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As a departure from previous research that takes social ventures as a distinct organizational type, this study investigates the relationship between the pro‐market institutions in a country and the degree of hybridity in social ventures, focusing on the dimension of organizational goals. Additionally, it examines the contingent effects of organizational activities, such as the novelty of market offering and the implementation of social performance measurement. Combining Global Entrepreneurship Monitor data in 2009 and 2015 with other cross‐national databases, we test our theoretical predictions using 3648 startup social ventures across 42 countries. We find that pro‐market institutions have an inverted U‐shaped effect on the degree of hybridity in social ventures. Furthermore, the novelty of market offering and social performance measurement attenuate the impact of pro‐market institutions on organizational hybridity by shifting the inverted U‐shape to relatively negative and linear. Through this cross‐level empirical exploration, we develop a richer explanation of organizational hybridity and contribute to the growing literature on social ventures and hybrid organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In order to study the dynamic characteristics and human‐induced vibration response of light steel foamed concrete composite floor (LCSF), the vibration characteristics of 4.2 m × 5 m LCSF model were tested under the condition of opposite side support, and the natural vibration frequency of LCSF was obtained. The orthogonal anisotropic elastic plate and the simulated beam element were used, respectively, to compute the natural vibration frequency of the LCSF, and the estimated findings were compared with those obtained from measurements. The discrepancy between the calculated results and the measured results of the approximate beam element using the natural vibration frequency calculation technique is around 13%, but the error for the plate element using the calculated results and the tested results is about 23%. To examine the floor's vibration response under the factors of step frequency, walking path, pedestrian density, and load distribution, the LCSF underwent a human‐induced vibration test. The test results show that the fundamental frequency of the LCSF specimen is about 11 Hz, which can meet the requirements of the specification. However, the vibration response of the LCSF specimen under different conditions of pedestrian load is significantly different. With the acceleration of step frequency and the increase and concentration of load, the floor's vibration response becomes more visible. In the route test, it is established that LCSF has the attribute of a unidirectional plate. The natural vibration frequency of similar floor slab can be calculated by the method of simulating the natural vibration frequency of beam element. The findings can serve as a guide for LCSF research and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐performance organic blue light‐emitting emitters is in urgent to act as an excitation source to contribute the white light generation. On the other hand, the investigation on optical waveguides have been received increasing attentions because they can manipulate the light propagation accurately in the microscale to boost the optoelectronic and energy conversion applications. In this work, we facilely prepared a deep‐blue aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) dye, namely TPP‐4OMe, which shows high luminescent efficiency, narrow emission band and good stability in the aggregate state. TPP‐4OMe can be fabricated as deep‐blue AIE microfibers readily with definite morphology and composition. Based on the AIE microfibers, the active waveguide to transmit deep‐blue emission signals can be achieved with a very low optical loss coefficient (α) of 6.7 × 10−3 dB μm−1. Meanwhile, the full‐visible broadband low‐loss passive waveguide can be well performed with these AIE microfibers, which has never been observed in the pure organic crystals. More interestingly, the excellent properties of AIE microfibers enable them to act as a wave‐guiding excitation source, resulting in a distinct and pure white light emission. The present work not only provides excellent blue light‐emitting materials but also bridges the waveguide to realize the efficient white light emission to accelerate the practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver fibrosis is caused by a variety of pathogenic factors. It is mainly characterized by chronic liver damage mediated by the imbalance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. If the injury factor cannot be removed for a long time, fibrosis will progress to cirrhosis or even cancer. The development of liver fibrosis is a very complex process which is related to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), oxidative stress, and cytokines produced by immune cells. At present, screening of substances with anti‐inflammatory activity from natural plant extracts has become a new research focus in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. Mulberry twig