received the surgical treatment. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Emerging studies indicate that magnesium deficiency is associated with neurological diseases, and magnesium supplement confers protection under these disease conditions. In this study, we examined the role and mechanism of magnesium deficiency in the pathology of surgery-induced allodynia and negative emotion using a rat model of skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) and investigated the therapeutic effects of magnesium supplementation by oral magnesium-L-Threonate (L-TAMS) in SMIR-injured rats. In the SMIR model, rats developed mechanical allodynia and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Further, SMIR caused microglia and astrocyte activation and enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Importantly, magnesium ion (Mg2+) levels decreased in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of SMIR-injured rats, which exhibited high correlation with pain and emotion behavioral phenotypes in these rats. Repeated oral administration of L-TAMS increased serum and CSF levels of Mg2+ in SMIR-injured rats. Notably, L-TAMS administration reversed SMIR-induced mechanical allodynia and anxiodepressive-like behaviors but did not affect pain and emotional behaviors in sham rats. Moreover, L-TAMS administration suppressed SMIR-caused glial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the ACC but had no such effect in sham rats. Together, our study demonstrates the contributing role of magnesium deficiency in the pathology of surgery-induced chronic pain and negative emotion. Moreover, we suggest that L-TAMS might be a novel approach to treat CPSP and its emotional comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azobenzene and its derivatives are widely used as photoresponsive units for the fabrication of photoresponsive smart materials. In this work, two azobenzene derivatives were designed and investigated as hydrogelators, namely N‐4‐azodiphenyl‐maleimic acid (ADPMA) and N‐4‐azodiphenyl‐succinic acid (ADPSA) bearing azobenzene and carboxylic acid segments. In the process of deprotonation/protonation of the carboxylic acids by pH variation, the self‐assembly of these two gelators was triggered. ADPMA could transform from solution to hydrogel while the solution of ADPSA formed a precipitate under the same conditions. The solution‐gel/precipitate transformation can be repeated by changing the pH. In contrast to the conventional responsiveness to UV‐light irradiation for azobenzene‐based gels, the ADPMA hydrogel shows typical trans‐cis isomerization of the azobenzene unit in solution, yet the hydrogel demonstrates remarkable stability to UV light irradiation in both the bulk gel and thin film states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we reported the synthesis of a new family of thermal stable Mn-doped DyInO 3 blue pigment materials. All of the samples were synthesized by a conventional solid state method. Powder x-ray diffraction refinement results showed that the structures of the as-prepared materials were hexagonal (space group: P 6 3 cm ), and their cell parameters decreased with Mn content improving. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the particle size can be directly used for coating. Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra show the presence of random disorder and structural modifications without phase transition. Diffuse reflection spectra were obtained over the range of wavelength 200–2500 nm indicated the blue color is caused by the allowed DMSO-d6 transition. All the samples show excellent near-infrared reflectance which means lower heat build-up. Temperature-dependent color and UV-vis spectra indicated that a continuous structural evolution accompanied by the allowed DMSO-d6 transition. Thus, this paper provides a family of new thermal stable blue pigment for potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acids in vegetable oils and animal fats are a potential feedstock for the production of synthetic waxes, and this kind of waxes can be a substitute for petroleum waxes in the future because the feedstock is renewable. This paper described an optimization study on the production of n-triacontane (NTA) from palmitic acid via Kolbe electrolysis using a biphasic solvent system (H 2 O/MeOH as aqueous phase, petroleum ether as organic phase). Response surface methodology (RSM) and Taguchi methodology (TM) were employed to research the production of NTA affected by amounts of KOH, reaction temperature, cell voltage and reaction time. On the basis of analysis of variance and range analysis of the two methods above, the maximum NTA yield was achieved at amounts of KOH of 1.3 equiv., reaction temperature of 57 °C, cell voltage of 20.0 V and reaction time of 20 h for RSM; while the amounts of KOH of 1.3 equiv., reaction temperature of 55 °C, cell voltage of 20.0 V and reaction time of 20 h for TM. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental yields of NTA were 69.5% and 64.7% for RSM and TM, respectively. The final product met the relevant standards of the needle penetration, lead, water soluble acids and alkalis, odor and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by referring to Chinese waxes product standards. The results showed strong potential market applications of Kolbe electrolysis waxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to shed light on the relationship between drug content and adhesive properties in drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch, and to elucidate molecular mechanisms from the perspective of polymer chain mobility. Lidocaine was selected as model drug. Two acrylate pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with different polymer chain mobility were synthesized. Tack adhesion, shear adhesion and peel adhesion of PSAs with 0, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/w lidocaine contents were tested. Polymer chain mobility was determined by rheology and modulated differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Drug-PSA interaction was analyzed by FT-IR. The effect of drug content on free volume of PSA were determined by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. It was found that the polymer chain mobility of PSA was increased with increasing drug content. Due to the variation of polymer chain mobility, tack adhesion increased, and shear adhesion decreased. It was proved that interactions between polymer chains were destroyed by drug-PSA interactions, free volume between polymer chains was expanded, resulting in the increase of polymer chain mobility. We can conclude that the effect of drug content on polymer chain mobility should be considered, when designing a transdermal drug delivery system with controlled and satisfactory adhesion. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Pt/TaSi 2 /Ni/Ti/Ni/SiC and Pt/Ti/SiC simultaneous ohmic contacts to n-type and p-type 4H-SiC are studied. The thermal stability and electrical characteristics of the ohmic contacts are investigated and compared after being aged at 500 °C for 300 h in air. The n- and p-type Pt/Ti/SiC ohmic contact failed after 100 h and after 200 h, respectively. While the Pt/TaSi 2 /Ni/Ti/Ni/SiC samples exhibits a good thermal stability and high temperature electrical characteristics, with a relatively small increase of the specific contact resistance (SCR) in the initial 50 h and then remains stable in the rest of the thermal aging duration. SEM analysis reveals that the surface morphologies of Pt/TaSi 2 /Ni/Ti/Ni/SiC samples keep smooth and stable during the aging process. According to AES analysis, the main reason of electrical characteristics degradation is the oxidation on the metal/4H-SiC interface during the aging process. Also, at the expense of the TaSi 2 layer oxidization, the diffusion rate of oxygen atoms towards the SiC are slowed down, and therefore, the metal/4H-SiC interface quality was not affected by oxidation problems and extending the life of ohmic contact in air at 500 °C. Experimental results indicate that the Pt/TaSi 2 /Ni/Ti/Ni/SiC simultaneous ohmic contacts to both n- and p-type SiC are promising to be used for high temperature and harsh environment SiC-based devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Dioscin exhibits a range of pharmacological actions but little is known of its effects on cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity. Here, we have assessed the effects and the possible mechanisms of dioscin against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.Experimental Approach: We used an in vivo model of CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and mice and, in vitro, cultures of NRK-52E and HK-2 cells. The dual luciferase reporter assay was used to demonstrate modulation, by dioscin, of the targeting of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) by microRNA (miR)-34a. Molecular docking assays were used to analyse the effects of dioscin with Sirt1, Keap1 and NF-κB.Key Results: Dioscin attenuated cell damage in vitro and decreased renal injury in rats and mice, treated with CDDP. In terms of mechanisms, dioscin reversed CDDP-induced up-regulation of miR-34a and thus up-regulated Sirt1 levels. In addition, dioscin altered levels of haem oxygenase 1, glutathione-cysteine ligase subunits (GCLC, GCLM) and Keap1, along with increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2, thus decreasing oxidative stress. Also, dioscin affected levels of AP-1, COX-2, HMGB1, IκB-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and decreased the ratio of acetylated NF-κB and normal NF-κB, to suppress inflammation. From molecular docking assays, dioscin directly bound to Sirt1, Keap1 and NF-κBp65 by hydrogen bonding and/or hydrophobic interactions.Conclusions and Implications: Our results have linked CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity and the miR-34a/Sirt1 signalling pathway, which was modulated by dioscin. This natural product could be developed as a new candidate to alleviate CDDP-induced renal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive control efficiency for the formation potentials (FPs) of a range of regulated and unregulated halogenated disinfection by-products (DBPs) (including carbonaceous DBPs (C-DBPs), nitrogenous DBPs (N-DBPs), and iodinated DBPs (I-DBPs)) with the multiple drinking water treatment processes, including pre-ozonation, conventional treatment (coagulation–sedimentation, pre-sand filtration), ozone-biological activated carbon (O 3 -BAC) advanced treatment, and post-sand filtration, was investigated. The potential toxic risks of DBPs by combing their FPs and toxicity values were also evaluated. The results showed that the multiple drinking water treatment processes had superior performance in removing organic/inorganic precursors and reducing the formation of a range of halogenated DBPs. Therein, ozonation significantly removed bromide and iodide, and thus reduced the formation of brominated and iodinated DBPs. The removal of organic carbon and nitrogen precursors by the conventional treatment processes was substantially improved by O 3 -BAC advanced treatment, and thus prevented the formation of chlorinated C-DBPs and N-DBPs. However, BAC filtration leads to the increased formation of