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Hierarchical structures with synergistic dielectric-magnetic compositions are highly desired for electromagnetic wave absorption and interference shielding applications. Fabricating lightweight and high-performance electromagnetic protection composites with additional functions are demanded to suppress severe electromagnetic radiation and interference pollution. Herein, a unique three-dimensional hierarchical structure consisting of 1D multi-walled carbon nanotubes anchored on 1D MXene@CF core-sheath microrods are rationally proposed via electrostatic self-assembly and hydrothermal strategy as well as subsequent thermal-catalysis treatment. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes encapsulated with magnetic CoNi nanoparticles are immobilized onto core-sheath microrods matrix, constructing effective 1D/1D electron migration bridges and the uniformly dispersed magnetic component to facilitate magnetic coupling effect. Consequently, profiting from the optimized impedance matching, enhanced conduction loss, dielectric polarization, and magnetic loss, the as-prepared sample shows an outstanding absorption capacity with reflection loss value of −56.8 dB and X-band full absorption. When used as electromagnetic shielding materials, the composites exhibit exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding properties. In addition, the upgraded mechanical strength, remarkable voltage-driven Joule heating and superhydrophobic properties endow the absorbers with multi-scenario adaptability and long life-time applications. This work provides well-designed hierarchical structures for high-performance electromagnetic absorbing and shielding with the great prospect of multifunctional applications. The unique three-dimensional hierarchical composites consisting of 1D multi-walled carbon nanotubes anchored on 1D MXene@CF core-sheath microrods are rationally proposed. The prepared composites show excellent electromagnetic wave absorbing and shielding performance, the upgraded mechanical strength, remarkable voltage-driven Joule heating and superhydrophobic properties. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical structures of N-doped carbon nanotubes anchored on 1D core-sheath microrods structure were successfully prepared. • The composites exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave absorption and shielding properties. • The designed composites show enhanced mechanical strength, excellent voltage-driven Joule heating and superhydrophobic capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although patellar dislocation is a knee disorder prevalent in adolescence and young adults, the evaluation and treatment of patients are complex and even enigmatic. Much of the literature fails to provide a detailed description of patient management. The purpose of this study is to introduce a method for the evaluation and treatment of patellar dislocation. This Technical Note will help guide clinicians in the clinical evaluation of patients and formulation of treatment plans. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To (1) compare these parameters between patients with patellar dislocation and healthy individuals on magnetic resonance imaging measurements, (2) validate the diagnostic capacity of the tibial tubercle-posterior cruciate ligament (TT-PCL) distance and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, (3) define the pathologic threshold values of these parameters for tibial tubercle osteotomy indication, and (4) compare these values with those of previous studies.Methods: Seventy patients with patellar dislocation and 70 healthy volunteers were identified. The inter- and intraobserver reliability values were determined using Bland-Altman analysis and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The diagnostic capacity of the parameters was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The data of the control group were used to determine the pathologic threshold values of the measurements. Logistic regression analysis was performed with these pathologic threshold values.Results: Significant differences in the TT-PCL distance (P = .01) and TT-TG distance (P < .001) were found between the study group (21.48 ± 3.18 and 12.91 ± 3.80, respectively) and the control group (20.07 ± 2.99 and 8.46 ± 3.16, respectively). Both the TT-PCL distance and TT-TG distance had excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement, with inter-ICCs >0.915 and intra-ICCs >0.932, respectively. However, the TT-TG distance had a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than did the TT-PCL distance (0.820 vs 0.627). The pathologic threshold value of the TT-PCL distance was 24.76 mm. The pathologic threshold value of the TT-TG distance was 13.64 mm. Subjects with a TT-TG distance of >13.64 mm had a greater risk for patellar dislocation, with an odds ratio of 14.02 (95% confidence interval 4.00-49.08, P < .001).Conclusions: Both the TT-PCL distance and TT-TG distance can be measured reliably by magnetic resonance imaging; however, the TT-TG distance has a better diagnostic capacity than does the TT-PCL distance.Level Of Evidence: Retrospective cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the potential relationship between the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and the femoral anteversion of different segments of the femur in patients with patellar dislocation.Methods: A total of 60 patients with a diagnosis of patellar dislocation were included in our study. Patients with previous knee surgeries, previous fractures, or lack of necessary radiologic examinations were excluded from our study. The data of computed tomography scanning within a week before the surgery was used to measure the TT-TG distance, total anteversion, proximal anteversion, diaphyseal anteversion, distal anteversion, and tibial torsion. All the data were obtained from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation. The Pearson correlation analysis was performed to confirm the potential relationship between TT-TG distance and femoral anteversion of different segments. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to assess the interobserver reliability of measurements.Results: The TT-TG distance was significantly correlated with the diaphyseal anteversion (r = -0.305, P = 0.008) and distal anteversion (r = 0.365, P = 0.004). The total anteversion was associated with proximal anteversion (r = 0.392, P = 0.02) and diaphyseal anteversion (r = 0.631, P < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient showed the measurements of included parameters were presented with excellent agreement.Conclusion: Our study showed that patients with high diaphyseal anteversion and distal anteversion tend to had a higher TT-TG distance but the value of total and proximal femoral anteversion were independent of the value of TT-TG distance.Level Of Evidence: Level IV therapeutic case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The optimized electric and ionic conductivity of metal oxides with pseudo-capacitive properties can greatly improve their electrochemical performances and can effectively amplify their applications in super-capacitors. Carbon spheres with multilayered graphene formed in their matrix are prepared by annealing them with sodium metal and they are combined with NiCo 2 O 4 spheres by a simple hydro-thermal treatment. Structures and electrochemical performances of resulted samples are examined with X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, gas physisorption, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra, respectively. The largest specific capacitance of resulted composites is measured about 920 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, which is about 3.7 times larger than that of pure carbon spheres and 2.8 times larger than that of pure NiCo 2 O 4 spheres. The formation of multilayered graphene in the matrix of carbon spheres not only increases the high specific capacitance based on electric double layers, but also makes metal oxides combined with them display greatly increased pseudo-capacitance. The electric and ionic conductivity of resulted composites with various weight ratios of NiCo 2 O 4 and carbon spheres are respectively investigated and their effects on their electrochemical performances are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present a highly flexible and large-area CuS transparent conductive film (TCF) fabricated by colloidal crackle pattern as a counter electrode (CE) for flexible dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). This rectangular CuS TCF can be fabricated on arbitrary flexible substrates at low temperature and exhibits superior mechanical robustness in bending cycling measurement. The transmittance and conductivity can be accurately controlled by controlling the sizes and shapes of the crackle patterns, ~ 90% transmittance can be achieved when the sheet resistances (R s ) are ~ 60 Ω sq −1 . Moreover, such CuS TCF has strong receivable ability of pH (1−13) and temperature changes (0–100 °C). In the application of DSSC as CE, the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses of the CuS networks exhibit a comparable electrocatalytic behavior with the platinum (Pt) networks on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.54% for DSSC based on CuS networks as CE and retaining > 90% PCE after 500 bending cycles. Such CuS TCF with high transparency, flexibility, conductivity and electrochemical catalytic ability shows great potentials in other wearable, light-weight electrochemical cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report an ultrathin flexible photo-charging power pack that integrates a perovskite solar cell (PSC) and electro-chemical supercapacitor (ESC) on bi-polar TiO 2 nanotube arrays (TNARs). Instead of two independent components, the integrated sandwich-type device allows the direct injection of the electrons generated by the PSCs into the ESCs through shared highly ordered bi-polar TNARs. Meanwhile, the holes separated from the perovskite layer divert into positive electrode of ESCs through an external circuit effectually. When the flexible photo-supercapacitor was illuminated with simulated solar light, the voltage of ESC was increased to 0.63 V within 30 s at the beginning of the charging period immediately. The optimized power pack exhibits a remarkable overall photoelectric conversion (4.9%) and storage efficiency up to 80%, with fast response and superior cycling capability. To meet applicable demands with a larger output voltage, these photo-supercapacitors are successfully woven into “bamboo slip” architecture, which can be folded, bended and allows tuning the open-circuit voltage (> 2.4 V) by charging the number of photo-supercapacitor strips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayered Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, due to its tunable dielectric constants and structural designability, has been identified as rising star for exploring high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorbers. However, it is still a huge challenge to address insufficient external contact of multilayered MXene at lower filler loading. Herein, inspired by