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To improve the interaction between drivers and the in‐vehicle information system (IVIS), various intelligent agents, such as robot agents, virtual agents, and voice‐only agents, have been integrated into vehicles. However, it is not yet clear which type of in‐vehicle agent is best suited to the driving context. This study aims to investigate the effect of in‐vehicle agent embodiment on drivers' perceived usability and cognitive workload. In a within‐subject simulated driving experiment, 22 participants interacted with three different in‐vehicle agents (smartphone agent, robot agent, and virtual agent). Functional near‐infrared spectroscopy and electrocardiogram (ECG) were used to record prefrontal cortex activation and electrical changes associated with cardiac activity during simulated driving, respectively. The results show that the smartphone agent had the lowest perceived usability scores, oxygenated hemoglobin concentration variation (ΔHbO), and maximum ECG signal variation compared to baseline. There were no statistical differences in cognitive workload, perceived usability scores, brain area activation, and ECG signals between the robot agent and the virtual agent. The research findings demonstrate the positive effects of the anthropomorphic appearance of in‐vehicle agents on perceived usability and contribute to improving the design of in‐vehicle intelligent agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convective flow in the deep mantle controls Earth's dynamic evolution, influences plate tectonics, and has shaped Earth's current surface features. Present and past convection‐induced deformation manifests itself in seismic anisotropy, which is particularly strong in the mantle's uppermost and lowermost portions. While the general patterns of seismic anisotropy have been mapped for the upper mantle, anisotropy in the lowermost mantle (called D′′) is at an earlier stage of exploration. Here we review recent progress in methods to measure and interpret D′′ anisotropy. Our understanding of the limitations of existing methods and the development of new measurement strategies have been aided enormously by the availability of high‐performance computing resources. We give an overview of how measurements of seismic anisotropy can help constrain the mineralogy and fabric of the deep mantle. Specifically, new and creative strategies that combine multiple types of observations provide much tighter constraints on the geometry of anisotropy than have previously been possible. We also discuss how deep mantle seismic anisotropy provides insights into lowermost mantle dynamics. We summarize what we have learned so far from measurements of D′′ anisotropy, how inferences of lowermost mantle flow from measurements of seismic anisotropy relate to geodynamic models of mantle flow, and what challenges we face going forward. Finally, we discuss some of the important unsolved problems related to the dynamics of the lowermost mantle that can be elucidated in the future by combining observations of seismic anisotropy with geodynamic predictions of lowermost mantle flow. Plain Language Summary: Earthquakes cause waves that travel through Earth's interior and are recorded by distant seismometers. These seismic waves behave differently depending on the material that they pass through, revealing Earth's material properties. At the very bottom of the mantle, seismic waves sometimes travel at different speeds depending on their direction. This material property is called seismic anisotropy and is caused by material deformation and flow. Global patterns of mantle flow, which is directly connected to surface processes such as the movement of tectonic plates or hotspot volcanism, can therefore be inferred from seismic anisotropy. Recent years have seen advances in anisotropy imaging in the lowermost mantle as well as in numerical calculations of flow in Earth's lowermost mantle. We review the methods that are used to infer lowermost mantle anisotropy. We further give an overview of previous results and interpretations, which include seismic anisotropy caused by upwelling plumes and ancient slab remnants. Future improvements in the fields of seismology, geodynamics, and mineral physics are needed to improve our understanding of global deep mantle flow. Key Points: Measurement techniques for deep mantle anisotropy have been improved substantially in the last decadeThese improvements enable inferences of deep mantle flow with increasing confidenceKnowledge of mantle dynamics elucidates the drivers of flow, relationships among structures, and Earth's dynamic evolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Autophagy is involved in human apical periodontitis (AP). However, it is not clear whether autophagy is protective or destructive in bone loss via the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) axis. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of autophagy via the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis during the development of AP in an experimental rat model. Methodology: Twenty‐four female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into control, experimental AP (EAP) + saline, and EAP + 3‐methyladenine (An autophagy inhibitor, 3‐MA) groups. The control group did not receive any treatment. The EAP + saline group and the EAP + 3‐MA group received intraperitoneal injections of saline and 3‐MA, respectively, starting 1 week after the pulp was exposed. Specimens were collected for microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) scanning, histological processing, and immunostaining to examine the expression of light chain 3 beta (LC3B), RANK, RANKL, and OPG. Data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (p <.05). Results: Micro‐CT showed greater bone loss in the EAP + 3‐MA group than in the EAP + saline group, indicated by an elevated trabecular space (Tb.Sp) (p <.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the EAP + saline and EAP + 3‐MA groups. Compared with EAP + saline group, the EAP + 3‐MA group showed weaker expression of LC3B (p <.01) and OPG (p <.05), more intense expression of RANK (p <.01) and RANKL (p <.01), and a higher RANKL/OPG ratio (p <.05). Conclusion: Autophagy may exert a protective effect against AP by regulating the RANKL/RANK/OPG axis, thereby inhibiting excessive bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra‐low velocity zones (ULVZs) are anomalous structures, generally associated with decreased seismic velocity and sometimes an increase in density, that have been detected in some locations atop the Earth's core‐mantle boundary (CMB). A wide range of ULVZ characteristics have been reported by previous studies, leading to many questions regarding their origins. The lowermost mantle beneath Antarctica and surrounding areas is not located near currently active regions of mantle upwelling or downwelling, making it a unique environment in which to study the sources of ULVZs; however, seismic sampling of this portion of the CMB has been sparse. Here, we examine core‐reflected PcP waveforms recorded by seismic stations across Antarctica using a double‐array stacking technique to further elucidate ULVZ structure beneath the southern hemisphere. Our results show widespread, variable ULVZs, some of which can be robustly modeled with 1‐D synthetics; however, others are more complex, which may reflect 2‐D or 3‐D ULVZ structure and/or ULVZs with internal velocity variability. Our findings are consistent with the concept that ULVZs can be largely explained by variable accumulations of subducted oceanic crust along the CMB. Partial melting of subducted crust and other, hydrous subducted materials may also contribute to ULVZ variability. Plain Language Summary: Earth's core‐mantle boundary (CMB), the interface between the solid silicate mantle and the molten iron‐rich outer core, is associated with a range of anomalous structures, including ultra‐low velocity zones (ULVZs). While generally associated with reduced seismic wave velocities and sometimes increased density, prior studies have reported a wide range of ULVZ characteristics, leading to many questions regarding their origins. The lowermost mantle beneath the southern hemisphere provides a unique environment to study ULVZs because it is located away from regions of large‐scale mantle upwelling and downwelling. Our study uses core reflected P‐waves (PcP) recorded by seismic stations in Antarctica to investigate this portion of the CMB for ULVZ presence. We find widespread evidence for variable ULVZ structure. Some of the imaged ULVZs can be modeled with a single layer, but others are more complex. We suggest that the ULVZs beneath the southern hemisphere are predominantly associated with subducted oceanic crust that has variable accumulations along the CMB. In some regions, hydrated subducted materials may also experience