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In order to reduce the high polarization caused by the hysteresis effect of O2 diffusion and boost the power density of oxygen cathodes under a transient heavy load, an Al-MOF-derived porous carbon-modified Pt/C catalyst is proposed as a new capacitive ORR catalyst to construct super fuel cells (SFCs) via an ORR + EDLC dual-discharge parallel process. Herein, a capacitive porous carbon material (BTCC-2) with a large specific surface area (SSA) and high graphitization was synthesized via one-step carbonization of Al-MOFs (Al-BTC). After compounding BTCC-2 with commercial Pt/C catalysts, electrochemical tests were performed and revealed that the composite with 40% BTCC-2 provided the highest transient discharge performance. Moreover, the composite had a higher onset potential and limiting current density (5.236 mA cm−2) than Pt/C and a half-wave potential (0.833 V) comparable to that of Pt/C. The abundant pore structure and large surface of BTCC-2 greatly increased the interaction between oxygen and the catalyst surface. Besides, the contained BTCC-2 serve as a significant power bank to remarkably buffer and relieve the rapidly decreasing output voltage under an instant heavy load owing to the oxygen deficiencies in a Zn–air battery through the ORR + EDLC dual-parallel-discharge process. The proposed SFC design has potential as a universal method to solve the sluggish ORR process and provide high transient power density for fuel cell-driven vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, {[Zn(HL)(bpea)]·DMF}n (Zn-MOF-1) and {[Co(HL)(bpea)]·DMF}n (Co-MOF-2) (H3L = 3-(3,5-dicarboxybenzyloxy)benzoic acid, bpea = 1,2-di(pyridyl)ethane), were obtained by the reaction of H3L and N-containing ligand bpea with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and Co(NO3)2·6H2O, respectively. The isomorphic Zn-MOF-1 and Co-MOF-2 featured a 3D penetrating framework with different stabilities, luminescence, and catalytic properties. Luminescence measurement indicated that Zn-MOF-1 could be used to detect Al3+ through a turn-on effect with a detection limit of 0.42 μM. The sensing mechanism experiments showed that the enhanced luminescence of Zn-MOF-1 toward Al3+ may be due to the weak interaction between Al3+ and Zn-MOF-1 and the absorbance-caused enhancement (ACE) mechanism. Meanwhile, both Zn-MOF-1 and Co-MOF-2 showed interesting CO2 adsorption properties and could catalyze the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides resulting in 96 and 92% ideal products within 12 hours, respectively. They can be cycled up to 5 times without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concern surrounding climate change has piqued interest in incorporating green bonds (GBs) into investment portfolios. This article integrates green and non-green assets into one framework, creating a two-way feedback mechanism. Using a modified error variance decomposition and network diagrams, we quantitatively and systematically analyze the connections between the green bond market and various other market information at different time frequencies. Furthermore, we investigated the spillover values in extreme conditions using quantile connectivity methods. Our findings reveal that: (i) GBs exhibit a stronger correlation with traditional fixed-income markets than green assets, (ii) short-term spillover effects are the most pronounced, followed by medium- and long-term effects, (iii) changes in the spillover index appear to stem from significant economic events, indicating heightened market correlation during financial turbulence, and (iv) uncertainty contributes more significantly to systemic spillovers than financial factors, albeit with variations across different frequencies, (v) GB shows its potential as a safe asset in extreme downturns and normal market conditions. These results have significant economic implications for investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study is to observe the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects of metformin on bleomycin (BLM)‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Methods: Mice with BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis were treated with pirfenidone, metformin, pirfenidone plus metformin and the NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI). Pathological changes and hydroxyproline (HPO) levels were examined in the lung tissue of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in lung tissue were determined. Results: Compared with pirfenidone, pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce alveolar damage and collagen fibre deposition and alleviate BLM‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. Lung HPO levels were significantly lower in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). SOD levels in the lungs of mice were increased in the PFD + MET group than in the BLM group (p < 0.05). Metformin and pirfenidone plus metformin can reduce MDA levels (p < 0.05). Pirfenidone plus metformin could reduce HPO levels, increase SOD levels, and reduce MDA levels in the lungs of mice. There was a significant correlation between the HPO level and the Ashcroft score (r = 0.520, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Metformin enhanced the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on BLM‐treated mice. Moreover, these findings provide an experimental basis for examining whether metformin can improve the antifibrotic effects of pirfenidone on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It has broad therapeutic