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In this study, the degradation behavior of flexible GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs (IMM3J) solar cells and their metamorphic subcells under 1 MeV electron irradiation was investigated. The remaining factors such as short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and maximum power (Pmax) were 95.62, 85.52, and 79.73%, respectively, at an irradiation fluence of 2 × 1015 e/cm2. The spectral responses of the InGaAs and GaAs subcells degraded significantly, and the InGaAs subcell experienced greater degradation than the GaAs subcell after irradiation. In addition, the current-limiting unit was switched from GaInP to InGaAs after irradiation. Defect analysis by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) revealed that with increasing irradiation fluence, the defects that had the greatest impact on the performance of GaAs subcells were EV + 0.36 and EV + 0.42 eV. For InGaAs subcells, the defects that had the greatest impact on the performance were EV + 0.29 and EV + 0.24 eV. The decrease in the minority carrier lifetime is the main reason for the decrease in the electrical performance of solar cells, and the variation in the effective minority carrier lifetime (τeff) in the subcells with the irradiation fluence was calculated based on the DLTS results. At a fluence of 2 × 1015 e/cm2, the τeff of the GaAs and InGaAs subcells decreased from 2.93 × 10−10 and 9.10 × 10−10 s to 1.56 × 10−11 and 1.60 × 10−12 s, respectively. These results provide a reference for predicting the degradation of short-circuit current and open-circuit voltage of flexible IMM3J. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment options for pre-treated patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) remain limited. This is the first study to assess the real-world safety and efficacy of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in the UK. Methods: Data was retrospectively collected from 16 tertiary UK cancer centres. Pts had a diagnosis of mTNBC, received at least two prior lines of treatment (with at least one being in the metastatic setting) and received at least one dose of SG. Results: 132 pts were included. Median age was 56 years (28–91). All patients were ECOG performance status (PS) 0-3 (PS0; 39, PS1; 76, PS2; 16, PS3;1). 75% (99/132) of pts had visceral metastases including 18% (24/132) of pts with CNS disease. Median PFS (mPFS) was 5.2 months (95% CI 4.5–6.6) with a median OS (mOS) of 8.7 months (95% CI 6.8-NA). The most common adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (all grade; 82%, G3/4; 14%), neutropenia (all grade; 55%, G3/4; 29%), diarrhoea (all grade; 58%, G3/4, 15%), and nausea (all grade; 38%, G3/4; 3%). SG dose reduction was required in 54% of pts. Conclusion: This study supports significant anti-tumour activity in heavily pre-treated pts with mTNBC. Toxicity data aligns with clinical trial experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical properties of two-dimensional bilayer silicon have been explored at midinfrared wavelengths using density functional theory. In this work, progressive atomic structural deformation and the resultant variations in the optical properties of the bilayer silicon films were investigated under external in-plane strain. A phase transformation of the atomic structure has been observed at an applied in-plane tensile strain of 5.17%, at which the atomic lattice is changed from a low buckled to a buckle-free honeycomb structure. Evaluations of the optical properties were carried out by taking into account the inter- and intraband transitions. An abrupt change in the optical refraction index was observed at the phase transition. In addition, the buckle-free honeycomb structure presents a strain-resistive absorption edge pinned at 1.14 μm wavelength. Exceeding a strain threshold of 12.26% results in the development of both direct- and indirect-energy bandgap openings. The direct bandgap induced interband optical transitions, resulting in absorption peaks at midinfrared wavelengths and a drastic increase in the refraction index. Moreover, by adjusting the strain, the optical absorptions can be tuned in a wide range of wavelength at midinfrared from 1.5 to 11.5 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on a novel preparation method for functional scaffolds from natural cellulose has attracted widespread attention in science and engineering. In order to obtain cellulose board which is similar to wood board in structure and mechanical properties, ice template, phase inversion under low temperature, and hot pressing were employed to fabricate board from natural cellulose. During preparation, ice template was used to control cellulose molecules arrange forming excellent orientation in the scaffold. Then, prepared scaffold was immersed in ethanol under −20 °C to remove salt ions used in cellulose resolve process, and keep the direction arrange of molecules in scaffold. Finally, prepared scaffold was treated by hot pressing for pushing off air in pores to form density board. Scanning electron microscopy image showed that prepared scaffold has directional cellulose arrange structure which was similar to that of wood. After hot pressing, the density of scaffold is increased. The mechanical properties of cellulose boards are enhanced with the increase of cellulose concentration, and the tensile strength can reach about 45 MPa, which has great potential in replacing natural wood boards. Our study provides new tactics for the use of natural cellulose in our life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electro-osmosis technique can be used for rapid dewatering and consolidation of deep soft foundations. Considering the abnormal volt-ampere characteristics of soil at the initial stage of electro-osmosis using electrokinetic geosynthetics (EKG) electrodes, the hypothesis that the interfacial resistance between electrode and soil is related to current was formulated. A new method was used to distinguish the soil resistance and interfacial resistance, and an experiment was designed to verify them. The results show that the soil resistance does not change with the changing current in the circuit, but the interfacial