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Designing smart chemical structures and gaining insight into the structure–property relationship can effectively guide the development of advanced green thermosetting resins. Herein, four flavonoid-based biophenols were used as sustainable raw materials for achieving novel mono-, bis-, and trifunctional benzoxazine monomers (HYD-a, CHR-a, API-a, and LUT-a). These monomers were developed to discover the roles of the oxazine ring number and hydrogen bonding on their polymerization mechanisms and thermal properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry were employed to confirm the successful synthesis of benzoxazine monomers. Polymerization behavior of each benzoxazine was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and in situ FT-IR. The thermal properties of the resulting thermosets were evaluated by TGA and microscale combustion calorimetry. With the designed varieties of flavonoid-based benzoxazine structures, it has been found that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding can act as a latent curing agent for reducing the curing temperature while maintaining excellent shelf life. In addition, the onset curing temperature decreases progressively with increasing the number of oxazine rings in the benzoxazine monomer. Interestingly, the polybenzoxazine derived from bis-benzoxazine (API-a) rather than trifunctional monomer shows the best thermal stability (Td10: 438 °C, Yc: 62%) and flame retardancy (HRC: 11.4 J g–1K–1, THR: 2.22 kJ g–1), indicating the advantage of designing high-performance thermosets based on flavonoid-based bis-benzoxazines.

With the rapid development of high-speed train, health monitoring of high-speed train traction power system has gradually become a popular research topic. The traction asynchronous motor, as a key component in the traction power systems, greatly affects the reliability, stability, and safety of high-speed train operation. Normally, when faults occur, the train needs to immediately slow down or even stop to avoid unimaginable losses, resulting in limited fault data. Traditional data-driven fault diagnosis methods may face the local optimum problem during the optimization process when training samples are insufficient. In this study, a novel gossip strategy-based fault diagnosis method is proposed to prevent the local optimum problem, thus improving fault diagnosis performance. The proposed gossip strategy-based fault diagnosis method is validated on the hardware-in-the-loop high-speed train traction control system simulation platform, and the experimental results unequivocally show that the proposed method outperforms other well-known methods.

Sorting nexins (SNXs) as the key regulators of sorting cargo proteins are involved in diverse diseases. SNXs can form the specific reverse vesicle transport complex (SNXs-retromer) with vacuolar protein sortings (VPSs) to sort and modulate recovery and degradation of cargo proteins. Our previous study has shown that SNX3-retromer promotes both STAT3 activation and nuclear translocation in cardiomyocytes, suggesting that SNX3 might be a critical regulator in the heart. In this study we investigated the role of SNX3 in the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We generated abdominal aortic constriction (AAC) rat model and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) mouse model; hypertrophic neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were induced by exposure to isoproterenol (10 μM). We showed that the expression of SNX3 was significantly upregulated in ISO-treated NRCMs and in the failing heart of AAC rats. Overexpression of SNX3 by intramyocardial injection of Ad-SNX3 induced heart failure in rats, and increased the susceptibility of NRCMs to ISO-induced myocardial injury in vitro. In contrast, conditional knockout of SNX3 in cardiac tissue in mice rescued the detrimental heart function in TAC mice, and knockdown of SNX3 protected against ISO-induced injury in NRCMs and AAC rats. We then conducted immunoprecipitation-based mass spectrometry and localized surface plasmon resonance, and demonstrated a direct interaction between SNX3-retromer and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), which mediated the efflux of nuclear HMGB1. Moreover, overexpression of HMGB1 in NRCMs inhibited the pro-hypertrophic effects of SNX3, whereas knockdown of HMGB1 abolished the protective effect of SNX3-deficiency. These results suggest that HMGB1 might be a direct cargo protein of SNX3-retromer, and its interaction with SNX3 promotes its efflux from the nucleus, leading to the pathological development of heart failure.

Adequate iodine status is crucial for children's health and normal development. However, there is a paucity of research on the iodine status of children from areas with high groundwater iodine content.

The cutting technique is widely utilized for shaping elastomeric products in industries such as automotive, medical, and wearables, due to its adaptability and effectiveness. Nevertheless, the challenges of high cutting resistance and substantial material deformation impede its application for precision cuts. Prior studies have identified the significant role of friction between the elastomer and cutter in this resistance, yet a thorough investigation of this friction and its mitigation remains unaddressed. This research delves into the frictional dynamics at the cutting interface and introduces an innovative surface texturing method to reduce this friction. Using a ring-on-disc tribometer, the study examined the friction between the elastomer and various rigid surfaces with different roughness levels. Building on these insights, a sandblasting technique was adopted to create an optimized surface texture, resulting in enhanced cutting performance. Experimental results showed that adding surface texture to blades and needles reduced friction by 60 % and 20 %, respectively, compared to non-textured tools. This was further validated through orthogonal blade cutting and needle penetration experiments.

A SiC trench junction barrier Schottky diode with multiple P-shield layers and an embedded N+ region (MPNT-JBS) is proposed and investigated for enhancing single-event burnout (SEB) tolerance. The Schottky contact at the sidewall of the trench and the embedded N+ region in MPNT-JBS accelerate the extraction and recombination of holes. The mitigated accumulation of holes contributes to the reduction of the strong electric field near the metal/SiC interface, thus favoring a decrease in the high temperature. Under 50% of the rated voltage ( $V_{\mathrm { Cathode}}{=}600$ V), the maximum temperature near the metal/SiC interface in MPNT-JBS decreases by 78% and 71% compared to SiC JBS diode with multilayer N-buffer (MB-JBS), corresponding to the instances when heavy ions with a linear energy transfer (LET) value of 0.53 pC/ $\mu $ m strike the middle of the Schottky contact and the P+ region, respectively. In addition, the multilayer P-shield of MPNT-JBS suppresses the peak temperature near the PN junction by enlarging the energy dissipation area and lowering the transient heat power near the PN junction. Compared to MB-JBS, the maximum temperature near the PN junction in MPNT-JBS decreases from 1890 K to 1454 K when heavy ions strike the middle of the P+ region ( $V_{\mathrm { Cathode}}{=}600$ V). These results indicate that MPNT-JBS provides potential for enhancing SEB tolerance.