the layer-pillar-layer architecture, a controllable catalytic-assisted nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes bridging strategy is rationally proposed on the interlaminations of multilayered MXene units (MXene/TiO 2 /NCNTs, denoted as MTNC) to enhance dielectric dissipation ability. Through chemical vapor deposition, the NCNTs bridges as pillars not only break the confinement effect of multilayered MXene architecture like the process of seed germination but also effectively optimize impedance matching and increase dielectric constants. Simultaneously, the unique NCNTs-encapsulated magnetic components successfully prevents the agglomerations of CoNi nanoparticles and local mismatching problems, which facilitates the construction of three-dimensional magnetic coupling network. Specifically, the N heteroatoms and formed TiO 2 species induce dielectric polarization and corresponding relaxation processes. Driven by unique layer-pillar-layer architecture, optimized impedance matching, and synergistic dielectric-magnetic dissipation capabilities, the resultant absorber delivers outstanding reflection loss value of −55.8 dB and broad absorption bandwidth of 5.88 GHz. This work provides a novel structural design strategy and enlightenment for developing high-performance multilayered MXene-based absorbers. The NCNTs bridges as pillars not only break the confinement effect of multilayered MXene architecture like the process of seed germination but also effectively optimize impedance matching and increase dielectric constants. [Display omitted] • Unique layer-pillar-layer architectures are successfully prepared. • The NCNTs as pillars break the confinement effect of multilayered MXene architecture. • 3D interconnected MTNC composite show outstanding microwave absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] To facilitate the transition of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) from early stages to large-scale real-world applications, urgent mass production is imperative, necessitating standardized manufacturing processes. In this study, a novel "pause-and-insert" and "print-in-place" 3D printing approach has been devised, employing widely available fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers along with conductive (as electrodes) and nonconductive (for casing and support) filaments to make encapsulate microbeads triboelectric nanogenerator (MB-TENG). This innovation results in a fully enclosed freestanding-mode TENG pack, seamlessly integrated with a lightweight wind-induced oscillator featuring tuning systems, thus enabling efficient, safe, and noiseless omnidirectional wind energy harvesting. Through adept design and manufacturing techniques, systematic inner-structure optimization has been achieved, yielding superior output and industrialization levels compared to similar efforts. MB-TENG's surface charge density is as high as 19.9 µC/m2. The average power density is 13.8 W/m3. Moreover, the elimination of postprocessing significantly streamlines standard manufacturing, enhancing the prospects for device commercialization. Beyond its wind energy application, the versatile energy packs can serve as both ocean wave and human motion harvesters within network configurations, capable of powering a massive real-time monitoring sensor array. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel 3D hierarchical mesoporous flower-like NiCo 2 O 4 electrode material was prepared by water-ethanol mixed solvothermal method combining the calcination process. Nickel sulfate hexahydrate (NiSO 4 ·6H 2 O), cobalt sulfate heptahydrate (CoSO 4 ·7H 2 O), rare-used guanidine (CH 6 ClN 3 ) were used as nickel and cobalt sources, precipitant of weak base, respectively. The resultant samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption and desorption and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared NiCo 2 O 4 material exhibited excellent electrochemical performance-with a high specific capacitance of 1609 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 , and high capacity retention of 85% after a 1000-cycle charge-discharge at 10 A g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon aerogels (CAs) were prepared via the pyrolysis of phenolic resin gels (PRGs) containing ZnCl 2 . The pyrolysis of PRGs and the activation of resulted amorphous carbons in CAs can be carried out in one step. Structure characterizations of CAs were performed by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum and gas adsorption-desorption method. Electrochemical performances of CAs were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. CAs with specific surface area of 2846 m 2 g −1 can display its specific capacitance of 246 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 and 219 F g −1 at 10 A g −1 . The addition of ZnCl 2 in matrix of PRGs by a hydrothermal treatment can effectively avoid its serious volatilization at higher temperatures and enhance its activation efficiency. A series of structure evolutions in CAs including their specific surface areas, pore volumes and accumulation states of laminar carbon molecules can be caused by changing the content of ZnCl 2 in PRGs. High electrochemical performances of CAs are resulted from their adjusted carbon structures. The relation between the structure evolutions in CAs and their improved electrochemical performances is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ability of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles to retain wettability reversal of CO 2 -water-shale system is studied. • The wettability-enhancing effect of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanofluid