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Suction caisson is a new offshore wind power foundation structure developed in recent years. Understanding its penetration characteristics is crucial to the successful application. A field test was conducted in the eastern waters of Rudong, Jiangsu Province, China, to investigate the penetration process of suction caisson. The test results demonstrate that suction caisson can penetrate smoothly to a predetermined elevation of seabed soil under the complex environmental loads, such as natural wind and wave currents. The inclination of the caisson is only 0.018° once the penetration process is complete. The pore water pressure at the outer skirt is primarily influenced by the tide level and drainage conditions of the contact soil layer during penetration, and the peak effective interface pressure at the skirt-soil interface decreases by about 46.7% due to negative pressure inside the skirt. Frictional fatigue effects are found at the skirt-soil interfaces. Meanwhile, the seepage reduction and squeezing induced resistance effects at the skirt-soil interface are the leading causes for the different distributions of effective interface pressure between the inner and outer skirts of the caisson. The findings of this study can guide the future penetration of suction caisson under challenging geological circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing energy use and carbon emissions in the transportation industry, its impact on the greenhouse effect is gradually being recognized. Therefore, this study aims to explore the achievement of carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality in transportation through prediction. The research employs a deep learning model, the CNN-GRU-Attention model, to predict carbon emissions in the transportation industry in Jiangsu, China. We select influencing factors through an extended STIRPAT model coupled with Lasso regression, and construct the CNN-GRU-Attention traffic carbon emission prediction model according to data indicators from 1995 to 2021. The model predicts carbon emissions from the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province between 2022 and 2035 under six distinct scenarios and proposes corresponding emission reduction strategies. The results show that the model in this study has higher prediction accuracy compared with other models, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.061582, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.085025, and R2 of 0.91609 on the test set. Scenario-based predictions reveal that emission peak in the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province can be achieved under the clean development and comprehensive low-carbon scenarios, with technological innovation being the primary driver of low-carbon emission reductions. This study provides a novel approach for forecasting carbon emissions from the transportation industry and explores the implementation path of emission peak through this method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the potential benefits of using various structural types of cemented soil, including block-type, column-type, and wall-type, to reinforce the active zone behind a quay wall were investigated by experimental and numerical methods. The response of the quay wall and ground was analysed from aspects of soil movement, quay wall displacement, lateral earth pressure, and bending moment, and a close agreement between the experimental and numerical results was observed. Experimental and numerical results showed that the cemented soil effectively prevented potential deep soil sliding, and then lateral displacement of the quay wall and ground deformation was reduced. Among various structural patterns, the case with the block-type cemented soil exhibited smaller lateral earth pressure on the quay wall, while the case with the wall-type cemented soil more effectively reduced the bending moments and lateral displacements of the quay wall; therefore, wall-type cemented soil seems to be more favourable considering their improved performance under the same load intensities and excavation depth. This research provides a hint and guideline for the preliminary design of cemented soil-stabilised sheet pile quay structures in soft clay based on the lateral load-reduction effect of the varying structural types of the cemented soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials and their heterostructures exhibit considerable potential in the development of avalanche photodetectors (APDs) with high gain, response, and signal‐to‐noise ratio. These materials hold promise in addressing inherent technical challenges associated with APDs, such as low light absorption coefficient, elevated noise current, and substantial power consumption due to high bias resulting in only moderate current gain. In this work, a macro‐assembled graphene nanofilm (nMAG)/epitaxial silicon (epi‐Si) vertical heterostructure photodetector with a responsivity of 0.38 A W−1 and a response time of 1.4 µs is reported. The photodetectors use high‐quality nMAG as the absorption layer and a lightly‐doped epi‐Si layer as the multiplication region under the avalanche mode to provide a high responsivity (2.51 mA W−1) and detectivity (2.67 × 109 Jones) at 1550 nm, which can achieve high‐resolution imaging. In addition, the APD displays a weak noise level and an avalanche gain of M = 1123. It