is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies have shown that mulberry twig has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, it is likely that Mulberry twig contains active substances with liver protection functions. The present study aimed to explore the effect of Mulberroside A (MulA), the main active ingredient from Mulberry twig, on acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in mice. MulA treatment could significantly alleviate the CCl4‐induced liver injury, as evidenced by histological analysis and Masson staining. However, we observed that MulA inhibited the expressions of collagen I and α‐SMA in livers of CCl4‐treated mice but did not directly inhibit the proliferation and activation of HSCs. Finally, we analyzed the anti‐inflammatory effect of MulA and demonstrated that it could markedly inhibit the pro‐inflammatory cytokines release in liver tissues and in cultured macrophages, thereby alleviating liver fibrosis. Our findings suggest MulA as a potential therapeutic candidate for liver injury and inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates that corporate philanthropy (CP) has dual attributes by theorizing and testing the existence of rational CP and irrational CP and their opposite effects on firm value. The empirical results show that rational CP has a positive effect on firm value, while irrational CP has a negative effect on firm value. Further analysis shows that the negative effect of irrational CP on firm value is stronger in firms with corporate foundations and in state‐owned firms. The findings can coordinate the theoretical contradiction and empirical divergence between the efficiency view and the agency view existing in the current research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) is an economically important crop worldwide. Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs) are responsible for yield losses in tobacco and other crops, such as tomato, potato, peanut, and soybean. Therefore, screening for resistance genes that can prevent RKN infestation and the associated damage is crucial. However, there is no report of cloning tobacco RKN resistance genes to date. Here, we cloned the tobacco RKN resistance gene NtRk1 from the resistant variety TI706, using rapid amplification of cDNA ends. NtRk1 has high homology with other RKN resistance genes (CaMi in pepper, Mi‐1.1 and Mi‐1.2 in tomato). Under normal conditions, NtRk1 was barely expressed in the roots; however, following RKN infection, its expression level rapidly increased. Overexpression of NtRk1 in the susceptible cultivar "Changbohuang" enhanced its resistance to Meloidogyne incognita, while RNA interference of NtRk1 in the resistant cultivar K326 resulted in its susceptibility to M. incognita. Moreover, compared with resistant variety K326, we found the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid contents of RNAi plants decreased after inoculation with M. incognita, and confirmed that the function of NtRk1 is related to these phytohormones. These findings indicate that NtRk1 is an RKN resistance gene, which is abundantly expressed in response to RKN infection and may enhance host defense responses by elevating salicylic acid and jasmonic acid levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Exhaled breath contains many substances that are closely related to human metabolism. Analysis of its composition is important for human health, but it is difficult. Since the volatile molecules in breath samples are exhaled instantaneously, easily diffused and modified, and at low level of presence, they are difficult to identify and quantify. Methods: A modified direct analysis in real time ion source was used for high‐resolution mass spectrometry measurement of human metabolites in exhaled breath through online monitoring and offline analysis, in both positive and negative ion modes. The improved system enabled the breath volatiles as well as condensates to be directly sampled, rapidly transmitted and efficiently ionized in a confined region, and then detected using an Orbitrap mass analyzer. Results: The molecular features with online and offline analysis of exhaled breath were demonstrated with obvious differences. A total of about 65 metabolites in positive ion mode and about 55 metabolites in negative ion mode were identified based on accurate m/z values. Exhalome profile and the composition proportion of different classes of compounds were obtained. The relative contents of metabolites from breath varied during different time periods throughout a day. Conclusions: A more complete picture of the human breath metabolome was provided combining the results obtained from both online and offline analysis. The developed method allows analysis of breath samples with different status rapidly and directly, and it features simple operation and metabolite identification, requiring little or no sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the role of volunteers' psychological capital and family concern in the effect of the authentic leadership and organization's climate on volunteering behavior in volunteer organizations. A questionnaire survey was used to investigate 945 college student volunteers from volunteer organizations