Search

Graphite is a widely used oxygen impurity-removing additive and a property-tuning second phase for diboride and carbide-based ultrahigh temperature ceramics (UHTCs). In recent years, high-entropy diboride (HEB) ceramics have attracted much attention for the development of better UHTCs. However, oxide impurity generally inhibits their densification and harms their properties. Here, (Ti 0.2 Zr 0.2 Hf 0.2 Nb 0.2 Ta 0.2)B 2 ceramics added with different contents of graphite (HEB- x C, x = 0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 vol%) were prepared by spark plasma sintering. It was found that the added graphite acted as an oxygen-removing agent and the oxide impurity phase t -(Zr, Hf)O 2 was converted to the (Hf, Ta)C-based solid solution carbide. With the increase in graphite content, the relative density increased from 89.4% for HEB-0 C to 100% for HEB-10 C. Based on the evaluated properties of the prepared specimens, including Young's modulus, hardness, toughness, and thermal conductivity, the added graphite with an optimized content is important for a given started powder and processing to achieve good and balanced material properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two internal solitary waves (ISWs) with very long fronts observed by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images in the northern South China Sea (NSCS) are comparatively analyzed based on oceanic reanalysis data and the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) theory. The differences in the environmental parameters, wave half-width, and amplitude of the two ISW fronts in the two distinct oceanic environments are studied. In the presence of a weak westward surface current of approximately 0.05 m/s, the values of the linear wave speed increase by up to 0.056 m/s, and the retrieved ISW amplitudes decrease by up to 14 m. On the contrary, for another background oceanic environment considering a relatively strong eastward surface current of approximately 0.2 m/s, there are decreases of up to 0.17 m/s in the linear wave speed and increases of up to 32 m in the retrieved amplitudes. However, the results retrieved from both the SAR observations commonly show that the ISW amplitudes along the fronts reach their maximums at roughly 21°N and decrease toward the southern and northern sides, in spite of their distinct background environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The composition of glutenin protein significantly affects protein–starch interactions and starch digestion characteristics in wheat dough matrices. To elucidate the effects of high molecular weight glutenin subunits at the Glu‐B1 locus on dough processing quality, the detailed structural changes of protein, starch, and their complexes were compared in Mixolab dough samples of two near isogenic lines 7 + 8 and 7 + 9. Results: The results showed that the degree of protein aggregation increased continuously during dough processing, as did the destruction and rearrangement of the gluten network. Compared to 7 + 8, the stronger and more stable protein network formed in 7 + 9 dough induced intensive interactions between protein and starch, primarily through hydrogen bonds and isomeric glycosidic bonds. In 7 + 9 dough, the more compact and extensive protein–starch network significantly inhibited starch gelatinization during dough pasting, while during the dough cooling stage [from C4 (82.8 °C) to C5 (52.8 °C)], more protein–starch complexes composed of monomeric proteins and short‐chain starch were generated, which remarkably inhibited starch retrogradation. All protein–starch interactions in the 7 + 9 dough improved the starch digestion resistance, as reflected by the high content of resistant starch. Conclusion: The more extensive and intensive protein–starch interactions in the 7 + 9 dough inhibited the gelatinization and enzymatic hydrolysis of starch, thereby producing more slowly digestible starch and resistant starch. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing the texture and digestibility of wheat‐based food products by regulating the behavior and interactions of proteins and starch during dough processing. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-containing oily sludge (PCOS) has caused tremendous hazards with the broad application of polymer flooding technology. Traditional methods cannot meet the treatment demand due to the high-water content of PCOS. In this work, the degradation of PCOS in sub-/supercritical water is studied to explore an appropriate treatment method. The influence of residence time (15–90 min), temperature (340–700°C), catalysts (sulfates, carbonates, and alkalis), and co-solvents (methanol-water and ethanol-water) on the distribution of end products is studied in details. Results show that PCOS is hardly gasified under the subcritical conditions and the increase in residence time and temperature has positive effects on the phase conversion. The conversion rate reaches 81.77% at 60 min, 340°C, compared to 67.09% at 15 min. Supercritical water shows a great solubility for PCOS, and no solid residues are detected at supercritical conditions (400–700°C, 23 MPa). Organic matter in liquid phase is classified into nine types, and the increase in temperature greatly changes its composition. The relative proportion of ketones reaches more than 50% of the organic matter in liquid at 400°C. Ketones are proven to be the main source of CO2 and disappear at above 500°C. Moreover, the migration of elements (carbon and nitrogen) is comprehensively studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper on the one hand is to reduce the sintering temperature, shorten the sintering time and improve the electrical properties of the sample through the two-step flash sintering method and on the other hand is to study the effect of electric field on the phase structure, microstructure and electrical properties of the flash sintering sample. Design/methodology/approach: In this paper, (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 giant dielectric ceramics were prepared by conventional sintering and two-step flash sintering, respectively. Further, the effect of electric field (600–750 V/cm) on the electrical properties of (Mg1/3Ta2/3)0.01Ti0.99O2 giant dielectric ceramics was studied. Findings: The results show that compared with the conventional sintering, the sintering temperature of the two-step flash sintering can be reduced by 200°C and the sintering time can be shortened by 12 times. All sintered samples were single rutile TiO2 structure. Compared with conventional sintering, two-step flash sintering samples have finer grain size. The two-step flash sintered sample has similar dielectric properties to the conventional sintered sample. The dielectric constant of flash sintered samples decreases with the increase of electric field. When the electric field is 700 V/cm, the ceramic sample has the optimal dielectric properties, where the dielectric constant is approximately 5.5 × 103 and the dielectric loss is about 0.18 at 1 kHz. Impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that the excellent dielectric properties are attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitance model. Originality/value: This paper not only provides a new method for the preparation of co-doped TiO2 giant dielectric ceramics but also has great potential in greatly improving efficiency and saving energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to establish single metal atoms with a uniform coordination environment at targeted sites of a zeolite. In this study, single platinum atoms were selectively encaged in the six‐membered rings of sodalite (SOD) cages within Y zeolite using a template‐guiding strategy. During the in situ synthesis process, template molecules were designed to occupy supercages and thereby force coordinated platinum species into SOD cages. Subsequent control of the post‐treatment conditions yielded the Y zeolite with selectively encaged single platinum atoms, denoted Pt@Y‐SOD. The Pt@Y‐SOD catalyst had good stability and excellent catalytic selectivity in the semihydrogenation reaction, and it exhibited interesting thiophene and carbon monoxide resistance in this transformation because interactions with these poisons are weakened by the configuration of the encaged single platinum atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is challenging to establish single metal atoms with a uniform coordination environment at targeted sites of a zeolite. In this study, single platinum atoms were selectively encaged in the six‐membered rings of sodalite (SOD) cages within Y zeolite using a template‐guiding strategy. During the in situ synthesis process, template molecules were designed to occupy supercages and thereby force coordinated platinum species into SOD cages. Subsequent control of the post‐treatment conditions yielded the Y zeolite with selectively encaged single platinum atoms, denoted Pt@Y‐SOD. The Pt@Y‐SOD catalyst had good stability and excellent catalytic selectivity in the semihydrogenation reaction, and it exhibited interesting thiophene and carbon monoxide resistance in this transformation because interactions