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Abstract An n-type Si nanowire (SiNW) solar cell based on transition metal oxides V 2 O 5 and TiO 2 has been fabricated. The cell is demonstrated in the ITO/V 2 O 5 /n-SiNWs/TiO 2 /Al heterojunction structure, in which the V 2 O 5 and TiO 2 work as the hole- and the electron-selective layers, respectively. Parameters of cells with different lengths of nanowires have been investigated. Owing to the excellent light trapping effect of nanowire arrays and superior carrier transporting properties of thin V 2 O 5 and TiO 2 layers, an improved power conversion efficiency of 12.7% has been achieved in a cell with 1.45-μm-long nanowires. Due to the large work function difference between V 2 O 5 and n-Si, a build-in potential of 0.75 V was obtained from the capacitance-voltage measurement, which implies the possibility of achieving a large open circuit voltage for these nanowire solar cells. The efficiency loss is mainly caused by the recombination via the defects on the unpassivated surface of SiNWs. By solving this problem, the cell efficiency may be improved further and realize the application in PV industries. Highlights • The first study to apply transition metal oxides to form Si nanowire solar cells. • Obtaining a large build-in potential by the high work function V 2 O 5 layer. • The large J SC obtained by the light trapping of nanowires boosts the efficiency. • The formation process of this solar cell is cost-effective and easily manufactured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hydraulic drive mode enables legged robots to have excellent characteristics, such as greater power-to-weight ratios, higher load capacities, and faster response speeds than other robots. Nowadays, highly integrated valve-controlled cylinder, called hydraulic drive unit (HDU), is employed to drive the joints of these robots. However, various robot control issues exist. For example, during the walking process of legged robots, different obstacles are encountered, making it difficult to control such robots because the load characteristics of the ends of their feet change with the environment. Furthermore, although the adoption of HDU has resulted in high-performance robot control, the hydraulic systems of these robots still have problems, such as strong nonlinearity, and time-varying parameters. Consequently, robot control is very difficult and complex. This paper proposes an improved second-order dynamic compliance control system, impedance control, for HDU. The control system is designed to rectify the issues affecting the impedance control accuracy of the dynamic compliance serial–parallel composition between the HDU force control inner loop and the impedance control outer loop. Specifically, it consists of a compliance-enhanced controller and a feedforward compensation controller for the force control inner loop. Furthermore, the dynamic compliance composition of the inner and outer HDU control loops is rearranged. The results of experiments conducted indicate that the proposed method significantly improves the control accuracy compared to that of traditional force-based impedance control. Highlights • Key reasons affecting the accuracy of the traditional force-based impedance control. • Dynamic compliance composition of both force inner loop and impedance outer loop. • Control accuracy of the traditional force-based impedance control is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvesting ambient mechanical energy is a crucial technology for realizing self-powered electronics, which are widely used in wireless sensing networks, implantable devices, and portable electronics. However, mechanical motions in the environment are random, low-frequency, and limited in amplitude, making it challenging to recycle these energies efficiently and stably. Herein, inspired by counter-rotating propellers, a triboelectric nanogenerator based on a coaxial counter-rotating unit (CCR-TENG) was designed and fabricated. Specifically, the CCR-TENG consists of a coaxial counter-rotating unit and a free-rotating disk triboelectric nanogenerator (FRD-TENG). The coaxial counter-rotating unit plays a primary role in converting random ambient mechanical motions into high-speed relative rotation motion. Accordingly, the generated electronic energy of CCR-TENG is improved by more than 15 times compared with conventional devices through the efficient motion mode conversion. Moreover, by introducing a soft nylon fur layer into the FRD-TENG, the surface triboelectric charges are replenished in soft contact mode under the mechanical excitation. Thereby, the output performance and durability of the CCR-TENG are further improved. Remarkably, 180 LEDs and three typical portable electronics were continuously powered using CCR-TENG to harvest energy from random human motions. This work provides a promising strategy for the efficient and stable harvesting of ambient mechanical energy. Inspired by