partial melting, which may contribute to the complicated ULVZ structures imaged in some locations. Key Points: Core‐reflected P‐waves are used to investigate ultra‐low velocity zones in the lowermost mantle beneath the southern hemisphereResults show widespread evidence for variable ultra‐low velocity zones, some of which may indicate layered or gradational structureVariable accumulations of subducted oceanic crust with localized partial melting can explain these anomalous structures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a green technology, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 can reduce CO2 into reusable carbon‐based fuels and alleviate environmental and energy problems to a certain extent. However, traditional photocatalytic materials have irreparable defects that limit their applications in photocatalysis, and it becomes a great challenge to find an efficient photocatalytic material. ZnIn2S4, a new photocatalyst, is widely used in photocatalysis because of its layered structure, tunable band gap, excellent photoelectric properties, and catalytic characteristics, and it is also favored by a wide range of scientific researchers due to its stable chemical properties. The construction of heterojunctions can further increase the photocatalytic ability of ZnIn2S4. This review introduces the electron transfer mechanism of different ZnIn2S4‐based heterojunctions in the photocatalytic process and its recent research progress in photocatalytic CO2 reduction applications. Finally, an outlook on constructing ZnIn2S4‐based heterojunctions and their development prospects is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compile and make publicly available a global digital database of body wave observations of seismic anisotropy in the D′′ layer, grouped using the method used to analyze deep mantle anisotropy. Using this database, we examine the global distribution of seismic anisotropy in the D′′ layer, evaluating the question of whether seismic anisotropy is more likely to be located at the edges of the two large‐low velocity provinces (LLVPs) in Earth's mantle than elsewhere. We show that this hypothesis lacks statistical justification if we consider previously observed lowermost mantle anisotropy, although there are multiple factors that are difficult to account for quantitatively. One such factor is the global lowermost mantle ray coverage for different phases that are commonly used to detect deep mantle anisotropy in shear wave splitting studies. We find that the global ray coverage of the relevant seismic phases is highly uneven, with LLVP edges and their interiors less well‐sampled than the global average. Plain Language Summary: Seismic waves caused by earthquakes sometimes travel at different speeds in different directions. This material property, called seismic anisotropy, indicates convective flow and deformation in the mantle and has been detected in the lowermost mantle. We compile a database of lowermost mantle anisotropy locations from the previously published literature. Previous studies have reported strong seismic anisotropy at the edges of large features with lower than average seismic velocities in Earth's mantle, called large‐low velocity provinces. Here, we test whether seismic anisotropy is also more likely at large‐low velocity province edges than elsewhere. Our statistical analysis of our database suggests that this may not be the case. This analysis, however, did not explicitly account for the fact that the number of seismic waves traveling through the lowermost mantle is different from region to region. Key Points: We compile a global digital database of seismic anisotropy observations in the D′′ layerWe compute the global ray coverage of different methods used to detect deep mantle anisotropyIn the context of a global compilation, there is no preferential occurrence of seismic anisotropy at large‐low velocity province edges [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) will lead to obesity and their complications. Echinocystic acid (EA), a triterpene, shows anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We predict that EA supplementation can prevent obesity, diabetes, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. To test our hypothesis, we investigated the effects of EA supplementation on mice with HFD‐induced obesity in vivo and in vitro by adding EA to the diet of mice and the medium of HepG2 cells, the protein target of EA was analyzed by molecular docking. The results showed that EA ameliorated obesity and inhibited blood triglyceride and liver triglyceride concentrations than those in the HFD groups. The data on molecular docking indicated that FABP1 was a potential target of EA. Further experimental results confirmed that EA affected the triglyceride level by regulating the function of FABP1. This study may provide a new potential inhibitor for FABP1 and a new strategy for the treatment of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering anthocyanin biosynthesis in herbs could provide health‐promoting foods for improving human health. Rehmannia glutinosa is a popular medicinal herb in Asia, and was a health food for the emperors of the Han Dynasty (59 B.C.). In this study, we revealed the differences in anthocyanin composition and content between three Rehmannia species. On the 250, 235 and 206 identified MYBs in the respective species, six could regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis by activating the ANTHOCYANIDIN SYNTHASE (ANS) gene expression. Permanent overexpression of the Rehmannia MYB genes in tobacco strongly promoted anthocyanin content and expression levels of NtANS and other genes. A red appearance of leaves and tuberous/roots was observed, and the total anthocyanin content and the cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside content were significantly higher in the lines overexpressing RgMYB41, RgMYB42, and RgMYB43 from R. glutinosa, as well as RcMYB1 and RcMYB3 in R. chingii and RhMYB1 from R. henryi plants. Knocking out of RcMYB3 by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing resulted in the discoloration of the R. chingii corolla lobes, and decreased the content of anthocyanin. R. glutinosa overexpressing RcMYB3 displayed a distinct purple color in the whole plants, and the antioxidant activity of the transgenic plants was significantly enhanced compared to WT. These results indicate that Rehmannia MYBs can be used to engineer anthocyanin biosynthesis in herbs to improve their additional value, such as increased antioxidant contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioma is a tumor in the brain and spinal cord originating in the glial cells that surround the nerve cells. Among several microRNAs reported, miRNA‐363 is associated with human glioma. Based on miRNA‐363 levels, the development and progression of glioma can be monitored. The current study used an interdigitated electrode sensor to monitor microRNA‐363 levels, which indeed reflects the severity of glioma. The interdigitated electrode was generated using a photolithography technique followed by surface chemical modification carried out to insert miRNA‐363 complementary oligo as the probe complexed with gold nanoparticles. The proposed sensor works based on the dipole moment between two electrodes, and when molecular immobilization or interaction occurs, the response by the signal output changes. The changes in the target microRNA‐363 sequence were standardized to identify glioma. The limit of detection of miRNA‐363 was 10 fM with an R2 value of 0.996 on the linear coefficient regression ranges between 1 fM and 100 pM. Furthermore, unrelated sequences failed to increase the response of the current with the complementary probe, indicating specific miRNA‐363 detection on the interdigitated electrode. This study demonstrates the platform to be used for determining the presence of microRNA‐363 in glioma and as the basis for other biomarker analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tibetan sheep is a unique breed living in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. Since MSTN/Smad signaling pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of muscle development, we aimed to study the mutton quality, mRNA expression of main transduction genes in the MSTN/Smad signaling pathway, and the effects of those genes on the mutton quality of Tibetan sheep in this study. Six‐month‐old Qinghai‐Tibetan sheep were selected, slaughtered, and their Longissimus lumborum, semitendinosus muscle, arm triceps, and quadriceps femoris muscle were collected. The mutton quality was evaluated, and gene expression and their association with the mutton quality were analyzed using RT‐qPCR. The results showed that the indexes of mutton quality were not significantly different between ewes and rams (p >.05) except for Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) (p <.05). A