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Isotopically labeled alkanes play a crucial role in organic and pharmaceutical chemistry. While some deuterated methylating agents are readily available, the limited accessibility of other deuteroalkyl reagents has hindered the synthesis of corresponding products. In this study, we introduce a nickel‐catalyzed system that facilitates the synthesis of various deuterium‐labeled alkanes through the hydrodeuteroalkylation of d2‐labeled alkyl TT salts with unactivated alkenes. Diverging from traditional deuterated alkyl reagents, alkyl thianthrenium (TT) salts can effectively and selectively introduce deuterium at α position of alkyl chains using D2O as the deuterium source via a single‐step pH‐dependent hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE). Our method allows for high deuterium incorporation, and offers precise control over the site of deuterium insertion within an alkyl chain. This technique proves to be invaluable for the synthesis of various deuterium‐labeled compounds, especially those of pharmaceutical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the possibility of using self‐centering walls (SCWs) as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) to control the seismic response of structures. The basic characteristics of this system are investigated using a two‐degree‐of‐freedom (2‐DOF) model, representing the main structure as a single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) oscillator interconnected with an SCW through viscous and elastic devices. The nonlinear equations of motion for the proposed coupled system are derived and then utilized to determine the displacement amplification response. The coupling parameters are optimized to minimize the dynamic response of the oscillator using a numerical method. A simulation study is conducted to investigate the response of the proposed system by considering six recorded earthquakes. Several parameters are studied, including the mass ratio, the influence of prestressing, and the slenderness angle of the wall. The displacement spectra are generated using the optimized parameters and compared to those of the uncoupled system and the traditional coupled system, which features a rigid connection between the structure and the wall. The results reveal that the proposed system effectively suppresses both maximum and root mean square responses of structures, outperforming the traditional coupled system in most cases. Improved performance for the proposed system can be achieved by increasing the wall's mass ratio and decreasing the slenderness angle. Moreover, prestressing has an adverse impact on the system's displacement response. Finally, the influence of wall flexibility is examined using a finite element model, revealing a minimal effect on the system's response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser‐assisted current injection treatment, also known as laser‐enhanced contact optimization (LECO), has great potential to reduce front contact resistance and metal‐induced recombination of n‐type tunnel oxide‐passivated contact (n‐TOPCon) solar cells, thereby improving the cell efficiency. Herein, the interfacial Ag–Si contact characteristics on boron‐doped p+ emitters and the electrical properties of industrial n‐TOPCon solar cells that feature a LECO treatment and a specific Ag paste are investigated and compared with those of n‐TOPCon solar cells with a standard Ag/Al paste process. LECO causes some current‐fired contacts that, when removed by sequential selective etching, leave bowl‐shaped imprints on the emitter, indicating that isotropic alloying behavior occurs between Ag and Si at these local positions during LECO. Unlike the standard Ag/Al metallization process, the LECO process does not significantly damage the passivation layer or emitter. More interestingly, the n‐TOPCon solar cells prepared with the specific Ag paste do not initially form an effective metal–semiconductor contact, with an average efficiency of only 0.14%, which increases to 25.65% after LECO treatment, even 0.2%abs higher than that of the reference counterparts with standard Ag/Al electrodes. Ultimately, a physical model of LECO‐induced Ag–Si contact formation on boron emitters is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have been widely used for the screening, diagnosis and prediction of biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients. However, few studies with large sample sizes of carbohydrate antigen 50 (CA50) were reported in BTC patients. Methods: A total of 1121 patients from the Liver Cancer Clin‐Bio Databank of Anhui Hepatobiliary Surgery Union between January 2017 and December 2022 were included in this study (673 in the training cohort and 448 in the validation cohort): among them, 458 with BTC, 178 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 23 with combined hepatocellular‐cholangiocarcinoma, and 462 with nontumor patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and clinical usefulness. Results: ROC curves obtained by combining CA50, CA19‐9, and AFP showed that the AUC value of the diagnostic MODEL 1 was 0.885 (95% CI 0.856–0.885, specificity 70.3%, and sensitivity 84.0%) in the training cohort and 0.879 (0.841–0.917, 76.7%, and 84.3%) in the validation cohort. In addition, comparing iCCA and HCC (235 in the training cohort, 157 in the validation cohort), the AUC values of the diagnostic MODEL 2 were 0.893 (95% CI 0.853–0.933, specificity 96%, and sensitivity 68.6%) in the training cohort and 0.872 (95% CI 0.818–0.927, 94.2%, and 64.6%) in the validation cohort. Conclusion: The model combining CA50, CA19‐9, and AFP not only has good diagnostic value for BTC but also has good diagnostic value for distinguishing iCCA and HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most non‐fullerene organic solar cells comprising bulk‐heterojunction active layers, the inter‐domain connectivity of small‐molecule acceptors is generally inferior to those of polymeric donors due to their intrinsic short‐range ordering. This issue is even exacerbated by the physiochemical mismatch between acceptor‐phases and metal‐oxide electron transport layers in most inverted n‐i‐p devices, leading to inefficient electron collection. By pre‐depositing an ultra‐thin acceptor primer layer, it develops a novel acceptor‐enriched‐bottom active layer to reinforce the acceptor‐phase continuity. It is however challenging to preserve the primer layer during non‐orthogonal solvent processing. Thus, sequential n‐type doping is implemented on the surface of the primer layer, which allows to slightly reduce the acceptor solubility by polarity regulation, as well as stabilize the film structure via strong π–π interaction between dopant/host acceptor. Upon acceptor enrichment, higher interfacial electron density enhances the built‐in potential while the enlarged domains suppress both charge‐transfer state and bimolecular recombination. Consequently, the champion device efficiency is greatly improved from ca. 16.1% to 18.0%, mainly resulting from the simultaneously elevated fill factor and short‐circuit current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilized ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry techniques to analyze multiple batches of non‐polyvinyl chloride (PVC) soft bags exposed to three extractants. Based on an established library of relative response factors for more than 30 different polymer additives, analytical evaluation thresholds for large volume injectables were determined, and 30 extractables were screened and (semi‐)quantitatively analyzed. To identify variations in extractables between batches, multivariate statistical methods such as principal component analysis, heat map analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were employed. Additionally, a comprehensive risk assessment of extractables and a biosafety assessment of leachables were conducted. The results of the study revealed that the concentrations of two extractables exceeded the established safety threshold. Moreover, one of these extractables was deemed to pose a mutagenic risk based on the consistent findings of two (Q)SAR software tools. Notably, certain extractables exhibited discrepancies in their content between batches, with particular emphasis on 1,3‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxybenzyl)‐1,3,5‐triazinane‐2,4,6‐trione. This discrepancy led to inconsistencies in risk levels across batches. However, the levels of leachables detected in the non‐PVC soft bags were found to be within the safety threshold, and cytotoxicity assessments consistently yielded negative results for leachables. Consequently, this study provides valuable data for conducting batch stability investigations concerning extractables in large volume parenteral drug delivery containers and other forms of pharmaceutical packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have noticed that