with different nanofluid concentrations and aging time on contact angles is obtained. • The effect of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles on water wettability and functional groups of shale after a period of ScCO 2 treatment is elaborated. • SiO 2 nanofluid showed better performance compared to Al 2 O 3 nanofluid in wettability reversal after ScCO 2 treatment. • SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles can recover CO 2 structural trapping and increase mineral trapping potential in shale formation. The wettability of rocks is closely related to the CO 2 geo-storage (CGS) security after CO 2 injection into the reservoir. Nanofluids can be used to efficaciously alter the wettability of the CO 2 -water-rock system toward an advantageous state (water-wet) for CGS. In this study, we investigated the potential of SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanofluids at different aging time and concentrations to retain the wettability reversal of CO 2 -exposed shale from the Sichuan Basin after supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO 2) exposure. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer and field emission scanning electron microscopy tests were performed to evaluate the variations of functional groups and surface topography of shale. Results indicated that both nanoparticles efficiently retain the wettability reversal of shale after a period of ScCO 2 treatment, which is conducive to structural trapping in the CGS project. The efficiency was improved by increasing the nanofluid aging time and concentrations, while beyond a certain value, the contact angle value changed trivially. Quasi-homogeneously distributed on the shale surface in ScCO 2 may contribute to the wettability alteration of shale in ScCO 2 , whereas there are still removals of nanoparticles in some sites. The variations of functional groups suggest that the existence of nanoparticles may mildly expedite the CO 2 mineralization, signifying the change of wetting behavior of shale in ScCO 2 depends on the wettability of nanoparticles, and the nanofluids treatment may exert a positive influence on mineral trapping in the CGS project. The findings in this research provide an important basis for raising the CO 2 geological storage security and potential via nanofluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Carbon aerogels containing the manganese additive can be intensify graphitized. [•] Reduced manganese oxides by sodium metals cause the synergistic graphitization. [•] Porous characters of carbon aerogels is obvious optimized by the graphitization. [•] The graphitized carbon aerogels possess combined porous and crystalline characters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A structural optimization of porous carbons via their graphitization in molten sodium at 800°C is presented in order to improve electrochemical behavior in electric double layer capacitors. Porous carbons are synthesized by phenol-formaldehyde resin (PC-RF), activated and graphitized carbons are prepared by PC-RF. They are all examined by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and gas physisorption; their electrochemical performances are examined by cyclic voltammetry and electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy in a three-electrode system. Graphitized carbons are characterized with a specific surface area as high as 1271 m2 g−1, a total pore volume of 0.889 cm3 g−1 with a capacitance of 160 F g−1 at a scan rate of 100mV s−1 and a symmetric galvanostatic charge-discharge pattern at 5 A g−1, which are much superior to that of activated carbons and initial PC-RF. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to valid carbon surfaces in graphitized carbons for the formation of electric double layers with electrolyte ions. Graphitization causes a more developed porosity, a decreased electric resistance and ion transfer resistance in graphitized carbons, realizing a combination of nanopores and graphitic carbons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Mode I fracture toughness, absorbed energy and energy-release rate of shale decreased after Sc-CO 2 saturation. • Sc-CO 2 saturation more rapidly cause the initiation and propagation of shale mode I cracks with main fracture mode of transgranular cracks. • The influence mechanism of Sc-CO 2 on mode I fracture toughness and crack propagation of shale was revealed. The mode I fracture toughness is a critical parameter which defines the rock's resistance to crack propagation, especially in hydraulic fracturing. Recently, Supercritical carbon dioxide (Sc-CO 2) has been proposed as a fracturing fluid candidate in hydraulic fracturing stimulations of shale reservoirs. However, its effects on fracture toughness transition and crack propagation behaviors have not been understood well. In this study, we performed a series of semicircular bend specimens (SCB) before the Longmaxi shale specimens' saturation. Three-point bending tests along divider orientation showed that after Sc-CO 2 saturation, mode I fracture toughness (K IC), elastic modulus (E) and absorbed energy (Ue) of shale were decreased by 22.1%, 24.5% and 44.3%, respectively. High speed camera images indicated that after Sc-CO 2 saturation, mode I crack directly propagated straight along artificial pre-crack direction, decreasing the degree of crack deviation as in K IC. The results of Cronos high-precision 3D scanning system and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed complicated fracture mechanisms (transgranular, intergranular and mutual coupling crack