in Chinese colleges at three time points. The results found that authentic leadership and the climate in the volunteer organization were significantly and positively related to volunteers' psychological capital and volunteering behavior, and family concern was significantly and positively related to authentic leadership in volunteer organizations and volunteers' psychological capital. Authentic leadership and climate in volunteer organizations positively affected volunteering behavior, not only directly but also indirectly, through the mediating role of volunteers' psychological capital. Moreover, family concern played a moderating role in the indirect effect of authentic leadership and the climate in volunteer organizations on volunteering behavior through volunteers' psychological capital. Specifically, when the college students' family concern increased, the positive indirect effect of the authentic leadership and climate in volunteer organizations on volunteering behavior through volunteers' psychological capital increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore potential factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new‐onset kidney disease among a Chinese elderly population, and to examine the relationships between baseline serum uric acid (SUA), longitudinal change in SUA and rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline over 5 years for this Chinese elderly population. Methods: A 5‐year follow‐up study was conducted from 2016 to 2020 in Xiamen City, China; and 2436 elderly people with normal kidney function at baseline was included. The multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new‐onset kidney disease. Results: The median age of subjects was 65 years, and 38.5% were men. These elderly people experienced a median 5‐year decrease in eGFR of 14.50 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 11.2% of them had developed new‐onset kidney disease after 5‐year follow‐up. Participants with elevated SUA change from the normal group to the hyperuricemia group witnessed the highest decrease of eGFR after a 5‐year follow‐up than other groups. Multivariate analysis found advanced age, female, elevated baseline SUA, elevated SUA change, hypertension and triglyceride–glucose index were risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new‐onset kidney disease. Conclusion: The Chinese elderly population was more likely to encounter rapid renal function decline and new‐onset kidney disease. A regular test for kidney disease was strongly recommended for these elderly people who were female, with advanced age, with elevated baseline SUA and elevated SUA change; and had high levels of insulin resistance, and blood pressure. The derived findings can offer significant evidence for targeted prevention for the Chinese elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 968–975. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of Chinese‐listed firms over the period 2007–2018, this study investigates the effect of corporate philanthropy (CP) on research and development (R&D) investment and the mechanisms involved. The results show that an inverted U‐shaped relationship exists between CP and R&D investment, suggesting that CP first has a crowding‐in effect and then a crowding‐out effect on R&D investment. Further mechanism analysis shows that the crowding‐in effect of CP on R&D investment is partly realized through the path of obtaining government subsidies and mitigating financing constraints, and the crowding‐out effect is partly the result of agency conflicts and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report carbon isotopic values in total organic carbon (TOC) and pyrogenic carbon (PyC) preserved in two sediment cores from the Ross Sea, Antarctica. The δ13C values of PyC ranged from −10.9‰ to −17.2‰, with distinct differences from the δ13C values of TOC (−24.1‰ to −26.1‰) in the sediments. The radiocarbon ages of PyC were 9,128 and 8,410 years old on average in the two cores but were thousands of years younger than the ages of TOC at the same core depth. These isotopic records provide strong evidence indicating that the PyC was produced from ancient wildfires predominantly in C4 vegetation and transported to Antarctica in the atmosphere. We suggest that ancient wildfires in predominantly C4 grasslands likely frequently occurred on a large scale and at a high intensity in the Southern Hemisphere during the last deglaciation to mid‐Holocene period of 14,800–4,200 years ago. Plain Language Summary: A large fraction of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) is produced from incomplete combustion of biomass fires on Earth and is widely distributed on land and in the oceans. This study presents the first evidence of both radiocarbon and stable carbon isotopes in the PyC preserved in the slope sediments of the Ross Sea in Antarctica. The results revealed that PyC accounted for a significant fraction (10.0%–28.0%) of the sedimentary total organic carbon (TOC) buried in the sediments, and both the Δ14C and δ13C values of PyC showed distinctive differences compared with those of TOC. The well‐defined δ13C (−10.9‰ to −17.2‰) and Δ14C (−415‰ to −843‰) values of