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Approximation frameworks for phase-field models of brittle fracture are presented and compared in this work. Such methods aim to address the computational cost associated with conducting full-scale simulations of brittle fracture in heterogeneous materials where material parameters, such as fracture toughness, can vary spatially. They proceed by combining a dimension reduction with learning between function spaces. Two classes of approximations are considered. In the first class, deep learning models are used to perform regression in ad hoc latent spaces. PCA-Net and Fourier neural operators are specifically presented for the sake of comparison. In the second class of techniques, statistical sampling is used to approximate the forward map in latent space, using conditioning. To ensure proper measure concentration, a reduced-order Hamiltonian Monte Carlo technique (namely, probabilistic learning on manifold) is employed. The accuracy of these methods is then investigated on a proxy application where the fracture toughness is modeled as a non-Gaussian random field. It is shown that the probabilistic framework achieves comparable performance in the L2 sense while enabling the end-user to bypass the art of defining and training deep learning models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide 66 was extensively utilized in various applications contributed by its excellent mechanical performance and outstanding durability. However, its high crystallinity renders it to have low transparency, which seriously limits its application in optical devices. Herein, a highly transparent polyamide (PA) 66-based copolymer was reported using 4,4′-diaminodicyclohexylmethane (PACM), adipic acid, and polyamide 66 salt as the reaction monomers. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) analysis revealed that the crystal phase of the synthesized PA66/PACM6 displayed a clear transition from α to γ as the PACM6 increased accompanied by a decreased intensity in the diffraction peak of the copolymer, whose transmittance was successfully adjusted reaching as high as 92.5% (at 550 nm) when the PACM6 was 40 wt%. Moreover, the copolymer with a higher content of PACM6 exhibited larger toughness. On the other hand, the biaxially oriented films of PA66/PACM6 (20 wt%) were also prepared, and it was found that the transparency of the PA66/PACM6 copolymer could be further enhanced via adjusting the stretching ratio of the film. Furthermore, the mechanical strength of the biaxially oriented PA66/PACM6 was also improved with the increase in the orientation degree in the stretching process, indicating that the physical properties of the transparent PA66 were significantly influenced by its alicyclic structure, and the introduction of PACM into PA66 was capable of effectively improving the optical and crystalline characteristics of PA66, revealing that the synthetic strategy has great potential for guiding the design and development of transparent polyamide materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFor thermosetting resins the degree of cross-linking plays a crucial role in the dielectric properties of the resin. In our previous works we confirmed this by simulating the relationship between the dielectric properties of poly(2-(4-benzocyclobutenyl)-divinylbenzene (DVB-S-BCB)) and the degree of cross-linking. In our research described here, we constructed a novel random copolymer with all-hydrocarbon structure based on poly(DVB-S-BCB) by introducing styrene (St) as the second polymerization monomer, thus controlling the number of cross-linking sites in the polymer. The effect of changes in St monomer content (number of cross-linking points) in the polymer chains, i.e. DVB-S-BCB and St, on the dielectric properties of the cured resins was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results showed that increasing the St monomer content in the copolymer, decreasing the cross-linking points, led to an increase in the dielectric constant of the cured resin, in addition to which the copolymer exhibited excellent thermo-mechanical properties. We also tested resin samples prepared by the experimental method and compared them with the simulated data, confirming the reliability of the results within acceptable error limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cooling performance of heat reflective coatings (HRC) for pavement applications has attracted wide attention. In this study, the cooling performance and bond strength of HRC were investigated and the attenuation pattern associated with the skid resistance of specimens sprayed with different amounts of HRC coating was examined based on four-wheel wear test. Furthermore, an asymptotic model associated with the attenuation of the HRC's skid resistance was developed for investigating the effects of anti-slip particle gradation and dosage as well as HRC dosage on the skid resistance. The results show that the cooling performance and bond strength of HRC (sprayed amount: 0.8 kg/m2) are 12.4 °C and 1.75 MPa, respectively, and the skid resistance of HRC sprayed with different amounts of HRC was stabilised at approximately 48 BPN after 150,000 abrasion cycles. The attenuation pattern of the skid resistance of the skid-resistant HRC (SHRC) fitted well with the developed asymptotic model, showing a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.99 and an error of less than 5% from the test value. Anti-slip particle gradation (G4), anti-slip particle dosage (0.6 kg/m2) and HRC dosage (0.6 kg/m2) were selected based on the stable value of the skid resistance, and SHRC was developed for pavement applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Beta-transducin repeat-containing proteins (β-TrCPs) are a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and function in many cellular processes to maintain protein homeostasis. Mounting evidence suggests that β-TrCPs are aberrantly upregulated in cancer tissues and are potential targets for cancer treatment. Although extensive studies have been performed to understand the mode of regulation of their substrates and its biological consequences, little attention has been paid to the mechanisms of the regulation of β-TrCPs themselves. The current review is focused on the modulation of β-TrCPs' activities and the implications for cancer treatment. Beta-transducin repeat-containing proteins (β-TrCPs) are E3-ubiquitin-ligase-recognizing substrates and regulate proteasomal degradation. The degradation of β-TrCPs' substrates is tightly controlled by various external and internal signaling and confers diverse cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and DNA damage response. In addition, β-TrCPs function to regulate transcriptional activity and stabilize a set of substrates by distinct mechanisms. Despite the association of β-TrCPs with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, studies on the mechanisms of the regulation of β-TrCPs' activity have been limited. In this review, we studied publications on the regulation of β-TrCPs themselves and analyzed the knowledge gaps to understand and modulate β-TrCPs' activity in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The article aims to study the demographics and clinical characteristics of ocular trauma patients presenting to the Eye Casualty Clinic between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 era in Ampang Hospital, Malaysia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of patients presented with ocular trauma injury to the Ampang Hospital during the COVID-19 era from 18 March 2020 to 17 September 2020 were retrieved and compared with the similar period of the previous non-COVID-19 era year. Results: Among the total number of 453 patients, 76.82% (n = 348) were predominantly males. The commonest age group was between 21 years old--40 years old (49.45%, n = 224), and the commonest location of ocular trauma injury occurred at the workplace (38.19%, n = 173); welding was the commonest work-related injury (13.83% in 2019; 12.50% in 2020). Injury-to-treatment time was significantly longer during the COVID-19 era, where patients who sought treatment within a day of injury were 27.27% (n = 69) in 2019 and 18.50% (n = 37) in 2020 (P = 0.030). During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with vision worse than 6/60 on presentation were higher at 8% compared with 3.56% before