resistance is closely related to the current. The interfacial resistance decreases as the current increases and is approximately a power function of the current. This relationship applies to aluminium, copper, iron and EKG electrodes. In addition, a design for the field application of electro-osmosis was developed focusing on power supply and efficiency. The calculation results show that the proportion of soil effective potential is closely related to the potential gradient imposed by the power supply. The experimental results reveal the relationship between the potential gradient and the efficiency of electro-osmosis, which provides a theoretical basis for the determination and optimisation of electric power in electro-osmosis system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. In this work, we explored the modulation and potential mechanisms of action of circ_0005585 in ischemic stroke. Expression of circ_0005585 and miR-16-5p was assessed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Ischemic stroke was modeled in mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The infarct volume was assessed by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Neurological deficits were evaluated according to Neurological Severity Score. The permeability of the blood—brain barrier was assessed by Evan's blue leakage and brain water content. Apoptosis in brain tissues was measured by the TUNEL test. Relative expression of apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. The direct interaction between circ_0005585 and miR-16-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expression of circ_0005585 was lower in mice with MCAO. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of circ_0005585 ameliorated the neurological deficits and decreased the infarction volume in MCAO mice. The brain water content and Evan's blue leakage through the blood—brain barrier were reduced. In addition, overexpression of circ_0005585 inhibited apoptosis in the cerebral tissues. Our results revealed direct interaction between circ_0005585 and miR-16-5p. Hence, circ_0005585 protects mouse brain during ischemic stroke by targeting miR-16-5p, which uncovers the pathogenesis of this pathology and opens new vitas for its therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an approach to study the electrical and spectral degradation properties of InxGa1-xAs (x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.53) solar cell under 150 keV proton irradiation based on numerical simulation. First, the structures of InxGa1-xAs solar cell were optimized by adjusting the doping concentration of base layer and modifying the thickness of base and emitter layer. The structural parameter related to providing higher conversion efficiency was figured out. Then, the degradation of electrical parameters such as short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), maximum output power (Pmax), fill factor (FF), as well as the spectral response were obtained. The degradation correlation with radiation-induced defects was built to reveal the damage mechanism under 150 keV proton irradiation. This study provides constructive model of InxGa1-xAs to be applied in multi-junction solar cells, and the predicted degradation behavior could contribute to design the radiation-hardened space devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wi-Fi fingerprint positioning is widely used because of its ready hardware and high accuracy. However, its application is considerably restricted by time-consuming and labor-intensive works of offline collection and irregular fluctuation of signals. To address the above problems, we proposed a novel method to deploy the Wi-Fi fingerprint database based on implicit crowdsourcing and improved the weighted k-nearest neighbor (WKNN) algorithm to eliminate the influence of neighbor mismatching and device heterogeneity. First, ordinary users continuously gather Wi-Fi information instead of collecting one point after another. Meanwhile, video surveillance cameras record users' trajectories without any intervention and use monocular vision based on plane constraints to obtain users' location at the moment of each scanning. At the localization phase, the morphology similarity distance instead of the Euclidean distance is used to measure the similarity of signals to solve the problem of device heterogeneity. Outlier detection is also utilized for a secondary selection of neighbor points. Finally, geometric and signal morphology similarity distances are used to determine the combined weight of all neighbors after the dimensionless treatment. Results of the experiments conducted in a real indoor environment show that the proposed strategy improves the efficiency of fingerprint collection and achieves higher positioning accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-spherical gravity plays a crucial role in the LEO satellite orbit determination and prediction. In recent years, several new gravity models have been proposed with more comprehensive ground and space-borne data. The impact of the gravity models has been extensively studied while its impact on the orbit prediction has not attracted enough attention. With the risen of the mega LEO constellation, new applications such as the LEO navigation requires real-time precise orbit, which increases the importance of the precise orbit prediction. In this study, we selected six popular gravity models, namely JGM3, EGM2008, EGM96, EIGEN2, GL04C, and GGM03S, and compared their performance in different LEO orbit predictions. The comparison results indicate that there is no single optimal gravity model for all LEO orbit prediction scenarios. For short-term prediction, JGM3, EGM2008, GL04C models perform better while in long-term prediction JGM3, EGM96, EIGEN2 have more potential. The results also reveal that the optimal model changed with time. In addition, the impact of the gravity order on the orbit prediction is investigated, the results indicate that for satellites with lower orbital heights, the gravitational field order required to achieve a certain truncation error is higher than for satellites with higher orbital heights. The authors also explore the effect of gravitational field-associated permanent