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Using density-functional-theory calculations combined with hybrid functional, we investigate the band gaps and built-in electric fields of ZnSnN2/ZnO (001) short-period superlattices. The band gap of ZnSnN2/ZnO (001) superlattice can be tuned from 1.9 eV to 0 eV by varying the thickness of both the ZnSnN2 and ZnO regions. Compared to the III-nitride superlattices, stronger built-in electric fields, induced by the polarizations, form inside the ZnSnN2/ZnO superlattices. The lowest electron and uppermost hole states are mainly localized at the two opposite interfaces of the superlattice, but the tails of the lowest electron states extend over several atomic layers. Based on the electrostatic argument, we demonstrate that variations of the band gap are approximately described by a geometric factor. The influence of the in-plane strain is also discussed. The results will be valuable in the design of ZnSnN2/ZnO heterostructures for electronics and optoelectronics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The band offsets of the ZnO/anatase TiO2 and GaN/ZnO heterojunctions are calculated using the density functional theory/generalized gradient approximation (DFT/GGA)-1/2 method, which takes into account the self-energy corrections and can give an approximate description to the quasiparticle characteristics of the electronic structure of semiconductors. We present the results of the ionization potential (IP)-based and interfacial offset-based band alignments. In the interfacial offset-based band alignment, to get the natural band offset, we use the surface calculations to estimate the change of reference level due to the interfacial strain. Based on the interface models and GGA-1/2 calculations, we find that the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum of ZnO, respectively, lie 0.64 eV and 0.57 eV above those of anatase TiO2, while lie 0.84 eV and 1.09 eV below those of GaN, which agree well with the experimental data. However, a large discrepancy exists between the IP-based band offset and the calculated natural band offset, the mechanism of which is discussed. Our results clarify band alignment of the ZnO/anatase TiO2 heterojunction and show good agreement with the GW calculations for the GaN/ZnO heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertriglyceridemia is infrequently reported as a cause of suboptimal delivery of dialytic therapy in critically ill patients. We report the case of a critically ill liver transplant patient in the Intensive Care Unit who was found to have recurrent filter clotting during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The patient had increased serum triglycerides (TGs), which was identified approximately 2 weeks into hospitalization and initially believed to be due to prolonged propofol use. The patient's elevated TGs ultimately caused her blood to become lipemic, causing the dialytic circuit to become nonfunctional and placed the patient in imminent danger due to hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis. Therapeutic plasma exchange was emergently used to lower TG levels, and renal replacement therapy was resumed without any other issues. The patient's persistent hypertriglyceridemia was attributed to a combination of adverse effect of medications and liver graft failure. The high TG level and abnormal liver functions improved after a repeat liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bone marrow cell extract (BMCE) was previously reported to restore salivary gland hypofunction caused by irradiation injury. Proteins were shown to be the main active factors in BMCE. However, BMCE therapy requires multiple injections and protein denaturation is a concern during BMCE storage. This study aimed to preserve, by lyophilization (freeze‐drying), the bioactive factors in BMCE. Methods: We developed a method to freeze‐dry BMCE and then to analyze its ingredients and functions in vivo. Freeze‐dried (FD) BMCE, freshly prepared BMCE (positive control), or saline (vehicle control) was injected into the tail vein of mice that had received irradiation to damage their salivary glands. Results: Results demonstrated that the presence of angiogenesis‐related factors and cytokines in FD‐BMCE remained comparable to those found in fresh BMCE. Both fresh and FD‐BMCE restored comparably saliva secretion, increased cell proliferation, upregulated regenerative/repair genes, protected salivary acinar cells, parasympathetic nerves, and blood vessels from irradiation‐damaged salivary glands. Conclusion: Lyophilization of BMCE maintained its bioactivity and therapeutic effect on irradiation‐injured salivary glands. The advantages of freeze‐drying BMCE are its storage and transport at ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is devoted to the study of a new class of conic constrained optimization problems with objectives given as differences of a composite function and a convex function. We first introduce some new notions of constraint qualifications in terms of the epigraphs of the conjugates of these functions. Under the new constraint qualifications, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions for several versions of Farkas lemmas to hold. Similarly, we provide characterizations for conic constrained optimization problems to have the strong or stable strong dualities such as Lagrange, Fenchel–Lagrange or Toland–Fenchel–Lagrange duality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The -delayed particle emission from the exotic nucleus Si has been studied using a detection system with silicon array and clover-type high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The -delayed charged-particle spectrum and -ray spectrum were identified. The half-life of Si has been determined. A new -delayed proton branch with an energy of 3811keV was observed. The -delayed two-proton emission was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective A challenge in studying human salivary glands is to maintain the cells ex vivo in their three-dimensional (3D) morphology with an intact native extracellular matrix ( ECM) environment. This paper established a human salivary 3D organotypic slice culture model that could maintain its physiological functions as well as allowing a direct visualization of the cells. Methods Human salivary biopsies from six patients were embedded in agarose and submerged in cold buffer for thin (50 μm) sectioning using a vibratome. 