The application of biochar derived from sewage sludge (BS) in Fenton-like reactions for contaminant removal has attracted considerable attention. Herein, a BS-supported Co3O4(BS-Co3O4) catalyst was synthesized using a simple two-step hydrothermal-calcination process to achieve highly efficient activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The introduction of biochar effectively inhibited the aggregation of Co3O4and reduced cobalt leaching. Compared to Co3O4, the mesoporous BS-Co3O4exhibited an 8-fold increase in specific surface area (SSA) to 111.92 m2∙g−1, and a 46 %-66.4 % reduction in crystal plane size. The interaction between biochar and cobalt oxide resulted in several notable enhancements in the BS-Co3O4composite. Specifically, there was an increase in sp2carbon content, a 42.69 % rise in capacitance, and a 79.99 % reduction in charge transfer resistance. These improvements contributed to enhanced PMS activation performance. The BS-Co3O4also contained a higher content of Co(II), sp2carbon, and oxygen vacancies (OV). Co(II) played a crucial role in the redox reaction, accelerating the formation of SO4•−and 1O2during the PMS activation process. Additionally, OVacted as electron capture centers, further promoting the generation of 1O2. Evidence from reactive species investigations and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) tests indicated that SO4•−and 1O2were the main reactive radicals for eliminating tetracycline (TC). Based on the identification of TC intermediates, two potential degradation pathways were proposed, and a reduction in intermediate toxicity was observed. Experiments involving interference and repetition demonstrated that the BS-Co3O4catalyst was stable and reusable. This work provides a solution with low metal leaching, high recycling performance, and safety for antibiotic wastewater treatment.

Supplying power for large pulsed power load with shipboard medium voltage direct current integrated power system has continued to be a challenge. The energy storage device configured in the system can effectively mitigate the power impact on grid and gas turbine gensets, but it also complicates the system operation, requiring advanced power sharing and control strategies for support. In this paper, the control framework of system configured with hybrid energy storage is presented, the objective function to quantify transient power disturbance on gas turbine genset is established, and the segmented variable step dynamic programming method for system transient power sharing is innovatively proposed and employed to derive the optimal transient power-sharing scheme for the rectangular and triangular large pulsed power load conditions. Compared with the conventional approach through MATLAB/Simulink simulation, the scheme derived from segmented variable step dynamic programming demonstrates enhanced utilization of the transient power compensation capability of hybrid energy storage, and leads to a reduction in the power regulation pressure on gas turbine gensets. In the assumption of two typical operating processes, as the results of the power impacts，the transient regulation rate of the genset rotor is reduced from 10.4 % to 9.9 % and from 13.7 % to 8.6 %, respectively, the fatigue damage of shaft system is decreased by 53 % and 94.4 %, respectively, and the maximum inlet relative temperature of gas generator turbine is reduced by 0.015 and 0.139, respectively.

The effect of adding MgO nanoparticles (0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.10%) on the inclusion and acicular ferrite (AF) formation in 1.8%Ni low carbon Al-killed (LCAK) steel was explored. The inclusion analysis reveals that MgO nanoparticles react with dissolved Al or Al2O3inclusions and finally change to fine MgAl2O4wrapped by MnS in the case of adding 0.05% MgO nanoparticles. In contrast, MgO nanoparticles are agglomerated and form Mg-bearing inclusion clusters in the case of 0.10% or reduced to high Al2O3inclusions by dissolved Al in the case of 0.10%. The microstructure observations show that the AF formation was promoted in the case with addition of 0.05% MgO nanoparticles. The process of inclusion-inducing AF nucleation is essentially characterized via the high-temperature confocal scanning laser microscopy experiment. δmin(δdenotes disregistry) of Al2O3/α-Fe, MgAl2O4/α-Fe, and MnS/α-Fe is evaluated to be 11.5%, 6.5%, and 7.4%, respectively. The high AF fraction in the case of 0.05% MgO addition can be attributed to the low disregistry of MnS–MgAl2O4/ferrite and Mn-depleted zone adjacent to the MnS layer. Based on the results, 0.05% was recommended as the proper addition amount of MgO nanoparticles in 1.8%Ni LCAK steel.

To provide a broad processing window with a high deposition rate, a comprehensive analysis of single-track geometrical characteristics over a wide range of laser energies and mass inputs in laser cladding is necessary. The formation of a single cladding track of Inconel 718 on a substrate by coaxial laser cladding, with a wide range of laser power from 1 200 W to 3 900 W and a powder feeding rate from 5 g/min to 35 g/min, was studied from both theoretical and experimental points of view. A quantitative model of powder concentration distribution was developed based on the powder transport morphology obtained by high-speed photography. Linear regression models were established between nine geometrical characteristics and the combined process parameters of laser power and powder feeding rate, written as PαFβ, to quantitatively analyze the geometrical characteristics of the clad. These were confirmed by large correlation coefficients and analysis of residuals. From the findings we deduced that more energy input enhanced the outward direction of Marangoni convection, leading to the melt pool undergoing evolution from shallow dilution and flat dilution to fluctuating dilution. An almost linear relationship was found between the cladding width, W, and the laser power, indicating that laser energy accumulation was a major factor in the evolution of W. The increase ratio of the cladding height, hc, ranged from 640% to 360% along with an increase in the powder feeding rate, implying that the evolution of hc, was dominated by the powder feeding rate. The total area of the cross-section, A; the area of the clad, Ac; the area of the molten substrate, Am; the total height of the cross-section, H; the penetration depth, hm; the dilution ratio, D; and the wetting angle, θ, were determined by a complex coupling of energy input and mass accumulation, and they are proportional to P0.5F0.2, P0.2F0.5, P0.5/F0.2, P0.3F, P0.5/F0.2, P0.2/F0.2, and P0.2/F0.2, respectively. This research aims to provide general knowledge on the influence of energy input and mass addition on the geometrical characteristics of the clad and its related influence mechanism. Such information could provide a reference and basis for promoting the practical application of laser cladding technology.

