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Choroidal osteoma is a benign ossifying tumor within the choroid. Complications associated with choroidal osteoma, including disruption of retinal pigment epithelium, atrophy of photoreceptors, subretinal fluid, and choroidal neovascularization, present challenges for clinicians, and management remain controversial. We performed a comprehensive search in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid databases for published studies and case reports relating to the management of choroidal osteoma. Since it was first described in 1978, various case reports of ocular complications associated with choroidal osteoma have been documented, and various therapies have yielded different outcomes. We systematically evaluate the literature published on this rare entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent study has found excellent bulk and surface insulation property of Si 3 N 4 ceramic which make it potential to serve as key insulation component in various energy transmission apparatus. Charge accumulation at gas-solid interface is a critical insulation property but few relevant study on Si 3 N 4 can be found. This contribution has investigated the surface charge property of Si 3 N 4 ceramic compared to traditional insulation polymer under different electrical-thermal stress. Through its comparison with the electric field distribution, the main source of the surface charge accumulation is analyzed, indicating that the superior surface charge suppression performance of Si 3 N 4 lies on its low carrier density and conduction barrier, which considerably prevent charge injection and suppress the normal electric field which drives the charge to the gas-solid interface. The proposed mechanism is also validated by the characterization on conducting and space charge property for Si 3 N 4 as well as dynamic simulation on surface charge accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly invasive malignant tumor with poor prognosis, and there is growing evidence that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could significantly promotes the risk of LUAD. In order to improve the treatment outcomes of patients with LUAD and OSA, we aim to screen OSA-related genes that may potentially affect LUAD and to discover a high sensitivity prognostic signature that can stratify LUAD/OSA patients and to further accurately identify LUAD patients who might respond to immunotherapy. Molecular subtypes classified by the prognostic signature did not belong to any previously reported subtypes of LUAD. The tumor microenvironment (TME), mutation, and so on, were significantly distinct between patients within different risk groups or clusters. Combined with gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and drug susceptibility analysis, patients in the low-risk group (The vast majority of patients belonging to cluster2 by molecular subtyping) were not suitable for immunotherapy due to T-cell exhaustion caused by long-term inflammatory response; the question of how to reverse T-cell exhaustion may be a primary consideration. Cluster3 patients had the highest benefit from immunotherapy, and although cluster1 patients had the worst prognosis, they were more sensitive to traditional chemotherapeutic drugs. Animal experiments showed that chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) could not only significantly promote the tumor growth of LUAD, but also increase the expression levels of risk genes. This risk model may contribute greatly to the evaluation of prognosis, molecular characteristics, and treatment modalities of LUAD/OSA, and could be further translated into clinical applications to ameliorate the treatment dilemmas. • We first established a reliable fourteen-LAOSGs prognostic signature for LUAD. • Two populations featured different TME and so on, which could guide decision making. • Three clusters were determined, which should be helpful for precision medicine. • This study highlights the values of risk score for patients receiving immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of oil and water pollutants generated in industrial production and daily life is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed globally. Inspired by superhydrophobic self-cleaning lotus leaves, durable and sturdy superhydrophobic water-filled barriers, and lightweight bird bones with hollow structures, researchers can obtain superhydrophobic surfaces by creating rough surfaces of layered micro- and nanostructures. In this study, hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with layered structures were prepared by electrospinning. The surface roughness of the PCL membrane was improved by compounding graphene oxide (GO) functional components on the PCL membrane surface, thereby enhancing its hydrophobicity. The infrared spectrum of the PCL/GO membrane shows that PCL and GO are physically mixed, and no chemical changes occur during the electrospinning process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composite fibre membranes reveal the interconnections between fibres. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provides information on the chemical components of the membranes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal stability of the membranes. The oil-water separation test demonstrated that the PCL/GO membrane exhibited a separation efficiency of 99.94% for hexane-water mixtures. In the oil adsorption test, the maximum adsorption capacity of the membrane for n-hexane was 35.8 g/g. In the contact angle measurement experiment, the water contact angle of the nanofiber membrane increased from 120.12° to 140.15° with increasing GO content, indicating that the composite membrane exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity. [Display omitted] • Hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with layered structures prepared by electrospinning technology. • Surface roughness of PCL membrane improved by graphene oxide (GO) functional components. • The separation efficiency of PCL/GO membrane for hexane-water mixture is as high as 99.94%. • The increase of GO content improved hydrophobicity of composite membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a stabilizing method for preparation of quantum Gaussian states by utilizing continuous measurement. We first present a necessary and sufficient condition for the Riccati equation of the covariance matrix of the Gaussian states to have a unique stabilizing steady solution. Then general parametric conditions of how to prepare a Gaussian state with desired covariance matrix are provided. These conditions are much weaker than those required when preparing Gaussian states via dissipation-induced approach. Thus, our method provides more degrees of freedom to choose the system Hamiltonian and the system–environment coupling operators. These results may benefit practical experimental implementations in preparing quantum Gaussian states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on optimizing electric vehicle charging in distribution networks, emphasizing technical and economic considerations. Unlike traditional methods, the proposed intelligent approach tailors each EV's charging based on specific daily trip energy requirements. Vehicle owners provide trip data to the charge management system, enabling precise charging calculations considering factors such as energy tariffs, distribution network limits, and charging levels. The paper introduces the horse herd optimization algorithm, inspired by horse herd behavior, offering advantages like reduced computational time and improved convergence in maximizing power generation, especially under shading conditions. The comparative analysis of smart EV charging under normal and fast conditions, considering various constraints and load response programs, demonstrates the proposed method's effectiveness. Numerical results reveal a 46.02 % average load reduction and a 20.53 % peak load decrease with a Load Response Program. Charging costs are optimized, with Case 2 exhibiting a 2.61 % cost reduction compared to Case 3. The study delves into charging frequencies, discharge frequencies, total unsupplied energy, and unloaded energy for each case, providing crucial insights into algorithmic performance. The horse herd optimization algorithm-based approach proves superior, offering a promising solution for efficient and cost-effective electric vehicle charging in distribution networks. Furthermore, graphical representations illustrate the algorithm's impact on charging power, energy allocation, power passing through distribution posts, and megavolt-ampere flow through network lines. These numerical and graphical analyses provide a comprehensive understanding of the horse herd optimization algorithm capabilities, emphasizing its potential to optimize power distribution, reduce costs, and enhance the resilience of residential distribution networks. • Prioritizes EV charging based on daily travel and battery levels using discrete charge rates. • Compares normal and fast charging rates, considering transformer overloads. • Adapts network and load model from real data, balancing subscriber and operator interests. • Assesses method's impact with and without a load response program for adaptability. • Introduces the Horse Herd Optimization Algorithm (HOA) inspired by horse herd behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a duplex antenna, with four square patches to form a sequential rotating array, which can generate dual circular polarization radiation. A feeding network consisting of power dividers, phase shifters and couplers feeds the antenna with ± 90 ° phase difference and achieves dual circular polarization. A band stop filter with low reflection is employed in the receive port to increase the isolation in the transmitting band (14–14.5 GHz) to over 30 dB. The receive port achieves a gain of over 4.8 dBi and an axial ratio under 3 dB in the receiving band (10.7–12.7 GHz). The transmit port has a gain of more than 5.1 dBi and a 3 dB axial ratio in the whole frequency band (10.5–15 GHz). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We mixed high-pressure supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO 2) and graphite together without any auxiliary means for exfoliation. Combined with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and other characterizations, the influence of process parameters on the quantity and quality of graphene was studied. We calculated the Hansen solubility parameters and the critical conditions for exfoliation and used the response surface method to probe the effect of process parameters on the graphene exfoliation. The mechanism for exfoliation was critically discussed. The results showed that the highest (1.625 mg/mL) concentration was obtained after mixing at 45 MPa for 48 h and centrifuging at 1000 rpm for 30min. The number of layers and lateral dimensions of graphene sheets could be controlled by adjusting process parameters. Up to 75% of the produced graphene after mixing at 45 MPa for 48 h was about 3-6layers, and 90% of the lateral dimensions were less than 1.4 μm. The kinetic energy generated by the flowing CO 2 was the main reason for exfoliation. The critical speed of exfoliation at 50 °C and 45 MPa was about 2.851–2.981 m/s. This method had no complicated operation steps, the obtained graphene surface was not oxidized, no solvent remained, and few-layer graphene did not need further purification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a duplex dual circularly polarized antenna, using four half-Vivaldi antennas to form a sequential rotation array, which can generate circular polarization by sequential feeding. A mental cavity and half of a Vivaldi antenna form a new Vivaldi antenna. The Vivaldi antenna has broadband characteristics to cover the uplink and downlink bands and is compact with an area of 0. 69 λ c × 0. 69 λ c . To achieve duplex dual circular polarization, a feeding network that can sequentially output + 90 ° and − 90 ° is designed. The feeding network, which contains two broadband power dividers, two directional couplers and two phase-shifters, generates the sequential feeding signals for sequential rotation group array with equal amplitude and ± 90 ° phase difference. Both the impedance bandwidth and the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the transmitter and receiver can cover the band of 10–15 GHz. The gain of the antenna is higher than 5.75 dBi. The isolation between the receive and the transmit ports can reach 25.49 dB or higher in the uplink band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • All the measurement were conducted on an actual well-built GIS/GIL platform. • Quantitative influence of surface charge on the flashover voltage are put forward. • Impacting mechanism of surface charges on flashover voltage is proposed. • The conclusion could provide guidance for the insulation design and fault diagnosis. Abstract Under AC, DC and switching impulse voltages, the surface charges accumulated on the basin insulators of Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) or Gas Insulated Metal Enclosed Transmission Line (GIL) could distort local electric field and even reduce the surface flashover voltage. In order to quantitatively measure the influence of surface charge accumulation on flashover voltage of insulator in actual GIS/GIL apparatus, a high-precision 3D surface charge measurement platform and a reasonable model were established for flashover tests in reference to the insulation design and flashover properties of actual 220 kV GIS basin insulator. The surface charge accumulation dynamics and corresponding flashover voltages of the built models under different conditions were captured and analyzed. The results indicate that, as the density of accumulated surface charges increases under either AC, DC or switching impulse voltage application, the surface flashover voltage would decrease from 62.1 kV to 55.7 kV, namely a margin of 10.3% under AC voltage application. In the context of DC voltage, there appears a 22.8% flashover voltage drop, from 61.0 kV to 47.1 kV. While for the case of switching impulse voltage, the charge accumulation reduced the flashover voltage to 52.9 kV with a 13.6% decline from 61.2 kV. Based on the simulation and theoretical calculations, the 'enhanced electric field zone' was identified to justify the influencing mechanism of surface charges on flashover voltage. The research results could contribute to optimal insulation design and fault diagnosis of basin insulator in GIS/GIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the development and production process of domestic and foreign oil fields, large amounts of oil-bearing wastewater with complex compositions containing toxic and harmful pollutants are generated. These oil-bearing wastewaters will cause serious environmental pollution if they are not effectively treated before discharge. Among these wastewaters, the oily sewage produced in the process of oilfield exploitation has the largest content of oil-water emulsion. In order to solve the problem of oil-water separation of oily sewage, the paper summarizes the research of many scholars in many aspects, such as the use of physical and chemical methods such as air flotation and flocculation, or the use of mechanical methods such as centrifuges and oil booms for sewage treatment. Comprehensive analysis shows that among these oil-water separation methods, membrane separation technology has higher separation efficiency in the separation of general oil-water emulsions than other methods and also exhibits a better separation effect for stable emulsions, which has a broader application prospect for future developments. To present the characteristics of different types of membranes more intuitively, this paper describes the applicable conditions and characteristics of various types of membranes in detail, summarizes the shortcomings of existing membrane separation technologies, and offers prospects for future research directions. [Display omitted] • Summarize the research of use of physical and chemical methods, or mechanical methods for sewage treatment. • Describes the applicable conditions and characteristics of various types of membranes. • Provide new insight on material design for membrane separation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of dietary β-alanine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant ability, carnosine content, and gene expression of carnosine-related enzymes in broiler chicks. We randomly assigned 540 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers to 5 dietary treatments supplemented with 0 (control group), 250, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 mg/kg of β-alanine (mg β-alanine per kg feed). Each treatment included 6 replicates of 18 birds. The feeding trial lasted for 42 d. Dietary β-alanine supplementation linearly and quadratically increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the starting period (d 1 to 21, P = 0.02 and P = 0.002). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased quadratically in response to dietary β-alanine supplementation during the starting and entire periods (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). For the entire period, the predicted best FCR would be achieved when β-alanine was fed at a level of 1,100 mg/kg from quadratic regression. The concentrations of carnosine and β-alanine in breast muscle increased quadratically with dietary β-alanine supplementation (d 42, P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The predicted dietary β-alanine level for highest breast carnosine content was 1,196 mg/kg. Dietary supplementation with β-alanine reduced the taurine concentrations in plasma (d 42, linear and quadratic, P < 0.001). Breast muscle yield increased linearly and quadratically in response to dietary β-alanine addition (d 21, P = 0.017 and P = 0.007). Dietary supplementation with β-alanine quadratically reduced the shear force (P = 0.003), whereas a*45 min and a*24 h values increased quadratically in response to dietary β-alanine supplementation (d 42, P = 0.020 and P = 0.021, respectively). Dietary β-alanine addition quadratically enhanced the expression of carnosine synthase and taurine transporter mRNAs (P < 0.05). Overall, dietary β-alanine supplementation improved growth performance and carnosine content, ameliorated antioxidant capacity and meat quality, and upregulated the gene expression of carnosine synthesis-related enzymes in broiler chicks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate weathering and the CO 2 consumption in karstic area are extensive affected by anthropogenic activities, especially sulfuric and nitric acids usage in the upper-middle reaches of Wujiang River, China. The carbonic acid would be substituted by protons from sulfuric and nitric acids which can be reduce CO 2 absorption. Therefore, The goal of this study was to highlight the impacts of sulfuric and nitric acids on carbonate dissolution and the associated deficit of CO 2 uptaking during carbonate weathering. The hydrochemistries and carbon isotopic signatures of dissolved inorganic carbon from groundwater were measured during the rainy season (July; 41 samples) and post-rainy season (October; 26 samples). Our results show that Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + were the dominant cations (55.87–98.52%), and HCO 3 – was the dominant anion (63.63–92.87%). The combined concentrations of Ca 2 + and Mg 2 + commonly exceeded the equivalent concentration of HCO 3 − , with calculated [Ca 2 + + Mg 2 + ]/[HCO 3 − ] equivalent ratios of 1.09–2.12. The mean measured groundwater δ 13 C DIC value (− 11.38‰) was higher than that expected for carbonate dissolution mediated solely by carbonic acid (− 11.5‰), and the strong positive correlation of these values with [SO 4 2 − + NO 3 − ]/HCO 3 – showed that additional SO 4 2 − and NO 3 − were required to compensate for this cation excess. Nitric and sulfuric acids are, therefore, suggested to have acted as the additional proton-promoted weathering agents of carbonate in the region, alongside carbonic acid. The mean contribution of atmospheric/pedospheric CO 2 to the total aquatic HCO 3 – decreased by 15.67% (rainy season) and 14.17% (post-rainy season) due to the contributions made by these acids. The annual mean deficit of soil CO 2 uptake by carbonate weathering across the study area was 14.92%, which suggests that previous workers may have overestimated the absorption of CO 2 by carbonate weathering in other karstic areas worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• H 2 improves survival, visual and spatial learning, and memory in septic mice. • H 2 improves dendritic spine density and hippocampal normal neuron number. • H 2 protects cognition may be related to the inhibition of tau phosphorylation by inhibiting TTBK1. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a cognitive dysfunction caused by sepsis. Hyperphosphorylated tau is considered to play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative disease and also contributes to cognitive dysfunction in septic mice. Molecular hydrogen (H 2) plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role, and plays a protective role in septic mice. This study explored the possible effects of H 2 on cognition and tau phosphorylation in a mouse model of SAE. The model of sepsis was established in C57BL/6J male mice by cecal ligation and puncture surgery. Mice treated with 2 % H 2 inhalation for 60 min at 1 h and 6 h after surgery, respectively. HY-15769, the inhibitor of Tau Tubulin Kinase 1 (TTBK1), was injected 1 h before the surgery. The 7-day survival rates of the mice were recorded. Cognitive behavior was tested with both novel object recognition and the Y-maze novelty arm recognition on day 7 after surgery. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the histological damage in CA1 region of hippocampus. The expression of inflammatory factors in hippocampus was assessed by Elisa. Western blotting was adopted to determine the tau phosphorylation levels at AT8 epitopes (pSer202 and pThr205) and T22 epitopes (neurofibrillary tangle protein oligomer), and the GSK3β phosphorylation levels (Tyr216), as well as p-Ser422 and TTBK1 levels in the hippocampus. The number of dendritic spine and mushroom type of dendritic spines in the hippocampus were assessed by Golgi staining. The survival rate, visual and spatial learning ability, and memory ability were improved in septic mice treated with H 2. After H 2 treatment, the density of dendritic spine, mushroom type of dendritic spine, and the number of normal hippocampal neurons were progressively elevated. H 2 decreased the levels of phosphorylated tau protein, tau oligomer and TTBK1, as well as the phosphorylation of tau key kinase. Furthermore, the injection of HY-15769 (a TTBK1 inhibitor) protected SAE through the similar way. The protective effect of H 2 on cognitive dysfunction induced by SAE may be achieved by inhibiting tau phosphorylation, which is perhaps related with the inhibition of TTBK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In free space optical (FSO) communication, atmospheric turbulence will introduce aberration to the laser wavefront, which will reduce the coupling efficiency of space light to optical fiber. The system based on blind optimization principle can realize wavefront aberration compensation by using actuators such as fast steering mirror (FSM) and deformable mirror (DM), combined with blind optimization control algorithms. Stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) algorithm is widely used in this kind of system. The disadvantages of SPGD algorithm are possibly local convergence and slow convergence. In order to improve the convergence performance of the SPGD algorithm, we proposed improved SPGD algorithms called Adagrad & Staged SPGD algorithm (AS-SPGD). Specifically, to accelerate SPGD algorithm, the Adagrad SPGD algorithm (A-SPGD) integrated Adagrad's adaptive gain strategy is proposed firstly in wavefront tip–tilt aberration compensation using FSM. Then, we consider compensating the wavefront high-order aberration using DM. By adopting the strategy of using SPGD algorithm with different settings in different stages, the Staged SPGD algorithm (S-SPGD) is proposed to improve the local convergence of the traditional SPGD algorithm. The simulation results show that the Adagrad SPGD algorithm converges faster than the traditional SPGD algorithm in the compensation of tip–tilt aberrations of different amplitude; the Staged SPGD algorithm has better global convergence ability than the traditional SPGD algorithm in high-order aberration compensation. • The blind optimization control is used to realize wavefront aberration compensation. • The Adagrad SPGD algorithm is proposed to improve the convergence speed. • The Staged SPGD algorithm is proposed to improve the local convergence. • Simulation results verify the modified SPGD methods have better performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the conductance and interference effects through an AB interferometer with an embedded quantum dot (QD) side-coupled to a single Majorana bound state (MBS) by using non-equilibrium Green's function method. The energy levels appearing in the QD are calculated by diagonalizing the Hamiltonian of the embedded QD–MBS system. When the single QD energy level ϵ 0 is set to 0, there are three discrete energy levels in the QD appearing at around ω = 0 , ± ϵ M 2 + 2 λ 2 due to the coupling with MBS where ϵ M is the coupling strength between the two MBSs at the two ends of the nanowire and λ is the coupling strength between the MBS and the QD. Asymmetric Fano lineshapes are found around these levels in the conductance due to the interference between electrons traversing through different paths. The phase shift of electrons through the QD changes from π / 2 to − π / 2 at each of these three energy values. However, the phase does not vary smoothly between these three energy levels but shows severe changes from − π / 2 to π / 2 at ω = ± ϵ M 2 + λ 2 . As a comparison, we also study the similar AB interferometer in which the QD–MBS system is replaced by a normal QD–QD system or a simple single QD system, which shows only two or one Fano peak and the phase shifts from π / 2 to − π / 2 only at the Fano peaks. These differences reflect the distinct influences of Majorana bound state on the transport properties of AB interferometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents two transitions between microstrip and stripline in Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic technology, including a vertical transition and a coplanar transition for millimeter-wave application. These interconnects are simulated and optimized by a three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulator. Simulation results show that the return loss of microstrip to stripline vertical transition is less than −22 dB, and insertion losses are greater than 0.5 dB up to 35 GHz, and greater than 1 dB up to 40 GHz. Similarly, the return loss of the coplanar transition is less than −32 dB and insertion loss is better than 0.5 dB. LTCC test structures were