'Salivary slices' were mechanically supported by a porous membrane insert that allowed an air-liquid interface and cultured in serum-free culture media. Cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, physiological functions, and gene expression were assessed during 14 days of culture. Results Human salivary slices maintained cell survival (70-40%) and proliferation (6-17%) for 14 days ex vivo. The protein secretory (amylase) function decreased, but fluid (intracellular calcium mobilization) function was maintained. Acinar, ductal, and myoepithelial cell populations survived and maintained their 3D organization within the slice culture model. Conclusion The human salivary slice culture model kept cells alive ex vivo for 14 days as well as maintaining their 3D morphology and physiological functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nuclear matrix elements for two-neutrino double-β and zero-neutrino double-β decay of 76Ge are evaluated in terms of the configuration-interaction (Cl), quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA), and interacting boson model methods. We point out deficiencies in all of these models and suggest ways that some of them can be corrected. The final results are obtained from the Cl method corrected for configuration admixtures involving orbitals outside of the Cl configuration space by using results from QRPA, many-body-perturbation theory, and the connections to related observables. The CI two-neutrino matrix element is reduced due to the inclusion of spin-orbit partners and to many-body correlations connected with Gamow-Teller β decay. The Cl zero-neutrino matrix element for the heavy neutrino is enhanced due to particle-particle correlations that are connected with the odd-even oscillations in the nuclear masses. The Cl zero-neutrino matrix element for the light neutrino contains both types of correlations that approximately cancel each other. The uncertainty from short-range correlations is also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fragment production in collisions of 48-50Ca+12C at 50 MeV/nucleon are simulated via the isospindependent quantum molecular dynamics (IQMD) model followed by the GEMINI code. By changing the diffuseness parameter of neutron density distribution to obtain different neutron skin sizes, the effects of neutron skin thickness (δnp) on projectile-like fragments (PLFs) are investigated. The sensitivity of isoscaling behavior to neutron skin size is studied, from which it is found that the isoscaling parameter a has a linear dependence on δnp. A linear dependence between δnp and the mean N/Z [N (Z) is neutron (proton) number] of the PLF is obtained as well. The results show that thicker neutron skin will lead to smaller isoscaling parameter α and N / Z. Therefore, it may be probable to extract information of neutron skin thickness from isoscaling parameter α and N / Z. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic properties of wurtzite ZnS are investigated by performing ab initio density functional theory and density functional perturbation theory calculations. Using both the local density approximation and generalized gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential, we calculate the phonon dispersion curves and the phonon density of states. The calculated phonon frequencies at the center zone for the Raman-active and infrared-active modes (including LO-TO splitting) are assigned. The thermodynamic functions are calculated by using the phonon density of states. The calculated values are in reasonable agreement with experimental data and other calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In today's dynamic market numerous dynamic influencing factors have seriously aggravates the difficulties of inventory planning of the complex distribution networks. This paper proposes a simulation-based hybrid approach for the optimization of the inventory policies in complex distribution networks. The initial multi-echelon inventory policies are handed over to a simulation model, which is capable of modelling complexity and uncertainties of the distribution network and simulating them under respective scenarios. Through comprehensively analysing the KPIs (logistic service level and logistic costs) of this set of multi-echelon inventory policies, their levels of robustness can be clearly ascertained. Based on the simulation results, a metaheuristic-based optimizer regenerates improved (more robust) multi-echelon inventory policies, which are once again comprehensively and precisely evaluated through simulation. This closed feedback loop forms a simulation optimization process that enables the autonomous evolution of multi-echelon inventory policies of complex distribution networks. Since the simulation results can truly reflect the performance of certain inventory policies in real market environment, the new Simulation-Based Hybrid Approach is quite useful for decision making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnOx/TiO2 catalysts doped with sodium were prepared using the impregnation method. According to the results of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3, sodium had the strong poisoning effect on MnOx/TiO2 catalysts for NO decomposition. With the help of XRD, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD, TGA and FESEM, the structures and properties of the catalysts were characterised. Results indicated that the addition of sodium would weaken the role of active ingredients in the SCR process. Meanwhile, the reduction peaks of MnOx/TiO2 catalysts doped with sodium slightly shifted to higher temperatures with increasing content of sodium, attributing to the sintering of MnOx and sodium oxides. Based on the FESEM images, some larger particles were observed on the surface after sodium doping, which might be attributed to compounds of sodium manganese oxides. It could be concluded that the addition of sodium decreased the SCR activity of catalyst by slashing electron donation from the MnOx active site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The elastic–plastic fracture toughness (Jc) is