Surrogate-assisted global and distributed local collaborative optimization algorithm for expensive constrained optimization problems.

This paper presents a surrogate-assisted global and distributed local collaborative optimization (SGDLCO) algorithm for expensive constrained optimization problems where two surrogate optimization phases are executed collaboratively at each generation. As the complexity of optimization problems and the cost of solutions increase in practical applications, how to efficiently solve expensive constrained optimization problems with limited computational resources has become an important area of research. Traditional optimization algorithms often struggle to balance the efficiency of global and local searches, especially when dealing with high-dimensional and complex constraint conditions.

Development of dual-channel starch-based film incorporated with betanin@β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and berberine for indicating shrimp freshness.

In this study, the β-cyclodextrin encapsulated betanin (BET@β-CD) with improved thermal stability and retention as well as the berberine (BBR) with aggregate induced luminescence effect were incorporated into corn amylose (CA) biomatrix to develop colorimetric/fluorescent dual-channel smart film. Results shown that the added functional components were uniformly distributed in the film matrix. The high tensile strength (78.

A deep learning-based dynamic deformable adaptive framework for locating the root region of the dynamic flames.

Traditional optical flame detectors (OFDs) in flame detection are susceptible to environmental interference, which will inevitably cause detection errors and miscalculations when confronted with a complex environment. The conventional deep learning-based models can mitigate the interference of complex environments by flame image feature extraction, which significantly improves the precision of flame recognition. However, these models focus on identifying the general profile of the static flame, but neglect to effectively locate the source of the dynamic flame.

A novel dual-channel cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol-based film for visual monitoring of shrimp freshness.

In this study, the polyvinylpyrrolidone-alizarin nanoparticles (PVP-AZ NPs) with favorable water dispersion and the carbon quantum dots (RQDs) with aggregate induced emission effect were synthesized to construct an eco-friendly film for food freshness monitoring. The introduction of PVP-AZ NPs and RQDs enhanced the network structure and thermal stability of the cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol film, and reduced its crystallinity and light transmittance via non-covalent binding with the film-forming matrix. The developed film exhibited visually recognizable colorimetric and fluorescent responses to ammonia at 0.

Asymmetric Ion-Pairing Photoredox Catalysis for Stereoselective Cationic Polymerization under Light Control.

By virtue of noninvasive regulations by light, photocontrolled polymerizations have attracted considerable attention for the precision synthesis of macromolecules. However, a cationic polymerization with simultaneous photocontrol and tacticity-regulation remains elusive so far. Herein, we introduce an asymmetric ion-pairing photoredox catalysis strategy that allows for the development of a stereoselective cationic polymerization with concurrent light regulation for the first time.

NaSnSbGeO, an Air-Stable Solid-State Na-Ion Conductor.

The structure of a NaSnGeO phase was established via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Unusually large displacement parameters of Na atoms suggested the possibility of Na ionic conductivity. To create Na deficiencies and thus increase the Na mobility in NaSnGeO, Sn cations were partially substituted with Sb.

Enzyme-mediated Ru@UiO-66@MnO NSs/thiamine-based ratiometric fluorescence sensor for visual detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues.

In view of the potential hazards of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs), this paper constructed a ratiometric fluorescent probe utilizing a functionalized metal-organic framework to detect OPs. Ru(bpy)Cl was encapsulated inside UiO-66 as a reference signal, and MnO nanosheets (MnO NSs) were grown on the surface to obtain Ru@UiO-66@MnO NSs. Acetylcholinesterase catalyzed the decomposition of acetylcholine into reductive thiocholine, which consumed MnO NSs, thus restoring the Ru@UiO-66 fluorescence.

Optimized electronic properties and nano-structural features for securing high thermoelectric performance in doped GeTe.

Recently, thermoelectric (TE) materials have been attracting great attention due to their improved capability to convert heat directly into electricity. PbTe-based TE materials are among the most competitive ones; however, lead toxicity limits their potential applications. Thus, the current focus in the field is on the discovery of lead-free analogues.