ABSTRACTThis study investigates how Chinese parents’ narratives about the father’s and the mother’s influence on child development reveal their gender beliefs and socialization goals. Drawing on interviews of 62 father-mother pairs from a mixed-method longitudinal study in Nanjing, China, we found that contrary to the assumption that parents of both genders benefit children’s development in their respective, gender-typical ways in extant literature, our participants believed that mothers as executor of ‘trivial’ childrearing tasks provide few positive influences than fathers who steer the ‘broad’ directions of child development and cultivation of male traits. Parents emphasized the importance of instilling masculinity in both boys and girls, which differs from the valuation of mothers’ same-gender role modeling for daughters in Western-based studies. Yet underneath the father’s ‘masculine’ influences are concerns about children’s ability to meet increasingly rigid and narrow standards for masculinity in today’s China, which imposes pressure on mothers, fathers, and sons.

Real-Time Traffic Flow Prediction (RT-TFP) is one of the critical technologies for implementing the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), enabling rapid and accurate prediction of real-time traffic flow at intersections. RT-TFP typically needs to be deployed on-site edge devices for real-time traffic flow calculation that requires low inference latency and minimal computational resources. However, the existing Traffic Flow Prediction (TFP) models are generally based on spatiotemporal graph neural networks (STGNNs), which are complex and require high computational resources and relatively high inference times that can hardly be deployed on edge devices. To this end, this work proposes a simple RT-TFP model, SpatioTemporal-MultiLayer Perceptron (ST-MLP), which requires low computational resources and inference times. The base idea of this work is to establish a spatio-temporal MLP model to replace the STGNN model for conducting the TFP, which is much faster and simpler. Specifically, first, a TempEncoder is proposed to encode the temporal information into the MLP features. Then, a Spatiotemporal Mixer is proposed to mix spatial information into the temporal-enriched MLP features. After, MLP features are distilled from a complex STGNN model to obtain a simple MLP that inherits complete Spatial-Temporal information of the traffic graph. The experimental results on four real-world datasets show the proposed model achieves competitive prediction accuracy with STGNN models in much fewer computational resources and lower prediction time costs. It is worth noting that, the proposed method is faster than the compared STGNNs by an average of 21.62 times (~10.81s $\rightsquigarrow ~\sim 0.50$ s). Interestingly, the proposed ST-MLP even has a −3.23% error rate decreasing on average compared to the corresponding STGNN model. Moreover, the error rate of the proposed ST-MLP decreases over pure MLPs by −3.92% $\sim -42.62$ %. The source code is available at: https://github.com/zhangjunfeng1234/ST-MLP

Fatigue indicator parameters (FIPs) can serve as a measure of fatigue crack initiation (FCI) in metals and alloys. FIPs are volume averaged over grains, bands, and sub bands in crystal plasticity (CP) simulation to investigate the influence of texture on FCI under low cycle fatigue. The equiaxed microstructure of Ti–6Al–4V was generated with three different textures: basal, basal/transverse and transverse. FIPs analysis shows that basal texture has the highest FCI resistance, basal/transverse texture has intermediate resistance, and transverse texture has the lowest resistance when tested along plate direction. All textures exhibit a lower FIP when deformed along rolling direction (RD) than that along transverse direction (TD). The interior of the alloys has a larger FCI resistance than the free surface. Further analysis shows a strong relationship between FIP distribution features and damage nucleation characteristics, with basal texture exhibiting the lowest and wider FIP distributions as a result of high resistance to damage and fatigue cracking; in contrast, the transverse texture exhibits intense and narrow FIP and damage nucleation along the grain boundaries (GBs), basal/transverse texture exhibits FIP and damage nucleation with mixed characteristics. The results can be used as a theatrical reference for the fatigue performance design of Ti alloy.

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, especially in medical rehabilitation, has expanded to include tactile cues along with visual stimuli. For patients with upper limb hemiplegia, tangible handles with haptic stimuli could improve their ability to perform daily activities. Traditional VR controllers are unsuitable for patient rehabilitation in VR, necessitating the design of specialized tangible handles with integrated tracking devices. Besides, matching tactile stimulation with corresponding virtual visuals could strengthen users' embodiment (i.e., owning and controlling virtual bodies) in VR, which is crucial for patients' training with virtual hands. Haptic stimuli have been shown to amplify the embodiment in VR, whereas the effect of partial tactile stimulation from tangible handles on embodiment remains to be clarified. This research, including three experiments, aims to investigate how partial tactile feedback of tangible handles impacts users' embodiment, and we proposed a design concept called TouchMark for partial tactile stimuli that could help users quickly connect the physical and virtual worlds. To evaluate users' tactile and comfort perceptions when grasping tangible handles in a non-VR setting, various handles with three partial tactile factors were manipulated in Study 1. In Study 2, we explored the effects of partial feedback using three forms of TouchMark on the embodiment of healthy users in VR, with various tangible handles, while Study 3 focused on similar investigations with patients. These handles were utilized to complete virtual food preparation tasks. The tactile and comfort perceptions of tangible handles and users' embodiment were evaluated in this research using questionnaires and interviews. The results indicate that TouchMark with haptic line and ring forms over no stimulation would significantly enhance users' embodiment, especially for patients. The low-cost and innovative TouchMark approach may assist users, particularly those with limited VR experience, in achieving the embodiment and enhancing their virtual interactive experience.