counter-rotating propellers, a CCR-TENG was designed and fabricated to efficiently and stably harvest energy from human motion, ocean waves, and other mechanical motions with low-frequency, random and limited amplitude characteristics. Further, this work also provides a promising way for the realization of next-generation self-sustaining IoT. [Display omitted] • An efficient and durable TENG was designed and fabricated based on a coaxial counter-rotating unit. • The output performance and durability of CCR-TENG is improved by the introduction of a soft nylon fur layer. • This work provides a promising strategy for the efficient and stable harvesting of ambient mechanical energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive applications of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) in the fields of energy harvesting and self-powered sensing have attracted enormous concern. However, the TENG based on specially structured electrodes could always not be able to harvest energy in specific directions because of its strict symmetrical electrode structure. Herein, inspired by the novel structures of fish scales, a biomimetic fish-scale-like triboelectric nanogenerator (FSL-TENG) was intelligently designed and manufactured based on PET film and PTFE sheet. Due to the periodically symmetrical arrangement of the fish-scale-like electrodes and the curvilinear shape of each side, FSL-TENG could be used to harvest the energy generated by rotating motion and the mechanical sliding in any direction of the plane without off state. Besides, FSL-TENG could act as a self-powered sensor for the monitoring of rotation status. In the plane sliding mode, the output performance of FSL-TENG in all directions was tested. Remarkably, when θ = 45°, the output current, output voltage and output power reached the maximum value, which were 63 V, 6.2 μA and 175.13 μW, respectively. In addition, FSL-TENG could efficiently harvest the energy generated by the sliding of the mouse. The slider of FSL-TENG and the electrode were partially fixed on the bottom of the mouse and mouse pad, respectively. When the mouse was sliding, the FSL-TENG is capable of undertaking the power consumption of simultaneously lighting dozens of LEDs. Furthermore, in the rotating mode, the output performance of FSL-TENG at different rotating speeds was investigated. When the rotating speed was 250 r/min, the FSL-TENG could charge 220 μF capacitor to 2.5 V within 130 s and drive the electronic watch to constantly work for 284 s. FSL-TENG is a flexible, lightweight and adaptable device. The fish-scale-like electrode structure broadens the design ideas of the electrode structure. What is more, this bioinspired design provides a new strategy for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. A novel fish-scale-like electrode structure is designed and manufactured, which can harvest the energy from rotating motion and the plane mechanical sliding in any direction without off state. At the same time, this generator can be used as a self-powered sensor for rotation status monitoring. This bioinspired design strategy provides an effective strategy for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. [Display omitted] • A novel bioinspired TENG was intelligently designed and manufactured based on PET film and PTFE sheet. • This bioinspired TENG can harvest energy from rotating motion and the plane mechanical sliding in any direction. • This work provides a new strategy for energy harvesting and sensing through cross-integrating nano energy and bionics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-lap joints (SLJs) with similar and dissimilar adherends are extensively used in industrial applications. This paper aims to investigate the interfacial mechanical behavior of SLJs subjected to dynamic loading. The shear-lag model is employed to predict the mechanical behavior of SLJs. The analytical expressions of the interfacial slip, normal stress in the adherends and interfacial shear stress are derived for the SLJs with similar adherends by using the method of separation of variables. The Laplace transform method is applied to numerically simulate the dynamic response of SLJs with dissimilar adherends. Results obtained from the finite element simulation are consistent well with the predictive model. It is found that the more unbalanced the SLJ is, the more non-uniform distribution of interfacial stress is, thus reducing the load-bearing capacity of the SLJ. This inspires us to rationally design a balanced joint to improve the load-bearing capacity. While the emphasis of the present study is on the mechanical behavior of SLJs, the analytical model is equally applicable to the interface analysis of other structures (e.g. concrete-steel bar, fiber-matrix in the composites, etc.). Furthermore, this theoretical method can be also simplified to explain the stress transfer subjected to the (quasi-)static loading with approximately zero density or zero loading