an important mechanical parameter for studying the failure behavior of air plasma-sprayed (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBC) at high temperatures. Objective: This study aims to: (1) develop an effective test method to characterize the Jc of TBC at high temperatures; (2) acquire accurate Jc data for TBC at high temperatures; (3) analyze the influence of plasticity of top-coat on the Jc characterization. Methods: The elastic–plastic Ramberg–Osgood equation of the ceramic top-coat and the deformation fields of single edge notched tension (SENT) specimens were measured by high-temperature in-situ tension with digital image correlation (DIC) system. The Jc of TBC was calculated by the numerical J-integral with DIC-measured (DIC-J) deformation fields by adopting Ramberg–Osgood equation of the top-coat. The finite element analysis (FEA) method was adopted to analyze the influence of plasticity of top-coat on the Jc characterization. Results: The curves of Jc varying with crack propagation length (Δa) of TBC were obtained and were expressed as JR = 24.47 × [ 1 + 1.0446 × ( Δ a ~ )0.7624] J/m2 and JR = 16.52 × [ 1 + 1.4806 × ( Δ a ~ )0.6742] J/m2 at 800 and 1000 ℃, respectively. Conclusions: A high-temperature in-situ tensile test of SENT specimens combined with the DIC-J method was developed to characterize Jc of TBC. The Jc of TBC displays a rising resistance curve behavior, and FEA results indicated that Jc would be underestimated without considering the plasticity of the top-coat at 800 and 1000 ℃. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an abstract on the results of perioperative management, post-operative recovery and complications of circumcision with circular cutter with stapled anastomosis for circumcision (CCSAC).

The proton-proton momentum correlation functions [Cpp(q)] for the kinematically complete decay channels 23Al→p+p+21Na and 22Mg→p+p+20Ne have been measured at the RIKEN RI Beam Factory. From the very different correlation strength of Cpp(q) for 23Al and 22Mg, the source size and emission time information were extracted from the Cpp(q) data by assuming a Gaussian source profile in the correlation function calculation code (crab). The results indicated that the mechanism of two-proton emission from 23Al was mainly sequential emission, while that of 22Mg was mainly three-body simultaneous emission. By combining our earlier results of the two-proton relative momentum and the opening angle, it is pointed out that the mechanism of two-proton emission could be distinguished clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reaction of unsaturated 16e half-sandwich rhodium carborane complex [Cp*Rh(S2C2B10H10)] (Cp* = pentamethyl-cyclopentadienyl) with half equiv. (m-pyridyl)N=C(C10H6)C=N(m-pyridyl) (mPy-Bian, L) afforded a bi-nuclear complex [{Cp*Rh(S2C2B10H10)}2(μ-L)] (I), leaving α-diimine moiety of the L ligand as free coordination site. Compounds L and I have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files nos. 1586584 (L) and 1586585 (I)). Compound L crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 21.51(3), b = 8.884(13), c = 9.414(14) Å, β = 112.540(19)°, and Z = 4. Complex I crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 15.741(2), b = 34.062(5), c = 14.960(2) Å, and Z = 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β decay of 76Ga was studied using the technique of total absorption spectroscopy for the first time. The experiment was performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory using the Summing NaI(Tl) detector. The extracted β-decay feeding intensity distribution and Gamow-Teller transition strength distribution are compared to shell-model calculations to help constrain nuclear matrix elements relevant to the neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2,11-dithia[3.3](3,5)pyrdinophane (L) has been synthesized by a new method and characterized by H NMR, which is used to form coordination complexes CHNOSNi ( I) by addition of Ni cation and CHNOSAg ( II) by addition of Ag cation. 2,11,20-Trithia[3.3.3](3,5)pyridinophane (L) and 2,11,20,29-tetrathia[3.3.3.3](3,5)pyridinophane (L) have also been synthesized as by-products. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the conformation of the L is syn(boat-chair), complexes I and II also adopt syn(boat-chair) (CIF files CCDC nos. 1400332 ( I) and 700724 ( II)). While in I, Ni(II) is coordinated with L with two nitrogen and four oxygen atoms, in II, Ag() is coordinated with L by two nitrogen and two sulfur atoms came from four ligands. In complexes I and II, the formation of three-dimensional structure depends on π⋅⋅⋅π stacking and hydrogen bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have performed for the first time a comprehensive study of the sensitivity of r-process nucleosynthesis to individual nuclear masses across the chart of nuclides. Using the latest version (2012) of the Finite-Range Droplet Model, we consider mass variations of ±0.5 MeV and propagate each mass change to all affected quantities, including Q values, reaction rates, and branching ratios. We find such mass variations can result in up to an order of magnitude local change in the final abundance pattern produced in an r-process simulation. We identify key nuclei whose masses have a substantial impact on abundance predictions for hot, cold, and neutron star merger r-process scenarios and could be measured at future radioactive beam facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite scientific evidence linking workers' fatigue to occupational safety (due to impaired physical or cognitive function), little is known about this relationship in construction workers. Aims: To assess the association between construction workers' reported fatigue and their perceived difficulties with physical and cognitive functions. Methods: Using data from a convenience sample of US construction workers participating in the 2010-11 National Health Interview Survey two multivariate weighted logistic regression models were built to predict difficulty with physical and with cognitive functions associated with workers' reported fatigue, while controlling for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, sleep hygiene, psychological distress and arthritis status. Results: Of 606 construction