the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models with a stronger cooling from aerosol‐cloud interactions (ACI) also have an enhanced warming from positive cloud feedback, and these two opposing effects are counter‐balanced in simulations of the historical period. However, reasons for this anti‐correlation are less explored. In this study, we perturb the cloud ice microphysical processes to obtain cloud liquid of varying amounts in two Earth System Models (ESMs). We find that the model simulations with a larger liquid water path (LWP) tend to have a stronger cooling from ACI and a stronger positive cloud feedback. More liquid clouds in the mean‐state present more opportunities for anthropogenic aerosol perturbations and also weaken the negative cloud feedback at middle to high latitudes. This work, from a cloud state perspective, emphasizes the influence of the mean‐state LWP on effective radiative forcing due to ACI (ERFACI). Plain Language Summary: Since the preindustrial era, emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols have both increased substantially. Planetary warming from the elevated GHGs causes changes in cloud distribution and properties, thereby imposing feedbacks on the climate system. At the same time, aerosols from air pollution exert a cooling effect by modifying cloud properties and lifetime. Cloud feedback and aerosol‐cloud interactions (ACI) are two critical factors for understanding the past and projecting the future climate change. In this study, we examine the relationships of ACI and cloud feedback with the mean‐state cloud liquid water amount predicted from simulations with two different Earth system models. We find that both the effective radiative forcing due to aerosol‐cloud interactions (ERFACI) and the cloud feedback are modulated by mean‐state liquid water path (LWP). The warming induced by cloud feedback and cooling by ACI counteracts each other. Our study suggests that the mean‐state LWP is an important factor influencing both ERFACI and the cloud feedback, and is a useful index for the future climate projection. Key Points: Effective radiative forcing due to aerosol‐cloud interactions strengthens with the increase of mean‐state LWP in two Earth System ModelsCloud radiative feedback increases monotonically with the increase of mean‐state LWPMean‐state LWP is a good predictor for both ERFACI and cloud radiative feedback [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertical distribution of biomass burning aerosol (BBA) is important in regulating their impacts on weather and climate. The plume‐rise process affects the injection height of BBA and interacts with the air parcel lifting and cloud processes. However, these processes are not represented in most global climate models. In this study, we replaced the fixed vertical profiles of monthly BBA emissions in the Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1) with an interactive fire plume‐rise model. The vertical distribution of BBA emissions was calculated as a function of ambient thermodynamic conditions from the host E3SMv1, with distributions of fire sizes and sensible heat fluxes derived from the observations. The maximum fire radiative power (FRP) technique was used to determine the fire size. Scaling‐FRP technique is used to calculate the wildfire heat release. Daily BBA emission, superimposed with a fire diurnal cycle retrieved from the satellite observation, was included in model simulations. The model shows improved agreement with satellite retrievals and in situ measurement during the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Wildfire Experiment for Cloud chemistry, Aerosol absorption, and Nitrogen campaign. The model‐observation comparison demonstrates the importance of the plume‐rise model and fire diurnal cycle assumption in determining the BBA fields. We also find that E3SMv1 with new features produces a larger carbonaceous aerosol burden, leading to 0.13 W m−2 warming at the top of atmosphere compared to the default E3SMv1. This highlights the importance of accurately representing the BBA injection height and indicates a no‐linear nature in the BBA‐induced radiative effect. Plain Language Summary: In this study, we replaced fixed vertical profiles of biomass burning aerosols (BBA) used in the default doe's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1) with an interactive fire plume‐rise model and fire diurnal cycle assumption. The BBA vertical profiles predicted by the model with the new features are in better agreement with the satellite observations and in situ aircraft observations compared to the default version. In addition, the inclusion of the plume‐rise model and fire diurnal assumption also lead to a warming effect as strong as 0.13 W m−2. Key Points: We incorporate an interactive fire plume‐rise model and fire diurnal cycle in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 1 (E3SMv1)The new features in E3SMv1 generate biomass burning aerosol vertical profiles that agree better with the observations than the default onesThe E3SMv1 with plume‐rise model and fire diurnal cycle causes a 0.13 W m−2 warming effect compared to the default one [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal‐field engineering can obtain targeted emission more effectively, compared with the laborious experimental screening of new hosts. However, there still lack of paradigms for obtaining Ce3+‐doped cyan phosphors by crystal‐field engineering, and the correlation between the emission and the local structure of the Ce3+ ions has rarely been disclosed. Herein, through substituting the K+ in K3‐yRbyGdSi2O7:Ce3+ with Rb+, the emission color changes from yellow‐green to cyan and finally to blue. In addition, the emission intensity and thermal stability greatly improve, as the internal quantum efficiency increases from 39.4% (y = 0) to 83.6% (y = 1.2), and the thermal activation energy increases from 0.25 eV (y = 0) to 0.36 eV (y = 1.2). The optimized luminescent properties have been interpretated from the change in energy level splitting and configuration coordinate of Ce3+, both of which originate from the elongated Ce3+─O2− bonds. Finally, the cyan‐emitting phosphor K1.8R1.2GSO:Ce3+ is applied to bridge the cyan gap in a fabricated white light‐emitting diodes, and the color rendering index is improved from 90.8 to 93.4. This work not only provides an efficient cyan phosphor, but also highlights an avenue for the rational design of phosphors with optimal luminescent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes pose a serious threat to ensuring crop yield and quality. Finding novel fungicidal candidates based on natural products is one of the critical methods for developing effective and environmentally friendly pesticides. In this study, a series of salicylaldehyde derivatives containing an α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone moiety were designed, synthesized, and their fungicidal activities were evaluated. RESULTS: The bioassay studies indicated that compound C3 displayed an excellent in vitro activity against Rhizoctonia solani with a half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.65 μg/mL, higher than that of pyraclostrobin (EC50 = 1.44 μg/mL) and comparable to that of carbendazim (EC50 = 0.33 μg/mL). For Valsa mali and Phytophthora capsici, compound C3 also showed good fungicidal activities with EC50 values of 0.91 and 1.33 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, compound C3 exhibited promising protective in vivo activity against R. solani (84.1%) at 100 μg/mL, which was better than that of pyraclostrobin (78.4%). The pot experiment displayed that compound C3 had 74.8% protective efficacy against R. solani at 200 μg/mL, which was comparable to that of validamycin (78.2%). The antifungal mode of action research indicated that compound C3 could change the mycelial morphology and ultrastructure, increase cell membrane permeability, affect respiratory metabolism by binding to complex III, and inhibit the germination and formation of sclerotia, thereby effectively controlling the disease. CONCLUSION: The present study provides support for the application of these salicylaldehyde derivatives as promising potential pesticides with remarkable and broad‐spectrum fungicidal activities against phytopathogenic fungi and oomycetes in crop protection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study bridged pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety clinical trial data from Japan to a Western population using real‐world evidence (RWE) to investigate the antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T‐DXd) in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive advanced gastric cancer. Using population pharmacokinetic and exposure–response (efficacy/safety) models, exposure–efficacy data from 117 patients and exposure–safety data from 158 patients in Japan who received T‐DXd 6.4 mg/kg as second‐line or later