Catalyst-Support Interaction in Polyaniline-Supported Ni3Fe Oxide to Boost Oxygen Evolution Activities for Rechargeable Zn-Air Batteries.

Catalyst-support interaction plays a crucial role in improving the catalytic activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here we modulate the catalyst-support interaction in polyaniline-supported Ni3Fe oxide (Ni3Fe oxide/PANI) with a robust hetero-interface, which significantly improves oxygen evolution activities with an overpotential of 270 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and specific activity of 2.08 mA cmECSA-2 at overpotential of 300 mV, 3.84-fold that of Ni3Fe oxide. It is revealed that the catalyst-support interaction between Ni3Fe oxide and PANI support enhances the Ni-O covalency via the interfacial Ni-N bond, thus promoting the charge and mass transfer on Ni3Fe oxide. Considering the excellent activity and stability, rechargeable Zn-air batteries with optimum Ni3Fe oxide/PANI are assembled, delivering a low charge voltage of 1.95 V to cycle for 400 h at 10 mA cm-2. The regulation of the effect of catalyst-support interaction on catalytic activity provides new possibilities for the future design of highly efficient OER catalysts.

Electrospun polycaprolactone-chitosan nanofibers on a zinc mesh as biodegradable guided bone-regeneration membranes with enhanced mechanical, antibacterial, and osteogenic properties for alveolar bone-repair applications.

Guided bone-regeneration membrane (GBRM) is commonly used in bone-repair surgery because it blocks fibroblast proliferation and provides spatial support in bone-defect spaces. However, the need for removal surgery and the lack of antibacterial properties of conventional GBRM limit its therapeutic applicability for alveolar bone defects. Here we developed a GBRM for alveolar bone-repair and -regeneration applications through double-sided electrospinning of polycaprolactone and chitosan layers on a Zn mesh surface (denoted DSZM). The DSZM showed a UTS of ∼25.6 MPa, elongation of ∼16.1%, strength-elongation product of ∼0.413 GPa%, and ultrahigh spatial maintenance ability, and the UTS was over 6 times higher than that of commercial Bio-Gide membrane. The DSZM exhibited a corrosion rate of ∼17 µm/y and a Zn ion concentration of ∼0.23 µg/ml after 1 month of immersion in Hanks' solution. The DSZM showed direct and indirect cytocompatibility with exceptional osteogenic differentiation and calcium deposition toward MC3T3-E1 cells. Further, the DSZM showed strongly sustained antibacterial activity against S. aureus and osteogenesis in a rat critical-sized maxillary defect model. Overall, the DSZM fits the requirements for alveolar bone-repair and -regeneration applications as a biodegradable GBRM material due to its spatial support, suitable degradability, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial and osteogenic capabilities. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work reports the mechanical properties, antibacterial ability and osteogenic properties of electrospun PCL-CS nanofiber on Zn mesh as biodegradable guided bone-regeneration membrane for alveolar bone-repair applications. Our findings demonstrate that the DSZM prepared by double-sided electrospinning of PCL-CS layers on Zn mesh showed a UTS of ∼25.6 MPa, elongation of ∼16.1%, strength-elongation product of ∼0.413 GPa%, and ultrahigh spatial maintenance ability, and the UTS was over 6 times greater than that of commercial Bio-Gide® membrane. The DSZM showed direct and indirect cytocompatibility with exceptional osteogenic differentiation and calcium deposition toward MC3T3-E1 cells. Further, the DSZM showed strongly sustained antibacterial activity against S. aureus and osteogenesis in a rat critical-sized maxillary defect model.

Experiences of Exercise-Related Worry Among Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Carers: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The low levels of physical activity in childhood cancer survivors have increasingly garnered attention from nursing scholars. Exercise-related worry is a prominent barrier, yet the understanding of such experiences among childhood cancer survivors and their primary caregivers remains scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to further understand the factors contributing to exercise-related worry from the perspective of childhood cancer survivors and their primary caregivers. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted face-to-face semistructured interviews with childhood cancer survivors (n = 20) and carers (n = 20) in 2 hospitals in China. The interviews were analyzed according to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two main themes and 8 subthemes emerged: (1) internal factors: changes in the perception of physical activity (threat perception from the disease, active avoidance of stressful events, lack of safety due to past experiences), and (2) external factors: weak support system (limited peer support, family strength, feeling abandoned by the tumor team, reintegration into school, external environmental constraints). In summary, exercise-related worry is from internal factors and can be influenced by external factors. CONCLUSION: There are various factors contributing to the concerns of exercise in childhood cancer survivors, which may be a key factor for their significantly lower levels of physical activity compared to guideline recommendations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of this study call for healthcare professionals to provide additional assistance for childhood cancer survivors with exercise-related worry and establish personalized mechanisms for supporting physical activity in pediatric cancer survivors within the Chinese healthcare system.

