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The in-plane thermal conductivity of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) with varying thicknesses is a key property that affects the performance of various applications from electronics to optoelectronics. However, the transition of the thermal conductivity from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) h-BN remains elusive. To answer this question, we have developed a machine learning interatomic potential within the neuroevolution potential (NEP) framework for h-BN, achieving a high accuracy akin to ab initio calculations in predicting its thermal conductivity and phonon transport from monolayer to multilayers and bulk. Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations based on the NEP, we predict the thermal conductivity of h-BN with a thickness up to ∼100 nm, demonstrating that its thermal conductivity quickly decreases from the monolayer and saturates to the bulk value above four layers. The saturation of its thermal conductivity is attributed to the little change in phonon group velocity and lifetime as the thickness increases beyond four layers. In particular, the weak thickness dependence of phonon lifetime in h-BN with a nanoscale thickness results from its extremely high phonon focusing along the in-plane direction. This research bridges the knowledge gap of phonon transport between 2D and 3D h-BN and will benefit the thermal design and performance optimization of relevant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, a new Schiff‐base hybrid cross‐linked polymer (TFPT‐SHCP) derived from triazine derivatives and silsesquioxanes was developed, and its photocatalytic performance was systematically investigated. Compared with traditional organic Schiff base catalysts, in TFPT‐SHCP, organic inorganic hybrid silsesquioxanes monomers at the molecular level can serve as a sturdy host backbone, bringing structural ultrastability to the final material. And their excellent strength and durability make them have good application prospects in water treatment. Furthermore, the introduction of triazine derivatives with excellent photoelectric performance and the construction of −C=N‐ result in excellent photocatalytic performance of TFPT‐SHCP. The as‐prepared TFPT‐SHCP exhibits excellent degradation capacity of various organic pollutants under visible light catalysis, with degradation rate constants for Congo Red (CR), rhodamine B (RB) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) reaching 0.302 min−1, 0.121 min−1, 0.161 min−1, respectively. Under simulated outdoor conditions, dye solutions with concentrations up to 500 ppm can be degraded to complete decolorization within 5 weeks. This work demonstrates the enormous potential of POSS‐based Schiff base materials as a platform for visible light catalysts, paving the way for the pre design and functionalization of related materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the earliest and most renowned scholars engaging in the study of foreign literature in China since the reform and opening-up, Wang Shouren has achieved fruitful results in the translation and research of foreign literature, with particularly notable accomplishments in the field of American literature translation and research. Starting with a comprehensive understanding of literary traditions, he has examined Eastern and Western cultures on the foundation of inheriting the achievements of his predecessors, explored the path of American literature research, and carved out an innovative academic route. Wang Shouren stands at the forefront of reinterpreting the works of classic writers, like Henry David Thoreau and Willa Cather, while also dedicating attention to modern American writers such as Toni Morrison. His work is centered on uncovering fresh interpretations and insights into literary themes. Moreover, he broadens the scope of his research to encompass American ethnic literature, exploring both its scholarly importance and practical relevance. Wang Shouren's investigations into the history of American literature and its criticism are characterized by a unique approach that blends critique with historical context, aiming to rejuvenate academic traditions. His efforts in developing a framework for an independent body of knowledge of American literature studies with distinct Chinese-Characteristic are visionary. This approach not only integrates Chinese and Western perspectives but also amplifies the Chinese voice, elucidates Chinese features, and effectively represents China's image on the global stage. This paper begins with the context of a hundred years of translation and research of American literature in China, attempting to comprehensively discuss Wang Shouren's academic contributions to the construction of a Chinese-characteristic body of knowledge of American literature, in the hope of providing useful inspiration for the current construction of an independent body of knowledge regarding American literature