PyC in the sediments revealed that in ancient times, PyC was produced from wildfires of C4 vegetation in the Southern Hemisphere and was transported in the atmosphere to Antarctica. The isotopic records of PyC preserved in the Ross Sea sediments provide meaningful evidence for environmental changes. Key Points: Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) constitutes a significant fraction of total organic carbon (TOC) preserved in sediment of the Ross Sea, AntarcticaDistinctive differences in both radiocarbon and stable carbon isotope values exist between PyC and TOC in the Ross Sea sedimentThe isotopic records indicated that the PyC was produced from ancient wildfires in C4 grasslands and transported to Antarctica in atmosphere [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) with 2D semiconductors as channel materials have been fabricated to achieve miniaturized size, high storage, and low power consumption. The FeFETs are studied based on few‐layer MoS2 sheets on the non‐lead Bi0.85La0.15Fe0.92Mn0.08O3 (BLFMO) ferroelectric films with a large remnant polarization (Pr ≈36 μC cm−2). In FeFETs, the conductivity states of the 2D semiconductor can be tuned by the ferroelectric polarization. It is found that the MoS2‐based FeFETs display a large memory windows exceeding 25 V, a high on/off ratio (>105), remarkable program/erase ratio (≈104), competitive retention, endurance, and high‐speed performance. Moreover, the 2D based FeFETs exhibit switchable multi‐bit data storage by applying different amplitudes of negative gate voltage pulses to enhance the data storage density. On the basis of these characteristics, the 2D‐FeFETs are potentially able to meet the need for scalability, capacity, retention, and endurance of nonvolatile memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results for the concentrations and radiocarbon (14C) compositions of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in water samples collected from a north‐south transect in the western North Pacific (NP) Ocean in November 2019 and compare our results with values previously reported for similar transects during the WOCE and CLIVAR projects decades ago. We show that the strong bomb 14C penetration signal in the upper waters has gradually been reduced and diluted by deep water depleted in 14C‐DIC over the last 30 years. The rate of decrease in Δ14C‐DIC values in surface waters was greater from 2005 to 2019 than from 1993 to 2005, and the rates of decrease from 2005 to 2019 were fastest (5.4–7.0‰ yr−1) between 25° and 32°N and slowest (2.1–2.8‰ yr−1) between 13°N and 16°N. The downwelling of the water mass could have accelerated the transport of bomb 14C in the NP subtropical gyre (25°–32°N). The different decadal changes in Δ14C‐DIC in the North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) from north to south prove that bomb 14C is transported southward to the southwestern NP and that the bomb 14C peak likely penetrates the ocean interior gradually. Changes in isopycnic circulation and advection diffusion in deep waters might have resulted in shifts in the baseline Δ14C‐DIC signature. Plain Language Summary: Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the ocean is the largest pool of exchangeable carbon in the world and plays dominant roles in the global carbon cycle. The North Pacific (NP) Ocean is an important, highly dynamic region that accounts for ∼25% of the annual CO2 global ocean sink from the atmosphere. To study the sources and cycling of DIC in the western NP, we measured radiocarbon, a powerful tracer, in DIC in water samples collected from 26 stations along a transect in the western NP in November 2019. We compared our results with data reported for similar transects in the NP sampled during the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) and the Climate Variation and Predictability Program (CLIVAR) decades ago. The large data set enables us to evaluate the decadal changes in DIC concentrations and radiocarbon compositions in the western NP and to gain fresh knowledge about the carbon cycles linked to water circulation and mixing processes in the western NP. Key Points: Strong bomb 14C signals are well mixed into the upper 200–500 m water depth through air‐sea exchange long a transect in the western NP OceanDistribution of radiocarbon in DIC in the Kuroshio Extension region was influenced strongly by Oyashio Currents carrying low Δ14C valuesBomb 14C penetration signal in the NP has been reduced and diluted by deep waters carrying depleted 14C‐DIC over the last 30 years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustained androgen receptor (AR) signaling and apoptosis evasion are among the main hurdles of castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treatment. We designed and synthesized isothiocyanate (ITC)‐containing hybrid AR antagonist (ITC‐ARi) and rationally combined ITC‐ARi with GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to efficiently downregulate AR/AR splice variant and induce ferroptosis in CRPC cells. The representative ITC‐ARi 13 is an AR ligand that contains an N‐acetyl cysteine‐masked ITC moiety and gradually releases parental unconjugated ITC 12b in aqueous solution. The in vitro anti‐PCa activities of 13, such as growth inhibition and AR downregulation, are significantly enhanced when combined with BSO. The drug combination caused notable lipid peroxidation and the cell viability was effectively rescued by iron chelator, antioxidants or the inhibitor of heme oxygenase‐1, supporting the induction of ferroptosis. 