An ultraflexible energy harvesting-storage system for wearable applications.

The swift progress in wearable technology has accentuated the need for flexible power systems. Such systems are anticipated to exhibit high efficiency, robust durability, consistent power output, and the potential for effortless integration. Integrating ultraflexible energy harvesters and energy storage devices to form an autonomous, efficient, and mechanically compliant power system remains a significant challenge. In this work, we report a 90 µm-thick energy harvesting and storage system (FEHSS) consisting of high-performance organic photovoltaics and zinc-ion batteries within an ultraflexible configuration. With a power conversion efficiency surpassing 16%, power output exceeding 10 mW cm-2, and an energy density beyond 5.82 mWh cm-2, the FEHSS can be tailored to meet the power demands of wearable sensors and gadgets. Without cumbersome and rigid components, FEHSS shows immense potential as a versatile power source to advance wearable electronics and contribute toward a sustainable future.

Silver Nanocomposites with Enhanced Shelf-Life for Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: Mechanisms, Advances, and Prospects.

Reducing fruit and vegetable waste and maintaining quality has become challenging for everyone. Nanotechnology is a new and intriguing technology that is currently being implemented in fruit and vegetable preservation. Silver nanomaterials provide superior antibacterial qualities, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, which expands their potential applications in fruit and vegetable preservation. Silver nanomaterials include silver nanocomposites and Ag-MOF, of which silver nanocomposites are mainly composed of silver nanoparticles. Notably, not all kinds of silver nanoparticles utilized in the preservation of fruits and vegetables are thoroughly described. Therefore, the synthesis, mechanism of action, and advancements in research on silver nanocomposites for fruit and vegetable preservation were discussed in this study.

Antibiotic resistance and virulence characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus isolated from Ningbo, China.

Background: Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) is a deadly opportunistic human pathogen with high mortality worldwide. Notably, climate warming is likely to expand its geographical range and increase the infection risk for individuals in coastal regions. However, due to the absence of comprehensive surveillance systems, the emergence and characteristics of clinical V. vulnificus isolates remain poorly understood in China. Methods: In this study, we investigate antibiotic resistance, virulence including serum resistance, and hemolytic ability, as well as molecular characteristics of 21 V. vulnificus isolates collected from patients in Ningbo, China. Results and discussion: The results indicate that all isolates have been identified as potential virulent vcg C type, with the majority (16 of 21) classified as 16S rRNA B type. Furthermore, these isolates exhibit a high level of antibiotic resistance, with 66.7% resistance to more than three antibiotics and 61.9% possessing a multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index exceeding 0.2. In terms of virulence, most isolates were categorized as grade 1 in serum resistance, with one strain, S12, demonstrating intermediate sensitivity in serum resistance, belonging to grade 3. Whole genome analysis disclosed the profiles of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) in these strains. The strains share substantial VF genes associated with adherence, iron uptake, antiphagocytosis, toxin, and motility. In particular, key VFs such as capsule (CPS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) are prevalent in all isolates. Specifically, S12 possesses a notably high number of VF genes (672), which potentially explains its higher virulence. Additionally, these strains shared six ARGs, namely, PBP3, adeF, varG, parE, and CRP, which likely determine their antibiotic resistance phenotype. Conclusion: Overall, our study provides valuable baseline information for clinical tracking, prevention, control, and treatment of V. vulnificus infections.

Investigation on the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of dictamnine on juvenile zebrafish by integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics.

