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Summary This paper considers multiuser downlink transmission and detection in a multiple input‐multiple output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system. We combine two promising techniques: space‐shift keying (SSK) and optical orthogonal codes (OOCs). Multiuser downlink transmission is realized by allowing each activated LED to transmit user‐specific OOC simultaneously. An OOC despreader is implemented at the front end of each user terminal (UT) to extract the desired signal and mitigate multiuser interference (MUI). The second part of UT receiver aims to extract the index of the corresponding active LED based on maximum likelihood (ML) or zero‐forcing (ZF) algorithm. The figure of merit we used to access the performance of the proposed downlink multiuser SSK system is the average symbol error rate (SER). Comprehensive Monte Carlo simulations have been undertaken for different system setup to evaluate SER at UT receiver. It is demonstrated that for a specified SER, the required SNR for ML‐based detection algorithm is 3 dB less than the ZF detector in the MUI‐free scenario. On the other hand, the ZF detector outperforms ML detector in the case with residual MUI and limited channel state information (CSI). Both algorithms are computationally attractive, hence can be put into practice in multiuser VLC MIMO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) respond to deep brain stimulation (DBS) variably. However, how brain substrates restrict DBS outcomes remains unclear. Objective: In this article, we aim to identify prognostic brain signatures for explaining the response variability. Methods: We retrospectively investigated a cohort of patients with PD (n = 141) between 2017 and 2022, and defined DBS outcomes as the improvement ratio of clinical motor scores. We used a deviation index to quantify individual perturbations on a reference structural covariance network acquired with preoperative T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The neurobiological perturbations of patients were represented as z scored indices based on the chronological perturbations measured on a group of normal aging adults. Results: After applying stringent statistical tests (z > 2.5) and correcting for false discoveries (P < 0.01), we found that accelerated deviations mainly affected the prefrontal cortex, motor strip, limbic system, and cerebellum in PD. Particularly, a negative network within the accelerated deviations, expressed as "more preoperative deviations, less postoperative improvements," could predict DBS outcomes (mean absolute error = 0.09, R2 = 0.15). Moreover, a fusion of personal brain predictors and medical responses significantly improved traditional evaluations of DBS outcomes. Notably, the most important brain predictor, a pathway connecting the cognitive unit (prefrontal cortex) and motor control unit (cerebellum and motor strip), partially mediates DBS outcomes with the age at surgery. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that individual structural perturbations on the cognitive motor control circuit are critical for modulating DBS outcomes. Interventions toward the circuit have the potential for additional clinical improvements. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Li2MgxZrO3+x (x = 0–1) +2 wt.% LiF ceramics with a rock salt structure were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. The phase transition mechanism was systematically investigated by X‐ray diffraction, and first‐principles calculations. With a gradual increase in MgO content, the samples underwent a monoclinic‐Li2ZrO3 to tetragonal‐Li2ZrO3 to tetragonal‐Li2MgZrO4 to cubic‐phase transition. The variations of the microwave dielectric properties due to the phase transition were systematically analyzed by the multi‐phase mixtures law. In addition, CO2 adsorption of the samples was quantitatively analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the long‐term stability of the Q × f of the samples was investigated. The optimal microwave dielectric properties were obtained in Li2Mg0.2ZrO3.2 ceramic at 950°C: εr = 19.5, Q × f = 44 500 GHz, and τf = 2.6 ppm/°C. In addition, the ceramic samples were compatible with Ag, which indicates that Li2MgxZrO3+x (x = 0−1) +2 wt.% LiF is a promising material for low‐temperature co‐fired ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of grainyhead‐like transcription factor 3 (GRHL3) on cancer development depends on the cancer subtypes as shown in tumor entities such as colorectal or oral squamous cell carcinomas. Here, we analyzed the subtype‐specific role of GRHL3 in bladder carcinogenesis, comparing common urothelial carcinoma (UC) with squamous bladder cancer (sq‐BLCA). We examined GRHL3 mRNA and protein expression in cohorts of patient samples, its prognostic role and its functional impact on tumorigeneses in different molecular and histopathological subtypes of bladder cancer. We showed for GRHL3 a reverse expression in squamous and urothelial bladder cancer subtypes. Stably GRHL3‐overexpressing EJ28, J82, and SCaBER in vitro models revealed a tumor‐suppressive function in squamous and an oncogenic role in the urothelial cancer cells affecting cell and colony growth, and migratory and invasive capacities. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated highly subtype‐specific GRHL3‐regulated expression networks coined by the enrichment of genes involved in integrin‐mediated pathways. In SCaBER, loss of ras homolog family member A (RHOA) GTPase activity was demonstrated to be associated with co‐regulation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E family member 3 (EIF4E3), a potential tumor suppressor gene. Thus, our data provide for the first time a detailed insight into the role of the transcription factor GRHL3 in different histopathological subtypes of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The "pace‐of‐life" syndrome (POLS) framework can encompass multiple personality axes that drive important functional behaviors (e.g., foraging behavior) and that co‐vary with multiple life history traits. Food hoarding is an adaptive behavior important for an animal's ability to adapt to seasonal fluctuations in food availability. However, the empirical evidence for the relationships between animal personality and hoarding behavior remains unclear, including its fitness consequences in the POLS framework. In this study, the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), a social rodent, was used as a model system to investigate how boldness or shyness is associated with food hoarding strategies during the food hoarding season and their impact on over‐winter survival and reproduction at both individual and group levels. The results of this study showed that, compared with shy gerbils, bold gerbils had a lower effort foraging strategy during the food hoarding season and exhibited lower over‐winter survival rates. However, bold–shy personality differences had no effect on over‐winter reproduction. These findings suggest that the personality is a crucial factor influencing the foraging strategy during the food hoarding season in Mongolian gerbils. Personality may be related to energy states or the reaction to environmental changes (e.g., predation risk and food availability) in bold or shy social animals. These results reflect animal life history trade‐offs between current versus future reproduction and reproduction versus self‐maintenance, thereby helping Mongolian gerbils in adapting to seasonal fluctuations in their habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The efficacy and safety of ainuovirine+lamivudine+tenofovir (ANV+3TC+TDF) and efavirenz+lamivudine+tenofovir (EFV+3TC+TDF) have been confirmed in previous clinical trials; however, there are no related studies on patient‐reported outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these 2 antiretroviral therapy regimens and to understand the patient's symptom experience and subjective experience of sleep quality through patient‐reported outcomes. Methods: This is a single‐center prospective cohort study with 243 patients evaluated from October 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Virological effectiveness and patient‐reported outcomes results were analyzed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of HIV viral load <50 copies/mL (virological suppression rate) at 48 weeks and the changes in the HIV symptom index and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Results: The virological suppression rates in the ANV+3TC+TDF and EFV+3TC+TDF groups were 83.6% (102/122) and 87.6% (106/121), respectively, at 48 weeks. In the ANV+3TC+TDF group, the scores of HIV symptom index and pittsburgh sleep quality index in the 48th week were lower than the baseline level (p < 0.05). Logistic regression results showed that the baseline regimen EFV+3TC+TDF was a risk factor for dizziness/lightheadedness (odds ratio = 3.153, 95% confidence interval: 1.473–6.748, p = 0.003), sadness/depression odds ratio = 2.404, 95% confidence interval:1.188–4.871, p = 0.015), and difficulty sleeping (odds ratio = 2.802, 95% confidence interval: 1.437–5.463, p = 0.002) at 48 weeks. Conclusions: Both regimens showed good virological effectiveness; however, compared with ANV+3TC+TDF, the EFV+3TC+TDF regimen reduced the prevalence of HIV‐related symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron content can be used as a proxy for the intensity of weathering and pedogenesis, which reflect long‐term climate cycles and short‐term climate fluctuations and events. In this study, a typical loess–palaeosol sequence for 19.85 m in thickness deposited since 423 ka BP in northeastern China was investigated, and its iron pools were determined. The results reveal that with increasing depth, the abundances of different forms of iron are consistent with the changes in the magnetic susceptibility. Iron (Fe) in all forms is more abundant in the palaeosol than in the loess. The silicate‐bound Fe pool (Fer = Fet − Fed) accounts for 60.4% of the total Fe (Fet), indicating weak pedogenesis. The Fe in the crystalline oxides (Fec = Fed − Feo) is predominantly free Fe (Fed), with a crystallinity [Fey = (Fed − Feo) × 100 / Fed] of as high as 97.2%. The coefficients of variation of the different forms of iron associated with the soil depth are as follows: Fec > Fed > poorly crystalline Fe (Feo) > Fer > Fet. The distribution of the forms of Fe throughout the profile is a clear indicator of the pedogenesis. The Fed, Fec, and Fe freeness (freeness = Fed × 100 / Fet) correlate with the magnetic susceptibility. The neoformation of iron (Fe) oxides was closely related to the degree of pedogenesis. More crystalline Fe oxides were found in the soil layers corresponding to warm interglacial periods. We detected variations in the abundance of the Fe pools for characterizing climate fluctuations that occurred in a short period of time. In this study, we demonstrated that when used in combination with dating techniques, morphological development indices, and magnetic susceptibility, the measurement of soil Fe pools can be extremely useful for tracing the iron evolution in the Earth's critical zone and reconstructing past climatic events in loess–palaeosol sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducing nanostructures into bulk thermoelectric materials is an effective strategy for reducing lattice thermal conductivity (κlat). However, large numbers of hanging bonds emerge on account of lattice mismatch usually at the interfaces between nanostructures and matrix, thereby significantly deteriorating carrier mobility (µH) and seriously limiting thermoelectric performance. Here, utilizing the cointroduction of Gd‐Cu2Te into n‐type PbSe as a paradigm, the zT could be greatly improved. The conduction band flattening caused by Gd doping can successfully compensate for the small Seebeck coefficient in n‐type PbSe, thus achieving extraordinary electrical performance. Further advanced electron microscopy and X‐ray absorption fine structure spectra directly demonstrate that most of the Cu forms nanoscale Cu2Se precipitates, especially a