treatment were bridged to RWE including covariate information from 25 Western patients with HER2‐positive gastric cancer who received second‐line or later T‐DXd treatment. Pharmacokinetic simulations indicated that intact T‐DXd and released drug (DXd) steady‐state exposures were comparable between Western patients and patients from Japan; the Western/Japan ratio of exposure medians ranged from 0.82 (T‐DXd steady‐state minimum concentration) to 1.18 (DXd steady‐state maximum concentration). Exposure–efficacy simulations estimated a confirmed objective response rate of 28.6% (90% confidence interval, 20.8‐38.4) in real‐world Western patients versus 40.1% (90% confidence interval, 33.5‐47.0) in patients from Japan, possibly because of checkpoint inhibitor use in 4% versus 30% of patients, respectively. Western patients had a higher estimated rate of serious adverse events than patients from Japan (42.2% vs 34.6%); however, the rate of interstitial lung disease was lower (less than 10%) in Western patients. Overall, T‐DXd was predicted to have meaningful clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in Western patients with HER2‐positive gastric cancer. Using RWE, bridging analysis supported US approval of T‐DXd 6.4 mg/kg in advanced gastric cancer before a clinical trial was completed in Western patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of LaCaGaO4:xBi3+,yEu3+ (x = 0.002–0.04, y = 0.02–0.45) phosphors with adjustable emission colors were synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The samples were identified as pure phases by X‐ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement, and the crystal structures were analyzed in detail. The LaCaGaO4:xBi3+ phosphor shows an intense blue emission under near‐ultraviolet excitation, originating from the 3P1 → 1S0 transition. The spectrum analysis reveals that the Bi3+ ions occupy two luminescence centers in the LaCaGaO4 host and that energy transfer can occur. A model of the energy transfer between the Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions was also created and studied in detail. As the Eu3+‐concentration increased, the emission color of the LaCaGaO4:0.005Bi3+,yEu3+ phosphor changed from blue to pink to red. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime, quantum yield, thermal stability, and other properties of the phosphors were characterized and analyzed. Finally, two white light‐emitting diode devices with Ra values of 96.6 and 95 and correlated color temperatures of 4578 and 3324 K were fabricated, indicating the potential of phosphors for warm white lighting applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathobiology of preeclampsia, a common hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. In a nested matched case‐control cohort within the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), we previously identified peripheral blood mRNA signatures related to preeclampsia and vitamin D status (≤30 ng/mL) during gestation from 10 to 18 weeks, using differential expression analysis. Methods: Using quantitative PCR arrays, we conducted profiling of circulating miRNAs at 10–18 weeks of gestation in the same VDAART cohort to identify differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs associated with preeclampsia and vitamin D status. For the validation of the expression of circulating miRNA signatures in the placenta, the HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblast cell line was used. Targets of circulating miRNA signatures in the preeclampsia mRNA signatures were identified by consensus ranking of miRNA‐target prediction scores from four sources. The connected component of target signatures was identified by mapping to the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network and hub targets were determined. As experimental validation, we examined the gene and protein expression of IGF1R, one of the key hub genes, as a target of the DE miRNA, miR‐182‐5p, in response to a miR‐182‐5p mimic in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Results: Pregnant women with preeclampsia had 16 circulating DE miRNAs relative to normal pregnancy controls that were also DE under vitamin D insufficiency (9/16 = 56% upregulated, FDR <.05). Thirteen miRNAs (13/16 = 81.3%) were detected in HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Overall, 16 DE miRNAs had 122 targets, of which 87 were unique. Network analysis demonstrated that the 32 targets of DE miRNA signatures created a connected subnetwork in the preeclampsia module with CXCL8, CXCL10, CD274, MMP9 and IGF1R having the highest connectivity and centrality degree. In an in vitro validation experiment, the introduction of an hsa‐miR‐182‐5p mimic resulted in significant reduction of its target IGF1R gene and protein expression within HTR‐8/SVneo cells. Conclusions: The integration of the circulating DE miRNA and mRNA signatures associated preeclampsia added additional insights into the subclinical molecular signature of preeclampsia. Our systems and network biology approach revealed several biological pathways, including IGF‐1, that may play a role in the early pathophysiology of preeclampsia. These pathways and signatures also denote potential biomarkers for the early stages of preeclampsia and suggest possible preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the physical processes controlling aerosol vertical profiles, in‐cloud wet removal is of utmost importance while its representation in global climate models (GCMs) is crude. In this study, we implement into the Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6) a physically‐based aerosol wet removal parameterization scheme that explicitly treats aerosol activation, removal and resuspension. Evaluation against in‐situ observations shows that the default scheme substantially overestimates the upper tropospheric black carbon (BC) and sea salt mass. Our physically‐based scheme reduces BC and sea salt mass by a factor of 10 and 1,000, respectively, in better agreement with observations. Also, the new scheme slightly increases number of aerosol particles between 12 nm and 4.8 μm in diameter, thereby mitigating the aerosol number underestimation in the default scheme. Our new scheme reduces the overestimation of coarse‐mode aerosol (0.5–4.8 μm) number. Overall, the aerosol property changes (mass decrease and number increase) reduce the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) concentration at low supersaturation (i.e., 0.02% and 0.1%), and increase CCN at high supersaturations (i.e., 0.5% and 1%). Consequently, the global annual mean cloud liquid water path increases by 1.89 g m−2 and the ice water path increases by 0.51 g m−2. The global annual mean shortwave, longwave, and net cloud radiative forcing change by −1.06, 0.57, and −0.48 W m−2, respectively. Further improvement is needed to reflect the real physics that the removal efficiencies for aerosol mass and number are disproportionate and to advect cloud‐borne (activated) aerosols for a complete aerosol lifecycle. Plain Language Summary: In‐cloud aerosol wet removal through aerosol particle activation to become cloud droplets and the subsequent rainfall formation removes airborne aerosol particles from the atmosphere, largely impacting aerosol amount and distribution in the atmosphere. Global climate models (GCMs) usually overestimate aerosol mass concentrations throughout the atmosphere, particularly in the upper troposphere, hampering an accurate assessment of aerosol‐cloud‐climate interactions. The main cause of aerosol overestimation lies in the oversimplified treatment of in‐cloud aerosol wet removal processes. In this study, we incorporate a new aerosol wet removal scheme in a GCM, the Community Atmosphere Model version 6. The evaluation against observations of the aerosol profile simulations with our new scheme shows significant improvements over the default scheme that is characterized by overestimation of aerosol and insufficient aerosol wet removal, highlighting the importance of an accurate representation of aerosol wet removal for aerosol vertical profiles. With the newly improved aerosol wet removal scheme, the global annual mean net cloud radiative forcing is changed by −0.48 W m−2, indicating that our new aerosol wet removal results in clouds that are more reflective on a global scale. Key Points: Improved representations of aerosol activation, removal, and resuspension in the wet removal scheme are implemented into Community Atmosphere Model version 6Our improved wet removal scheme effectively reduces the systematic overestimation of aerosol mass and mitigates the underestimation of total aerosol (12 nm to 4.8 μm) numberThe global mean net cloud radiative forcing is changed by −0.48 W m−2 due to our aerosol wet removal improvement in terms of activation, removal, and resuspension [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High color purity is one of the important features for