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The development of 100% renewable energy (RE) systems provides a viable solution for achieving the global target of carbon neutrality. To support the reliable and economical operation of RE-based local energy networks, this paper presents a joint scheduling model for grid-scale RE generation and hydrogen-based flexible loads. The direct load control (DLC) through hydrogen-electrical microgrids is analytically modeled for leveraging the intrinsic flexibility of demand-side multi-energy synergy. To handle the uncertainty and volatility of RE generation, a risk-averse stochastic programming method with the receding-horizon mechanism is developed. Also, the power balancing cost in scheduling objectives is represented as a conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) measure to control the risks of fully RE supply. Case studies on an exemplary RE system confirm the effectiveness and economic benefits of the proposed method. The hydrogen-enabled DLC can largely mitigate the supply–demand mismatches, which shows a great potential to facilitate 100% RE scenarios. • A joint scheduling model of grid-scale renewable energy generation and hydrogen-based flexible loads is proposed to achieve carbon neutrality. • Direct load control through hydrogen-electrical microgrids is analytically modeled and implemented. • A risk-averse stochastic receding-horizon scheduling method is developed to handle the uncertainty of renewable energy generation. • Power balancing cost is represented as conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) to control the operational risks. • Results of case studies indicate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of methods application for a 100% renewable energy scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen-based clean energy infrastructure provides a viable option for resilience improvement against extreme events, e.g., natural disaster and malicious attacks. This paper presents a resilience-oriented operation model for industrial parks energized by integrated hydrogen-electricity-heat microgrids, which aims to improve the load survivability under contingency status. The synergies of multi-type distributed energy resources (e.g., fuel cells, hydrogen storage tanks, battery storage and heat storage unit) and the sequential operation of the industrial distribution network are analytically represented by a mixed-integer second-order conic program (SOCP) formulation. Moreover, by leveraging the information of probabilistic disaster prediction, a risk-averse receding horizon method is developed to handle the uncertainty of network contingencies, and supports the optimal decision of proactive and emergency scheduling. Numerical results on a 26-node industrial energy system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and resilient scheduling method. The synergetic operation of hydrogen-based microgrids could significantly reduce the risks of load interruption. • The resilience of industrial park with hydrogen-based microgrids is studied. • The resilient operation of integrated hydrogen-electricity-heat systems is modeled. • The uncertainty is captured by stochastic scenarios based on probabilistic prediction. • A risk-averse receding horizon method is proposed to support resilient scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation behavior of melt-infiltrated SiC–TiB 2 ceramic composites at 500–1300 °C in air for 32 h was investigated by the isothermal oxidation test. The phase composition and microstructure evolution were studied through examining the surficial and cross-sectional oxide layer by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oxidized surfaces were covered by scattered TiO 2 particles, a continuous B 2 O 3 layer, a B 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 layer or a mullite layer depending on the oxidation temperature. The thickness of the oxide layer increased from 10 to 30 μm as the oxidation temperature increased from 900 to 1300 °C. The analysis of the weight gain data revealed that the parabolic rate constant of melt-infiltrated SiC–TiB 2 ceramic composites generally increased from 4.05 × 10−3 to 3.16 × 10−1 mg2/cm4/s, accompanied with a changed oxidation nature from parabolic to cubic, as oxidation temperature increased from 500 to 1300 °C. Formation of continuous B 2 O 3 or Al 2 O 3 -based (Al 2 O 3 –B 2 O 3 or Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2) layer were identified on the surface of SiC–TiB 2 ceramic composites after being oxidized at 700–1300 °C, which was responsible for the excellent oxidation resistance of such composites. The oxidation rate of the melt-infiltrated SiC–TiB 2 ceramic composites was controlled by reaction rate of the composites at 500 °C and diffusion rate of oxygen through continuous B 2 O 3 or Al 2 O 3 -based layer to the unaffected composites at 700–1300 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in renewable hydrogen production and storage technologies have offered a promising path towards the carbon-neutral energy supply of rural communities. This paper presents a risk-constrained planning method for hydrogen-based multi-energy off-grid microgrids under economics and resilience considerations. A two-stage risk-constrained stochastic programming formulation is proposed, which is to optimize the energy resources configuration in the first stage, and conducts long-term economic dispatch as well as the on-emergency feasibility verification in the second stage. Sophisticated analytical models are developed to coordinate the operations of multi-timescale and multi-energy storage facilities (especially the short-term and seasonal hydrogen storage). Also, the risk constraints are imposed via sampling approximation strategy to control the risks of crucial components failures for resilience enhancement. Moreover, through the data-driven power flow linearization, our planning problem can be recasted as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP), and efficiently computed by developing a dual cutting-plane based enhanced decomposition algorithm. Numerical studies on a real-world rural energy system in Southwestern China validates the effectiveness of the proposed planning method. It has significantly reduced the levelized system costs through seasonal storage deployment and multi-energy synergy. Besides, our customized solution algorithm demonstrates a strong scalable capacity that support planning decisions under complex uncertainties. • A hydrogen-centered multi-energy microgrid is designed for rural areas. • Multiscale and multi-energy storage systems are analytically modeled. • A risk-constrained stochastic formulation is proposed for microgrid planning. • Data-driven linearization method and enhanced decomposition algorithm are developed. • Methods application and verification on a real-world rural microgrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GATA transcription factor family participates in plant biological processes and abiotic stress across various crop species, but their function in response to salinity stress remains unexplored, particularly in tomato. Here, a tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) GATA gene, SlGATA17 , was characterized in the tolerance to salinity stress. SlGATA17 had transcription activity in yeast, and the transcriptional activation domain was location on 32–60 amino acids of the N-terminal. SlGATA17 expression was induced by heat, cold, ABA, ACC and IAA treatments, but inhibited