unique semi‐coherent interface between the PbSe matrix and the Cu2Se nanoprecipitate is observed for the first time. Such nanoprecipitate accompanied by the semi‐coherent interface not only ensures higher µH as an excellent charge transfer mediator but also collectively scatters the heat‐carrying phonons over a wide frequency range to obtain the ultralow κlat, resulting in the prominent improvement of the ratio µH/κlat. The present finding represents an important step forward in electron–phonon decoupling via constructing semi‐coherent nanostructure and interface engineering, which should be applicable for other thermoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the short‐ and long‐term impacts of overinvestments on the profitability of Chinese agri‐food processing firms. We construct an overinvestment age variable measured as the number of years since the most recent overinvestment and use a two‐way fixed effects model based on firm‐level data for the Chinese agri‐food‐processing industry from 1998 to 2013 to conduct the research. We find that the profitability of firms improves during the first and second years following the most recent overinvestment. However, from the third year onward, profitability declines, and the restraining effect increases year by year. In addition, we find that regional differences and differences in financing constraints can explain the heterogeneity of the overinvestment age affecting firm profitability. [EconLit Citations: D22, L25, L66]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huisgen‐click curing systems are widely used in solid propellant binders due to their low humidity sensitivity and mild reaction conditions. However, the rigid triazole rings from the Huisgen‐click reaction decrease the molecular moving ability and increase decomposition temperature, lowering the mechanical and combustion performance. Thus, we bonded the Huisgen‐click system and polyester binders with urethane, forming microphase separation and improving chemical stability. The results show that the elongation at break, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of the binders increase by 533.3%, 201.2%, and 1263.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the urethane reduces the thermal resistance index of the binders from 191.2 to 179.2°C, which means better combustion performance. Further mechanism study reveals that the urethane leads to microphase separation, which aggregates the hard segments and weakens their restriction effect on the molecular motion of polyether. Such a microphase separation brings comprehensive improvement in the mechanical properties of the solid propellants and probably can be used in other multi‐component systems of energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical Zone Science (CZS) explores the deep evolution of landscapes from the base of the groundwater or the saprolite‐rock interface to the top of vegetation, the zone that supports all terrestrial life. Here we propose a framework for CZS to evolve further as a discipline, building on 1st generation CZOs in natural systems and 2nd generation CZOs in human‐modified systems, to incorporate human behaviour for more holistic understanding in a 3rd generation of CZOs. This concept was tested in the China‐UK CZO programme (2016–2020) that established four CZOs across China on different lithologies. Beyond conventional CZO insights into soil resources, biogeochemical cycling and hydrology across scales, surveys of farmers and local government officials led to insights into human‐environment interactions and key pressures affecting the socio‐economic livelihoods of local farmers. These learnings combined with the CZS data identified knowledge exchange (KE) opportunities to unravel diverse factors within the Land‐Water‐Food Nexus, that could directly improve local livelihoods and environmental conditions, such as reduction in fertilizer use, contributing toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental policies. Through two‐way local KE, the local cultural context and socio‐economic considerations were more readily apparent alongside the environmental rationale for policy and local action to improve the sustainability of farming practices. Seeking solutions to understand and remediate CZ degradation caused by human‐decision making requires the co‐design of CZS that foregrounds human behavior and the opinions of those living in human modified CZOs. We show how a new transdisciplinary CZO approach for sustainable Earth futures can improve alignment of research with the practical needs of communities in stressed environments and their governments, supporting social‐ecological and planetary health research agendas and improving capacity to achieve SDGs. Plain Language Summary: Critical Zone Science (CZS) explores how landscapes evolve from below the Earth's surface to the top of trees, supporting life on Earth. CZS was established by studying pristine landscapes, with little or no human modification of the land, water and soil. These pristine natural systems are rare in our modern world. In this paper, we have proposed a new approach to CZS for studying the human‐modified landscapes that dominate our world. To help explain why this is needed, we have re‐drawn a diagram explaining how the critical zone works to show the role of humans. We also give examples of research in three regions of China where we learned from local farmers living in our study areas, to improve our scientific understanding and to try to align our research process to address the biggest pressures affecting their lives. This new approach to CZS can help focus research to directly support local people and improve our ability to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key Points: Integrating local knowledge with critical zone science can improve interpretation of scientific findings and delivery of Sustainable Development GoalsThird generation science can improve alignment of research with the practical needs of communities and governmentsA new conceptual diagram for human‐modified critical zones is