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Promoting individuals' overall health and well‐being is important, and understanding the interconnections between daily movement and dietary behaviors may provide insights for developing effective health behavior interventions. In the current study, we therefore adopted a network approach to investigate the complex relationships among movement and dietary behaviors within a daily diary study. Data were collected from 101 college students over a 28‐day period, assessing movement (i.e., physical exercise and sedentary behavior) and dietary (i.e., overeating, sugar‐sweetened beverage intake, and snack consumption) behaviors. We employed a multilevel vector autoregressive model to analyze the within‐person (temporal and contemporaneous) and between‐person networks of movement and dietary behaviors. Our findings unveiled a negative association between physical exercise and sedentary behavior at both contemporaneous and between‐person levels, while the interconnections among dietary behaviors displayed nuanced variations across different levels. We also found intricate relationships between movement and dietary behaviors, with sedentary behavior and sugar‐sweetened beverage intake emerging as central nodes in the behavior networks. This exploratory study underscores the complex interconnections of daily health behaviors, particularly highlighting the potential roles of sedentary behavior and sugar‐sweetened beverage intake in multiple behavior interventions. These preliminary findings have yet to be validated through theory‐driven studies with experimental designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies demonstrated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) plays an important role in regulating lipid metabolism, but the relationship between the two is controversial. Meanwhile, it has not been reported in a population with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: We divided 1718 first-episode and drug naïve patients with MDD into a TSH abnormal group (TSH-AB) and a TSH normal group (TSH-NOR). The participants in the two groups were assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and the positive subscale of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The patients' blood was tested for TSH, free T3, free T4, fasting blood glucose, lipid indexes and body mass index was recorded. Results: The participants in the TSH-AB group had significantly higher HAMD scores, HAMA scores and total scores of positive symptoms, as well as higher incidence of suicide attempts than those in the TSH-NOR group, accompanied by significantly higher thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, fasting blood glucose values, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels compared with those of TSH-NOR patients. However, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of TSH-AB patients was lower than those of TSH-NOR patients. TSH values were positively correlated with TC, TG, and LDL-C values, and negatively correlated with HDL-C value. Conclusion: TSH was highly correlated with abnormal lipid metabolism in patients with MDD. The specific molecular mechanism of the relationship between TSH, lipid metabolism and the development of depression needs to be further in-depth investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A multi-criteria decision-making framework handled diverse data from continuous structural health monitoring systems. • Quantitative evaluation of the structural safety status using an improved analytic hierarchy process optimized with generalized structural stiffness. • 15-month field testing data including measurements of strain, displacement, and acceleration to apply the proposed framework. The ancient stone arch bridge holds significant historical, artistic, and scientific value as a vital cultural heritage. To preventively preserve this cultural heritage, a comprehensive approach involving universal structural health monitoring (SHM) and corresponding safety evaluation methods for ancient stone arch bridges is developed. The initial steps involve the design and arrangement of a monitoring system based on damage records and numerical analysis. Subsequently, an evaluation method utilizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is developed with a focus on optimizing weight assignments through an element importance analysis, enabling the calculation of a hierarchical structural safety score from monitoring data to the entire structure to make decisions on structural safety status. An SHM system along with the relevant evaluation framework is field implemented on Lugou bridge as a case study of application. A 15-month monitoring is quantified as a real-time score and reveals that the structure of Lugou Bridge is relatively safe, but structural degradation due to temperature requires special attention. The results show that this framework can be effectively employed as a decision-support tool to inform the real-time structural safety status of various stone arch bridges. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of SHM by providing a decision-making framework for the monitoring and evaluation of ancient stone arch bridges. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In historical reinforced concrete buildings, square ribbed rebars, round ribbed rebars and square twisted rebars are the main steel rebars. In order to determine the corrosion behavior of such historical steel rebars, we investigated the deterioration mechanisms of steel rebars in historical architecture in simulated concrete pore solution using various electrochemical tests and microscopic examination of corrosion products. The hot-rolled ribbed bar (HRB)335 rebars used in modern buildings were used as a control sample. The results demonstrated that the corrosion process of the historical rebars was similar to that of HRB335 rebars. Nevertheless, there were some differences in the chemical composition, microstructure, passive film characteristics, critical chloride ion concentration, and corrosion products. In the passivation stage, the stability order of the passive film generated on the surface of the rebars was as follows: square ribbed rebars > square twisted rebars > HRB335 rebars > round ribbed rebars. In the Cl− corrosion stage, the damaging effect order of Cl− on the passive film is square ribbed rebars > HRB335 rebars > square twisted rebars > round ribbed rebars. The critical chloride ion concentration was between 0.5% and 2.0% by weight. The corrosion products were mainly Fe2O3 , α -FeOOH, γ -FeOOH. β -FeOOH, and protective Fe3O4. The corrosion products of HRB335 rebars were mainly nonprotective crystallized FeOOH with various morphologies. The results of this study provide a scientific foundation for the conservation design and residual life prediction of historic reinforced concrete buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes: Most adolescents worldwide do not meet 24‐h movement guidelines, which recommend specific level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for optimal health. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of understanding regarding how social cognitive and physical environmental factors influence adolescents' compliance with these guidelines. This prospective study aimed to examine the associations between perceived physical environments, constructs of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), habit strength, and adherence to 24‐h movement guidelines in Chinese adolescents over a three‐month period. Methods: A total of 629 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.59 years, SD = 0.64) completed a set of questionnaires comprising perceived physical environmental characteristics, constructs of the TPB, habit strength, and 24‐h movement behaviors at baseline and 3 months later. Data analysis was conducted using variance‐based structural equation modeling. Results: Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control had a direct effect on intention and intention had a direct effect on number of the guidelines being met. Habit strength was a significant predictor of adherence to the guidelines, although its moderating effect on the intention–behavior relationship was not significant. Perceived neighborhood facility accessibility, school facility availability, and home physical activity equipment had significant indirect effects on intention through attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. However, constructs of the TPB did not serve as mediators in the relationship between perceived physical environments and the number of guidelines being met. Conclusion: This study offers preliminary evidence supporting the integration of perceived physical environments and the TPB in predicting adolescents' adherence to 24‐h movement guidelines. Future research should consider using experimental study designs with rigorous measures of 24‐h movement behaviors to establish causal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Older adults are at greater risk of complications from seasonal influenza, and promoting uptake and adherence to preventive behaviors is key to attenuating this risk. The current study examined the efficacy of a theory‐based telephone‐delivered intervention to promote uptake and maintenance of influenza preventive behaviors in a sample of Hong Kong residents 65 years and older. The intervention adopted a three‐group randomized controlled design (n = 312) with two intervention conditions, motivational and motivational + volitional, and a measurement‐only control condition. The primary outcome variable was self‐reported compliance with influenza preventive behaviors, including washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth, and wearing face masks. Secondary outcomes were theory‐based psychological variables. Influenza preventive behaviors in participants in the motivational + volitional intervention group were significantly improved 3 months post‐intervention relative to those in the control condition. However, participants in the intervention group demonstrated no difference in behavior at 6 and 12 months post‐intervention relative to the participants in the control group. Intervention effects were observed on the theory‐based social support, action planning, and coping planning variables. Although short‐term benefits of the intervention were observed, effects appeared to be short‐lived and future research should investigate more intensive interventions that lead to greater behavioral maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most evidence regarding the relationships between adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and adolescent mental health have been derived from cross-sectional studies or have ignored positive mental health indicators. The current prospective study examined the associations between adherence to 24-hour movement guidelines and changes in mental well-being among Chinese adolescents over three months. 