fabricated and the performance of all transitions was successfully validated by scattering parameter measurements up to 40 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst coatings on stainless steel and aluminum substrates, CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst coating on Al substrate have been prepared by cold spray technology for fuel reforming. Deposition behavior in coating formation has been studied. Microstructure and micro-region composition of the coatings are analyzed by SEM and EDX. Results show that the coating retains its original composition and majority porosity of catalyst feedstock. Smashing of the oxide feedstock particle plays an important role in coating formation. Original particle sizes and substrate materials affect bonding of the coating with substrate. Coke formation on NiO/Al 2 O 3 coating is not so serious most likely due to good heat conduction. Bonding strength of CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst coating with Al mainly belongs to mechanical interlock and it seems lower than that of NiO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst. First layer on CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 coating surface peels in reaction due to its fragile material nature. Conclusively, cold spray technology can be a successful method for functional catalyst coating fabrication for fuel reforming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the rapid development of high-speed railway in China, measurements and controls of subgrade settlement have attracted much attention in recent years. A novel method to measure the subgrade settlement is proposed and a device has been developed. The device mainly contains a point light source and a point-position measurement device that uses a linear CCD to detect the position change of the point light’s image. Any position change of the point light source can be measured and the settlement for one point can be obtained remotely. The multi-point settlements can be obtained by using a series of such devices. Some methods such as self-calibration of the magnification, automatic background subtractions have been adopted to enhance the stability, adaptability and accuracy of the measurement system. The device has been used in some China high-speed railway sites and it has the advantages of high accuracy, low-cost and easy installation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Kinetics of methane steam reforming for hydrogen production has been studied through experiment in a micro-channel reactor over coating catalyst. The catalyst coating prepared by cold spray on stainless steel substrate is based on a mixture of Ni–Al oxides which is normally employed in industry for methane primary steam reforming. Two kinetic laws namely parallel as well as inverse models have been derived at atmospheric pressure, and power law type kinetics have been established using non-linear least squares optimization. With the above kinetics, simulation study has been carried out to find out temperature distribution in the micro-channel over coating catalyst at two different types of boundary conditions. The results show a quite different “cold spot” character and reactants, products distribution character in the reaction channel due to its own distinct heat and mass transfer features. The kinetics and simulation study results can be applied in aid of micro-channel reactor design, and suggestion has been proposed for catalytic coating preparation and optimization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a matter of course, designed control laws are to be acted on actual systems. However, most designed control laws are proven to be effective when performed on ideal models of the systems as opposed to the actual systems themselves. One fundamental problem is how to ensure the satisfactory performance of the designed control laws when they are performed on actual systems. Focusing on the state stabilization of quantum systems, a two-step strategy is proposed to solve this problem. A feedback strategy and the open-loop control technique of dynamical decoupling are combined therein to deal with the inevitable differences between an actual system and its model, by taking advantage of the distinct quantum characteristics: the measurement-induced-state-transfer and the tensor product structure, with the structure characterizing the coupling between a quantum system and its environment. Specifically, in the first step, a measurement-based feedback control strategy is selected according to a model of the actual system. In the second step, by identifying the differences between the actual system and the established model as decoherence noise, a specific control procedure is designed through dynamical decoupling. This procedure allows the realization of the chosen control strategy so as to deal with the differences. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Primary sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) and carcinosarcoma (CS) of the liver are rare tumors. Patients and Methods: From November 1999 to June 2011, clinicopathological features and outcome of 10 SC and 14 CS patients were retrospectively studied. Results: In the SC group, six patients had hepatocellular carcinoma and four had cholangiocellular carcinoma, while in the CS group, it was nine and five patients, respectively. All cases of the sarcomatous components were vimentin-positive. Pan-cytokeratin were stained in sarcomatous components of the SC group, but not in the CS group. The sarcomatous component in the SC group was negative for desmin, myoglobin, HHF35, SMA, CD68, Mac387, AAT, CD34, and S100. In the CS group, the sarcomatous components in six cases were malignant fibrous histiocytomas, six were fibrosarcomas, and two were rhabdomyosarcomas. Median survival times were 9.6 and 4.8 months for the SC and CS groups, respectively ( P = 0.483). In univariate analysis, favorable predictors of overall survival were asymptomatic, Child-Pugh class A, no distant metastasis, and radical resection. Conclusions: SC and CS were highly aggressive malignancies with similar poor survival regardless of the histological and immunohistochemical findings. Early detection through regular physical examination and treatment with radical resection may improve the outcome of those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we put forward a fundamental question concerning feedback control of quantum systems: Is measurement-based feedback control still better than open-loop control? In contrast to the classical control theory, the answer is far from obvious. This is because measurement-based feedback needs measurement to reduce the system uncertainty, whereas the measurement on a quantum system will inevitably increase the system uncertainty in turn. In fact, there is a complicated tradeoff between the uncertainty introduced and the information gained by the measurement on a quantum system. To investigate this fundamental problem, we will only focus on a typical model of coherent control mode with and without the decoherence term in the paper. By establishing some fundamental limits on the performances of both the open-loop and measurement-based feedback controls, we will demonstrate via simulation that the measurement-based feedback control of quantum systems is still superior to the open-loop control in some sense for the typical model under consideration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A water-soluble, 19-mer peptide fragment of serum amyloid A called MFFD is being examined as a possible treatment for atherosclerosis. As a means of administering this drug in a sustained fashion through subcutaneous implantation, a biodegradable network formulation was prepared. The formulation consisted of 1000 and 4000Da α,ω-diacrylate oligo(d,l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-oligo(d,l-lactide) (DLPEGDLDA) copolymerized with 2700 and 5000Da ω,ω,ω-triacrylate star-poly(ɛ-caprolactone-co-d,l-lactide) using UV irradiation. The influence on the network properties and degradation rate of the network on the amount and type of DLPEGDLDA copolymerized with the two different molecular weight ASCPs were examined in vitro. The networks degraded by bulk hydrolysis at a rate controlled primarily by the molecular weight of the ASCP used. Nevertheless, all the networks were completely degraded within 16 weeks. The MFFD was released in a diffusional manner at a rate influenced by the degree of swelling of the network and the molecular weight of the ASCP used; using an ASCP of a lower molecular weight for a given DLPEGDLDA resulted in a slower release rate. The degree of swelling of the networks was controlled solely by the nature of the PEG used in preparing the DLPEGDLDA, with greater swelling observed with higher PEG molecular weight and for greater amounts of PEG incorporation. The MFFD was not degraded during the photocrosslinking reaction or by potential acidic degradation products that may have accumulated within the device. This formulation provides a means of achieving a desirable release