research in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiangchuan Biota from the Jiucheng Member (Mb.) of the Dengying Formation (Fm.), discovered in Jiangchuan, eastern Yunnan, China, is marked by copious macrofossils at the apex of the Ediacaran strata. This fauna features benthic algae with varied holdfasts and other fossils of indeterminate taxonomic affinity and is compositionally unique compared to the Shibantan and Gaojiashan biotas of the Dengying Fm. and the Miaohe and Wenghui biotas of the Doushantuo Fm., elsewhere in China. One novel benthic saccular macroalgal fossil, named here Houjiashania yuxiensis gen. and sp. nov., from the Jiangchuan Biota is based on fossils that are sausage‐shaped, elongate, tubular, ranging from 0.3 to 4 cm in length, and up to 0.8 cm in diameter. One terminus is blunt and rounded to an obtuse angle, the other is bent with a spread‐out surface resembling a holdfast, suggesting a three‐dimensional thallus. Thin, stipe‐shaped outgrowths, likely vestiges of sessile saccular life forms, are prevalent in macroalgal fossils of analogous size and shape, as well as present brown algae Scytosiphonaceae, such as Colpomenia and Dactylosiphon. The new findings augment the diversity of benthic algae, such as those known from the Early Neoproterozoic Longfengshan Biota in North China. The benthic algal macrofossils in the Jiucheng Mb. add to knowledge of Late Ediacaran metaphyte diversification and offer more clues about the evolutionary positioning of primitive macroalgae. The co‐occurrence of numerous planktonic and benthic multicellular algae and planktonic microbes might have facilitated ecologically the more extensive later Cambrian explosion evidenced by the Chengjiang Biota in Yunnan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional LiDAR systems that capture point cloud data enable the simultaneous acquisition of spatial geometry and multi-wavelength intensity information, thereby paving the way for three-dimensional point cloud recognition and processing. However, due to the irregular distribution, low resolution of point clouds, and limited spatial recognition accuracy in complex environments, inherent errors occur in classifying and segmenting the acquired target information. Conversely, two-dimensional visible light images provide real-color information, enabling the distinction of object contours and fine details, thus yielding clear, high-resolution images when desired. The integration of two-dimensional information with point clouds offers complementary advantages. In this paper, we present the incorporation of two-dimensional information to form a multi-modal representation. From this, we extract local features to establish three-dimensional geometric relationships and two-dimensional color relationships. We introduce a novel network model, termed MInet (Multi-Information net), which effectively captures features relating to both two-dimensional color and three-dimensional pose information. This enhanced network model improves feature saliency, thereby facilitating superior segmentation and recognition tasks. We evaluate our MInet architecture using the ShapeNet and ThreeDMatch datasets for point cloud segmentation, and the Stanford dataset for object recognition. The robust results, coupled with quantitative and qualitative experiments, demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed method in point cloud segmentation and object recognition tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and insulin receptor (IR) transmit signals for insulin release and/or cellular metabolism although using distinct sets of transducing molecules and separate pathways. We proposed a possible association of IR and GLP-1R, since they are coexpressed in diverse tissues including the pancreatic β-cells and crosstalk between their signaling was frequently reported. We showed a specific interaction between GLP-1R and IR which was independent of intracellular receptor domains and not responsive to ligand binding. In signaling, the IRS-1 was coupled more to GLP-1R and less to IR in the receptor complex at IR activation, with subsequent IRS-1 degradation suppressed rather than its activation inhibited. The Gsα recruitment to the activated GLP-1R was inhibited in the GLP-1R/IR complex, with the signaling in cAMP pathway suppressed at IR activation. Therefore, the identified GLP-1R/IR complex recruits their signaling molecules which are differentially modified, leading to a crosstalk between their signaling. • IR and GLP-1R interacts specifically independent of the cellular context. • The complexed GLP-1R/IR recruits their signaling molecules to both receptors. • GLP-1R/IR complexation reduces IR triggered IRS-1 degradation. • IR activation decreases its coupled GLP-1R signaling in Gsα/cAMP pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic nitrogen (N2) reduction with H2O under ambient conditions is a fascinating approach by which to realize clean ammonia (NH3) production. However, the high