816 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 14.76 years; SD = 0.81) completed baseline and follow-up scales of 24-hour movement behaviours, mental well-being, and covariates. Linear mixed-effects models were used for data analyses, with adjustments for covariates and mental well-being at baseline. There was a significant improvement in mental well-being across the three months, and the improvement in mental well-being was positively associated with meeting any single guidelines and both physical activity and sleep guidelines but not adherence to all three guidelines. Meeting both physical activity and sleep recommendations appears to exert more significant benefits on mental well-being than meeting one or two other recommendations. An integrative approach to mental health promotion by focusing on 24-hour movement behaviours (at least physical activity and sleep) may be more effective than focusing on a single behaviour alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research indicates that perceived behavioral control (PBC) is an important determinant of behavior and that it is composed of perceived capability and opportunity. However, typical measurement of these constructs may be confounded with motivation and outcome expectations. Vignettes presented before questionnaire items may clarify construct meaning leading to precise measurement. Purpose The purpose of this study was to develop and validate measures of perceived capability and opportunity that parse these constructs from the influence of motivation and outcome expectations using vignettes. Methods Study 1 collected feedback from experts (N = 9) about the initial measure. Study 2a explored internal consistency reliability and construct and discriminant validity of the revised measure using two independent samples (N = 683 and N = 727). Finally, using a prospective design, Study 2b (N = 1,410) investigated test–retest reliability, construct and discriminant validity at Time 2, and nomological validity. Results After Study 1, the revised measure was tested in Studies 2a and 2b. Overall, the evidence suggests that the measure is optimal with four items for perceived capability and three for the perceived opportunity. The measure demonstrated strong internal consistency (> 0.90) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] >.78). The measure also showed construct and discriminant validity by differentiating itself from behavioral intentions (i.e. motivation) and affective attitude (based on expected outcomes) (SRMR = 0.03; RMSEA = 0.06). It also demonstrated evidence of nomological validity as behavior 2 weeks later was predicted. Conclusions We recommend researchers use this tool in future correlational and intervention studies to parse motivation and outcome expectations from perceived capability and opportunity measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) offers comprehensive performance and cost efficiency. However, existing studies primarily concentrated on timber beams strengthened with single-FRP material, the research on mechanical performance of square and circular timber beams strengthened with HFRP remains severely insufficient. In this study, HFRP plates are innovatively utilized to reinforce square and circular timber beams, and the strengthening effects are validated through experimental and theoretical research. Considering the effects of fiber hybrid ratios, reinforcement methods, and cross-sectional forms, the flexural behavior of timber beams strengthened with carbon-aramid-glass HFRP plates was investigated. Results show that the NSM-reinforced timber beams with circular cross-sections exhibit a significantly greater flexural improvement than square cross-sections. Specimens reinforced with HFRP-I plates (i.e., carbon-aramid-glass volume ratio of 2:1:1) display the most notable enhancement in ultimate bearing capacity, with an increase ranging from 39.1 % to 104.5 %, while also providing a good improvement of initial stiffness and ductility. Considering its comprehensive improvement effects, the HFRP-I plate offers advantages in both flexural reinforcement and cost-effectiveness. The flexural capacity calculation model, suitable for NSM HFRP plates, was innovatively established for circular timber beams and further verified by numerical analysis. The deviation between the theoretical and experimental ultimate bearing capacities is within 16.5 %, and within 10 % compared to numerical results, demonstrating that the proposed formula is of certain value for engineering applications. • HFRP plates (carbon,aramid,glass) outperform CFRP in reinforcing timber structures. • Circular cross-sections surpass square ones in NSM HFRP-reinforced timber beams. • HFRP-I plates (carbon:aramid:glass=2:1:1) boost ultimate bearing capacity best. • HFRP-II plates (carbon:aramid:glass=1:2:1) enhance ductility significantly. • Bending capacity theory for circular timber beams with NSM FRP plates established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid K-edge/X-ray fluorescence densitometer (HKED) is a combination of K-edge absorption technology (KED) and characteristic X-ray fluorescence (XRF), which has the advantages of direct, fast and non-destructive determination, and is an ideal non-destructive measurement technology for uranium and plutonium concentrations. In this paper, a new HKED was developed, primarily utilizing an X-ray tube from COMET, alongside high-purity germanium (HPGe) and cadmium telluride (CdTe) detectors from AMETEK ORTEC. This manuscript delves into several variables that influence measurement outcomes under predefined experimental conditions and operational prerequisites to pinpoint critical parameters. It was discerned that the adoption of a 160 kV high voltage setting markedly diminishes experimental interferences, while the beam current, optimally set at 2 mA, not only ensures a linear correlation with the count rate but also maximizes the effective count detected. The incorporation of a 2 cm fixed-length iron rod along the trajectory between the sample and the detector, complemented by an additional 3 mm external absorber before the KED detector, effectively mitigates direct X-ray exposure, thereby enhancing transmittance values to attainable extents. Subsequent to the determination of these pivotal parameters, validation of the HKED system's efficacy was conducted via performance evaluation tests on a laboratory-scale HKED setup. Measurements undertaken for both KED and XRF across an interval ranging from 300 to 3000 s fell within the 2σ boundary, affirming the system's stability. Repeated measurements of 50 g/L and 150 g/L uranium solutions yielded KED precision rates of 0.56% and 0.19%, respectively. Moreover, linear regression analyses linking transmittance, characteristic X-ray fluorescence, and uranium concentrations across a spectrum of 0–150 g/L underscored the laboratory HKED instrument's robust analytical capabilities. Notably, the relative discrepancy between theoretical predictions and empirical findings for the 150 g/L uranium sample was minimized to a commendable 0.58%. • A new hybrid K-edge/X-ray fluorescence densitometer (HKED) was developed. • Repeated tests of 50 g/L and 150 g/L uranium solutions showed KED precision rates of 0.56% and 0.19%. • The relative discrepancy for the 150 g/L uranium sample was minimized to 0.58%. • This development has significant guiding value for HKED advancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to assess the cross-cultural invariance of athletes' self-reports of mental toughness and to introduce and illustrate the application of approximate measurement invariance using Bayesian estimation for sport and exercise psychology scholars. Athletes from Australia (n = 353, Mage = 19.13, SD = 3.27, men = 161), China (n = 254, Mage = 17.82, SD = 2.28, men = 138), and Malaysia (n = 341, Mage = 19.13, SD = 3.27, men = 200) provided a cross-sectional snapshot of their mental toughness. The cross-cultural invariance of the mental toughness inventory in terms of (a) the factor structure (configural invariance), (b) factor loadings (metric invariance), and (c) item intercepts (scalar invariance) was tested using an approximate measurement framework with Bayesian estimation. Results indicated that approximate metric and scalar invariance was established. From a methodological standpoint, this study demonstrated the usefulness and flexibility of Bayesian estimation for single-sample and multigroup analyses of measurement instruments. Substantively, the current findings suggest that the measurement of mental toughness requires cultural adjustments to better capture the contextually salient (emic) aspects of this concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The material properties and bond-slip behaviour of the reinforced concrete beams during the period of the Republic of China (1912–1949) are different from those of modern reinforced concrete beams, so it is necessary to study the calculation method of the shear capacity of this type of beams. First, the material properties of the concrete and the square rebar, the bond-slip behaviour, and the failure mechanism of the beams were obtained in the tests by using square rebar during the period of the Republic of China(ROC) and concrete with the mix proportions of the ROC period. The results show that the ROC beam had a critical crack that propagates to the upper surface of the beam causing the beam failure. Then, a modified arch-truss model was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the relationship between the critical crack propagating process and the shear value, which is in good agreement with the test results. Finally, based on the calculation results of the modified model, a simplified trilinear model was proposed to determine the critical height of diagonal crack propagation in ROC reinforced concrete beams. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the shear capacity calculation and conservation of ROC reinforced concrete beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The relationship between the severity of impairment in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) function and postoperative outcomes in older surgical patients remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the association between the severity of preoperative functional impairment and the composite postoperative outcome of major morbidity and mortality in older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We collected perioperative data of older patients (age ≥ 65 years) who underwent digestive tract surgery in our institution. The severity of functional impairment was assessed using the Barthel Index scale before surgery. The major morbidity and mortality were defined as Clavien–Dindo grade III or greater postoperative complications during hospital stay. The association between the severity of functional impairment and the major morbidity and mortality was assessed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: 131 of 1076 patients (12.2%) developed major morbidity and mortality. After controlling for confounding factors, high Barthel Index scores were correlated with decreased risk of major morbidity and mortality (OR 0.986, 95% CI 0.976–0.997, P = 0.011); preoperative severe (OR 2.862, 95% CI 1.172–6.989, P = 0.021), but not mild or moderate (OR 1.019, 95% CI 0.602–1.726, P = 0.943) functional impairment was independently associated with an increased risk of major morbidity and mortality, when compared with independent functional status. Conclusions: Preoperative severe functional impairment in basic ADLs was independently associated with a higher risk of major postoperative morbidity and mortality in older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a comprehensive hybrid K-edge/XRF densitometer (HKED) device model is constructed using MCNP simulation. After the modeling process, a systematic simulation study is conducted to analyze the physical parameters and material selection of KED and XRF. The simulation results reveal that the optimal parameters for the X-ray tube are an X-ray source voltage of 160 kV and a 1 mm Fe filter. The sample should be placed in a vial with an inner diameter of 1.4 cm and an outer diameter of 2 cm. For the KED technique, the determined main parameters are a 1.9 cm Fe filter rod and an inner diameter of 0.08 cm for the collimator. For the XRF technique, the determined main parameters are a 0.01 cm Gd filter and an inner diameter of 0.3 cm for the collimator, with a detector angle of 150°. After selecting appropriate parameters, the average calibration factor Δμ of the KED technique was found to be 3.301 cm2 g−1, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 3.36%. Additionally, the comparison between the simulated and calculated values of uranium concentration revealed a minimum measurement error of 0.4%. The minimum detection concentration of KED for uranium solutions is approximately 1 g/L. For plutonium solutions ranging from 0.5 to 20 g/L, linear fitting of the K a1 net peak area and plutonium concentration showed a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.999. The detection limit of XRF for plutonium measurement was 2.33✕10−4 g/L. The linear fitting coefficients (R 2) of uranium concentration versus K-edge transmission rate and plutonium concentration versus K a1 net peak area for the hybrid technique in measuring uranium-plutonium mixed solutions are determined as 0.999 and 0.996, respectively, demonstrating the response relationship of the HKED device to uranium and plutonium under different concentrations. • A very comprehensive and systematic simulation optimization study of the HKED influencing parameters. • Quantitative analysis methods for different mixed solutions are proposed. • It has excellent guiding significance for the development of HKED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep quality resulting from experiencing anxiety, and low adherence to sleep hygiene behaviours, may lead to poorer academic engagement. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the associations between anxiety, sleep hygiene, sleep quality, and academic engagement of university students. Participants (N = 614) comprised students attending a major university in Australia (n = 329) and Hong Kong (n = 285). A two-wave correlational design was utilised. At Time 1 (T1), anxiety was measured using the anxiety subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and sleep hygiene behaviour was assessed with the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI). One month later, at Time (T2), sleep quality was measured with the self-report Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global sleep quality score and academic engagement was measured using the shortened Utrecht Work Engagement Scale – Student version (UWES-S). Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the associations among study constructs. Analyses found that in both the Australia and Hong Kong samples the model showed good fit to data for the observed effect sizes. In both samples, anxiety predicted sleep quality and effects were mediated by sleep hygiene. Also, the indirect effect of anxiety on academic engagement via sleep hygiene and sleep quality was significant, and fully mediated the effects of anxiety on academic engagement in both samples. Results indicate that students with higher anxiety tend to have lower adherence to sleep hygiene behaviours and experience poorer sleep quality which, in turn, negatively affects their academic engagement. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) Students are expected to spend large amounts of time studying and display a high level of engagement with their academic programme. (2) Academic engagement is linked to students' academic achievement and wellness. (3) Academic disengagement has been linked to poor sleep hygiene behaviours and high levels of anxiety. What this topic adds: (1) The impact of anxiety on sleep quality was associated with sleep hygiene behaviours, and the impact of anxiety on academic engagement was associated with sleep hygiene behaviours and sleep quality. (2) The model predicting academic engagement from anxiety mediated by sleep hygiene and sleep quality was similar in both Australian and Hong Kong students. (3) Findings may signpost possible avenues for the development of interventions aimed at improving university students' sleep quality and academic engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limitations exist in available studies investigating effect of preoperative frailty on postoperative outcomes. This study was designed to analyze the association between composite risk index, an accumulation of preoperative frailty deficits, and the risk of postoperative complications in older patients recovering from elective digestive tract surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Baseline and perioperative data of older patients (age ≥ 65 years) who underwent elective digestive tract surgery from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 were collected. The severity of frailty was assessed with the composite risk index, a composite of frailty deficits including modified frailty index. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of postoperative complications during hospital stay. The association between the composite risk index and the risk of postoperative complications was assessed with a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 923 patients were included. Of these, 27.8% (257) developed postoperative complications. Four frailty deficits, i.e., modified frailty index ≥0.27, malnutrition, hemoglobin < 90 g/L, and albumin ≤30 g/L, were combined to generate a composite risk index. Multivariable analysis showed that, when compared with patients with composite risk index of 0, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 2.408 (1.714–3.383, P < 0.001) for those with a composite risk index of 1, 3.235 (1.985–5.272, P < 0.001) for those with a composite risk index of 2, and 9.227 (3.568–23.86, P < 0.001) for those with composite risk index of 3 or above. The area under receiver-operator characteristic curve to predict postoperative complications was 0.653 (95% confidence interval 0.613–0.694, P < 0.001) for composite risk index compared with 0.622 (0.581–0.663, P < 0.001) for modified frailty index. Conclusion: For older patients following elective digestive tract surgery, high preoperative composite risk index, a combination of frailty deficits, was independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urban parks are critical environmental resources in which adolescents engage in physical activity (PA). Evidence on the associations between park environmental characteristics and park-based PA in adolescents is mixed, particularly for high-density cities. Evidence is also lacking concerning the moderating role of neighbourhood socioeconomic status on the park-PA relationships. The current study aimed to examine the associations between park environmental characteristics and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in parks among adolescents in Hong Kong and the moderating effect of neighbourhood income on these associations. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving direct observations of adolescents was conducted in 32 randomly selected urban parks in Hong Kong. Park environmental characteristics were measured using the Community Park Audit Tool. Park-based MVPA among adolescents was measured using the System for Observation Play and Recreation in Communities. Neighbourhood income was extracted from the 2011 Hong Kong Population Census data on median household income. Results: There was a significant positive association between the quality of amenities and park-based MVPA (metabolic equivalents per observation) in adolescents. However, the associations between the diversity of active facilities, greenness and adolescents' park-based MVPA were not significant. Neighbourhood income moderated the association between adolescents' park-based MVPA and park safety, where the relationship between park safety and park-based MVPA was significantly positive in low-income neighbourhoods but not significant in high-income neighbourhoods. An income-by-environment interaction was also observed concerning park aesthetics, with a negative relationship between park aesthetics and park-based MVPA in high-income neighbourhoods but not in low-income neighbourhoods. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence regarding how park environment and neighbourhood income impact adolescents' park-based MVPA in Hong Kong. These findings can inform urban planning and policymakers who seek to improve urban park development in high-density cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational design of electrocatalysts with unique morphological structures and chemical compositions is crucial for electrochemical performance and energy storage capacity. In this work, an Fe-doped NiCoP hybrid hollow nanocage (denoted as Fe-NiCoP) was synthesized through the phosphorization of the product from [Fe(CN)6]3−-intercalated NiCo-LDH (layered double hydroxide), where the original ZIF-67-Co was used as the template. Because of the hollow nanostructure and the synergistic effect between multiple components, the Fe-NiCoP catalyst exhibited promising hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities in 1.0 M KOH with low overpotentials of 147 and 235 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the Fe-NiCoP catalyst only achieved a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at the voltage of 1.60 V. Inspired by the excellent OER performance of the Fe-NiCoP catalyst, a Zn–air battery was built to explore the Fe-NiCoP catalyst for practical application. After 900 successive cycles, the Fe-NiCoP + Pt/C catalysts exhibited excellent cycling stability at 5 mA cm−2, which was a much stronger performance than that of the RuO2 + Pt/C catalysts. This work provides a practical strategy for the synthesis of high-performance and low-cost electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unloading compliance (UC) method and normalization method (NM) are two of the most commonly used methods for determining the fracture toughness of materials. However, considerable differences often exist in the fracture toughness determined by these two methods, which solicits a new method to determine the fracture toughness accurately. In this paper, the compliance of crack length differences is discovered, analyzed, and verified by experiments. Based on this compliance, a new accurate method, known as the accurate J‐R curve method (AJR), is developed and verified by test results. It is found that the J‐R curves determined by the new AJR method are more accurate than those determined by UC and NM. The developed new AJR method and the results presented in this paper can assist engineers and researchers to determine J‐R curves and fracture toughness of steels more accurately and can contribute to the body of knowledge of fracture mechanics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Square‐rebar reinforced concrete structures during the republic of China (ROC) (1912–1949) have special material properties and structural characteristics. To perform nonlinear finite element simulations of this special type of structure more accurately, a specialized bond‐slip constitutive model is built. Eighteen central pullout specimens were designed based on the ROC concrete mix proportions and the square‐rebar. Then, the test data were fitted with the universal global optimization method and the minimum Euclidean distance point method was chosen to calculate the inflection point matrix of the bond‐slip constitutive model. Finally, the main factors influencing the bond‐slip behavior of the ROC square‐rebar reinforced concrete were analyzed. The research results show that the corrosion of the square‐rebar produces a negative effect on the whole structure and a modified bond‐slip regression curve considering the size effect is obtained. The research results can provide a scientific basis for the nonlinear calculation of ROC square‐rebar reinforced concrete structures considering the bond‐slip behaviors. Highlights: The universal global optimization method of bond‐slip was used to fit the test data.The minimum Euclidean distance point method and the minimum Mahalanobis distance point method were used to centralize the fitting inflection points.A modified four‐line bond‐slip constitutive model considering the size effect was proposed for square‐rebar reinforced concrete during the republic of China (1912–1949).Bond‐slip behavior between concrete and rebar was modeled by finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers keep trying to find a way to reduce the requirement knowledge of Multivariate Process for performance assessments. Till now, the knowledge of interactor matrix or first several Markov parameter matrices are at least required to obtain the minimum variance benchmark in the performance assessment of Multivariate Process. In this paper, a novel minimum variance performance assessment technique is proposed for multivariate processes. Under the condition that the time delay indicator matrix can be written as row echelon form by row or/and column shift operations, the delay order is determined and the minimum variance (MV) benchmark can be straightforward obtained when the knowledge of time delay matrix is available. Comparing with the traditional approaches, the first several Markov parameter matrices and the knowledge of the plant are both not necessary required based on the proposed technique. It has been proved that the proposed technique can directly solve the problem of the performance assessment of Multivariate Process. The validity of the proposed algorithm will be verified through numerical examples, which include the practical industrial model - 'Shell' oil fractionator process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of alkyl gallates was synthesized by reacting gallic acid with the corresponding alcohols. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data, including NMR and MS. The antifungal activities of these compounds against plant pathogenic fungi in vitro and in vivo were assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interspecific F1 hybrids were obtained from crosses between two Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility (Ogura CMS) broccoli lines (B14 and 137) and a rapeseed restorer line to introgress the Ogura CMS's fertility-restoration gene Rfo from rapeseed into broccoli. Ten Rfo-positive interspecific, triploid plant progenies, phenotypically between rapeseed and broccoli, were obtained but still contained multiple rapeseed genes, with reduced fertility and seed setting potential under natural pollination. For fertility and seed setting improvement, successive backcrosses with broccoli were carried out to yield BC2 progenies. Screening revealed six plants with Rfo among 25 BC2 progenies, which were investigated for agronomic traits, ploidy determination, pollen viability and SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers to evaluate for ideal individuals closer to broccoli. Pollen viability tests were carried out at different stages for various hybrid parents. The results were as follows: 137-F1 (68.54%) > B14-F1 (65.32%) > 137-BC1 (48.15%) > B14-BC1 (32.41%). Although there were significant differences among the BC1 and BC2 individuals, the genetic background of BC2 was closer to the parent broccoli compared with that of BC1 plants. The existence of the Rfo gene in broccoli not only facilitates broccoli germplasm innovation, combination of interspecific hybridization and backcrossing, but may also shed light on trait segregation in different generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This longitudinal study applied the integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to explain COVID-19 preventive behaviours among parents of young children in the United States. The study adopted a two-wave longitudinal study design. Parents (N = 681) completed self-report questionnaires related to measures of SDT and the TPB constructs and behavioural