prospects for patients with IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants would encounter various biotic and abiotic stresses during the growth and development. WRKY transcription factors (TFs) as plant-specific TFs, play an important role in responding to various adverse circumstances. Despite some advances were achieved in functional studies of WRKY TFs in tea plants, systematic analysis of the involvement of CsWRKY TFs when facing cold, salt, drought stresses and pathogen and insect attack was lacked. In present study, a total of 78 CsWRKY TFs were identified following the genomic and transcript databases. The expression patterns of CsWRKYs in various organs of tea plants and the expression profiles in response to biotic and abiotic stresses were investigated by examining representative RNA-seq data. Moreover, the effects of hormone treatments (SA and MeJA) on the transcription levels of WRKY TFs were also investigated. The phylogenetic tree of CsWRKY TFs from different species indicated the functional diversity of WRKY TFs was not closely related to their protein classification. Concurrently, CsWRKY70-2 TF was identified as a positive regulator in response to drought stress. This study provided solid and valuable information, helping us better understand the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs, and laid the foundation for further research on the function of key WRKY genes in tea plants. In this study, 78 WRKY transcription factors had been identified in tea plants as accurately as possible based on the transcriptome and genomic data. At the transcriptomic level, the expression patterns of CsWRKYs in various organs of tea plants and the expression profiles in response to biotic (Ectropis oblique, tea leafhopper and gray-blight attack), abiotic stresses (Cold, drought, salt) and exogenous hormones (SA and MeJA) were investigated. Expression pattern analysis showed that most Cs WRKYs were involved in the process of tea plants resisting biotic and abiotic stresses. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs was not closely related to their protein classification. In addition, CsWRKY70-2 TF had been proved to play a positive regulatory role in drought stress tolerance. This study provided solid and valuable information, helping better understand the functional diversity of CsWRKY TFs, and laid the foundation for further research on the function of key WRKY genes in tea plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We sought to investigate the impact of individualized exercise guidance during pregnancy on the incidence of macrosomia and the mediating effect of gestational weight gain (GWG). Design: A prospective randomized clinical trial. Setting: A Hospital in Xingtai District, Hebei Province. Population: Older than 20 years of age, mid-pregnancy, and singleton pregnant women without contraindications to exercise during pregnancy. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 2021 to September 2022 to compare the effects of standard prenatal care with individualized exercise guidance on the incidence of macrosomia. Main outcome measure: Incidence of macrosomia. Results: In all, 312 singleton women were randomized into an intervention group (N = 162) or a control group (N = 150). Participants who received individualized exercise guidance had a significantly lower incidence of macrosomia (3.73% vs. 13.61%, P = 0.002) and infants large for gestational age (9.94% vs. 19.73%, P = 0.015). However, no differences were observed in the rate of preterm birth (1.86% vs. 3.40%, P = 0.397) or the average gestational age at birth (39.14 ± 1.51 vs. 38.69 ± 1.85, P = 0.258). Mediation analysis revealed that GWG mediated the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia. Conclusion: Individualized exercise guidance may be a preventive tool for macrosomia, and GWG mediates the effect of exercise on reducing the incidence of macrosomia. However, evidence does not show that exercise increases the rate of preterm birth or affects the average gestational age at birth. Trial registration: The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrails.gov [registration number: NCT05760768; registration date: 08/03/2023 (retrospectively registered)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A regional aerosol model can complement globally averaged models and improve the accuracy of atmospheric numerical models in local applications. This study established a seasonal aerosol model based on data from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) of the sea area around eastern China, and its performance in calculating the aerosol optical depth (AOD) was evaluated. The seasonal columnar volume particle size distributions (VPSDs) illustrated a bimodal structure consisting of fine and coarse modes. The VPSDs of spring, autumn, and winter roughly agreed with each other, with their amplitudes of fine and coarse modes being almost equal; however, the fine mode of the summer VPSD was approximately twice as high as that of the coarse mode. Lognormal mode decomposition analysis revealed that fine and coarse modes comprised two sub-modes. Fitting the seasonal VPSDs to the four-mode lognormal distribution yielded a parameterized aerosol size distribution model. Furthermore, seasonal variations in complex refractive indices (CRIs) indicated unignorable changes in aerosol compositions. Overall, error analysis validated that the proposed model could meet accuracy requirements for optical engineering applications, with median AOD calculation errors of less than 