mechanisms) of shale after Sc-CO 2 saturation, which reduced the roughness and area of fracture crack surface. The generation of pore and cracks was the main reason for the decrease of shale resistance to fracture. Furthermore, Sc-CO 2 saturated shale specimens only needed to absorb less energy to more rapidly cause the initiation and propagation of mode I cracks with the main fracture mode being transgranular cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-BaB2O4 (BBO) crystals were grown from high-temperature borate solutions by the top seeded growth method (TSGM) using NaF as a flux. During the crystal growth, volatiles were found to cause defects in BBO crystals. The component of volatiles was investigated to be sodium fluoride (NaF) by X-ray diffraction. Optical microscope and electron microscope were used to identify inclusions in BBO crystals. Two mechanisms for the formation of inclusions caused by the volatilization of NaF were discussed and the inclusion free BBO crystals with 70 mm in diameter and 20 mm in thickness were obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To investigate the mechanism of super-critical CO 2 saturation on the tensile properties of shale, shale specimens were saturated with Sc-CO 2 , and inert gas (Ar) was employed as control group. Brazilian splitting experiment with different layering inclinations (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°) showed that after Sc-CO 2 saturation, the Brazilian splitting strength (BSS) and Brazilian splitting modulus (E) of shale were decreased by 11.9% and 5.7%, respectively. Regardless of any direction of stress loading, the bedding planes of shale had been damaged. The failure mode of shale transformed from single tensile to tensile-shear mixed failure after Sc-CO 2 saturation and less energy was required for shale failure. The weakening of carbonate cementation made the bedding planes more prone to damage, and the number of shear cracks after Sc-CO 2 saturation was twice as much. The X-ray diffractometer, scanning electronic microscope and nuclear magnetic resonance results showed that the increase of porosity caused by calcite dissolution and organic matter extraction was the fundamental reason for the deterioration of shale tensile properties. Furthermore, gas pressure made shale more compact, and also induced new cracks formation in the meanwhile. Therefore, after Ar saturation, E and BSS of shale were increased and decreased, respectively. • Brazilian splitting strength and splitting modulus of shale decreased after Sc-CO 2 saturation. • The number of shear cracks after Sc-CO 2 saturation was twice as much. • The influence mechanism of supercritical CO 2 and Ar on tensile characteristics of shale was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-powered flexible sensors play an increasingly important role in wearable and even implantable electronic devices. Silk protein is an ideal material for flexible sensors because of its terrific biocompatibility and controllable degradation rate. Here, we overcome the problem of mechanical flexibility and poor electrical conductivity of proteins, and develop a highly transparent, biocompatible, full-degradable and flexible triboelectric nanogenerator (Bio-TENG) for energy harvesting and wireless sensing. First, the mechanical flexibility of the silk protein film is greatly enhanced by the mesoscopic functionalization of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) via adding glycerol and polyurethane (PU). Second, hollow silver nanofibers are constructed on the silk film to form an air-permeable, stretchable, biocompatible and degradable thin layer and utilized as friction electrode. The obtained Bio-TENG demonstrates high transparency (83% by one Ag gird layer), stretchability (Ɛ = 520%) and an instantaneous peak power density of 0.8 W m−2 that can drive wearable electronics. Besides, the Bio-TENG can work as artificial electronic skin for touch/pressure perception, and also for wirelessly controlling Internet of Things as a switch. • Conductive and ultrastretchable (520%) silk protein film was prepared. • Hollow silver nanofibers were constructed on silk film to enhance conductivity. • Bio-TENG was air permeable, biocompatible, stretchable and degradable. • Bio-TENG was applied for energy harvesting and wirelessly controlling Internet of Things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkyl nitrates (RONO₂) are key reactive nitrogen compounds with significant impacts on local and regional air quality. The concentrations of alkyl nitrates can vary significantly across different regions, especially in areas with varying levels of human activity. Long-term observation of alkyl nitrates is necessary to assess the intensity of photochemical reactions and the contributions from different sources. In this study, we present the first continuous year-long monitoring results of eight alkyl nitrates via whole air sample collection and GC-MSD/ECD analysis at a coastal site in Hong Kong. Source apportionment analysis via positive matrix factorization (PMF) revealed distinctive seasonal variations in the source contributions for the eight alkyl nitrate species. Furthermore, increased contributions from biomass combustion were found in autumn and winter, while marine emissions primarily influenced methyl nitrate levels during summer. Our study highlights the significant impact of biomass burning from inland areas on photochemical pollutants in Hong Kong. Cross-regional cooperation in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is necessary for more comprehensive management of secondary photochemical pollution. [Display