produced to illustrate transdisciplinary Critical Zone Observatories for sustainable Earth futures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prospective studies examining long‐term therapeutic outcomes of the Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) regimen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remain limited. This study assessed the actual efficacy and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF in HIV‐infected individuals in southwest China. Methods: This was a single‐center, prospective study enrolling ART‐naïve (n = 32) and ART‐experienced (n = 177) HIV‐infected patients administered BIC/FTC/TAF treatment between March 2022 and August 2022. The data were collected until February 28, 2023. Virological reactions and adverse events to the treatment were recorded, and patient subjective feelings in the form of Electronic Patient Reporting Outcome (ePRO) were collected. The primary endpoint was the rate of patients with HIV viral load <50 copies/mL at Week 24. Results: At Week 24, 87.5% and 95.5% of ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced HIV patients had a viral load <50 copies/mL, respectively. CD4 cell counts in ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced patients increased significantly by 163.5 cells/μL (p =.002) and 55.0 cells/μL (p =.022), respectively. By Week 24, no patients had discontinued the BIC/FTC/TAF treatment due to adverse events. Based on ePRO data, ART‐naïve and ART‐experienced patients at Week 24 had stable disease symptom burden, quality of life, and depression level after treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF. Conclusion: BIC/FTC/TAF reduces the viral load in ART‐naïve patients with high viral load as well as ART‐experienced patients with residual viremia. The patient's subjective experience was maintained stable after treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF. This study also revealed a very low incidence for BIC/FTC/TAF drug‐related side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly transparent yttria ceramics were fabricated by pressureless sintering with Nb2O5 or Ta2O5 as a novel sintering additive. The optical transmittance, microstructural evolution, and thermo‐mechanical properties of the samples were investigated. The optimal doping concentrations of Nb2O5 and Ta2O5 are 0.3 and 0.2 at.%, respectively, which are much lower compared to those of previously reported counterparts. The transmittance of the sample with 0.3 at.% Nb2O5 reaches 81.6% at 1100 nm and 72.4% at 400 nm (2 mm in thickness), similar transmittance was obtained in the sample with 0.2 at.% Ta2O5. The microhardness (∼7 GPa), fracture toughness (∼0.85 MPa·m1/2), and biaxial strength (∼200 MPa) of the present samples were confirmed to be comparable or even better compared to those of previously reported transparent yttria ceramics fabricated by pressureless sintering. Furthermore, the present samples, by virtue of the low doping concentrations, possessed relatively high thermal conductivity values (>10 W/m·K), which substantially guaranteed high thermal shock resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a new high‐Q × f and temperature‐stable oxyfluoride microwave dielectric ceramic system of Li2+xZrO3Fx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25) sintered at low temperatures (i.e., ≤950°C). The sintering characteristics, phase assemblage, microstructures, and microwave dielectric properties (MDPs) of the Li2+xZrO3Fx specimens were studied. The chemical bond theory calculations were employed to analyze the compositional dependence of the MDPs in the Li2+xZrO3Fx ceramic system. The optimal MDPs of εr = 15.8, Q × f = 65 100 GHz, and τf = 1.2 ppm/°C were achieved in the sample with x = 1. Besides, the ceramic samples exhibited high chemical compatibility with Ag electrodes. Therefore, the novel ceramic system of Li2+xZrO3Fx is confirmed to be a promising candidate as a low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructures formed by 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) and graphene are not only fundamentally important for the exploration of novel interface physics but also indispensable for various optoelectronic devices. Often multiple effects such as charge transfer (CT), heating, and strain are present simultaneously and their interplay significantly impacts the properties of such heterostructures. However, the identification and separation of these three individual effects are challenging and have not been demonstrated in 2D heterostructures. Here, through a concurrent analysis of the Raman modes and photoluminescence spectra from graphene and WS2 in temperature‐ and power‐dependent measurements, this work has succeeded in disentangling the effects of light‐induced CT, heating, and strain effects in WS2/graphene heterostructure on SiO2/Si substrate. Without disentangling these effects, the light‐induced carrier density in graphene (WS2) would have been underestimated (overestimated) by up to 62% (73%) in this situation. More importantly, a positive temperature coefficient of the G‐mode Raman shift is obtained without excluding the strain and CT effects, contrary to the negative coefficient due to the intrinsic thermal effect. This study demonstrates the importance of disentangling the individual effects and the approach paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of TMDC/graphene heterostrucutres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidification occurs widely across the world, which has been partly attributed to land‐use change. However, measureable effect of land‐use change as well as parent materials on soil acidification remains poorly understood. Here, a typical area with intensive land‐use change in the Pearl River Delta of China was chosen for this study. Topsoil (0–20 cm) and subsoil (20–40 cm) samples (n = 169) under different land uses (paddy fields, vegetable lands and orchards) and parent materials (granite and alluvial sediment) were collected in 2020. Soil pH, exchangeable base cations, exchangeable acidity and pH buffering