by NaCl and PEG treatments. In this study, the Slgata17 mutant plants showed slight injury symptoms compared to wild-type plants under salinity stress, and higher expression levels of stress-related marker genes (SlDREB2A , SlAREB1 , SlRD29A and SlP5CS1). Heterologous expression of SlGATA17 in Arabidopsis promoted seed germination under NaCl, ABA and mannitol conditions, and inhibited ABA content and the expression levels of ABA related genes (AtNCED3 , AtNCED5 , AtNCED9 , AtABI3 , AtEM1 and AtEM6). However, SlGATA17 transgenic Arabidopsis were hypersensitive to NaCl at the post-germination stage. Yeast two assay and BiFC assay showed that tomato transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (SlHY5) interacts with SlGATA17. Yeast one assay and Dual-Luc assay showed that SlHY5 negatively regulated SlGATA17 expression via binding to the GATA-box of SlGATA17 promoter. SlHY5-SlGATA17 might function as a regulatory module in response to abiotic stress. • Knockout of SlGATA17 gene enhances tomato salinity tolerance in tomato, while overexpression of SlGATA17 gene was contrary. • SlGATA17 protein interacts with SlHY5, which inhibits SlGATA17 gene expression by binding to its promoter. • Ectopic expression of SlGATA17 in Arabidopsis leads to decreased ABA synthesis and enhanced seed germination rate under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) in sediments has been widely reported, but research on NPAH bioavailability is lacking. In this study, a self-made zeolite imidazolate framework-8/hexagonal boron nitride (ZIF-8/h-BN) solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber and commercial Tenax are compared as efficient tools to predict the bioavailability of NPAHs in sediments with bioassays using Cipangopaludina chinensis. During the process of SPME, the NPAH concentrations on the ZIF-8/h-BN fibers reached extraction equilibrium after 72 h. The fiber extraction of NPAHs in sediments was well-fitted by the pseudo first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 2 × 10−2 h−1 (R2 > 0.98). The extraction rates ranking of NPAHs in sediments was 2-nitrobiphenyl>1-nitropyrene>5-nitroacenaphthene>2-nitrofluorene. Compared with SPME, NPAH concentrations reached equilibrium after 168 h for the Tenax extraction. The orders of magnitude of fast, slow, and very slow desorption rate constants were 10−1, 10−2, and 10−4, respectively. At extraction equilibrium (168 h), the SPME was close to the bioavailability of the NPAHs in sediments to Cipangopaludina chinensis with a slope statistically approximated to one. In addition, the linear regression for SPME (R2 = 0.7285) was slightly higher than that of the Tenax extraction (R2 = 0.7168) over a short time (6 h). This could be because the coating material of ZIF-8/h-BN can rapidly adsorb freely dissolved NPAHs, and the SPME fibers can accurately predict the bioaccumulated concentrations of NPAHs in exposed organisms by measuring the concentration of NPAHs in the pore water of sediment. This study provides a time-saving and easy procedure to predict the bioavailability of NPAHs in sediments. [Display omitted] • A novel SPME fiber ZIF-8/h-BN was first used to predict NPAHs bioavailability. • ZIF-8/h-BN fiber rapidly reached extraction equilibrium. • ZIF-8/h-BN fiber can be easily separated from sediment. • SPME provided a reliable prediction result with bioaccumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense SiC/SiC-based composites were fabricated by introducing Ti 3 Si(Al)C 2 -based ceramics into Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) fabricated porous SiC/SiC composites. For the purpose of reducing the damage to SiC fiber, the low-temperature melt infiltration of Al–Si alloy was utilized. The microstructure was observed, showing that the inter-bundle pores were filled by reaction-formed new phases and the porosity of SiC/SiC-based composites decreased to less than 5%. Owing to the densification of the matrix, higher thermal diffusivity was obtained compared with CVI fabricated SiC/SiC composites. The mechanical properties were also analyzed. The compressive strength and in-plane shear strength were 10.9% and 11.3% higher than those of CVI fabricated SiC/SiC composites, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Intracranial atypical meningiomas have a greater rate of recurrence than benign meningiomas. Scant literature, however, is available regarding the treatment and prognosis of these tumors after recurrence. The objective of this study was to analyze the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors of atypical meningiomas after recurrence of disease. Methods Forty-one cases with clinical characteristics and follow-up data were available in our department from 2000 to 2013. Certain factors, such as sex, age, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status Scale score, location, prerecurrence tumor precursor, interval time, Simpson grade, histologic grade after recurrence, and radiotherapy, were selected to study the relationship with the prognosis of the tumors. Results The mean progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in our cases were 40.5 ± 4.7 and 57.1 ± 5.8 months, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS rates were 79.8%, 44.1%, and 39.2%, respectively, and the corresponding OS rates were 92.4%, 66.1%, and 48.8%, respectively. The precursors of recurrent tumors were transformed meningiomas, an interval time less than 24 months, and a postrecurrence histologic diagnosis of anaplastic meningioma might predict an unfavorable outcome. Surgery Simpson I and II can improve the PFS and OS of tumors. Because of the limited number of cases, we could not identify a relationship between radiotherapy and prognosis. Conclusions Recurrent atypical meningiomas are intractable tumors with a high rate of recurrence and death. Total resection of the tumors under relatively safe conditions remains the most suitable treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic Na with high specific capacity is considered as one of the most desirable alternatives for both stationary and portable electrical energy storage. However, uncontrollable dendrite generated from sluggish electrochemical kinetics and chemical instability of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer seriously hampers the practical application of Na metal anode. Herein, interface-rich artificial interlayer composed of NaBr/Na 3 P nano-crystallines (NaBrP) is constructed on Na metal surface to manipulate the Na diffusion behaviors. As assisted theoretically, Na 3 P phase with rich ionic conductive channels greatly eliminates the diffusion barriers for Na+ permeation, while NaBr phase with low surface diffusion barrier and large band gap ensures fast spread of Na+ along the interface with promoted ionic distribution and interfacial stability. Furthermore, undesirable Na dendrites and electrolyte decomposition are significantly suppressed from the interlayer with high mechanical and chemical stability. In virtue of this robust interlayer, columnar and uniform Na is herein plated beneath NaBrP-protected electrode with a dendrite-free morphology, which achieves a prolonged lifespan of symmetrical cells over 700 h with minor polarization fluctuation and promotes the Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 based full cells with a long-term stability of 500 cycles at 5 C as well as a high rates capacity of 38.4 mAh g−1 at 30 C (13.5 mA cm−2). This work systemically discovers the internal mechanism of Na+ transport within the