omitted] • Seasonal variations and sources of alkyl nitrates are characterized at a coastal site. • The contributions from secondary formation and biomass burning to alkyl nitrate can be comparable in autumn and winter. • Cross region effort is necessary to control biomass burning for better photochemical pollution management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aerogel-like carbons were fabricated and were then graphitized in sodium metal at 800°C and ambient pressure. The resultant graphitized aerogel-like carbons have a crystalline carbonous structure with three-dimensional stacked graphite ribbons about 10nm in width and are highly porous solids with pore size distributions around 4nm and 15nm. The infiltration of sodium metal into the carbonous matrix causes a rearrangement of carbon particles, resulting in the formation of graphite structure, a transformation from micropores to mesopores and an increase of nitrogen surface area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Prediction method of bridge static load test results based on Kriging model was presented. • The Kriging model is used for the intelligent analysis and prediction of existing bridges. • The correctness and feasibility of this method was verified. • The method can considerably reduce the costs spent for bridge static tests. To solve the problems of expensive bridge load test cost, traffic congestion influence, and damage to bridges by load test, the dynamic experimental results based on the inexpensive, safety inspection data and maintenance process of existing bridges are presented in this paper. The Kriging model is used for the intelligent analysis and prediction of the actual stiffnesses of the existing bridges as well as for the high-accuracy prediction of their static load experimental results. In order to achieve the above objectives, a sensitivity coefficient is selected based on the sensitivity analysis of the whole bridge, and the Kriging model is established and optimized to forecast and modify sensitive parameters for the high-precision correction of the model. Relative to other machine learning algorithm models, the Kriging model has higher parameter sensitivity and reliability. To verify the correctness and feasibility of the above mentioned methods, a continuous rigid frame bridge is selected as an engineering test object, and ANSYS, a finite element software, is used for modeling and analysis. The research results show that the finite element model modification method based on the Kriging process can employ inexpensive and convenient bridge dynamic load tests to modify the actual parameters of the finite element model in the Kriging process of bridges; consequently, the test results of static load experiments can be more accurately predicted. The correction results obtained by the Kriging model are in good agreement with test results and exhibit high precision and reliability; moreover, the method is less costly and good safety, and has minimal influence on traffic. Moreover, in view of the potential for conducting a large number of bridge mechanical performance evaluations on all levels and the effective simulation and performance prediction of existing bridge project maintenance decisions, the proposed method affords a new train of thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CNV region was identified in Chinese goat of CADM2 gene. • The CADM2 gene was higher expressed in lung and heart than other tissues. • There were significant differences in individual growth traits of different CNV types. Copy number variations (CNVs) are the wide structural variations ranging from 50 bp to several Mb at genome which can affect gene expression and further impacting growth and development traits of livestock. Comparing with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), CNVs can better explain the genetic and phenotypic diversity, are increasingly important in biological research. As a member of immunoglobulin super-family, cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2) plays a vital role in cancer development and metabolic regulation. Here, we tested the CNV of CADM2 gene in 443 goats across five breeds (Guizhou white goat, GZW; Guizhou black goat, GZB; Africa Nubian goat, AN; Boer goat × Huai goat, BH; Boer goat, BG) and detected its association with phenotypic traits. Subsequently, we analyzed the CADM2 gene expression level in different tissues of NB goats (n = 3, Nubian × Black) and the transcriptional expression in lung is much higher than others. The results showed that the CNV of CADM2 has a significant association with withers height and body length in GZB goat (P < 0.01), in which individuals with type of deletion were superior to those with duplication or normal type in term of body hight and body length (P < 0.01). In summary, this study confirmed the association between CNV of CADM2 gene and growth traits, and our research data indicated the CADM2 -CNV may considered as a prospective candidate for the molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of goat growth traits, which conducived to accelerating the genetic amelioration in Chinese goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present a newly designed photoelectrochromic smart windows (PECSW) comprising of a large-scale electrochromic device (ECD) and several integrated fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells (FDSSCs). In this configuration, to avoid shading sunlight for each other, the FDSSCs twine around the ECD and serve as frames. Different from rigid planar solar cells, the FDSSCs are suitable to be integrated (series or