13 and BSO cooperatively downregulate AR and induce ferroptosis likely through increasing the accessibility of 13/12b to cellular targets, escalating free intracellular ferrous iron and attenuating GSH‐centered cellular defense and adaptation. Further studies on the combination of ITC‐ARi and GSH synthesis inhibitor could result in a new modality against CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing tumors are dynamic and nonlinear ecosystems, wherein cancer cells adapt to their local microenvironment, and these adaptations further modify the environment, inducing more changes. From nascent intraductal neoplasms to disseminated metastatic disease, several levels of evolutionary adaptations and selections occur. Here, we focus on one example of such an adaptation mechanism, namely, "niche construction" promoted by adaptation to acidosis, which is a metabolic adaptation to the early harsh environment in intraductal neoplasms. The avascular characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) make the periluminal volume profoundly acidic, and cancer cells must adapt to this to survive. Based on discovery proteomics, we hypothesized that a component of acid adaptation involves production of collagen by pre‐cancer cells that remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stabilizes cells under acid stress. The proteomic data were surprising as collagen production and deposition are commonly believed to be the responsibility of mesenchymally derived fibroblasts, and not cells of epithelial origin. Subsequent experiments in 3D culture, spinning disk and second harmonic generation microscopy of DCIS lesions in patients' samples are concordant. Collagen production assay by acid‐adapted cells in vitro demonstrated that the mechanism of induction involves the RAS and SMAD pathways. Secretome analyses show upregulation of ECM remodeling enzymes such as TGM2 and LOXL2 that are collagen crosslinkers. These data strongly indicate that acidosis in incipient cancers induces collagen production by cancer cells and support the hypothesis that this adaptation initiates a tumor‐permissive microenvironment promoting survival and growth of nascent cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative T/N stage with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in lower and middle rectal cancer patients and the impacts on clinical decision‐making. Patients and methods: A total of 211 patients were recruited from October 2015 to March 2017 in this retrospective study. High‐resolution MRI was performed within 2 weeks before surgery. Histopathologic results were evaluated for the postoperative T/N stage and the diagnostic accuracy of MRI was assessed according to the postoperative histopathologic results. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were evaluated for T/N staging and κ values were used to evaluate MRI consistent analysis compared with postoperative histopathologic staging. Results: The overall MRI diagnostic accuracy was 79.62% for T1‐4 staging and 54.50% for N0‐2 staging. The κ values were 0.619 and 0.255 for T1‐4 and N0‐2 staging, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision‐making was 80.57%. Conclusion: MRI allows a highly accurate preoperative assessment of T stage but only a fairly accurate preoperative assessment of N stage for rectal cancer. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision‐making is promising, but additional studies are needed to validate these findings in a larger sample size from multiple centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New immunotherapeutic approaches are urgently needed for metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, which is associated with poor survival and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) plays an essential role in the onset and development of rhabdomyosarcoma and is a new potential therapeutic target for rhabdomyosarcoma. The objective of this study was to generate humanized PDGFRA single-chain variable fragment-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells (CAR-T cells) against PDGFRA-positive rhabdomyosarcoma.Methods: PDGFRA antigen expression was evaluated in specimens from patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. CAR-T cells containing a PDGFRA-specific single-chain variable fragment was developed in combination with a 4-1BB costimulatory domain and a CD3-ζ signaling domain. Specific cytotoxic effects of PDGFRA CAR-T cells, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine secretion were investigated in vitro and in vivo.Results: PDGFRA CAR-T cells produced large amounts of immune-promoting cytokines, including interleukin 2, tumor necrosis factor α, and interferon γ, and exhibited efficient cytotoxic activity toward human PDGFRA-overexpressing rhabdomyosarcoma cells in vitro. In a subcutaneous xenograft