0.01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the image quality and lesion conspicuity of the deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm compared with standard image reconstruction algorithms on abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning with a wide range of body mass indexes (BMIs). Methods: A total of 112 participants who underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scans were divided into three groups according to BMIs: the 80-kVp group (BMI ≤ 23.9 kg/m2), 100-kVp group (BMI 24–28.9 kg/m2), and 120-kVp group (BMI ≥ 29 kg/m2). All images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V of 50% level (IR), and DLIR at low, medium, and high levels (DL, DM, and DH, respectively). Subjective noise, artifact, overall image quality, and low- and high-contrast hepatic lesion conspicuity were all graded on a 5-point scale. The CT attenuation value (in HU), image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantified and compared. Results: DM and DH improved the qualitative and quantitative parameters compared with FBP and IR for all three BMI groups. DH had the lowest image noise and highest CNR value, while DM had the highest subjective overall image quality and low- and high-contrast lesion conspicuity scores for the three BMI groups. Based on the FBP, the improvement in image quality and lesion conspicuity of DM and DH images was greater in the 80-kVp group than in the 100-kVp and 120-kVp groups. Conclusion: For all BMIs, DLIR improves both image quality and hepatic lesion conspicuity, of which DM would be the best choice to balance both. Clinical relevance statement: The study suggests that utilizing DLIR, particularly at the medium level, can significantly enhance image quality and lesion visibility on abdominal CT scans across a wide range of BMIs. Key Points: • DLIR improved the image quality and lesion conspicuity across a wide range of BMIs. • DLIR at medium level had the highest subjective parameters and lesion conspicuity scores among all reconstruction levels. • On the basis of the FBP, the 80-kVp group had improved image quality and lesion conspicuity more than the 100-kVp and 120-kVp groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel rod-like mesogens containing one cyanostyrene, one pyridine and one pyrene as π-conjugate rigid core were designed and synthesized by Suzuki coupling and Knoevenagel reactions. The effect of the position of nitrogen-atom on the thermodynamic behavior, liquid crystalline self-assembly, optical behavior, mechanochromism behavior and acidochromism behavior was investigated. The rod-like mesogen in which the nitrogen atom is adjacent to the pyrene displays a phase transition from smectic A to smectic C by increasing temperature, whereas the other rod-like mesogen can only self-assemble into smectic C phase. This difference in mesophase transition behavior might be attributed to the position of nitrogen-atom which induces the change in molecular configuration. Both mesogens exhibit positive solvatochromism and high fluorescence in both solution state and aggregated state which might be attributed to the intramolecular charge transfer and twisted molecular configurations, respectively. Reversible mechanochromism behavior due to changes in molecular stacking and acidochromism behavior due to protonation and deprotonation were also achieved. These multi-stimuli responsive behaviors of the designed rod-like mesogens demonstrate potential applications in the field of multifunctional materials. [Display omitted] • Two novel rod-like mesogens containing multiple functional building blocks are synthesized. • The position of nitrogen atom induces distinct mesophase transition behavior. • High-contrast mechanochromic and acidochromic behaviors are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the feasibility of quantum simulation for partial differential equations (PDEs) with physical boundary or interface conditions. Semi-discretization of such problems does not necessarily yield Hamiltonian dynamics and even alters the Hamiltonian structure of the dynamics when boundary and interface conditions are included. This seemingly intractable issue can be resolved by using a recently introduced Schrödingerisation method [1,2] – it converts any linear PDEs and ODEs with non-Hermitian dynamics to a system of Schrödinger equations, via the so-called warped phase transformation that maps the equation into one higher dimension. We implement this method for several typical problems, including the linear convection equation with inflow boundary conditions and the heat equation with Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. For interface problems we study the (parabolic) Stefan problem, linear convection, and linear Liouville equations with discontinuous and even measure-valued coefficients. We perform numerical experiments to demonstrate the validity of this approach, which helps to bridge the gap between available quantum algorithms and computational models for classical and quantum dynamics with boundary and interface conditions. • The first quantum simulation algorithms for PDEs with physical boundary conditions. • The first quantum simulation algorithms for PDEs incorporating physical interface conditions. • The first quantum algorithm for partial transmission and reflections from geometric optics with interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of ultra–small silver nanoparticles (average diameter ≤10 nm) is a technical problem because of their aggregation tendency. Therefore, the preparation conditions