Selectors are critical components for reducing the sneak path leakage currents in emerging resistive random-access memory (RRAM) arrays. Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a rich choice of materials with van der Waals stacking to form the heterostructure selectors with controllable energy barriers. Here, we experimentally demonstrate 2D-material-based heterostructure selectors with exponential current–voltage (I–V) relationships and integrate them with hafnium oxide (HfOx)-based RRAMs, forming one-selector-one-resistor (1S1R) cells. The multilayer graphene (MG)/tungsten disulfide (WS2)/platinum (Pt) selector contains two asymmetric heterojunctions with different Schottky barriers, which lead to highly nonlinear and asymmetric I–Vcharacteristics. The 2D selectors in 1S1R cells can successfully drive RRAMs, reduce sneak path leakage current by more than 100 times, and provide the set compliance current. The 1S1R cells are further modeled and integrated into both planar and 3D memory arrays, with circuit-level simulations demonstrating that the presence of 2D selectors in large memory arrays can reduce the power consumption by up to 86%, improve the read/write margin by up to 31%, and avoid write failure. Such a platform holds high potential for constructing 3D high-density memories and performing in-memory computing.

Near-infrared (NIR) filters have broad applications in fields such as information safety and privacy protection and environmental monitoring. Traditional NIR filters primarily rely on complex optical designs and environmentally unfriendly substrates, while lignocellulose-sourced NIR filters do not achieve the desired blocking wavelength and therefore face challenges in various application conditions. In this study, we propose a thickness adjustment strategy to precisely control the blocking wavelength of the NIR optical filters. The obtained optical filters with tailored thickness exhibited selective blocking wavelength in visible region (400–650 nm) as well as a high NIR transmittance (over 90%) and ultralow haze at 1400 nm. Given their selective wavelength blocking and high NIR transmittance, these bioselectors demonstrate potential applications in NIR optical fields, such as data security and privacy protection, presenting a promising advancement in next-generation sustainable NIR optical materials fabricated from all-lignocellulose feedstocks.

In the process of tumor metastasis, tumor cells can acquire invasion by excessive uptake of nutrients and energy and interact with the host microenvironment to shape a premetastatic niche (PMN) that facilitates their colonization and progression in the distal sites. Pyruvate is an essential nutrient that engages in both energy metabolism and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs for PMN formation, thus providing a target for tumor metastasis treatment. There is a paucity of strategies focusing on PMN prevention, which is key to metastasis inhibition. Here, we design a bioresponsive nanoparticle (HP/GU) based on a disulfide-cross-linked hyperbranched polyethylenimine (D-PEI) core and a hyaluronic acid (HA) shell with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive cross-linker between them to encapsulate glucose oxidase (GOX) and a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitor via electrostatic interaction, which reinforces starvation therapy and reduces PMN formation in the lungs via inhibiting pyruvate metabolism. In tumor cells, GOX and MPC inhibitors can be rapidly released and synergistically reduce the energy supply of tumor cells by consuming glucose and inhibiting pyruvate uptake to decrease tumor cell invasion. MPC inhibitors can also reduce ECM remodeling by blocking cellular pyruvate metabolism to prevent PMN formation. Consequently, HP/GU achieves an efficient inhibition of both primary and metastatic tumors and provides an innovative strategy for the treatment of tumor metastases.

The axial temperature is often used to reflect the condition of insulators in research on the insulator state. Traditional manual extraction methods are cumbersome. To improve research efficiency, this paper proposes a method for extracting insulator axis problems in order to address the challenge of obtaining a large number of insulator axis temperatures quickly in commercial software. The Retinaface network is simplified to develope a streamlined version called S-Retinaface, which facilitates training with infrared images and enables seamless industrial deployment. This method harnesses the S-Retinaface network, tailored for infrared data, ensuring precise detection of insulator keypoints. From these, the insulator's axis line equation can be computed, leading to the precise mapping of axial temperature profiles. Experimental validation on a test dataset demonstrates the accuracy of S-Retinaface, reflected by a high Percentage of Correct Keypoints Area Under Curve of 0.864, and showcases a commendable similarity with manual extraction methods, as evidenced by an average Dynamic Time Warping distance of 2.1008. This technique not only elevates the efficiency of temperature data collection but also promises an impact on the field's operational dynamics, offering a rapid, dependable means to assess insulator integrity.

In order to facilitate the digital transformation of conventional power grid, constructing the digital twin of power equipment is crucial. The primary task of the digital transformation is to build the 3D model of power equipment. However, existing methods cannot achieve digital twin modeling with high fidelity and efficiency. Therefore, a 3D reconstruction method for heterogenous data based on improved Neural Radiation Fields (NeRF) is proposed. By utilizing the infrared-visible image sequence, the spatial domain consistency of the heterogenous data is preserved by the image registration algorithm improved based on restricted matching region strategy (RMRS). Then, in order to focus on the characteristics of the equipment, a deep image matting network (DIM) is designed to eliminate the interference of complex background in the image. The pose of the camera is recovered from the visible images of the power equipment based on Structure From Motion (SFM). Finally, the NeRF is employed to complete the 3D reconstruction of the visible model and temperature field model of power equipment, enabling 3D fusion perception of the 2D heterogenous monitoring data. Experimental results show that this method can realize high-fidelity 3D reconstruction of power equipment within 30 s, which is superior to existing methods in terms of accuracy, modeling speed, automation degree, robustness and lightweight.