SEI component, and provides an efficient strategy to realize high-performance sodium metal anode. A rationally designed interlayer is efficiently constructed on Na metal surface by immersing Na foil into an DME solvent contained PBr 3 at room temperature followed by a rolling pressing process, which allows a columnar sodium metal anode with a long-term stability and achieves high performance sodium metal battery. [Display omitted] • A robust artificial interlayer composed of Na 3 P and NaBr is efficiently constructed on Na metal anode. • Enhanced electrochemical Kinetics has been demonstrated by DFT calculations and symmetric cell. • Columnar sodium deposition is observed with this interlayer. • Na 3 P/NaBr modified Na metal exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance over 700 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial anaplastic meningioma is a malignant type of meningioma with a high rate of recurrence and death. Given its rarity, minimal information regarding this tumour is available. Thus, we studied a series of patients with anaplastic meningiomas and analysed the survival rates, prognostic factors and treatment methods associated with these patients. Forty-three anaplastic meningioma cases treated at our hospital between July 2002 and June 2012 were compiled into a single database used to summarise the clinical characteristics from a retrospective review of patient records. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed as a function of each possible prognostic factor. The 1, 3 and 5 year PFS rates were 90.7%, 51.3%, and 37.0%, respectively, whereas the corresponding values of OS rates were 95.3%, 68.0% and 49.2%, respectively. A number of factors were selected to analyse association with prognosis. Simpson Grade I and II resections exhibited increased PFS rates and radiotherapy improved the OS rate in anaplastic meningiomas. Tumours with homogeneous contrast enhancement on MRI were associated with increased PFS and OS. Sex, age, tumour location, first or transformed anaplastic tumour, pre-operative Karnofsky Performance Scores, tumour volumes and bone involvement had no significant effect on either PFS or OS. MRI homogeneous contrast may be a useful prognostic factor and surgery followed by radiotherapy is recommended for the treatment of anaplastic meningiomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of SiBC matrix modified C/SiC composites (C/SiC–SiBC) with different pyrolytic carbon (PyC) interphase thicknesses (50–300 nm) were fabricated by a joint process of chemical vapor infiltration, slurry infiltration and liquid silicon infiltration. Oxidation behavior of C/SiC–SiBC composites with different PyC interphase thicknesses in the temperature range of 800–1200 °C was studied. When the C/SiC–SiBC composites were exposed at 800 °C for 10 h the oxidation kinetics was controlled by diffusion rate of oxygen through matrix micro-cracks and coating defects, and the effect of PyC interphase thickness on weight loss was apparent. At higher oxidation temperatures (>1000 °C) the in-depth diffusion of oxygen was slowed down due to healing of matrix micro-cracks by borosilicate glass, and the oxidation kinetics was controlled by diffusion rate of oxygen through coating defects. Weight loss of all the C/SiC–SiBC composites was greatly reduced and was less affected by PyC interphase thickness. The flexural strength of C/SiC–SiBC composites rapidly decreased after oxidization at 800 °C although thicker PyC interphase brought a little improvement and it rose up as temperatures increased above 1000 °C due to the non-uniform degradation of carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five quaternary Nb-containing sulfides Rb 2 CuNbS 4 (1), Rb 2 AgNbS 4 (2), Cs 2 AgNbS 4 (3), RbCu 2 NbS 4 (4), and CsCu 2 NbS 4 (5) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions by using Nb powder as the initial material, and compounds 1 – 3 exhibit excellent photoelectric response properties. [Display omitted] • Five Nb-containing quaternary sulfides were synthesized by using Nb power as the initial material. • This is the first time that a mild solvothermal method was used in the preparations of Nb-containing sulfides. • Compounds 1 – 3 exhibit excellent photoelectric response properties. Five quaternary sulfides in the A-Cu/Ag-Nb-S (A = Rb, Cs) family, namely Rb 2 CuNbS 4 (1), Rb 2 AgNbS 4 (2), Cs 2 AgNbS 4 (3), RbCu 2 NbS 4 (4), and CsCu 2 NbS 4 (5) have been synthesized by using Nb powder as the initial material under mild solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1 – 3 crystallize in space group Fdd and possess one-dimensional (1D) infinite [MNbS 4 ] n 2n– (M = Cu for 1 ; Ag for 2 and 3) anionic chains formed by edge-sharing of [MS 4 ] (M = Cu, Ag) and [NbS 4 ] units. Compounds 4 – 5 are isostructural and crystallize in space group Ama 2. Their structures contain the two-dimensional (2D) [Cu 2 NbS 4 ] n n– anionic layers, which can be regarded as a further extension of the [CuNbS 4 ] n 2n– anionic chains in compounds 1 – 3. The optical bandgaps and photoelectric response performances of these compounds have also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) are widespread organic pollutants that possess carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, so they may pose a risk to the environment and human health. In this study, the concentrations of 15 NPAHs and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 30 surface water samples and 26 sediment samples were measured in 2018 from the Taige Canal, one of the main rivers flowing into Taihu Lake, China. The total NPAH concentrations in water and sediment ranged from 14.7 to 235 ng/L and 22.9 to 96.5 ng/g dw, respectively. 9-nitrophenanthrene (nd–76.3 ng/L) was the dominant compound in surface water, while 2+3-nitrofluoranthene (1.73–18.1 ng/g dw) dominated in sediment. Among PAHs, concentration ranging from 1,097 to 2,981 ng/L and 1,089 to 4,489 ng/g dw in surface water and sediment, respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the log octanol-water partition coefficient (K ow) and log sediment-water partition coefficient due to hydrophobic interaction. The fugacity fraction value increased with the decrease of log K ow , and chrysene was transferred from water into sediment. The residual NPAHs in surface water and sediment of the Taige Canal have partial correlation. Diesel engine and coal combustion emissions were probably the principal sources of NPAHs in surface water and sediment. The results of ecological risk assessment showed that some NPAHs in water (e.g, 1-nitropyrene and 6-nitrochrysene) and sediment (e.g., 2-nitrobiphenyl, 5-nitroacenaphthene, 9-nitrophenanthrene and 2+3-nitrofluoranthene) had moderate ecological risks, which should be of concern. [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites as cathode materials for lithium ion batteries were successfully synthesized through the rheological phase reaction method using LiOH·H2O, V2O5, NH4H2PO4, and C6H8O7·H2O as raw materials. The as-prepared powders were characterized by means of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scan electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The electrochemical properties of Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites were examined by the galvanostatic charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicate that the sintering temperatures have a significant effect on the crystal structure, morphology, and electrochemical performances of Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites. XRD