total of 21 different fatty acids were detected in the muscles of Tibetan sheep, including nine types of SFA, four types of MUFA, and eight types of PUFA. The main transduction genes of the MSTN/Smad signaling pathway were found to be widely expressed in muscle tissues, but no significant differences were observed (p >.05). The correlation analysis of the main genes and mutton quality showed that MSTN was significantly correlated with redness and cooking time; Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and TGFβRI had significant positive correlations with marbling in arm triceps; Smad3 and TGFβRII had strong negative correlations with pH24 h in Longissimus lumborum; Smad2 was negatively correlated with drip loss in Longissimus lumborum. In short, the expression level of MSTN in muscles was positively correlated with Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 genes and negatively correlated with TGFβRII genes. Thus, the results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the regulation mechanism of the MSTN/Smad pathway on mutton quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) type I receptor (TGFβRI) and type II receptor (TGFβRII) are the members of the TGFβ superfamily, which are potent regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation in many organ systems, and they play key roles in multiple aspects of follicle development. Objectives: We aimed to explore the characterization, expression analysis of TGFβRI and TGFβRII genes, and the association with litter size in Tibetan sheep. Methods: In this study, we cloned the complete coding sequences of TGFβRI and TGFβRII genes in Tibetan sheep and analyzed their genomic structures. Results: The results showed that percentages of sequences homology of the two proteins in Tibetan sheep were the most similar to Ovis aries (100%), followed by Bos mutus (99%). The RT‐qPCR showed that two genes were expressed widely in the different tissues of Tibetan sheep. The TGFβRI expression was the highest in the lung (p < 0.05), followed by the spleen and ovary (p < 0.05). The TGFβRII expression was significantly higher in uterus than that in lung and ovary (p < 0.05). In addition, the χ2 test indicated that all ewes in the population were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and the population was in medium or low polymorphic information content status. We also found four Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs), g.9414A > G, g.28881A > G, g.28809T > C, g.10429G > A in sheep TGFβRI gene and g.63940C > T, g.63976C > T, g.64538C > T, g.64504T > A in TGFβRII gene. Three genotypes, except for g.64504T > A, and three haplotypes were identified in each gene. linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that there was strong linkage disequilibrium in each gene. The association analysis showed that the four SNPs of TGFβRI were associated with litter size (p < 0.05), and g.63940C > T of TGFβRII was confirmed to be associated with litter size (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on these preliminary results, we can assume that TGFβ receptors (TGFβRI and TGFβRII) may play an important role in sheep reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 10 years, the systemic treatment of advanced melanoma has undergone tremendous changes through the development of targeted therapy. However, there is still a long way to go. This study aims to characterize the function and interaction of ITGAX, SERPINB8 and furin in BRAF V600E mutant melanoma. Differentially expressed genes related to BRAF V600E mutation and BRAFi treatment were obtained by analysing GSE141484 and GSE22838. two kinds of BRAFi (Vemurafenib, 10 μM; Dabrafenib, 1 μM) were used to treat A375 and 1205Lu cells, respectively. The expression of ITGAX, SERPINB8 and Furin in A375 and 1205Lu cells was down‐regulated by specific siRNAs, and cell proliferation, clone formation and invasion were detected by CCK‐8, colony formation and transwell assays. The physical binding of furin and SERPINB8 was detected by immunoprecipitation. BRAFi treatment down‐regulated the ITGAX and SERPINB8 expression and did not change furin expression. Knockdown of ITGAX and SERPINB8 both inhibited the proliferation and invasion of A375 and 1205Lu cells. Knocking down SERPINB8 down‐regulated the expression of ITGAX. Furin knockdown and inhibitors all up‐regulated the protein level of ITGAX. SERPINB8 can physically bind to furin. In summary, SERPINB8 and furin regulate the expression of ITGAX in melanoma cells, and ITGAX significantly promotes the proliferation and invasion of melanoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Pyroptosis has both a caspase‐1‐dependent canonical pathway and a caspase‐4/‐5/‐11‐dependent noncanonical pathway. They play an important role in inflammatory damage and related diseases. Canonical pyroptosis was reported to be involved in periodontitis. However, knowledge of caspase‐4/‐5/‐11‐dependent noncanonical pathway involvement remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of pyroptosis inhibition on periodontitis as well as the possible mechanism, in order to provide a potential target for alleviating periodontitis. Methods: Human and rat periodontitis tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Micro‐computed tomography was used to assess alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis model. Pyroptosis‐related proteins were tested by western blot. propidium iodide staining and lactate dehydrogenase release were used to verify pyroptosis activation. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the preliminary mechanism of the reduced periodontal inflammation induced by YVAD‐CHO. Results: Both canonical‐ and noncanonical‐related proteins were detected in human and rat periodontitis tissue. The pyroptosis‐inhibited group demonstrated less inflammatory response and bone absorption. In vitro, pyroptosis was activated by lipopolysaccharide and inhibited by YVAD‐CHO. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the expression of A20 and IκB‐ζ was increased and verified by western blot in vitro and IHC in vivo. Conclusion: These results suggest that inhibition of pyroptosis‐reduced inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lanping–Simao Basin is located on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, China, and contains massive evaporites. The origin of evaporites in the basin has been hotly debated because of the strong transformation by tectonic movement. Forty halite samples from borehole MK‐3 in the Mengyejing area of the basin were collected and analyzed using XRD, Cl‐Sr isotopes and chemical compositions to trace the origin of the evaporites in the basin. The Br × 103/Cl ratios of the halite samples are between 0 and 0.55, most of which are synchronized with the law of seawater evaporation and at the stage of halite precipitation from seawater, indicating that the evaporites are mainly of marine origin. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios range from 0.707489 to 0.711279; after correction, the 87Sr/86Sr 145 Ma ratios range from 0.704721 to 0.707611, equivalent with the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of seawater at 145 Ma, indicating a marine origin. The decay of 87Rb in the evaporite during deposition, change of the depositional environment and the unsealed environment at a later period resulted in the present 87Sr/86Sr ratios of some samples being high. The δ37Cl value compositions range from –0.38‰ to 0.83‰, which is consistent with the δ37Cl value composition of the world marine halite (–0.6‰ to 0.4‰), further confirming that seawater is the main origin. In addition, the high δ37Cl value of some samples at the boundary of the upper and lower evaporite layers might be related to the influence of δ37Cl‐rich brine and the incomplete dissolution of the halite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) are observed in Earth's lower mantle, beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, respectively. The maximum height of the African LLVP is ∼1,000 km larger than that of the Pacific LLVP, but what causes this height difference remains unclear. LLVPs are often interpreted as thermochemical piles whose morphology is greatly controlled by the surrounding mantle flow. Seismic observations have revealed that while some subducted slabs are laterally deflected at ∼660–1,200 km, other slabs penetrate into the lowermost mantle. Here, through geodynamic modeling experiments, we show that rapid sinking of stagnant slabs to the lowermost mantle can cause significant height increases of nearby thermochemical piles. Our results suggest that the African LLVP may have been pushed more strongly and longer by surrounding mantle flows to reach a much shallower depth than the Pacific LLVP, perhaps since the Tethys slabs sank to the lowermost mantle. Plain Language Summary: Seismic observations have revealed