with these poisons are weakened by the configuration of the encaged single platinum atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise control of complex quantum mechanical systems can unlock applications ranging from quantum simulation to quantum computation. Controlling strongly interacting many-body systems often relies on Floquet Hamiltonian engineering that is achieved by fast switching between Hamiltonian primitives via external control. For example, in our solid-state NMR system, we perform quantum simulation by modulating the natural Hamiltonian with control pulses. As the Floquet heating errors scale with the interpulse delay, δ t , it is favorable to keep δ t as short as possible, forcing our control pulses to be short duration and high power. Additionally, high-power pulses help to minimize undesirable evolution from occurring during the duration of the pulse. However, such pulses introduce an appreciable phase-transient control error, a form of unitary error. In this work, we detail our ability to diagnose the error, calibrate its magnitude, and correct it for π / 2 -pulses of arbitrary phase. We demonstrate the improvements gained by correcting for the phase transient error, using a method which we call the "frame-change technique", in a variety of experimental settings of interest. Given that the correction mechanism adds no real control overhead, we recommend that any resonance probe be checked for these phase transient control errors, and correct them using the frame-change technique. [Display omitted] • High-power pulses are vital components of high-fidelity quantum simulation. • Phase-transient errors can be quickly calibrated with experiments on nuclear spins. • We introduce a technique to analytically correct the phase-transient error. • The frame-change technique introduces no additional control overhead. • We demonstrate the frame-change corrected improvements experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the preparation process for advanced ceramics, how to reduce the sintering temperature, shorten the processing time and refine grains is the key to obtaining high-performance ceramic materials. The flash sintering (FS) provides an effective method to solve this issue. Here, (Zr + Ta) co-doped TiO 2 colossal permittivity ceramics were successfully fabricated by conventional sintering (CS) and flash sintering under electric fields from 500 V/cm to 800 V/cm. The flash behavior, sintered crystal structure and microstructure, dielectric properties, and varistor characteristics were systematically investigated. The effects of the applied electric fields on the above behaviors were discussed. The results show that flash sintering can reduce the sintering temperature by 200 °C, decrease the processing time by 10 times and reduce grain sizes in TiO 2 ceramics. All sintered samples were single rutile structures. Flash sintering led to similar electrical properties to conventional sintering. In the flash-sintered samples, with increasing the electric field, the permittivity of co-doped TiO 2 ceramics increased at a frequency of 103–104 Hz. The flash-sintered sample under an electric field of 800 V/cm possessed the best comprehensive properties, a dielectric permittivity of >105, a dielectric loss of ∼0.77 at 103 Hz, and a nonlinear coefficient of 5.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of heterogeneous catalyst to achieve efficient conversion of biomass to high added-value chemicals is still very attractive. Herein, taking industrially important selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol as an example, the designed amorphized HA zeolite encapsulation of platinum clusters (denoted as Pt@HA) exhibited excellent catalytic selectivity at totally conversion of the reactant furfural, along with good reusability and poison resistance ability. The selected amorphized HA zeolite with very small pore size constrained the reactant furfural to be reacted through hydrogen spillover process at zeolite surface, instead of to be adsorbed and activated onto Pt surface. Resulting from the stronger interaction between nucleophilic oxygen atom of aldehyde group and acid site at HA zeolite surface than that of furan ring group, furfural preferred to adsorb onto Pt@HA surface with the end of aldehyde group rather than the end of furan ring group, thus facilitating the spilled H atom to react with aldehyde group to give desired furfuryl alcohol product exclusively. [Display omitted] • Pt@HA exhibited remarkable catalytic property in hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol via hydrogen spillover. • Spillover process disfavored activation of aldehyde group and furan ring simultaneously in one furfural molecule. • Acid sites on HA zeolite surface promoted adsorption of aldehyde group to facilitate its hydrogenation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the offshore petroleum industry, polymer-containing oily sludge (PCOS) hinders oil extraction and causes tremendous hazards to the marine ecological environment. In this paper, an effective pretreatment method is proposed to break the adhesive structure of PCOS, and the experiments of supercritical water gasification are carried out under the influencing factors including residence time (5–30 min) and temperature (400–750 °C) in batch reactors. The increase of time and temperature all show great promoting effects on gas production. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including naphthalene and phenanthrene, are considered as the main obstacles for a complete gasification. Carbon gasification efficiency (CE) reaches maximum of 95.82% at 750 °C, 23 MPa for 30 min, while naphthalene makes up 70% of the organic compounds in residual liquid products. The highest hydrogen yield of 19.79 (mol H 2 /kg of PCOS) is observed in 750 °C for 25 min. A simplified reaction pathway is presented to describe the gaseous products (H 2 , CO, CO 2 , CH 4). Two intermediates are defined for describing the reaction process bases on the exhaustive study on organic matters in residual liquid products. The results show that the calculated data and the experimental data have a high degree of fit and tar formation reaction is finished within 10 min. [Display omitted] • Utilization of polymer-containing oily sludge via supercritical water gasification. • Optimal gasification condition is obtained. • Reaction mechanism of gasification is discussed. • Tar formation reaction can be finished within 10 min in quartz tubes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of autonomous driving, ensuring pedestrian safety has become a hot research topic. The traditional pedestrian crossing behavior research mostly track and predict pedestrian crossing from the view of vehicles, but do not have in-depth research on the impact of other elements in the traffic scene. This paper proposes a method for analyzing pedestrian crossing behavior based on roadside equipment for specific road sections. First, a pedestrian awareness-based social force model (PASFM) is proposed by introducing the factors that influence pedestrian crossing decisions in traffic scenarios into the social force model (SFM), including zebra crossings, fellow walkers and vehicles. To explore the psychological state of vehicles and pedestrians when they interact, evolutionary game theory is used to simulate the psychological characteristics of pedestrians when they encounter vehicles, and then reflect in the changes of the desired speed. Then Centralized Unscented Kalman Filter (CUKF) is proposed to complete the whole process of tracking and predicting the motion state of pedestrian crossing behavior, which uses PASFM as its prediction process. Finally, simulations and experiments are designed to show the effectiveness of our methods. Results show that the proposed method performs better during pedestrian tracking and can predict their crossing behavior to a certain extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose DDFusion, a novel multi-exposure image fusion network. DDFusion addresses the limitations of existing methods by effectively recovering details near extremely bright regions and learning associations between non-contiguous regions. To achieve this, our network incorporates a dense pyramidal (DensePy) convolution block in the encoder for multi-scale feature extraction, and a de-correlation fusion (DF) block for enabling structurally coherent and edge-preserving multi-scale feature fusion. It facilitates a smoother transition from highlighted areas to adjacent regions in the fused image. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of DDFusion over state-of-the-art deep methods in terms of both visual quality and quantitative evaluation. Moreover, DDFusion achieves stronger multi-scale feature extraction capability with smaller computational complexity. • The proposed dense pyramidal convolution block combines PyConv and dense connections, which forms a multi-scale feature expression with more continuous in scale and complementary in content. • The designed DF block contains FastDeconv and an attention module, which enhances high-frequency edge details and fuses multi-scale structural features smoothly, enabling structurally coherent and edge-preserving multi-scale feature fusion. • The proposed DDFusion integrates dense pyramidal convolution and DF blocks, facilitating a smoother transition between highlighted areas and adjacent regions and reducing the influence of uneven illumination in recovering details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fractal model for the soil–water characteristic curve of Hunan clay was derived. • A fractal model for nonlinear seepage of saturated clay was established. • The model allows for easy computation and prediction of continuous permeation. • The prediction remains accurate even in soil with high dry density. It is crucial to investigate nonlinear seepage phenomena in low-permeability soils. Currently, empirical formulas account for the majority of nonlinear seepage model formulations. Some theoretical prediction models have been proposed; however, they tend to be computationally complex, and their predictive performance must be enhanced. Considered an indirect indicator, the soil–water characteristic curve reflects the permeation channels of soil pores of varying diameters. A nonlinear seepage model for saturated clay has been devised, taking into account the initial hydraulic gradient of microscopic seepage channels. This paper derives and solves the fractal dimension of the soil–water characteristic curve fractal model and establishes a new nonlinear seepage fractal model for saturated clay under various hydraulic gradients. The new seepage fractal model proposed in this paper is used to predict the seepage velocity of saturated Hunan clay under various hydraulic gradients and is compared to the results of its nonlinear seepage test. Overall, the results indicate that the predicted values of the seepage fractal model presented in this paper closely match the experimental values, and the accuracy of the prediction of the seepage velocity of saturated clay with a higher dry density exceeds that of present theoretical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Gluten network goes through disassembly and repolymerization during processing. • β-sheets are positively associated with gluten polymerization and dough viscosity. • The stronger dough gluten inhibits starch pasting more significantly. • Covalent protein-starch interactions are found in strong-gluten dough. • Additional protein-starch complexes in dough matrix retard starch retrogradation. To clarify the detailed behaviors of protein, starch and interactions during complex dough processing, structural changes in dough protein and starch during continuous Mixolab processing were investigated using wheat near-isogenic lines carrying high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits 1Dx5 + 1Dy10 (5 + 10) or 1Dx2 + 1Dy12 (2 + 12) at the Glu-D1 locus. A more stable gluten network including disulfide bonds and hydrophobic interactions, was formed in the 5 + 10 dough before dough weakening at 53.5 °C, than in the 2 + 12 dough. Thereafter, thermo-mechanical treatment induced the depolymerization of gluten until starch gelatinization peak at 74.6 °C; however, from the peak to trough viscosity at 82.8 °C, additional monomeric proteins were incorporated into the repolymerized proteins characterized by increased disulfide bonds, hydrogen bonds, and β-sheets. Generally, the protein aggregates of 5 + 10 showed a higher degree of polymerization and better stability than those of 2 + 12 during dough processing, which significantly slowed starch gelatinization and recyclization. Moreover, stronger interactions between monomeric proteins and amylose/short-branch starch via glycosidic and hydrogen bonds were found in 5 + 10 dough during starch pasting and retrogradation. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of optimizing the texture and digestibility of wheat-based food products by regulating the behaviors and interactions of proteins and starch during dough processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) in friction stir lap welded (FSLW) dissimilar joints of Mg and Al alloys could be reduced by the addition of interlayer metal to improve the mechanical properties of the joints, while the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, Cu and Ni powders are added as the interlayer materials into the FSLW joints of AZ31 Mg alloy and Al–Zn–Cu–Mg alloy, respectively. The types, sizes, and distributions of IMCs have been characterized, and the shear properties of the joints have been evaluated. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the influence of the interlayer metals on the evolution of IMCs in the joints and the effect of IMCs on the shear properties of the joints have been studied. The results showed that the order of phase formation in the joint without interlayer was Al 12 Mg 17 , Al 3 Mg 2 , MgZn 2 , CuMg 2 , Al 2 Cu, while the order of phase formation in the joint with added Cu interlayer was Al 2 Cu, CuMg 2 , AlCu, Al 12 Mg 17 , Al 3 Mg 2 , Cu 5 Zn 8 , and that in the joint with added Ni interlayer was Mg 2 Ni, Al 3 Ni, Al 3 Ni 2 , MgNi 2 , AlNi, Al 12 Mg 17 , Al 3 Mg 2 , MgZn 2 , Ni 3 Zn 22 , NiZn, Al 2 Cu. Due to the formed physical barrier and the mechanism of phase formation, the addition of interlayer metal effectively inhibited the formation of a Mg–Al phase. The bonding strengths between Mg–Cu, Al–Cu, Al–Ni, and Mg–Ni phases and matrix were higher than that between Mg–Al phase and matrix, which improved the shear properties of the joints with Cu and Ni interlayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HMW-GSs 5 + 10 contributed to a more extensive and compact protein-starch complex. • More monomeric proteins were involved into gluten possessing subunits 5 + 10. • Subunits 5 + 10 can cause low starch gelatinization degree in dough matrix. • Subunits 2 + 12 contributed to a fragile gluten network with low thermal stability. • The ratio of β-sheets to α-helix was positively associated with dough consistency. Differences in Mixolab measurements of dough processing were examined using, as a base, flour from pure breeding, isogenic, wheat lines carrying either the high molecular weight glutenin subunits 5 + 10 or 2 + 12. Before dough pasting, subunits 5 + 10 tend to form a stable gluten network relying mainly on disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds, but 2 + 12 flour was prone to generating fragile protein aggregates dominated by disulfide bonds and hydrophobicity. During dough pasting, a broader protein network rich in un-extractable polymeric proteins, disulfide bonds and β-sheets was formed in the dough with subunits 5 + 10, thus resulting in an extensive and compact protein-starch complex which was characterized by high thermal stability and low starch gelatinization, while in the dough of the 2 + 12 line, a porous protein-starch gel with fragmented protein aggregates was controlled by the combination of disulfide bonds, hydrophobicity and hydrogen bonds that facilitated the formation of antiparallel β-sheets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of oily sludge is a potential handling method for resource utilization and pollution reduction. Heavy metals (HMs) in oily sludge were assessed due to their threat to human health and environmental safety. This work investigated the distribution of four HMs (Cu, Zn, Ni and Cr) under different reaction conditions (550–700 °C, 1–60 min). The concentrations of HMs in liquid residues (LRs) decreased continuously at higher temperatures and longer residence times except for Ni. Besides, the concentrations of HMs in solid residues (SRs) increased after SCWG except for Zn, and they varied slightly under different conditions. Then, HMs in LRs and SRs were evaluated in terms of Nemerow index, geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk. The results indicated that the pollution risks of HMs in LRs were minimum at 650 °C and 30 min, while that in SRs changed little. When Na 2 CO 3 was added, pollution risks changed slightly, but nearly complete stabilizations of Cu, Zn and Cr (96.2%, 84.2% and 98.6%) were achieved at 600 °C. Adding Na 2 CO 3 promoted the formation of aluminosilicate to combine with HMs and enhanced their stabilization notably. This work may demonstrate a promising clean way for oily sludge utilization and HMs stabilizing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the effect of the microstructure of friction stir lap welded (FSLW) dissimilar joints of Mg and Al alloys on fatigue crack initiation and propagation is not clear. In this article, the effects of the microstructure of FSLW dissimilar joints of AZ31 Mg and Al–Zn–Cu–Mg alloys are studied. The grain orientations of the crack initiation and propagation region were characterized by electron backscattering diffraction analysis. And the models for fatigue crack propagation in the different grain orientations were established. Based on the above experimental results, the initiation mechanisms of fatigue cracks were clarified, and the effects of grain orientations on crack propagation were revealed. The results showed that the crack initiation was caused by the simultaneous activation of the (0002, 2 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 