reveals that Li3V2(PO4)3/C composites are well crystallized single phase, where Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite synthesized at 800°C for 8h displays the maximum cell volume and uniformly distributed particles. It can be seen from TEM that there is a carbon layer of about 200-500nm thick on the particle surface. The apparent D Li+ calculated from CV is in the order of magnitude of 10−7 cm2 s−1. Electrochemical tests show that Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite synthesized at 800°C for 8h exhibits excellent cycling performance of 129.149 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles at the current of 15mAg−1 and a superior rate capability of 112.101 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles at the current of 90mAg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, high-temperature flexural properties of the SiBC modified C/SiC composites were investigated via the four-point bending method. The flexural strength and elastic modulus of the composites tested at 25°C, 800°C and 1200°C were 276MPa, 377MPa, 440MPa, and 78GPa, 183GPa, 189GPa, respectively. As temperature increase, thermal residual stress is released gradually, and the matrix micro-cracks and defects decrease, leading to the enhanced high-temperature elastic modulus. Interface bonding strength increases due to the gradually thermal match between the fiber and matrix, which guarantees that load could be effectively transferred from the matrix to the fiber. Therefore, the composites show higher flexural strength at high temperatures than that at room temperature. When the composites were fractured at 1200°C, the long pull-out fiber was observed, consistent with the high flexural strength of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C f /SiC composite is an excellent structural and functional material, silicon carbide nanowires (SiCnws) are not only a toughening material but also a great application in the field of microwave absorption. In this study, SiCnws are grown on the surface of carbon fiber (C f) by polymer impregnation and pyrolysis, and the SiC matrix was prepared by chemical vapor osmosis method. The SiCnws are introduced to enhance the mechanical and microwave absorption properties simultaneously. After 3 impregnations, the flexural strength of the composite was 107.35 ± 10 MPa. When the thickness is 1.86 mm, the minimum reflection loss value is −41.08 dB, and the effective absorption bandwidth (RL ≤ −10 dB) is 3.86 GHz. Furthermore, the microwave absorption mechanism of the material is discussed. This work provides a new method to prepare lightweight, stable and high-performance microwave absorption materials, and these materials are expected to be used in high temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Layered Li1.2V3O8 has been efficiently prepared via a sol–gel method. XRD and particle size analysis indicate that the final product with monoclinic structure consists of homogeneously distributed particles whose sizes are in a very narrow range. There are two different water molecules in the compound according to TGA and DTA. The structural water works as a pillar in the structure and is lost at higher temperature than the combined water. The as-prepared material was also compared with the one synthesized from the conventional solid-state method in terms of their morphology, electrochemistry capacity and electrodynamic characteristics. As a result, the Li1.2V3O8 obtained at 300°C for 10h has excellent electrochemical properties. A high-first discharge capacity of 286.4mAh/g was observed at a current rate of C/5 between 1.7 and 3.8V and the structure of Li1.2V3O8 remains stable in the subsequent cycles. EIS calculation suggests a better diffusion path for lithium ions in as-prepared material than in the solid-state compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: CuV2O6 is a very promising cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries. By a soft chemistry method, CuV2O6 is successfully synthesized from V2O5 hydrogel and Cu2O powder. CuV2O6 with different degrees of crystallinity are obtained by heating CuV2O6 precursor at various temperatures. XRD, TG–DTA, TEM and SEM experiments are conducted to characterize its physical properties, and the electrochemical properties have been investigated by galvanostatic charge–discharge experiments. As a result, CuV2O6 annealed at 550°C has smaller crystal lattice constants and better electrochemical properties compared to the sample synthesized by the conventional solid-state method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ag2V4O11 powder, a very important cathode material for lithium battery, has been prepared via a rheological phase method using Ag2CO3 and NH4VO3. This method provides a superiority of processing conditions over the conventional solid-state reaction. The size of so-prepared crystallites is distributed in a narrow range. The results of electrochemical studies show that the material prepared by the rheological phase method displays a higher discharge capacity and higher-rate capability compared to the conventional solid-state method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An in situ SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composites was fabricated by infiltrating the Al-Si alloy melt into pre-sintered porous preforms with different B 4 C/TiC weight ratios. The phase composition and microstructure of the SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composites were analyzed to understand the synthesis mechanism of the composites. TiB 2 and SiC were originated from the reaction among B 4 C, TiC and Al-Si melt. When the B 4 C/TiC weight ratio was 35:65, the fabricated TiB 2 -SiC ceramic composites but no byproduct or raw powders displayed the optimal microstructure, and the TiB 2 and SiC particles were homogeneously distributed in Al-Si melt. The SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composites with the optimal microstructure owned the outstanding integrated mechanical properties: flexural strength of 245 MPa, fracture toughness of 4.32 MPa m1/2 and Vickers hardness of 10.46 GPa. The fracture surface of SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composites showed the mixed fracture mode with intergranular and transgranular fracture. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms were investigated from particle reinforcement, pulling out of grains and crack deflection found in the SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composites. • SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composite was creatively fabricated by RMI method through infiltrating Al-Si melt into pre-sintered porous TiC-B 4 C preform. • The optimal mechanical properties of SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composite was obtained when the weight ratio of B 4 C/TiC raw powder was 35:65. • The synthesis mechanism and fracture mode of the as-processed SiC-TiB 2 ceramic composite were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogen-driven fuel-cell electric buses, which bear the advantages of emission free, high storage content and long mileage range, provide a promising choice for decarbonizing the public transportation system. Also, the operation centers for fuel-cell electric buses can be upgraded as the hydrogen-based microgrids to achieve higher economic benefits and resilience levels. To support the low-carbon and resilience-oriented planning of microgrid-aided bus centers, this paper presents a