capacity were measured to evaluate the status of soil acidification. The change of soil pH over the last 15 years was evaluated via comparing with historical data (n = 329) in 2005. The results showed a higher exchangeable acidity and lower pH buffering capacity and exchangeable base cations of soils derived from granite compared with soils derived from alluvial sediment in 2020. In the last 15 years, significant soil acidification under different parent materials was observed under vegetable lands and orchards but not paddy fields. Faster pH decline was found under land‐use change from paddy fields compared with the unchanged vegetable lands or orchards. Furthermore, stronger acidification under the same land‐use change was observed for soils derived from granite compared with soils derived from alluvial sediment. These results indicate that land‐use change induced soil acidification is dependent on parent materials. This study implies that cropping management such as suitable rotation operation may slow soil acidification, and measures including straw returning may ameliorate acidified soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, LiErF4 and related LiGdF4 core‐shell nanocrystals were synthesized via thermal decomposition, and the upconversion luminescence under an excitation of 980 nm was investigated. The phase of LiErF4 was not changed by a low content of Gd3+ dopant, whereas orthorhombic GdF3 formed as an impurity when the amount of Gd3+ was increased. The upconversion luminescence intensity of LiErF4 was enhanced by a suitable Gd3+ content. Considering the enhanced upconversion emission of LiErF4 and synthesis of pure tetragonal phase LiGdF4, a core–shell structure of LiErF4@LiGdF4:Yb,Er was designed, characterized, and compared to LiYF4@LiGdF4:Yb,Er. LiErF4@LiGdF4:Yb,Er had a yellow upconversion emission output, which was attributed to the combination of the upconversions in the core and shell. Additionally, a series of relevant derivatives of LiErF4@LiGdF4:Yb,Er were prepared for further investigation of their luminescence performance, and red‐to‐green tunable upconversion luminescence was obtained for these core–shell nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in colon cancer after complete mesocolic excision (CME) have not been evaluated sufficiently. We reanalysed the ESCME trial data to investigate the survival benefits and establish AC stratified indications. Methods: The data of Stage II and III colon cancer patients who received CME in the ESCME trial were reanalysed. Patients were divided into AC and non‐AC (NAC) groups. The primary outcomes measured were differences in 5‐year cancer‐specific survival and disease‐free survival (DFS) between the groups. Results: Of the 206 patients enrolled in the study, 125 patients (AC, 49; NAC, 76) had Stage II cancer and 111 (AC, 86; NAC, 25) had Stage III cancer. There were no significant differences in the adjusted 5‐year cancer‐specific survival and DFS between the AC and NAC groups. Poor differentiation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.947; 95% CI 1.218–7.131) and RAS mutation (HR 3.140; 95% CI 1.363–7.234) affected the 5‐year DFS significantly in multivariate Cox regression analysis for Stage II and III cancer, respectively. In subgroup analysis, AC significantly improved 5‐year DFS (HR 0.369; 95% CI 0.140–0.978) for Stage III cancer with lymphovascular/perineural invasion compared to NAC. Conclusion: The current indication and benefits of AC for colon cancer patients after CME should be re‐evaluated. AC is more appropriate for Stage III cancer with lymphovascular/perineural invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing the structure of the critical zone (CZ), which is often tens of metres deep, is challenging and crucial to understand earth surface processes. Existing findings on the effect of topography on CZ thickness focused exclusively on mountainous regions with steep slopes, not considering low hilly regions with gentle slopes. Seismic refraction and borehole surveys were conducted to characterize the effects of topography on a red soil CZ structure in the low hilly region of Jiangxi Province, subtropical China. This CZ is derived from Quaternary red clay (QRC) overlying Cretaceous sandstone bedrock. Regolith with a thickness of 8.2–9.5 m consisted of an upper layer of QRC (4.8–6.2 m thick) and a lower layer of weathered sandstone (2.6–4.0 m thick). The boundary between weathered and unweathered sandstone was identified by a Ca depletion profile and calcite weathering front. The boundary between the QRC and weathered sandstone was identified by morphological and textural features and a feldspar weathering front. The QRC had seismic refraction velocities <1.3 km s−1, the weathered sandstone had velocities of 1.3–1.7 km s−1, while the sandstone bedrock had velocities >1.7 km s−1. Following the profile sequence downslope, regolith thickness decreased linearly with decreasing ground elevation. The linear fitted regression slope was <1. This was predominantly determined by QRC thickness, which in turn was mainly controlled by the difference between slopes of ground and bedrock surface and by surface erosion. Following the profile sequence across the slope, regolith thickness decreased linearly with decreasing ground elevation, with a slope of ~1. This was controlled by QRC thickness, which in turn was mainly controlled by surface erosion only, since the bedrock surface was nearly level. These results suggest that topography can control CZ structure in hilly regions with gentle slopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperglycaemia is related to adverse outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Aims: To compare the predictive ability of admission blood glucose (ABG), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with acute large vessel occlusion (ALVO) stroke undergoing MT. Methods: The study retrospectively analysed the data of 329 consecutive acute stroke patients treated with MT. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of poor functional outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to identify the predictive ability of ABG, FBG and HbA1c for poor functional independence in patients with ALVO stroke undergoing MT. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed for both diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ABG and FBG were independent predictors of 3‐month poor functional outcome; however, HbA1c could not predict poor functional outcome. ROC analysis showed that FBG has a higher predictive ability than ABG (areas under the ROC curve (AUC): 0.689 vs 0.624; P = 0.037) and HbA1c (AUC: 0.689 vs 0.541; P < 0.001) for poor function outcome. Conclusions: ABG and FBG are independent predictors of poor functional outcome in patients with AIS undergoing MT, and FBG has a higher predictive ability than ABG and HbA1c. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic behaviour of layered transversely isotropic (TI) poroelastic media subjected to rectangular harmonic loads. First, governing equations of a medium layer derived from Biot's dynamic theory of porous media and constitutive equations of TI materials are converted into the ordinary differential domain by means of integral transform techniques. Next, by introducing boundary and load conditions, the extended precise integration method (PIM) is applied to obtain the solution for a multi‐layered system. Then, after an inverse integral treatment, the numerical results in the physical domain are verified with published work, and some examples are designed to unravel the effect of transverse isotropy, load frequencies and stratification on the dynamic behaviour of media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) structures, based on concave shapes, can improve mechanical properties effectively. Via methods of compression, vacuum, supercritical, and so on, foams can obtain reentrant cells and NPR properties, but they may suffer mass‐ or heat‐transfer gradient, causing uneven cells and performance. 3D printing technology can fabricate uniform NPR structures, whereas the common 3D‐printed concave shapes own downward concave points that should be supported, and removing the support materials complicates the preparation severely. Thus, to propose a facile method for building NPR structures, a 3D‐repeating tetrahedron‐framework with 2D NPR origami facets is designed. One edge of the tetrahedron is designed to be vertical, and thus all the facets are not horizontal. Then, the concave points on the facets are obliquely downward instead of totally downward so that the framework can be 3D‐printed without support. The Poisson's ratio of that structure is controlled from −0.8 to 0.4 via adjusting the facet thickness, and the mechanism is confirmed by differential geometry calculation and finite element analysis. Notably, improvement in specific modulus is found in different materials with that structure, and the support‐free 3D printing strategy can further be used to design customized shapes (such as lightweight aerial vehicle devices and NPR soles here). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of renin on kidney remain unclear among hypertensives with glucose metabolic disorders (GMD). We aimed to evaluate the association between plasma renin activity (PRA) and kidney damage in hypertensive patients with GMD. Overall, 2033 inpatients with hypertension and GMD free of chronic kidney disease (CKD) at baseline were included. CKD was defined using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine protein. PRA was treated as continuous variable, and also dichotomized as high (≥0.65) or low (< 0.65) groups. The association of PRA with incident CKD was evaluated using multivariable Cox model controlling for antihypertensive medications and baseline aldosterone, and traditional parameters. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed to evaluate heterogeneity. During a median follow‐up of 31 months, 291 participants developed CKD. The incidence was higher in high‐renin group than that in low‐renin group (54.6 vs 36.6/1000 person‐years). Significant association was observed between PRA and incident CKD, and the association was mainly driven by an increased risk for proteinuria. Each standard deviation increment in log‐transformed PRA was associated with 16.7% increased risk of proteinuria (hazard ratio = 1.167, P =.03); compared with low‐renin group, there was 78.4% increased risk for high‐renin group (hazard ratio = 1.784, P =.001). Nonlinear associations were observed between PRA and kidney damage. Higher PRA is associated with greater risk of incident kidney damage, especially for positive proteinuria, in patients with coexistence of hypertension and diabetes, independent of aldosterone. In this patient population with high risk for kidney damage, PRA may serve as an important predictor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNS) cannot be directly applied in moist air due to their chemical instability from their thin layer structures adsorbed and transferred oxygen atoms easily. Here, a universal strategy for stabilizing BPNS is proposed by exfoliating black phosphorus with one‐dimensional nanoparticles based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Thin layers of BPNS are obtained in water and then co‐assembled with CNCs to construct composite membranes. Meanwhile, the co‐assembling technology and the chemical structure of CNCs are adjusted to obtain flexible membranes and high photothermal energy‐conversion efficiency (19.6%). The infrared illumination test proves that BPNS can exist stably in the black phosphorus (BP)/CNC‐based membranes and the photothermal conversion efficiency is kept at 19.6% after 30 days in ambient air. The mechanism study based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) and XPS show that the stability comes from the effects of physical covering and chemical covalent‐bond stabilization of CNC‐based materials. These BP/CNC‐based co‐assembled membranes can be practically applied in the military field for infrared ignition, night vision, and photothermal sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly transparent cerium‐doped yttria ceramics were fabricated via a pressureless sintering method with an addition of 10 at.