The prediction of slope stability is considered as one of the critical concerns in geotechnical engineering. Conventional stochastic analysis with spatially variable slopes is time-consuming and highly computation-demanding. To assess the slope stability problems with a more desirable computational effort, many machine learning (ML) algorithms have been proposed. However, most ML-based techniques require that the training data must be in the same feature space and have the same distribution, and the model may need to be rebuilt when the spatial distribution changes. This paper presents a new ML-based algorithm, which combines the principal component analysis (PCA)-based neural network (NN) and transfer learning (TL) techniques (i.e. PCA–NN–TL) to conduct the stability analysis of slopes with different spatial distributions. The Monte Carlo coupled with finite element simulation is first conducted for data acquisition considering the spatial variability of cohesive strength or friction angle of soils from eight slopes with the same geometry. The PCA method is incorporated into the neural network algorithm (i.e. PCA-NN) to increase the computational efficiency by reducing the input variables. It is found that the PCA-NN algorithm performs well in improving the prediction of slope stability for a given slope in terms of the computational accuracy and computational effort when compared with the other two algorithms (i.e. NN and decision trees, DT). Furthermore, the PCA–NN–TL algorithm shows great potential in assessing the stability of slope even with fewer training data.

• Porous Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds with a porosity of 62.9 % exhibit superior compressive strength ∼68.12 MPa. • The apatite mineralization of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds induces polarization of RAW264.7 cells from M1 to M2 phenotype, and promotes the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. • The osteointegration and osteogenic functions of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds can be improved via in-situ biomineralization after implantation. • Porous Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics with superior mechanical strength and biological functions are likely used as bone implants for load or minor-load bearing conditions. Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics exhibit excellent mechanical properties and good biocompatibility, rendering them promising bone substitutes for load-bearing conditions. However, the bone integration and osteogenic ability of Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics remain unclear. Herein, porous Ti 3 SiC 2 ceramics were prepared and systematically investigated as bone scaffolds. The Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds with a porosity of 62.9 % ± 2.5 % showed high compressive strength ∼68.12 ± 4.33 MPa. Silicon hydroxyl groups formed on the surface of Ti 3 SiC 2 after soaking in simulated body fluid, which played a critical role in the apatite mineralization of the scaffolds. Biomineralization of Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds was found when implanted subcutaneously in the rat dorsum for 2 weeks, demonstrating good osteogenesis ability. The apatite mineralization of the Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffold facilitated the polarization of RAW264.7 cells from M1 to M2 phenotype, which also promoted the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. The porous Ti 3 SiC 2 scaffolds improved osteointegration and bone regeneration after implantation in rabbit femoral defects. Impressively, the number of the newly formed trabeculae in the Ti 3 SiC 2 group was three times of the control group after implantation for 8 weeks, showing excellent bone defect repair. This work demonstrates that Ti 3 SiC 2 implants with improved biological functions likely via in-situ biomineralization are promising candidates for bone regeneration. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the performance bottleneck of heterogeneous SOC real-time kernel deployment of SOA services, this paper designs an SOA service deployment method based on vehicle-mounted heterogeneous computing platform. The real-time kernel obtains and provides raw data from the bus, which is transmitted to the performance kernel through the Inter core Communication protocol, and the performance kernel encapsulates the raw data as a service for publication based on SOME/IP protocol. Compared with the traditional method of publishing SOME/IP services directly on the real-time kernel, this method can significantly reduce the overhead of the real-time kernel system, and effectively solve the problem that the real -time kernel has insufficient computing power and cannot support the sending of a large number of SOME/IP packets. At the same time, due to the strong computing capability of the performance core, the subsequent services can be flexibly iterated and expanded, and users can obtain a more convenient interactive experience of vehicle control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two sulfur-containing heterodimers of a cytochalasan and a macrolide, sucurchalasins A and B (1and 2), and four known cytochalasan monomers (3–6), as well as four known macrolide derivatives (7–10), were obtained from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus spelaeusGDGJ-286. Sucurchalasins A and B (1and 2) are the first cytochalasan heterodimers formed via a thioether bridge between cytochalasan and curvularin macrolide units. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of NMR, LC-MS/MS, and X-ray crystallography. In bioassays, 1and 2exhibited cytotoxic effects on A2780 cells, with IC50values of 3.9 and 8.3 μM, respectively. They also showed antibacterial activities against E. faecalisand B. subtiliswith MIC values of 3.1 and 6.3 μg/mL, respectively.

Conductive hydrogels have been increasingly employed to construct wearable mechanosensors due to their excellent mechanical flexibility close to that of soft tissues. In this work, piezoelectric hydrogels are prepared through free radical copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and acrylonitrile (AN) and further utilized in assembling flexible wearable mechanosensors. Introduction of the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) component in the copolymers endows the hydrogels with excellent piezoelectric properties. Meanwhile, significant enhancement of mechanical properties has been accessed by forming dipole–dipole interactions, which results in a tensile strength of 0.51 MPa. Flexible wearable mechanosensors are fabricated by utilizing piezoelectric hydrogels as key signal converting materials. Self-powered piezoelectric pressure sensors are assembled with a sensitivity (S) of 0.2 V kPa–1. Additionally, resistive strain sensors (gauge factor (GF): 0.84, strain range: 0–250%) and capacitive pressure sensors (S: 0.23 kPa–1, pressure range: 0–8 kPa) are fabricated by utilizing such hydrogels. These flexible wearable mechanosensors can monitor diverse body movements such as joint bending, walking, running, and stair climbing. This work is anticipated to offer promising soft materials for efficient mechanical-to-electrical signal conversion and provides new insights into the development of various wearable mechanosensors.