tides on orbital prediction. In one day, for satellites with an orbital altitude of about 970km, the effect of permanent tides on 3D RMS is 6.92m; for satellites around 710km, the effect of permanent tides on 3D RMS is 4.20m; for satellites around 970km, the effect of permanent tides on 3D RMS is 2.07m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose an indoor navigation method based on the tightly-coupled (TC) integration of Bluetooth low energy (BLE) and pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) using a graph optimization model. We first utilize the Gaussian probability model to update the particle weights that considers the ranging model's estimation performance at different distances to determine the particle weight. Moreover, the BLE walking-surveyed or crowdsourced landmarks, combined with accurate ranging of BLE at a short distance, is used to construct a graph optimization model, and the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm is adopted to optimize this model to improve track tracking performance. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been verified in the hallway scene and another challenging room scene. The results show that compared with the standard particle filter (PF) method, the average positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm is improved by 64.0% and 54.75%, and the error variance is significantly reduced by 76.23% and 68.60%, respectively, which is a significant improvement in both robustness and accuracy. Furthermore, the test shows that the proposed method can calculate reasonable trajectories even in complex room scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) real-time kinematics (RTK) is a technology to provide centimeter-level navigation services in outdoor areas. GNSS/INS integration is a typical integrated navigation system, including loosely, tightly, and ultra-tightly coupled integration, which has been studied for decades. Although GNSS aiding INS is a relatively mature system, RTK is rarely used to be integrated with INS. In this work, we present a model with a tightly-coupled (TC) scheme to integrate RTK and INS using an extended Kalman Filter (EKF). Multi-GNSS multi-frequency double-differenced pseudo-ranges and carrier phases are the updates of the measurement model. To make the ambiguity resolution, we used the well-known LAMBDA algorithm to search for the possible ambiguity series, and then use the best integer equivariant (BIE) method to decide on the most likely ambiguities with a proper weighting strategy to select from the ambiguity candidates. To test the performance of the proposed TC integration model, we implemented two field vehicular tests with a low-cost GNSS module equipped with a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) IMU. Using this low-cost platform, our RTK/INS integrated navigation engine can achieve centimeter-level navigation solutions under open sky conditions. In harsh environments, our TC integration system navigates on two scenarios with mean errors of 0.48 and 0.57 m, which is 51% and 28% better than a loosely-coupled system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathodoluminescence (CL) hyperspectral imaging has been performed on GaN nanorods containing a single InGaN quantum disk (SQD) with controlled variations in excitation conditions. Two different nanorod diameters (200 and 280 nm) have been considered. Systematic changes in the CL spectra from the SQD were observed as the accelerating voltage of the electron beam and its position of incidence are varied. It is shown that the dominant optical transition in the SQD varies across the nanorod as a result of interplay between the contributions of the deformation potential and the quantum-confined Stark effect to the transition energy as consequence of radial variation in the pseudomorphic strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a simplified numerical model for geogrid-reinforced piled embankments considering dynamic loads. Based on this model, the vertical stress acting on the geogrid is investigated comprehensively and is found to exhibit an inverse trapezoidal distribution. An analytical solution for the geogrid-reinforced piled embankment under a static load is then derived for vertical equilibrium and an assumed inverse trapezoidal load distribution on the geogrid. This is extended by considering an additional vertical stress induced by the dynamic loads, based on the Boussinesq equation. However, the characteristics of the traffic loads (i.e. frequency and load numbers) are ignored. The analytical solution is then validated against three case studies and parametric numerical studies under various geometries (pile spacing and embankment height), geogrid stiffnesses and embankment friction angles. These parametric studies show that the geogrid tension increases with the pile spacing, embankment height and geogrid stiffness but decreases with the friction angle of the embankment. The pile spacing is found to be the most influential of all the factors examined in this paper, increasing from 2.0 m to 3.0 m when the geogrid tension is increased by approximately 248%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of Sn content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the CoCrFeMnNiSnx high entropy alloys. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys have been studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, room-temperature compressive tests and Vickers hardness tests. It has been found that Sn has a great effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloys. The CoCrFeMnNi alloy has a simple FCC phase structure, while a few white precipitations (MnNi2Sn-like) are observed in the Sn0.03 and Sn0.07 alloys. With further additions of Sn, the microstructure of Sn0.1, Sn0.3 and Sn0.5 changes to a typical dendrite structure, the dominated dendrite region has a lattice of FCC structure which is enriched with Cr, Co and Fe, and the interdendritic region is enriched with Mn, Ni and Sn. The volume of the MnNi2Sn-like phase increases with Sn content increasing. The addition of Sn enhances the formation of the MnNi2Sn-like phase in the CoCrFeMnNiSnx alloys, and improves the hardness and strength of as-cast alloys, but