% La2O3 and 1 at.% ZrO2 as a binary sintering additive. With an increase in the Ce doping concentration from 0 to 3 at.%, the optical absorption edge of yttria ceramics exhibited a significant red shift from 290 to 380 nm as a result of the 4f–5d transition of Ce3+ and the charge transfer of Ce4+ (i.e., Ce4++e–→Ce3+). For a 2‐mm thick sample doped with 3 at.% Ce, the total ultraviolet radiation (UV) transmittance (220–400 nm) is only 1.7%, indicating a nearly complete UV absorption. Meanwhile, the specimens possess high in‐line transmittance levels in both the visible and the infrared regions (i.e., >70% at 450 nm and ∼80% at 1100 nm). Additionally, the present specimens were confirmed to have good enough mechanical strength levels (∼165 MPa) and thermal conductivity (∼5 W/m·K), which are comparable or even better compared to those of previously reported transparent yttria ceramics. The results of this work indicate that cerium‐doped transparent yttria ceramics are promising candidate materials for full‐band UV‐shielding window applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a kind of sustainable nanoparticle from biomass, which are widely used as reinforcing filler and assembly building block for high‐performance composites and function materials including biomaterial, optics, and so forth. Here, their unique advantages in material applications were reviewed based on their rod‐like morphology, crystalline structure, dimension‐related effects, and multi‐level order structure. Then, we focused on the molecular engineering of CNCs, including the structure and physicochemical properties of their surface, along with surface modification methods and steric effects. We further discussed the performance‐improvement and functionalization methods based on multi‐component complex systems, together with the effects of surface molecular engineering on the performance and functions. Meanwhile, methods of optimizing orientation in uniaxial arrays were discussed along with those of enhancing photoluminescence efficiency via surface chemical modification and substance coordination. In the end, we prospected the design, development, and construction methods of new CNCs materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development strategy has aroused a great interest in biomass resources as alternative raw materials. A kind of biomass‐derived poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), has been developed as porous foams to reduce resource exhaustion and meet lightweight demands. For fire‐safety in‐service, graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized by 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) to combine flame‐retardant elements and heat‐barrier function. Hence, a very low loading level of P‐containing GO as only 5 wt% could reduce peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PBS‐based foams by 58.5% and 22.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, N‐/P‐doped mesoporous char with a specific surface area of 136 m2/g, which derived from combustion of flame‐retardant foaming PBS, contributes to a potential of energy storage applications in the capacitor or the anode of Li‐ion battery with long‐term stability. Overall, the sustainability of bio‐based polyester could integrate lightweight of foaming, and be extended to utilization after use via facile combustion inspired by flame‐retardancy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this letter, the angular jamming effect of electronically controlled corner reflectors after a maneuver aircraft is analyzed. Motion characteristics of the corner reflectors towed by a high‐speed aircraft are calculated through the Lagrange theory, and the angle measurement error of the jamming method for the monopulse angle measurement algorithm is analyzed based on the motion states and the electromagnetic states (scattering or penetration) of the corner reflectors. Results show that the automatic tracking process of a monopulse radar seeker can be effectively interfered by this method under complex maneuver motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect neuropeptides play an important role in regulating physiological functions such as growth, development, behavior and reproduction. We identified temperature‐sensitive neuropeptides and receptor genes of the cotton whitefly, Bemisia tabaci. We identified 38 neuropeptide precursor genes and 35 neuropeptide receptors and constructed a phylogenetic tree using additional data from other insects. As temperature adaptability enables B. tabaci to colonize a diversity of habitats, we performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction with two temperature stresses (low = 4 °C and high = 40 °C) to screen for temperature‐sensitive neuropeptides. We found many neuropeptides and receptors that may be involved in the temperature adaptability of B. tabaci. This study is the first to identify B. tabaci neuropeptides and their receptors, and it will help to reveal the roles of neuropeptides in temperature adaptation of B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly‐stable carbon clusters on transition metal substrates play an important role in the bottom‐up approaches for synthesizing graphene quantum dots, graphene nanoribbons, and novel graphene nanostructures. Here, the discovery of a series of magic‐sized carbon clusters on different transition metal substrates is reported. Careful analyses reveal that the symmetry matching between the cluster and the substrate, the interaction between cluster edge carbon atoms and the substrate, and the location and orientation of the cluster on the substrate play key roles in stabilizing the new family of magic‐sized carbon clusters. The identified magic‐sized carbon clusters are thermodynamically and kinetically stable and may serve as the nucleation centers in the synthesis of other graphene nanostructures. These findings will greatly enrich the species of highly‐stable carbon clusters on