Dictamnine(DIC), as the key pharmacological component of the classical Chinese herbal medicine cortex dictamni, possesses multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, however it is also the main toxicant of cortex dictamni induced hepatic damage, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms causing hepatic damage are still largely unknown. With the purpose of explore possibilities hepatotoxicity of dictamnine in zebrafish and to identify the key regulators and metabolites involved in the biological process, we administered zebrafish to dictamnine at a sub-lethal dose (

Biomechanical characteristics of maxillary anterior incisor, conventional immediate implantation and socket shield technique - A finite element analysis and case report.

BACKGROUND: To prevent the absorption and collapse of the labial bone plate of the anterior teeth, immediate implantation and socket shield technique have been increasingly applied to anterior dental aesthetic implant restoration. OBJECTIVE: To provide a biomechanical basis for implant restoration of maxillary anterior teeth, finite element analysis was used to investigate the stress peak and distribution in different anatomical sites of natural teeth, conventional immediate implantation and socket shield technique. METHODS: Three maxillary finite element models were established, including a maxillary incisor as a natural tooth, a conventional immediate implantation and a socket shield technique. A mechanical load of 100 N was applied to simulate and analyze the biomechanical behavior of the root, periodontal ligament (PDL), implant and surrounding bone interface. RESULTS: The stress distribution of the natural tooth was relatively uniform under load. The maximum von Mises stress of the root, periodontal ligament, cortical bone and cancellous bone were 20.14 MPa, 2.473 MPa, 19.48 MPa and 5.068 MPa, respectively. When the conventional immediate implantation was loaded, the stress was mainly concentrated around the neck of implant. Maximum stress on the surface of the implant was 102 MPa, the cortical bone was 16.13 MPa, and the cancellous bone was 18.29 MPa. When the implantation with socket shield technique was loaded, the stress distribution of the implant was similar to that of immediate implantation. Maximum stress on the surface of the implant was 100.5 MPa, the cortical bone was 23.11 MPa, the cancellous bone was 21.66 MPa, the remaining tooth fragment was 29.42 MPa and the periodontal ligament of the tooth fragment was 1.131 MPa. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Under static loading, both socket shield technology and conventional immediate implantation can support the esthetic restoration of anterior teeth biomechanically. 2.Under short-term follow-up, both immediate implant and socket shield technology achieved satisfactory clinical results, including bone healing and patient satisfaction. 3.The stress distribution is mainly located on the buccal bone surface of the implant and is associated with resorption of the buccal bone plate after implant replacement in both socket shield technology and conventional immediate implantation. 4.The presence of retained root fragment had an impact on the bone graft gap. In immediate implantation, the peak stress was located in the cortical bone near the implant position, while in socket shield technology, the peak stress was at the neck of the cortical bone corresponding to the retained root fragment.

Gate-Switchable Molecular Diffusion on a Graphene Field-Effect Transistor.

Controlling the surface diffusion of particles on 2D devices creates opportunities for advancing microscopic processes such as nanoassembly, thin-film growth, and catalysis. Here, we demonstrate the ability to control the diffusion of F4TCNQ molecules at the surface of clean graphene field-effect transistors (FETs) via electrostatic gating. Tuning the back-gate voltage (VG) of a graphene FET switches molecular adsorbates between negative and neutral charge states, leading to dramatic changes in their diffusion properties. Scanning tunneling microscopy measurements reveal that the diffusivity of neutral molecules decreases rapidly with a decreasing VG and involves rotational diffusion processes. The molecular diffusivity of negatively charged molecules, on the other hand, remains nearly constant over a wide range of applied VG values and is dominated by purely translational processes. First-principles density functional theory calculations confirm that the energy landscapes experienced by neutral vs charged molecules lead to diffusion behavior consistent with experiment. Gate-tunability of the diffusion barrier for F4TCNQ molecules on graphene enables graphene FETs to act as diffusion switches.