reduces the ductility of the alloys. The strengthening mechanism of alloys was solid solution strengthening and formation of the MnNi2Sn-like phase. In the CoCrFeMnNiSn0.03 and CoCrFeMnNiSn0.07 alloys, the solid solution is the dominant mechanism. With the Sn content increasing, the second phase strengthening is the dominant mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of metformin combined with losartan on vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in serum of spontaneously hypertensive rats, 30 spontaneously hypertensive rats were divided into 3 groups according to different treatment methods. The spontaneously hypertensive rats group was administered was without drug intervention. The metformin group was given orally normal saline mixed with metformin tablets. The combination group received the losartan potassium tablets in addition to metformin. The treatment time was 3 w and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in serum was measured. Rats were sacrificed, the brain tissues were taken, the vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in the brain tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry and immune blotting expression. Before treatment, the blood pressure of rats in the three groups was similar (p>0.05). Compared to the blood pressure before treatment, the blood pressure of rats in metformin group and combined group decreased significantly (p<0.05). There was no significant change in blood pressure of rats in spontaneously hypertensive rats group. After treatment, the blood pressure level of rats in combined group was lower than that in combined group (p<0.05). The expression of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in the 3 groups was similar before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in metformin group and combination group decreased (p<0.05). After treatment, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II in metformin group was lower than that in spontaneously hypertensive rats group. The expression of angiotensin II in brain tissue of metformin group was less than that of spontaneously hypertensive rats group (p<0.05), and that of the combined group was less than that of metformin group (p<0.05). Combined use in the treatment of spontaneous hypertension has a good antihypertensive effect, and serum and brain tissue vascular endothelial growth factor and angiotensin II were significantly decreased, improving the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a family of generally applicable schemes for updating the Hessian from electronic structure calculations based on an equation derived with compact finite difference (CFD). The CFD-based equation is of higher accuracy than the quasi-Newton equation on which existing generally applicable Hessian update schemes are based. Direct tests of Hessian update schemes, as well as dynamics simulations using an integrator incorporating Hessian update schemes, have shown four of the new schemes produce reliably higher accuracy than existing Hessian update schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the crystallization temperatures of metallic glasses show strong dependence on the heating rate. The right relationship between the crystallization temperatures and the heating rate are very important in illustrating crystallization behavior and in evaluating thermal stability of the metallic glasses. Up to now, the dependence is usually illustrated using Kissinger equation, Ozawa equation, Augis–Bennett equation, Lasocka equation, and Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) nonlinear equation. The paper aims to exam the relationship between the crystallization temperature and the heating rates for several metallic glasses, mainly rare earth-based and Zr-based metallic glasses. The validity of the relationship has been evaluated using additional experimental data at even lower or/and higher heating rates as well as the continuous heating transformation diagrams for the metallic glasses. The difference of the five equations has been compared in the paper. Among the five equations, the Kissinger, Ozawa, and Augis–Bennett equations show similar trends for the studied metallic glasses. The VFT equation is considered as a better model to describe the heating rate dependence of the crystallization temperature for the metallic glasses investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of tin substitution on the phase formation, the Curie temperature, and the magnetic entropy change of the monoclinic Gd5Si1.95Ge2.05 alloy have been investigated. Five Sn-doped Gd5Si1.95-xGe2.05-xSn2x samples were prepared with 2x=0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10, respectively. Experimental results show that a small amount of Sn doping in Gd5Si1.95Ge2.05 retains the first order structural/magnetic transition, significantly enhances its magnetocaloric effects as well as increase its Curie temperature Tc, but leads to increase in hysteresis loss due to its field-induced monoclinic to orthorhombic phase transformation. The maximum magnetic entropy change of the Sn-doped Gd5Si1.935Ge2.035Sn0.03 sample for the 0–2.0 T magnetic field change reaches 28.9 J kg-1 K-1 at 277 K, which is twice as large as that of pure Gd5Si1.95Ge2.05 (14.1 J kg-1 K-1 at 260 K) for the same magnetic field change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glass transition behavior and crystallization kinetics of Zr[sub 48]Nb[sub 8]Cu[sub 14]Ni[sub 12]Be[sub 18] bulk metallic glass have been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The activation energies of both glass transition and crystallization events have been obtained using the Kissinger method. Results indicate that this glass crystallizes by a three-stage reaction: (1) phase separation and primary crystallization of glass, (2) formation of intermetallic compounds, and (3) decomposition of intermetallic compounds and crystallization of residual amorphous phase. The pressure effect on crystallization is studied by in situ high-pressure and high-temperature XRD using synchrotron radiation. Two crystallization temperatures, observed by in-situ XRD, behave differently with varying pressure. The onset crystallization temperature increases with pressure with a slope of 9.5 K/GPa in the range of 0 to 4.4 GPa, while the another crystallization temperature keeps almost unchanged in the applied pressure range. The results are attributed to the competing processes between the thermodynamic potential barrier and the diffusion activation energy under pressure. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission spectrum and refractive index of (1−x)Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–xPbTiO3 (PMN-xPT) single crystals were studied and second-harmonic generation signal of the crystal powder was measured in order to characterize the nonlinear optical properties of the crystals. The poling procedure led to increase in the optical transmittance in visible spectral region. PMN-xPT single crystals were optically negative and the refractive index increased with PT concentration. Moreover, PMN-xPT crystals proved to have high nonlinear optical properties and the second-harmonic generation signal measured in powder of PMN-0.39PT crystal was greater than that of KH2PO4, KTiOPO4, and LiNbO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, many laboratories have switched the traditional screening algorithm (TSA) to reverse screening algorithm (RSA) for the efficiencies in high‐volume syphilis screening. However, confusions have been arisen regarding this paradigm shift. Objective: To compare the performance of two algorithms with head‐to‐head mode. Methods: Sera screening for syphilis were tested in parallel with chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA) and toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST). CIA‐reactive sera from the RSA were reflexively tested with TRUST and confirmed with Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA), while the TRUST‐reactive serology from the TSA were afterwards tested with TPPA. Results: A total of 110 663 serum samples were screened. The RSA identified 2259 (2.0%) CIA‐reactive results, of which 377 (16.7%) showed TPPA nonreactive results, while the TSA identified 934 (0.8%) TRUST‐reactive results, of which 67 (7.2%) showed TPPA‐nonreactive results. Among the 2259 CIA‐reactive results, 1392 (61.6%) were TRUST‐nonreactive, of which 350 (25.1%) were TPPA‐nonreactive. A total of 182 sera from the 350 TPPA‐nonreactive sera were further tested by a second CIA (VITROS Syphilis TPA, VITROS TPA), of which 155 (85.2%) were nonreactive and 27 (14.8%) were reactive. The 27 VITROS TPA‐reactive sera were further tested with a treponemal Western blot assay (Euroimmun IgG Western Blot, EuroWB), of which 11 (41%) were indeterminate, 6 (22%) were nonreactive and 10 (37%) were reactive. Among the 10 EuroWB‐reactive sera, two seroconverted to TPPA 1:80+/− after 1‐year follow‐up. Of 867 CIA‐reactive/TRUST‐reactive results, 27 (3.1%) were TPPA‐nonreactive. Conclusions: The RSA identified more patients with reactive treponemal serology. However, it also yielded an increased likely false‐reactive rate compared with the TSA, especially those results with low index values and TRUST‐nonreactive serology, were necessary to retest with a second treponemal test. Further testing results with TPPA, VITROS TPA and EuroWB suggested the false‐reactive CIA screening results and the likely false‐nonreactive TPPA results when the reactive treponemal results screened with RSA were to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new synchronous fluorimetric method for the analysis of bisphenol A has been developed based on procaine hydrochloride as a self-quenching fluorescence probe. In acidic solution, procaine hydrochloride could be diazotized with sodium nitrite; then the diazotized product could react with bisphenol A in NH3-NH4Cl buffer and produce the quenching of fluorescence of diazotized procaine hydrochloride-NH3-NH4Cl solution. Based on this observation, an inhibitory fluorimetric method is reported for the determination of trace bisphenol A. The synchronous spectral peaks of the reaction system are at 225 and 270 nm. The spectra of the two peaks can be separated, and bisphenol A can be determined directly. The possible mechanism of the reaction has also been discussed. Under optional conditions, bisphenol A can be determined over the concentration range of 0.10 to 1.4 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The detection limit is 0.04 μg/mL at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 11 repetitive determinations of 1.0 μg/mL b isphenol A is 0.32%. The utility of this method was demonstrated by determining bisphenol A in hot water in contact with commercially available table-water bottle samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simplified finite-element model, based on which the arching in highway piled embankments subjected to moving vehicle loads is investigated. The analyses demonstrated that the pile spacing was a more sensitive factor than embankment height, whose increase from 2·0 to 3·0 m led to a 60–68% increase of the normalised maximum settlement at the base of the embankment. The effect of moving vehicle loads was of particular interest, increasing the normalised maximum settlement and vertical stress at the base of the embankment by approximately 23% and 19%, respectively, compared to the static situation. The influence height of soil arching related to the pile spacing and embankment height was investigated, and showed that the vertical extent of arching was within a normalised distance of 2·0 from the base of the embankment. Factors of the embankment properties – that is, elastic modulus, friction angle, dilation angle and cohesion – were examined and showed that the cohesion was a most sensitive factor, whose increase from 1 to 10 kPa reduced the normalised maximum settlement and vertical stress by approximately 56% and 42%, respectively. Also shown was that the increase in the velocity of a moving vehicle from 30 to 120 km/h slightly increased the normalised maximum settlement and vertical stress by approximately 9% and 10%, respectively. Finally, a modified analytical method was developed by considering the additional vertical stress induced by moving vehicle loads based on the Boussinesq equation, whose solution was found to be in good agreement with the finite-element results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the fabrication of the lattice-matched ZnSe/InxGa1-xAs heterostructures. Circumstances surrounding the compensation of the partial character of the strain relaxation within the ternary layer; What the complex surface morphology reflects; Information on the results.