Severe defects in human IFNγ immunity predispose individuals to both Bacillus Calmette–Guérin disease and tuberculosis, whereas milder defects predispose only to tuberculosis1. Here we report two adults with recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis who are homozygous for a private loss-of-function TNFvariant. Neither has any other clinical phenotype and both mount normal clinical and biological inflammatory responses. Their leukocytes, including monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) do not produce TNF, even after stimulation with IFNγ. Blood leukocyte subset development is normal in these patients. However, an impairment in the respiratory burst was observed in granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-matured MDMs and alveolar macrophage-like (AML) cells2from both patients with TNF deficiency, TNF- or TNFR1-deficient induced pluripotent stem (iPS)-cell-derived GM-CSF-matured macrophages, and healthy control MDMs and AML cells differentiated with TNF blockers in vitro, and in lung macrophages treated with TNF blockers ex vivo. The stimulation of TNF-deficient iPS-cell-derived macrophages with TNF rescued the respiratory burst. These findings contrast with those for patients with inherited complete deficiency of the respiratory burst across all phagocytes, who are prone to multiple infections, including both Bacillus Calmette–Guérin disease and tuberculosis3. Human TNF is required for respiratory-burst-dependent immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosisin macrophages but is surprisingly redundant otherwise, including for inflammation and immunity to weakly virulent mycobacteria and many other infectious agents.

Coupled nanomechanical resonators have unveiled fascinating physical phenomena, including phonon–cavity coupling, coupled energy decay pathway, avoided crossing, and internal resonance. Despite these discoveries, the mechanisms and control techniques of nonlinear mode coupling phenomena with internal resonances require further exploration. Here, we report on the observation of stochastic switching between the two resonance states with coupled 1:1 internal resonance, for resonant two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), which is directly driven to the critical coupling regime without parametric pumping. We further demonstrate that the probability of state switching is linearly tunable from ∼0% to ∼100% by varying the driving voltage. Furthermore, we gradually increase the white noise amplitude and show that the probability of obtaining the higher-energy state decreases, and the stochastic switching phenomenon eventually disappears. The results provide insights into the dynamics of coupled NEMS resonators and open up new possibilities for sensing and stochastic computing.

We demonstrate the dynamically switching of the ultra-wideband absorption and the broadband polarization conversion through a bi-functional hybrid meta-surface design consisting of periodic stacked vanadium-dioxide (VO2) rings coated with graphene resonators. More specifically, such a hybrid graphene VO2 meta-surface is capable of trapping electromagnetic fields with more than 95% absorption rate from 1.43 to 8.96 THz when we impose 0 eV Fermi energy level over the graphene array with conducting-state VO2. On the other hand, highly efficient linear-to-circular polarization conversion with greater than 0.95 ellipticity can be achieved from 1.24 to 3.57 THz when the graphene Fermi energy level is set as 1 eV with insulating-state VO2. The design scheme using hybrid meta-surfaces with contemporary tunable materials to achieve ultra-wide band reconfigurable multi-functionalities, should pave the way for more advanced manipulations of electromagnetic fields.

ABSTRACTIn order to achieve the resource utilization of silty soil, based on the solidification mechanism of existing inorganic solidification agents, coal gangue and fly ash were selected as substrates, and quicklime and sodium silicate were used as activators to study a new type of muddy soil solidification agent. This project adopts mixture experimental design and unconfined compressive strength testing methods, and uses design expert software to analyze each component to obtain independent variable relationship strength prediction formulas. By using scanning electron microscope, Particles (Pores) and Cracks Analysis System, the changes in micro pore structure characteristics of Reinforced soil were obtained. The research results indicate that the relationship between the influence of various variable factors on strength gain is as follows: sodium silicate>calcium oxide>fly ash>coal gangue. As the age increases, the porosity shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. It has been revealed that the strength growth of Reinforced soil with curing agents is mainly due to the compaction and filling effects of hydrated calcium silicate, hydrated calcium aluminate, and a small amount of ettringite. This study is expected to provide reference for the solidification of high moisture content muddy soil.

Gastric diseases have emerged as one of the main chronic diseases in humans, leading to considerable health, social, and economic burdens. As a result, using food or “food and medicinal homologous substances” has become an effective strategy to prevent gastric diseases. Diet may play a crucial role in the prevention and mitigation of gastric diseases, particularly long-term and regular intake of specific dietary components that have a protective effect on the stomach. These key components, extracted from food, include polysaccharides, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols, peptides, probiotics, etc. The related mechanisms involve regulating gastric acid secretion, protecting gastric mucosa, increasing the release of gastric defense factors, decreasing the level of inflammatory factors, inhibiting Helicobacter pyloriinfection, producing antioxidant effects or reducing oxidative damage, preventing gastric oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxides, activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and inhibiting NF-κB, TLR4, and NOS/NO signaling pathways.

Background:Poor access to lymphoedema specialists and communication between them and patients prevents appropriate lymphoedema management. Therefore, development and dissemination of remote systems is necessary to improve care in rural areas with limited medical personnel or access to medical coordination.Aims:The authors evaluated the elements required for providing patient education on conservative therapy for lymphoedema, to determine the feasibility of remote management.Methods:The study involved connecting a health professional in a local clinic (point A) treating a patient with lymphoedema, who was present alongside the clinician, with a specialist certified lymphoedema therapist (CLT) located remotely in a university (point B).Findings:The CLT was able to greet, interview and provide guidance to the patient on conservative therapy. Direct contact with the patient was not possible, which limited visualisation, palpation, leg circumference measurement, and lymphatic drainage management.Conclusion:The findings suggest that remote a lymphoedema management approach involving conservative therapy benefits both patients and health professionals, particularly in rural regions. Future studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this approach to confirm adequate treatment.

To assess the mortality and outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) in mainland China, and to compare these outcomes with data from Western countries, while analyzing the potential reasons for differences among different countries.