the two large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean in Earth's lowest mantle. Growing evidence indicates that the maximum height of the African LLVP is up to ∼1,000 km taller than that of the Pacific LLVP, but the underlying cause of such a large difference in height remains uncertain. Geodynamic modeling studies have shown that the morphology of LLVPs is greatly controlled by their interactions with surrounding mantle flow which is mainly driven by subduction of cold slabs. Seismic observations have shown that while some subducted slabs flatten or stagnate at ∼660–1,200 km, other slabs arrive at the deepest mantle. With geodynamic modeling experiments, we show that catastrophic sinking of subducted slabs into the lower mantle can cause strong upwelling flows that in turn greatly increase the height of nearby LLVP‐like piles, while other piles can be less affected. This work suggests that the African LLVP may be enduring stronger nearby mantle flow to rise by the slab‐driven surrounding mantle flow than the Pacific LLVP. The African LLVP may start rising since the sinking of the Tethys slabs to the lowermost mantle. Key Points: Continuous sinking of voluminous subducted slabs to the lower mantle can push nearby large low velocity province (LLVP)‐like piles to rise significantlyEpisodic large increase of height is only possible for piles that are nearly neutrally buoyant and are relatively unstableThe African LLVP may have been strongly pushed by the Tethys slabs and reach a much larger height than the Pacific LLVP [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon and water cycles in the Earth's interior are linked to key planetary processes, such as mantle melting, degassing, chemical differentiation, and advection. However, the role of water in the carbon exchange between the mantle and core is not well known. Here, we show experimental results of a reaction between Fe3C and H2O at pressures and temperatures of the deep mantle and core‐mantle boundary (CMB). The reaction produces diamond, FeO, and FeHx, suggesting that water can liberate carbon from the core in the form of diamond ("core carbon extraction") while the core gains hydrogen, if subducted water reaches to the CMB. Therefore, Earth's deep water and carbon cycles can be linked. The extracted core carbon can explain a significant amount of the present‐day mantle carbon. Also, if diamond can be collected by mantle flow in the region, it can result in unusually high seismic‐velocity structures. Plain Language Summary: Carbon plays a vital role in geological processes occurring in the Earth's interior. While most carbon on Earth exists in its core, whether or not the core carbon can be added to the mantle is unclear due to the lack of knowledge of possible carbon transfer mechanism at the core‐mantle boundary (CMB). We conducted experiments by reproducing the extreme pressure and temperature conditions of the CMB. Our experiments show that water can react with the metallic iron core and liberate carbon as diamond, suggesting an important relationship between Earth's water and carbon cycles. In addition, our result predicts possible existence of diamond in some regions of the deepest mantle. Key Points: Water reacts with iron‐carbon alloy to form diamond at the P–T conditions expected for Earth's core‐mantle boundarySome of Earth's mantle carbon may come from the core through water‐induced reactions at the core‐mantle boundaryDiamonds formed at the core‐mantle boundary may result in high seismic velocity structures in the region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep learning, applied to traditional industries, makes many challenges and previously impossible tasks turn practicable. However, progress is still limited in the steelmaking industry. This study aims to establish a deep convolutional neural network–based diagnosis model for blast furnaces (BF) driven by tuyere image big data, which is not effectively exploited but contains valuable information. The model is characterized by having the ability to learn value features of abnormal events hidden in images and acts as a high‐dimensional complex function of abnormal events correlated to image features. The implementation framework of the model includes two stages: offline training based on the labeled historical database and online real‐time diagnosis. Specifically, the image data are first de‐noised and enhanced via the median filter and Gamma transformation algorithms. Then, when the model is offline trained, a preferable clustering algorithm combined with the manual determination is applied to labeling image data. Finally, the built model is examined for accuracy and performance. It is shown in the results that the model has an accuracy of 98% and 88.58% for diagnosing results in training and validating datasets, respectively. Thereby, the established model may be applied to the online diagnosis of an industrial BF using real‐time images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wuzhi capsule (WZC), a preparation of Fructus Schisandra sphenanthera extract, has been used widely for the treatment of viral and drug‐induced hepatitis in China. This study aimed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of tacrolimus (TAC) when co‐administered with WZC and the dose‐effect of WZC on tacrolimus in healthy volunteers. The effect of an increased dosage of WZC (1, 2, 6, and 8 capsules once daily) on the relative oral exposure of tacrolimus was assessed to explore the dose–response relationship between WZC and tacrolimus using bioanalysis, pharmacokinetic, and genotypical analyses. The influence of CYP3A5 and MDR1 genetic polymorphisms on the WZC dose was elucidated by maintaining the Ctrough of tacrolimus in Chinese healthy volunteers. When co‐administered with WZC, the Tmax of tacrolimus was increased significantly while the apparent oral clearance was decreased. The plasma tacrolimus level in volunteers with high CYP3A5 expression was much lower than that in those with mutant CYP3A5. However, polymorphisms of MDR1 exon26 C3435T, exon21 G2677T/A, and exon12 C1236T were not associated with plasma tacrolimus levels. Our findings provide important information on interactions between modern medications and herbal products, thus facilitating a better usage of tacrolimus in patients receiving WZC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water‐splitting has emerged as a promising alternative strategy to produce clean hydrogen fuel. However, current electrocatalytic water splitting suffers from sluggish kinetics, thus developing efficient electrocatalysts is crucial. Identifying reaction centers discloses the reaction mechanism and will undoubtedly facilitate the design and optimization of efficient water splitting electrocatalysts. This review summarizes several advances involving the identification of the actual active sites and intermediates capture on the catalytic surface. The morphology and valence states change on 2D materials are chose to illustrate how structural evolution affect catalytic activity. Specifically, in situ/ex situ electron microscopy techniques that used for the characterization of catalytic sites, and spectroscopy techniques that used to detect active intermediates at the molecular level are highlighted. In addition, several perspectives, such as the development of new in situ techniques and electrokinetic analysis methods, are emphasized to shed light on future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cataract is the number one cause of blindness in the world. Fibrosis of the lens is the main cause of cataract. Pathological epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development of fibrotic cataract. Inhibition of EMT may be an effective treatment for fibrosis of lens epithelial cells. Naringin (NRG) is one of the major citrus flavonoids, which has many pharmacological properties, including anti‐inflammatory and cardioprotective. However, the effect of NRG on cataract induced by abnormal fibrosis of LECs is not clear. Herein, we found NRG inhibited transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2)‐induced SRA01/04 cell viability. Additionally, NRG inhibited TGFβ2‐induced cell migration and EMT. We further noticed that NRG inhibited autophagy and Smad2/3 phosphorylation in LECs. We therefore thought Naringenin inhibited autophagy and EMT of human LECs by regulating the Smad2/3 pathway. NRG could therefore serve as a promising drug for cataract treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tacrolimus is widely used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection. However, the narrow therapeutic window and the large inter‐and intra‐individual variability in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tacrolimus make it difficult for individualization of dosing. This study aimed at developing a population pharmacokinetic model for estimating the oral