workers surveyed, 49% reported being 'tired some days' in the past 3 months and 10% reported 'tired most days or every day'. Compared with those feeling 'never tired', workers who felt 'tired some days' were significantly more likely to report difficulty with physical function (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-3.51) and cognitive function (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.06-4.88) after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusions: Our results suggest an association between reported fatigue and experiencing difficulties with physical and cognitive functions in construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multilayered thermoelectric material bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) is widely used in engineering owing to its exceptional thermoelectric performance at room temperature. However, Bi2Te3 is prone to cracks, voids, or other defects due to its multilayered structure, leading to decreased device lifetime and reliability. Objective: This paper aims at stably and precisely measuring the interlaminar fracture toughness (IFT) of multilayered Bi2Te3 for the reliability evaluation of Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric devices. In addition, we seek a method to stably measure the IFT even for very brittle materials. Methods: We developed a tapered cantilever bending (TCB) experiment to obtain the IFT. The experimental specimens were fabricated using a focused ion beam (FIB) technique at the micro scale, and the initial interlaminar crack was introduced by the notch method. Results: By performing the TCB experiment, we created an ideally sharp pre-crack and observed stable crack propagation. The critical energy release rate (ERR) for crack propagation obtained in the present paper is around 0.51–0.53 J/m2, which agrees reasonably with theoretical van der Waals (vdW) interlaminar interaction energy. Conclusions: The proposed method can be well-applied in assessing IFTs of multilayered materials, even for very brittle multilayered 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correlation between the elliptic flow v2 scaled by the impact parameter b and the shear viscosity r¡ as well as the specific viscosity η/s, defined as the ratio of the shear viscosity to the entropy density s, is investigated for the first time in intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions based on an isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamic model. The elliptic flow is calculated at balance energies to exclude the geometric influence such as the blocking effect from the spectators. Our study shows that v2/b decreases almost linearly with increasing η, consistent with that observed in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. On the other hand, v2/b is found to increase with increasing η/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a widely used gasoline additive and a ubiquitous environmental pollutant in many countries and regions, can cause various kinds of toxic effects on human health. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its toxic effects remains elusive. The present study aimed to explore the cytotoxicity, DNA damage and oxidative damage effects of MTBE on human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) and the possible role of DNA polymerase β (pol-β) in this process. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to obtain pol-β gene knocked-down cells (pol-β−). CCK-8 assay was adopted to analyze the cell viability. Alkaline single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was performed to detect the DNA damage effects of MTBE. The enzyme activity of GSH-Px, SOD, CAT and the level of MDA were assessed. The data indicated that when treated with MTBE at the concentration exceeding 50 μmol/L and for the time exceeding 24 h, the pol-β− exhibited significantly decreased cell viability and increased DNA damage effects, as compared to the control (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was significant difference in the levels of GSH-pX, SOD, CAT and MDA between the pol-β− and the control (P < 0.05). Our investigation suggests that MTBE can cause obvious cytotoxicity, DNA damage and oxidative damage effects on 16HBE cells. DNA polymerase β may be involved in protecting 16HBE cells from the toxic effects induced by MTBE exposure. These findings provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the toxic effects of MTBE on human cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accurate evaluation of life-limiting failure behavior is a prerequisite to ensure the successful design and application of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Objective: To investigate life-limiting failure behavior of CMCs, it is necessary to evaluate the in-plane shear strength. Methods: In this paper, the in-plane shear strength (IPSS) of two-dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (2D C/SiC) composites at elevated temperatures in air was studied by a modified Iosipescu method. A simplified Iosipescu loading configuration without mechanical connections or a fastening assembly was proposed. Results: According to finite element analysis, an almost pure in-plane shear stress field and an in-plane shear failure mode were obtained. The modified Iosipescu method was adopted to evaluate the IPSS of 2D C/SiC at room temperature (RT), 800 °C, and 1000 °C. The in-plane shear failure mode was observed, and the IPSSs were obtained. Based on the microstructure analysis, the release of the tensile stress at elevated temperatures can account for the increase in the IPSS from RT to 800 °C. The decrease in the IPSS from 800 °C to 1000 °C may have resulted from the oxidation of carbon fibers. Conclusions: The modified Iosipescu method can be used to measure the in-plane properties of CMCs. This study may be beneficial to reveal the failure mechanisms and guide the design of CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisotropic flow can offer significant information of evolution dynamics in heavy-ion collisions. A systematic study of the directed flow v 1 and elliptic flow v 2 of hard photons and free nucleons is performed for 40 Ca + 40 Ca collisions in a framework of isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics (IQMD) model. The study firstly reveals that thermal photons emitted in intermediate-energy heavy-ion collisions have the behaviors of directed and elliptic flows. The interesting phenomena of incident energy dependence of v 1 and v 2 for thermal photons in central collisions also confirmed that it can be regarded as a good probe of evolution dynamics. Moreover, the multiplicities of hard photons and free nucleons and their correlation are also investigated. We find that direct photon emission is positively related to free nucleons emission, however, there exists an anti-correlation for thermal photons with free nucleons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Al-7075 was reinforced by different contents of Fe-based metallic glass particles. • The composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering and hot extrusion. • The composites possess higher mechanical properties than unreinforced Al-7075. • The composites are reinforced mainly by thermal mismatch and grain refinement. Metallic glass (MG) reinforced aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have attracted the interest of many researchers in the past few years. In this study, Fe 50 Cr 25 Mo 9 B 13 C 3 metallic glass (FMG) particles reinforced 7075 aluminum matrix (Al-7075) composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The microstructure of the composites showed good interface bonding between the FMG particles and the matrix. The micro-hardness of the composite with 30 vol% FMG particles reached 160.63 HV, which was increased by 30% compared with that of Al-7075 (119.3 HV). The ultimate compression strength (UCS) of the composite was also improved significantly from 596 MPa for Al-7075 matrix to 749 MPa for the composite reinforced with 30 vol% FMG particles, and the compression strain of the composite reached 22%. These results indicate that the mechanical properties of the composites can be enhanced by adding high volume fraction FMG particles. The enhancement of the strength is resulted from multiple strengthening mechanisms, and the main contributions come from the thermal mismatch and grain refinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black shank, caused by the soilborne pathogen Phytophthora nicotianae, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting tobacco production in China. The most effective strategy for reducing economic loss from this pathogen is development and use of resistant tobacco varieties. Multiple sources and systems of resistance have been developed in the Western Hemisphere; however, populations of P. nicotianae are variable around the world, including the predominance of different races. Different P. nicotianae isolates may react differently on tobacco plants with different systems of resistance, a possibility that could complicate the breeding of cultivars with resistance that is effective in different tobacco production regions worldwide. The objective of this research was to evaluate an array of tobacco germplasm possessing different systems of genetic resistance to black shank disease in tobacco‐growing regions of Yunnan, China. Resistance types included simply inherited resistance mechanisms introgressed from wild Nicotiana relatives and polygenic partial resistance systems of N. tabacum origin. The loci of Wz exhibited high level resistance to black shank in the five diverse disease environments in Yunnan, China. K326 Php/−Wz/− genotype and Beinhart 1000 exhibited the greatest levels of resistance in both 2015 and 2016. Field observed results for 13 tobacco genotypes were highly correlated with those tested in growth chamber evaluation. These findings suggest that both Wz− and Beinhart 1000‐mediated resistance have important commercial value in flue‐cured tobacco breeding programmes in China. Cultivars developed for black shank resistance in China may also have utility in other tobacco‐growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Postradical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pRP‐ED) is a major health issue. There has been a shortage of an effective treatment method until now. In this study, a total of 48 adult male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were randomly equally divided into four groups, including group 1—sham surgery with cavernous nerve exposure plus vehicle, group 2—bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) plus vehicle, group 3—BCNI plus adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs)‐derived exosomes (ADSC‐Exo), and group 4—BCNI plus bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs)‐derived exosomes (BMSC‐Exo). Twenty‐one days following surgery, erectile function was measured before tissue harvest. Histologic and Western blot analyses were then performed. Exosomes were capable of internalization into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and could be detected in the corpus cavernosum in vivo. The nNOS expression in the penile dorsal nerves (DN) and major pelvic ganglion (MPG), protein level of neurofilament in the DN, endothelial markers vWF, alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen content were obviously lower in BCNI group compared with the sham group, while ADSC‐Exo and BMSC‐Exo groups resulted in significant restoration of the above histopathological changes. Moreover, BCNI treated with ADSC‐Exo or BMSC‐Exo had significantly higher mean intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio compared with BCNI group. The results demonstrated that both ADSC‐Exo and BMSC‐Exo treatment could significantly alleviate pathological changes and improve the erectile function in BCNI‐related rats. Exosomes derived from ADSCs and BMSCs may be a potential agent for pRP‐ED treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics model, finite-size scaling effects on nuclear liquid-gas phase transition probes are investigated by studying the de-excitation processes of six thermal sources of different sizes with the same initial density and similar N/Z. Using several probes including the total multiplicity derivative (dMtot/dT), second moment parameter (M2), intermediate mass fragment (IMF) multiplicity (NIMF), Fisher's power-law exponent (τ), and Ma's nuclear Zipf's law exponent (ξ), the relationship between the phase transition temperature and