model, CAR-T cells were more effective against PDGFRA-overexpressing rhabdomyosarcoma than against rhabdomyosarcoma with low PDGFRA expression in terms of tumor regression and patient survival. Expanded CAR-T cells also were detected in peripheral blood.Conclusions: The current study demonstrates for the first time that the PDGFRA antigen is a promising target for CAR-T-cell therapy in rhabdomyosarcoma and likely in a wide spectrum of other PDGFRA-expressing cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To systematically assess the clinical efficacy and safety of leflunomide for treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until 1 January, 2018, to include relevant studies in this single‐arm meta‐analysis. Psoriasis improvement was evaluated using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. The primary outcome in patients was assessed using the Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC). Other effectiveness evaluations included those of adverse events, quality of life including functional status (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] total score), and a quality‐of‐life instrument for dermatologic diseases (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] total score). Results: A total of 6 studies were included. After leflunomide treatment, 48% of the patients experienced a reduction of ≥50% based on PASI scores (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22‐0.73). PASI 75 improvement was observed among 25% of the patients (95% CI: 0.11‐0.38). The primary effectiveness analysis revealed that 15% of the patients (95% CI: 0.07‐0.26) discontinued leflunomide treatment. Further, 77% of the patients (95% CI: 0.59‐0.92) achieved a PsARC response. Adverse events occurred in 38% of the patients (95% CI: 0.04‐0.71). The mean ± SD percentage PASI improvement was −4.88 (95% CI: −8.92, −0.85). Moreover, DLQI and HAQ were −2.02 (95% CI: −3.01, −1.03) and −0.19 (95% CI: −0.29, −0.09), respectively. Conclusions: Leflunomide is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment for PsA, and would be a safe and convenient option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) resins are widely used in many sectors of the industry due to excellent mechanical properties, low temperature resistance, heat resistance, and chemical resistance. However, its flammability constitutes a key limitation in their applications. Consequently, development of flame‐retarding ABS resins is imperative. Herein, we report a novel synergistic system composed of Mg–Al–Co–layered double hydroxides (LDHs) prepared via a co‐precipitation method, and [4‐(diphenoxy‐phosphorylamino)‐6‐phenyl‐[l,3,5] triazin‐2‐y1]‐phosphoramidic acid diphenyl ester (DPCPB), a novel intumescent flame retardant. The properties of the as‐prepared LDHs/DPCPB/ABS composites are evaluated using standard combustion performance tests including limiting oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning test (UL‐94). Novel ABS resins with the composition of ABS/DPCPB = 100/25 and ABS/DPCPB/LDHs = 100/2l/4 exhibit higher LOIs, 23.9 and 24.7, respectively, compared to 18.1 for the pure ABS. Meanwhile, they meet the V‐2 and A‐1 level, respectively, in UL‐94 tests. Moreover, the prepared composites exert flame‐retarding effects in gas phase and condensed phase simultaneously. Our results reveal synergistic effects between Mg–Al–Co–LDHs and DPCPB for the flame retardation of ABS resins. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46319. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study explores the role of bank connections as an important informal institution in debt contracting. Drawing on a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2004 to 2012, we find that bank connections, established through personal networks, asymmetrically affect the speed of leverage adjustment. Bank connections can reduce the marginal costs of leverage adjustment for under‐levered firms. We further find that such connections are especially important for firms with low levels of collateral and young firms, in areas with relatively underdeveloped financial markets, during periods of tight monetary policy, and when there is little competition in the banking industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel structure-based drag model was proposed to study the hydrodynamics of bubbling fluidized beds (BFBs) operated with ultrafine cohesive particles by considering local heterogeneous flow structures. Firstly, a local structure parameters model capturing the internal flow structures of the studied system was built by balance equations and empirical formulas and the solutions (i.e. local structure parameters) of this model solved by global search algorithm were evaluated in terms of hydrodynamics, energy consumption, and voidage. Then the local structure parameters were employed to derive the structure-based drag model. Lastly, three drag models (i.e. the structure-based drag model, Gidaspow model, and Syamlal-O'Brien model) were investigated and incorporated separately into the two-fluid model, where the simulation results were also separately compared with available experimental data. The comparison shows that Gidaspow