clearance of tacrolimus in Chinese liver transplant patients, and identifying factors that contribute to the PK variability of tacrolimus. Data of 151 liver transplant patients who received tacrolimus were analyzed in this study. The population PK model was analyzed and the covariates including population demographic and biochemical characteristics, drug combination, and genetic polymorphism were explored using non‐linear mixed‐effects modeling approach. A single‐compartment population PK model was developed, and the final model was CL/F = (14.6–2.38 × cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5−3.72 × WZC+1.04 × (POD/9)+2.48 × COR) × Exp(ηi), where CYP3A5 was 1 for CYP3A5*3/*3, Wuzhi Capsule (WZC) was 1 when patients took tacrolimus combined with WZC, otherwise it was 0, corticosteroids (COR) was 1 when patients take tacrolimus combined with COR, otherwise, it was 0, POD was the post‐operative day. Visual inspection and bootstrap indicated that the final model was stable and robust. In this study, we developed the first tacrolimus population PK model in Chinese adult liver transplant patients. We first determined the influence of WZC on tacrolimus in these people, which could provide useful PK information for the drug combination of tacrolimus and WZC. We also revealed the influence of genetic polymorphism of CYP3A5, POD, and a combination of COR on tacrolimus PK. Therefore, these significant factors should be taken into consideration in optimizing dosage regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bi‐level load restoration optimisation strategy is proposed for the transmission system with wind farm‐energy storage combined systems (WESs), taking the variant length of time steps into account. The upper level model is proposed to maximise weighted restored loads, and formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming model. After solving the upper model, the optimal load pickup and transmission line restoration scheme can be obtained and delivered to the lower level model. The lower level model adopts a non‐linear model to minimise the length of the current time step, which is delivered to the upper lever model. By iteratively solving the upper and lower level models, the optimal load pickup and transmission line restoration scheme as well as the optimal length of current time step can be obtained. To minimise the gap between the scheduled generation of the WES and its actual power generation, a real‐time energy storage (ES) dispatch strategy is proposed taking maximum charging‐discharging cycles of the ES into account. The entire load restoration strategy can be obtained by iteratively solving the proposed model with updated operational conditions of power systems. Finally, two test systems are employed to verify the validity and correctness of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kanbara Reactor (KR) is widely used for hot metal desulfurization pretreatment in the steelmaking industry. The configuration of its impeller plays a crucial role in the reactor performance, but its function is not fully understood. Herein, a 3D volume of fluid (VOF) model coupled with the sliding mesh technique is developed, and the performance of five impellers with different dimensions is investigated. After the test of grid dependency, the calibration of turbulent models, and the validation via experiments, the numerical model is applied to study the typical developing phenomena and the effect of impeller dimension on the fluid flow characteristics, mixing time, interface profile, and vortex core depth. The results show that the centrifugal discharging flow extruded by the rotating impeller creates a double‐recirculation flow pattern in the axial direction. When the aspect ratio χ of the impeller increases, the upper recirculating region is successively strengthened and enlarged. Furthermore, the mixing time as a function of impeller configuration exists a minimum value. Impeller III is the optimal configuration in the current study. In addition, the relationship between vortex core depth and χ is obtained, and the velocity of the gas–liquid interface increases with the increase in χ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The popularity of mobile gaming among adults has raised concerns about the adverse health effects of localized muscle and eye fatigue. This study aimed to investigate how arm support and mobile game control characteristics affect muscle and eye fatigue, and postural changes. Methods: Twelve subjects, ages 21–24 years old, were recruited to play a mobile game for 60 min. Participants used two postures (sitting with and without arm support) and two game control modes (touch and rocker). Electromyography measured the abductor pollicis brevis, the upper trapezius, and the extensor carpi radialis muscles. A motion capture system was employed to assess postural changes. Self‐reported fatigue was measured using Borg's scale and Heuer's questionnaire. Results: Arm support had a significant effect on muscle fatigue and posture, including a lower rating of perceived exertion in the shoulder (p <.05) and arm (p <.01), an increase in neck and trunk forward flexion between 22% and 34%, an increase in forearm bearing angle of 97.63%, and a decrease in upper arm bearing angle of 25.94% in the group without arm support. Blink for touch mode was 10.57% higher than for rocker mode. Conclusion: Arm support was effective in reducing fatigue in the arm and shoulder, but not in the hand. Compared to rocker mode, touch mode increased the visual burden and accelerated visual fatigue. This study provides an understanding of the association between playing mobile games and fatigue, which can help prevent muscle and visual fatigue in mobile gaming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viscosity structure of Earth's mantle, even the 1‐D radial viscosity profile, remains not well constrained. The dynamics of the subducting slabs is strongly affected by, and can be used to constrain, the viscosity structure of the mantle. Here, we perform fully dynamic, self‐consistent mantle convection models to study the dynamics of subducted slabs in the deep mantle. We use a statistical analysis approach to quantify how the depth distribution of flat‐lying slabs is affected by the depth‐dependence of mantle viscosity. We find that, for cases in which the viscosity increases at 660 km depth, whether sharply or gradually, flat‐lying slabs preferentially occur above this depth, and importantly, up to ∼30% of the subducted slabs previously flatted at this depth later sink to the deep lower mantle and maintain a flat‐lying morphology. The frequency of (or the probability to have) flat‐lying slabs at ∼1,000 km depth in these cases is similar to cases in which the viscosity jump occurs at 1,000 km depth. Therefore, to explain the presence of flat‐lying slabs at ∼1,000 km depth for the Earth does not require a viscosity jump at this depth. In contrast, a viscosity jump merely occurring at ∼1,000 km depth causes a lack of flat‐lying slabs in the uppermost lower mantle at ∼700–900 km depth and is inconsistent with seismic observations. The presence of flat‐lying slab materials in the Earth's uppermost lower mantle requires a viscosity increase at 660 km depth. Plain Language Summary: Conventionally, a stepwise mantle viscosity jump is often modeled at 660 km depth where the endothermic phase transition occurs. However, some recent studies argued that the viscosity may increase at deeper depths of ∼1,000 km. Here, dynamically self‐consistent mantle convection models are performed to investigate the effect of the depth‐dependent mantle viscosity structure on slab morphologies. We quantify the statistics for the depth distribution of flat‐lying slabs with subducted slabs freely generated as a form of thermal boundary layer instabilities in mantle convection models. The models show that a stepwise viscosity increase at ∼1,000 km depth results in the absence of flat‐lying slabs at intermediate depths of 700–900 km below the transition zone. This is inconsistent with seismic tomography observations which indicate significant flat‐lying slab materials at ∼700–900 km depths. The viscosity increase at 660 km depth is therefore essential to cause flat‐lying slabs in the uppermost lower mantle. Key Points: A statistical analysis is introduced to study the probability of slab stagnation events in fully dynamic, self‐consistent convection modelsA viscosity jump at either 660 or 1,000 km depth causes similar frequency of flat‐lying slabs at ∼1,000 km depthA viscosity jump at 1,000 km depth alone causes a lack of flat‐lying slabs in the uppermost lower mantle that is inconsistent with observations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and mathematical modeling is performed in a 10:1 scaled‐down basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steelmaking vessel to study