Development of antioxidant and smart NH -sensing packaging film by incorporating bilirubin into κ-carrageenan matrix.

Background: Active and smart food packaging based on natural polymers and pH-sensitive dyes as indicators has attracted widespread attention. In the present study, an antioxidant and amine-response color indicator film was developed by incorporating bilirubin (BIL) into the κ-carrageenan (Carr) matrix.

Results: It was found that the introduction of BIL had no effect on the crystal/chemical structure, water sensitivity and mechanical performance of the Carr-based films.

Two birds with one stone: An enzyme-regulated ratiometric fluorescent and photothermal dual-mode probe for organophosphorus pesticide detection.

In this study, based on the oxidase activity and photothermal effect of manganese dioxide nanosheets (MnO NSs), with thiamine (TH) as the fluorescence response signal and tris (2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium (II) hexahydrate as the reference signal, an enzyme-regulated ratiometric fluorescence and photothermal dual-mode probe was constructed for the quantitative detection of organophosphorus pesticide (OPs) residues. OPs reduced the production of the reductive product thiocholine by inhibiting the activity of acetylcholinesterase, thereby regulating the residual amount of MnO NSs. With the increase of OPs concentration, the color of the probe solution gradually transitioned from red to blue, and the temperature gradually increased.

Measuring the State Dependence Effect in Hospital Payment Adjustment.

Since FY 2013, as a part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) program, the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) program has adjusted Medicare's payments to hospitals based on the total performance score of the hospital. First, the program reduces a portion of the hospital's Medicare payments in a specific fiscal year, and then, by the end of the same fiscal year, the amount of the payment reductions will be awarded to the hospitals based on the total performance score; thus, the hospitals that do not receive the reward will lose the portion of money reduced by Medicare. In this research, we apply the theory of state dependence and use the dynamic random effect probit model to estimate this effect.

The latest breakthrough on NLRP6 inflammasome.

NLRP6, a Nod-like receptor family member, has been shown to affect intestinal homeostasis and microbial colonization through organizing a huge protein complex called inflammasome. NLRP6 inflammasome promotes the cleavage and secretion of inflammatory cytokines or the cleavage of pore-forming Gasdermin D to initiate the inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis, which plays important roles in responding to pathogen invasion. However, questions about the ligand(s) that trigger NLRP6 inflammasome activation, or the mechanisms that how a ligand triggers NLRP6 inflammasome assembly, are emerging.

Monophosphoniums as Effective Photoredox Organocatalysts for Visible Light-Regulated Cationic RAFT Polymerization.

Visible light-regulated metal-free polymerizations have attracted considerable attention for macromolecular syntheses in recent years. However, few organic photocatalysts show high efficiency and strict photocontrol in cationic polymerizations. Herein, we introduce monophosphonium-doped polycyclic arenes as an organic photocatalyst, which features the high tunability, broad redox window, long excited state lifetime, and excellent temporal control in the cationic reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers.

Relationship between outpatients' sociodemographic and belief characteristics and their healthcare-seeking behavioral decision-making: Evidence from Jiaxing city, China.

Background: China established the Tiered-network Healthcare Delivery System (THDS) in 2015 to address the disproportionate number of patients attending tertiary hospitals relative to primary- or secondary-care institutions. Although the reported number of outpatients visiting tertiary hospitals is slowly decreasing, numerous patients choose to visit them regardless of their disease's severity. To effectively implement the THDS, this article explored the relationship between patients' sociodemographic and belief characteristics and their healthcare-seeking behavioral decision-making in China.

Intelligent biogenic amine-responsive fluorescent label for visual and real-time monitoring of seafood freshness.

A zein-based film functionalized with fluorescent dyes was constructed for visual, real-time monitoring of seafood freshness. The addition of fluorescent dyes had no significant effect on the mechanical property or water sensitivity of the zein-based film, and the fluorescent film exhibited dual emission response. When exposed to ammonia, fluorescein fluorescence increased whilst the fluorescence of rhodamine B was undisturbed.