In polishing nickel-based superalloys, the surface quality and dimensional accuracy of the workpiece are closely related to the wear of the abrasive tools. Over the years, several researchers have studied the wear of grinding wheels or abrasive belts, including the effects of various machining methods, abrasive materials, and machining parameters on the wear of abrasive tools. However, there is not enough research on the wear mechanism of the abrasive cloth flap wheel (ACFW). In this paper, during polishing GH4169G with ACFW, the wear evolution mechanism of ACFW and its effect on the surface integrity of GH4169G were investigated. First, the variations in material removal and ACFW wear amounts during the polishing process were analysed, and the different wear stages were divided based on the polishing ratio. Second, the mic-morphology and surface element distribution of ACFW at different wear stages were investigated using SEM and, EDS, and the wear evolution mechanism of ACFW was analysed. Finally, the effects of ACFW wear on the surface morphology, surface oxidation and microstructure of GH4169G were investigated by SEM, EDS, XRD, and EBSD. The results showed that the primary wear forms of ACFW were stepped fracture, cleavage fracture, blunt, pull-out, and adhesion wear. During the initial wear stage, the proportion of each wear form was relatively balanced. In the medium wear stage, fracture wear was the main wear form. Blunt and adhesive wear were the primary forms of wear during the final wear stage. In addition, with ACFW wear, the surface roughness tend to decrease first and then increase, however, the refinement level of the grains, the intensity of plastic deformation and the intensity of the oxidation reaction gradually increased. This study provides effective guidance for developing more wear-resistant abrasive tools and optimising the grinding and polishing processes.

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is crucial in the ongoing industrial revolution, providing a unique ability to fabricate high-quality components with complex shapes. However, the determination of key process parameters, such as scan sequence, laser power, and scanning speed, often relies on offline trial-and-error or heuristic methods. These methods are not only suboptimal but also lack generalizability. A major challenge is the non-uniform temperature distribution during manufacturing, which affects the uniformity of the mechanical properties. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a framework based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL). This framework dynamically adjusts process parameters to achieve an optimal control policy. Additionally, we introduce a cost-effective temperature simulation model of the deposition process. This model is particularly useful for researchers testing the proximal policy optimization algorithm. The experimental results demonstrate that DRL policies substantially improve temperature uniformity in Inconel 718, enhancing hardness variability with improvements of 31.8 % and 27.1 % in horizontal and vertical building directions, respectively. This research marks an important step toward achieving a highly intelligent and automated optimization of process parameters. It also proves to be robust and computationally efficient for future online implementation.

The electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) presents an alternative method for the Haber–Bosch process, and single-atom catalysts (SACs) to achieve efficient NRR have attracted considerable attention in the past decades. However, whether SACs are more suitable for NRR compared to atomic-cluster catalysts (ACCs) remains to be studied. Herein, we have successfully synthesized both the Fe monomers (Fe1) and trimers (Fe3) on nitrogen-doped carbon catalysts. Both the experiments and DFT calculations indicate that compared to the end-on adsorption of N2on Fe1catalysts, N2activation is enhanced via the side-on adsorption on Fe3catalysts, and the reaction follows the enzymatic pathway with a reduced free energy barrier for NRR. As a result, the Fe3catalysts achieved better NRR performance (NH3yield rate of 27.89 μg h–1mg–1cat.and Faradaic efficiency of 45.13%) than Fe1catalysts (10.98 μg h–1mg–1cat.and 20.98%). Therefore, our research presents guidance to prepare more efficient NRR catalysts.

Industrial robots have been widely used in manufacturing automobiles and consumable electronics, logistics, biomedical engineering, and many other industrial sectors. However, the need to enhance their adaptability, accuracy, and autonomy remains high, enabling them to be competent in advanced application scenarios, such as human–robot collaboration, flexible manufacturing, precision engineering, and large-scale automation. This focused section competitively selects the 10 research papers to disseminate new design, planning, and control methodologies of industrial robots toward intelligent automation.

The thermo-oxidative aging mechanism of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy (CF/EP) composites was studied by using reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations with a reactive force field (ReaxFF), traditional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and machine learning (ML) methods. The decoupling of the tensile stress applied to the resin from the thermo-oxidative aging reactions in the resin was demonstrated. The tensile strength parallel to the fiber was much higher than that perpendicular to the fiber. The fiber–epoxy interfacial bonding interaction limits the thermal mobility of the resin near the interface, lowering the probability of aging reaction events and thereby prohibiting the material’s aging. The panoramic view of the aging reactions was obtained using a new holistic analysis approach, revealing the high breaking probability of hydroxyl groups, ether bonds, and C–N bonds in the resin skeleton. These chemical bonds were proven to affect the formation of the main products. The total number of chemical bonds in the material was linear with the ultimate tensile strength perpendicular to the fiber. By establishing the relationship between “products–chemical bonds–mechanical properties”, we built the groundwork for novel lifetime prediction model construction based on theoretical and data fusion methods.

In order to investigate the influence of gradual stress relieving treatment on the microstructure, texture evolution, grain structure, and misorientation distribution of the hot-rolled Ti6Al4V–5Cu (α+β)alloy deformed in various thickness reduction ratios (TRR's) of 15%, 58%, and 73% to maintain the burger orientation relationship (BOR), different stress reliving treatment was specially designed for relieving the residual stresses occurred due to the hot deformation process. Using IPF maps, the majority of the α grains, specifically the elongated ones were found nearly at 45 °with respect to the rolling and transverse direction. The study also show that the heat treatment schedule on the 58% deformed alloy significantly promote the transformation of β to α phase and a special microstructure with an equiaxed grains is produced. The local misorientation angle distribution due to stress reliving treatment has also discussed. Using EBSD analysis, the alloy processed under highest TRR's (i.e., 73%) and subsequent stress relieving treatment could result a serious internal crystalline instability with various degree of element diffusion rate, which promote a severe and ease of alloy coarsening. Thus, coarsening encourage the formation of grains with the highest softening potential, comparatively. It is obvious that the stress-relived treatment does not result a change in microstructure. However the internal residual stresses on the hot deformation were relieved, the texture intensity had increased quietly. A significant textural behavior could be achieved on the 73% hot-rolled alloys by the stress-relieving process to align the α/β fiber texture interface in parallel coincidence to maintain the BOR.