speed in the governing equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Swelling pressure evolution of pellet-contained material shows collapse during hydration. • Swelling pressure of pellet-contained material is larger than corresponding powder. • Different directional arrangement of aggregates is observed in these two material. • Aggregates in pellet are less dispersed compared with the aggregates in powder. • Larger inter-aggregates pores are observed in pellet-contained material. Bentonite pellet-contained material (PCM) has been recognized as a candidate for the buffer/backfill material in deep geological high-level radioactive waste repository. The PCM has a more complex initial structure comparing with bentonite powder (BP). The difference in the initial structure may cause a difference in the swelling response. In the current work, the swelling pressure of the PCM and BP specimens with varying dry densities was investigated using the zero-swell method. The results showed that the swelling pressure of BP continuously increased. However, the swelling pressure of the PCM increased initially, followed by a decreasing period (i.e., collapse), and reincreased again until the final swelling pressure reached. Besides, the final swelling pressure of the PCM was larger than that of the corresponding BP. The deviation was further discussed based on the scanning electron microscopy images, pore size distribution curves, and the swell index tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinoresinol/lariciresinol reductase (PLR), an NADPH-dependent reductase that catalyzes the sequential reduction of pinoresinol into secoisolariciresinol via Lariciresinol, can lead to the structural and stereochemical diversity of lignans. The relationship between substrate-selective reaction of PLR and sequence homology still remains unclear. In this study, we focused on the contribution of the variable region between PLRs in determining substrate selectivity. Here, two Cs PLRs (Cs PLR1 and Cs PLR2) were identified in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Shuchazao). In vitro enzymatic assays showed that Cs PLR1 could convert (+)- and (−)-pinoresinol into lariciresinol or secoisolariciresinol, whereas Cs PLR2 catalyzed (+)-pinoresinol enantioselectively into (−)-secoisolariciresinol. Homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis were used to examine the role of a variable loop in catalysis and substrate selectivity. The L174I mutant in Cs PLR1 lost the capacity to reduce either (+)- or (−)-pinoresinol but retained the ability to catalyze the reduction of (−)-lariciresinol. These findings provide a basis for better understanding of the substrate-selective reaction of PLR. Two Cs PLRs were identified in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Cs PLR1 converted (+)-/(−)-pinoresinol into lariciresinol or secoisolariciresinol, and Cs PLR2 catalyzed (+)-pinoresinol enantioselectively into (−)-secoisolariciresinol. Image 1 • Two Cs PLRs were identified in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). • CsPLR1 and CsPLR2 were highly expressed in fifth leaves and mature leaves. • Cs PLR1 converted (+)-/(−)-pinoresinol into lariciresinol or secoisolariciresinol. • Cs PLR2 catalyzed (+)-pinoresinol enantioselectively into (−)-secoisolariciresinol. • A variable loop contributes to the reduction activity and substrate selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low effective thermal boundary resistance (TBR eff) at the GaN/diamond interface is very important for the development of high-power, high-frequency and high-temperature GaN-on-diamond devices. The nucleation and growth of diamond are key processes for modulating the TBR eff. This work proposed the bias enhanced nucleation technique to adjust the nucleation of GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composites in the MPCVD process at different bias voltages (400–700 V), thereby adjusting TBR eff. Pulse bias is beneficial to a stable plasma environment and to obtain a complete GaN/diamond interface structure. The transient thermoreflectance characterization indicated that the GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composite prepared under 700 V bias nucleation condition had the lowest TBR eff (26 ± 10 m2K/GW), whereas the GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composite at 600 V bias had the highest TBR eff (83 ± 18 m2K/GW). The role of bias enhanced nucleation process in the TBR eff was systematically analyzed by electron microscopies (TEM and SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composite prepared at 600 V showed a thick mixed transition layer containing multiphase structures and rough interfaces due to efficient subsurface ion implantation, resulting in high TBR eff. In contrast, at 700 V, a thinner nucleation zone and smoother interface result in the lowest TBR eff. This work demonstrated the potential of adjusting TBR eff at the GaN/diamond interface by