Analysis of Radial Peripapillary Capillary Density in Patients with Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Objective: We wanted to investigate the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network in patients with Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD).

Methods: We compared RPC densities in the disk and different peripapillary regions, obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography in 22 patients with BCD (37 eyes) and 22 healthy subjects (37 eyes). The BCD group was then divided into Stage 2 and Stage 3 subgroups based on Yuzawa staging, comparing the RPC densities of the two.

Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzo[]imidazole via Intramolecular C(sp)-H Amination.

An electrochemical dehydrogenative amination for the synthesis of benzimidazoles was developed. This electrosynthesis method could address the limitations of the C(sp3)-H intramolecular amination synthesis reaction and provide novel access to obtain 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles without transition metals and oxidants. Under undivided electrolytic conditions, various benzimidazole derivatives could be synthesized, exhibiting functional group tolerance.

Electrochemical HI-mediated Intermolecular C-N Bond Formation to Synthesize Imidazoles from Aryl Ketones and Benzylamines.

An efficient and novel electrochemical oxidative tandem cyclization of aryl ketones and benzylamines for the synthesis of 1,2,4-trisubstituted-(1)-imidazoles has been developed under metal- and oxidant-free conditions. This direct C-N bond formation strategy, with a broad functional group tolerance, affords the desired imidazoles in moderate to excellent yields.

Electrochemical Oxidative Intramolecular N-S Bond Formation: Synthesis of 3-Substituted 5-Amino-1,2,4-Thiadiazoles.

A facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 3-substituted 5-amino-1,2,4-thiadiazoles has been developed through the electro-oxidative intramolecular dehydrogenative N-S bond formation of imidoyl thioureas. Various 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized in good to excellent yields with broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance under catalyst- and oxidant-free electrolytic conditions at room temperature.

Physical Attributes of Housing and Elderly Health: A New Dynamic Perspective.

Maintaining health and improving the quality of life of the elderly is extremely challenging in an aging society. In this study, the relationship between housing and the independence and functional capabilities of the elderly is examined, and the effect of housing conditions on health improvements and their economic benefits for the elderly in terms of medical expenditures are assessed. The study is based on the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which was conducted in 2011 and 2013.

One-Pot Synthesis of 5-Acyl-1,2,3-Thiadiazoles from Enaminones, Tosylhydrazine, and Elemental Sulfur under Transition-Metal-Free Conditions.

I/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-mediated C-S, S-N, and C-N bond cross-coupling cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 5-acyl-1,2,3-thiadiazoles from enaminones, tosylhydrazine, and elemental sulfur has been developed under transition-metal-free conditions. This strategy is operationally simple, compatible with a wide range of functional groups, and provides the desired products in moderate to excellent yields.

Vertical Transmission of PCV2b to Fetuses in Sows Intramuscularly Infected with PCV2b.

In order to investigate whether PCV2b can be transmitted across the placenta in sows thereby causing vertical infection of fetuses, six sows in 75 day of pregnancy were either intramuscularly inoculated with a PCV2b culture supernatant (n = 4) or mock infected with cell culture supernatant (n = 2). At parturition, 3 newborn piglets from each litter were randomly selected and euthanatized prior to suckling. Samples of the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleens, kidneys, hearts and lungs were collected for PCR, histopathological and immunohistochemical assays.

Influence of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Induced by Low Dietary Calcium, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Renal Failure on Circulating Rat PTH Molecular Forms.

Rats(r) with secondary hyperparathyroidism were studied to define the relationship between vitamin D metabolites and rPTH levels measured by 3 different rat ELISAs. Controls and renal failure (RF) rats were on a normal diet, while 2 groups on a low-calcium (-Ca) or a vitamin D-deficient (-D) diet. RF was induced surgically.