parallel connection) to output desired power to drive the ECDs. More importantly, the angle dependence of the FDSSC's output on incident light is extremely low due to the unique cylindrical configuration, which brings convenience for the installation of the PECSW on the building external wall. Thanks to the high flexibility of the FDSSCs, the solar cells can be integrated with flexible ECDs for special applications. It was demonstrated that the PECSW can be directly driven by sunlight and the transmittance of the smart window can be adjusted by the light intensity. In addition, the PECSW also can be utilized as photoelectrochromic supercapacitor for energy storage and its reversible color variation can simultaneously monitor the level of stored energy. The FDSSCs based PECSW represents a new opportunity for emerging smart window technologies. We present a newly designed large-scale photoelectrochromic smart windows which is composed by electrochromic device and fiber shaped solar cells as frames. Image 1 • The fiber-shaped solar cells twine around the newly designed photoelectrochromic smart windows and serve as frames. • The angle dependence of the fiber-shaped solar cell's output on incident light is extremely low. • The fiber-shaped solar cells are suitable to be integrated to output desired power to drive the smart windows. • The integrated photoelectrochromic devices can be planar, non-planar, flexible and even bendable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A large-scale 3D-printed lattice structure was designed and built. • Modular strategy was introduced to fit the industrialized fabrication procedure. • A customized 3D printing head was developed to support robotic-assisted additive manufacturing. • Manufacturing parameters and printing path algorithm were optimized for the lattice printing. Recent advances in additive manufacturing have made the construction of large-scale 3D-printed structures possible. However, most case studies so far have primarily used concrete as the building material and regular geometries as structural forms. In this work, we present a recently built structural art installation located in Shanghai that is composed of lattice panels with regular and irregular shapes enabled by robotic arm 3D printing. To fabricate the spatial lattice structure, we developed a customized end effector for extrusion-based additive manufacturing using a robotic arm. With the developed printing head and printing path control algorithm, the modular lattice structural panels were printed using ABS material via an industrialized robotic arm and then assembled on the site as a facade. This study showcases the potential to use such modular 3D-printed lattice structures with more freedom in form and partially replace labor with robotic arms for accelerated construction and reduced cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Three-dimensional (3D) surface matching is a novel method to administer deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer to reduce cardiac exposure. We analyzed port (x-ray) films to assess patient setup accuracy and treatment times to assess the practical workflow of this system. Methods and materials: The data from 50 left-sided breast cancer patients treated with DIBH were studied. AlignRT (London, UK) was used. The distance between the field edge and the anterior pericardial shadow as seen on the routine port films (dPORT), and the corresponding distance seen on the digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) from the planning (dDRR) were compared as a quantitative measure of setup accuracy. Variations of dPORT – dDRR over the treatment course were assessed. In a subset of 21 patients treated with tangential beams alone, the daily treatment durations were analyzed to assess the practical workflow of this system. Results: Considering all 50 patients, the mean absolute systematic uncertainty between dPORT and dDRR was 0.20 cm (range, 0 to 1.22 cm), the mean systematic uncertainty was −0.07 cm (range, −1.22 to 0.67 cm), and their mean random uncertainty was 0.19 cm (range, 0 to 0.84 cm). There was no significant change in dPORT – dDRR during the course of treatment. The mean patient treatment duration for the 21 patients studied was 11 minutes 48 seconds. On intrapatient assessments, 15/21 had nonsignificant trends toward reduced treatment durations during their course of therapy. On interpatient comparisons, the mean treatment times declined as we gained more experience with this technique. Conclusions: The DIBH patient setup appears to provide a fairly reproducible degree of cardiac sparing with random uncertainties of ≈ 0.2 cm. The treatment durations are clinically acceptable and appear not to change significantly over time on an intrapatient basis, and to improve over time on an interpatient basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a cost-effective phase change thermal storage material, calcium chloride hexahydrate exhibits high heat capacity and holds tremendous promise in building energy savings. However, as a kind of hydrated salt, it also suffers from the issues of phase stratification and high degree of supercooling. Thus, present work has studied the inorganic mixtures of hydrated chloride salts and prepared a novel kind of binary eutectic phase change thermal storage material via replacing calcium chloride hexahydrate by various mass ration of magnesium chloride hexahydrate. The initial research results showed that both the components liquefied simultaneously during melting and the phase stratification of eutectic system could be effectively alleviated. Nucleating agent led