overpotential of N2 activation and low solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency remain challenging in practical application. In the present work, we propose that introducing sp-hybridized boron atoms into metal-free triphenylene–graphdiyne monolayer (B@TP–GDY) would be a promising solution to achieve highly efficient nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under visible and even infrared light. Based on first-principles calculations and the nonadiabatic molecular dynamics method, we find that spin-polarization on sp-hybridized B sites plays a key role in activating N2 molecules through the "acceptance–donation" concept, enabling the NRR process to be driven effectively by the photogenerated electrons. Besides, B@TP–GDY monolayers exhibit a high selectivity towards NH3 production with perfect suppression of the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. Moreover, the defect states induced by B atoms not only enhance the light absorption ability, but also significantly suppress the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The predicted photogenerated carrier lifetime of B@TP–GDY, 198 ps, is about twice that of the pristine TP–GDY monolayer, 110 ps. Our finding broadens the understanding of B-based photocatalytic mechanism for N2 fixation and provides a feasible route to design metal-free NRR photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive analysis was conducted using optical microscopy based on wood anatomy to enhance the preservation of wooden components in Tingbao Yang’s former residence. This study identified wood samples, and statistical examination of wood species, variations in their configuration, physical and mechanical properties, and natural durability were examined. The principles for wood species selection were assessed. Findings indicate that Cunninghamia lanceolata, Pseudotsuga spp., Populus spp. and Ulmus spp. are the primary choices for these wooden components. However, certain portions incorporate Larix sect. Multiseriales, Picea brachytyla, Pinus bungeana, Pinus massoniana, Castanea sp. and Quercus subg. Lepidabalanus, sect. Prinus. Pseudotsuga spp., C. lanceolata, Ulmus spp. and Populus spp. are primarily utilized for wooden columns and melon columns. However, C. lanceolata, Ulmus spp. and Populus spp. possess inadequate parallel grain compressive strength for load-bearing compression wooden components. C. lanceolata and Ulmus spp. are widely utilized in beams, lintels, purlins, and rafters owing to their exceptional bending strength. It was noted that Castanea sp. and Quercus subg. Lepidabalanus, sect. Prinus wood varieties demonstrate superior resistance to rotting and insects compared with other types of wood. The selection of wood species for the ancient buildings of Tingbao Yang’s former residence relies on crucial principles, such as the suitability of wood properties and local selection. This selection process involves analyzing the wood properties, assessing the natural durability of wooden components, and considering the distribution of forest resources in Henan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point cloud registration based on local descriptors plays a crucial role in 3D computer vision applications. However, existing methods often suffer from limitations such as low accuracy, a large memory footprint, and slow speed, particularly when dealing with 3D point clouds from low-cost sensors. To overcome these challenges, we propose an efficient local descriptor called Binary Weighted Projection-point Height (BWPH) for point cloud registration. The core idea behind the BWPH descriptor is the integration of Gaussian kernel density estimation with weighted height characteristics and binarization components to encode distinctive information for the local surface. Through extensive experiments and rigorous comparisons with state-of-the-art methods, we demonstrate that the BWPH descriptor achieves high matching accuracy, strong compactness, and feasibility across contexts. Moreover, the proposed BWPH-based point cloud registration successfully registers real datasets acquired by low-cost sensors with small errors, enabling accurate initial alignment positions.

The Segmented Planar Imaging Detector for Electro-Optical Reconnaissance (SPIDER) is a small volume, lightweight, low energy consumption, and high-resolution system expected to replace traditional large aperture telescopes for long-distance detection. In this paper, an improved SPIDER system is proposed, which uses a multimode interference (MMI) coupler instead of an orthogonal detector, and successfully doubles the space spectrum coverage. We present a three-point configuring method to configure lenslets, calculate spatial spectrum values from the output currents obtained by MMI. By comparing the performance of the MMI-SPIDER and SPIDER systems through simulations, we demonstrate that the former has more complete spatial spectrum coverage, resulting in better image restoration quality.