single‐crystal metal halide perovskite light‐emitting diode (LED). Despite single‐crystal perovskite showing low bulk defect concentration, single‐crystal perovskite LEDs do not exhibit high color purity advantage due to the absence of effective surface defect passivation. Herein, one fully wrapped structure is proposed to passivate the surface of the free‐standing CsPbBr3 single‐crystal films. The surface of CsPbBr3 single‐crystal films is wrapped by ultra‐thin polymethyl methacrylate, precisely controlling the thickness. The single‐crystal perovskite film device can achieve high color purity with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 15.8 nm) and a large luminescent area of 2.25 mm2. It is observed that surface passivation is due to interaction of CO bond in polymer chains with the Lewis acid PbBr2. The passivated perovskite single‐crystal films significantly improve carrier lifetime and suppress surface defects. It is noteworthy that the passivated free‐standing single‐crystal perovskite films are feasible to build up a vertical LED device structure, avoiding the edge glowing and short‐circuiting of the LED device. This study demonstrates the large luminescent area of the high‐quality millimetre‐scale free‐standing single‐crystal films for wide color gamut display and vertical optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) is widely used to improve the high‐cycle fatigue properties of metals. However, research on the effect of UNSM on the low‐cycle fatigue behavior of metals, particularly magnesium (Mg) alloys, is limited. In this study, the LZ91 Mg–Li alloy is strengthened using UNSM. The microstructures, surface roughness, tensile properties, and low‐cycle fatigue properties of the strengthened LZ91 alloy are measured. The results reveal that the surface roughness decreases and the hardness increases significantly after UNSM treatment, particularly the hardness of the α phase. Furthermore, the α phase is elongated and aligned along the direction of processing rotation. When fatigue cracks encounter the hardened α phase, they follow an easier expansion direction. Therefore, the crack extension mode changes to increase the fatigue life of the LZ91 alloy. Highlights: The UNSM treatment improves the mechanical properties of LZ91 Mg–Li alloy.The hardened α phase changed the crack expansion pattern after UNSM treatment.The UNSM treatment improves the fatigue life of LZ91 Mg–Li alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a solid strategy to prepare bifunctional SiO2 coatings (BSCs) with both antireflection and luminescence downshifting properties by in situ generating YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ phosphors in SiO2 antireflection coatings (ARCs) is reported. Namely, a self‐prepared precursor solution of the downshifting phosphors is added to a mixture of commercial SiO2 sol solution and ethanol to uniformly coat the surface of quartz glass; therefore, a novel composite porous SiO2 coating containing in situ generated YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ phosphors (labeled SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ coating) is formed on the glass surface after annealing. The SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ BSCs can effectively convert ultraviolet (UV) region photons to visible photons that are well absorbed by silicon solar cells and have better transmittance than pure SiO2 ARC. As proof‐of‐concept applications, the as‐prepared optimal SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ coating can effectively improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of tunnel oxide passivated contact solar cells by 0.18%abs and decrease the UV‐induced degradation value of the PCE of silicon heterojunction solar cells by 0.62%abs compared to the pure SiO2 ARC. The results demonstrate that in situ generating luminescence downshifting phosphors in the SiO2 ARC of photovoltaic glass is a promising way to improve the PCE and UV stability of silicon solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ether electrolytes are considered to be one of the most promising candidates for lithium metal batteries (LMBs) since they help to form a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on lithium anodes. However, conventional liquid ether electrolytes are not suitable for the high‐voltage LMBs over 4.5 V due to their narrow potential windows. Herein, a gel electrolyte strategy is demonstrated to improve the high voltage stability of ether electrolytes in LMBs with Li‐rich layered oxide (LLO) cathodes that usually operate at 4.6 V and above. Compared with a liquid electrolyte, the electrochemical window of the gel electrolyte with cross‐linked amide framework is increased by 1 V. The strong cross‐linked framework not only regulates the uniform growth of cathode electrolyte interface (CEI)/SEI on the cathode/anode sides, but also greatly increases the Li+ transference number and inhibits the generation of harmful substances by anchoring PF6− anions, thus providing a long cycle for LMBs at a high voltage up to 4.7 V. Simultaneously, the flame retardancy and flexibility of the gel electrolyte ensures the safe operation of high‐voltage LMBs. Therefore, the LLO||Li pouch cell using gel electrolyte realizes stable cycling at a high voltage 4.6 V, and can pass the acupuncture test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass burning (BB) aerosols exert a strong surface cooling effect over the southeast Atlantic (SEA) via aerosol‐radiation and aerosol‐cloud interactions. The reduction of the sea surface temperature (SST) can trigger the SST‐low cloud feedback. Whether this feedback can amplify the surface cooling effect is examined. The modeling results from the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) demonstrate that counterintuitively the cloud radiative effect (CRE) caused by the BB aerosols is weaker if SST‐low cloud feedback is considered compared to fixed‐SST simulation (−2.99 W m−2 vs. −4.79 W m−2). This is caused by (a) stronger sea breeze due to larger sea‐land temperature contrast causing less smoke transport over SEA and (b) less moisture supply from surface due to colder SST. Changes in SST also lead to counterclockwise rotation of ocean circulation anomalies. Consequently, the excess heat transport from the equator reverses the direction of SST‐cloud feedback in this region. Plain Language Summary: Biomass burning aerosols can modulate the cloud macro‐ and microphysical properties over the Southeast Atlantic and induce a strong cooling effect at the surface. As a result, sea surface temperature will decrease, which can further promote cloudiness in this region (a positive SST‐low cloud feedback). Our study demonstrates that the cooling effect caused by biomass burning aerosols is actually smaller when the SST‐low cloud feedback is considered, because of stronger sea breeze that reduces the transport of biomass burning aerosols and weaker surface moisture supply. In addition, the ocean current changes can determine the direction of this SST‐low cloud feedback. Key Points: Sea surface temperature‐low cloud feedback reduces the magnitude of the cloud radiative effect (CRE) caused by the BB aerosols over Southeast AtlanticWeaker CRE is due to stronger sea breeze and less moisture supply from the oceanThe excess heat transport associated with counterclockwise rotation of ocean circulation anomalies stops the amplification of CRE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of state‐of‐the‐art near‐infrared perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) is now approaching the limit set by the out‐coupling efficiency. However, there is plenty of room for enhancing these devices' radiance and the EQE roll‐off. This work reports how conductive and passivating additives construct efficient high‐radiance near‐infrared PeLEDs with improved EQE roll‐off. Specifically, the synergistic effect of 1,4‐phenylenediacetic acid (PDA) and 5‐aminovaleric acid (5‐AVA) is used to regulate the quality of the perovskite emissive layer, thereby enhancing the roll‐off threshold of injection currents (a value at which the device EQE or radiance starts degrading). According to in situ structural evolution analyses from the perovskite precursor to the perovskite crystal, the presence of PDA within the perovskite precursor solution can produce an intermediate phase with 5‐AVA and formanmidinium cation, which can retard the perovskite nucleation and crystal growth, leading to improved perovskite film quality. The resulting champion PeLED delivers among the highest radiance of 505 W sr−1 m−2 and a peak EQE of 17.56%. More importantly, the improved PeLED shows a well‐retained radiance of 80% at a current injection density of up to ≈1800 mA cm−1, opening a new avenue for high‐radiance PeLEDs with improved roll‐off degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel apatite‐type SrMgY3(SiO4)3F was synthesized by a