the source size has been established. It is observed that the phase transition temperatures obtained from the IMF multiplicity, Fisher's exponent, and Ma's nuclear Zipf's law exponent have a strong correlation with the source size. Moreover, by employing the finite-size scaling law, the critical temperature Tc and the critical exponent ν were obtained for infinite nuclear matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An explicit time integration scheme based on quartic B-splines is presented for solving linear structural dynamics problems. The scheme is of a one-parameter family of schemes where free algorithmic parameter controls stability, accuracy and numerical dispersion. The proposed scheme possesses at least second-order accuracy and at most third-order accuracy. A 2D wave problem is analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in reducing high-frequency modes and retaining low-frequency modes. Except for general structural dynamics, the proposed scheme can be used effectively for wave propagation problems in which numerical dissipation is needed to reduce spurious oscillations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this study was to rapidly screen potential hypoglycaemic strain by α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro, then explored the antidiabetic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM0236 in vivo. Methods and Results The cell-free supernatant of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 significantly inhibited α-glucosidase activity in vitro. Therefore, the effects of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236, with potential hypoglycaemia activity, on insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia were explored in high-fat and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mice. Oral administration of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 was found to decrease food intake, blood glucose level, glycosylated haemoglobin level and leptin level. Treatments of Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 also favourably regulated insulin level, AUCglucose, and HOMA-IR index, and increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and interleukin-10. In addition, Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 reduced levels of malondialdehyde and tumour necrosis factor-α and protected pancreas function. Conclusions Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM0236 has potential hypoglycaemic ability by ameliorating insulin resistance, antioxidant capacity and systemic inflammation in mice. Significance and Impact of the Study The method of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity could be effectively used to screen potential hypoglycaemic products and Lact. plantarum CCFM0236 might be a promising therapeutic agent for ameliorating type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new theoretical model considering the bending effect for the thick films (the ratio η of thickness to radius was larger than 1/80) using the bulge test method was established based on the energy method. The experiments of Ti films and PVDF films of different ratio η had validated the feasibility of the new theory. The universal applicability of the new theoretical model for different mechanical parameters ( E and υ) was verified by FEM. The new expression of pressure-height could well predict the deformation of bulge test for the films with different thickness. As the ratio η increased, the competitive mechanism of bending energy gradually replacing stretching energy in the films was revealed. The modulus and the stress distribution of cross-section could be characterized correctly by the new theory for thick films using the bulge test technique. It will provide a powerful research tool to study the deformation mechanism of thick films in the bulge test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC) composites were prepared by using precursor infiltration and pyrolysis method. Fracture characteristics of C/SiC materials were studied by single edge notched beam with the aid of digital image correlation (DIC) technique. It was found that DIC played an important role in in-situ monitoring full/local strain evolution and cracking growth during bending tests, which was useful for revealing potential failure micro-mechanisms of C/SiC composites. The results showed that the average fracture toughness KIC and fracture strength of C/SiC were estimated as 7.81±0.12 MPa m1/2 and 223.23±3.5 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the crack extension resistance curves (R-curve) in terms of stress intensity (KR-curves) were determined on the basis of the crack initiation toughness KIC. The values varied from 4.68 MPa m1/2 to 16.83 MPa m1/2 during the R-curve tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was our previous research on peritectic steel mould flux, which found that when the colour of peritectic steel mould flux is deepened, the heat-shield property enhanced. Here, adding glass colour agent into peritectic steel mould flux was introduced for the first time. Compared with our former work, Co2O3, NiO, Fe2O3, the black glass colour agent performed better on decreasing radiation heat transfer property than the single addition and the optimal contents of each component are 2 wt-% Co2O3, 2 wt-% NiO, 3 wt-% Fe2O3. In this paper, automatic colorimeter utilised to characterise the colour of samples and the heat flux densities result can clearly reflect the heat transfer property. The structures, composition and crystal properties of the samples were characterised by scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, electron probe microanalyser and X-ray diffraction. The enhancement of heat-shield property is mainly attributed to the addition of black glass colour agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear dynamic response and damage evolution of functionally graded shallow spherical shell under low-velocity impact are investigated in this work. Basing on continuum damage theory, a damage constitutive relation is established for functionally graded material and the Kachanov damage evolution law is adopted to predict the damage propagation in the structure. A modified contact model suitable for non-homogenous material (functionally