brominated C-DBPs and N-DBPs due to the increase of bromide/DOC and bromide/DON. After the whole multiple treatment processes, the rank order for integrated toxic risk values caused by these halogenated DBPs was haloacetonitriles (HANs) ≫ haloacetamides (HAMs) > haloacetic acids (HAAs) > trihalomethanes (THMs) > halonitromethanes (HNMs) ≫ I-DBPs (I-HAMs and I-THMs). I-DBPs failed to cause high integrated toxic risk because of their very low FPs. The significant higher integrated toxic risk value caused by HANs than other halogenated DBPs cannot be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household consumption has great potential to reduce CO 2 emissions from the demand side which is an important way to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. However, the shrinking household size will have a significant impact on household carbon emissions. In this paper, we have investigated the impacts of the decrease in Chinese household size on the direct and indirect household carbon emissions by using the input-output model and the bidirectional fixed-effect model, based on China's Urban Household Income and Expenditure Survey dataset. Results have shown that household size has a significant negative effect on household carbon emissions per capita, and such a negative effect on indirect carbon emissions is much greater than that on direct carbon emissions in China. Reducing the average household size by one has led to an increase of 0.128 t of the direct household carbon emissions per capita and 1.344 t of indirect household carbon emissions per capita, respectively. We also projected the potential change of household carbon emissions by 2030 under scenarios of increasing total population and shrinking household size and found that there may generate a 15.3%–18.8% growth in household carbon emissions compared to that in 2012, with other demographic characteristics unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor-acceptor (D-A) type organic luminescent materials with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism constitute a significant class of fluorescent probes for nerve agents sensing. However, blue-shifted emissions from nerve agents due to the protonation on donor moieties of the probes are still rarely studied and reported so far. Herein, by incorporation of high luminescence and photostability open-shell organic radicals with proton-responsive characteristics, for the first time, we report two D-A type radical-based probes, which enable high sensitivity, selectivity and good reusability nerve agents simulant (diethyl chlorophosphite, DCP) vapor detection via an uncommon blue-shift emission response. Specifically, the sensing mechanism is ultimately deciphered to be the DCP induced protonation of the donor of the radicals, whereas present fully reversal D-A electronic structure models and the nature of the doublet excited states. This sensing system offers new insights into the rational design and utility of luminescent radicals for more broad applications. [Display omitted] • Two D-A type organic luminescent radical-based film probes were constructed. • Exposure of the probes to DCP vapors leads to rarely emission blue shift responses. • The film probes exhibited rapid response and low LODs for DCP vapor detection. • The blue-shifted mode is attributed to the reversal D-A electronic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscin shows active effects against renal ischemia/reperfusion injury and lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory kidney injury, however, little is known concerning the role of it on doxorubicin (Dox)-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present study, in vivo test of Dox-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and in vitro model in NRK-52E cells were developed. The results showed that dioscin significantly attenuated cell injury, obviously reduced ROS level in vitro , and markedly decreased the levels of BUN, Cr, MDA, and notably increased the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-Px in rats. Mechanistic studies showed that dioscin significantly increased the levels of p-AMPKα, Nrf2, HO-1 and GST by activation of FXR against oxidative stress. In addition, dioscin suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and HMGB1, and subsequently decreased the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α against inflammation. These results were further validated by knockdown of FXR using siRNA silencing, and abrogation of FXR using NDB (a FXR inhibitor) in NRK-52E cells, and the results suggested that the protective effect of dioscin against Dox- induced nephrotoxicity via adjusting FXR-mediated signal to suppress oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, molecular docking assay showed that dioscin directly targeted with FXR through competing with Helix12 (H12) by hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic effect and electrostatic interactions. In a word, our data showed that dioscin is a novel and potent FXR agonist to suppress inflammation and oxidative stress against Dox-induced nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiC JFETs are considered to be the most promising high-temperature switches. In this paper, the electro-thermal simulation is conducted to investigate the performance and junction temperature of SiC normally-on JFET. The current density will degrade by more than 30% due to the self-heating effect even at room temperature. For a given device, the increase of the gate voltage can help to improve the current density. But the most efficient way to improve the high temperature performance of SiC JFETs is to optimize