high‐temperature solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure was refined using powder X‐ray diffraction data. SrMgY3(SiO4)3F crystallizes in P63/m hexagonal space group with lattice parameters of a = b = 9.45270 Å, c = 6.77617 Å, and V = 524.357 Å3. The incorporation of the Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions into the matrix can generate bright blue and green lights under ultraviolet (UV) light excitation. The codoped Ce3+ and Tb3+ in SrMgY3(SiO4)3F can effectively improve green emission intensity and thermal stability through the energy transfer from the Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions. With the increase of Tb3+‐doping content, the luminescent color of phosphor changes from blue to cyan and finally to green. SrMgY3(SiO4)3F:0.06Ce3+,0.90Tb3+ phosphor exhibited intense green light emission with a quantum yield of 59.49% and good thermal stability, with an emission intensity at 150°C was 96% of that at 30°C. Finally, the prepared sample was coated on 365 nm UV chips to fabricate white light‐emitting diodes with a color rendering index of 82.6 and a correlated color temperature of 2912 K, demonstrating its potential for applications in display and lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex differences in emotional behaviors and affective disorders have been widely noted, of which sexually dimorphic secretion of gonadal steroid hormones such as estrogen is suspected to play a role. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. We noted that the expression of estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2, or ERβ), a key mediator of estrogen signaling in the brain, was enriched in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), a region involved in emotion regulation. To investigate whether DRN Esr2 expression confers sex‐specific susceptibility or vulnerability in emotional behaviors, we generated a conditional allele of Esr2 that allowed for site‐specific deletion of Esr2 in the DRN via local injection of Cre‐expressing viruses. DRN‐specific Esr2 deletion mildly increased anxiety behaviors in females, as shown by decreased time spent in the center zone of an open field in knockout females. By contrast, DRN Esr2 deletion had no effects on anxiety levels in males, as demonstrated by knockout males spending comparable time in the center zone of an open field and open arms of an elevated‐plus maze. Furthermore, in the tail suspension test, DRN Esr2 deletion reduced immobility, a depression‐like behavior, in a male‐biased manner. Together, these results reveal sex‐specific functions of DRN Esr2 in regulating emotional behaviors and suggest targeted manipulation of DRN Esr2 signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat sex‐biased affective disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2‐hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC), introducing the functional quaternary ammonium group to the structure of Chitosan, has greatly broadened the application prospect. The influence on natural cohesive soil has rarely been considered. The sedimentation tests for the natural soil in HACC solutions and the HACC‐treated soils in distilled water are considered to analyze the change of sedimentation behaviors in this paper. Moreover, the potential change on the surface of soil particles, the change in particle size distribution, X‐ray diffraction of Ca‐montmorillonite/HACC, and scanning electron microscopy images are investigated to explain the reasons for the results. Results indicate that the surface potential of soil particles achieved reversal, and the particle size had significant agglomeration. The adsorption of HACC results in the rapid sedimentation of the treated soils in water. HACC has a significant influence on setting time and final volume. HACC cannot inhibit the interlayer swelling of Ca‐montmorillonite. The dehydration process can promote the aggregation effect of the treated soils. The specific effects provided an essential train of thought to solve soil problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In this study we aimed to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and long‐term prognosis of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) having distinct steatosis distribution patterns. Methods: Clinicopathological data of 238 individuals with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD were collected. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis‐clinical research network (NASH‐CRN) and steatosis, activity and fibrosis (SAF)/fatty liver inhibition of progression (FLIP) algorithm were used. Cumulative incidence of liver‐related events (LREs) was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors for steatosis distribution. Results: Eligible patients were categorized into three groups based on their steatosis distribution, including azonal steatosis (AS) (62 [26.1%]), perivenular steatosis (PVS) (147 [61.8%]), and the pan‐acinar steatosis (PAS) groups (29 [12.1%]). There were significantly higher ballooning grade and disease activity (P < 0.05), more severe fibrosis (P < 0.001), and a higher cumulative incidence of LREs (hazard ratio [HR] 8.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.34–27.35, P < 0.0001) in the AS group than in the PVS and PAS groups after a median of 3.6‐year follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age (odds ratio [OR] 1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.16, P < 0.001) might be independently associated with AS distribution, and PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype (OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.98–11.47, P = 0.053) might also play a role. Conclusions: AS is associated with more severe disease activity and fibrosis stage in NAFLD, and predisposes toward poor prognosis. Age might be an independent predictor for AS in NAFLD, while PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype might also play a role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particle damper made of steel balls has a great capability of vibration attenuation. However, its noise causes serious problems in the comfortability of structures. In this study, waste concrete aggregates and powders are utilized as particles in particle dampers, aiming to reduce the generated noise and achieve comparable performance as well as better environmental and ecological benefits. The parameters, including damper type, particle materials, earthquake waves, particle number, and tunning frequency on the damping performance, are investigated through free vibration test and shaking table tests. The results show that the damping ratio and seismic performance of this novel damper are comparable to those of the steel particle dampers. Moreover, simulation was conducted based on theoretical analysis. Finally, the generated sound is tested and proved less than the commonly adopted steel ball damper. This study can encourage the application of particle dampers by reducing noise and cost, besides, promotes the environmental benefits by extending the usage of recycled building materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate aerosol plays an important role in affecting regional air quality as well as Earth's climate. However, it is not well represented or even neglected in many global climate models. In this study, we couple the Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry (MOSAIC) module with the four‐mode version of the Modal Aerosol Module (MAM4) in DOE's Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 (E3SMv2) to simulate nitrate aerosol and its radiative effects. We find that nitrate aerosol simulated by E3SMv2‐MAM4‐MOSAIC is sensitive to the treatment of gaseous HNO3 transfer to/from interstitial particles related to accommodation coefficients of HNO3 (αHNO3 ${\alpha }_{{\mathrm{H}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{3}}$) on dust and non‐dust particles. We compare three different treatments of HNO3 transfer: (a) a treatment (MTC_SLOW) that uses a low αHNO3 ${\alpha }_{{\mathrm{H}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{3}}$ in the mass transfer coefficient (MTC) calculation; (b) a dust‐weighted MTC treatment (MTC_WGT) that uses a high αHNO3 ${\alpha }_{{\mathrm{H}\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{3}}$ on non‐dust particles; and (c) a dust‐weighted MTC treatment that also splits coarse mode aerosols into the coarse dust and sea salt sub‐modes in MOSAIC (MTC_SPLC). MTC_WGT and MTC_SPLC increase the global annual mean (2005–2014) nitrate burden from 0.096 (MTC_SLOW) to 0.237 and 0.185 Tg N, respectively, mostly in the coarse mode. MTC_WGT and MTC_SPLC also produce stronger nitrate direct radiative forcing (−0.048 and −0.051 W m−2, respectively) and indirect forcing (−0.33 and −0.35 W m−2, respectively) than MTC_SLOW (−0.021 and −0.24 W m−2). MTC_WGT and MTC_SPLC improve nitrate surface concentrations over remote oceans