the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.48; P = 0.047). Similarly, patients with a vision worse than 6/60 post-treatment during the COVID-19 period were significantly higher at 7.00% compared with 1.58% before the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 4.72; 95% CI: 1.53, 14.62; P = 0.007). Conclusion: The majority of ocular trauma cases in this study population were male adults between 21 years old and 40 years old, and welding was the commonest work-related injury. COVID-19 era has a higher percentage of patients presented with severe visual impairment, longer injury-to-treatment time and poorer post-treatment visual outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold recycling method minimizes the need for aggregates while building roads and has significant economic and environmental benefits. The cold recycled mixture's inadequate mechanical strength, however, is a significant flaw. This article presents the strength increase equation after first analyzing the increasing law of the mechanical strength of the emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixture. The mechanical strength, high-temperature performance and low-temperature performance of emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixture have all been examined after the use of cement and fiber. The reinforcing effect of the fiber is also confirmed through field testing. Studies have shown that after 48 h, the mechanical properties of the emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixture become stable, and the increase is small. The correlation between the proposed strength growth equation and the laboratory test results reaches 0.99. With the addition of 1.5% cement, the high-temperature performance and low-temperature performance of asphalt mixture can be improved by 33% and 18%, respectively. The 0.4% of fiber can improve the high-temperature performance and low-temperature performance of asphalt mixture by 6% and 19%, respectively. Analyze the effect of cement and fiber on the performance of the emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixture, and choose the optimal content of cement and emulsified asphalt to be 1.5% and 0.4%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anticancer drug resistance is a significant impediment in current cancer treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cancer cells were recently acknowledged as a critical mechanism of drug resistance, tumor progression, and metastasis. EVs are enveloped vesicles comprising a lipid bilayer that transfers various cargo, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites, from an originating cell to a recipient cell. Investigating the mechanisms whereby EVs confer drug resistance is still in the early stages. In this review, I analyze the roles of EVs derived from triple-negative breast cancer cells (TNBC-EVs) in anticancer drug resistance and discuss strategies to overcome TNBC-EV-mediated drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The calculation method of asphalt film thickness was proposed by considering the specific surface area of coarse and fine aggregates [computed tomography (CT) and Blaine test methods] and the wrapping effect of fine particles (<0.075 mm) on the aggregates to investigate the optimal asphalt dosage of asphalt mixtures. The effect of asphalt film thickness on the pavement performance of asphalt mixtures was studied. The optimal asphalt film thickness determination method for asphalt mixtures is proposed based on the pavement performance. The study shows that the asphalt film thickness of 4.4 μm has the best high-temperature performance. The higher the asphalt film thickness, the better its low-temperature performance, water stability, and fatigue performance. The optimal asphalt film thickness is selected according to the performance requirements of the asphalt mixture in different structural layers and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) remains to be fully deciphered, skin barrier abnormality and immune dysregulation are known to be involved. Recently, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of this multifactorial chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Previously, we showed that a novel tetrapeptide, N-acetyl-Arg-Leu-Tyr-Glu (Ac-RLYE), inhibits angiogenesis and vascular permeability effectively by selectively antagonizing VEGFR-2. The current study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effect of Ac-RLYE on AD in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that Ac-RLYE inhibited VEGF-induced vascular permeability in endothelial cells. Moreover, in an in vivo animal model of AD, Ac-RLYE relieved AD-like symptoms such as ear thickness and dermatitis severity scores and infiltration of immune cells, including mast cells and eosinophils. Ac-RLYE inhibited IgE secretion, restored the skin barrier protein filaggrin level, and markedly downregulated gene expression of AD-related Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ac-RLYE would be useful for the treatment of AD and associated inflammatory skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and intractable malignancy. Although a high-level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a distinct feature of TNBC, targeting EGFR has not been successful yet. Here, we described a combination of the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib and IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor IKK16 (Gefitinib+IKK16) as a potential therapeutic approach to treat TNBC. The combination of these drugs resulted in reduced cell viability and survival in TNBC cells in vitro. Mechanistically, several components of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were further downregulated by drug combination compared with single-agent treatments. Gene expression analysis revealed that several NF-κB/RELA targets were suppressed, and a couple of tumor suppressor genes were induced by the drug combination. Taken together, targeting IKK may potentiate EGFR inhibition in TNBC. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains as an intractable malignancy with limited therapeutic targets. High expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis of TNBC; however, EGFR targeting has failed with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Here, we performed a combinatorial screening of fifty-five protein kinase inhibitors with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib in the TNBC cell line MDA-MB-231 and identified the IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor IKK16 as a sensitizer of gefitinib. Cell viability and clonogenic survival assays were performed to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of the gefitinib and IKK16 (Gefitinib + IKK16) combination in TNBC cell lines. Western blot analyses were also performed to reveal the potential mode of action of this combination. In addition, next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was performed in Gefitinib+IKK16-treated cells. The Gefitinib+IKK16 treatment synergistically reduced cell viability and colony formation of TNBC cell lines such as HS578T, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. This combination downregulated p-STAT3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-GSK3β, and p-RPS6. In addition, p-NF-κB and the total NF-κB were also regulated by this combination. Furthermore, NGS analysis revealed that NF-κB/RELA targets including CCL2, CXCL8, EDN1, IL-1β, IL-6, and SERPINE1 were further reduced and several potential tumor suppressors, such as FABP3, FADS2, FDFT1, SEMA6A, and PCK2, were synergistically induced by the Gefitinib-+IKK16 treatment. Taken together, we identified the IKK/NF-κB pathway as a potential target in combination of EGFR inhibition for treating TNBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of cashless payment methods compels impulse buying. This research studies impulse purchase behavior by focusing on E-wallet app characteristics, a field where empirical research is still scarce. This paper is aimed at developing and testing a theoretical model to examine a moderated mediation model of mobile wallet app characteristics and impulse buying through perceived enjoyment moderated by mobile wallet user experience. An online survey acquired 208 valid responses from active E-wallet users. The framework was empirically analyzed by using Smart PLS-SEM. Findings indicate that perceived interactivity and