Deals with a study which examined the surface roughness of indium phosphide wafers by X-ray reflexivity and crystal truncation rod (CTR) measurements. Determination of the root-mean-square roughness and the lateral correlation scale; Components of the scattering intensities in the scans transverse to the specular reflection rod; Discussion on the sensitivities of the methods to the surface structure and the role of the resolution functions in the CTR measurements.

Grain boundary electrical conductivity of ferrite materials has been characterized using scanning microwave microscope. Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 spin-sprayed thin films onto glass substrates for different length of growth times were investigated using a scanning microwave microscope, an atomic force microscope, a four-point probe measurement, and a made in house transmission line based magnetic permeameter. The real part of the magnetic permeability shows almost constant between 10 and 300MHz. As the Fe3O4 film thickness increases, the grain size becomes larger, leading to a higher DC conductivity. However, the loss in the Fe3O4 films at high frequency does not increase correspondingly. By measuring the reflection coefficient s11 from the scanning microwave microscope, it turns out that the grain boundaries of the Fe3O4 films exhibit higher electric conductivity than the grains, which contributes loss at radio frequencies. This result will provide guidance for further improvement of low loss ferrite materials for high frequency applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The European Male Aging Study (EMAS) has recently defined strict diagnostic criteria for late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) including the levels of serum total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT) and three sexual symptoms. However, there is no report on risk factors for LOH using these criteria. In this study, we investigated risk factors for LOH based on these criteria. We recruited 277 men (aged 36‐80 years) who completed both a health check‐up and two questionnaires (a health and lifestyle questionnaire, and a sexual function questionnaire). Data on parameters, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, triglyceride (TG) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), were obtained from medical records of the hospital in Shantou. TT and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, and FT was calculated. TT, FT, age, waist circumference, SBP and glucose showed significant differences between LOH‐positive and LOH‐negative individuals. Univariate regression analyses showed that age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that TT was inversely correlated with waist circumference, glucose and SBP, and FT was inversely correlated with age, SBP and health status. In conclusion, age, waist circumference, SBP, glucose and health status were risk factors for LOH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems in paraffin deposition occur frequently in oil exploitation. Considering the problem that some paraffin removal and prevention strains cannot grow in high-salinity reservoirs, we domesticated four salt-tolerant laboratory bacterial strains. Crude oil emulsification effect, paraffin removal rate, and paraffin prevention rate of the strains were evaluated. KB and JH-A strains exhibited good paraffin removal and prevention effects, with paraffin removal rates of 51.82% and 81.56%; and 51.82% and 80.90%, respectively. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of paraffin components before and after biodegradation was performed on KB and JH-A strains. Results showed that relative contents of n-alkanes between C15-C23 and C27-C30 evidently decreased, indicating their good biodegradation. This technique provides a new method for practical application of paraffin removal and prevention in high-salinity reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician‐diagnosed pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence. Methods: A multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer‐administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count. Results: A total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05). Conclusion: Pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on an experimental investigation of asphaltene deposition in a vertical transparent microchannel. Heptane-induced asphaltene precipitation is utilized to precipitate dissolved asphaltene in crude oil into asphaltene particles at ambient temperature and standard atmospheric pressure. These asphaltene particles deposit gradually on the surface of microchannels. The key parameters that influence the mechanism of asphaltene deposition are the ratio of crude oil to n-heptane and experimental elapsed time. At a constant flowrate, the amount of asphaltene deposited on a transparent channel wall is quantified using a new flow visualization technique based on reflected light intensity and image analysis. Asphaltene precipitation and deposition strongly affect the reflected light intensity through the change of mixture color in the recorded images. Experimental results show that asphaltene deposition process follows three stages, (i) slow asphaltene particle deposition at the beginning of the experiment, (ii) a rapid and continuous deposition occurring after few hours and (iii) a slower deposition (decreasing deposition rate) at the end of the experimentation. The experimental results for different crude oil to n-heptane ratios illustrate that deposition increases with this ratio, i.e. increasing concentration of n-heptane. An empirical equation is developed to correlate the intensity of the light absorption to the thickness of the deposited asphaltene in a transparent microchannel. Non-uniform deposition along the longitudinal direction of the microchannel is characterized. Deposits decrease with increasing longitudinal distance from the