adherence at baseline and after one month. We used standardised residual change scores to test the structural relationships of the integrated model. The parameter estimates of the model (CFI >.96, TLI >.86, RMSEA =.05, SRMR =.03) fit acceptably well to the data. Psychological need support was positively and significantly linked to autonomous and controlled motivation and amotivation. Autonomous motivation was positively and significantly correlated with TPB factors, and intention. Intention was a significant and positive predictor of behavioural adherence. The integrated model of SDT and the TPB appeared to be applicable to the explanation of COVID-19 prevention among the U.S. parents. Longitudinal data showed that a psychological need supportive social environment was related to favourable motivation, social cognition beliefs, intention and behavioural adherence to the preventive behaviours of parents protecting their young children from COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Using a longitudinal design, the purpose of this study was to test a model integrating perceptions of the school neighbourhood environment with constructs from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to predict transport-related cycling among Chinese college students. Methods: A sample of 630 (Mage = 18.95 years; SD = 1.16) Chinese college students completed baseline measures that included perceptions of the school neighbourhood environment, TPB constructs, transport-related cycling, and covariates. Of those, 547 students (Mage = 18.90 years; SD = 0.92) also completed measures of transport-related cycling one month later. Results: Findings showed that intention had a direct effect on students' transport-related cycling, while attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control predicted cycling indirectly via intention. Perceptions of the school neighbourhood environment did not provide an indirect effect on cycling via the TPB constructs, although some perceived environmental factors had indirect effects on intention via attitudes and subjective norm. Further, those who perceived better street connectivity showed a larger intention-cycling relationship than those who perceived less street connectivity. Conclusions: Findings of this study highlight the importance of integrating perceptions of the school neighbourhood environment with the TPB constructs to explain transport-related cycling through both intention formation and action control (i.e. translating intention into behaviour). The identified moderator of perceived street connectivity on the intention-cycling relationship suggests that efficient cycling routes may impact action control of cycling. Future research applying dual process and action control models beyond TPB may contribute to the identification of the multilevel determinants of transport-related cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the effects among college students of mindfulness on smartphone addiction before going to bed at night. We examined the mediating roles of self-control and rumination on the mindfulness-smartphone addiction path. Participants (n = 270, 59.3% females, 18-24 years old) completed self-reporting questionnaires measuring mindfulness, self-control, smartphone addiction, and rumination. In addition to the correlation analysis, we adopted a stepwise regression analysis with bootstrapping to test the mediating effects. It was found that mindfulness was inversely related to smartphone addiction before going to sleep. Most importantly, self-control and rumination significantly mediated the effects of mindfulness on smartphone addiction among college students. The findings of this study indicated that mindfulness training is beneficial to improve the ability of self-control and reduce rumination levels, thereby inhibiting the negative impact of smartphone addiction on college students before they go to sleep, and further promoting their sleep health and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrosion of ferrous metals and its effects on degradation of mechanical properties and the remaining service life of metal structures have been a serious challenge to research community globally. This paper aims to investigate the problem thoroughly with experimental, numerical and analytical means. It presents results produced from a comprehensive experimental program on corrosion and its effect on degradation of mechanical properties of steel and cast iron. These include corrosion effects on mechanical properties at both macro level, e.g. the fundamental strength, and micro level, e.g. element composition, thereby presenting a complete cause and effect relationship for corrosion induced degradation of ferrous metals. Numerical results include corrosion effects on fracture failure for both single and mixed mode fractures. Analytical results include new solutions to first passage probability which is the most rational method in time-dependent reliability theory employed for service life prediction of structures. An example of cast iron pipe with fracture failure is provided to illustrate the proposed methodology. Test results presented in the paper can contribute to the body of knowledge of corrosion of ferrous metals with a view to service life of corrosion affected infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined the effectiveness of a theoretical framework that integrates self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining the use of facemasks to prevent seasonal influenza among Hong Kong older adults.Methods: Data were collected at two time points in the winter in Hong Kong, during which influenza is most prevalent. At Time 1, older adults (N = 141) completed self-report measures of SDT (perceived autonomy support from senior center staff, autonomous motivation for influenza prevention) and TPB (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention for influenza prevention) constructs with respect to facemask used to prevent infection. Two weeks later, at Time 2, participants' acceptance of a facemask to prevent influenza in the presence of an experimenter with flu-like symptoms was recorded.Results: Path analysis found that perceived autonomy support of senior center staff was positively and significantly linked to autonomous motivation for facemask use, which, in turn, was positively related to intentions to wear facemasks through the mediation of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. However, the effect of intention on facemask use was not significant.Conclusions: Results generally support the proposed framework and the findings of previous studies with respect to intention, but the non-significant intention-behavior relationship may warrant future research to examine the reasons for older adults not to wear facemasks to prevent seasonal influenza despite having positive intentions to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As an accessible and inexpensive activity in daily life for employees, transport‐related walking is a promising focus of physical activity initiatives. The purpose of this study was to integrate worksite neighbourhood walkability with the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict transport‐related walking in Chinese employees using a longitudinal design. Methods: A sample of 157 employees (Mage = 33.26 years; SD = 7.18) reported their social cognition and worksite neighbourhood environment perceptions at the baseline. Self‐reported transport‐related walking was measured at two time points, 1 month apart. Results: Path analyses revealed that intention had a direct effect on walking, while attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control had indirect effects on walking via intention. Past behaviour had a significant effect on walking, attenuating the intention–behaviour effect substantially. However, there was no indirect effect from perceived worksite neighbourhood walkability on walking through the TPB constructs. Furthermore, perceived neighbourhood walkability did not moderate the intention–walking relationship. Conclusions: Perceived worksite neighbourhood walkability had limited effects on transport‐related walking, which seems to be a motivated and habitual behaviour. Habit‐based interventions may be a priority over social cognitive and environmental change interventions, and future experimental studies are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum calcium (ER Ca2+) in the apoptosis of human lung type II alveolar epithelial A549 cells induced by paraquat (PQ) in vitro. PQ significantly elevated the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Treatment with the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin significantly increased PQ-induced cytotoxicity, elevated the intracellular level of Ca2+, and increased the apoptosis rate, the protein expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and the activities of caspase-7 and caspase-12 in PQ-treated cells. By contrast, treatment with heparin, an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor inhibitor, remarkably attenuated cytotoxicity and decreased the intracellular level of Ca2+, the apoptosis rate and the expression levels of GRP78, CHOP and Caspases. In conclusion, PQ impaired the regulating function of ER Ca2+ and resulted in an excessive increase of intracellular Ca2+. Therefore, influencing the Ca2+ signaling in the ER influenced the apoptosis of A549 cells via the ER stress pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intention of this paper is to investigate the degradation of mechanical properties of corroded water pipes after long service. The mechanical tests are conducted to quantify the degradation of mechanical properties of corroded water pipes made of cast iron and steel. Various techniques (e.g. SEM, EDS, XRD, 