based on limited observations and vertical profiles of nitrate concentrations against aircraft measurements below 400 hPa. Plain Language Summary: Atmospheric aerosols play an important role in the Earth's climate system through their effects on radiation and clouds, and their representation continues to be a major uncertainty in global climate models (GCMs). Nitrate aerosol accounts for a notable fraction of total aerosol mass, but it is crudely represented or even neglected in many modern GCMs. In this study, we implement a comprehensive but computationally efficient aerosol chemistry module in the U.S. DOE Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2, a state‐of‐the‐science GCM, to simulate nitrate aerosols and quantify their radiative effects. Modeled nitrate concentrations are in good agreement with aircraft observations but have positive biases relative to ground‐based network measurements. We also find that simulated nitrate lifecycle is sensitive to the treatment of gaseous HNO3 transfer to/from interstitial particles related to a parameter characterizing the sticking probability of a gas molecule at the surface of different aerosols such as dust and sea salt particles. Key Points: The Model for Simulating Aerosol Interactions and Chemistry module is implemented in Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 2 with Model for Ozone and Related chemical Tracers gas chemistry to simulate nitrate aerosolsModeled nitrate concentrations are in good agreement with aircraft observations but have positive biases at the surfaceTreatments of HNO3 accommodation coefficients and the mixing state of dust and sea salt particles significantly impact nitrate lifecycle [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toughness and strength are generally mutually exclusive for most materials. Although the biological materials in nature such as wood, bone, and nacre exhibit outstanding toughness by forming hierarchical multiscale (nano to macro) structures, it is a huge challenge to simultaneously obtain excellent strength and toughness from material synthesis. Here, one kind of network topology is observed by introducing sodium hyaluronate into organometallic halide perovskite film to greatly improve its strength and toughness. The grain slip and grain subdivision under tensile stress are schemed to dissipate the system energy and endow the perovskite film with remarkable toughness. Meanwhile, the subdivided grains linked by sodium hyaluronate through strong interaction result in high strength of perovskite film. As a result, the perovskite films exhibit robust enhancements with the elongation at break from 1.58% to 5.02% and the fracture strength from 23.13 to 55.25 MPa. It is worth noting that the efficiency of inverted flexible perovskite solar cells reaches 20.01% as well as maintains 90% of the initial efficiency after 6000 cycles of bending at a 2 mm curvature radius. This work devises a topology structure to overcome the conflict between toughness and strength of perovskite films for wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal halide perovskites have exceptional potential for future generations of light‐emitting diodes and solar cells. Compared to widely used solution‐based syntheses, vapor‐phase deposition (VPD) offers a fabrication route that can be more easily scaled up for commercial production. Cesium lead halides (CsPbX3) have shown great color purity, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and better stability than other perovskites. To improve the optoelectronic properties, lithium salts are often used as passivation agents to reduce nonradiative defects. Here, it is reported that VPD CsPbX3 thin films can be dramatically reshaped by a lithium bromide adlayer, a salt that is successfully used to drastically increase the luminescent yield of CsPbBr3. It is found that continuous CsPbBr3 and CsPbCl3 films restructure themselves into islands whereas CsPbI3 films transform into mixed triangular and rod‐shaped crystals. Based on density functional theory (DFT) studies, it is established that a surface energy change by LiBr adlayer is not the main driver for the perovskite film transformation. Instead, DFT simulations indicate that the LiBr adlayer creates a polar surface forming a strong Van der Waals force attracting water molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the diversity of structure and composition and the unique coordination environment, nitride materials enable the doped activator ions to possess compelling luminescence characteristics, such as rich emission colors, favorable stability and tunable emission spectra. Here, novel SrLuSi4N7:Ce3+,Tb3+ nitride phosphors were successfully synthesized by a modified carbothermal reduction and nitridation method at atmospheric pressure. SrLuSi4N7 (SLSN) belongs to hexagonal symmetry, with space group P63mc, and its crystal structure is composed of the basic building block with corner‐sharing [SiN4] tetrahedron. Under 365 nm excitation, SLSN:Ce3+ exhibits a broad emission band peaking at 450 nm with a full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of 92 nm and the most forceful intensity obtained at the Ce3+ concentration amount of 0.04. On the basis of the efficient energy transfer, SLSN:Ce3+,Tb3+ exhibits color‐tunable emission from blue (450 nm) to green (545 nm). Our results indicate that SLSN nitride phosphor is a promising candidate for near‐ultraviolet (n‐UV) based white LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Due to creep and shrinkage of concrete, the long‐term structural deformation is one of the hottest topics in the study of super high‐rise structures. For the frame–eccentrical core tube structure, its long‐term deformation includes both vertical deformation and obvious horizontal deformation, which will have an inevitable influence on the structural verticality. The horizontal deformation and its formation mechanism in frame–eccentrical core tube structure are studied in this paper. Based on the finite element software ETABS, a refined finite element model combining with the time‐dependent material model of concrete is established base on a subsistent structure. According to the actual construction conditions, construction analysis is conducted, and the construction deformation and the long‐term deformation after completion are subsequently studied. Based on the results of construction analysis, the effects of elastic modulus, creep, and shrinkage on structural horizontal deformation are analyzed; furthermore, the horizontal deformation characteristics of different structural members in different periods are compared. The results show that the horizontal deformation is related to the vertical deformation of the component, and creep and shrinkage exert opposite effects on the structural horizontal deformation. Besides, the creep and shrinkage are the dominant factors of the horizontal deformation in the later stage. These results are supported by real deformation data obtained from real‐time deformation monitoring during construction, which proves the effectiveness of the method adopted in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural vibration measurement is a crucial and necessary step for structural health monitoring. Recently, computer vision‐based techniques have been proposed by researchers to measure structural motion remotely. However, the direct application of vision‐based measurement to practical applications still faces some challenges, mainly because intrinsic camera vibration can introduce significant errors to the measurement results. In this study, a three‐stage approach using an embedded inertial measurement unit is proposed to compensate for the camera movement. First, camera rotations are estimated by employing a complementary filter with an adaptive gain to fuse gyroscope measurement and accelerometer data. Next, binary robust invariant scalable key‐point features are detected from the region of interest and tracked between video frames using a Kanade–Lucas–Tomasi tracker. Finally, structural acceleration is obtained by combining the information for the obtained structural features and the estimated nonstationary camera motion. The performance of the proposed approach is investigated using both a moving handheld camera and a camera mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle in the laboratory. These results demonstrate that the proposed method can be effectively applied to measure structural vibration, without requiring stationary background features to be available in the video. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, an ultrafast random‐pyramid texturing process is proposed for monocrystalline silicon (mono‐Si) solar cells by combining metal‐catalyzed chemical etching (MCCE) and the standard alkaline texturing process. Namely, large numbers of artificial defects are introduced on the wafer surface in 3 min by MCCE; therefore, the process duration of alkaline texturing is largely shortened from 420 s for the as‐cut wafer to 180 s for the wafer with artificial defects due to its high surface reactivity. Moreover, those tiny artificial defects are apt to form small pyramids, resulting in a better light‐trapping performance. As a demonstration, the passivated emitter rear contact solar cell with ultrafast random pyramid texture achieves a power conversion efficiency of 23.02%. Therefore, such a cost‐effective ultrafast texturing strategy can open a promising new route toward the mass production of high‐efficiency industrial mono‐Si solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krypton‐81 dating provides new insights into the timing, mechanisms, and extent of meteoric flushing versus retention of saline fluids in the subsurface in response to changes in geologic and/or climatic forcings over 50 ka to 1.2 Ma year timescales. Remnant Paleozoic seawater‐derived brines associated with evaporites in the Paradox Basin, Colorado Plateau, are beyond the 81Kr dating range (>1.2 Ma) and have likely been preserved due to negative fluid buoyancy and low permeability. 81Kr dating of formation waters above the evaporites indicates topographically‐driven meteoric recharge and salt dissolution since the Late Pleistocene (0.03–0.8 Ma). Formation waters below the evaporites (up to 3 km depth), in basal aquifers, contain relatively young meteoric water components (0.4–1.1 Ma based on 81Kr) that partially flushed remnant brines and dissolved evaporites. We demonstrate that recent, rapid denudation of the Colorado Plateau (<4–10 Ma) activated deep, basinal‐scale flow systems as recorded in 81Kr groundwater age distributions. Plain Language Summary: Landscape changes over geological time alter hydraulic gradients and the presence or absence of near‐surface confining units, which drive the evolution of subsurface flow systems. However, our understanding of the time required for groundwater flow systems to respond to geological processes, such as shifts in topography, stratigraphy, and permeability structures, is still limited. This study uses krypton‐81 dating to constrain the age of meteoric waters in the Paradox Basin in the Colorado Plateau and constrain the timing of groundwater recharge into basinal aquifers. We discovered that rapid, widespread erosion and incision in the Colorado Plateau in the last 10 Ma activated deep meteoric circulation, partially flushing residual ancient seawater‐derived brines from aquifers above and below thick, evaporite confining units and dissolving salt. Krypton‐81 dating may provide insights into timescales and drivers of subsurface fluid flow and connectivity with the near‐surface in other environments. Key Points: Meteoric waters up to 3 km in basinal aquifers are <1.1 MaRecent, rapid denudation of the Colorado Plateau enabled deep circulation of meteoric water and flushing of connate brinesKrypton‐81 dating can illuminate the timescales and extent of meteoric circulation in response to geologic and/or climatic forcings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vapor‐phase deposition (VPD), a process that can be readily scaled up for mass production, provides a cost‐effective approach to manufacture perovskite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). The progress in device efficiency, however, has been stagnant, owing largely to the poor photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of the VPD materials. Herein, a holistic fabrication strategy is reported that can stabilize the otherwise thermodynamically unstable cubic‐phase through the deposition of a CsBr‐rich termination on top of the CsPbBr3 films. The enhanced film reduces the electronic defects considerably resulting in near‐unity PLQY of the VPD‐based perovskites. To understand the mechanism of the improved VPD‐CsPbBr3 perovskite, advanced optical probing techniques and structural characterizations are used. For device application, the LEDs made from the VPD perovskites yield a bright luminance of ≈15 000 cd m−2 at 523 nm with a sharp full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 18 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐plane biaxial fatigue tests of commercial pure titanium (CP‐Ti) were performed to investigate the effects of load ratio and phase shift on fatigue and ratcheting behavior. The results show that with the decrease of load ratio or the increase of phase shift, biaxial ratcheting strain effect is more significant, leading to the deterioration of fatigue resistance. Analysis of the crack morphology and fracture characteristic reveals that the crack propagation path becomes complex and the fracture morphology changes due to the enhanced non‐proportional hardening effect. Finally, current multiaxial life prediction models are evaluated to compare the applicability in the biaxial fatigue life prediction. Highlights: Effects of load ratio and phase shift on biaxial ratcheting behavior are discussed.Biaxial fatigue life is more sensitive to the variation of the phase shift.The crack morphology and fracture characteristics are analyzed.The applicability of different multiaxial life prediction models is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The logical coherence macro–micro experiments about the anti‐swelling performance of polyetheramine‐230 (PEA‐230) on expansive natural soil are presented in this paper. Further, the expansion of the soil in the solution and water system is considered. Great significance in treating the expansive soil broadens the applied range of polyetheramine‐230. The mechanism is assessed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in the state of wet and dry montmorillonite (Mt), XRD of dry clay extracts from the soil, zeta potential measurement, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results prove the significant effect of controlling the expansion of expansive soil. PEA‐230 strongly adsorbs on the surface of soil particles and intercalates into the layer structure. Further, the PEA‐230/soil hybrids can be judged as usable engineering soil with low expansion characteristics. Additionally, the concentration of PEA‐230 controls the treatment effect, and 1 wt% PEA‐230 is a proper concentration to treat the expansive soil. In particular, PEA‐230 has excellent characteristics such as small molecular weight, good water solubility, and good stability. Thus PEA‐230 can be regarded as a great agent to treat in‐situ expansive soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) has been extensively used in numerous organic semiconductor devices for hole injection and extraction. In this paper, photoelectron spectroscopy combined with cleavage and sputter depth profile has been used to probe the structures of buried MoO3/organic semiconductor interfaces. Organics used in this work include: tris(4‐carbazoyl‐9‐ylphenyl)amine (TCTA), N,N′‐bis(naphthalene‐l‐yl)‐N,N′‐bis(phenyl)benzidine (NPB), 4,4′‐bis(carbazol‐9‐yl)‐2,2′‐biphenyl (CBP), and 1,3‐bis(N‐carbazolyl) benzene (mCP). It is found that there are two distinct types of interfaces: sharp interfaces (type‐I) where the oxide layer has limited or no diffusion when deposited on organics that have a high glass transition temperature such as TCTA and NPB; mixed interfaces (type‐II) where the formation of interfaces is followed by significant diffusion and reaction on organics having low glass transition temperatures such as CBP and mCP. The causes for these two types of interfaces are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein is explored the use of electron energy loss due to π–π* transition to measure energy gaps of organic semiconductors. Sources of kinetic electrons studied include an external electron gun (reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS)) and an internal core shell excitation by X‐rays (i.e., X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)). To obtain the bandgap accurately, a data analysis method is proposed to extract the optical bandgap from the π–π* inelastic electron energy loss spectra. This method uses a Gaussian function to fit experimental data yielding a peak width w and position E0. The energy gap of an organic semiconductor, i.e., the onset of the π–π* transition peak, can then be calculated by Eg=Eedge=E0−0.86w. Through examination of 11 organic semiconductors, it is found that the bandgaps measured by REELS agree well with optical bandgaps. The bandgaps measured by XPS, however, do not always agree with optical gaps. This indicates that the XPS π–π* inelastic peak in some material systems may convolute with other core shell processes such as shake‐up. In addition, it is shown that all key energy structures of an organic semiconductor can be measured concurrently by REELS and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and electronic properties of multilayers are known to dictate the performance of organic semiconductor devices. Gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) is