SiCf/Ti2AlNb-reinforced Ti17 (SiCf/Ti2AlNb/Ti17) composites were fabricated through hot isostatic pressing. The designed SiCf/Ti2AlNb/Ti17 composites exhibited excellent tensile properties, with tensile strengths of 1657 MPa at room temperature and 1830 MPa at 450 °C. The microstructure, fracture morphology, and longitudinal section of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The fracture process of SiCf/Ti2AlNb/Ti17 composites during room-temperature tensile tests was as follows: the SiCf/Ti2AlNb reaction layer first fractured, the crack extended into the Ti2AlNb matrix, the Ti2AlNb matrix crack extended to the adjacent reaction layer and promoted fiber fracture, the crack extended to the Ti2AlNb/Ti17 interface, ultimately the Ti17 capsule fractured. The fracture process of SiCf/Ti2AlNb/Ti17 composites during 450 °C tensile tests was as follows: the SiCf/Ti2AlNb reaction layer first fractured, multiple fiber fractures occurred, and the crack in the reaction layer entered the Ti2AlNb matrix, the crack extended to the Ti2AlNb/Ti17 interface, eventually the Ti17 capsule fractured. The room-temperature tensile fracture was fitted to the LLS model, while the tensile fracture at 450 °C was fitted to the GLS model. The different fracture processes indicated that the SiCf/Ti2AlNb/Ti17 composites were suitable for exploiting fiber strength at 450 °C and therefore exhibited excellent tensile strength.

Alloying-type anode materials provide high capacity for lithium-ion batteries; however, they suffer pulverization problems resulting from the volume change during cycling. Realizing the cycling reversibility of these anodes is therefore critical for sustaining their electrochemical performance. Here, we investigate the structural reversibility of Sn NPs during cycling at atomic-level resolution utilizing in situhigh-resolution TEM. We observed a surprisingly near-perfect structural reversibility after a complete cycle. A three-step phase transition happens during lithiation, accompanied by the generation of a significant number of defects, grain boundaries, and up to 202% volume expansion. In subsequent delithiation, the volume, morphology, and crystallinity of the Sn NPs were restored to their initial state. Theoretical calculations show that compressive stress drives the removal of vacancies generated within the NPs during delithiation, therefore maintaining their intact morphology. This work demonstrates that removing vacancies during cycling can efficiently improve the structural reversibility of high-capacity anode materials.

Current Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer software cannot be used as a distinct patient education resource but has the potential to make better-informed consent.

Microstructure evolution during the hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of continuous silicon carbide fiber-reinforced Ti (SiCf/Ti) composites has not been investigated. In this study, SiCf/Ti60 composites were prepared via the HIP solidification method of Ti60 precursor wires. The evolution of the microstructure of the Ti60 precursor wires and SiCf/Ti60 composites was characterized using electron backscatter diffraction microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that the deformation of α-Ti was mainly accomplished by basal dislocations and prismatic dislocations slip during the HIP process. After the completion of HIP, the low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) were reduced to 24.6%, and the average grain size of α-Ti was increased to 7.47 μm2. Two fiber textures, <0001>//axial direction (AD) and <10-10>//AD strength, were present in α-Ti, with a 38% increase in <10-10>//AD strength. The phase contents of 1.0% β-Ti and 0.6% (Ti, Zr)6Si3precipitated from different locations in the Ti60 matrix and induced changes in misorientation.

Oxygen is crucial in influencing the microstructure evolution of selective laser melted (SLMed) Ti–6Al–4V, significantly impacting its applicability in various sectors. Therefore, this study investigates the influnce of oxygen on microstructure evolution, particularly α′ martensite transformation and refinement mechanisms. Four alloys, Ti–6Al–4V–xO (x= 0.11, 0.16, 0.21, and 0.25 wt%), were fabricated by the SLM process. The martensite start temperature (Ms) of Ti–6Al–4V, as evaluated by computation, is 656.8 °C, and oxygen was found to increase the Msby about 10 °C per 0.1 wt%. The SLMed alloy samples exhibit [001]βgrowth texture along the build direction. Crystallographic analysis of martensite morphology suggests internal twinning on 101¯1planes as the lattice invariant strain, which becomes more predominant with increasing oxygen content. Refinement of α′ martensite plates by oxygen is due to increased lattice distortion, reduced prior βgrain size, and oxygen segregation to βgrain boundaries. Our findings contribute to improving the understanding of the effect of oxygen on the transformation mechanism of α′ martensite during SLM of Ti–6Al–4V.

Osteosarcoma(OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer for which treatment has remained essentially unchanged for decades. Although OS is characterized by extensive genomic heterogeneity and instability, RB1and TP53have been shown to be the most commonly inactivated tumor suppressors in OS. We previously generated a mouse model with a double knockout (DKO) of Rb1and Trp53within cells of the osteoblastic lineage, which largely recapitulates human OS with nearly complete penetrance. SKP2 is a repression target of pRb and serves as a substrate recruiting subunit of the SCFSKP2complex. In addition, SKP2 plays a central role in regulating the cell cycle by ubiquitinating and promoting the degradation of p27. We previously reported the DKOAA transgenic model, which harbored a knock-in mutation in p27 that impaired its binding to SKP2. Here, we generated a novel p53-Rb1-SKP2triple-knockout model (TKO) to examine SKP2 function and its potential as a therapeutic target in OS. First, we observed that OS tumorigenesis was significantly delayed in TKO mice and their overall survival was markedly improved. In addition, the loss of SKP2also promoted an apoptotic microenvironment and reduced the stemness of DKO tumors. Furthermore, we found that small-molecule inhibitors of SKP2 exhibited anti-tumor activities in vivo and in OS organoids as well as synergistic effects when combined with a standard chemotherapeutic agent. Taken together, our results suggest that SKP2 inhibitors may reduce the stemness plasticity of OS and should be leveraged as next-generation adjuvants in this cancer.