3D scanning) are used for corrosion and material analyses at both micro and macro levels. It is found that there is a significant reduction of mechanical properties of the corroded pipes due to the change of microstructure, and that the reduction of modulus of rupture is more sensitive to the average corrosion pit depth while the reduction of tensile strength is more sensitive to the maximum corrosion pit depth. The findings presented in the paper can contribute to the body of knowledge of corrosion of metal water pipes for their failure assessment and service life prediction after long service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the literature shows that current research on corrosion-affected reinforced concrete structures focuses more on strength deterioration than on serviceability deterioration. For corrosion-induced concrete cracking, little research has been based on fracture mechanics criteria and stochastic processes. In this paper, a new methodology is proposed for predicting the time to corrosion-induced concrete cracking based on fracture mechanics criteria. A stochastic model with a nonstationary lognormal process was developed for corrosion-induced concrete cracking, and the first-passage probability method was employed to predict the time-dependent probability of its occurrence. The merit of using a nonstationary lognormal process for corrosion-induced concrete cracking is that it eliminates unrealistic negative values of the normal distribution for inherently positive values of physical parameters. It was found that the diameter of reinforcing steel D, corrosion rate icorr, and effective modulus of elasticity Eef have the most influence on the probability of corrosion-induced concrete cracking. The methodology presented in the paper can serve as a tool for structural engineers and asset managers in making decisions with regard to the serviceability of corrosion-affected concrete structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Perceived physical environment was associated with social cognitive factors. • Attitudes, subjective norm, and PBC predicted cycling for transport via intentions. • Social cognitive factors mediated effects from diversity and connectivity to intention. • Past behavior had substantial effects on social cognitive factors and cycling. • Crime-related safety moderated the effect from PBC to transport-related cycling. Transport-related cycling can contribute to employees' increased physical activities in their daily lives, with potential health and environmental benefits. Still, a theoretical understanding of the links between the perceptions of physical environment and transport-related cycling through social cognitive theories is unclear. In addition, there is a lack of understanding on the moderating effects of the perceived physical environment on social cognitive pathways when predicting transport-related cycling. The purpose of this study was to apply the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework to determine (a) whether TPB mediates the effects between the perceived physical environment and transport-related cycling and (b) whether the perceived physical environment moderates TPB-cycling relations. Using a prospective design, Chinese employees (N = 193) self-reported their perceived physical environment of their workplace neighborhood (i.e., residential density, land-use diversity, land-use accessibility, street connectivity, infrastructures, aesthetics, traffic-related safety, and crime-related safety), attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavior control (PBC), intention, and duration and frequency of transport-related cycling in the last week. One month later, self-reported cycling for transport was again collected from a subset sample of employees (N = 98). Mediation and moderation structural equation models linking perceived physical environment, TPB constructs, and transport-related cycling were tested. The effects from residential density to attitudes and subjective norm, from land-use diversity and street connectivity to subjective norm and PBC, and from aesthetics and crime-related safety to attitudes, were found significant and positive. Attitudes, subjective norm, and PBC predicted intention, in which intention further predicted employee's future transport-related cycling one month later. Importantly, attitudes, subjective norm, and PBC mediated the relations from land-use diversity and street connectivity to intention, while intention mediated the effect from PBC to employee's future transport-related cycling. Past behavior showed significant effects on attitudes, subjective norm, PBC, intention, and employee's future transport-related cycling. The effect from past behavior to intention was mediated by the social cognitive variables of attitudes, subjective norm, and PBC. However, no moderating effects of perceived physical environments on the TPB-cycling relations were found, except the moderating effect of crime-related safety on the path from PBC to cycling. Current results indicate that Chinese employees' transport-related cycling are a function of environmental (i.e., perceived physical environmental attributes) and social cognitive (i.e., attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention) factors. Findings of the current study can inform the development of multi-component behavioral change interventions targeting the improvement of transport-related cycling for employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porous band at the steel-concrete interface in reinforced concrete can significantly affect the corrosion-induced cracking process of concrete. The quantification of this porous band is of great significance for accurate prediction of service life of corrosion affected concrete structures. In this paper, the effects of concrete design parameters, namely water to cement ratio, aggregate size and concrete cover, on the thickness of porous band at the steel-concrete interface are quantitatively investigated using the technique of Backscattered electron imaging. The results show that the porous band is not uniformly distributed around the steel bar at the steel-concrete interface with the thickness ranging from few microns to a hundred microns. The results also show that the water to cement ratio and concrete cover affect the thickness of porous band proportionally. The significance of these findings is that they can provide guidance on the design of reinforced concrete with a view to alleviating porous band at the steel-concrete interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents the discovery of the most severe form of corrosion induced degradation of steel – delamination. The causes and effects of preferred corrosion of steel are quantitatively determined through a comprehensive experimental program and detailed analysis of steel microstructure. A large number of simulated corrosion tests are conducted by immersing steel in acidic solutions to acquire new understanding of the corrosion process of continuously cast steel. Three microstructural characteristics that affect the corrosion resistance of steel are quantified: grain size, phase composition and distribution of impurities. The results and their analyses presented in the paper indicate that preferred corrosion occurs at locations of steel where the grain size is larger; there is less cementite and more impurities. The analysis of causes and effects of the preferred corrosion provides insight into the prevention of preferred corrosion from the steel making process through to the delamination of steel in structures. This information could be used to predict, mitigate or avoid catastrophic failures of structures made of steel, potentially saving lives and resources, whilst advancing the knowledge in corrosion science of steel and improving the manufacturing process of steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most popular herbicides and has been widely used all over the world over the past several decades. However, PQ exposure can cause multiple organ failure, especially acute lung injury in humans as well as in rodent animals. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in PQ-induced lung cell damage. Mitophagy, defined as the selective autophagic elimination process of mitochondria, is a significant mechanism controlling mitochondrial quality. In this study, we investigated PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy activated in the process of the PQ-induced cell apoptosis by using human lung epithelial-like A549 cells. We showed that PQ inhibited cell viability and induced mitochondrial damage as well as cell apoptosis in A549 cells. During this process, PQ induced PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Knocking down the expression of Parkin gene by the transient transfection of Parkin small interfering RNA mitigated PQ-induced mitophagy and worsened A549 cell apoptosis. On the contrary, overexpression of Parkin attenuated PQ-induced cell injury by promoting mitophagy. These results indicated PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy played a protective role in PQ-induced A549 cell damage and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing mitophagy against PQ poisoning Highlights • PQ-induced human lung epithelial-like A549 cell apoptosis was investigated. • Mitophagy was involved in the process of PQ-induced A549 cell apoptosis. • PINK1/Parkin pathway of mitophagy was activated in PQ-induced A549 cell apoptosis. • Silencing Parkin gene by siRNA method mitigated PQ-induced mitophagy and worsened A549 cell apoptosis. • Overexpression of Parkin attenuated PQ-induced cell apoptosis by promoting mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Determining the hydrodynamic forces exerted by floods on multi-span arch