0] basal slip and twinning in various directions by fatigue loading. The direction of crack propagation was dominated by the (0002)[ 2 ¯ 110] basal slip with (1 ¯ 012)[ 1 ¯ 01 1 ¯ ] twinning adjusting in the crack propagation zone. The cyclic effect of concentration and release of stress on the activation and termination of twins was the main reason for the zigzag path of crack propagation. • (0002, 2 1 ¯ 1 ¯ 0] basal slip and twinning in various directions caused crack initiation. • Crack propagation models with the different grain orientations were established. • Activation and termination of twins caused zigzag path during crack propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon pathogenic stimulation, activated neutrophils release nuclear DNA into the extracellular environment, forming web‐like DNA structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which capture and kill bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as NETosis. Inspired by this, we introduce a cell surface‐constrained web‐like framework nucleic acids traps (FNATs) with programmable extracellular recognition capability and cellular behavior modulation. This approach facilitates dynamic key chemical signaling molecule recognition such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is elevated in the extracellular microenvironment, and triggers FNA self‐assembly. This, in turn, leads to in situ tightly interwoven FNAs formation on the cell surface, thereby inhibiting target cell migration. Furthermore, it activates a photosensitizer‐capturing switch, chlorin e6 (Ce6), and induces cell self‐destruction. This cascade platform provides new potential tools for visualizing dynamic extracellular activities and manipulating cellular behaviors using programmable in situ self‐assembling DNA molecular devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upon pathogenic stimulation, activated neutrophils release nuclear DNA into the extracellular environment, forming web‐like DNA structures known as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which capture and kill bacteria, fungi, and cancer cells. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as NETosis. Inspired by this, we introduce a cell surface‐constrained web‐like framework nucleic acids traps (FNATs) with programmable extracellular recognition capability and cellular behavior modulation. This approach facilitates dynamic key chemical signaling molecule recognition such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is elevated in the extracellular microenvironment, and triggers FNA self‐assembly. This, in turn, leads to in situ tightly interwoven FNAs formation on the cell surface, thereby inhibiting target cell migration. Furthermore, it activates a photosensitizer‐capturing switch, chlorin e6 (Ce6), and induces cell self‐destruction. This cascade platform provides new potential tools for visualizing dynamic extracellular activities and manipulating cellular behaviors using programmable in situ self‐assembling DNA molecular devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • PO 4 3−-doping and Li 3 PO 4 -coating of dual modification of LiNiO 2 are achieved. • PO 4 3− doping improves the reversibility of crystal structure. • PO 4 3− doping induces surface structural transformation of the material. • Li 3 PO 4 coating could ameliorate the interface stability. Lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO 2) cathode materials are featured with high capacity and low cost for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries but suffer from severe structure and interface instability. Bulk doping together with surface coating has been proven to be an efficient approach to improve the inner structure and interfacial stability of the LiNiO 2 cathode material. Nevertheless, the role of anion doping seems to be quite different from that of cation doping, and a deep insight will be desirable for the structure design of the LiNiO 2 cathode material. In this paper, PO 4 3−-doped and Li 3 PO 4 -coating of dual modification of LiNiO 2 are achieved via a facile approach. It is demonstrated that the PO 4 3− anions are doped into the tetrahedron vacant sites of the crystal structure, alleviating the phase transition and improving the reversibility of crystal structure. Besides, the Li 3 PO 4 coating layer ameliorates the interface stability to restrain the side reactions. Therefore, the dual modification enhances overall structural stability of the material to provide excellent performance. Moreover, the consumption of the Li residues by the formation of Li 3 PO 4 coating layer, and the enlarged interlayer spacing of the crystal structure by PO 4 3− doping can facilitate the Li+ ions diffusion, resulting in a superior rate capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we reported that the platinum (Pt) clusters encapsulated into sodalite (SOD) zeolite as catalyst exhibited 100 % selectivity at 100 % conversion in the selective hydrogenation of p‐chloronitrobenzene to p‐chloroaniline via hydrogen spillover. The direct interaction between p‐chloronitrobenzene and encapsulated Pt was prevented by the shape selectivity of SOD zeolite, reactants were thereby adsorbed onto zeolite outer surface to facilitate the hydrogenation proceeding by hydrogen spillover process. The further kinetic study and DFT calculation showed the excellent catalytic selectivity was ascribed to the much faster rate of hydrogenation of adsorbed nitro group than that of adsorbed C−Cl group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and comorbid heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is of clinical importance but a great challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefit of the combined radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedure in AF patients complicated with systolic HF. Methods: AF patients with HFrEF or HFmrEF who underwent the combined RFCA and LAAC procedure were prospectively enrolled in the LAACablation registry. The procedural complications and long-term outcomes were evaluated. Another cohort of AF patients with systolic HF who did not undergo either RFCA or LAAC were used for prognosis comparison. Results: Among 802 AF patients who underwent the combined procedure, 65 patients were comorbid with systolic HF (25 with HFrEF and 40 with HFmrEF). The overall procedural complication rate was 9.2%, which was mainly attributed to acute decompensated HF (6.2%). Accompanied with markedly reduced AF burden (from median [25th, 75th percentile]: 100 [100, 100] to 0 [0, 1.2]%, p < 0.001), upward trajectories of cardiac function were observed in 51 (78.4%) patients, showing improvement in New York Heart Classification (p < 0.01), natriuretic peptide levels (from 1492 [809, 3259] to 413 [163, 880] pg/mL, p < 0.001) and left ventricular EF (from 42.6 ± 5.3 to 53.8 ± 8.2%, p < 0.001). During the 27-month follow-up period, death, thromboembolism, major bleeding, and HF rehospitalization were observed in three, one, one, and four patients, respectively. The observed event rates showed a significant reduction compared with the non-procedure AF-HF cohort (n = 138; for composite endpoint: hazard ratio: 2.509, 95% confidence interval: 1.415–4.449, p = 0.002) and with the respective rates predicted by risk scores. Conclusions: Combining RFCA and LAAC achieves acceptable safety and credible long-term efficacy in AF patients with systolic HF. Further randomized studies are warranted in a larger patient cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore a seismic metasurface (SMS) design to control Rayleigh wave propagation for the earthquake resistance of critical buildings. An SMS is designed by assembling an array of soil mound units with different inclination angles to mold an accurate phase shift of the incoming seismic Rayleigh waves. We propose three SMSs to realize the three effects of forming Rayleigh wave fields: beam splitting, arbitrary convex trajectory bending, and wavefront focusing. The results demonstrate that the designed SMSs can remove more than 90% of the incident wave energy before it reaches the target buildings. Our compact SMSs, which feature low cost and are easy to implement, constitute an active earthquake-resistance method in civil engineering and are potentially useful in applications such as energy collection, nondestructive testing, and signal modulation for surface waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) on the in vitro digestibility of recombinant wheat flours characterizing by gluten proteins differ in glutenin-gliadin ratio. Compared with the untreated flours in our previous study, HMT improved the digestion resistance of starch in flours with different glutenin-gliadin ratios. For the HMT strong-gluten flour, the proportional increase of glutenin led to an excessively strong and fragile gluten network that unstable under HMT, which weakened the wrapping of gluten network around starch granules and reduced the long- and short-range order of starch, resulting in the conversion of resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) to rapidly digestible starch (RDS); however, the quantitative increase of gliadin induced the