using bias enhanced nucleation technique to modulate the diamond nucleation and growth processes. [Display omitted] • GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composites were prepared using MPCVD technology. • Bias nucleation technology was proposed to adjust the diamond nucleation. • GaN/SiN x /diamond multilayer composites obtained at 700 V bias had the lowest TBR eff. • TBR eff at the GaN/diamond interface was realized by adjusting bias enhanced nucleation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti based composite coating with a micron-sized TiN and nano-sized TiB was successfully fabricated. During tribocorrosion, the corrosion rate due to stress (Δ C S ) of the 1600 W and 2400 W samples increased gradually to 304.42 μm/yr and 272.38 μm/yr, and the wear rate due to stress (Δ W S ) decreased gradually to −463.69 μm/yr and −794.84 μm/yr, respectively. The main reason is that a deeper deformation zone was formed at the subsurface of plastic 2400 W sample as stress increases to 300 MPa, which not only inhibits the local strain evolution to cracks but also accumulates dislocations and forms nanocrystals to maintain high-strain hardening. • Ti-based composite coating with a network structure was successfully fabricated. • The tribocorrosion behavior of the coating under different constant stress is quantitatively investigated. • The mechanisms of accelerated corrosion and inhibited wear under the coupled environment are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromic oxide (Cr 2 O 3) monolayer is a promising alternative hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst compared with expensive platinum (Pt) due to its advantages such as low cost, large specific surface area, high reserves, and designability. In this study, the two practical strategies, strain engineering and transition metal (TM) doping (Mn, Fe, Zn, etc.), are proposed to activate the catalytic sites of Cr 2 O 3 monolayer for the HER. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the strained Cr 2 O 3 monolayer can stimulate the HER activity with the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔG H∗) close to 0.09eV, which can be considered as a performable strategy to tune the HER catalytic behavior of Cr 2 O 3 monolayer. For the TM doping, it also plays a role in the performance adjustment. These results provide a guideline to optimize the HER performance of Cr 2 O 3 monolayer. [Display omitted] • The HER catalytic behavior of monolayer Cr 2 O 3 is first theoretically predicted. • The HER catalytic behavior of monolayer Cr 2 O 3 could be modulated by the strain. • The TM-doped monolayer Cr 2 O 3 plays a certain role for the HER catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional Lekhnitskii 3D elastic theory can obtain the exact stress and strain response of the composite cylinder under the axially symmetric loadings. However, when the cylinder contains 0° winding layers or isotropic layers, some calculation parameters corresponding to the two kinds of special layers will become singular. By analyzing the continuity of singular parameters and calculating their limits, the problem of singular parameters can be effectively solved and the Lekhnitskii theory can be extended to composite thick-walled cylinders with arbitrary winding angles. Furthermore, based on the Chang-Chang strength criterion of composite layers and the ideal elastic-plastic assumption of isotropic metal layers, the theoretical calculation method of first layer failure strength and the corresponding failure modes of the composite cylinders subjected to axisymmetric loadings was proposed. Then, the composite cylinder with metal liner was fabricated by fiber winding process. The experimental blasting pressure of the cylinder was 52.8 MPa with a major failure mode of fiber tensile fracture. Based on the proposed theoretical method, the cylinder's first layer failure strength of internal pressure was 44.1 MPa, and the initial failure mode was also fiber tensile fracture. The predicted result of the first layer failure strength was lower than the experimental results. The result proved the safety and economy of the proposed theoretical method for the initial design of the composite cylinder. • The 3D elastic theory is improved to be suitable for the axisymmetric problem of cylinders with arbitrary winding angles. • The failure strength theory of the first layer of composite thick-walled cylinder with isotropic metal liner is established. • The preparation technology and hydraulic blasting test of metal-lined composite pressure cylinder structure are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sonic boom atomization mechanism was applied to design a nozzle based on the Laval aerodynamics principle. The designed nozzle was simulated on the Fluent platform and the performance of the nozzles was evaluated on a test platform. The different parameters, including the flow characteristics, atomization characteristics, and