visual appeal have positive relationships with perceived enjoyment and impulse buying, respectively. Perceived enjoyment is positively associated with impulse buying, and perceived enjoyment mediates the relationship between visual appeal and impulse buying. The impacts of perceived interactivity on perceived enjoyment and impulse buying are moderated by user experience. Moreover, user experience moderates the relationship between visual appeal and perceived enjoyment. This study identifies differences in consumer behavior between more experienced and less experienced E-wallet users. More experienced E-wallet users emphasize the app's interactivity, while less experienced users pay more attention to the app's appealing design. Practical implications are offered for E-wallet system developers and designers to attract new users and, at the same time, retain existing users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of exposure to motivated offenders who may alter the vulnerability levels to phishing victimization. This is particularly focused on explaining the influences of individuals' online lifestyles and attitudes toward information sharing online on phishing susceptibility. Design/methodology/approach: This conceptual paper explores the risk of phishing victimization using criminological theories. The authors draw on empirical evidence from existing cybercrime literature and revisit routine activities theory (RAT) and lifestyle RAT (LRAT) to elucidate the risk of phishing victimization. This paper proposes that cyber-RAT, which was developed from RAT and LRAT, could interpret phishing victimization. Grounded on the intervention-based theory against cybercrime phishing, this study suggests that an attitude toward precautionary behavior (information sharing online) is essential to mitigate the phishing victimization risk. Findings: This paper aims to provide a clear insight into the understanding of phishing victimization risk using theoretical and empirical evidence. Originality/value: The theoretical perspective outlined provides the understanding of the impacts of online routine activities on a phishing attack which in turn will increase the awareness of phishing threats. The important role of the precautionary countermeasure, that is, attitudes toward information sharing online is highlighted to reconcile the phishing victimization risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the mechanical properties of compacted loess specimens formed using the vertical vibration compaction method (VVCM) were investigated, including unconfined compressive strength, CBR value, and shear strength. The top water seepage test and slope simulated rainfall test were implemented. In the test section, the water infiltration laws of compacted loess subgrades with different degrees of compaction were studied. Subsequently, the water stability of compacted loess subgrades was investigated. The results show that the loess specimens formed using the VVCM have adequate mechanical properties. Moreover, increasing the degree of compaction significantly improves the resistance of the loess roadbed to water infiltration and reduces both the water infiltration area and the corresponding water content. In addition, the seepage of the loess roadbed causes the roadbed to collapse, which affects the roadbed's stability. The high-compacted roadbed section exhibits improved resistance to collapse. Thus, improving roadbed compaction can effectively improve the roadbed's stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This propensity-score-matched cohort study used medical claim data. • This study compared the incidence rate of malignancies between the haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) cohort and the control cohort. • Patients with HFRS had increased risks for haematologic and solid organ malignancies compared with the control cohort. • Careful monitoring for malignancy after the onset of HFRS may be necessary. To investigate the risk of haematologic and solid organ malignancies in patients with haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) compared with the general population. This propensity-score-matched cohort study was conducted using data collected from the Korean national health insurance service (NHIS) between January 2003 and December 2017. The HFRS cohort included 5888 newly diagnosed cases of HFRS, and 412,804 general participants from the NHIS database were included as the control cohort. The incidence rate of malignancies was assessed and compared between the HFRS and control cohorts. There were 64 cases of haematologic malignancy in 236,286 person-years of observation, and 1245 cases of solid organ cancer in 209,333 person-years. The risks of haematologic malignancy and solid organ cancer were significantly higher in the HFRS cohort [adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) 4.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36–7.14] than the control cohort [aHR 2.97, 95% CI 2.60–3.38). In subgroup analysis, the HFRS cohort was associated with high hazard ratios for leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The HFRS cohort also had increased aHRs for all types of solid organ cancer. Patients with HFRS are at increased risk of both haematologic and solid organ malignancies compared with the general population, and this increased proportionally over time. Careful monitoring for malignancy after the onset of HFRS may be necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the data-driven prediction strategy of dielectric constant (ε) is attractive for the rational design of polymer dielectrics with targeted property, especially for the design of high ε and low loss dielectric energy storage. To accelerate the design and discovery of novel polymer-based dielectric energy storage, the machine learning-based predictor, interval support vector regression with optimized genetic algorithm (OGA-ISVR), is proposed to predict ε values, which could improve prediction accuracy and reduce time consumption via splitting the overall data space into subspaces, then adaptively choosing the kernel function and obtaining optimal hyper-parameters by genetic algorithm in each subspace. Here, the developed model is sufficiently trained and tested from the experimentally measured data and density functional theory-based computational data at various frequencies (spanning from 60 Hz to 1015 Hz). The mapping relationships between features and property and influencing factor of ε values are identified by this machine learning-based model. Furthermore, compared with common support vector regression method, the proposed model has lower computing overhead and higher prediction accuracy. The proposed model is successfully demonstrated here for the instant property predictions of polymer dielectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herringbone gear planetary gear transmission system has the advantages of high contact ratio and high bearing capacity and is widely used in various heavy load fields. However, the gear generates a large amount of heat during the meshing transmission, which affects the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the system. In this paper, the various nonlinear factors are considered, including time-varying meshing stiffness, engagement damping, backlash, and engagement error. A nonlinear dynamic model of the herringbone planetary gear system considering temperature effects is established by using the lumped-parameter method. The nonlinear vibration differential equation of the system is solved by using the Runge–Kutta method. The impact law of temperature and engagement damping ratio changes on the bifurcation features of the herringbone planetary gear system is studied by combining the maximum Lyapunov exponent diagram, bifurcation diagram, time domain diagram, phase diagram, Poincare diagram, and spectrogram. And the chaos phenomenon of the system is analyzed and controlled by using a non-feedback control method with the external periodic signal. The result shows that with the change of temperature rise and meshing damping ratio, the system exhibits the kinematics response of chaotic, multi-period, and single-period. Higher temperature rise (∆T > 64 °C) and larger engagement damping ratio (ξ > 0.122) can make the gear system enter stable periodic motion. The chaotic motion region of the system is effectively controlled to the periodic motion orbit by introducing the periodic signal feedback controller. The relevant conclusions can provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design of the dynamic structure stability of herringbone planetary gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During the COVID-19 epidemic in Singapore, there was an urgent demand to train more nurses within a short timeframe to perform the Water Swallow Test (WST). The previous training model involved training with actual patients and was time-consuming. Hence, the model was revamped and standardised patients (SPs) were engaged for nurses' training. This study further investigated nurses' feedback about the new training model and compared the efficiency and learner-reported outcomes of the previous and new models. Methods: Nurses who completed WST training from January 2018 to July 2020 were enrolled. Training records were accessed to determine the number of nurses trained under the previous and new models. Nurses were invited to complete post-training evaluation forms and their responses were analysed. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for data analysis. Results: Under the previous model, 52 nurses were trained over 2 years, whereas under the new model, 112 nurses were trained over two months. From the evaluation form responses, the majority of nurses trained under the new model agreed that they achieved the learning objectives and were confident in performing the WST. There was also no significant difference (p>0.05) found between learner-reported outcomes for both training models. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the new model that engaged SPs was more efficient in training more nurses. Nurses were also satisfied with the new training model, which achieved similar learner-reported outcomes as the previous model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease characterized by vast molecular heterogeneity. Although major advances in tumour genetics has led to the identification of new biomarkers, the prognosis of patients with HCC remains dismal. Methods: Quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to evaluate meiosis‐specific nuclear structural 1 (MNS1) expression in HCC cells. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to evaluate MNS1 expression in HCC tissues. Clinical significance of MNS1 was evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Transwell assays were conducted to assess cells migration ability. Cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays were performed to detect cells proliferation ability. NOD/SCID/γc(null) (NOG) mice model was adopted to investigate functions of MNS1 in vivo. Results: The expression of MNS1, which is elevated in most HCC tissues, correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. Functional experiments revealed the oncogenic role of MNS1, which promotes HCC growth and metastasis through AKT‐dependent modulation of β‐catenin. β‐Catenin expression was crucial for MNS1's oncogenic effects. MNS1 indirectly translocated β‐catenin from the cytoplasm to the nucleus via the MNS1‐GSK3β axis. Conclusions: MNS1 promotes HCC growth and metastasis via activating PI3K/AKT signalling and may serve as an important prognostic biomarker as well as potential novel therapeutic target for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores public library users' health information behavior and their perception of their own ability to find, evaluate, and use health information available in public libraries. The study employed semistructured intensive interviews as a follow-up to a quantitative study that measured health literacy ability by employing the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy Ability (S-TOFHLA). Twenty interviewees were selected from survey respondents based on gender, ethnicity, educational level, and age. The study examined their health information needs, selfperception of their own health information behavior, and the impact of the health information. Above all, the findings highlighted that most interviewees encountered critical barriers to using health information services available in public libraries, even though they had proficient health literacy based on S-TOFHLA [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To further clarify the association between abnormal levels of serum lipid components as the main features of dyslipidaemia and hepatocellular carcinoma, which remains unclear. Patients and Methods: We examined the serum level of lipids and apolipoproteins pattern in 471 patients undergoing curative resection for HCC, 193 patients with chronic liver disease, and 104 patients with benign liver diseases. We performed uni- and multivariate analyses to evaluate the predictive roles of lipids and apolipoproteins for recurrence and survival of HCC in a training cohort of 242 patients and then validated in a cohort of 229 patients. Results: The majority circulating lipid and apolipoprotein levels such as ApoA1, HDL, and LDL in chronic liver disease and HCC were slightly significantly decreased as compared to those in benign lesion. But no significant differential expression patterns of lipids and apolipoproteins were observed between chronic liver hepatitis and HCC. Multivariable analysis identified ApoA1 as a key parameter related to recurrence and survival in both training and validation cohorts. Moreover, we further demonstrated that low ApoA1 was an independent prognostic factor of poor early recurrence in two cohorts. Conclusion: Although the alterations of circulating lipids and apolipoproteins were observed in HCC, none of lipids or apolipoproteins could serve as a diagnostic marker. Serum ApoA1 merits consideration as a novel prognostic marker for patients with HCC undergoing surgery since it predicts early recurrence and survival, especially for early stage patients and may improve the prognostic stratification of patients for clinical management and promote HCC clinic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impacts of extremely low temperature on threshold inception characteristics of negative corona discharge are straightly estimated through the numerical algorithm and the extremely low temperature experiments. First, the inception criterion models of glow and streamer corona are solved for assessing the salient characteristics of corona inception at varying temperatures. The feasibility of the inception models applied to different temperature environments has been verified with our measurements and literature experimental data. Through introducing temperature into transport properties, the primary avalanche propagation, ionization boundary, and electron distribution are simulated at two inception modes. Computational results show that the microscopic parameter of negative corona inception has a pronounced relationship with temperature. The inception voltage of the wire-plate electrode is measured in a platform with temperature adjustable. It is observed that with the decrease of temperature, the inception field and voltage increases pronouncedly in the range from −100 °C to 30 °C, which can be attributed to the rise of effective ionization and photon absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and further regulating the degradation of mandrel materials is a key aspect of target fabrication in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Here, a quasi-one-dimensional confinement model is developed using a series of single-walled carbon nanotubes with varying diameters (Dm), and the degradation of poly-α-methylstyrene (PAMS) as a typical mandrel material is investigated under such confined conditions by using the combined method of quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics. In comparison to the isolated system, the calculations show that confinement can decrease or increase the energy barriers of PAMS degradation, which directly depends on Dm. Following which a clear exponential relationship between the degradation rate of PAMS and its own density is derived, indicating that the density of PAMS can be used to regulate mandrel degradation. This work highlights the important effects of confinement on degradation and provides a valuable reference for further development of polymer degradation technologies in ICF target fabrication and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper presents a new dynamic model for a spur gear system cosidering time-varying behaviors of pressure angle and baclash, together