conversion of SDS to RS due to the enhanced protein-starch interactions as well as the improved long- and short-range order of starch during HMT. For the HMT weak-gluten flour, the changes of glutenin-gliadin ratio aggravated the broken of protein network and starch granules during HMT, thus improving the starch digestibility in varying degrees. In conclusion, the relative crystallinity of starch mainly affected the content of resistant starch, while the content of slowly digestible starch was more influenced by protein-starch interactions. • Heat-moisture treatment promotes binding between protein and starch in flour. • Proportional increase of gliadin in strong-gluten flour reduces starch digestibility. • Starch digestibility is related to starch structure and protein-starch interactions. • Quantity of resistant starch is more related to the relative crystallinity of starch. • Protein-starch interactions promote the formation of slowly digestible starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiband image fusion aims to generate high spatial resolution hyperspectral images by combining hyperspectral, multispectral or panchromatic images. However, fusing multiband images remains a challenge due to the identifiability and tracking of the underlying subspace across varying modalities and resolutions. In this paper, an efficient multiband image fusion model is proposed to investigate the latent structures and intrinsic physical properties of a multiband image, which is characterized by the Riemannian submanifold regularization method, nonnegativity and sum-to-one constraints. An alternating minimization scheme is proposed to recover the latent structures of the subspace via the manifold alternating direction method of multipliers (MADMM). The subproblem with Riemannian submanifold regularization is tackled by the projected Riemannian trust-region method with guaranteed convergence. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on two multiband image fusion problems: (1) hyperspectral and panchromatic image fusion and (2) hyperspectral, multispectral and panchromatic image fusion. The experimental results confirm that our method demonstrates superior fusion performance with respect to competitive state-of-the-art fusion methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental study on the interaction between a mode-2 internal solitary wave (ISW) and a horizontal transverse cylinder has been carried out in a large gravity-stratified fluid flume. One kind of making-wave method of "rotating-blade-gate" is proposed to achieve the experimental simulation of the standard mode-2 ISW in the laboratory flume. The conductivity probe array and particle image velocimetry are used to measure the mode-2 ISW and its wave-flow structure of the interaction with the horizontal transverse cylinder, and the micro-amplitude force sensor is used to measure the forces of the mode-2 ISW on the cylinder model. It is shown that the mode-2 ISW geometric structure is characterized by a convex and concave oval wave envelope shape and the counterclockwise and clockwise circulations are formed in its convex and concave domains, respectively. The resulting pair of upper and lower antisymmetric circulations moves forward together, which causes a horizontal strong flow at the symmetric center of the wave envelope consistent with the wave propagation direction. The horizontal transverse cylinder is subjected to the combined action of horizontal flow, vertical flow, and density change induced by the mode-2 ISW, in which the horizontal strong flow, induced flow separation, and vortex structure located at the symmetric center of the wave envelope are the signature features that are different from other positions. The theoretical analysis model of the forces exerted by the mode-2 ISW on a horizontal transverse cylinder is established. The spatial distribution characteristic of the force exerted by the mode-2 ISW on a horizontal cylinder is obtained, and the essential reason for the maximum horizontal and vertical loads on the cylinder is revealed. The horizontal maximum load corresponds to the inhomogeneous change of the horizontal velocity along the depth, and the vertical maximum load depends on the maximum density change along the depth, of which variation trend corresponds to the linear change of wave amplitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pt@HA exhibited excellent catalytic selectivity in hydrogenation of quinoline via hydrogen spillover. • Spillover process discriminated the hydrogenation of pyridine and benzene moiety in quinoline molecule. • Hydroxyl groups on HA zeolite strengthened adsorption of pyridine moiety to facilitate its hydrogenation process. Hydrogen spillover has been widely used in heterogeneous catalysis, yet how to explore the potential of catalyst support to further promote catalytic function of hydrogen spillover has rarely been investigated. Herein, platinum encapsulated into amorphized HA zeolite (denoted as Pt@HA) with generated hydroxyl groups was used as model catalyst to study the role of HA zeolite support on the promotion of catalytic performance in hydrogenation of quinolines to tetrahydroquinolines. Benefiting from small pore size of amorphized HA zeolite to prevent direct interaction of quinoline with encapsulated platinum, Pt@HA showed good catalytic selectivity in this transformation through hydrogen spillover. This remarkable catalytic selectivity was resulted from the interaction of hydroxyl groups at surface of HA zeolite with pyridine moiety through the formation N H bond to facilitate adsorption to make much lower apparent activation energy of Pt@HA for hydrogenation of pyridine moiety than that of benzene moiety, thus exhibiting enhanced catalytic selectivity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical inhomogeneous structure of an internal solitary wave (ISW) in a continuous density pycnocline and its force exerted on a horizontal transverse cylinder are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The Dubreil–Jacotin–Long equation is used to describe the inhomogeneous vertical structure of the ISW, and a formula for calculating the vertical force on the cylinder in the inhomogeneous vertical structure is proposed. The inhomogeneous vertical structure of the ISW and its vertical force on a horizontal transverse cylinder are experimentally measured in a large stratified fluid flume. It is shown that the inhomogeneous vertical structure of the ISW is characterized by both inhomogeneous vertical distributions of ISW envelopes and amplitudes. The inhomogeneous vertical structure of the flow field is characterized by the shear distribution of the horizontal velocity above and below the continuous density pycnocline, as well as the reversed distribution of the vertical velocity on the windward and leeward sides of the ISW. The vertical force characteristics on the cylinder in the continuous density pycnocline, as well as the physical mechanism of the influence of the ISW inhomogeneous vertical structure on the vertical force, are obtained. The peak value of the vertical force on the cylinder situated at the pycnocline increases with the increase in ISW amplitude, and also, it increases and then decreases with the increase in submerged depth. Considering the inhomogeneous vertical structure characteristics of the ISW in an actual ocean environment, the average relative error in the vertical force calculation can be more effectively reduced by using the continuous density pycnocline force model than the strict two-layer fluid force model. The actual characteristics of ISWs in a stratified ocean environment can be objectively described, and the estimation accuracy of the vertical force on underwater objects can be greatly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is the most abundant renewable aromatic resource on the planet, and it may be exploited to make the controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) that aid in human sustainable agriculture. Many researches on lignin-based CRFs have been conducted in recent years because of their exceptional controlled-release qualities. Lignin-based physically impeded CRFs can be produced by absorbing or wrapping nutrients and act as a longtime nutrient carrier, while chemically modified and chelated CRFs are produced by changing lignin structure to produce more active site and interaction between lignin and nutrients. In this review, lignin is evaluated on the basis of the manufacturing of various types of CRFs. The processes of lignin-based coated, chemically modified and chelated CRFs as well as lignin hydrogel-based CRFs are systematically summarized. Moreover, the general mechanism for controlled release of lignin-based CRFs is discussed. Finally, three common evaluation criteria of lignin-based CRFs efficiency are proposed. Overall, the use of lignin-based CRFs has the potential to greatly enhance resource efficiency and environmental protection. [Display omitted] • Lignin-based CRFs have become particularly attractive in sustainable agriculture. • Coating, chemical reaction, and chelation for lignin-based CRFs are summarized. • General mechanism for