dust reduction efficiency of the nozzle were analyzed under different air-water conditions. The obtained results show that under the same air and water pressure conditions, the size probability distribution peak, particle size distribution range, and median diameter of the droplet are smaller than those of an internal mixing nozzle. The sonic boom atomization nozzle consumes less water compared to traditional nozzles. After the installation of the sonic boom fog screen dust reduction system in the return air channel, the average values of total dust concentration and respiratory dust concentration were reduced by 91.26% and 90.16%, respectively. The obtained results indicate that sonic boom atomization nozzles can realize water saving and efficient dust reduction in underground coal mines. [Display omitted] • Application of Laval aerodynamic principle to coal mine dust reduction and development of corresponding nozzles. • Proposed sonic boom atomization technology based on Laval aerodynamics and produced the corresponding nozzle. • Using simulation and experimentation to test the various properties of sonic boom atomization nozzles. • Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of sonic boom atomising nozzles and conventional internal mixing nozzles in terms of performance. • Field proven sonic boom atomization nozzles significantly improve dust reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Magnetic fluid has many advantages when serving as lubricant. With an appropriate magnetic field this lubricant can prevent leakage and increase the load capacity of lubricant film. It can also be fixed at the friction zone by applying an external magnetic field. A novel design of magnetic fluid lubrication with magnetic surface texture was proposed in this paper. A micro-scale dimple pattern was firstly fabricated on the surface of tribo-pair and then a permanent magnet material was electrodeposited into these dimples, so that there are both geometric surface texture and periodic distribution of magnetic field on the surface (magnetic surface texture). In this paper, CoNiMnP permanent magnetic film (about 25μm thickness) was electrodeposited into micro-dimples (500μm in diameter) on the surface of 316 stainless steel. The impact of magnetic surface texture on lubrication was investigated using a pin-on-disk test rig. The test results showed that magnetic surface texture was conducive to form effective lubrication at low sliding velocity when lubricated by magnetic fluids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The CBN model is introduced to the artillery chassis transmission system for the first time. • The AIC method is proposed to select the appropriate Copula function, and combine the bucket elimination method of Bayesian Network for reasoning calculation. • Comparing the CBN model with BN model to prove the technical superiority of the CBN model. • A real case is given to show the implementation and validity of the proposed methodology. The traditional Bayesian Network (BN) has defects in the reliability assessment problem of multivariate correlation. In this paper, the Copula Bayesian Network (CBN) model is introduced into the artillery chassis transmission system for the first time to solve these problems. The model uses the Copula function to express the relationship between variables, and combines Bayesian Network probabilistic reasoning. On the basis of the traditional BN topology structure, the Copula function is introduced and transformed into CBN topology structure. The edge distribution of each node and the correlation coefficient matrix are used to construct the local connection function. It can realize the conversion of multi-variables into binary variables and construct high-dimensional functions. Bayesian network reasoning can get the failure probability of each node. Finally, the CBN model was used to assess the reliability of a certain type of artillery chassis transmission system for the first time. This method converts the multiple variables of the transmission system into a binary relationship, which is suitable for engineering applications and can express the correlation in the system. The computational result of this model is better than that of the traditional BN model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 5-MeV proton radiation was incident on the InGaAs (1.0 eV) and InGaAs (0.7 eV) component cells of inverted metamorphic four-junction (IMM4J) solar cells. Light current–voltage (LIV), external quantum efficiency (EQE), and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) were used to examine the performance degradation and the radiation defects. For the two InGaAs component cells, in case of LIV, open circuit voltage (V oc), short-circuit current (I sc), and the maximum output power (P max) decreased linearly with the function of logarithmic change of the proton fluence. Compared to InGaAs (1.0 eV) component cells, for the InGaAs (0.7 eV) component cells, V