can work with relatively low avalanche turn‐on voltages and achieve self‐quenching by switching from illumination to dark during avalanche multiplication, with a real‐time data transfer rate of 38 Mbps in near‐infrared light communication data links. The proposed structure enables the fabrication of high‐performance APDs in the infrared range using complementary‐metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stretchable electronics have experienced remarkable progress, especially in sensors and wireless communication systems, attributed to their ability to conformably contact with rough or uneven surfaces. However, the development of complex, multifunctional, and high‐precision stretchable electronics faces substantial challenges, including instability at rigid‐soft interfaces and incompatibility with traditional high‐precision patterning technologies. Metallized electrospun nanofibers emerge as a promising conductive filler, offering exceptional stretchability, electrical conductivity, transparency, and compatibility with existing patterning technologies. Here, this review focuses on the fundamental properties, preparation processes, patterning technologies, and application scenarios of conductive stretchable composites based on metallized nanofibers. Initially, it introduces the fabrication processes of metallized electrospun nanofibers and their advantages over alternative materials. It then highlights recent progress in patterning technologies, including collector collection, vapor deposition with masks, and lithography, emphasizing their role in enhancing precision and integration. Furthermore, the review shows the broad applicability and potential influence of metallized electrospun nanofibers in various fields through their use in sensors, wireless systems, semiconductor devices, and intelligent healthcare solutions. Ultimately, this review seeks to spark further innovation and address the prevailing challenges in stretchable electronics, paving the way for future breakthroughs in this dynamic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution‐based methods for fabricating all‐inorganic perovskite film arrays often suffer from limited control over nucleation and crystallization, resulting in poor homogeneity and coverage. To improve film quality, advanced vapor deposition techniques are employed for continuous film. Here, the vapor deposition strategy to the all‐inorganic perovskite films array, enabling area‐selective deposition of perovskite through substrate modulation is expanded. It can yield a high‐quality perovskite film array with different pixel shapes, various perovskite compositions, and a high resolution of 423 dpi. The resulting photodetector arrays exhibit remarkable optoelectronic performance with an on/off ratio of 13 887 and responsivity of 47.5 A W−1. The device also displays long‐term stability in a damp condition for up to 12 h. Moreover, a pulse monitoring sensor based on the perovskite films array demonstrates stable monitoring for pulse signals after being worn for 12 h and with a low illumination of 0.055 mW cm−2, highlighting the potential application in wearable optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an expectation management policy, central bank communication can affect corporate market expectations, thus effectively guiding corporate investment and financing behavior. Based on the quarterly data of non-financial listed enterprises from 2007 to 2020, this paper analyzes the relationship between central bank communication and non-financial corporate leverage differentiation. The results show that central bank communication can reduce corporate leverage differentiation. The increase in the degree of bank credit discrimination can further amplify the inhibitory effect of central bank loose communication on the leverage differentiation of non-financial enterprises. The mechanism analysis shows that central bank communication can affect the leverage differentiation of non-financial enterprises by reducing financial mismatches, stabilizing the market expectation mechanism, and reducing managers' myopia. The results of the extended analysis show that the central bank's loose communication can inhibit the degree of leverage differentiation between zombie firms and non-zombie firms, and improve the dynamic adjustment speed of corporate capital structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the greatest defense organ of the body, the skin is exposed to endogenous and external stressors that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). When the antioxidant system of the body fails to eliminate ROS, oxidative stress is initiated, which results in skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer. Two main possible mechanisms underlie oxidative stress-induced skin cellular senescence, inflammation, and cancer. One mechanism is that ROS directly degrade biological macromolecules, including proteins, DNA, and lipids, that are essential for cell metabolism, survival, and genetics. Another one is that ROS mediate signaling pathways, such as MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, Nrf2, and SIRT1/FOXO, affecting cytokine release and enzyme expression. As natural antioxidants, plant polyphenols are safe and exhibit a therapeutic potential. We here discuss in detail the therapeutic potential of selected polyphenolic compounds and outline relevant molecular