are usually harsh and complex. It is widely recognized that covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a novel class of porous crystalline compounds with broad applications in various fields. In this work, an environmentally and economically friendly new method has been developed for synthesizing ultra–small silver nanoparticles by reducing silver ions in ethanol solution with a covalent organic framework (TPB–DMTP–COF) as a template and reductant at room temperature. Interestingly, the TPB–DMTP–COF not only serves as a template and reductant but also functions as a stabilizer. Moreover, the TPB–DMTP–COF can be utilized repeatedly as a reductant. The morphology and structure of the silver nanoparticles were examined using transmission electron microscopy and showed that they were spherical with an average particle size of approximately 7.5 nm. Compared with the previously reported silver nanoparticles, the silver nanoparticles synthesized by this new method are not coated with Surfactant, such as Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). As a result, they possess a larger exposed surface area, exhibit increased activity, and demonstrate excellent antimicrobial properties against both Gram–negative Escherichia coli and Gram–positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study presents CUPID, an advanced automated measurement software based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), designed to evaluate nine fetal biometric parameters in the mid-trimester. Our primary objective was to assess and compare the CUPID performance of experienced senior and junior radiologists. Materials and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Shenzhen University General Hospital between September 2022 and June 2023, and focused on mid-trimester fetuses. All ultrasound images of the six standard planes, that enabled the evaluation of nine biometric measurements, were included to compare the performance of CUPID through subjective and objective assessments. Results: There were 642 fetuses with a mean (±SD) age of 22 ± 2.82 weeks at enrollment. In the subjective quality assessment, out of 642 images representing nine biometric measurements, 617-635 images (90.65-96.11%) of CUPID caliper placements were determined to be accurately placed and did not require any adjustments. Whereas, for the junior category, 447-691 images (69.63-92.06%) were determined to be accurately placed and did not require any adjustments. In the objective measurement indicators, across all nine biometric parameters and estimated fetal weight (EFW), the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) (0.843-0.990) and Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) (0.765-0.978) between the senior radiologist and CUPID reflected good reliability compared with the ICC (0.306-0.937) and PCC (0.566-0.947) between the senior and junior radiologists. Additionally, the mean absolute error (MAE), percentage error (PE), and average error in days of gestation were lower between the senior and CUPID compared to the difference between the senior and junior radiologists. The specific differences are as follows: MAE (0.36-2.53 mm, 14.67 g) compared to (0.64- 8.13 mm, 38.05 g), PE (0.94-9.38%) compared to (1.58-16.04%), and average error in days (3.99-7.92 days) compared to (4.35-11.06 days). In the time-consuming task, CUPID only takes 0.05-0.07 s to measure nine biometric parameters, while senior and junior radiologists require 4.79-11.68 s and 4.95-13.44 s, respectively. Conclusions: CUPID has proven to be highly accurate and efficient software for automatically measuring fetal biometry, gestational age, and fetal weight, providing a precise and fast tool for assessing fetal growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the equivalent complex refractive index of atmospheric aerosols near the Earth's surface, we conducted measurements in the Hefei region from March to April 2022. These measurements utilized a micro-pulse lidar, an Aethalometer, and a Portable Optical Particle Profiler. These measurements encompassed aerosol particle size distribution as well as standard meteorological parameters including temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind speed. Subsequently, this dataset was employed to develop an optimization algorithm for retrieving the equivalent complex refractive indices of near-surface aerosols. The methodology relies on lookup tables containing data for extinction efficiency and absorption efficiency factors. It operates on the premise of aerosol property stability within a defined time frame, utilizing measured extinction and absorption coefficients as simultaneous constraints during this period to inversely derive both the real and imaginary parts of the aerosol complex refractive index. Results from the simulation analysis reveal that the newly optimized retrieval algorithm, which relies on lookup tables, exhibits reduced sensitivity to instrument errors when compared to single-point constraint algorithms. This enhancement results in a more efficient and dependable approach for retrieving the aerosol complex refractive index. Empirical inversion and simulation studies were carried out to determine the aerosol equivalent complex refractive index in the Hefei region, utilizing measured data. This inversion process yielded an average complex refractive index of 1.48-i0.017 for aerosols in the Hefei region throughout the experimental period. Correlation analysis unveiled a positive association between the real part of the aerosol complex refractive index and