impingement onto a bath of swirling gas jets from a novel nozzles‐twisted lance. The particular aspects with respect to the swirling jets‐induced cavity characteristic, jets' stirring efficiency, and bath flow field are focused upon, and their discrepancies with those created by conventional oxygen lance jets are assessed. Results show that compared with the conventional jets, the swirling jets strike a greater impact area with a shallower but wider cavity and facilitate bath surface flow. Due to a more intensive bath horizontal flow, which shows an increase in intensity by 0.34–1.66 times than that of conventional jets, the swirling jets shorten bath mixing time by 11–60%, depending on the nozzle twist angle of the lance. These results suggest that the lance height of the nozzles‐twisted lance is operated more flexibly than that of the conventional one. This not only enables sufficient bath stirring efficiency and improves slagging but also contributes to postponing lance tip erosion and prolonging its life span in plant operations, whereas the enhanced flows in the regions near the sidewall accelerate refractory erosion there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth's lowermost mantle is characterized by two large low shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs). The regions outside the LLSVPs have been suggested to be strongly influenced by subducted slabs and, therefore, much colder than the LLSVPs. However, localized low‐velocity seismic anomalies have been detected in the subduction‐influenced regions, whose origin remains unclear. Here, three‐dimensional geodynamic calculations are performed, and they show that linear, ridge‐like hot thermal anomalies, or thermal ridges, form in the relatively cold, downwelling regions of the lowermost mantle. Like the formation of Richter rolls due to sublithosphere small‐scale convection (SSC), the thermal ridges form as a result of SSC from the basal thermal boundary layer and they extend in directions parallel to the surrounding mantle flow. The formation of thermal ridges in subduction regions of the lowermost mantle is very sensitive to the thermal structures of the subducted materials, and thermal heterogeneities brought to the bottom of the mantle by subducting slabs greatly promote the formation of thermal ridges. The formation of thermal ridges is also facilitated by the increase of core‐mantle boundary heat flux and vigor of lowermost mantle convection. The thermal ridges may explain the low‐velocity seismic anomalies outside of the LLSVPs in the lowermost mantle. The results suggest that the relatively cold, subduction‐influenced regions of the Earth's lowermost mantle may contain localized hot anomalies. Plain Language Summary: Scientists have found that the Earth's lowermost mantle contains two large, continental‐size blobs, one beneath Africa and the other beneath the central Pacific Ocean, whose temperatures are expected to be at least several hundred degrees higher than the surrounding mantle. It is suggested that the two blobs are surrounded by regions that have been strongly influenced by ancient, relatively cold subducted slabs. However, some localized regions outside the two blobs are found to have abnormal physical properties which may be caused by increase of temperature, but the origin of the smaller‐scale thermal heterogeneities outside the two blobs remains unclear. In this study, I use computer simulations to investigate the dynamics and thermal structures in the lowermost mantle. I find that hot, ridge‐like thermal anomalies, or thermal ridges, readily form near the subducted slabs in the lowermost mantle. The formation of thermal ridges is promoted as the core heat flux and/or the vigor of the lowermost mantle convection increases and when thermal heterogeneities are brought to the bottom of the mantle by subducted slabs. Key Points: Hot, linear thermal ridges form by small‐scale convection in cold, subduction‐influenced regions of Earth's lowermost mantleThermal heterogeneities brought to the bottom of the mantle by subducting slabs promote the formation of thermal ridgesThe thermal ridges may explain low‐velocity structures outside the LLSVPs in the lowermost mantle [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a novel geometrization on the space of positive definite matrices, derived from the Riemannian submersion from the general linear group to the space of positive definite matrices, resulting in easier computation of its geometric structure. The related metric is found to be the same as a particular Wasserstein metric. Based on this metric, the Wasserstein barycenter problem is studied. To solve this problem, some schemes of the numerical computation based on gradient descent algorithms are proposed and compared. As an application, we test the k‐means clustering of positive definite matrices with different choices of matrix mean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies on the tricolor design optimization, and the influence of color‐area ratio on users' emotion has been ignored. This article aims to achieve multiobjective optimization of tricolor product color design. Two modes of color‐area ratio are put forward. Using the proposed method of generating tricolor schemes, 368 tricolor schemes of the representative baby carriage are designed. Through questionnaire survey, color images are screened, and combined with correlation analysis and factor analysis, five perceptual features of color design are determined as "Order," "Excitement," "Temperature," "Color harmony," and "Users' emotional preference." From two perspectives of color information processing, radial basis function neural networks are used to construct two emotional evaluation models. By integrating the radial basis function neural networks and a genetic algorithm, this study achieves multiobjective optimization of tricolor product color design for two optimization objectives of color harmony and users' emotional preference. Verification results show that the optimization schemes are significantly better than other schemes. Due to similar product characteristics, children's electric car is utilized to verify the generalization capability of the optimization method proposed in this article. It has been demonstrated that the optimization schemes achieve higher scores than randomly selected color schemes and the actual subjective scores match with the predicted scores computed by the color optimization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Pr3+ ion‐doped Ge20Ga15−xSbxSe65 (x = 0, 5, 10, in mol%), Ge20Sb15−yInySe65 (y = 5, 10, in mol%), Ge20Ga15−zInzSe65 (z = 0, 5, 10, in mol%), and Ge20Ga5Sb10Se60I5 glasses were prepared. The structural units, thermal properties, and optical properties of these glasses were analyzed. In addition, a comprehensive comparison study of the effects of metal ions (Sb, Ga, and In), S/Se ratio, and I content on the mid‐infrared (MIR) luminescence of Pr3+ ions was conducted. Under a 1.55‐μm laser pump, 0.2 mol% of Pr3+ ion‐doped chalcogenide glasses performed strong photoluminescence in the wavelength range of 3.5‐5.5 μm. Results indicated that the Sb‐containing glass performed the strongest emission intensity among the studied glasses. Moreover, halogen element I can reduce the phonon energy of the matrix, which is beneficial to the luminescence of Pr3+ ions and provide significant possibilities for developing MIR lasers and amplifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a survey of 355 international students studying at seven universities in Chengdu, China, this article analyses the reasons for their choosing to study in China. The main methods employed are factor analysis and associated nonparametric tests. Results reveal that the quality of Chinese education and Chinese specialities are the most important reasons. In addition, personal referral sources, tuition and living costs, bilateral relations between China and home countries, and policy incentives at the destination, are also important. There are differences between students from developing and developed countries. Students from developing countries placed more emphasis on the quality of Chinese education, suggestions from relatives/friends, and geographic proximity. Those from developed countries referred more frequently to costs and policy incentives. Students who chose courses focusing on Chinese culture, society and language tended to be attracted by human interest, while students who chose courses on other subjects paid more attention to the quality and content of the teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that hot spot tracks are caused by moving rigid plates above relatively stationary hot spots. However, the fixity of hot spots remains under debate. Here, we perform 3‐D very high resolution (<25 km laterally) global mantle convection models with realistic convection vigor to investigate the