rate from a degradable, water-swellable network through selection of ASCP molecular weight and DLPEGDLDA composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of Mn2+ ions on current efficiency (CE), deposit morphology and polarization behaviour during electrodeposition of zinc from acidic sulphate solutions was investigated. In the conditions studied, Mn2+ ions had no significant effect on CE over the concentration range of 1–10gdm−3. However, a decrease in CE of more than 35% was obtained at 50gdm−3. The cathodic polarization curves and the corresponding kinetics analysis demonstrated that this decrease in CE at higher concentrations of Mn2+ ions was due to the strong depolarizing effect of MnO4 − ions and other oxidized products of manganese. Moreover, the kinetics analysis of anodic polarization suggested that the presence of Mn2+ ions catalyzed the oxygen evolution reaction. The addition of Mn2+ ions was also observed to change the surface morphology and deposit quality of the electrodeposited zinc, affecting the crystallographic orientation by significantly inhibiting the growth of (002) and (100) planes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A differentiated warning rule for power transformer health status is mined. • The differentiated warning rule overcomes the defects of conventional warning method. • Three individualized characteristics of transformer properties are mined. • The association rules between dissolved gas distribution characteristics and actual defect/fault rate are found out. Accurate on-line monitoring of transformer operation status is essential to ensure the reliability of power system. The dissolved gas analysis (DGA) method, which compares the gas concentration to the pre-set threshold, is most widely used for transformer status warning. However, existing standards apply either single threshold value or rough classification to diversified transformers with different properties, which therefore affects the accuracy of status warning. This paper establishes a differentiated warning rule through big data analysis mining. The Fuzzy C -means method is applied to identify optimal transformer properties, which can reflect the individualized characteristics of transformer to the best extent. As verified by the probability plot, the full sets of dissolved gas data under the selected properties conform to the Weibull Model. Association analysis is then carried out between the dissolved gas distribution characteristics and defect/ fault rate, and the warning thresholds are accordingly calculated. Correlating the gas concentration and gas increase rates with established warning values, the transformer operation status can be identified. The verification test indicates that the differentiated warning rule shows better performance than conventional methods and demonstrates an accuracy as high as 98.21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of coagulation, inflammation and other pathways is the basic response of the host to infection in sepsis, but this response also causes damage to the host. Brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs) have been reported to cause a hypercoagulable state that can rapidly develop into consumptive coagulopathy, which is consistent with the pathophysiological process of sepsis-induced coagulopathy. However, the role of BDEVs in sepsis-induced coagulopathy remains unclear. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used for sepsis modeling using cecal ligation puncture (CLP). Flow cytometry was used to measure the levels of circulating BDEVs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT), D-dimer, fibrinogen(Fib), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to identify BDEVs. Western blot (WB) was used to determine the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), bax, bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to detect tissue injury. Survival was monitored over the course of 168 h. We found that a large number of BDEVs were released into the circulating blood in septic rats. Moreover, we observed that BDEVs injection activated the systemic coagulation reaction and induced lung, liver and kidney inflammation and apoptosis(P <.05). Compared with BDEVs from sham-operated rats, BDEVs from septic rats exacerbated this process(P <.05). This finding suggests that inhibiting BDEVs may yield therapeutic benefits in the treatment of sepsis-induced coagulopathy. • Brain-derived extracellular vesicles were released into blood in septic rats. • Brain-derived extracellular vesicles induced coagulopathy and tissue damage. • Brain-derived microvesicles from septic rats aggravated coagulopathy and organ injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high precision interface charge measuring platform under AC/DC voltages are set up. • The interface charge accumulating mechanism of oil-pressboard are presented. • The impacting mechanism interface charge on flashover features are proposed. • The conclusions could provide guidance for insulation design of oil-pressboard. The interface charges of oil-pressboard insulation could distort the local electric field and even weaken the insulating strength of converter transformer. This paper employs the electrostatic capacitive probe to capture the accumulation characteristics of interface charges in oil-pressboard insulation with needle-plate electrode under AC, DC and combined AC/DC voltages. The research results indicate that, under AC voltage, the polarity of interface charge is the same to that of the instantaneous value of applied voltage, and density of interface charge remains constant with the AC voltage application prolonging. In the context of DC voltage, the density of negative interface charge is about 1.2–1.5 times of that of the positive one. Under AC/DC combined voltage, the time-dependent dynamic accumulating process of interface charge behaves similarly to the waveform of AC voltage, and the larger the amplitude of DC component in combined voltage, the weaker the fluctuation. The tests for the surface flashover of oil-pressboard insulation were also conducted, aiming at discovering the impacting mechanism of interface charge accumulation on flashover voltage. The surface flashover voltage of test model under negative DC superimposed AC voltage is 1.3 times higher than that of positive DC combined with AC voltage. The built interface polarization model made an explanation for the interface charge accumulation, and the impacting mechanism of interface charge on flashover voltage, namely the positive effect of homopolar interface charges, is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Role of TSP2 in cell invasion, migration and angiogenesis is studied. • TSP2 is downregulated and the Notch signaling pathway is activated in MB tissues. • TSP2 inhibits cell invasion and migration in MB. • TSP2 restrains angiogenesis by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway in MB. • TSP2 may be a promising therapeutic target in MB treatment. Medulloblastoma (MB) represents a fatal malignancy often occurring in children. Angiogenesis is a hallmark of the progression of MB. Over the past decade, investigators have attempted to develop more effective and less toxic anti-angiogenic strategies to treat MB. Thrombospondin (TSP) family is observed to be a key regulator of angiogenesis. Thus, the current study aimed to elucidate the function of TSP2 in patients with MB and the underlying mechanism. The expression of TSP2, Notch1 and VEGF in MB and adjacent tissues collected from clinical samples as well as a MB cell line (Daoy) was examined. The results demonstrated that in the MB tissues and Daoy cells, TSP2 was downregulated, while Notch1 and VEGF were upregulated. Then, after the Daoy cells were treated with TSP2 silencing, TSP2 overexpression, or Notch signaling pathway inhibition, a series of in vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the interaction between TSP2 and Notch signaling pathway, and to examine the abilities of cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. Upregulation of TSP2 was observed to lead to the downregulation of the Notch signaling pathway. Moreover, cells overexpressing TSP2 exhibited diminished proliferation, invasion, migration, and tube formation. In addition, a significant attenuation of tumor growth and angiogenesis was identified in vivo in the Daoy cells overexpressing TSP2 inoculated in nude mice. Taken together, the key findings of this study revealed the inhibitory role of TSP2 in the development of MB via blockade of the Notch signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a treatment target for MB treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenanthrene (Phe), a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutant, poses an enormous safety risk to rice-crab coculture (RC) paddy ecosystems. In this study, humic acid-modified purified attapulgite (HA-ATP) with a composite structure was successfully fabricated to adsorb PAHs released from paddy soil to overlying water in RC paddy ecosystems in Northeast China. The maximum crab bioturbation intensities for dissolved Phe and particulate Phe were 64.83nullng/L·(cm2·d) and 214.29nullng/L·(cm2·d), respectively. The highest concentration of dissolved Phe released from paddy soil to overlying water due to crab bioturbation reached 80.89nullng/L, while the corresponding concentration of particulate Phe reached 267.36nullng/L. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations in overlying water increased correspondingly and were strongly correlated with dissolved Phe and particulate Phe concentrations, respectively (P < 0.05). When 6% HA-ATP was added to the surface layer of paddy soil, the efficiency of the adsorption of Phe release was 24.00%–36.38% for particulate Phe and 89.99%–91.91% for dissolved Phe. Because HA-ATP has a large adsorption pore size (11.33 nm) and surface area (82.41nullm2/g) as well as many HA functional groups, it provided multiple hydrophobic adsorption sites for dissolved Phe, which was conducive to competitive adsorption with DOC in the overlying water. In contrast to that adsorbed by DOC, the average proportion of dissolved Phe adsorbed by HA-ATP reached 90.55%, which reduced the dissolved Phe concentration in the overlying water. Furthermore, even though the particulate Phe was resuspended by crab bioturbation, HA-ATP immobilized particulate Phe due to its capacity to inhibit desorption, which achieved the goal of reducing the Phe concentration in the overlying water. This result was confirmed by research on the adsorption-desorption characteristics of HA-ATP. This research provides an environmentally friendly in situ remediation method for reducing agricultural environmental risks and improving rice crop quality. [Display omitted] • Modified attapulgite was prepared by hot acid modification with humic acid. • Crab bioturbation disrupted the Phe distribution balance between paddy soil and overlying water. • The adsorption efficiency of released dissolved and particulate Phe reached 91.91% and 36.38%. • HA-ATP and DOC competitively adsorbed dissolved Phe in overlying water. • HA-ATP immobilized particulate Phe in overlying water during resuspension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Z-scheme anatase/rutile TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 hybrids (denoted as LTARCN-x, x represents calcination temperature) were designed and synthesized by growing TiO 2 nanorods on the surface of g-C 3 N 4 utilizing impregnation-calcination method. Furthermore, through the etched effect of hydrochloric acid and calcination treatment, the as-prepared LTARCN-x possessed abundant pore structure and larger surface area, and the surface area of LTARCN-425 was 8.5 times than that of bulk g-C 3 N 4. Meanwhile, the g-C 3 N 4 would play a role of carrier to prevent from the aggregation of TiO 2 nanorods. In addition, under visible light irradiation, the Z-scheme heterostructure would be constructed between the rutile TiO 2 nanorod and g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet, respectively. The optimized photocatalyst LTARCN-425 exhibited a preferable activity, the photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of LTARCN-425 was about 1031 μmol g−1 h−1, and it was about 6.3 and 13.6 times than that of g-C 3 N 4 and TiO 2 , respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic mechanism of the hydrogen production was studied intensively via designing fluorescent probe, Pt and PbO 2 deposition experiment, and the characterizations of EPR, TEM, HRTEM and XPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volume resistivity of polymer dielectrics reduces significantly with the increase of temperature. As a result, in direct current (DC) power apparatus or electronic device, temperature gradient over the material can result in considerable electric field distortion which greatly threats the polymer insulation. Advanced ceramic dielectrics are promising to be alternative to polymer insulation to deal with this issue. In this paper, Al 2 O 3 and Si 3 N 4 ceramic materials with different ion doping concentrations have been manufactured. Temperature dependent resistivity characteristics of the ceramics are obtained and compared with typical polymer dielectrics. Conduction models of the ceramic dielectrics are applied to understand their temperature dependent resistivity and its modulating mechanism. Effect of ion doping on the temperature dependent resistivity has been obtained and analyzed which agrees well with their charge trapping property acquired by thermal stimulation depolarization current measurement, based on which the method to modulate the temperature stability of material resistivity have been proposed. Finally, a comprehensive comparison between ceramics and polymers in high voltage DC applications have been made which further proves the advantage of ceramic dielectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An orthogonal experimental design method is employed to investigate the effect of the structural parameters of the drill bit used in the Casing-while-Drilling (CwD) technology on its rock cuttings carrying capacity and reverse circulation performance. The results of the range analysis indicate that diameter of inner jet nozzle has the most significant impact on the cuttings carrying capacity of the drill bit, followed by the diameter of flushing nozzle. While for the reverse circulation ability, the diameters of the flushing nozzles have a dominant impact, followed by the diameters of the inner jet nozzles. In addition, the cuttings carrying capacity and the reverse circulation effect of the drill bit can be improved by shrinking the inner jet nozzle or appropriately enlarging the flushing nozzle. Accordingly, the optimal structural parameters of the drill bit are determined. Through further experiments, the cuttings carrying efficiency and the entrainment ratio of the optimal drill bit are 99.57% and 20.36%, respectively. Moreover, the rotation speed of drill bit has a trivial effect on its performance. At any tested rotation speed, the entrainment ratio is greater than 20%, and all the rock cuttings can be carried out of the borehole bottom using the proposed drill bit with the optimal structure. To test its real performance, a large-diameter retractable drill bit with a diameter of 600 mm was manufactured and tested in field. The results demonstrated that this retractable drill bit had excellent cuttings carrying and reverse circulation ability. The average penetration rate of the drill bit reached about 1.7 m/h in the formation of weathered sandstone with argillaceous composition, which was 1.7 times greater than conventional mud drilling in the same area. [Display omitted] • A retractable drill bit was developed for using in Casing while Drilling. • The drill bit structure was optimized by orthogonal design method. • Cuttings carrying capacity and reverse circulation effect were investigated. • A drill bit with diameter of 600 mm was designed and tested in drilling field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The theories and defects of wax deposition mechanisms are comparatively analyzed. • The technology and main conclusions for inhibiting wax deposition are outlined. • Problems and future directions in wax deposition research are pointed out. This paper reviews research on wax deposition in recent years in an attempt to develop an in-depth understanding of the wax deposition phenomenon during pipeline transportation of waxy crude oil. It provides a comparative analysis of the current theories and shortcomings of the wax deposition mechanism and describes the effects of different influencing factors on wax deposition. The predictive models for wax deposition are summarized in both thermodynamic and kinetic models, and the current technical means and main conclusions for inhibiting wax deposition are outlined in detail. In addition, the paper also sums up the experimental methods commonly used in studying wax deposition. Future research directions are proposed: an in-depth study of the role of non-Newtonian features and Phase transition (heat transfer) in wax deposition and the microscopic mechanisms of wax deposition phenomena such as gelation and nucleation are needed. Moreover, the intrinsic mechanisms and action law of influencing factors such as asphalt, resin, electric field, magnetic field, and velocity should also be studied, and research about chemical inhibitors is supposed to be based on the green economy. Multiphase flow prediction models using intelligent algorithms should be established, and more accurate experimental methods and devices that meet actual pipeline flow conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Leaded and lead-free ball grid array (BGA) components were tested in board level drop test defined in the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard under different load levels. Finite element analysis (FEA) models were established using ANSYS. The stress and strain in the solder joint and the average strain energy density (SED) in the solder–pad interface accumulated in one cycle were calculated using ANSYS/LS-DYNA