graded material) is applied to model the contact force in impacting process. The laminated modeling method is adopted to model the functionally graded shell with varying material constants along the thickness by dividing the shell to N plies with the constant material properties for each ply. With the established damage constitutive relations and nonlinear geometric relations of FGM shallow spherical shell with elastic modulus varying as a power-law function, the nonlinear motion equations of FGM shallow spherical under low-velocity impact have been obtained in the term of displacement functions. The problems are solved by using the orthogonal collocation point method, the Newmark method and the iterative method synthetically. Some numerical examples are carried out to validate present impacting model and the calculating methods, and parametrical analysis are presented to discuss the effects of the material properties, the geometrical size and impacting velocity on damage state and dynamic response of the structure when under low-velocity impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban air particulate pollution is a known cause for adverse human health effects worldwide. China has encountered air quality problems in recent years due to rapid industrialization. Toxicological effects induced by particulate air pollution vary with particle sizes and season. However, it is not known how distinctively different photochemical activity and different emission sources during the day and the night affect the chemical composition of the PM size ranges and subsequently how it is reflected to the toxicological properties of the PM exposures. The particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in four different size ranges (PM 10-2.5 ; PM 2.5-1 ; PM 1-0.2 and PM 0.2 ) with a high volume cascade impactor. The PM samples were extracted with methanol, dried and thereafter used in the chemical and toxicological analyses. RAW264.7 macrophages were exposed to the particulate samples in four different doses for 24 h. Cytotoxicity, inflammatory parameters, cell cycle and genotoxicity were measured after exposure of the cells to particulate samples. Particles were characterized for their chemical composition, including ions, element and PAH compounds, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to take images of the PM samples. Chemical composition and the induced toxicological responses of the size segregated PM samples showed considerable size dependent differences as well as day to night variation. The PM 10-2.5 and the PM 0.2 samples had the highest inflammatory potency among the size ranges. Instead, almost all the PM samples were equally cytotoxic and only minor differences were seen in genotoxicity and cell cycle effects. Overall, the PM 0.2 samples had the highest toxic potential among the different size ranges in many parameters. PAH compounds in the samples and were generally more abundant during the night than the day, indicating possible photo-oxidation of the PAH compounds due to solar radiation. This was reflected to different toxicity in the PM samples. Some of the day to night difference may have been caused also by differing wind directions transporting air masses from different emission sources during the day and the night. The present findings indicate the important role of the local particle sources and atmospheric processes on the health related toxicological properties of the PM. The varying toxicological responses evoked by the PM samples showed the importance of examining various particle sizes. Especially the detected considerable toxicological activity by PM 0.2 size range suggests they're attributable to combustion sources, new particle formation and atmospheric processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bentonite is a material with low permeability and as such is the preferred material for impervious layer in a refuse landfill. Given the multi-scale structure of the bentonite, contaminant transport in it is a very complex process. In fact, it is coupled with consolidation. The coupling effect affects the contaminant transport by changing the inherent transport feature. In addition, the bentonite clay liner is usually unsaturated. In this article, the mixture theory is used as a framework that describes the transport phenomena and the interactions of the unsaturated bentonite under the multi-field coupling effect. It is also a valuable reference for simulating the contaminant transport in bentonite clay liners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elastic resonance scattering protons decayed from 11B to the ground state of 10Be were measured by using the thick-target technique in inverse kinematics at the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). The obtained excitation functions were well described by a multichannel R-matrix procedure under the kinematics process assumption of resonant elastic scattering. The excitation energy of the resonant states ranges from 13.0 to 17.0 MeV, and their resonant parameters such as the resonant energy Ex, the spin-parity Jπ, and the proton-decay partial width Γp were determined from R-matrix fits to the data. Two of these states around Ex=14.55 MeV [Jπ=(3/2+,5/2+),Γp=475±80 keV] and Ex=14.74 MeV [Jπ=3/2-,Γp=830±145 keV], and a probably populated state at Ex=16.18 MeV [Jπ=(1/2-,3/2-),Γp<60 keV], are respectively assigned to the well-known states in 11B at 14.34, 15.29, and 16.43 MeV. The isospin of these three states were previously determined to be T=3/2, but discrepancies exist in widths and energies due to the current counting statistics and energy resolution. We have compared these states with previous measurements, and the observation of the possibly populated resonance is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic catalysts of cobalt and nickel supported over alumina were studied through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis aiming to achieve the co-production of methane and synthetic oil. Temperature-programmed reduction profiles suggested that 10Co-10Ni/Al2O3had a relatively lower reducing temperature at 383°C compared with monometallic catalysts. Bimetallic catalysts showed higher selectivity towards light hydrocarbons compared with Co catalysts. 