controlled release of lignin-based CRFs is discussed. • Three common evaluation criteria of lignin-based CRFs efficiency are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate knowledge of tire–road friction coefficient (TRFC) contributes to the optimization of driver maneuvers for further improving the safety of intelligent vehicles. The performance of the existing estimation methods would decline when a vehicle performs complex driving maneuvers. In addition, the mass parameter mismatch also deteriorates the estimation accuracy of TRFC. To address these problems, in this article, an integrated scheme for TRFC estimation is proposed by combining a strong tracking unscented Kalman filter and an interactive multiple model unscented Kalman filter. Real-time experiments are implemented on a mass-produced vehicle to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed approach has better estimation accuracy than the existing ones under various driving scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined procedure of catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) aims to simultaneously control the heart rhythm and reduce the risk of strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The study aims to evaluate the procedural safety and long-term outcome of the combined procedure in a large patient cohort. Clinical data of AF patients who underwent the combined procedure was retrospectively analyzed. Procedural and imaging follow-up parameters were compared between the transesophageal echocardiography-guided standard process and fluoroscopy-guided modified process, and between the single-seal WATCHMAN and dual-seal LACBES devices. Long-term outcomes included all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias. A total of 1114 patients were included. The rates of procedure-related major complications were comparable between the standard and modified processes (3.7% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.219), except for a higher incidence of respiratory depression in standard process group (0.9% vs 0%, p = 0.037), and between WATCHMAN and LACBES devices (2.4% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.535). The follow-up imaging evaluation revealed a high rate of satisfactory seals (99.7%) and a low rate of device related thrombus (1.9%), which were similar between two process groups and devices. The follow-up of over 1960 patient-years revealed low rates of mortality, thromboembolism, and nonprocedural major bleeding (1.8, 3.2, and 0.9 per 100 patient-years, respectively). Recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias was observed in 23.9% patients. The results supported the safety and long-term efficacy of the combined procedure of catheter ablation and LAAC. Fluoroscopy-guided LAAC device implantation may be considered in experienced centers. • The safety of the combined procedure of catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure was acceptable. • Despite a longer fluoroscopy time, the fluoroscopy-guided process had lower risks of respiratory depression and a shorter procedure time and required less workers than the transesophageal echocardiography-guided process. • Long-term event rates of the combined procedure were low, including mortality, thromboembolic events, and major bleeding events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorimuron-ethyl is a widely used herbicide in agriculture. However, uncontrolled chlorimuron-ethyl application causes serious environmental problems. Chlorimuron-ethyl can be effectively degraded by microbes, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we identified the possible pathways and key genes involved in chlorimuron-ethyl degradation by the Chenggangzhangella methanolivorans strain CHL1, a Methylocystaceae strain with the ability to degrade sulfonylurea herbicides. Using a metabolomics method, eight intermediate degradation products were identified, and three pathways, including a novel pyrimidine-ring-opening pathway, were found to be involved in chlorimuron-ethyl degradation by strain CHL1. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that three genes (atzF, atzD, and cysJ) are involved in chlorimuron-ethyl degradation by strain CHL1. The gene knock-out and complementation techniques allowed for the functions of the three genes to be identified, and the enzymes involved in the different steps of chlorimuron-ethyl degradation pathways were preliminary predicted. The results reveal a previously unreported pathway and the key genes of chlorimuron-ethyl degradation by strain CHL1, which have implications for attempts to enrich the biodegradation mechanism of sulfonylurea herbicides and to construct engineered bacteria in order to remove sulfonylurea herbicide residues from environmental media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modified xylan with good amphiphilicity was obtained under mild reaction conditions by hydroxypropylsulfonation. • HSX exhibited a satisfactory dispersion efficiency of MWCNTs in water. • The aerogels were prepared by freeze-casting technology which reveals excellent mechanical performance. • The aerogel is utilized to construct a pressure sensor, which exhibit high sensitivity (S = 2.17 kPa−1) and impressive responsiveness. Currently, aerogels are promising for wearable pressure sensors due to their superior flexibility and high sensitivity. However, uniform dispersion of conductive solid filler is a critical step in the preparation process. Herein, xylan with good amphiphilicity was obtained by hydroxypropylsulfonation under mild reaction conditions, which is accepted as a dispersant for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water. The hydroxypropylsulfonated xylan (HSX) exhibited a satisfactory dispersion efficiency reached to 97.8 %. After standing for 20 days, there are still 76 % of MWCNTs stabilized in the dispersion. Then, the ultralight, flexible and superstable anisotropic aerogels were prepared by freeze-casting technology. The obtained aerogel reveals excellent mechanical performance, with a great compressibility (undergoing a strain of 70 %) and elasticity (91.8 % height retention after 100 cycles at a strain of 20 %). As a proof of concept, the HSX/MWCNTs aerogel is utilized to construct a pressure sensor, which exhibit high sensitivity (S = 2.17 kPa−1) and impressive responsiveness to human motions. This work demonstrates a promising flexible electronic material for wearable electronics, electronic skin, and human motion monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for tuning topological interface states in a 1D elastic wave system by the incident angle is proposed. • Multiple topological interface states of SH modes are obtained in a wide incident angle region. • For P-SV coupled modes, the topological interface states can exist in both partial-polarization and omni-polarization bandgaps when the band inversion process happening on the Brillouin zone boundary or center. • As the band crossing happens within the Brillouin zone, the topological properties of bulk bands will not change. Topological interface states are currently attracting fast-growing attention in classical wave systems. However, little work has been done on the topological interface states in one-dimensional (1D) elastic wave systems, especially in the case of oblique incidence. This paper theoretically demonstrates the realization of topological interface states of elastic waves in a 1D composite structure composed of two phononic crystals (PCs) with different topological characteristics, which can be regulated by the incident angle. For the out-of-plane SH mode, multiple topological interface states can coexist in different common bandgaps. For the in-plane complex P-SV coupled mode, topological interface states can exist in both "partial-polarization" and "omni-polarization" bandgaps. All these topological interface states exist in wide incident angle regions. The polarization and the mode conversion of the interface states have also been discussed. Our results provide an innovative method to excite and tune topologically protected interface states for elastic waves, which may have potential applications in obtaining strong local vibration for different polarized elastic wave modes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) is a promising clean technology for coal utilization due to high chemical reactivity and no tar emission. However, the wall-type heat exchange in the SCWG system demands a large heating surface area and an extreme high-temperature heat source. This paper puts forward an optimized design, namely direct mass transfer, in which the final product gas is partially recycled back into the gasification reactor to supplement the gasification agent and provide sensible heat energy. A whole system simulation was established to analyze the mass flow and exergy efficiency in the reference design and the optimized design. The process analysis shows that the optimized design has higher exergy efficiency (85.6%) than that (72.5%) of the reference design. In the optimized system, direct mass transfer significantly alters the mass flow and exergy flow, with less influent water (33.3%), less heat transfer rate (30.5%), and less oxygen consumption (51.5%). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis shows that increasing circulation ratio, feedstock concentration, and preheating temperature can reduce oxygen consumption and improve gas output and efficiency. The study indicates that direct mass transfer has the potential superiority to solve the challenge of heat integration and facilitate the application of the industrial-scale SCWG system. • Direct mass transfer for supercritical water gasification of coal was simulated. • The optimized cold gas and exergy efficiency increase by 15.5% and 13.1%. • The direct mass transfer design greatly reduces exergy loss in heat integreation. • Higher circulation ratio leads to more CH 4 , less heat flux and higher efficiency. • The direct mass transfer has superiority for disposing low-concentration feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel lignin-based hierarchical porous carbon (L-HPC) was prepared to remove Cr(VI) from water by using industrial alkali lignin through simple hydrothermal-induced assembly and alkali activation strategy. The adsorbent were characterized by SEM-EDS mapping, TEM, BET, XPS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and zeta potential. The characterization results indicated that L-HPC contained three-dimensional connected channels and many adsorbing N, O and other adsorption groups, which is very beneficial for Cr(VI) adsorption. The kinetics showed that the L-HPC adsorption of Cr(VI) was chemical adsorption and mainly controlled by intraparticle diffusion. The isotherm and thermodynamics indicated that L-HPC adsorption of Cr(VI) conforms to the Freundlich model, L-HPC is a kind of multimolecular layer adsorbent, and the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) by L-HPC was 887.8 mg/g, which was significantly higher than values for other adsorbents. Ion competition simulation and actual water body tests showed that L-HPC exhibits high selectivity for Cr(VI) adsorption, adsorption cycle experiments show that L-HPC maintains over 83% performance after 12 cycles. Cost analysis shows that L-HPC is suitable for mass production. Therefore, L-HPC is a Cr(VI) adsorbent with high efficiency, high selectivity, and high reusability, which is broadly applicable and shows favorable prospects. • A novel lignin-based hierarchical porous carbon were prepared. • The maximum adsorption capacity of L-HPC for Cr(VI) was 887.8 mg/g. • The adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) by L-HPC was investigated. • L-HPC has high selective adsorption ability for Cr(VI). • L-HPC maintains 83.78% adsorption capacity after 12 regeneration cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxidized Eucommia ulmoides gum (EEUG) with different epoxy contents is prepared by Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) to improve its elasticity and expand its applications. Unlike EUG, the crystallinity of EEUG decreases while the thermal stability increases significantly with the increase in epoxidation degree. Furthermore, the silicon dioxide-graphene oxide (SiO2-GO) nanohybrid was prepared by situ hydrolysis, which could play advantages of GO and SiO2 to provide multiple protections to the substrate. In this study, a facile strategy is used to fabricate EUG, EEUG, EUG/SiO2-GO, and EEUG/SiO2-GO films (E, EE, E/SG, and EE/SG) by electrospinning method. The interaction between EEUG and SiO2-GO is beneficial to EE/SG film with better thermal stability, mechanical properties, and chemical stabilities. Importantly, the EE/SG film shows a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value, which indicates its preferable ultraviolet (UV) resistance performance. Therefore, this study provides a feasible strategy for the efficient UV resistance of the green EEUG and is expected to provide new ideas for the fabrication of bio-based multifunctional barrier material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Combined atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been practiced for management of both the symptoms and the high stroke risk of AF. Data of the combined procedure in selected patients with prior stroke are limited. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of combined catheter ablation and LAAC between AF patients with and without prior stroke. Methods and Results. This retrospective study enrolled 296 patients who underwent combined procedures of AF ablation and LAAC. Patients were divided into two groups: 81 patients with prior stroke (Stroke group) and 215 patients without prior stroke (Control group). Combined procedures were successfully performed in all the patients. Patients in the Stroke group had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores (4.9 ± 1.2 vs. 3.2 ± 1.0, P < 0.001) and higher HAS-BLED scores (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.0, P < 0.001) compared with those in the Control group. Procedure-related complications in the Stroke group included two pericardial effusions and two groin hematomas, which did not differ significantly fromthe Control group (4.9% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.778). After a mean follow-up of 20 months, the AF-free rate of the Stroke group was comparable with that of the Control group (64.2% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.495). The relative risk reductions in stroke and bleeding (observed rate compared to that predicted from the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores) were 80% and 79%, respectively, in the Stroke group, and 62% and 62%, respectively, in the Control group. Conclusions. The combination of catheter ablation and LAAC is safe and efficient in selected AF patients with prior stroke. It was observed that patients with prior stroke may benefit more from risk reductions of stroke and bleeding following the combined procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the value of detecting the peri‐device leak (PDL) and device endothelialization after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) by cardiac computed tomography (CT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFCA). Methods: Patients with symptomatic drug‐refractory atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke (CHA2DS2‐VASc Score ≥ 2), who underwent Watchman LAAC combined with AFCA in our center from March 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled. Maximum diameter of LAA orifice was determined by preoperative CCTA. A standardized view of Watchman device was obtained by postoperative CCTA multiplannar reconstruction to evaluate the PDL and device endothelialization. Results: Approximately 84 patients post successful LAAC and AFCA were enrolled in this study. The satisfactory LAA occlusion rate was 100%. There was no death, bleeding, stroke, and device‐related thrombus (DRT) events. At 6‐month postprocedure, CCTA images evidenced complete endothelialization in 44 patients (no contrast enhancement in LAA); contrast enhancement in LAA and visible PDL in 33 patients; contrast enhancement in LAA but without PDL in seven patients (incomplete device endothelialization). Maximum diameter of LAA orifice could independently predict the occurrence of PDL (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.55; p =.002), sensitivity was 69.7% and specificity was 80.4% with the cutoff value of maximum diameter of LAA orifice more than 28.2 mm on predicting PDL. Conclusions: CCTA is feasible to evaluate PDL and device endothelialization after LAAC. The maximum diameter of LAA orifice derived from CT can independently predict the occurrence of post‐LAAC PDL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, intact apoptotic cells release ATP as a signaling molecule to trigger prompt phagocytic clearance, even at the earliest stage of apoptosis. Inspired by this, here we introduce a straightforward strategy for real‐time monitoring ATP exocytosis and drug‐stimulated apoptosis in the cancer cell surroundings. Triplex‐boosted G‐quadruplexes (tb‐G4s) responding to cell environmental factors (H+ and K+) are engineered to construct a DNA logic‐gated nanoplatform for proximity ATP aptasensing on the cell surface. It enables the real‐time monitoring of cell apoptosis by capturing released endogenous ATP during chemotherapy drug stimulation, providing a sensitive approach for dynamically evaluating drug‐induced apoptosis and therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, intact apoptotic cells release ATP as a signaling molecule to trigger prompt phagocytic clearance, even at the earliest stage of apoptosis. Inspired by this, here we introduce a straightforward strategy for real‐time monitoring ATP exocytosis and drug‐stimulated apoptosis in the cancer cell surroundings. Triplex‐boosted G‐quadruplexes (tb‐G4s) responding to cell environmental factors (H+ and K+) are engineered to construct a DNA logic‐gated nanoplatform for proximity ATP aptasensing on the cell surface. It enables the real‐time monitoring of cell apoptosis by capturing released endogenous ATP during chemotherapy drug stimulation, providing a sensitive approach for dynamically evaluating drug‐induced apoptosis and therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the evolution characteristics of a type-a ISW packet propagating over a gentle slope. The elevation type-a ISW packet was generated by the gravity collapse of stratified density fluid, and its transformation process over the gentle slope was measured by use of the multichannel conductivity-probe arrays. The energy transmission and loss of the ISW packets during its evolution over the gentle slope were further analyzed. The experimental results showed that the evolution and energy transmission of the type-a ISW packet over the gentle slope is closely related to the amplitude of the leading wave in the wave packet. The conversion of the wave packet type is caused by the variations in amplitudes of the leading and tailing waves in the type-a ISW packet due to the topography effect. The distance between the adjacent waves in a type-a ISW packet gradually increases with the increasing propagation distance on the slope, as well as its increase rate is also enlarged. The wave speeds of both the leading and tailing waves always decrease with the propagation distance. The energy loss of the whole ISW packet increases with both the incident wave amplitude and the propagation distance. • The evolution process of a type-a ISW packet over a gentle slope was experimentally measured. • The wave amplitude, wave speed, and spatial distance variation of the leading and tailing waves of the type-a ISW packet with increasing propagation distance were analyzed. • The energy transmission and loss during the evolution process of a type-a ISW packet over a gentle slope and their influence factors were also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The incorporation of basalt fibers can improve the compressive strength of nano-SiO 2 cemented soils in both seawater and freshwater environments. • The addition of basalt fibers to nano-SiO 2 can effectively increase the unconfined compressive strength and ductility of cemented soil specimens in both freshwater and seawater environments. • Nano-SiO2 promotes the hydration reaction, leading to the formation of a greater amount of hydration products that encompass the basalt fibers, thereby enhancing the bonding and friction between the basalt fibers and the cemented soil. • Adding nano-SiO 2 to cemented soil blended with basalt fibers increases the optimum fiber content in marine environment to 0.3 %. In freshwater situations, an optimum fiber concentration is 0.6 %. • Seawater can boost soil compressive strength when early hydration products are scarce in cemented soil. However, seawater may diminish soil compressive strength if otherwise. The marine environment exposes cemented soils to a variety of adverse environmental conditions, which could substantially compromise the reliability and durability of foundations constructed on these engineered soils. Some researchers have recently proposed using nanoparticles to effectively strengthen and enhance the structure of cemented soil; however, this may compromise the ductility of cemented soils. Alternatively, some researchers have utilized basalt fibers to promote a stable network within the cemented soil by adding adhesion to the soil matrix, but this frequently results in a reduction in compressive strength. To address these issues, the addition of nanoparticles and basalt fibers to cement-treated soils is proposed as an engineering solution for extending the service life of cemented soils with adequate strength and durability in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This investigation utilized six different Nano-SiO2 concentrations and four different basalt fiber concentrations in the specimens. The specimens were then cured for 28 days in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments were performed to evaluate their properties, i.e. the microstructure, strength, and durability of cemented soil. The research results indicate that compared to conventional cemented soils, the improvement ratios after adding the optimal ratio of additives are 21 % (in freshwater environment) and 15 % (in seawater environment) for basalt fiber cemented soil, 196 % and 161 % for Nano-SiO 2 cemented soil, and 257 % and 214 % for Nano-SiO 2 /basalt fiber composite cemented soil. Nano-SiO 2 promotes the hydration reaction to generate more C-S-H, which wraps around the basalt fibers, enhances the bonding of basalt fibers in the cemented soil, effectively improves the mechanical properties and internal structure of the cemented soil, and the improvement effect is not weakened by seawater erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) technology can convert oily sludge into hydrogen-rich gas. To achieve high gasification efficiency of oily sludge with a high oil concentration under mild conditions, a two-step method involving a desorption process and a catalytic gasification process using Raney-Ni catalyst was investigated. High oil removal efficiency (99.57%) and carbon gasification efficiency (93.87%) were achieved. The lowest wastewater total organic carbon, oil content, and carbon content in the solid residues were 4.88 ppm, 0.08% and 0.88%, respectively, using a gasification temperature of 600 °C, treatment concentration of 1.11 wt%, gasification time of 70.7 s, and the optimal desorption temperature of 390 °C. The main organic carbon component in the solid residues was cellulose, which is environmentally safe. As the treatment concentration increased, the two-step method outperformed the single-step method. The mechanism for the two-step SCWG of oily sludge was revealed. In the first step, supercritical water is used in the desorption unit to achieve a high oil removal efficiency with few liquid products generated. In the second step, the Raney-Ni catalyst promotes efficient gasification of high-concentration oil at a low temperature. This research provides valuable insights into the effective SCWG of oily sludge at a low temperature. [Display omitted] • A continuous two-step method for SCWG of oily sludge was proposed. • A SCWG mechanism of two-step method for oily sludge was proposed. • The primary substance of organic carbon in solid residues is cellulose. • With increased treatment concentration, the two-step method has more significant advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The respective maximum CE and H 2 selectivity of 95.34% and 0.99 were achieved. • The dependence of gasification efficiency on reaction temperature was apparent. • Bond-making of functional group was observed at a high feedstock concentration. • The disorderly conversion between organic matters triggered a low CE. • The improvement method on gasification performance was proposed. The clean and efficient utilization of biomass waste for hydrogen production conforms to social development in the future. In this work, hydrogen production from supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of fir bark (FB) was investigated systematically at various reaction temperatures (500–750 °C), feedstock concentrations (5 wt%–15 wt%), and retention time (0–40 min). The gaseous, liquid, and solid products were analyzed to master the gasification mechanism. The results demonstrated the maximum CE and H 2 selectivity of 95.34% and 0.99 were obtained at 700 °C-5 wt%-40 min. Reaction temperature was positively related to the gasification efficiency, and the effects of feedstock concentration and retention time were related to the reaction temperature. Increasing feedstock concentration contributed to the cyclisation and Diels-Alder reaction, with a cohesive aromatic structure. A benign conversion resulted in the enhancement of gasification efficiency with prolonging retention time in the high temperature SCWG. The vital reason for low gasification efficiency was due to the disorderly interconversions between organic matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the extended Korteweg de Vries (eKdV) theory and Morison's equation, a theoretical model of internal solitary wave (ISW) loads on a submerged slender body is investigated, and experimental measurements are further carried out in a large stratified fluid flume. The results show that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The horizontal force of the ISW on the slender body is consists of the horizontal dynamic pressure force and the friction force, in which the horizontal dynamic pressure force plays a dominant role. The vertical force includes the vertical wave force and the reduced gravity during the interaction between a slender body and an ISW. The magnitude of the force increases with increasing ISW amplitude, while its direction remains unchanged, and the force is closely related to the submerged depth of the slender body in the density pycnocline, which affects both the magnitude and the direction of the force. • The ISW force on a submerged slender body is measured experimentally in a stratified fluid flume. • A theoretical study of ISW loads is conducted on a submerged slender body based on the Morison equation. • The experimental and theoretical results are compared for different ISW amplitudes and submerged depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]