developed for removing layer‐by‐layer molecular materials from surfaces. It is, however, not clear whether GCIB sputter can leave a damage‐free surface so that the true chemical and electronic properties can be measured. Herein, X‐ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and UPS) are used to probe the chemical and electronic structures of organic semiconductors bombarded by GCIB. It is found that the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) measured by UPS are very sensitive to ion‐beam bombardment, whereas the XPS‐measured core levels show little change. It is, therefore, essential to use UPS for determining whether the chemical and electronic properties are damaged. Of all combinations of cluster size and beam energy, it is found that 4 keV 2000 argon ion cluster can produce a fresh damage‐free organic surface. Applying this optimal beam to sputter stacked films comprising tris(8‐hydroxy‐quinoline) aluminum (Alq3)/N,N′‐bis‐(1‐naphthyl)‐N,N′‐diphenyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diamine (NPB)/Alq3, it is shown that the chemical and electronic structures of the buried interfaces can be measured. This work demonstrates that photoelectron spectroscopies combined with GCIB can be used to construct chemical and electronic structures of multilayers in organic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural displacement is an important quantity to assess the health of civil infrastructure. Vision‐based approaches using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) mounted with high‐resolution cameras have been proposed for this purpose. However, because the camera itself is moving with the UAV, any video obtained will contain both the motion of the structure and the motion of the camera. Planar homography can be used to eliminate the errors induced by the camera movement without the need for camera parameters. However, its direct application to large structures still has limitations, because capturing the undeformed regions, along with the measurement points on the structure, within a single image with sufficient resolution is seldom feasible. In this study, a new framework is presented to address these issues and facilitate the extraction of the structural displacement from videos taken by a UAV‐mounted camera. First, a two‐layer feedforward neural network (FNN) is adopted to obtain the image coordinates of the selected features of the structure on its stationary position, which are further used as homography features. Next, the structural displacement is estimated with the homography transformation matrix determined from the obtained homography features. Finally, the proposed approach is validated on both a six‐story shear‐building model in the laboratory and an elevator tower located in Zhongshan City, China. These results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchically nested groundwater flow systems have been widely investigated by numerical modeling and laboratory experiments but seldom recognized from in situ observations and testing. Groundwater age and geochemical profiles were obtained by the authors using a packer system along two wellbores drilled in the Ordos Plateau, China. Groundwater age profiles were constructed from 3H, 85Kr, 14C, and 81Kr data, with the apparent age generally increasing with depth, while exhibiting several inflection points. These inflection points were compared with geochemical profiles and numerical modeling results to delineate groundwater flow systems. Inflection points with significant increases in the gradients of age and Cl− concentration versus depth may indicate interfaces among flow systems. A concurrent decrease‐increase turning of groundwater age and Cl− concentration is influenced by a stagnation point. The groundwater age profiles are quite different from previous studies, indicating that the method can greatly reduce the uncertainty in model construction. Plain Language Summary: The provision of renewable groundwater, a crucial source of drinking water worldwide, relies on a circulation path from recharge to discharge zones with a subsurface flow in reservoirs (aquifers). Basin‐scale groundwater circulation is speculated to form hierarchically nested flow systems with differing capabilities for renewal. However, flow systems are invisible and difficult to detect through in situ observations on groundwater. In this study, nested groundwater flow systems were identified from groundwater age and geochemical profiles along wellbores. Inflection points on these profiles provide significant insights into the interfaces and stagnation points among nested groundwater flow systems. Uncertainties could be brought by the aquifer heterogeneity in the hydraulic conductivity and localized soluble salts. This adopted method is expected to be improved by incorporating geophysical survey and high‐resolution geochemical analyses to eliminate uncertainties in model construction. Key Points: Groundwater age and geochemical profiles were obtained to investigate groundwater flow systemsInflection points on profiles are used to infer interfaces or stagnation points among different groundwater flow systemsGroundwater flow models constrained by inflection points greatly reduce the uncertainty of flow system characterization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a physics‐based aerosol wet removal scheme with unified treatments of aerosol transport and removal by convective clouds into the Community Atmosphere Model version 6. Since several important physical processes are still neglected or poorly represented in this new physics‐based scheme, we develop secondary improvements to the parameterizations of aerosol activation, resuspension, and cloud‐borne aerosol detrainment in this new scheme. Changes in the aerosol wet removal scheme cause tropospheric aerosol concentrations to decrease to different extents: compared to the control run, the physics‐based scheme significantly decreases aerosol burdens by up to 60% over the southern Pacific Ocean, whereas the secondary improvements mitigate the decreasing tendency. The burden changes also depend on aerosol chemical components: the sulfate mass decrease is compensated by secondary production, black carbon (BC) is effectively removed via increasing the hygroscopicity of particulate organic matter from 0 to 0.2, and dust shows the most spatially heterogeneous changes. Simulated aerosol profiles are evaluated against aircraft‐based observations over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The secondary‐improved scheme reduces the overestimations of upper tropospheric BC and sea salt concentrations by a factor of 10 and 1,000, respectively, and reproduces the dependence of BC mass decrease rates on cloud types. Consideration of convective cloud‐borne aerosol detrainment plays the most important role in enhancing the aerosol wet removal and decreasing the positive biases of tropospheric BC and sea salt concentrations. We also summarize unresolved issues related to convective cloud genesis and microphysics, cloud‐borne aerosol evolution, and BC and dust emissions. Key Points: Aerosol wet removal by deep convective clouds significantly impacts global aerosol vertical profilesExplicit convective cloud microphysics in wet removal scheme reduces overestimation of black carbon and sea salt concentrations in upper troposphereParameterization of cloud‐borne (activated) aerosol detrainment from convective clouds to stratiform clouds is an important step in improving the model performance [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This paper puts forward a new type of the precast hollow shear wall. Focusing on seismic performance, the low‐frequency cyclic loading tests of five precast specimens and two cast‐in‐situ specimens in full size are conducted for comparison. The yielding and failure mechanism of specimens are analyzed and compared. The reliability of the vertical connection of precast hollow shear wall structure under the seismic effect is studied. The effects of axial compression ratio, single reinforcement connection in the central part, and confined stirrup for lapped reinforcements in boundary elements are also tested through experiments. The result shows that the failure mechanism of the precast specimen is basically same as the cast‐in‐situ specimen. The hysteretic curve of the precast specimen is plumper. And the energy dissipation capacity of precast specimen is superior to that of cast‐in‐situ specimen. In addition, the experimental data show that the buckled stirrup encryption for lapped steel in boundary elements will not increase the seismic performance of the proposed precast specimen. On the whole, the seismic performance of the proposed precast hollow shear wall can meet the safety requirements. Hence, it can be used in actual engineering project replacing cast‐in‐situ shear wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]