Volatile oil from Acori graminei Rhizoma affected the synaptic plasticity of rats with tic disorders by modulating dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acori graminei Rhizoma is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for treating TD, with its main component being calamus volatile oil. Volatile Oil from Acori graminei Rhizoma (VOA)can protect nerve cells and alleviate learning and memory disorders. However, the mechanism of anti-tic of VOA is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: We aimed to explore the effects of Volatile Oil from Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (VOA) on striatal dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems and synaptic plasticity of rats with Tic Disorder (TD), as well as its pharmaceutical mechanism against TD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 48 (three-week-old) Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, which were randomly divided into two primary groups: Control (8) and TD (40). Rats in the TD group were injected intraperitoneally with 3,3-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) to construct the TD rat model. They were divided into five subgroups: Model, Tiapride, VOA-high, VOA-medium, and VOA-low (N = 8). After modeling, VOA was administrated to rats in the VOA groups through gavage (once/day for four consecutive weeks), while rats in the blank control and model groups received normal saline of the same volume. The animals' behavioral changes were reflected using the stereotypic and motor behavior scores. After interferences, patterns of striatal neurons and the density of dendritic spines were investigated using H&E and Golgi staining, and the ultrastructure of striatal synapses was examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, Ca2+ content was determined using the Ca2+ detector, and Dopamine (DA) and Glutamate (GLU) contents in serum and striatum were detected through ELISA. Finally, DRD1, DRD2, AMPAR1, NMPAR1, DAT, VMAT2, CAMKⅡ, and CREB expression in the striatum was detected using Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western Blotting (WB) and Immunohistochemical (IHC) methods. RESULTS: Compared to rats in the blank control and model groups, rats in the VOA groups showed lower stereotypic behavior scores. Furthermore, rats in the VOA groups exhibited relieved, neuron damage and increased quantities of neuronal dendrites and dendritic spines Additionally, based on TEM images show that, the VOA groups showed a clear synaptic structure and increased amounts of postsynaptic dense substances and synaptic vesicles. The VOA groups also exhibited reduced Ca2+ contents, and upregulation of DRD1, DRD2, DAT, AMPAR1, and NMPAR1 and downregulation of VMAT-2, CAMKⅡ, and CREB in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, VOA could influence synaptic plasticity by tuning the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, thus relieving TD.

Neurovascular coupling dysfunction associated with cognitive impairment in presbycusis.

The neuropathological mechanism underlying presbycusis remains unclear. This study aimed to illustrate the mechanism of neurovascular coupling associated with cognitive impairment in patients with presbycusis. We assessed the coupling of cerebral blood perfusion with spontaneous neuronal activity by calculating the correlation coefficients between cerebral blood flow and blood oxygen level-dependent-derived quantitative maps (amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, regional homogeneity, degree centrality). Four neurovascular coupling metrics (cerebral blood flow-amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, cerebral blood flow-fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, cerebral blood flow-regional homogeneity and cerebral blood flow-degree centrality) were compared at the global and regional levels between the presbycusis group and the healthy control group, and the intrinsic association between the altered neurovascular coupling metrics and the neuropsychological scale was further analysed in the presbycusis group. At the global level, neurovascular coupling was significantly lower in the presbycusis group than in the control group and partially related to cognitive level. At the regional level, neurovascular biomarkers were significantly elevated in three brain regions and significantly decreased in one brain region, all of which involved the Papez circuit. Regional neurovascular coupling provides more information than global neurovascular coupling, and neurovascular coupling dysfunction within the Papez circuit has been shown to reveal the causes of poor cognitive and emotional responses in age-related hearing loss patients.

Morphological characterization and transcriptome analysis of rolled and narrow leaf mutant in soybean.

BACKGROUND: In plants, the leaf functions as a solar panel, where photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen. In soybean, leaf type traits, including leaf shape, leaf area, leaf width, and leaf width so on, are considered to be associated with yield. In this study, we performed morphological characterization, transcriptome analysis, and endogenous hormone analysis of a rolled and narrow leaf mutant line (rl) in soybean. RESULTS: Compared with wild type HX3, mutant line rl showed rolled and narrower leaflet, and smaller leaf, meanwhile rl also performed narrower pod and narrower seed. Anatomical analysis of leaflet demonstrated that cell area of upper epidermis was bigger than the cell area of lower epidermis in rl, which may lead rolled and narrow leaf. Transcriptome analysis revealed that several cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase (CKX) genes (Glyma.06G028900, Glyma.09G225400, Glyma.13G104700, Glyma.14G099000, and Glyma.17G054500) were up-regulation dramatically, which may cause lower cytokinin level in rl. Endogenous hormone analysis verified that cytokinin content of rl was lower. Hormone treatment results indicated that 6-BA rescued rolled leaf enough, rescued partly narrow leaf. And after 6-BA treatment, the cell area was similar between upper epidermis and lower epidermis in rl. Although IAA content and ABA content were reduced in rl, but exogenous IAA and ABA didn't affect leaf type of HX3 and rl. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest abnormal cytokinin metabolism caused rolled and narrow leaf in rl, and provide valuable clues for further understanding the mechanisms underlying leaf development in soybean.