two-stage robust optimization formulation with integer corrective decisions. In particular, the first-stage problem is to optimize the microgrid siting decisions as well as the capacity configuration of renewable-powered electrolyzers, fuel-cell stacks and hydrogen refueling stations for maximizing the annualized benefits. Then, a min – max problem is introduced in the second-stage to improve the load survival value subject to the planning decisions and the worst-case contingency scenario. Also, various corrective actions, e.g., the emergency response of fuel-cell electric buses using vehicle-to-grid functionality, the energy scheduling of stationary equipment in hydrogen refueling stations and the adaptive network reconfiguration, are considered for resilience enhancement of the local power network. As the resulting robust optimization formulation is with a challenging mixed-integer recourse structure, the nested column-and-constraint generation algorithm is designed. Numerical results on exemplary power network and public transportation system validate the effectiveness of the proposed planning methodology, which has the potential to be profitable under normal operations while improving the load survivability under severe disastrous occasions. Moreover, our customized nested column-and-constraint generation shows a satisfactory solution performance, which facilitates prompt disaster relief actions of energy-transportation network. • Hydrogen-based microgrids are planned to support the fuel-cell bus operation centers. • Robust optimization model is proposed for low-carbon and resilience-oriented planning. • The emergency response of fuel-cell buses for back-up power supply is modeled. • Efficient solution is obtained by nested column-and-constraint generation algorithm. • Methods are verified on exemplary power network and public transportation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of SiC fiber reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC f /SiC) with BN interphase were fabricated by a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) method to investigate the effect of heat treatment (HT) on the mechanical properties of the prepared materials. The different mechanical behaviors of the three composites were analyzed based on the He and Hutchinson׳s model. The mechanical properties of SiC f /SiC composites were improved (366–377 MPa in flexural strength, 13.9–16.2 MPa m 1/2 in fracture toughness) by the HT after the infiltration of SiC matrix through increasing the crystallization degree of BN interphase. As a comparison, the mechanical properties of SiC f /SiC composites were decreased (366–134 MPa in flexural strength, 13.9–5.2 MPa m 1/2 in fracture toughness) by the HT before the infiltration of SiC matrix mainly due to the degradation of SiC fibers during HT process without the protection of SiC matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different matrices (silicon and Ti 3 SiC 2 ) were introduced into two-dimensional woven C/SiC reinforced with T-300™ carbon fiber (40 vol.%) by liquid silicon infiltration, and their mechanical and thermophysical properties were studied compared with those of C/SiC fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration. C/SiC–Si shows higher tensile strength than C/SiC and C/SiC–Ti 3 SiC 2 due to the existence of low thermal residual stress (TRS), while the low interlaminar shear strength and three-point bending strength of C/SiC–Si can be attributed to the brittleness of dense Si–SiC matrix. The introduction of Ti 3 SiC 2 in a dense matrix can cause toughening mechanisms and inhibit the crack propagation by various micro-deformations of Ti 3 SiC 2 grains. Therefore, C/SiC–Ti 3 SiC 2 shows higher Young’s modulus, interlaminar shear strength and thermal conductivity than C/SiC and C/SiC–Si. The low tensile strength is due to the existence of high TRS in C/SiC–Ti 3 SiC 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) on the stabilization and gelation of oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions (PEs) with polyphenol-amino acid particles in the presence of inorganic salts. The results revealed that the CMCS-induced depletion interactions contributed to improving the emulsification ability and interfacial adsorption efficiency of polyphenol-amino acid particles as well as constructing the network structures in the continuous phase. These relevant changes collectively resulted in elevating stability, viscosity and moduli of PEs. The additional effects of different inorganic salts with varying additions were further investigated, and the addition-dependent phenomena were observed. At low additions of inorganic salts, the occurrence of the chelation of inorganic salts with CMCS consolidated the constructed network structure, favorable to the gelation of PEs. With increasing additions, this chelation effect became stronger which compromised the CMCS-induced depletion, gradually leading to destabilization of PEs. In terms of ion species, the more pronounced effect on emulsion stability was achieved with calcium ions than with potassium and iron ions. This study expects to provide a new perspective on the extending application of cationic CMCS for improving the stability of O/W PEs in the food industry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, nitrogen-doped carbon-coated NaV 3 O 8 (NVO@NC) were successfully synthesized by a simple rheological phase method using melamine as a nitrogen source. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that nitrogen-doped carbon-coated didn't change the crystal structure of NVO but altered the thickness and properties of the surface coating. Among obtained composites, NVO@NC containing a molar ratio of melamine to citric acid of 2.75:1.25 displayed the best electrochemical properties. The electrochemical tests suggested discharge capacity reaching 231.3 mAh g−1 at 150 mA g−1, with discharge capacity remaining at 169.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) proved that the coated materials delivered a much lower resistance than that of bulk NVO. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) tests demonstrated sodium ion diffusion coefficient was greatly enhanced after nitrogen-doped carbon coating. In conclusion, nitrogen-doped carbon might increase material conductivity, aid in the formation of SEI films on electrode surfaces, and improve electrode material stability, resulting in NVO materials with high-capacity and ultrafast Na-ion storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel thionocarbamate collector (EBZTC) containing acyl group was synthesized. • The adsorption performances of EBZTC on chalcopyrite surface were investigated. • The hydrophobic mechanism of EBZTC on chalcopyrite particle surface was proposed. • EBZTC exhibited excellent flotation ability for chalcopyrite. The flotation performance and hydrophobic mechanism of O-ethyl-N-benzoyl thionocarbamate (EBZTC) on chalcopyrite were first estimated by single flotation experiments, batch adsorption experiments, contact angle measurements, DFT calculation and FTIR analysis. Single flotation experiments illustrated that a flotation recovery of 96.7% was achieved to chalcopyrite when EBZTC was used compared to 90% with SIBX at pH 6.5. Adsorption experiments indicated that the adsorption process of EBZTC on chalcopyrite surface was an exothermic monolayer chemisorption process. Hydrophobic mechanism demonstrated that EBZTC chemisorbed onto the chalcopyrite surface through the chemical reactions of C O and C S groups