lateral motion of mantle plumes. We find that the lateral motion of plumes beneath the Pacific plate is statistically similar to that beneath the Indo‐Atlantic plates. In the past 80 Ma, the majority (>90%) of plumes move laterally with an average speed of 0–20 mm/year under the no‐net‐rotation reference frame, and there are a small portion (~10–20%) of plumes whose lateral motion is less than 5 mm/year. The geodynamic modeling results are statistically in a good agreement with the hot spot motions in the last 5 Ma estimated from observation‐based kinematic models. Our results suggest a small‐to‐moderate (0–20 mm/year) lateral motion of most plume‐induced hot spots. Plain Language Summary: The intraplate volcanic islands on the Earth's surface often form progressively aged hot spot tracks. The hot spot tracks have been proposed to be caused by moving rigid plates above relatively stationary plumes. However, it remains unclear how fast mantle plumes move laterally. Here, very high resolution 3‐D global mantle convection models are performed to quantify the lateral motions of all long‐lived plumes. The models show that while the number, location, and lateral motion of individual plumes are rather model dependent, the majority (>90%) of plumes move laterally at a speed of 0–20 mm/year with only a small portion (~10–20%) of plumes being relatively stationary with a lateral motion less than 5 mm/year. The lateral motions of Pacific plumes and Indo‐Atlantic plumes are statistically similar. Importantly, the results of plume motions are statistically in an excellent agreement with the motions of observed hot spots. The results have important implications for understanding the formation of hot spot tracks and the dynamics of mantle plumes. Key Points: Greater than 90% plumes move laterally with a speed of 0‐20 mm/year, and ~10‐20% plumes are relatively fixed with a lateral motion of <5 mm/yearThe speeds of the lateral motions of plumes beneath the Pacific plate are statistically similar to those beneath the Indo‐Atlantic platesThe number, location, and lateral motion of individual plumes in convection models depend on the model parameters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock breeding and production activities provide the livelihood for herdsmen; nevertheless, the accompanying trampling has the potential to negatively influence the physiochemical environment of soil. The policy of returning grazing land to grassland has greatly influenced both biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, the regulatory mechanism behind changes of soil infiltration capacity remains largely unexplored. Here, three sites (a 1‐year [R1] and a 3‐year [R3] restoration of grassland, which were both trampled areas and trails an untrampled grassland) were sampled on the Mongolian Plateau of China. The infiltration parameters, soil properties, root channel area, and plant community were determined for each site. The results showed that the species richness, aboveground biomass, and the proportion of forbs in the R3 grassland were 2.7‐, 5.5‐ and 30.8‐times higher than those of the R1 grassland, respectively. The soil infiltration rates and cumulative infiltration increased with species richness, aboveground biomass, and the proportion of forbs. Importantly, all values of species richness, aboveground biomass, and forbs ratio increased with progressing restoration. Overall, our results indicate that grasses recovered first after trampling ceased. Along with the improvement of soil surface conditions, forb species with greater root channel area increased gradually, which increased the soil infiltration rate. Our research highlights the changes in plant community of trampled areas and trails and the regulatory influence of revegetation on soil infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product placement is regarded as a covert advertising strategy because viewers are often unaware of the persuasion attempt when they are exposed to product placement due to the high integration of the commercial content into the media content. In order to guarantee fair communication and prevent viewers from being influenced without their awareness, regulations prescribing proper disclosure of product placement have been issued in many countries. However, there are no consistent findings of the effectiveness of disclosures in prior studies. This study first combined eye‐tracking and electroencephalography (EEG) technologies with self‐reported measures to better understand the effects of disclosures on viewers' brand responses. The results show that (a) disclosure is an effective method to increase viewers' awareness of the embedded persuasive message and brand recognition, while also causing a decrease in brand attitude; (b) viewers exposed to a product placement disclosure tend to show longer fixation time on the placed product and evoke decreased frontal alpha band and increased frontal and right‐hemisphere gamma band compared with those who are exposed to non‐disclosed product placement; and (c) the positive effects of disclosures on the awareness of the embedded persuasive message and brand recognition are mediated by fixation time, and the negative effect of disclosures on brand attitude is mediated by fixation time and right‐hemisphere gamma band. These findings indicate that such eye movement indices and EEG bands can be viewed as reference measures reflecting viewers' cognitive and emotional processing of product placement and disclosures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For generating or detecting spin currents without ferromagnetic materials in spintronic devices, nonmagnetic materials with large spin Hall angles would elicit extreme interest. A giant inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) generating in Pt doped with 8% Bi by composition is demonstrated. From a combination of ferromagnetic resonance, spin pumping, and ISHE experiments, a large spin current is found induced in an yttrium iron garnet/Pt0.92Bi0.08 bilayer. The spin diffusion length and spin Hall angle of the Pt0.92Bi0.08 alloy are λSD = 3.3 ± 0.1 nm and θSH = 0.106 ± 0.005, respectively. In the experiments, the spin–charge conversion of this alloy is twice that of Pt and is larger than most reported heavy metals. Such enhancement can be attributed to the skew scattering from the high atomic number of Bi impurities via the spin–orbit interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have prepared Ni0.5Ti0.5Nb1–xTaxO4 microwave dielectric ceramics using a traditional solid‐state reaction method. The influence of Ta5+ substituted at the Nb5+ site on the crystal structures and dielectric properties of Ni0.5Ti0.5Nb1–xTaxO4 ceramics is discussed. Structural refinement indicates that the distortion in the oxygen octahedron is affected by Ta substitution. The dielectric constant is dependent on the polarization of the NbO6 octahedron. The Q × f value is improved as the Ta content increases, because of the increasing packing fractions. The τf value is mostly dominated by distortions of the Nb–O bonds (δNb–O); and δNb–O reduces with increasing Ta ion doping in the Nb site, which makes the τf value decrease with increasing Ta content. Optimal microwave dielectric properties (εr = 48.5, Q × f = 17500 GHz, and τf = 88.6 ppm °C–1 at the resonant frequency of 6.05 GHz) are obtained for Ni0.5Ti0.5Nb1–xTaxO4 ceramics at x = 0.2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its potential importance in the global climate system, mixing properties of the North Pacific low-latitude western boundary current system (LLWBC) remained unsampled until very recently. We report here on the first measurements of turbulence microstructure associated with these currents, made in the western boundary region of the tropical North Pacific east of the Philippines. The results suggest that thermocline mixing in the North Pacific LLWBC is generally weak with the diapycnal diffusivity κ ρ∼ O(10−6) m2 s−1. This is consistent with predictions from internal wave-wave interaction theory that mixing due to internal wave breaking is significantly reduced at low latitudes. Enhanced mixing is found to be associated with a permanent cyclonic eddy, the Mindanao Eddy, but mainly at its south and north flanks. There, κ ρ is elevated by an order of magnitude due to eddy-induced geostrophic shear. Mixing in the eddy core is at the background level with no indication of enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate single nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) in genes that are presumed to control muscle growth and to determine their potential association with growth in a cultured population of orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Seven genes, myogenic regulatory factor 4 ( MRF4), Myf5, MSTN-1, MSTN-2, MyoD1, MyoD2, and myogenin, were selected for the investigation, covering approximately 26 