targets. Polyphenols selected here for study according to their structural classification include curcumin, catechins, resveratrol, quercetin, ellagic acid, and procyanidins. Finally, the latest delivery of plant polyphenols to the skin (taking curcumin as an example) and the current status of clinical research are summarized, providing a theoretical foundation for future clinical research and the generation of new pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The strategic development of reverse logistics networks is crucial for addressing the common challenge of low recovery rates for end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) in China. To minimize the total cost of the reverse logistics network for ELVs, this paper proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The model considers the recycling volume of different vehicle types, facility processing capacity, and the proportions of parts and materials. Building on this foundation, a fuzzy mixed-integer nonlinear programming (FMINLP) model is developed to account for the inherent uncertainty associated with recycling volumes and facility processing capacities. The model was solved using Lingo, and its effectiveness was validated using Jiangsu Province of China as a case study, followed by a sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that dismantling and machining centers incur the highest processing costs. Variations in recycling volume and facility handling capacity significantly impact total costs and site selection, with the former having a more pronounced effect. Increasing facility processing capacity effectively increases the recovery rate. Moreover, a higher confidence level corresponds to higher total costs and a greater demand for facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels largely determine pulmonary fibrosis. Antioxidants have been found to ameliorate lung fibrosis after long-term paraquat (PQ) exposure. The effects of antioxidants, however, on the signalling pathways involved in PQ-induced lung fibrosis have not yet been investigated sufficiently. Here, we examined the impacts of ligustrazin on lung fibrosis, in particular ROS-related autophagy and pro-fibrotic signalling pathways, using a murine model of PQ-induced lung fibrosis. Methods We explored the effects of microRNA-193 (miR-193a) on Hedgehog (Hh) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling and oxidative stress in lung tissues. Levels of miR-193a, protein kinase B (Akt), phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K), ceclin1, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sonic hedgehog (SHH), myosin-like Bcl2 interacting protein (LC3), smoothened (Smo), and glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli-1) mRNAs were determined with quantitative real-time PCR. Protein levels of PI3K, p-mTOR, p-Akt, SHH, beclin1, gGli-1, LC3, smo, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against DPP homologue-2 (Smad2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) nuclear factor erythroid 2p45-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and p-Smad2 were detected by western blotting. In addition, α-SMA, malondialdehyde, ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidised and reduced glutathione, hydroxyproline, and overall collagen levels were identified in lung tissues using immunohistochemistry. Results Long-term PQ exposure blocked miR-193a expression, reduced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling, increased oxidative stress, inhibited autophagy, increased Hh signalling, and facilitated the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. Ligustrazin blocked PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling as well as reduced oxidative stress via increasing miR-193a expression and autophagy, all of which reduced pulmonary fibrosis. These effects of ligustrazin were accompanied by reduced TGF-β1, CTGF, and Collagen I and III expression. Conclusions Ligustrazin blocked PQ-induced PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Hh signalling by increasing miR-193a expression, thereby attenuating PQ-induced lung fibrosis.

In this study, ultrasonic-assisted cellulase extraction (UCE) was applied to extract flavonoids and polyphenols from the Nymphaea hybrid flower. The extraction conditions were optimized using the response surface method (RSM) coupled with a Box-Behnken design. The crude extract of Nymphaea hybrid (NHE) was further purified using AB-8 macroporous resins, and the purified extract (NHEP) was characterized by FTIR and HPLC. In vitro activity determination by chemical method showed that NHEP displayed strong free radical scavenging abilities against the DPPH and ABTS radicals, good reduction power, and hyaluronidase inhibition. The cell viability by CCK-8 assays showed that NHEP had no significant cytotoxicity for B16 and HaCaT cells when the concentration was below 100 μg/mL and 120 μg/mL, respectively. NHEP with a concentration of 20–160 μg/mL can more effectively reduce the ROS level in H2O2 damaged HaCaT cells compared with 10 μg/mL of VC. The 40 μg/mL of NHEP had similar activity against intracellular melanin production in the B16 melanoma cells compared with 20 μg/mL Kojic acid. Good activities of antioxidation, whitening and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage promote the potential for NHEP as a functional raw material in the field of cosmetics and medicine.