with the effecs of other factors. • The time-varying gear mesh stiffness is calculated by an improved potential energy method. • The differential equations of motion of the gear system are strictly derived using Lagrange's equation. • The proposed model can more accurately estimate the dynamic responses in comparison to the traditional models. In the previous nonlinear dynamic models of spur gear system, when considering bearing deformation, the pressure angle and gear backlash are usually considered as constants to facilitate the modelling. In fact, bearing deformation will cause the gear translation motion, and then lead to the changes of a series of gear mesh parameters. In view of this, this paper presents a new nonlinear dynamic model for a spur gear system considering the time-varying behaviors of pressure angle and gear backlash, together with the effects of gear gravity, unbalance mass, and internal/external excitations, etc. The equations of motion of the system are strictly derived using Lagrange method and solved by the numerical integral method. The time-varying mesh stiffness is calculated by the potential energy method based on an improved mesh stiffness model. Afterwards, the new model is compared with the previous model and some dynamic characteristic differences between the two models are demonstrated using the rotating speed and backlash as control parameters. This results shows that due to the effects of the time-varying pressure angle and backlash, the system may enter into chaotic motion in advance and the tooth impact state will also alter. This research can provide a useful source of reference for dynamic design of gear transmission system and the further study of spur gear system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare pterygium surgery with fibrin glue autografts and sutured autografts in terms of length of surgery time and postoperative patient satisfaction. Methods: All pterygium operations performed at Sibu Hospital (Sarawak, Malaysia) between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013 were included. Results: Eighty-one cases were included in the study. The fibrin glue group and suture group had 33 and 48 cases, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 50.56 (SD: 7.61). The fibrin glue group had a shorter mean duration of surgery (17.18 minutes, SD: 10.66) compared to the suture group (22.60 minutes, SD: 12.88) (P = 0.05). Patient satisfaction at first week review was 93.9% for the fibrin glue group and 75.0% for the suture group (P = 0.027, OR 5.2 [95%CI: 1.1, 24.9]). Patient satisfaction at sixth week review was 97.0% for the fibrin glue group and 77.1% for the suture group (P = 0.023, OR 9.5 [95%CI: 1.2, 77.8]). There was no serious adverse event in this study population. Conclusion: Fibrin glue has shorter mean duration of surgery and significantly higher patient satisfaction at first week and sixth week post-pterygium surgery compared to the suture technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the flavor of fermented soybean foods and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of this flavor improvement phenomenon. Three fermented soybean foods (Bv, BvLp and Lp) were obtained using Bacillus velezensis SDL1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Ly8 as starter cultures. Organoleptic evaluation showed that BvLp had the best flavor, followed by Bv and Lp. Next, some flavor-related physicochemical properties were investigated. Acid production level was ranked as Lp > BvLp > Bv, in which acetic acid and lactic acid were the main contributors to the variation in sample acid content, and BvLp contained the most lactic acid and isovaleric acid, 3.72−49.62 and 3.61−37.75 times those of Lp and Bv, respectively. Free amino acid analysis showed that the concentration trends of branched-chain amino acids and threonine were consistent with the sensory evaluation. Volatile metabolomics analysis indicated that acetoin and pyrazines were the key compounds for the superior flavor of BvLp. Finally, transcriptomic analysis, combined with the above data, revealed that under a parasitic-like interaction in microbial mixed culture, BvLp had significantly more flavor than Bv and Lp by reducing the acid content and increasing the concentration of some esters, acetoin and pyrazines. [Display omitted] • Mix-fermented soybean products taste better than single bacterial fermentation. • Acetoin and pyrazines are the main flavor compounds of fermented soybean foods. • B. velezensis and Lb. plantarum show a parasite-like interaction in co-fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat-reflective coating (HRC) for pavement can effectively mitigate urban heat island (UHI) and reduce pavement distresses, whose cooling effect, service performance and prospective applications have been widely reported, but construction technology investigation is still unavailable. Following this situation, the spraying technology was evaluated with a typical epoxy resin-based HRC, the Dual-Arrhenius viscosity model for coating curing was established, and the factors affecting the curing time were examined by applying typical correlation analysis. Besides, adhesion and abrasion tests were taken to discuss the effect of spraying conditions on mechanical properties. Results show that the available spraying duration of HRC is exponentially negatively correlated with temperature and duration is insufficient for spraying above 323 K. Raising the diluent content could delay the optimal spraying time with a litter effect on the available spraying duration. Pavement temperature is the main factor affecting the curing time and a 20 K increase could decrease the curing time by up to 34%. Repeated spraying after setting the former layer is the best spraying method for HRC, which can effectively improve adhesion and anti-abrasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a vertical vibration compaction method (VVTM) is proposed to stimulate the practical compaction loading condition for a large stone asphalt mixture with nominal maximum size of 53 mm (LSAM-50) and its reliability is verified. The physical and mechanical properties of LSAM-50 specimens formed using VVTM and the static pressure method (PCT) were compared. The results show that the compression strength and splitting strength of VVTM specimens are 1.29 times and 1.31 times that of the PCT specimens, respectively. Compared with the field test, the compressive strengths of the VVTM and PCT specimens are 94.4% and 72.9% of the field core, respectively. The splitting strengths of the VVTM and PCT specimens are 89.5% and 68.0%, respectively. Additionally, the extraction test revealed that the degree of damage to the internal aggregates of VVTM specimens was considerably less than that of the PCT specimens. Therefore, the performance of VVTM specimens surpasses that of the PCT specimens, and the compaction effect of VVTM is more relevant to field compaction, making it a better choice for evaluating the mechanical and volumetric properties of LSAM-50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Research indicates that Black cancer patients have higher rates of COVID-19 hospitalization than their White counterparts. However, the extent to which chronic diseases contribute to racial disparities remains uncertain. We aimed to quantify the effect of chronic diseases on racial disparity in COVID-19–associated hospitalization among cancer patients. Methods We linked Louisiana Tumor Registry's data with statewide COVID-19 data and hospital in-patient discharge data to identify patients diagnosed with cancer in 2015-2019 who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 and those with COVID-19–associated hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation methods based on linear structural equations were employed to assess the effects of the number of chronic diseases (0, 1-2, ≥3) and individual chronic diseases. Results Of 6381 cancer patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 31.6% were non-Hispanic Black cancer patients. Compared with non-Hispanic White cancer patients, non-Hispanic Black cancer patients had a higher prevalence of chronic diseases (79.5% vs 66.0%) and higher COVID-19–associated hospitalization (27.2% vs 17.2%). The odds of COVID-19–associated hospitalization were 80% higher for non-Hispanic Black cancer patients than non-Hispanic White cancer patients (odds ratio = 1.80, 95% confidence interval = 1.59 to 2.04). After adjusting for age, sex, insurance, poverty, obesity, and cancer type, number of chronic diseases explained 37.8% of the racial disparity in COVID-19–associated hospitalization, and hypertension, diabetes, and chronic renal disease were the top 3 chronic diseases explaining 9.6%, 8.9%, and 7.3% of the racial disparity, respectively. Conclusion Chronic diseases played a substantial role in the racial disparity in COVID-19–associated hospitalization among cancer patients, especially hypertension, diabetes, and renal disease. Understanding and addressing the root causes are crucial for targeted interventions, policies, and health-care strategies to reduce racial disparity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to increase the strength and lower the cost, this study experimentally investigated the effects of hooked-end steel fiber, basalt fiber and calcium sulfate on mechanical performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-based engineered cementitious composite (ECC) containing high-volume fly ash. The uniaxial tensile, compression and four-point bending tests were carried out to characterize the mechanical behavior of each mixture. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) image analysis and X-ray CT scan method were used to study the microstructures and distributions of pores. Test results showed that the ultimate strain capacity increases nearly linearly with the growth of stress performance index except the ECC reinforced with calcium sulfate and PVA. Hybridization with basalt fiber and PVA fiber or steel fiber and PVA fiber is more effective for improving mechanical performance within small deformation. ECC reinforced with calcium sulfate and PVA exhibits improved tensile, compressive and flexural strength while maintaining high ductility. The cost performance considering strength/cost and ductility/cost of hybrid mixtures was also discussed. Highlights • Strength performance PVA-ECC containing high-volume fly ash was improved. • Strength of the PVA-ECC was improved while maintaining the inherent high ductility by the addition of calcium sulfate. • The macro and micro effects of the addition of steel fiber, basalt fiber and calcium sulfate into PVA-ECC was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts High crystalline Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] particles are synthesized by a new electrostatic spray assisted coprecipitation method. Their structures and electrochemical properties are analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and galvanostatic cell cycling and so on. Given its highly stable structure, the optimized Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] cathode shows impressive cycling performance with high retention capacity of 89% after 440 cycles at 1 C and excellent rate capability of 56 mAh g−1 at 25 C. In addition, the optimized Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] cathode achieves superior low temperature performances with retains 87% capacity after 440 cycles at 0 °C and a stable capacity of 54 mAh g−1 can be delivered even at −25 °C after 440 cycles. Such a Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] sample provides a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries in large-scale storage systems. Highlights • Highly crystalline Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] are prepared by a new ESAC method. • Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] shows superior electrochemical properties at different temperatures. • Na 2 Ni[Fe(CN) 6 ] will be a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technology was used to extract polysaccharides from Porphyra Haitanensis (PHP) and a suitable and efficient technique for PHP extraction. • Inhibition of PHP on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cells may be related to induction of tumor cell apoptosis directly. PHP with high antitumor activity in vivo and in vitro had the potential to be clinically used for cancer prevention and treatment. Abstract Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technology was used to extract polysaccharides from Porphyra Haitanensis (PHP) with water. Polysaccharide yield was used as index to evaluate the extraction process. Effects of ratio of water to raw material (X 1), microwave power (X 2) and extraction time (X 3) on polysaccharide yield were investigated. Based on single factor experiment, MAE process of PHP was optimized using response surface methodology. Chemical characterization of PHP was investigated based on analysis of chemical compositions, monosaccharide and thermal gravimetric. The antitumor activities of PHP in vivo and in vitro were evaluated. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for MAE of PHP were ratio of water to raw material 28.98(mL/g), microwave power 77.84 W and extraction time 14.14 min. MAE was a suitable and efficient technique for PHP extraction compared with traditional hot water extraction. Analysis of chemical characterization showed that PHP contained 75.36 ± 1.48% of total carbohydrates, 24.63 ± 1.69% of uronic acid residue and no proteins with monosaccharides such as rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 10.25:9.38:1:12.45:9.9:11.55. Thermal gravimetric analysis suggested that PHP was relatively stable below 170℃. PHP had obvious effect on inhibiting proliferation, inducing apoptosis of SGC-7901 tumor cells in vitro and antitumor effect on SGC-7901 tumor-bearing mice in vivo. The results suggested that PHP had the potential for clinical use in cancer prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the effects of smartphone use by college students on their perceived academic performance. Using five hypotheses derived from the literature related to smartphone use, the initial model was set up for path analysis to reveal the relationships among variables regarding college students' smartphone use in the academic setting. Moreover, multiple group analyses were additionally conducted to verify whether students exhibited different relationships in the hypothesized model depending on their majors. The results from path analyses showed that all path coefficients were positive and statistically significant, which indicated that all five hypothesized paths were supported. Above all, the results from multiple group analysis showed that one path (from Behavioural Intention to Use Smartphone to Academic Performance) differed significantly across groups. The findings from the current study provide educational policymakers and educators with information on how smartphone utilization in learning activities influences students' academic performance. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Smartphones foster interaction with people and multitasking.College students use smartphones as learning aids in e‐learning and web‐based learning.College students have high smartphone self‐efficacy.Smartphones have both positive and negative effects on academic performance.What this paper adds: College students' interaction competency influences behavioural intention for using smartphones for academic activities.College students' smartphone self‐efficacy has positive impacts on their behavioural intention for using smartphones for academic purposes.College students' behavioural intention to use smartphones positively influences perceived academic performances.Students' behavioural intention to use smartphones presents distinct impacts on academic performances depending on their major fields: natural science and humanities.Implications for practice and/or policy: Educational policymakers and educators may benefit information on how smartphone utilization in learning activities influences students' academic performances.The instrument developed in the present study could be used for future studies on smartphone use and students' psychological factors such as self‐efficacy and behavioural intention to use smartphones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effect of tetramethylsilane (TMS) on diamond nucleation on Si substrate under an applied bias voltage of 120 V, performed in a modified microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactor. The introduction of TMS in the CH 4 /H 2 plasma leads to a significant enhancement of nucleation density of diamond nuclei, namely from (3.7 ± 0.2) × 10 7 /cm 2 without the introduction of TMS to (4.7 ± 0.5) × 10 10 /cm 2 at the TMS flow rate of 4 sccm. On the contrary, further increasing in the TMS flow rate to 8 sccm slightly reduces the nucleation density of diamond nuclei to (2.1 ± 0.3) × 10 10 /cm 2 , along with the increase in average size of diamond nuclei. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) allow us to study the microstructural and chemical composition evolution of Si/diamond interface. The obtained results suggest that bias-enhanced nucleation of diamond on Si substrate exhibits a direct relationship with the TMS flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predictive calculation and wind effect on the ion flow environment of dc transmission line are evaluated by embedded short‐term wind speed based ionised flow model. The wind has a major impact on the electric field and ion current density profiles. In the ionised flow model of embedded short‐term wind speed, the short‐term wind speed is calculated by using time series model and Kalman filter algorithm. The ionised field considering short‐term wind speed is solved by finite‐element method with acceleration technique and time‐domain finite volume method. The algorithm is validated by the coaxial cylinder electrode configuration and practical bipolar dc transmission configuration. Computational results are made to provide a physical understanding of wind effect on the corona formation process. In the timescale of long‐term prediction, the time evolution behaviour of ground‐level ion current density and electric field with time‐varying wind speed is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A time‐domain virtual electromagnetic interference (EMI) receiver model algorithm for corona‐originated EMI of dc transmission line is proposed. The presented model is based on short‐time fast Fourier transform (FFT) and digital quasi‐peak, peak and average detector algorithms together with the measured corona current. The virtual EMI receiver model algorithm is verified by comparing with measurement results of conducted interference of the three regular waveforms. The influences of computational accuracy on the conducted interference are discussed. Through utilising the laboratory‐scale corona cage to generate corona current, the 0.5 MHz excitation current is calculated by using short‐time FFT and excitation function theory. The measured and computational average value, root mean square value, quasi‐peak value and peak value of EMI receiver response to corona current sequence are obtained. It is found that computations of radio interference have a good agreement with the measured results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to adjust the properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) and expand its application, a new strategy of introducing an aromatic imide structure into the PA6 chain through the random copolymerization method is reported. The diimide diacid monomer was first synthesized by the dehydration and cyclization of pyromellitic dianhydride and 6-aminocaproic acid before it reacted with 1,6-hexamethylene diamine to form poly(amide imide) (PAI) salt, and finally synthesized PA6/PAI random copolymers containing an aromatic imide structure by the random copolymerization of ε-caprolactam and PAI salt. The introduction of an aromatic imide structural unit into the PA6 chain could have a great influence on its properties. As the content of PAI increases, the crystallinity (Xc) and melting temperature (Tm) of the PA6/PAI random copolymer gradually decrease, but its glass transition temperature (Tg) increases obviously. When the PAI content is 20 wt%, the copolymer PA6/PAI-20 has the best comprehensive performance and not only has high thermal stabilities but also excellent mechanical properties (high strength, high modulus, and good toughness) and dielectric properties (low dielectric constant and dielectric loss). Moreover, these properties are significantly superior to those of PA6. Such high-performance PA6 random copolymers can provide great promise for the wider applications of PA6 materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predictions of the steady-state distributions of the space charge and electric field in the coaxial cylindrical electrode are significant in many industrial applications. The positive dc corona in the coaxial cylindrical electrode is modeled by a full hydro-dynamic steady-state model and solved by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method and the central finite difference approach. The new model predicts the distributions of the space charge and electric field in the whole electrode space. The effects of the electron diffusion, positive and negative charge recombination, and space photoionization are compared with the simplified model. The results present that the calculation accuracy of the new model is superior to that of the simplified model especially under large current. The simulation results also exhibit the influence of the corona current and conductor radius on the distribution of space charge and electric field and voltage-current characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corona-originated discharge of DC transmission lines is the main reason for the radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI) field in the vicinity of transmission lines. A joint time-frequency analysis technique was proposed to extract the radiated EMI current (excitation current) of DC corona based on corona current statistical measurements. A reduced-scale experimental platform was setup to measure the statistical distributions of current waveform parameters of aluminum conductor steel reinforced. Based on the measured results, the peak value, root-mean-square value and average value with 9 kHz and 200 Hz band-with of 0.5 MHz radiated EMI current were calculated by the technique proposed and validated with conventional excitation function method. Radio interference (RI) was calculated based on the radiated EMI current and a wire-to-plate platform was built for the validity of the RI computation results. The reason for the certain deviation between the computations and measurements was detailed analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was inspired by previous experiments which managed to establish an optimal template-dealloying route to prepare ultralow density metal foams. In this study, we propose a new analytical--numerical model of hollow-structured metal foams with structural hierarchy to predict its stiffness and strength. The two-level model comprises a main backbone and a secondary nanoporous structure. The main backbone is composed of hollow sphere-packing architecture, while the secondary one is constructed of a bicontinuous nanoporous network proposed to describe the nanoscale interactions in the shell. Firstly, two nanoporous models with different geometries are generated by Voronoi tessellation, then the scaling laws of the mechanical properties are determined as a function of relative density by finite volume simulation. Furthermore, the scaling laws are applied to identify the uniaxial compression behavior of metal foams. It is shown that the thickness and relative density highly influence the Young's modulus and yield strength, and vacancy defect determines the foams being self-supported. The present study provides not only new insights into the mechanical behaviors of both nanoporous metals and metal foams, but also a practical guide for their fabrication and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bombyx mori, an insect with significant economic importance in China contains a large amount of lipids among different developmental stages, especially the pupal stage. Silkworms are fed with a base diet and fish oil supplemented diet, and the fatty acid (FA) compositions of different strains, life stages, and sexes are determined by GC‐MS. No C20 or C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are detected in silkworms fed with the base diet. Females accumulates more unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) than males in the pupal stage, and the relative amount of USFAs decreases from the wandering stage to the moth stage, especially in females, suggesting that silkworms prefer the utilization of USFAs. In addition, when silkworms are fed with a diet supplemented with fish oil, which contained C20 and C22 PUFAs, they accumulates C20 and C22 PUFAs in proportion to the concentration of fish oil added to the diet. Practical Applications: Currently, the main dietary