and Syamlal-O'Brien drag models failed to predict the solid volume fraction profiles. However, the error analysis results of the structure-based drag model indicate the average absolute relative error of solid volume fraction in the radial direction is 7.04 % and 5.64 % at the height of 0.1 m and 0.2 m respectively, which exhibits promising predictions. Thus, it is feasible to simulate the BFBs with cohesive particles through the combination of the structure-based drag model with the two-fluid model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The IntraVAD is a miniature intra-aortic ventricular assist device (VAD) designed to work in series with the compromised left ventricle. A reverse-rotation control (RRc) mode has been developed to increase myocardial perfusion and reduce ventricular volume. The RRc mode includes forward rotation in systole and reverse rotation in diastole, which requires the IntraVAD to periodically reverse its rotational direction in synchrony with the cardiac cycle. This periodic reversal leads to changes in pressure force over the impeller, which makes the entire system less stable. To eliminate the mechanical wear of a contact bearing and provide active control over the axial position of the rotor, a miniature magnetically levitated bearing (i.e., the PM-Coil module) composed of two concentric permanent magnetic (PM) rings and a pair of coils-one on each side-was proposed to provide passive radial and active axial rotor stabilization. In the early design stage, the numerical finite element method (FEM) was used to optimize the geometry of the brushless DC (BLDC) motor and the maglev module, but constructing a new model each time certain design parameters were adjusted required substantial computation time. Because the design criteria for the module had to be modified to account for the magnetic force produced by the motor and for the hemodynamic changes associated with pump operation, a simplified analytic expression was derived for the expected magnetic forces. Suitable bearings could then be designed capable of overcoming these forces without repeating the complicated FEM simulation for the motor. Using this method at the initial design stage can inform the design of the miniature maglev BLDC motor for the proposed pulsatile axial-flow VAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO-based photodetectors (PDs) have long response times at magnitude of tens to hundreds of seconds, hampering their practical UV detection. The slow oxygen chemisorption/desorption process is the main cause of the slow response of UV PDs based on single ZnO nanowires (NWs). Here, the authors find the response speed of ZnO NW-based UV PDs could be improved by directly fabricating UV PDs on entangled ZnO NW array grown on SiO2 through a catalyst-free chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Specifically, the interconnections in ZnO NW array creates NW-NW junction barriers, which dominate the inter-wire charge transport. The switching of UV illumination induces fast tuning of NW-NW junction barrier height, which contributes to the enhanced response speed of the ZnO NW array UV PDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work, the shear and elongational rheologies have been investigated for a newly developed oil displacing agent, polymeric surfactant-PSf. It was found that the PSf solutions exhibited Newtonian, shear-thinning, and shear-thickening behavior, respectively, depending on the polymer concentration and shear rate, and Cox-Merz rule was not applicable to these systems. The first normal stress difference ( N1) versus shear rate plots for PSf were complicated, which varied with the composition of the solutions. The uniaxial elongation in capillary breakup experimental results indicated that Exponential model could be used to fit the experimental data of the PSf solutions at lower polymer concentrations. In addition, it was found that PSf was more effective in improving shear viscosity than partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, but not in the case of elongational viscosity. The experimental results indicated that the microstructural mechanisms are responsible for the rheological behavior of the polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40813. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out with the high-affinity multifunctional D2/D3 agonist D-512 to explore its potential neuroprotective effects in models of Parkinson's disease and the potential mechanism(s) underlying such properties. Pre-treatment with D-512 in vitro was found to rescue rat adrenal Pheochromocytoma PC12 cells from toxicity induced by 6-hydroxydopamine administration in a dose-dependent manner. Neuroprotection was found to coincide with reductions in intracellular reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. In vivo, pre-treatment with 0.5 mg/kg D-512 was protective against neurodegenerative phenotypes associated with systemic administration of MPTP, including losses in striatal dopamine, reductions in numbers of DAergic neurons in the substantia nigra ( SN), and locomotor dysfunction. These observations strongly suggest that the multifunctional drug D-512 may constitute a novel viable therapy for Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coordination polymers, [Mn(tda)(bimb)0.5] n ( 1) and [Mn(obb)(bimb)] n ( 2) [H2tda = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid, H2obb = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid) and bimb = 1,4-bis(1-imidazol-yl)-2,5-dimethyl benzene], were hydrothermally synthesized by reactions of MnII salt with a rigid ligand 1,4-bis(1-imidazol-yl)-2,5-dimethyl benzene and dicarboxylate ligands. Complex 1 exhibits an unusual binodal (3,7)-connected three-dimensional (3D) architecture with point symbol (44.617).