bridges. • Understanding the influence of the height of cutwaters on mitigating flood-induced forces. • Investigating the collapse mechanism of historical stone arch bridges in floods. • Obtaining the collapse flood loads and corresponding flood discharge for scientifically conducting the early warning strategy and preventive conservation. In order to obtain an adequate understanding of the vulnerability of historical multi-span masonry bridges during flood hazards for the better conservation, a typical multi-span stone arch bridge, Putang Bridge, is chosen to carry out the study on the collapse mechanism of the bridge under flood-induced forces based on numerical simulations. This study has a twofold objective: to simulate numerically the forces exerted by floods on the bridge, and to figure out the collapse mechanism under the obtained flood loads. The hydrodynamic pressure distribution and drag and lift forces on the bridge are predicted with CFD simulation considering eight different flooding levels. The simulation method is validated in advance with existing experiments. A bridge with higher cutwaters is modeled to assess the effects of the height of cutwaters on mitigating the flood loads. A finite element model of the bridge is developed and the obtained flood loads are applied to investigate the vulnerability of arch bridges in floods. The findings of this research could contribute to a clear comprehension of the flood-induced forces on arch bridges and the structural vulnerability, and also could provide some insights on preparing the early warning strategy and preventive measures for historical masonry arch bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ROS significantly increased after cross-pollination. • Pollen began to germinate at 0.5 h after self-pollination. • CIPK was significantly up-regulated after cross-pollination, but significantly down-regulated after self-pollination. • Pectin methylesterase (PME) may be directly related to the crossing barrier. In the process of interspecific crossing of water lily, the crossing barrier before fertilization is the main reason for the poor seed setting rate of cross breeding, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. The key regulatory genes involved in the interaction between pollen and stigma at 6 h after cross-pollination and self-pollination in water lilies were studied. Feronia (FER) receptor kinase and respiratory burst oxidase homologue D (RbohD) gene in the regulation pathway of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Calcineurin B-Likes (CBLs), CBL-Interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) and Calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPKs) in Ca2+signal, and pectin methylesterase (PME) genes may play a key role in the process of mutual recognition between pollen and stigma after cross-pollination of water lilies, which needs further research. We infer that after cross-pollination, the expression levels of reactive oxygen species and a certain target protein in the stigma papilla cells of water lilies increase through Ca2+ receptors. The target protein alone or together with ROS regulates the increase of PME activity, thus increasing the hardness of the cell wall of the stigma papilla cells and making it difficult for pollen tubes to enter the stigma papilla cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCD IIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) are well-recognized causes of chronic intractable epilepsy in children. Accumulating evidence suggests that activation of the microglia/macrophage and concomitant inflammatory response in FCD IIb and TSC may contribute to the initiation and recurrence of seizures. The membrane glycoproteins CD47 and CD200, which are highly expressed in neurons and other cells, mediate inhibitory signals through their receptors, signal regulatory protein α (SIRP-α) and CD200R, respectively, in microglia/macrophages. We investigate the levels and expression pattern of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R in surgically resected brain tissues from patients with FCD IIb and TSC, and the potential effect of soluble human CD47 Fc and CD200 Fc on the inhibition of several proinflammatory cytokines associated with FCD IIb and TSC in living epileptogenic brain slices in vitro. The level of interleukin-4 (IL-4), a modulator of CD200, was also investigated.Methods: Twelve FCD IIb (range 1.8-9.5 years), 13 TSC (range 1.5-10 years) patients, and 6 control cases (range 1.5-11 years) were enrolled. The levels of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. The expression pattern of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R was investigated by immunohistochemical analysis, and the cytokine concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assays.Results: Both the messenger RNA and protein levels of CD47, SIRP-α, and CD200, as well as the mRNA level of IL-4, were downregulated in epileptogenic lesions of FCD IIb and TSC compared with the control specimens, whereas CD200R levels were not significantly changed. CD47, SIRP-α, and CD200 were decreasingly expressed in dysmorphic neuron, balloon cells, and giant cells. CD47 Fc and CD200 Fc could inhibit IL-6 release but did not suppress IL-1β or IL-17 production.Conclusions: Our results suggest that microglial activation may be partially caused by CD47/SIRP-α- and CD200/CD200R-mediated reductions in the immune inhibitory pathways within FCD IIb and TSC cortical lesions where chronic neuroinflammation has been established. Upregulation or activation of CD47/SIRP-α and CD200/CD200R may have therapeutic potential for controlling neuroinflammation in human FCD IIb and TSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on quantification of the size and porosity of the interface between the reinforcing steel and concrete is limited in the current published literature. This paper presents a reliable and accurate method for quantification of steel-concrete interface using the technique of Backscattered Electron (BSE) imaging. Details of sample preparation procedure designed to minimize the damage to the steel-concrete interface due to grinding and polishing are presented. A new thresholding method to separate porous band at the interface from steel and cement pastes is proposed. It is found that there is a relatively wide porous band with large pores and voids near the steel-concrete interface. It is also found that the size of porous band around the steel bar is not uniform, and that the water to cement ratio can significantly affect the size and distribution of porous band at the interface. Quantification of steel-concrete interface as proposed in this paper is of importance in crack prediction of corrosion-affected reinforced concrete structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a composite material, hydraulic conductivity of concrete depends on conductivity of its components that are the mortar, aggregates and the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ). Since hydraulic conduction is analogous to heat and electrical conduction, analytical models from these analogous areas relating effective conductivity of composite to conductivity of its components can be used to find the effective hydraulic conductivity of concrete as a function of properties of its components, i.e., aggregate, mortar and the ITZ. However, effect of the conduction in the ITZ has not been considered in these models. This paper presents an analytical solution for the hydraulic conductivity of concrete as a three-phase composite material. The solution is an extension to the model originally proposed for conduction of composite media with randomly suspended spheres. Results of the proposed model compare well against the experimental results and those obtained from rigorous numerical analysis using the Finite Element (FE) method. The principal significance of this study lies in the development of a versatile analytical model that can be employed as a quick tool for assessment of hydraulic conductivity of concrete without the need for sophisticated FE models at the meso-scale level. It offers more insight into effect of different components of concrete on its overall conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) genome editing holds promise in the treatment of genetic diseases that currently lack effective long-term therapies. Patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency develop progressive lung disease due to the loss of AAT's antiprotease function and liver disease due to a toxic gain of function of the common mutant allele. However, it remains unknown whether CRISPR-mediated AAT correction in the liver, where AAT is primarily expressed, can correct either or both defects. Here we show that AAV delivery of CRISPR can effectively correct Z-AAT mutation in the liver of a transgenic mouse model. Specifically, we co-injected two AAVs: one expressing Cas9 and another encoding an AAT guide RNA and homology-directed repair template. In both neonatal and adult mice, this treatment partially restored M-AAT in the serum. Furthermore, deep sequencing confirmed both indel mutations and precise gene correction in the liver, permitting careful analysis of gene editing events in vivo. This study demonstrates a proof of concept for the application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology to correct AAT mutations in vivo and validates continued exploration of this approach for the treatment of patients with AAT deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface cracks with different orientations have been recognized as a major cause of potential failures of thin metal structures, which are often under biaxial loading. It has been known that, for cracked ductile metals, plasticity results in an easing of stress intensity at the