to the copper species with the formation of C O Cu and C S Cu bonds, which resulted in the coverage of the hydrophobic groups of EBZTC onto the chalcopyrite surface to enhance its hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel collector of BDETU was synthesized and first applied for the flotation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. • BDETU exhibited superior collecting ability and selectivity to chalcopyrite against pyrite than IPETC. • BDETU can selectively adsorb on the surface of chalcopyrite and strengthen its hydrophobicity. • BDETU chemisorbed onto the chalcopyrite surface and formed C O Cu and C S Cu complexes. Flotation collectors with strong collecting ability and superior selectivity have important application prospects for recovering complex and refractory copper sulfide resources. Herein, a novel surfactant of N-benzoyl-N',N'-diethyl thiourea (BDETU) with C O and C S groups is synthesized for separation of chalcopyrite and pyrite. The flotation performance and adsorption mechanism of BDETU to chalcopyrite and pyrite were evaluated by flotation experimental, adsorption experimental, contact angle measurements, UV–vis spectroscopy, as well as FTIR analyses and DFT calculation. By comparing the flotation performances with the traditional flotation collector of O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC), it becomes evident that BDETU exhibit stronger collecting ability and excellent selectivity for chalcopyrite against pyrite. These results might be attributed to the facts that BDETU can selectively adsorb on the surface of chalcopyrite and strengthen its surface hydrophobicity, while the hydrophobicity of pyrite surface is not improved with the weak adsorption of BDETU on its surface. The analyses of adsorption mechanism reveal that BDETU is chemically adsorbed on the surface of chalcopyrite by the reactions of the functional groups (C O and C S) to the copper species with the formation of C O Cu and C S Cu structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composite MXene/CoS based CE is first time used in QDSSCs. • The novel MXene/CoS CE shows better charge transfer and catalytic properties.. • The QDSSC with MXene/CoS CE exhibit a high efficiency of 8.09%. • A better photovoltaic performance than most of reported similar composite CEs. Low electrocatalytic activity and/or high charge transfer resistance of counter electrodes (CEs) in quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) are the main reasons for the low photovoltaic performance. Herein, the CoS nanoparticles are anchored on the MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) via a simple in-situ hydrothermal reaction process. It is the first attempt to use the MXene/CoS as a highly electrocatalytic CE for QDSSCs. The QDSSCs with a MXene/CoS CE shows a significant enhancement in cell performances and yields a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.09% compared with that of the QDSSCs with bare CoS (5.77%) and bare MXene (4.25%) CEs. The significant enhancement of PCE value is mainly attributed to the synergistic effects of the unique layered morphology of conductive MXene nanosheets and its cocatalysis with CoS nanoparticles. The coupling of layered MXene with small CoS nanoparticles (~15 nm) provides abundant catalytic active sites. The improved mesoporous morphology contributes a high specific surface area and fast electron transfer channels for S x 2− reduction. Consequently, the MXene/CoS nanocomposite can be utilized as an effective agent to boost up the photovoltaic performance of QDSSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylalanine, as an essential aromatic amino acid, is not only needed for protein and vital molecules such as neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis but also a substrate for the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids and various bioactive compounds. The metabolism of phenylalanine is dynamic and transitory, which would otherwise inhibit cell growth. Therefore, it is challenging and imperative to monitor intracellular phenylalanine bioavailability in real time, which has great significance for evaluating the effectiveness of introducing pathway-specific genetic modifications to enhance phenylalanine generation. In this study, we proposed a live-cell biomonitoring system to assess phenylalanine bioavailability in real time in cyanobacteria based on codon degeneracy and species-specific usage bias. The biomonitoring system was generated through genetic modification of phenylalanine codons in the chloramphenicol antibiotic resistance gene to wholly preferred and rare codons, in combination with an orthogonal constitutive promoter Trc to express these genes. Cyanobacterial cells equipped with a preferred codon-based gene showed a significant growth advantage over those with rare codons under antibiotic pressure, while the delayed growth caused by rare codon-based genes could be rescued by supplementing phenylalanine in the cultivation medium. Increasing intracellular phenylalanine bioavailability could promote rare codon-based gene containing cell growth to a similar level as wild-type strains harboring preferred codon-based gene, providing a live-cell visualized screening method to relatively define phenylalanine content from either random mutation libraries or pathway-specific engineering cyanobacterial chassis before conducting labor-intensive quantitative measurements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomolecules-mediated biomimetic mineralization has been extensively investigated and applied to fabricate nano-assemblies with unique hierarchical architectures and salient properties. The confined-source ion diffusion plays a key role in the biomineralization process, but little investigative efforts have focused on it. Here, we developed a simple method to mimic the in vivo condition by a confined diffusion method, and hydroxyapatite nanoflower assemblies (HNAs) with exquisite hierarchical architectures were obtained. The HNAs were assembled from needle-like hybrid nanocrystals of hydroxyapatite and hyaluronan. The results revealed that the strong interactions between ions and hyaluronan led to the nucleation of hydroxyapatite and the following aggregation. The combination of the external diffusion field and the internal multiple interactions induced the self-assembling processes. Additionally, HNAs with colloid stability and excellent biocompatibility were proved to be a promising cargo carrier for intranuclear delivery. This work presents a novel biomimetic mineralization strategy based on confined diffusion system for fabricating delicate hydroxyapatite, which offers a new perspective for the development of biomimetic strategies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the associations between polysaccharide depletion and emulsion gelation is of great importance for achieving stable Pickering emulsion gels, but there is inconsistency in the relevant studies. In this work, we report a versatile strategy, by using depletion attractions of anionic polysaccharides - hyaluronic acid and sodium alginate, to realize the gelation of Pickering emulsions stabilized with various particles of different characteristics. The depletion interactions imposed by different ratios of a polysaccharide were demonstrated to be conducive to the formation of emulsion gels. With a higher addition of polysaccharides, emulsions underwent (1) enhanced interfacial adsorption at weak depletion, (2) bridging flocculation at moderate