(63). Complex 2 is a three-dimensional structure with pcu topology. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of complexes 1 and 2 are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selective release system was demonstrated with a dual-cargo loaded MSNs. When stimulated by different signals (UV or H+), this system could selectively release different kinds of cargoes individually. Furthermore, this system has been used to provide a combination of chemotherapy and biotherapy for cancer treatment. This controlled release system could be an important step in the development of more effective and sophisticated nanomedicine and nanodevices, due to the possibility of selective release of a complex multi-drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis In our study we investigated the radioprotective effect of resveratrol (RES) in a murine model of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. Study Design Ninety-six Institute of Cancer Research mice were randomly divided into four groups: solvent (group I), RES treated (group II; 20mg/kg/d), 15 Gy irradiation with solvent treatment (group III), and 15 Gy irradiation with RES treatment (group IV; 15 Gy and 20 mg/kg/d RES). RES (group II and IV) was administered intraperitoneally 3 days prior to irradiation through the conclusion of the experiment. Methods Saliva and submandibular gland tissues were obtained for biochemical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and Western blot analyses at 8 hours, 24 hours, and 30 days after localized irradiation. Results Radiation caused a reduction of saliva secretion, salivary amylase activity, superoxide dismutase, and an elevation of malondialdehyde. Administration of RES reversed the reduction of saliva secretion induced by irradiation and restored salivary amylase and superoxide dismutase activity. In addition, RES could inhibit increases in transforming growth factor-β1 expression induced by radiation. Conclusions RES can protect salivary glands against the negative effects of irradiation and has great potential as a treatment for successful radiotherapy in clinical practice. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 123:E23-E29, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty is represented not only by objective well-being indicators which include income and consumption levels, but also by subjective indicators which reflect what a person feels. It is estimated in this article that the incidence of subjective well-being poverty (SWP) among the Chinese rural elderly population in 2006 was 9.7 per cent, about 4.2 times as much as that of the country's total rural population in the same year, which was 2.3 per cent. Over 16 per cent of the rural elderly population and 11.5 per cent of the urban elderly population rated their life satisfaction as poor or very poor. In terms of SWP, senior citizens, especially those who live in rural areas or who are women or very aged, have become a special group among the poor in China. This article suggests that China's social policies for the new stage take into account the issue of absolute poverty and also that of SWP. A multi-dimensional strategy system targeting the issue of poverty needs to be established, and a policy system to address poverty reduction as well as old age security and care should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this paper, a robust low‐power power‐on‐reset (POR) circuit with dual threshold method is proposed. The current‐based circuit exhibits good robustness with respect to process, voltage, temperature, and supply ramp variations. In contrast to conventional delay‐based pulse generation approaches, a dual threshold method is introduced to generate POR and brown‐out‐reset (BOR) pulse signals, resulting in ultralow quiescent current and a compact area. Implemented in the 55‐nm CMOS process, the proposed circuit achieves an accurate trigger‐point voltage with a temperature coefficient of 90.4 ppm/°C and a deviation to the ramp time of 2.9% for a range from 100 μs to 1 s. Furthermore, the quiescent current and active area are 0.3 nA and 4834 μm2, respectively, making it particularly suitable for energy harvesting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title compound, {(C(6)H(16)N)[Zn(C(6)H(4)N(3))(3)]}(n), the Zn(II) atom has a distorted tetra-hedral geometry defined by four N atoms from four benzotriazolate (BTA) ligands. The compound is composed of extended polymeric chains in which two BTA N atoms bridge [Zn(BTA)(2)] fragments along [001]. Cations and anions are linked by N-H⋯N hydrogen-bond inter-actions along [010].