transition metal substrates and paving the road toward the synthesis route of other graphene nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Good dispersion and distributed nanoscaled synergists are expected to greatly enhance the performance of flame retardants. Here, a new type of iron organic‐phosphonate (FeP) nanoparticles was synthesized and utilized as the synergist for polypropylene‐based intumescent flame‐retardant system (IFR/PP). To improve the dispersion of the FeP in the IFR/PP system, a master‐batch method was used to achieve separation between the FeP particles, which included hydrogen bonding with ammonium polyphosphate (APP). To improve its compatibility with PP, the hybrid synergist FeP@APP@CS was produced by electrostatic interaction with chitosan (CS). The results showed that the FeP@APP@CS nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the PP matrix and selectively located on the IFR particles, achieving compatibility between the PP and IFR. The FeP@APP@CS/IFR/PP system exhibited an enhanced limiting oxygen index (LOI) of up to 28.5%, and achieved an improved vertical burning rating of V‐0 (UL‐94), compared to the IFR/PP system. The improved flame‐retardant properties, even at low levels of IFR loading, were attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of the FeP@APP@CS throughout the IFR system and the fine synergistic effect between the FeP@APP@CS and IFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resolving interstitial hydrogen atoms at the surfaces and interfaces is crucial for understanding the mechanical and physicochemical properties of metal hydrides. Although palladium (Pd) hydrides hold important applications in hydrogen storage and electrocatalysis, the atomic position of interstitial hydrogen at Pd hydride near surfaces still remains undetermined. We report the first direct imaging of subsurface hydrogen atoms absorbed in Pd nanoparticles by using differentiated and integrated differential phase contrast within an aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. In contrast to the well‐established octahedral interstitial sites for hydrogen in the bulk, subsurface hydrogen atoms are directly identified to occupy the tetrahedral interstices. DFT calculations show that the amount and the occupation type of subsurface hydrogen atoms play an indispensable role in fine‐tuning the electronic structure and associated chemical reactivity of the Pd surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D all‐inorganic halide perovskites (2D AIHP) have attracted huge attention for their excellent optoelectronic properties and superior atmospheric stability for organic–inorganic halide perovskites. 2D AIHP has been fabricated by varied strategies, whereas a satisfied way to simultaneously reach good quality, dimensions, and uniformity is still far from achieved yet. Here, a direct thermal deposition method to synthesize 2D AIHP of lateral length up to ≈30 µm and uniform thickness down to ≈10 nm, which shows excellent optoelectronic performance comparable to the reported top‐level 2D AIHP, is proposed. A vertical mass transport instead of conventional horizontal mode is adopted, significantly enhancing the deposition stability. Furthermore, the morphologies of AIHP are switchable between nanowires and nanoflakes under the control of deposition temperature. This method may pave the way for uniform fabrication of 2D AIHP or AIHP‐based 2D heterostructures for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeNC materials have shown a promising nonprecious oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst yet their active site structure remains elusive. Several previous works suggest the existence of a mysterious axial ligand on the Fe center, which, however, is still unclarified. In this study, the mysterious axial ligand is identified as a hydroxyl ligand on the Fe centers and selectively promotes the ORR activities depending on different FeN4C configurations, on which the adsorption free energy of the hydroxyl ligand also differs greatly. The selective formation of hydroxyl ligand on specific FeNC configurations can resolve contradictories between previous theoretical and experimental results regarding the ORR activities and associated active configurations of FeNC catalysts. It also explains the pH‐dependent ORR activities and, moreover, a previously unreported pH‐dependent poisoning kinetics of the FeNC catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low‐relief areas, easily observed landscape features such as terrain and vegetation often do not spatially co‐vary with soil conditions to the level that they can be effectively used in predictive soil mapping. This paper proposes an approach to predicting soil spatial variation over such areas at a coarse resolution by constructing environmental covariates from the dynamic feedbacks of land surface in response to solar radiation. These feedbacks are captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature observations as a time series of four temperatures per day (1:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 10:30 PM) converted into five covariates representing the features of the time series. The approach is demonstrated by mapping sand, silt, soil organic matter (SOM), and pH over a 12,000‐km2 low‐relief area of Jiangsu Province, China, using a random forest model trained on 144 soil observations. The model was built and evaluated for 13 single days. For the non‐winter days with relatively high solar radiation, the covariates were strongly correlated with the soil properties, so that their use in predictive mapping gives good results for soil texture and useful results for SOM and pH. We also present plausible physical interpretations for the action of the covariates based on thermal properties of soils. We conclude that, despite the coarse resolution of the MODIS‐derived covariates, the proposed approach is a feasible solution for predictive soil mapping over large areas of low relief and should be investigated at finer resolutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]