explicit solver. The results of experiment and simulation were employed to re-calculate the constants contained in the Darveaux model to extend its application to the drop test. Then, FEA models with different height and pitch of solder joints were established to obtain the SED to calculate the fatigue life of solder joint under different geometrical conditions through this modified model. The experiment and simulation reveal that the failures mainly occur in the solder–PCB interface in lower load level, the other way round, in a higher load level, the cracks are more possibly formed in solder–package interface; comparing to dropping in horizontal direction with package faces down, the solder joints are much harder to fail when dropping in vertical direction; An optimal height and smaller pitch of solder joints lead to lowest SED and best reliability in the drop test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, two degraded polysaccharides were obtained by H 2 O 2 -Vc-ultrasonic and H 2 O 2 -Fe2+-ultrasonic treatment from Codium cylindricum. The basic structure of polysaccharides was characterized and the relationship between structure and antioxidant activity was studied. FTIR spectrum indicated that the degraded polysaccharides had similar functional groups (O H, C H, C O group) with ordinary polysaccharides. LC-MS analysis showed that the degraded polysaccharides were composed of the same monosaccharide units (mannose, galactose, arabinose, glucose, ribose) with Codium cylindricum polysaccharides, but the molar ratio was different. Meanwhile, the molecular weight and morphological feature of polysaccharides had been changed after degradation. Additionally, the antioxidant activity assay revealed that two degraded polysaccharides with lower molecular weight possessed better antioxidant property than ordinary polysaccharides. These results suggested that the basic structure of polysaccharides had not been damaged by two degradation methods, while the antioxidant activity was significantly enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Combining rice-crab coculture and bioaugmentation improved phenanthrene degradation. • Bioaugmentation changed the soil microbial community structure. • Crab bioturbation promotes the secretion of rice root exudates. • Pseudomonas sp. was positively correlated with some PGPRs. • The strategy achieves "remediation while production" in rice paddies. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent and harmful pollutants with high priority concern in agricultural fields. This work constructed a rice-crab coculture and bioaugmentation (RCM) system to remediate phenanthrene (a model PAH) contamination in rice fields. The results showed that RCM had a higher remediation performance of phenanthrene in rice paddy compared with rice cultivation alone, microbial addition alone, and crab-rice coculture, reaching a remediation efficiency of 88.92 % in 42 d. The concentration of phenanthrene in the rice plants decreased to 6.58 mg/kg, and its bioconcentration effect was efficiently inhibited in the RCM system. In addition, some low molecular weight organic acids of rice root increased by 12.87 %∼73.87 %, and some amino acids increased by 140 %∼1150 % in RCM. Bioturbation of crabs improves soil aeration structure and microbial migration, and adding Pseudomonas promoted the proliferation of some plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), which facilitated the degradation of phenanthrene. This coupling rice-crab coculture with bioaugmentation had favorable effects on soil enzyme activity, microbial community structure, and PAH degradation genes in paddy fields, enhancing the removal of and resistance to PAH contamination in paddy fields and providing new strategies for achieving a balance between production and remediation in contaminated paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Establishing a sample preparation method for the perforation fracturing experiment. • Perforation fracturing can reduce the initiation pressure of the formation. • Perforation fracturing contributes to the formation of bedding and branch fractures. • Fluctuations of the fracturing curve during extension correlate with the fracture pattern. • Activating the small-scale tectonic fractures facilitates the complexity of fractures. Perforation hydraulic fracturing is essential in developing unconventional oil and gas resources. This study scales the critical parameters to simulate operations at the field scale, using a true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experimental system to mimic actual far-field stress conditions. The research simulates various scenarios of perforation and fracturing fluid parameters, which significantly influence fracture propagation behaviour and fracture network morphology. The results showed that the initiation pressure required for fracturing with perforation is 20.91% lower than that of open-hole fracturing. Multiple fractures, including bedding and branch fractures, exhibit cross-propagation behaviour, forming barrier-type morphology. Induced by perforation, hydraulic fracture initiation and propagation occur along the direction of maximum geo-stress, but unreasonable orientation and reduction in perforation length can also increase initiation pressure. The flow rate and viscosity of fracturing fluid are positively proportional to the initiation pressure. A high flow rate of 100 mL/min facilitates the generation of bedding fractures, enhances the bedding fractures connectivity and increases fracture network complexity. However, the increase in viscosity forces hydraulic fracture to penetrate the bedding plane directly and diminishes the complexity of the fracture network. Compared to the pressure build-up phase, fluctuations in the fracturing curve during the propagation phase are significantly related to the complexity of the fracture network. Small-scale structural surfaces developed within the strata can become part of the hydraulic fractures and increase the fracture network complexity. Additionally, the hydraulic fractures are captured and hindered by large-scale structural surfaces, forming a single fracture morphology. The findings significantly aid in predicting fracture propagation and fracture network morphology in oil shale exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of NaCl deposition on the deformation and fracture behavior during the cycle loading of dwell fatigue of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at 500 °C was investigated. Experimental results show that the hot corrosion reduces the dwell fatigue life of the alloy by up to 79 % compared with the bare (without salt) sample, and the degree of hot corrosion damage increase with the decrease of dwell stress. Comprehensive microstructural analysis suggests that the reduction of dwell fatigue life of the salt-coated sample is related to the crack initiation from surface corrosion pits/spalling pits and rapid crack propagation. Moreover, hot corrosion and creep damage are considered to exist competitive relationship during the failure process. • The hot corrosion-dwell fatigue interaction mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at 500 °C was investigated in detail. • The degree of hot corrosion damage increase with the decrease of dwell stress. • Hot corrosion severely affects the second and third stages deformation and shorten the dwell fatigue life. • Hot corrosion and creep damage are considered to exist competitive relationship during the failure process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degradation of sulphated polysaccharides from Grateloupia livida (GLP) was studied using H 2 O 2 -Vc combined with microwave treatment. Optimal conditions were determined after the Box-Behnken response surface analysis. The best degradation conditions were as follows: microwave power 250 W, microwave temperature 54 °C, the concentration of H 2 O 2 3 mM, degradation time 33 min. Under these conditions, the DPPH scavenging activity of the degraded GLP (DGLP) was 71.39 ± 0.17% at a concentration of 6.0 mg/mL. The degradation method is fast and effective, which is beneficial to improve the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides. Two sulphated polysaccharide constituents (DGLP-1 and DGLP-2) were isolated from DGLP and characterized, and their antioxidant activities were determined. The two polysaccharides had high sulphate content (sulphate content: 25.18–25.26%), contained galactose as the major monosaccharide, and had molecular weights of 158.49 ± 0.43 and 18.06 ± 0.92 kDa, respectively. Antioxidant assays suggested that DGLP-1 and especially DGLP-2 possessed good antioxidant properties. • Grateloupia livida (GLP) polysaccharide were degraded using H 2 O 2 -Vc and microwave. • Optimal conditions were obtained after Box-Behnken response surface analysis. • Two sulfated polysaccharide constituents (DGLP-1 and DGLP-2) were isolated from DGLP. • DGLP-1 and DGLP-2 possess good antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In local denoising, the nonlocal WDF filter provides