to a good restrain to the supercooling of inorganic eutectic and the subcooling degree could be found as small as 1 °C.Meanwhile, the small amount of additive would little affect the melting point and enthalpy of fusion of energy storage material. The thermal cycling tests showed that our as-prepared eutectic salts exhibited good thermal reliability with fixed phase transition temperature and almost no diminution of enthalpy, which indicated that this novel binary eutectic material possessed excellent and stable performance suitable for heat storage in building energy savings. • A new binary inorganic phase change thermal storage material was prepared. • Mixture was developed by replacing CaCl 2 ·6H 2 O via various mass ration of MgCl 2 ·6H 2 O. • Phase separation and supercooling for eutectic was effectively alleviated. • Thermal properties and thermal reliability were tested by DSC scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing controllable multilayer graphene (MLG) structure in amorphous carbons is crucial but still challenging to deliver durable supercapacitive energy storage. Herein, the lead is taken in in-situ nanoarchitecturing a 2–10 layered graphene structure within the amorphous carbon skeleton by the cobalt salt/sodium metal-assisted carbonization of starch. The rearrangement of graphite crystallites forms MLG structure, which shows a large specific surface area of 1917 m2 g−1 and a mesopore volume of 0.71 cm3 g−1. These two parameters are 1.64 and 1.46 times of the corresponding amorphous carbon. Such profitable structures promise a high specific capacitance of 312 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a durable cycle-life with 98.5% capacitance retention at 10 A g−1 over 100,000 cycles. The designed MLG structure in amorphous carbons matrix also exhibits an increased electrochemically active surface area from 392.5 to 599.5 m2 g−1, and a low ion-transport resistance (0.59 Ω s–0.5) as well as an ultrafast ion-response time (0.37 s), endowing the fabricated carbon supercapacitor with 67.7% capacitive contribution from fast-kinetics response at 10 mV s–1. Experiment characterization unravels the formation mechanism of MLG in amorphous carbons via the synergy of coalt salt and sodium metal. The elaborate design of MLG structure within amorphous carbon matrix provides an effective strategy to boost the electrochemical energy storage performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complications of enterocystoplasy have challenged traditional bladder reconstruction methods. Tissue engineering scaffolds, involving stem cells implantation and vascularization strategies, emerge as promising alternatives. However, their applications are hindered by issues regarding the source of stem cells and the rapid loss of bioactive factors in a urinary environment. Here, a multilayer biomimetic scaffold consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous mats and oxidized dextran/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel has been synthesized. Bone marrow homing peptide (BMHP) and vascular endothelial growth factor-mimicking peptide (VP) were incorporated into the hydrogel to recruit endogenous stem cells and promote vascularization, respectively. The results indicated that PCL mats not only reinforced the mechanical properties of composite scaffolds but also prolonged the retention of peptides via the hydrophobic surface. In vivo experiments demonstrated that BMHP and VP had crosstalk effects, amplifying their functions to accelerate bladder regeneration, enhance contractility of smooth muscle cells, inhibit fibrosis, and improve innervation. Overall, the novel functionalized scaffolds are potentially viable for urologic tissue reconstruction. [Display omitted] • A biomimetic multilayer scaffold was developed by integrating PCL nanofibrous mats and ODex/CMC hydrogel. • The PCL mats significantly improved the mechanical properties of the hybrid scaffolds and prolonged the peptides retention. • BMHP and VP loaded in the functionalized scaffolds exhibited synergistic effects in promoting bladder regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nanocomposite Langmuir film of Gemini surfactant/TiO2 nanoparticles was prepared on clear hydrosols subphase of TiO2 nanoparticles with average diameters of 8nm. In comparison with ultrapure water subphase, the surface pressure–area isotherm of Gemini monolayer was significantly expanded in the presence of the titanium oxide nanoparticles. The collapse pressure of Gemini monolayer on pure water is 34mN/m. While Gemini/TiO2 nanoparticles composite monolayer is still stable even increasing the surface pressure to 40mN/m on TiO2 hydrosols. The dissimilar Langmuir behavior of Gemini/TiO2 nanoparticles nanocomposite monolayer at air–water interface suggests that interaction between Gemini monolayer and titanium oxide nanoparticles at subphase obviously exists. Morphology of the Langmuir layer investigated via transmission electron microscope indicates that TiO2 nanoparticles transferred from subphase into Gemini monolayer to form complex. The complex becomes a regular dendritic nanocomposite system gradually as the surface pressure increasing. A mechanism involves the unique molecular structure of Gemini, and the electrostatic interaction between charged TiO2 nanoparticles and the ionic head groups of Gemini was proposed to explain this phenomenon. The method maybe allows us to introduce some small molecules, instead of conventional dendritic large molecules, to design nanocomposite Langmuir films with desirable nanopattern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]