depletion, and (3) depletion flocculation at high depletion, which all led to the arrested dynamics and gelation of Pickering emulsions. The prepared emulsion gels exhibited good stabilities and favorable rheological properties including high gel strength, shear sensitivity, and thermostability. The universality of this study was further confirmed by using different types of Pickering stabilizers as well as oil phases. The polysaccharide-dependent depletion provides a simple strategy to design Pickering emulsion gels with tunable rheological behaviors for varied purposes. [Display omitted] • A versatile strategy based on polysaccharide depletion was demonstrated for the gelation of Pickering emulsions. • Hyaluronic acid and sodium alginate with different ratios exert positive effects on emulsion stabilization and gelation. • Strong polysaccharide depletion induced droplet flocculation and network formation. • The rheology of emulsion gels could be customized by polysaccharide depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing ideal adsorbents for moving phenolic compounds from aqueous solutions remains a challenge. Herein, novel poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) of PIL-Ba-x and PIL-An-5 were prepared via Friedel–Crafts alkylation using benzyl alcohol and aniline auxiliary cross-linking agents, respectively, for the adsorption of m -cresol in the aqueous phase. The specific surface areas and pore volumes of the synthesized PILs can be adjusted by pre-polymerization time, thereby realizing the regulation of the adsorption property of m -cresol. Results showed that the adsorption kinetics of PILs conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetics and reached adsorption equilibrium within 6 min. Their adsorption thermodynamics conformed to the Langmuir models. Based on the fitting data of the Langmuir model, the maximum adsorption capacity of m -cresol by PIL-Ba-5 can reach 228 mg/g. Moreover, the mechanism analysis showed that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and π–π interaction promoted the adsorption of m -cresol by PIL-Ba. After the adsorption of m -cresol was separated by anhydrous ethanol, the adsorbent was recovered at least five times, and the removal efficiency was stable. [Display omitted] • Novel PILs with high specific surface areas were synthesized for adsorbing m -cresol. • The adsorption performance of PILs can be regulated by the pre-polymerization time. • The maximum adsorption capacity of the prepared PIL is 228 mg/g. • The prepared PIL-Ba-5 can quickly reach adsorption equilibrium within 6 min. • The adsorption effect of PIL remains at a high level after five cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium titanate (Na 2 Ti 6 O 13) exhibits great potential as a sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) anode material, nevertheless the limited electronic conductivity markedly hampers its applications. To combat this shortcoming, carbon coating has been widely employed to fabricate Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 /C composites; however, this method requires a high-temperature processing that is energy-intensive releases environmental pollutants. Herein, silver is used as a novel conducting agent, and we demonstrated a simple and efficient method to prepare Ag@Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 composites. We find that nano-sized silver particles (3%) are well distributed on the Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 surface, leading to boosted conductivity of the composites. As a result, the Ag@Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 electrode exhibits an excellent performance for Na+ insertion, where after 100 cycles a discharge capacity of 189 mAh g −1 is achieved, demonstrating superior capacity retention of 97.9%. The result of silver coating on the battery performance was investigated coherently by various techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Our work provides a feasible approach to prepare electronically conductive compounds for battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution and energy shortage make the development of clean energy more and more urgent. As a kind of clean renewable energy, hydrogen have attracted great attentions in recent years. Recently, Co 3 O 4 -based materials have emerged as promising candidates for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), due to their attractive electrocatalytic activity, low cost as well as the electrochemical durability, which make it attract widely attentions. In this review, we summarize the application of Co 3 O 4 -based materials in electrocatalytic HER, including pure Co 3 O 4 , the doped Co 3 O 4 and the Co 3 O 4 -based composite materials. Furthermore, the strategies to enhance their electrocatalytic performance are summarized and discussed, such as morphological engineering, doping, as well as compositing with other materials. Finally, the limitation and challenges of Co 3 O 4 -based materials for HER, as well as their prospects for future research, are proposed. We believe that this review will be helpful for scientists to seek promising HER electrocatalytic materials. Image 1 • The application of Co 3 O 4 -based electrocatalysts in H 2 evolution is summarized. • The various modification strategies of Co 3 O 4 -based electrocatalysts are reviewed. • Challenges and future prospects of Co 3 O 4 -based electrocatalysts are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat cultivars with low cadmium (Cd) accumulation (WCCA-Cd) are widely used on Cd-contaminated farmland and can effectively reduce the grains Cd content to achieve the clean production in agriculture. However, there is a lack of soil Cd content thresholds specifically for the WCCA-Cd. To achieve safer production of wheat grains, a prediction model for WCCA-Cd was developed based on total Cd content in wheat grains (Grain-Cd) and soil factors using 379 soil‒wheat datasets from 10 field experiments in this research. The adaptability of the prediction model was tested using 312 pairs of data. Descriptive statistics (N = 379) showed that soil pH ranged from 4.28 to 8.76, the total Cd content in soil (Soil-Cd) ranged from 0.09 to 10.25 mg kg−1, and Grain-Cd ranged from 0.002 to 1.35 mg kg−1. Correlation analysis showed that Grain-Cd had a highly significant negative correlation with soil organic matter (SOM), soil pH, and soil conductivity (EC) and a highly significant positive correlation with Soil-Cd and Cd content in the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid extraction state (DTPA-Cd) (P < 0.001). The bioconcentration factor (BCF) decreased with increaseing soil pH. Both random forest and stepwise regression equations indicated that the most important factors affecting Cd bioeffectiveness were Soil-Cd and soil pH, explaining 80% of the variation in Grain-Cd. The prediction model indicated a soil Cd threshold (0.23–1.25 mg kg−1) for the safe production of WCCA-Cd at soil pH (4–9), which has a wider range of applicability compared with the Chinese Soil Safety Standards. Therefore, these results can quantify the grain Cd content of WCCA-Cd and guide the safe and clean production of WCCA-Cd on different Cd contaminated farmlands. [Display omitted] • Grain Cd content prediction was based on 13 low-Cd wheat cultivars from field experiments. • The Cd bioconcentration factor of wheat grains decreased with increasing soil pH (pH > 5.5). • Soil Cd content and pH were the main soil factors affecting Cd accumulation in