kbp. First, the two clades for the genes MSTN (myostatin) and MyoD were confirmed in this species using Bayesian inference analysis of the phylogenetic relationships. Then, the seven genes were enriched by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced using an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine. A total of 586 SNPs were discovered. Linkage disequilibrium was decayed by 50% within 250 bp based on the combined data, which means that there was high resolution in the association mapping. A mixed linear model considering the population structure and kinship was used to detect the associations between genotypes and phenotypes. Only one site ( KR269814.1:g. 22T>G) in MSTN-1 was found to be significantly associated with a measured trait, the interorbital distance (false discovery ratio < 0.05), and it explained 12.4% of the phenotype variation of this trait. This study provides insight on strategies for molecular marker-assisted breeding in orange-spotted grouper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems that static var compensator cannot suppress the voltage flicker and the cost of static synchronous compensator is expensive, a three‐layer hybrid reactive power compensation scheme was proposed in this study based on the expert‐decision, differential‐slope voltage regulation, and the expert‐decision subsystem combining with fuzzy self‐tuning proportional–integral (PI) control. By switching in a dynamic load which can always change the bus voltage, the whole system was simulated under the much reactive power shortage and the less shortage. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed coordinated control method in the reactive compensation and the suppression of the voltage flicker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical study of transferring characteristics of momentum/energy during oxygen jetting into the slag-metal molten bath in basic oxygen furnaces by a multi-fluid volume of fluid model. The evolution of the momentum/energy and turbulence of jets along their axial travel were studied. The results were quantitatively compared within a wide range of oxygen supply pressures, at which the jets may be at under- or over-expanding state. The efficiency of the momentum/energy transfer from the jets to the molten bath was also assessed with respect to lance height and operation pressure. The numerical results show that the momentum and kinetic energy for the jets suffering from shock waves likely cause more intensive damping compared to the jets with expansion waves. The turbulence kinetic energy and turbulence dissipation rate are observed to firstly increase and then decrease. This effect is more pronounced at a lower operation pressure. Based on these results, the optimum lance height was identified for a rapid slagging operation. It is also shown that the efficiency of the energy transfer from the jets to the molten bath is very low. Decreasing lance height or increasing operation pressure promotes the efficiency of the momentum transfer from the jets to the molten bath but lowers the efficiency of the kinetic energy transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodynamic behaviors of multiple supersonic jets, especially their coalescence, are of paramount importance to effective design and operation of the oxygen lance in steelmaking basic oxygen furnace (BOF) but not well understood. This paper presents a numerical study on the coalescence of supersonic jets from the multi-nozzle oxygen lance at a practical Mach number by a compressible and non-isothermal computational fluid dynamics model. The model is firstly validated and then used to study the effects of key variables (i.e. ambient temperature and arrangement of nozzles including inclination angle and number) on coalescence behavior under various operational conditions. The results show that the jets prefer to deviate from their own nozzle axes and tend to coalescence with decreasing ambient temperature/nozzle inclination angle or increasing nozzle number. The attenuations of the velocity and dynamic pressure at the jet centerline are delayed with the increase of ambient temperature or the decrease of nozzle number/inclination angle. The critical condition where the jets are free from interaction is identified with increasing nozzle inclination angle, and the critical value is 258 for the four-nozzle lance considered. The simulation results are then used to estimate the cavity shape and splashing modes in BOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the explosive growth of energy consumption, the exploration of highly efficient energy conversion and storage devices becomes increasingly important. Fuel cells, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries are among the most promising options. The innovation of these devices mainly resides in the development of high-performance electrode materials and catalysts. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), due to structural and chemical properties such as semiconductor optical properties, rich nitrogen content, and tunable porous structure, has drawn considerable attention and shown great potential as an electrode material or catalyst in energy conversion and storage devices. This review covers recent progress in g-C3N4-containing systems for fuel cells, electrocatalytic water splitting devices, supercapacitors, and lithium-ion batteries. The corresponding catalytic mechanisms and future research directions in these areas are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A straightforward strategy is described to synthesize poly( ϵ-caprolactone)- graft-poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) ( PCL- g- PNIPAAm) amphiphilic graft copolymers consisting of potentially biodegradable polyester backbones and thermoresponsive grafting chains. PCL with pendent chlorides was prepared by ring-opening polymerization, followed by conversion of the pendent chlorides to azides. Alkyne-terminated PNIPAAm was synthesized by atom transfer radial polymerization. Then, the alkyne end-functionalized PNIPAAm was grafted onto the PCL backbone by a copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. PCL- g- PNIPAAm graft copolymers self-assembled into spherical micelles comprised of PCL cores and PNIPAAm coronas. The critical micelle concentrations of the graft copolymers were in the range 7.8-18.2 mg L−1, depending on copolymer composition. Mean hydrodynamic diameters of micelles were in the range 65-135 nm, which increased as the length of grafting chains grew. PCL- g- PNIPAAm micelles were thermosensitive and aggregated upon heating. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Thermoresponsive graft copolymers of ε-caprolactone and N-isopropylacrylamide were synthesized by a combination of ring-opening polymerization and the sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The copolymer composition, chemical structure, and the self-assembled structure were characterized. The graft length and density of the copolymers were well controlled by varying the feed ratio of monomer to initiator and the fraction of chlorides along PCL backbone, which is acting as the macroinitiator for ATRP. In aqueous solution, PCL- g-PNIPAAm can assemble into the spherical micelles which comprise of the biodegradable hydrophobic PCL core and thermoresponsive hydrophilic PNIPAAm corona. The critical micelle concentrations of PCL- g-PNIPAAm were determined under the range of 6.4-23.4 mg/L, which increases with the PNIPAAm content increasing. The mean hydrodynamic diameters of PCL- g-PNIPAAm micelles depend strongly on the graft length and density of the PNIPAAm segment, allowing to tune the particle size within a wide range. Additionally, the PCL- g-PNIPAAm micelles exhibit thermosensitive properties and aggregate when the temperature is above the lower critical solution temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trees on the side directly exposed to sunlight generally grow faster than on the opposite side, a phenomenon termed plant phototropism. There are in situ vertical trunks of silicified wood in the Xiadelongwan area of Yanqing County, north Beijing, where the first National Geologic Park of Petrified Wood of China has been built since 2002. A few trunks have well-preserved growth rings. One petrified stump from the formation shows a positive phototropism direction of SW230°. As compared with the modern normal growth stumps in Beijing plain area, which have a positive phototropism direction of SW210 ° ± 5°, the evidence of wood phototropism supports the conclusion of previous palaeomagnetic studies that the North China Plate has rotated clockwise since the Late Jurassic. The known petrified wood stumps in the Yanshan-Liaoning area are mainly found from the strata of 165-136 Ma, which corresponds to the main stage of the Yanshanian Movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]