the structure parameters in design. When the channel width increases from 1.6 μm to 2 μm or the drift-layer width decreases from 14 μm to 7 μm at 300 K, the current handling ability can increase to double or treble even at a small bias. In this case, the junction temperature variation is less than 5 K, which will greatly reduce the device size and improve the reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is a common concern in intermodal transport. Collaboration among carriers may help in reducing emissions. In this context, this work establishes a collaborative planning model for intermodal transport and uses eco-labels (a series of different levels of emission ranges) to reflect shippers' sustainability preferences. A mathematical model and an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search heuristic are proposed for intermodal transport planning of carriers and fuzzy set theory is used to model the preferences towards eco-labels. For multiple carriers, centralized, auction-based collaborative, and non-collaborative planning approaches are proposed and compared. Real data from barge, train and truck carriers in the European Rhine-Alpine corridor is used for extensive experiments where both unimodal carrier collaboration and intermodal carrier collaboration are analyzed. Compared with non-collaborative planning without eco-labels, the number of served requests increases and emissions decrease significantly in the collaborative planning with eco-labels as transport capacity is better utilized. • A conceptual framework for collaborative planning of intermodal transport is proposed. • The eco-label preferences are taken into account to achieve sustainable intermodal transport. • The centralized approach, auction-based collaborative approach, and non-collaborative approaches are proposed and evaluated comparatively. • Two scenarios of collaborative planning, i.e., collaboration among unimodal carriers and collaboration among intermodal carriers, are considered. • Realistic transport networks in the European Rhine-Alpine corridor are used to conduct extensive experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In synchromodal transport, a freight forwarder usually serves multiple shippers with heterogeneous and vague preferences, such as low-cost, fast, or reliable transport. Ignoring shippers' preferences will negatively impact the satisfaction of shippers and lead to the loss of them in the longer run. In order to incorporate these preferences, a Synchromodal Transport Planning Problem with Heterogeneous and Vague Preferences (STPP-HVP) is proposed and formulated as a mathematical model. Heterogeneous and Vague Preferences (HVP) are modeled through Multiple Attribute Decision Making approaches that integrate fuzzy set theory. The proposed model has two objectives, i.e., maximizing the number of served requests and minimizing the transportation cost. Preferences of shippers are set as constraints such that the freight forwarder needs to satisfy the preferred levels for each attribute. A heuristic algorithm (Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search) is proposed to find (near) optimal solutions. The case study in the European Rhine–Alpine corridor demonstrates that the proposed model can provide more attractive solutions to shippers compared with optimization which ignores preferences. Under various scenarios, the attributes, such as cost, time, emissions, reliability, and risk of damage, are analyzed and the (near) optimal modes and routes are suggested according to HVP. Moreover, the results show that the conflicts among attributes, conflicts among shippers, and conflicts between the freight forwarder and shippers are resolved by making one actor more satisfied without compromising any other actor's preferences. • A mathematical model for the Synchromodal Transport Planning Problem with Heterogeneous and Vague Preferences is proposed. • Multiple Attribute Decision Making approaches integrating fuzzy set theory are used to model preferences. • A heuristic algorithm is proposed to find (near) optimal solutions according to preferences. • Conflicts among actors are resolved without compromising any actor's preferences. • Results of scenarios with and without homogeneous/heterogeneous preferences are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive colorimetric assay for Hg 2+ detection was presented based on synergistic catalytic effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Hg. The AuNPs could catalyze the reduction of Hg 2+ by surface-capping citrate. The effect of Hg 2+ uptake implied amalgam formation and increased the surface area of AuNPs, leading to remarkable catalytic amplification of the peroxidase-like activity of AuNPs. On the basis of this effect, 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as colorimetric probes could be catalyzed into a black blue product in the presence of H 2 O 2 . The detection limit of the colorimetric assay for Hg 2+ is 0.1 nM. Furthermore, the detection limit of Hg 2+ in river water samples and tap water samples are 0.66 nM, and 0.43 nM, respectively. The results are far below the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit (30 nM). The assay is highly sensitive, specific, and able to detect Hg 2+ rapidly without requiring sophisticated equipment. In addition, our strategy could also be used as a promising and convenient approach for detection of the target in environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gel formation by an N-fluorenyl-9-methoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-based molecule was investigated and the chirality amplification observed