the single-scattering albedo (SSA), whereas the imaginary part displayed a linear negative correlation with the SSA. The mathematical relationship between the real part and the SSA is y = 0.19 x + 0.62 , and the corresponding relationship between the imaginary part and the SSA is y = − 5.3 x + 0.99 . This research offers a novel method for the retrieval of the aerosol equivalent complex refractive index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess image quality and liver metastasis detection of reduced-dose dual-energy CT (DECT) with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) compared to standard-dose single-energy CT (SECT) with DLIR or iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods: In this prospective study, two groups of 40 participants each underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced scans with full-dose SECT (120-kVp images, DLIR and IR algorithms) or reduced-dose DECT (40- to 60-keV virtual monochromatic images [VMIs], DLIR algorithm), with 122 and 106 metastases, respectively. Groups were matched by age, sex ratio, body mass index, and cross-sectional area. Noise power spectrum of liver images and task-based transfer function of metastases were calculated to assess the noise texture and low-contrast resolution. The image noise, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of liver and portal vein, liver-to-lesion contrast-to-noise ratio (LLR), lesion conspicuity, lesion detection rate, and the subjective image quality metrics were compared between groups on 1.25-mm reconstructed images. Results: Compared to 120-kVp images with IR, 40- and 50-keV VMIs with DLIR showed similar noise texture and LLR, similar or higher image noise and low-contrast resolution, improved SNR and lesion conspicuity, and similar or better perceptual image quality. When compared to 120-kVp images with DLIR, 50-keV VMIs with DLIR had similar low-contrast resolution, SNR, LLR, lesion conspicuity, and perceptual image quality but lower frequency noise texture and higher image noise. For the detection of hepatic metastases, reduced-dose DECT by 34% maintained observer lesion detection rates. Conclusion: DECT assisted with DLIR enables a 34% dose reduction for detecting hepatic metastases while maintaining comparable perceptual image quality to full-dose SECT. Clinical relevance statement: Reduced-dose dual-energy CT with deep learning image reconstruction is as accurate as standard-dose single-energy CT for the detection of liver metastases and saves more than 30% of the radiation dose. Key Points: • The 40- and 50-keV virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) with deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) improved lesion conspicuity compared with 120-kVp images with iterative reconstruction while providing similar or better perceptual image quality. • The 50-keV VMIs with DLIR provided comparable perceptual image quality and lesion conspicuity to 120-kVp images with DLIR. • The reduction of radiation by 34% by DLIR in low-keV VMIs is clinically sufficient for detecting low-contrast hepatic metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first study to identify genes associated with voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) alterations in patients with schizophrenia using the transcription-neuroimaging association analysis approach. • This study determined the biological functions of the identified genes, as well as the cell types, brain regions and developmental stages in which they were enriched. • We also found cognitive processes related to VMHC alterations in schizophrenia. • The findings offer novel insights into the genetic mechanisms of schizophrenia-related VMHC alterations. It has been revealed that abnormal voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) is present in patients with schizophrenia, yet there are inconsistencies in the relevant findings. Moreover, little is known about their association with brain gene expression profiles. In this study, transcription-neuroimaging association analyses using gene expression data from Allen Human Brain Atlas and case-control VMHC differences from both the discovery (meta-analysis, including 9 studies with a total of 386 patients and 357 controls) and replication (separate group-level comparisons within two datasets, including a total of 258 patients and 287 controls) phases were performed to identify genes associated with VMHC alterations. Enrichment analyses were conducted to characterize the biological functions and specific expression of identified genes, and Neurosynth decoding analysis was performed to examine the correlation between cognitive-related processes and VMHC alterations in schizophrenia. In the discovery and replication phases, patients with schizophrenia exhibited consistent VMHC changes compared to controls, which were correlated with a series of cognitive-related processes; meta-regression analysis revealed that illness duration was negatively correlated with VMHC abnormalities in the cerebellum and postcentral/precentral gyrus. The abnormal VMHC patterns were stably correlated with 1287 genes enriched for fundamental biological processes like regulation of cell communication, nervous system development, and cell communication. In addition, these genes were overexpressed in astrocytes and immune cells, enriched in extensive cortical regions and wide developmental time windows. The present findings may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying VMHC alterations in patients with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of