oc and P max decreased considerably and I sc decreased slightly. In EQE, an evident measurement artifact related to the luminescence coupling effect was detected in InGaAs (1.0 eV) before proton radiation, and it disappeared after radiation. This phenomenon was not observed in InGaAs (0.7 eV). In DLTS, a hole trap, H 0 , was detected at E v + 0.09 eV in InGaAs (1.0 eV), and three hole traps H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 , were detected at E v + 0.07 eV, E v + 0.30 eV, and E v + 0.45 eV, respectively, in InGaAs (0.7 eV). H 0 and H 1 were attributed to shallow traps introduced during radiation, and H 2 and H 3 were the initial defects due to the growth process; moreover, H 2 and H 3 were determined to be V Ga (0/-1) and V Ga (-1/-2) or probably V As (+3/+1). • 5-MeV proton radiation was carried out on the InGaAs component cells in IMM4J solar cell. The hole trap H 0 was detected in InGaAs (1.0 eV), and hole traps H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 were detected in InGaAs (0.7 eV). H 0 and H 1 were shallow traps introduced during radiation, and H 2 and H 3 were initial defects formed during the growth process. H 2 and H 3 were determined to be V Ga (0/-1) and V Ga (−1/-2) or probably V As (+3/+1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ti-based composite coating of TiN + TiB /TC4 is successfully fabricated by laser cladding. The results show that the addition of BN promotes the in-situ formation of an elliptic TiN phase at the micron level and fibrous TiB phase at the nanometer level, forming a new structure of the hard TiN surrounded and pinned by coherent TiB. No obvious plastic deformation occurs with the increase of TiN and TiB phases, and the dense TiO 2 -MoO 3 oxide film forms during tribocorrosion. The tribocorrosion rate is much reduced and drops to the lowest rate of 246.93 ± 14 µm/yr. • The composite coating of TiN+TiB /TC4 with a new structure of the hard micron-sized ellipsoid TiN surrounded and pinned by coherent nano-sized fibrous TiB is successfully fabricated. • The tribocorrosion behavior of the composite coating under a 5 N load is investigated. • The synergistic strengthening effects of multi-level reinforcements are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A kind of NiCrMo coatings added in different contents of B and C used B 4 C as the precursor, had been designed and fabricated by laser cladding in this study. The phases, microstructure, microhardness, fracture features, and wear and corrosion resistance were thoroughly analyzed. The results showed that due to the addition of B 4 C, the phases changed from fcc-centered cubic (FCC) + σ phase to FCC + carbon-borides, and the eutectic structure appeared in the interdendritic regions. Most noteworthy, there was coherent relationship between the (Cr, Mo) 23 (B, C) 6 and FCC phase. With the increase of B 4 C content, the microhardness of the coatings increased significantly. This factor, together with the eutectic structure, further enhanced the wear resistance of the coatings. Due to the existence of the eutectic structure, the coating maintained ductile fracture + brittle fracture. Furthermore, the formation of carbon-borides also improved the corrosion resistance, instead of causing deterioration, because of the coherent relationship of (Cr, Mo) 23 (B, C) 6 and FCC phase together with no severe segregation of Cr and Mo around interdendritic regions, which reduced the possibility of galvanic corrosion, playing the role of synergistic improvement to the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coatings. • Eutectic structure formed by FCC phase and carbon-borides. • Carbon-borides not only improved the hardness and wear resistance of the coating, but also kept the toughness of the coating. • Carbon-borides improved the corrosion resistance, due to the coherent relationship and no severe segregation of Cr and Mo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), the branch point enzyme controlling the flow of primary metabolism into second metabolism, converts the L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) to yield cinnamic acid. Based on the sequencing data available from eight transcriptome projects, six PAL genes have been screened out, cloned, and designated as CsPALa - CsPALf. The phylogenetic tree showed that Cs PALs were divided into three subgroups, PALa and PALb, PALc and PALd, and PALe and PALf. All six Cs PALs exhibited indiscriminate cytosolic locations in epidermis cells and mesophyll cells. Then, the expression profiles of six PAL genes were qualitatively investigated and they displayed tissue-/induced-expression specificity in several tissues or under different exogenous treatments. Furthermore, in vitro enzymatic assays showed that all six recombinant proteins were characterized by the strict substrate specificity toward L-Phe, but no activity toward L-Tyr, and they displayed subtle differences in kinetics and enzymatic properties. These