crack front and ultimately increases the total fracture toughness of the metal. To enable the use of linear elastic fracture mechanics for ductile material failure prediction, the plastic portion of fracture toughness must be excluded. This paper aims to develop a J -integral based method for determining the elastic fracture toughness of ductile metal plates with inclined cracks under biaxial loading. The derived elastic fracture toughness is a function of the plate and crack geometry, strain-hardening coefficient, yield strength, fracture toughness, biaxiality ratio, and inclination angle. It is found that an increase in yield strength or relative crack depth, or a decrease in Mode-I fracture toughness, leads to a larger ratio of elastic fracture toughness to total fracture toughness. It is also found that the effect of biaxiality ratio and inclination angle on elastic fracture toughness is highly dependent on total fracture toughness. It can be concluded that the developed model can accurately predict the fracture failure of ductile thin metal structures with inclined cracks under biaxial loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed mode fractures can be triggered by either multi-axial stresses or inclined cracks or both. Little research has been undertaken on J -integral for inclined surface cracks in plates under biaxial loading. This paper intends to determine the elastic and fully plastic J -integral for mixed mode fracture induced by inclined surface cracks in plates under biaxial loading conditions, using three-dimensional finite element method. Various geometries, biaxiality and material properties of cracked plates, including crack depth to plate thickness ratios, inclination angles, strain hardening exponents and biaxiality ratios, are considered. From numerical results, it is found that for elastic analysis, the equivalent influence coefficients increases with the increase of the relative crack depth and the magnitude of the biaxiality ratios. It is also found that for a given crack and plate geometry, the values of normalized fully plastic J -integral h 1 decrease along the whole crack front for different strain hardening exponents n with the increase of the inclination angles from 0 ° to 45 ° for uniaxial loading. It can be concluded that the method presented in the paper can determine the J -integral for inclined surface cracks in plates with reasonable accuracy. The results presented in the paper can equip practitioners for more accurate prediction of plate failures under various loads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient genome editing with Cas9-sgRNA in vivo has required the use of viral delivery systems, which have limitations for clinical applications. Translational efforts to develop other RNA therapeutics have shown that judicious chemical modification of RNAs can improve therapeutic efficacy by reducing susceptibility to nuclease degradation. Guided by the structure of the Cas9-sgRNA complex, we identify regions of sgRNA that can be modified while maintaining or enhancing genome-editing activity, and we develop an optimal set of chemical modifications for in vivo applications. Using lipid nanoparticle formulations of these enhanced sgRNAs (e-sgRNA) and mRNA encoding Cas9, we show that a single intravenous injection into mice induces >80% editing of Pcsk9 in the liver. Serum Pcsk9 is reduced to undetectable levels, and cholesterol levels are significantly lowered about 35% to 40% in animals. This strategy may enable non-viral, Cas9-based genome editing in the liver in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential infrastructure tunnels play an important role in transport network. The functionality of this infrastructure depends on its structural and durability performance. In the climate of an increasing scarcity of resources, infrastructure maintenance is becoming increasingly important. This paper aims to develop a maintenance strategy for tunnels, which determines when, where and what to maintain, to ensure the safe and serviceable operation of tunnel structure with the intention to minimise the total risk. Application of the proposal is presented in a numerical example of a practical case study. It was found that an optimum solution, which can predict when, where and what to maintain for tunnel structure to ensure its safe and serviceable operation during its lifespan, exists. The paper concludes that the proposed framework can equip tunnel operators and asset managers with a tool in developing a risk cost optimised maintenance strategy for tunnels under their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing rate of deterioration of buried pipelines has necessitated the development of a robust assessment method for their structural integrity and service life prediction. Among various deterioration mechanisms, ductile iron pipes are most prone to pitting corrosion and subsequent leakages. This paper intends to develop a methodology to predict the perforation induced by pitting corrosion on buried ductile pipes. The methodology integrates the random fields, gamma process, and copulas into an interrelated simulation algorithm for reliability analysis of pipe perforation. It is found that the average value of a pit depth predicted by the developed method is in good agreement with the theoretical mean of the proposed gamma process for pitting corrosion. It is also found that selecting an appropriate copula which models the dependent behavior of corrosion pits on pipes is very important to accurately predict pipe perforation. The paper concludes that the developed methodology can accurately predict the perforation of ductile iron pipe induced by pitting corrosion. Proactive asset management of buried pipelines can lead to considerable savings of resources and prolonged service life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear elastic fracture mechanics has been widely employed for fracture analysis of cracked pipes. For ductile metal pipes, the existence of plasticity eases the stress concentration at the crack front, which increases the fracture toughness of the pipe. Therefore, when using linear elastic fracture mechanics to predict the fracture failure of ductile pipes, the plastic portion of the fracture toughness should be excluded. This paper intends to derive an analytical model of elastic fracture toughness for ductile metal pipes with circumferential external surface cracks under combined axial tension and bending. The derived elastic fracture toughness is a function of crack geometry, material properties and loading conditions of the cracked pipe. The significance of the derived model is that the well established linear elastic fracture mechanics can be used for ductile materials in predicting the fracture failure. It is found in the paper that, the elastic fracture toughness increases with the increase of the internal pressure of the pipe and that an increase in fracture toughness and yield strength of the pipe materials will result in a more ductile and brittle pipe failure respectively. The derived analytical model enables more accurate prediction of fracture failure of ductile metal pipes with circumferential external cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure of in service oil and gas pipelines can result in catastrophic consequences. To avoid the economical, environmental and social impacts due to pipeline collapse, rational methodologies should be employed to predict the safe life of corrosion affected steel pipes and to instigate maintenance and repairs for the corroded pipeline system. The uncertainties in corrosion sizes and pipe characteristics actuate the residual strength model to be a probabilistic model rather than a deterministic one. Therefore, an analytical reliability-based methodology using first passage probability theory for failure assessment of corrosion affected oil and gas pipelines is presented in this paper. The methodology is applied for a defected 1.5 km oil pipeline and failure probability is estimated versus time. Sensitivity analysis is also undertaken to identify and evaluate the factors that affect the failure due to the strength loss. It can be quantitatively estimated that how decrease in internal pressure can increase the safe life of the pipeline. The methodology can help pipeline engineers and asset managers in prioritizing pipeline repairs and/or replacements based on their estimated probability of failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the target completion time of a construction project is one of the most important performance indicators of project management. This paper proposes a fast and accurate method for evaluating the reliability of project completion time in large construction projects, using reliability theory. The proposed method is developed to overcome the limitations of existing methods, including the inaccuracy of the program evaluation and review technique and the long computational time of the narrow reliability bounds method. The proposed method is established in three main parts: (i) calculating the statistics of paths duration in the network; (ii) truncating insignificant paths of the network; and (iii) proposing an innovative solution to accurate estimate for reliability of project completion time. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using an example project. It is found that the results of the proposed method on the reliability of completion time are accurate. It is also found that the proposed method significantly reduces the number of analysed network paths and the computational effort. The method proposed here can serve as a fast and accurate tool for project managers and project planners in project planning, re-planning, and project control phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]