during the self-assembly process could be switched on and off by controlling the solvent environment. The molecules could form gel in mixed solvents of water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at either a high water fraction to afford flat nanofibers or a low water fraction to generate nanofibers with supramolecular chirality. At a moderate fraction of water, the molecules self-assemble into a precipitate composed of nanosheets. Furthermore, the gels showed different mechanical properties and thermal stabilities. Mechanism studies showed that π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic Fmoc groups and hydrogen bondings between the amide groups played important roles in the self-assembly process of the different gels. This study strives to shed light on the tuning of chiral gels with various nanostructures via controlled self-assembly, which might have potential use in smart materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bayesian theory has provided a compelling conceptualization for perceptual inference in the brain. Central to Bayesian inference is the notion of statistical priors. To understand the neural mechanisms of Bayesian inference, we need to understand the neural representation of statistical regularities in the natural environment. In this paper, we investigated empirically how statistical regularities in natural 3D scenes are represented in the functional connectivity of disparity-tuned neurons in the primary visual cortex of primates. We applied a Boltzmann machine model to learn from 3D natural scenes, and found that the units in the model exhibited cooperative and competitive interactions, forming a "disparity association field", analogous to the contour association field. The cooperative and competitive interactions in the disparity association field are consistent with constraints of computational models for stereo matching. In addition, we simulated neurophysiological experiments on the model, and found the results to be consistent with neurophysiological data in terms of the functional connectivity measurements between disparity-tuned neurons in the macaque primary visual cortex. These findings demonstrate that there is a relationship between the functional connectivity observed in the visual cortex and the statistics of natural scenes. They also suggest that the Boltzmann machine can be a viable model for conceptualizing computations in the visual cortex and, as such, can be used to predict neural circuits in the visual cortex from natural scene statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a critical feature of synchromodal transport (ST), service flexibility plays an important role in improving the utilization of resources to reduce costs, emissions, congestions, and delays. However, none of the existing studies considered flexible services under the framework of synchromodality. This paper develops a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model to formulate service flexibility in ST planning. In the MILP model, vehicles with flexible services as well as fixed services are both considered, and vehicle routes and request routes are planned simultaneously. Due to the computational complexity, an Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search heuristic is designed to solve the problem. Several customized operators are designed based on the characteristics of the studied problem. The proposed model is compared with the models developed in a highly-cited paper and a newly published paper that do not consider service flexibility. Case studies on small instances verified that the proposed model with flexibility performs better on all scenarios, including scenarios with different weights for the individual objectives, scenarios under congestion,and dynamic optimization scenarios. On large instances (up to 1600 shipment requests), the proposed model with flexibility reduces the cost by 14% on average compared with the existing models in the literature. • Synchromodal Transport Planning Problem with Flexible Services (STPP-FS) is proposed. • Both the mathematical model and customized heuristic for STPP-FS are proposed. • The model can optimize routes and schedules for fixed and flexible vehicles. • Insights about added values of flexibility are provided by comparing to benchmarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of organic-inorganic hybrid silica nanoparticles loaded with 1,8-naphthalimide borate ester (NIB@SiO 2) was used to detect trace hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) vapor via turn-off mechanism. The detailed studies showed that utilizing silica nanoparticles can improve the adsorption properties and hydrophilicity of the sensing film, accelerate the deboronation reaction between the sensing material and H 2 O 2, and then shorten the response time successively, which is always the disturbing challenge for this deboronation-type fluorescent probe to H 2 O 2 vapor. The fluorescence of NIB@SiO 2 film was quenched greatly under H 2 O 2 saturated vapor within 5 s at room temperature and limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 184 ppt, which are among the best reported results. Thus, this study provides an ultrafast and highly sensitive organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescent probe to H 2 O 2 vapor, moreover, a new design strategy for promising H 2 O 2 fluorescent probe is revealed. [Display omitted] • A new hybrid material (NIB@SiO 2) was successfully prepared with blue fluorescence. • The probe showed a rapid, intense fluorescence quenching to H 2 O 2 vapor. • The adsorption properties and hydrophilicity of silica nanoparticles are