results indicate that CsPALs play both distinct and overlapping roles in plant growth and responses to environmental cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bias dependence on synergistic radiation effects caused by 110 keV electrons and 170 keV protons on the current gain of 3DG130 NPN bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) is studied in this paper. Experimental results indicate that the influence induced by 170 keV protons is always enhancement effect during the sequential irradiation. However, the influence induced by 110 keV electrons on the BJT under various bias cases is different during the sequential irradiation. The transition fluence of 110 keV electrons is dependent on the bias case on the emitter–base junction of BJT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A synergistic improvement of wear and corrosion resistance was realized with the increasing content of Mo. • Mo can enhanced pitting resistance, and pitting can be eliminated with the addition of Mo between 4 at.% to 8 at.% • Coherent interfaces and their composition transition explain the excellent wear and corrosion improvement of the coatings. Herein, ceramic-reinforced CoCrNiMo x CB high-entropy alloy coatings were prepared by laser cladding, and the synergistic improvement of wear and corrosion resistance was realized. The effects of molybdenum on the phases, microstructures, and chemical compositions of the coatings were also studied. Wear mechanisms changed from adhesive wear to abrasive plough with the increase of Mo content, leading to excellent improvement in wear resistance. The corrosion resistance was remarkably improved with excellent passive ability and pitting resistance. Coherent interfaces and composition transition at the interfaces provide a nano-scale explanation for the excellent wear and corrosion trade-off of the Mo-8 coating. The results show that the wear and corrosion resistance of the coatings can be improved with the addition of molybdenum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A coherent ceramic strengthening CoCrNiMo coating was fabricated by laser cladding. • Properties of passive film can be evaluated by Mott-Schottky and point defect model. • Coatings with B 4 C content of 2 to 3 at.% show excellent wear-corrosion resistance. In this study, a coherent ceramic strengthening wear-corrosion resistant CoCrNiMo high entropy alloy coating was successfully fabricated on 304 stainless steel (304ss) by laser cladding. Constituent phases, microstructure, and chemical composition were thoroughly investigated. The hardness and wear resistance were evaluated. Electrochemical tests were performed to measure the corrosion resistance of the passive film. The parameters of the passive films were calculated using the Mott-Schottky and the point defect model. TEM analysis was used to explain the high hardness and superior corrosion resistance on the base of the composition and boundary characteristics between different phases. Combining the results of wear and corrosion assessment, we deduce that a critical content of 2–3 at.% exists for B 4 C at which the best wear-corrosion tradeoff of the coating can be achieved. This strategy can be valuable in the development of both wear- and corrosion-resistant equipment in the marine environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the first principle plane wave pseudopotential and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) method, the phase, elastic and thermodynamic properties of BeS compound at pressure ranging from 0 to 175 GPa are calculated. After studying the energy-volume and entropy difference-pressure of the zinc blende, NiAs, NaCl and CsCl structures of BeS compound in depth, we consider the zinc blende and NiAs structures as two stable structures for BeS compound. The phonon spectra and elastic constants reveal that zinc blende and NiAs structures are also structurally and mechanically stable at ambient conditions. Furthermore, the phase transition pressure from zinc blende structure to NiAs structure is 58.615 GPa. Intriguingly, the anisotropies of the elastic and sound velocities of BeS are found to exhibit anisotropic characteristics, which is the first comprehensive study on the mechanical properties of BeS compound. Notably, we report for the first time the thermodynamic properties of NiAs structure, such as the Debye temperature, specific volume heat capacity, which shows great potential in the further study on the properties of BeS compound. • The dynamical stability is analyzed from the phonon spectra. • Analysis of the elastic anisotropy by the three dimensional surface construction and planar projection contours. • Sound velocities of ZB and NiAs phases are anisotropic due to the different sound velocity values in different directions. • The thermodynamic properties of NiAs phase indicate that the BeS compound can be used at a wide range of temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]