Mitigation of gestational diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction through FGF21-NRF2 pathway activation involving L-Cystine.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) disrupts glucolipid metabolism, endangering maternal and fetal health. Despite limited research on its pathogenesis and treatments, we conducted a study using serum samples from GDM-diagnosed pregnant women. We performed metabolic sequencing to identify key small molecule metabolites and explored their molecular interactions with FGF21. We also investigated FGF21's impact on GDM using blood samples from affected women. Our analysis revealed a novel finding: elevated levels of L-Cystine in GDM patients. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between L-Cystine and FGF21 levels, and found that L-Cystine induces NRF2 expression via FGF21 for a period of 96 h. Under high glucose (HG) conditions, FGF21 upregulates NRF2 and downstream genes NQO1 and EPHX1 via AKT phosphorylation induced by activation of IRS1, enhancing endothelial function. Additionally, we confirmed that levels of FGF21, L-Cystine, and endothelial function at the third trimester were effectively enhanced through appropriate exercise and diet during pregnancy in GDM patients (GDM + ED). These findings suggest FGF21 as a potential therapeutic agent for GDM, particularly in protecting endothelial cells. Moreover, elevated L-Cystine via appropriate exercise and diet might be a potential strategy to enhance FGF21's efficacy.

Discovery of Preclinical Candidate AD1058 as a Highly Potent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant ATR Inhibitor for the Treatment of Advanced Malignancies.

The ataxia telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related protein (ATR) plays a crucial role in regulating the cellular DNA-damage response (DDR), making it a promising target for antitumor drug development through synthetic lethality. In this study, we present the discovery and detailed characterization of AD1058, a highly potent and selective ATR inhibitor, with good preclinical pharmacokinetic profiles. AD1058 exhibits superior efficacy in inhibiting cell proliferation, disrupting the cell cycle, and inducing apoptosis compared to AZD6738. AD1058 displays potent antitumor effects as a single agent or in combination with clinically approved tumor therapies such as PARP inhibitors, ionizing radiotherapy, or chemotherapy in vivo. Considering its enhanced ability to permeate the blood-brain barrier, AD1058 is a promising clinical candidate for the treatment of brain metastases and leptomeningeal metastases in solid tumors. Additionally, among reported ATR inhibitors, AD1058 features the shortest synthesis route and the highest efficiency to date.

Combination of static and dynamic neural imaging features to distinguish sensorineural hearing loss: a machine learning study.

Purpose: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common form of sensory deprivation and is often unrecognized by patients, inducing not only auditory but also nonauditory symptoms. Data-driven classifier modeling with the combination of neural static and dynamic imaging features could be effectively used to classify SNHL individuals and healthy controls (HCs). Methods: We conducted hearing evaluation, neurological scale tests and resting-state MRI on 110 SNHL patients and 106 HCs. A total of 1,267 static and dynamic imaging characteristics were extracted from MRI data, and three methods of feature selection were computed, including the Spearman rank correlation test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and t test as well as LASSO. Linear, polynomial, radial basis functional kernel (RBF) and sigmoid support vector machine (SVM) models were chosen as the classifiers with fivefold cross-validation. The receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated for each model. Results: SNHL subjects had higher hearing thresholds in each frequency, as well as worse performance in cognitive and emotional evaluations, than HCs. After comparison, the selected brain regions using LASSO based on static and dynamic features were consistent with the between-group analysis, including auditory and nonauditory areas. The subsequent AUCs of the four SVM models (linear, polynomial, RBF and sigmoid) were as follows: 0.8075, 0.7340, 0.8462 and 0.8562. The RBF and sigmoid SVM had relatively higher accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: Our research raised attention to static and dynamic alterations underlying hearing deprivation. Machine learning-based models may provide several useful biomarkers for the classification and diagnosis of SNHL.

Exposure to Chloropropanols and Their Fatty Acid Esters and Glycidyl Fatty Acid Esters in the Sixth Total Diet Study - China, 2016-2019.