wheat grains. • Soil Cd thresholds were derived for the safe production of low-Cd-tested wheat cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the correlation between thyroid hormone (TH) concentrations and the serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) concentration in septic patients and to assess the collaborative value of these factors in predicting 28-day mortality in septic patients. A total of 120 consecutive patients with sepsis were divided into two groups according to their survival or death within 28 days after initial diagnosis of sepsis. Patients in the non-survivor group had significantly higher serum FGF21 concentrations but lower total and free triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) concentrations than those in the survivor group. Thyroid hormone concentrations, including T3, free T3, T4 and free T4, were significantly negatively correlated with the ∆SOFA and APACHE II scores as well as the serum FGF21, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-10, procalcitonin, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Logistic regression analysis showed that the ∆SOFA score, serum FGF21 concentration, and free T3 concentration were significant predictors of 28-day mortality. The model with variables of ∆SOFA score and serum FGF21 and free T3 concentrations had the greatest area under the curve of 0.969. The addition of free T3 and serum FGF21 to ∆SOFA score provided a significantly improved ability to predict 28-day mortality in septic patients. • Non-survivor septic patients had higher serum FGF21 but lower TT3, FT3, TT4 FT4. • Thyroid hormone levels negatively correlated with ∆SOFA, APACHE II and serum FGF21 in septic patients. • ∆SOFA score, serum FGF21 level, and FT3 level were predictors of 28-day mortality. • Addition of FT3 and FGF21 to ∆SOFA improved mortality prediction in septic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A series of LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 /polytriphenylamine composites were successfully synthesized by ultrasound dispersion method. LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 /polytriphenylamine (5.0 wt%) composite with small and homogeneous particle size exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, which delivered an initial discharge capacity of 223.7 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of 84.39% after 100 cycles in the voltage range of 2.5–4.5 V and at a current density of 0.2C. Moreover, an excellent specific discharge capacity of 127.3 mAh g−1 at a current density 5C indicates a superior rate performance of the LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 /polytriphenylamine (5.0 wt%) composite. The good electrochemical performances of the composite can be attributed to the introduction of polytriphenylamine, which increased electrical conductivity, decreased charge transfer resistance and increased Li+ ion diffusion ability. These noteworthy results demonstrated that LiNi 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 O 2 /polytriphenylamine composites might be potential cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to clarify the expression characteristics and prognostic significance of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 in cranial meningiomas. We analyzed the expression of TGF-β3 at the mRNA level in 38 frozen meningioma samples. Clinical data collection, follow-up, correlations, and survival analyses were performed. World Health Organization (WHO) grade I meningiomas showed an average expression level of 2.55, which was higher than that of WHO grade II (average of 1.50) and WHO grade III (average of 0.21) (Kruskal-Wallis test, P = 0.008). For meningiomas with a history of surgery, the mean TGF-β3 expression level was 0.71, much lower than that of primary meningiomas with a mean value of 2.55 (Mann-Whitney U-test, P = 0.008). According to the Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate Cox analysis, WHO grade (P = 0.001), history of surgery (P < 0.001), tumor volume (P = 0.045), preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (P = 0.001), peritumoral brain edema (P = 0.039), postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.001), degree of resection (P = 0.039), and TGF-β3 expression (P = 0.038) were prognostic factors for tumor recurrence. In addition, WHO grade (P < 0.001), history of surgery (P < 0.001), preoperative Karnofsky Performance Status (P = 0.002), peritumoral brain edema (P = 0.006), postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.007), bone invasion (P = 0.03), and TGF-β3 expression (P = 0.041) were prognostic factors for mortality. TGF-β3 expression levels gradually declined with the increase of WHO grade and were lower in recurrent meningiomas than in primary meningiomas. Besides, low TGF-β3 expression was found to predict tumor recurrence and mortality in meningiomas based on univariate analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, in order to improve the tensile strength and toughness of dense C/SiC-SiBC, the thickness of PyC interphase (e PyC) was increased from 200 nm to 400 nm. C/SiC (e PyC ≈200 nm) was also fabricated as a benchmark comparison. C/SiC-SiBC (e PyC ≈200 nm) exhibited higher axial thermal residual stress (TRS) than C/SiC (e PyC ≈200 nm). Increased axial TRS resulted in increased interfacial shear strength (τ) through fiber bending, which caused lowered mechanical properties of C/SiC-SiBC (e PyC ≈200 nm). By increasing the thickness of PyC interphase from 200 nm to 400 nm, the axial TRS in C/SiC-SiBC decreased. Accordingly, the radial stress induced by fiber bending decreased, leading to a reduced τ in C/SiC-SiBC (e PyC ≈400 nm). Decreased axial TRS and τ are beneficial to the effective loading of fiber bundles and pull out of fibers. Therefore, C/SiC-SiBC (e PyC ≈400 nm) performed excellent tensile strength (250 ± 11 MPa) and fracture toughness (23.7 ± 0.5 MPa·m1/2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 16 Muller matrix elements measurement at a single shot. • Spatial polarization modulation in both PSG and PSA by using vortex retarders. • No rotating and active elements involved. • Model free calibration method: modulation vector calibration method (MVCM). • Compact configuration; stable, fast and accurate measurement. We propose a dual vortex retarder Mueller matrix ellipsometry (DVRMME) that can extract 16 Mueller matrix elements by analyzing a single intensity image. Two customized vortex quarter wave retarders (VQWRs) with different orders are employed to realize the spatial modulation in the polarization state generation (PSG) and polarization state analyzing (PSA) arms. Due to the spatial polarization modulation by VQWRs, a pattern with regularly varying intensity along the azimuth direction is formed, and the sample's Mueller matrix can be obtained by processing the modulated intensity image. The ellipsometry's working principle has been elaborated by the Stokes-Mueller formalism, and its main error sources are presented and analyzed, and then a modulation vector calibration method is proposed to reduce the measurement error. To verify the validity of the scheme, the DVRMME has been constructed and demonstrated in experiment. The Mueller matrices of air, polarizer and retarder were measured, and their RMS errors of 16 Mueller matrix elements were respectively less than 0.0110, 0.0094 and 0.0180, and their maximum absolute errors were respectively less than 0.0196, 0.0230 and 0.0352. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]