inlet. This non-uniform deposition distribution is due to local mass transport limitations and asphaltene aggregation size effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic anisotropy Hk>200 Oe was observed from bar-shaped Permalloy strips. The film was deposited on sputtered Cr seed layer by electroplating under ∼800 Oe external magnetic field. Tiny degradation of Hk was observed after 30 min postannealing at 400 °C in the absence of external magnetic field. The Permalloy strip with in-plane aspect ratio of 40:1 showed the ferromagnetic resonance at ∼5.3 GHz. The ferromagnetic resonance frequency and magnetic anisotropy decreased to ∼1 GHz and ∼50 Oe, respectively, as the in-plane aspect ratio reduced from 40:1 to 10:1. In comparison, Permalloy strips plated on combined Ti/TiN seed layers did not show clear anisotropy features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the problem of optimal-route selection for container multimodal transport, high-value and time-sensitive goods have high demand for timeliness, and the time value of goods has become a vital factor for the route selection. This paper classifies container goods according to their time-sensitive characteristics and builds a goods time value model with a capital occupation. Extra cost that is incurred over time and goods depreciation are considered. Based on the determined goods time value, this paper builds an optimal-route selection model of container multimodal transport with the minimum transport cost as the objective and solves the model with the ant colony algorithm. An empirical study compares different optimal routes of different categories of goods with different demands for timeliness as the constraint. The result shows that the goods categories and demand for timeliness can significantly affect the route selection and optimization scheme, which verifies the accuracy and validity of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient elastography ( TE) is accurate in staging fibrosis noninvasively. However, a reliable serum biomarker with comparable accuracy is also important, especially when TE is unreliable/unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum Golgi protein 73 ( GP73) for significant fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. A total of 801 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD; 492 chronic HBV infection and 309 non- HBV liver disease) with liver biopsy performance were enrolled. Healthy controls (n = 180) and hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) patients (n = 85) were included for comparisons. Liver biopsy was used as the reference method for fibrosis staging. Serum GP73 level was measured in duplicate in double-blind fashion. Serum GP73 was highest in HCC but also significantly higher in chronic hepatitis B than in healthy controls. The elevation of serum GP73 in non- HCC patients was significantly associated with the presence of significant fibrosis independently of ALT level, liver stiffness (LS) value, inflammation grade and other confounding factors. The diagnostic performance of serum GP73 was accurate in antiviral-naïve HBV patients (area under the receiver operating curve [ AUROC], 0.76 95% CI: 0.72-0.81) but not in patients with ongoing antiviral treatment ( AUROC, 0.60). The utility of serum GP73 was also confirmed in non- HBV CLD ( AUROC, 0.80 95% CI: 0.75-0.85). Serum GP73 was comparable to LS ( AUROC, 0.78 95% CI: 0.73-0.82) and significantly better than AST to platelet ratio index ( APRI) ( AUROC, 0.67 95% CI: 0.62-0.72) and FIB-4 ( AUROC, 0.68 95% CI: 0.63-0.73). In conclusion, serum GP73 is an accurate serum marker for significant fibrosis in chronic HBV infection, with higher accuracy than APRI and FIB-4. Serum GP73 is potentially a complementary tool for TE when evaluating the necessity of antiviral treatment, particularly in patients without definite antiviral indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a tunable eight-wavelength terahertz modulator based on a structure of triple triangular lattice photonic crystals by using photonic crystals in the terahertz regime. The triple triangular lattice was formed by nesting circular, square, and triangular dielectric cylinders. Three square point defects were introduced into the perfect photonic crystal to produce eight defect modes. GaAs was used as the point defects to realize tunability. We used a structure with a reflecting barrier to achieve modulation at high transmission rate. The insertion loss and extinction ratio were 0.122 and 38.54 dB, respectively. The modulation rate was 0.788 dB. The performance of the eightwavelength terahertz modulator showed great potential for use in future terahertz communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This phase 1, randomized, open‐label study assessed the absolute bioavailability and pharmacokinetic comparability of sirukumab, a human anti–interleukin‐6 monoclonal antibody, following subcutaneous (SC) administration via Prefilled Syringe‐UltraSafe Passive® Delivery System (PFS‐U) or Prefilled Syringe‐SmartJect® Autoinjector (PFS‐AI; Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania). A total of 144 healthy male subjects were randomized to 5 single‐dose treatment groups: sirukumab 50 mg and 100 mg (each by PFS‐U and PFS‐AI) and sirukumab 100 mg intravenous (IV) infusion. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. Following SC administration, maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) and area under the concentration‐vs‐time curve (AUC) increased in an approximately dose‐proportional manner. Median time to reach Cmax was 5 days, and mean half‐life ranged from 16 to 19 days. Mean absolute bioavailability of sirukumab by PFS‐AI and PFS‐U, respectively, was estimated at 92.4% and 81.4% with 100 mg and 88.4% and 94.7% with 50 mg. Ratios of geometric means (90% confidence intervals) of Cmax and AUC0‐77d for PFS‐AI:PFS‐U were 1.13 (1.03, 1.25) and 1.14 (1.05, 1.24), respectively, indicating comparable systemic exposures of sirukumab following a single 100‐mg SC dose by PFS‐U or PFS‐AI. The incidence of antibodies to sirukumab was low (1.4%). No new safety concerns associated with sirukumab were identified at either dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a leaky wave antenna with an enhanced angular scan rate (ASR) using high permittivity materials. The proto-type leaky wave antenna consists of a copper-made rectangular waveguide filled with lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The effective permittivity of the rectangular waveguide is tuned by varying the thickness of the PZT. The antenna showed an ASR of 265°/GHz between 2.4 GHz and 2.6 GHz as the effective permittivity is 337, and an ASR 636°/GHz between 2.12 GHz and 2.23 GHz as the effective permittivity is increased to 813. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A granular NiFe thin film with large in-plane magnetic anisotropy and high ferromagnetic-resonance frequency developed for radio-frequency integrated circuit (IC) applications is presented. During the deposition, three-dimensional (3D) growth occurs, yielding NiFe grains (ϕ∼1.0 μm). Nanonuclei (ϕ∼30-50 nm) are observed in single NiFe grains by atomic-force microscopy (AFM). The in-plane magnetic anisotropy is estimated to be ∼50 mT. The frequency-dependent complex permeability is extracted. By taking the NiFe film as a magnetic core, solenoid-type inductors are fabricated and demonstrated and show a high operating frequency (∼5.5 GHz) with a maximum quality factor (∼3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the pressure dependence of ultrasonic attenuation in Zr[sub 41]Ti[sub 14]Cu[sub 12.5]Ni[sub 10-x]Be[sub 22.5]C[sub x] bulk metallic glasses by using a pulse echo overlap method. Glass forming ability; Effects of carbon addition on changes of the alpha[1] and alpha[sub s].

Polarization reversal process has been studied in [001]-cut lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate single crystals with 30% lead titanate byin situvisualization of domain kinetics and switching current analysis. It has been shown by high-resolution methods that the sample poling leads to partial decay of as-grown domain structure and decrease of the domain width down to 200 nm. Analysis of the switching current by modified Kolmogorov-Avrami approach has shown that the field dependence of the characteristic time follows activation law with activation field value 1040±50 V/mm.In situvisualization has allowed revealing the main stages of domain structure evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Excitation of non-reciprocal magnetostatic surface wave (MSSW) has been studied in an ultra-thin yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film. The YIG films were grown on a gadolinium gallium garnet (111) substrate using pulsed laser deposition. The films exhibit an exceptional crystalline quality and an extremely low magnetic damping at radio frequency and microwave. Non-reciprocal MSSWs in a 20-nm-thick YIG film has been observed using a coupled coplanar waveguide structure with a shared common ground. Increase of the YIG film thickness to 190 nm, the non-reciprocity has been significantly enhanced, resulting in a maximum 10-dB amplitude gain and 55.5° phase shift in 30-mT magnetic field between the MSSWs traveling in opposite directions. In the absence of magnetic field, the device shows a reduced amplitude gain of 2 dB and a phase shift of 15.8°. These results can find broad applications in building self-biased spin-wave-based components in integrated signal processing and communication system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This work presents a theoretical study of the structural and electronic properties of bilayered silicon film (BiSF) under in-plane biaxial strain/stress using density functional theory (DFT). Atomic structures of the two-dimensional (2-D) silicon films are optimized by using both the local-density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). In the absence of strain/stress, five buckled hexagonal honeycomb structures of the BiSF with triangular lattice have been obtained as local energy minima, and their structural stability has been verified. These structures present a Dirac-cone shaped energy band diagram with zero energy band gaps. Applying a tensile biaxial strain leads to a reduction of the buckling height. Atomically flat structures with zero buckling height have been observed when the AA-stacking structures are under a critical biaxial strain. Increase of the strain between 10.7% and 15.4% results in a band-gap opening with a maximum energy band gap opening of ∼0.17 eV, obtained when a 14.3% strain is applied. Energy band diagrams, electron transmission efficiency, and the charge transport property are calculated. Additionally, an asymmetric energetically favorable atomic structure of BiSF shows a non-zero band gap in the absence of strain/stress and a maximum band gap of 0.15 eV as a −1.71% compressive strain is applied. Both tensile and compressive strain/stress can lead to a band gap opening in the asymmetric structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a finite-element (FE) analysis of the effect of subsoil in a reinforced piled embankment and compares the findings with predictions from a theoretical method. It shows that the subsoil can carry as much as 75% arching embankment load for the present standard model (pile spacing of 2.5 m, geogrid stiffness of 6 MN/m, embankment height of 6 m, and subsoil compression index of 0.7). Also, the proportion is much larger for the lower value of pile spacing, geogrid stiffness, embankment height, and subsoil compression index. The maximum settlement of subsoil is found to be more sensitive to the pile spacing than to the geogrid stiffness. The theoretical method shows reasonable agreement with the FE results and can therefore be used to predict the effect of subsoil in reinforced piled embankments. The geogrid has a significant role in carrying the entire embankment load without the subsoil support. However, this effect may lead to intolerable geogrid strain due to relatively large settlement. Two case studies are assessed by the theoretical method. They show that stiff subsoil can carry a significant portion of the embankment load, whereas very soft subsoil support may result in intolerable strain on the geogrid. The effect of the subsoil, therefore, should be considered in the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]