conducive to film detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presented a systematic design and experimental results of a 190 kWe biomass fixed bed gasification and polygeneration pilot plant using a double air stage downdraft approach. Wood chips were used as feedstock that was converted through gasification polygeneration into three-phase (GSL) products, namely producer gas (gas), charcoal (solid) and extract (liquid). The pilot plant mainly encompassed double air stage GSL gasifier, gas cleaning system, gas engine, feed and discharge system and programmable logic controller (PLC) system. The results demonstrated that due to the secondary air supply, a temperature as high as 900 °C was achieved in the oxidation zone for better tar cracking. Use of both stirrer and reciprocating grate avoided bridging and channeling. Modified pipe bundle condenser and purification tower exhibited excellent performance in removing tar, water and particles in the producer gas with the maximal LHV (lower heating value) of 5.25 MJ/N m3. During the operation of a full capacity, the flow rate of producer gas was 500 N m3/h, whereas the production of charcoal and yield of extract were 60 kg/h, and 65 kg/h, respectively. The overall polygeneration efficiency from three-phase products (η GSL) was 95.84%. Those pilot plant results will be used as reference in designing a scale-up 500 kWe gasification system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to assess the desire, need, perceptions, and knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) for women living with HIV (WLWHIV) and determine correlates of ART knowledge desire. WLWHIV of reproductive age were surveyed using the survey instrument "The HIV Pregnancy Planning Questionnaire" at HIV/AIDS service organizations across Ontario, Canada. Of our cohort of 500 WLWHIV, median age was 38, 88% were previously pregnant, 78% desiredmore information regarding ART, 59% were open to the idea of receiving ART, 39% felt they could access a spermbank, and 17% had difficulties conceiving (self-reported). Age, African ethnicity, and residence in an urban center were correlated with desire for more ART information. Of participants, 50% wanted to speak to an obstetrician/gynecologist regarding pregnancy planning, and 74% regarded physicians as a main source of fertility service information. While the majority of participants in our cohort desire access to ART information, most do not perceive these services as readily accessible. Healthcare practitioners were viewed as main sources of information regarding fertility services and need to provide accurate information regarding access. Fertility service professionals need to be aware of the increasing demand for ART amongWLWHIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new hybrid material (NIPy-SiO 2) was successfully prepared with blue fluorescence. • NIPy-SiO 2 was used as "turn-on" fluorescent film probe to nerve agent simulants. • The probe showed distinct fluorescence quenching behaviors upon exposure to acids. Here, 1,8-naphthalimide-pyridine functionalized hybrid SiO 2 nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) are successfully prepared and applied as the fluorescent film probe for Organophosphorus (OP)-based nerve agent (Sarin, Soman and Tabun) simulants. By using this novel fluorescent film probe, not only the highly selective fluorescence "turn-on" signals for nerve agent simulants are obtained, but also the bedeviling false-positive interferences mineral acids are discriminated exhaustively by their fluorescence "turn-off" response. Hereby, this study demonstrates a novel platform for multiform nerve agent simulants detection and provide an effective strategy for the identification between nerve agent simulants and acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Modification of the surgical technique to a 2-incision technique with skin bridge from the traditional lazy S (LS) incision, as well as use of prophylactic incisional negative-pressure wound therapy (iNPWT), are theorized to reduce the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). We sought to investigate the role of a perioperative ILND bundle on adverse events after ILND and lymph node harvest.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent ILND before and after implementation of the ILND bundle (September 2016) at 1 centre in southeastern Ontario between 2013 and 2018. The ILND bundle included a skin bridge incision, running subcuticular skin closure and NPWT. Previously, an LS incision was used, with stapled skin closure and conventional dressing. Development of SSI was the primary outcome, and dehiscence and seroma and hematoma formation were secondary outcomes. We estimated the associations using multivariable logistic regression.Results: Thirty-four ILNDs in 33 patients were included, 15 in the LS incision group and 19 in the perioperative bundle group. The baseline demographic characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. The perioperative bundle was associated with a reduction in the SSI rate (11 [73%] v. 6 [32%], p = 0.02) and elimination of wound dehiscence (0 [0%] v. 5 [33%], p = 0.006). On multivariable logistic regression, it was associated with a 5.9-fold reduction in the SSI rate (odds ratio 0.17, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.74).Conclusion: The results suggest a decrease in SSI rates with use of a perioperative bundle compared to the LS incision and a standard dressing. Randomized controlled trials are required to better understand the associations among the skin bridge incision, iNPWT and SSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]