strengthening the substrate's surface properties, it is easy to produce cracks or air holes and other defects between the coatings and the substrate, and rare earth elements can improve the microstructure and properties of the metal surface coatings. Using laser cladding(LC) technology, the effect of the addition of rare earth oxides CeO 2 on the properties of AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 coatings is investigated to find the optimal amount of CeO 2 added. AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 alloy powder doped with Xwt% (X = 0–3) rare-earth oxide CeO2 was clad on the surface of the H13 steel substrate by laser cladding process using RFL-C3000 laser. The macroscopic morphology, microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of specimens were analyzed and studied by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), hardness tester, and other equipment. The results show that the addition of the appropriate amount of rare earth oxide CeO 2 (3 %) can effectively reduce the cracks, air holes, and inclusions in the composite layer, and promote grain refinement. The addition of 3 wt%CeO 2 to AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 can improve the microstructure uniformity and surface hardness of the coatings, and significantly improve the wear and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. • AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 high-entropy alloy coatings with added CeO 2 were prepared by laser cladding. • The increase of CeO 2 content refines the grains and produces lattice distortion. • The high-entropy alloy coatings with added CeO 2 have better-forming quality, uniform microstructure, and composition. • The CeO 2 -added high-entropy alloy coating has high hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three series of AIE-active cyanostilbene-based amphiphilic mesogens with different degree of fluorination were synthesized. • The mesomorphic transition from Col hex / p 6 mm to Cub I / I m 3 ¯ m was achieved. • The increase in the degree of fluorination led to the disappearance of Cub I / I m 3 ¯ m. Three series of amphiphilic mesogens containing a cyanostilbene core with zero, one or two lateral fluorine atoms, which attach one polar glycerol group at one end and three lipophilic alkyl chains at the other end were synthesized by Suzuki coupling and Knoevenagel reactions. The thermodynamics, liquid crystalline and photophysical properties of these amphiphilic mesogens were evaluated by polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, small-angle X-ray diffraction, density functional theory calculation, absorption and emission spectra. The non-fluoro and mono-fluoro amphiphilic mesogens display a mesophase transition from hexagonal columnar phase to three-dimensional micellar cubic phase with I m 3 ¯ m lattice by the increase of temperature or the elongation of terminal lipophilic alkyl chains. The bi-fluoro amphiphilic mesogens can only self-organize into hexagonal columnar mesophase. Similar spectral properties and weak solvatochromism in these amphiphilic mesogens are observed attributed to the weak intramolecular charge transfer and weak influence of fluorine atom on the electronic properties in both ground and excited states. In addition, aggregation-induced emission behavior could be achieved in these amphiphilic mesogens due to the twisted molecular configuration. Therefore, complex self-assembly structures and interesting photophysical properties may be altered by varying the degree of fluorination of amphiphilic mesogens, which could promote the application of liquid crystalline materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three series of AIE-active cyanostilbene-based amphiphilic mesogens with different degree of fluorination were synthesized. • The mesomorphic transition from Col hex / p 6 mm to Cub I / I m 3 ¯ m was achieved. • The increase in the degree of fluorination led to the disappearance of Cub I / I m 3 ¯ m. Three series of amphiphilic mesogens containing a cyanostilbene core with zero, one or two lateral fluorine atoms, which attach one polar glycerol group at one end and three lipophilic alkyl chains at the other end were synthesized by Suzuki coupling and Knoevenagel reactions. The thermodynamics, liquid crystalline and photophysical properties of these amphiphilic mesogens were evaluated by polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, small-angle X-ray diffraction, density functional theory calculation, absorption and emission spectra. The non-fluoro and mono-fluoro amphiphilic mesogens display a mesophase transition from hexagonal columnar phase to three-dimensional micellar cubic phase with I m 3 ¯ m lattice by the increase of temperature or the elongation of terminal lipophilic alkyl chains. The bi-fluoro amphiphilic mesogens can only self-organize into hexagonal columnar mesophase. Similar spectral properties and weak solvatochromism in these amphiphilic mesogens are observed attributed to the weak intramolecular charge transfer and weak influence of fluorine atom on the electronic properties in both ground and excited states. In addition, aggregation-induced emission behavior could be achieved in these amphiphilic mesogens due to the twisted molecular configuration. Therefore, complex self-assembly structures and interesting photophysical properties may be altered by varying the degree of fluorination of amphiphilic mesogens, which could promote the application of liquid crystalline materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]