better results. • The WDF filter can be realized with a hardware implementation, such as an optical system. • Simple filters, such as apertures and Gaussian-weighted averages, can be highly effective in reducing noise. Nonlocal means denoising (NLM) and block-matching and 3D filtering (BM3D) have become the most popular algorithms for image processing. The disadvantage of these methods is that they cannot be realized by hardware implementation. The Wigner distribution function (WDF) has advantages such as explicit physical meaning, spatial frequency distribution of each pixel, and suitability for optical implementation. In recent years, the wide-field imaging system has been used extensively in multiple situations such as aviation, medicine, and traffic. Large-field images often have multiple point spread functions (PSF) and local random noise. However, the results have shown that most nonlocal filters have inadequate effects on local noise filtering. This paper analytically examines the Wigner transform of a multi-Gaussian function and investigates the effects of cross-term and noise on filter reconstruction in image processing. Based on the results, a new space-variant filter with a simple mathematical formula is proposed and applied to local high-frequency noise filtering. Since the filter is closely related to the intensity distribution in the spatial and frequency domains, it provides a simple way to process local noise while simultaneously preserving the high-frequency information of the image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to analyze the effects of different wax contents and molecular chain lengths on the wax deposition behavior in crude oil systems and the mechanism. The results show that the wax deposition on the iron surface occurs via a three-layer adsorption process driven by van der Waals (vdW) forces. In addition, there are four important stages in the process of crude oil deposition on iron surfaces. The first stage involves the diffusion of crude oil molecules onto the iron surface, the second involves their adsorption onto the solid surface and parallel alignment with the surface, and the third and fourth stages involve the formation of floccules through intermolecular interactions and bridging between the deposited layer adsorbed on the solid surface and the crude oil system. For different wax contents and molecular chain lengths, the wax deposition process is similar to crude oil systems, and the thicknesses of the deposited layers on the iron surface were similar. The primary contribution to the interaction energy between crude oil molecules and the iron surfaces is from vdW effects. As the crude oil system's wax content and molecular chain length increase, the interactions between crude oil molecules and the iron surface are strengthened, and these interactions are further enhanced as more crude oil molecules accumulate in the deposited layer. The results of the study may provide theoretical support for an in-depth understanding of the wax deposition process. [Display omitted] • The wax deposition behavior in crude oil systems and the mechanism are investigated. • The deposition of wax on iron surfaces is a three-layer adsorption process driven by van der Waals forces. • There are four stages in the process of crude oil deposition on iron surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The identification of an unknown quantum gate is a significant issue in quantum technology. In this paper, we propose a quantum gate identification method within the framework of quantum process tomography. In this method, a series of pure states are applied to the gate and then a fast state tomography on the output states is performed and the data are used to reconstruct the quantum gate. The algorithm has computational complexity O (d 3) with the system dimension d. The identification approach is compared with the maximum likelihood estimation method for the running time, which shows an efficiency advantage of our method. An error upper bound is established for the identification algorithm and the robustness of the algorithm against impurities in the input states is also tested. We perform a quantum optical experiment on a single-qubit Hadamard gate to verify the effectiveness of the identification algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave pyrolysis of moso bamboo over bamboo-based biochar catalyst was conducted to achieve the bio-oil upgrading and high quality syngas production. The influence of the biochar on bamboo pyrolysis involving the temperature rise, product yield, and bio-oil and gas compositions was studied. The gas production was facilitated by the biochar mainly at the cost of the bio-oil, indicating the biochar had an excellent activity for the bio-oil cracking. The main compositions in bio-oil were acetic acid and phenol with the total contents ranging from 73.145% to 82.84% over the biochar catalysts, suggesting the upgrading of the bio-oil were achieved. The biochar exerted a positive effect on the syngas (CO + H 2 ) production with the maximum content reaching up to 65.13 vol% at the 20 wt% addition amount of biochar under microwave condition. The biochar became more effective on the bio-oil upgrading and syngas production under microwave heating than conventional heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the serviceability and service life of high-speed railway ballastless track, the epoxy asphalt-based concrete railway substructure (EAC-S) is proposed. Three epoxy asphalt-based concretes (EACs), containing the conventional epoxy asphalt concrete (CEAC), the rubber powder modified epoxy asphalt concrete (REAC), and the thermoplastic matrix asphalt modified epoxy asphalt concrete (MEAC), were designed at first. Afterwards, the material performance of the EACs was evaluated by a series of laboratory experiments. Finally, a finite element model was developed to investigate the structural performance of EAC-S. Results show that all the three EACs are suitable for the high-speed railway substructure, and the EACs could improve the cracking resistance and deformability of substructure. The designed EAC-S has better capacity in vibration attenuation than the conventional substructure, and could improve the stress and deformation behavior of the subgrade bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of iron(III) ion on microwave pyrolysis of moso bamboo was investigated. Hydrofluoric acid washing was used as a pilot process to demineralize moso bamboo in order to eliminate the influences of the other inorganics contained in moso bamboo itself. The results indicated that the addition of iron(III) ion increased the maximal reaction temperatures under microwave condition dependent on the amount of the added iron(III) ion. The production of the non-condensable gases was promoted by the addition of iron(III) ion mainly at the expense of liquid products. Iron(III) ion exhibited the positive effect for syngas production and inhibited the formation of CO 2 and CH 4 . The formation of Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 was found during microwave pyrolysis and the mechanism of the two metallic oxides formation was described in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogenic and spoilage bacterium, frequently found in aquatic products, demonstrated to cause foodborne illness and food spoilage. Cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum can act as an efficient antibacterial agent against foodborne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial mechanism of CFS of L. plantarum MY2 against A. hydrophila ST3 and potential application in raw tuna. Herein, the inhibitory activity of CFS against A. hydrophila , causing damage to the membrane structure of the cell with 10% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), has been revealed. Changes in the key enzyme activity of TCA cycle (tricarboxylic acid cycle) and changes of 114 significant metabolites revealed the disordered metabolism of A. hydrophila under CFS treatment. The significant different metabolites (VIP values > 1 and P -value < 0.05) were mainly involved in amino acids metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism. Challenge tests demonstrated the CFS could inhibit the growth of A. hydrophila in raw tuna effectively, with 2.03 log CFU/g and 2.44 log CFU/g populations reduction for 4 days of storage at MIC and 2MIC treatment groups compared to control groups, respectively. This study thus confirmed the antibacterial efficacy of CFS of L. plantarum MY2, and suggested the potential of CFS as an antibacterial agent for application in the seafood sector to reduce the food poisoning and spoilage caused by A. hydrophila. [Display omitted] • CFS of L. plantarum can inhibit A. hydrophila growth in vitro and in raw tuna. • Cell membrane structure of A. hydrophila was destroyed after CFS treatment. • In the metabolomic 114 significantly differential metabolites were identified. • Metabolic pathway and the key enzyme activity were disturbed after CFS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]