10Co-10Ni/Al2O3possessed the lowest CO2selectivity and a relatively high C5+ fraction, and it exhibited distinct behaviors in comparison with the physical mixture of 20Co/Al2O3and 20Ni/Al2O3. Reaction temperature played an obvious role in product distribution while selectivity towards CH4would achieve 15.96% at 250°C. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Effect of reaction conditions on activity and product distribution on oxygenates formation during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a co-precipitated Fe-Cu-K-La/SiO2catalyst was investigated. It showed that alcohols were the main components in total oxygenates. Selectivity of oxygenates decreased with temperature and increased with pressure. Reaction rate and overall oxygenates formation rate generally increased with temperature and pressure. It was found that oxygenates distribution was deeply dependent on reaction conditions. In-situ diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy results showed that alkyl as well as methoxy species, which were thought to be a C1product precursor, were greatly favored at high temperatures. An enhancement in alcohols and suppression in CO2and CH4with increasing pressure were also observed. Moreover, it was found that carbene was not the rate-controlling step in oxygenates synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Compared to methane and methanol, dimethyl ether seems to be a superior candidate for high quality diesel fuel in the near future. To meet the continuously increasing global requirements, a larger scale reactor is needed to produce more dimethyl ether. A heterogeneous one-dimensional model was developed to simulate a staged adiabatic fixed bed reactor for the catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether. To verify the proposed model, the simulated catalyst bed temperature has been compared to available data from an industrial reactor. A good agreement has been found between the simulation and plant data. Also, the effects of some operational parameters, such as feed flow rates, the inlet temperatures of methanol, pressure, and catalyst particle diameter on reactor behavior were investigated. The simulated results show that this model is reasonable and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The anti-creep capability of metallic foams is important to structural applications at elevated temperatures. Currently, available creep models for opened-cell foam materials are usually derived by rather simplified meso-structural models. Here, we try to predict the creep properties of new fiber-reinforced closed-cell foams with more realistic 3D meso-structures. In the study, three-dimensional Voronoi structures are constructed to describe the inner structure of closed-cell foams, and reinforcing fibers are modeled by line segments penetrating through cell walls. Based on the recommended model, not only the steady creep strain rates of both the unreinforced and the reinforced foam materials are well predicted with considering the effects of temperature, stress, and relative density, but also the creep evolution features of metal foam are revealed from the meso-deformation behaviors. It is found that, at moderate temperature and stress, the creep rate of the fiber-reinforced metallic foam can also be well described by a power law with respect to the foam relative density. The influence of addition of fibers on the creep properties is parametrically studied and it is shown that addition of fibers has a positive effect on restricting the creep rate. It is observed that during creep, the stresses of cell walls are redistributed and become more homogeneous with time. When the creep rate of metallic foam reaches steady state depends on when the stresses of cell walls become homogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes hybrid reinforced aluminum matrix composites (GO-CNT/Al) were prepared by powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion. The strength of the composites was improved by the synergistic effect of carbon nanotubes, in-situ Al 4 C 3 and graphene oxide. Moreover, due to the partially recrystallization of Al matrix promoted by Al 4 C 3 , the matrix exhibits a bimodal grain distribution, which helps to enhance strain-hardening and consequently uniform tensile ductility at high flow stresses. Hence the bimodal grain structure of the matrix combined with the nano-reinforcements leads to enhancing of the strength and ductility synergy. The composite shows a high tensile strength of 249 MPa (175 MPa of pure Al) and keeps almost similar tensile ductility with pure Al (uniform elongation of ~23.1%). • The structure changes of graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes during ball milling were revealed. • The influence of reinforcement dimension on the strengthening mechanism of aluminum matrix composites was emphasized. • The balance between strength and ductility is achieved by different dimension reinforcements and bimodal grain distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High elongation aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by flake powder metallurgy, and densified by hot extrusion with a high extrusion ratio. After hot extrusion, fine and equiaxed grains were obtained in 2 wt% CNT/Al composite, and interfacial product (Al 4 C 3) as well as bridge-connected CNTs aligned along the extrusion direction were found both in 1 wt% CNT/Al and 2 wt% CNT/Al composites. Both composites obtained high elongation while their strength was enhanced. Especially the elongation of 2 wt% CNT/Al composite is comparable to that of pure Al prepared by the same method, which reached about 30%. The good ductility mainly attributes to firm interfacial combination between CNTs and matrix, fine and equiaxed grains formed by dynamic recrystallization during hot extrusion, and bridge-connected CNTs aligned along the extrusion direction. Unlabelled Image • CNT/Al composites and pure Al were fabricated by flake powder metallurgy • The dynamic recrystallization occurred in 2 wt% CNT/Al composite during hot extrusion • The elongation of 2 wt% CNT/Al composite is comparable to that of pure Al prepared by the same method • The bridge-connected CNTs is helpful to improve the elongation of composite [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]