What is already known about this topic?: Chloropropanols, along with their fatty acid esters and glycidyl fatty acid esters (GEs), are prevalent contaminants in a variety of processed foods, posing potential health risks to humans. What is added by this report?: In the Sixth China Total Diet Study (TDS), 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol esters (3-MCPD esters) and GEs were identified as the predominant chloropropanols and their esters in composite food samples. Vegetables (47.0%) and cereals (15.4%) were the major contributors to exposure among the 12 food categories evaluated. What are the implications for public health practice?: The Sixth China TDS highlighted concerns regarding potential health risks associated with dietary exposure to GEs. This study underscores the need for further attention in devising practical strategies to mitigate dietary exposure to GEs.

Aberrant Intra- and Inter-Network Connectivity in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Tinnitus.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSNHL) is related to alterations in brain cortical and subcortical structures, and changes in brain functional activities involving multiple networks, which is often accompanied by tinnitus. There have been many in-depth research studies conducted concerning ISSNHL. Despite this, the neurophysiological mechanisms of ISSNHL with tinnitus are still under exploration. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the neural mechanism in ISSNHL patients with tinnitus based on the alterations in intra- and inter-network Functional Connectivity (FC) of multiple networks. METHODS: Thirty ISSNHL subjects and 37 healthy subjects underwent resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI). Independent Component Analysis (ICA) was used to identify 8 Resting-state Networks (RSNs). Furthermore, the study used a two-sample t-test to calculate the intra-network FC differences, while calculating Functional Network Connectivity (FNC) to detect the inter-network FC differences. RESULTS: By using the ICA approach, tinnitus patients with ISSNHL were found to have FC changes in the following RSNs: CN, VN, DMN, ECN, SMN, and AUN. In addition, the interconnections of VN-SMN, VN-ECN, and ECN-DAN were weakened. CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated changes in FC within and between networks in ISSNHL with tinnitus, providing ideas for further study on the neuropathological mechanism of the disease.

Multiple salary comparisons, distributive justice, and employee withdrawal.

Salary comparison has well-established implications for employees' attitudes and behaviors at work. Yet how employees process information about simultaneous comparisons, particularly when internal and external comparison information is incongruent, remains controversial. In this article, we draw from the model of dispositional attribution and equity theory to predict how the incongruence of internal and external salary comparisons affects perceptions of distributive justice and subsequent employee withdrawal behavior. We hypothesized that the effect of salary comparisons on perceived distributive justice follows a hierarchically restrictive schema in which a lower salary in comparison to a referent has a greater effect than a higher salary. This further affects employee withdrawal (neglect, turnover intention, and voluntary turnover). We also propose that the effects of salary comparisons are bounded by employees' zero-sum construal of success. Three studies were conducted to test our hypotheses: a quasi-experimental study and two time-lagged field studies. Consistent with our hypotheses, we observed that, when comparison information was incongruent, underpayment compared with others more strongly affected perceived distributive justice than overpayment did. The subsequent impact on perceived distributive justice was negatively related to employee withdrawal. As expected, the effect of incongruent salary comparison information was stronger for employees with lower zero-sum construal of success. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

An Organic Optoelectronic Synapse with Multilevel Memory Enabled by Gate Modulation.

Artificial synaptic devices are emerging as contenders for next-generation computing systems due to their combined advantages of self-adaptive learning mechanisms, high parallel computation capabilities, adjustable memory level, and energy efficiency. Optoelectronic devices are particularly notable for their responsiveness to both voltage inputs and light exposure, making them attractive for dynamic modulation. However, engineering devices with reconfigurable synaptic plasticity and multilevel memory within a singular configuration present a fundamental challenge. Here, we have established an organic transistor-based synaptic device that exhibits both volatile and nonvolatile memory characteristics, modulated through gate voltage together with light stimuli. Our device demonstrates a range of synaptic behaviors, including both short/long-term plasticity (STP and LTP) as well as STP-LTP transitions. Further, as an encoding unit, it delivers exceptional read current levels, achieving a program/erase current ratio exceeding 105, with excellent repeatability. Additionally, a prototype 4 × 4 matrix demonstrates potential in practical neuromorphic systems, showing capabilities in the perception, processing, and memory retention of image inputs.