source of C20 and C22 PUFAs is marine fish, however, of which the stocks are declining because of environmental pollution and overfishing. Because of its excellent capability to accumulate C20 and C22 PUFAs, silkworm could be developed as a potential new source of these long‐chain FAs by transferring ?5 and ?6 desaturases to silkworm or its primary food, mulberry. The silkworm (Bombyx mori) can accumulate C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from diet supplemented with these PUFAs (B). The accumulation efficiency of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in silkworm is particularly outstanding. This capacity may make silkworm a potential new source of C20 and C22 PUFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optical properties and the local electromagnetic field enhancement of a compound structure with rectangular nanohole arrays in Au-interlayer-Au multilayer films are numerically studied using finite-difference time domain method. We investigated some of structure parameters that influence the optical properties of the compound nanostructure. Adjustment of the length of rectangular nanoholes (L), the polarization direction (θ), the thickness of interlayer (SiO, H), and the materials in the interlayer can change the absorption intensity and the resonance peaks. An interlayer is located between the double Au films (Au-interlayer-Au multilayer films) with the function of confining local electromagnetic field. The simulation of the electromagnetic field distribution shows that the location of the local electromagnetic field enhancement can specify the different resonance patterns. The proposed compound nanostructure will be promising for application in portable nanoplasmonic multisensing and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have reported on the synthesis of ordered hexagonal Au nanoparticle (NPs) arrays by anodic alumina oxide templates (AAO)-assisted thermal treatment. This simple process has led to the formation of an ordered hexagonal array of Au NPs on the surface of AAO. SERS properties of the ordered hexagonal Au NPs could be obtained by varying the size of Au NPs. Compared with the Au thin film on AAO, the SERS intensity of rhodamine adsorbed on the ordered hexagonal Au NPs was about 1000 times stronger. And the hexagonal Au NPs array films have had stronger Raman-enhanced signal compared to the disorder Au NPs films. Simulations according to the three-dimensional finite-difference time domain (3D-FDTD) have displayed that these electric field enhancements of the ordered hexagonal Au NPs are strongly dependent on the gap distance. Plasmonic ordered hexagonal Au NPs could provide us new platforms to realize novel optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glass transition temperature ( T ) and density of poly-(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK A) were estimated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. A novel poly-(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK B) was constructed by introducing nitrol and amini energetic groups into PPESK A, and T and density were also simulated for PPESK B. The estimated T values of PPESK A were very close to experimental results, while for PPESK B three estimated values differed by < 5 K. The interactions between explosives and polymer binders of polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) were simulated by MD. Comparison of the cohesive energy densities (CED) and solubility parameter ( δ) values of PBXs, polymer binders, and mono-explosives indicate that, upon introducing polymer binders, the CED and δ values of PBXs decreased compared with those of corresponding mono-explosives. The binding energies ( E ) imply that 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene-based PBXs are more stable than 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB)-based PBXs. The mechanical properties, Young's modulus E, shear modulus G, bulk modulus K, Poisson's ratio γ and Cauchy pressure ( C -C ) of the PBXs were assessed. The rigidity of the PBXs was found to be lower than that of mono-explosives. All K/ G values were positive, indicating that PBXs are flexible. Based on these mechanical properties results, PBXs using PPESK B as a binder are superior to those using PPESK A as a binder. Due to the low C -C values of the PBXs, the ductility of the materials of the fracture surface is poorer, especially for TATB-based PBXs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ preferences for answers about sexually transmitted diseases on social question and answer (Q&A) sites by employing message features and information sources as conceptual frameworks.Design/methodology/approach The study compared best answers selected by questioners with their randomly drawn counterpart non-best answers on Yahoo! Answers as a paired sample (n=180).Findings The findings indicate that questioners on social Q&A sites were more likely to prefer answers including message features such as numeric information, social norms, optimistic information, and loss-framing, as well as information sources that featured expertise, references, and links to other websites. Pessimistic information was negatively associated with questioners’ preference for answers.Research limitations/implications The study extended the discussion of consumers’ selection of best answers to message features and information sources as additional criteria.Practical implications The findings suggest that answerers on social Q&A sites communicate more effectively with their audiences by utilizing persuasive communication.Social implications There is a quality issue on social Q&A sites. The findings will be helpful for health professionals to develop answers that are more likely to be selected as best answers, which will enhance overall quality of health information on social Q&A sites.Originality/value Consumers’ preference criteria for health information have been investigated using many different approaches. However, no study has used a persuasion framework to examine how consumers appraise answer quality. The present study confirmed consumers’ preference criteria as found in previous social Q&A studies and extended the discussion of consumers’ perceptions of answer quality by applying the frameworks of message features and information sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO/reduced graphite oxide (MnO/RGO) composite films with three dimensionally porous structures have been synthesized by an improved electrostatic spray deposition setup and their microstructure and electrochemical properties have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric, Raman spectrometry and galvanostatic cell cycling. The results show that the structure and electrochemical performance of the electrode film are influenced significantly by the RGO content. The three dimensionally porous structure collapse does not occur in the MnO/RGO thin films for a RGO content lower than 16.58 wt%, the 16.58 wt% reduced graphite oxide content being optimal. Such an improvement in the cycling performance (772 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 1 C) and rate capability (425 mAh g −1 at 6 C) might be attributed to the excellent microstructure and electrical conductivity of MnO/reduced graphite oxide composite film electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of conductor surface conditions of new and aged conductors on ground-level resultant electric field and ion current density is analyzed in this paper. The surface roughness and morphology of conductors are measured and analyzed by 3-D phase shift Micro-Xam (MicroXAM-3D) and scanning electron microscopy. Calculations are made using the upstream finite-element-finite difference method for the corona cage model to obtain the influence of surface conditions on the ion-flow field, consequently, changing the resulting electric field and ion current density. An indoor corona cage platform is build up to check the impact of surface conditions on the ground-level resultant electric field and ion current density in the laboratory. Considering the aging characteristics of the conductor surface, a typical \pm800 kV ultra-high voltage direct current transmission line is analyzed. The calculated results show that compared with the new conductor, the electric field and ion current density of the long-term operation conductors increase very significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]