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The rare-earths (RE) based amorphous materials with large magnetocaloric (MC) effects and excellent glass forming ability (GFA) have been recognized as promising candidates for magnetic refrigeration (MR). In this work, the RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 (RE = Ho, Er, Tm) amorphous ribbons were successfully fabricated and systematically determined with respect to the GFA, magnetic properties and MC effects. A second order magnetic phase transition (MPT) from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic (FM to PM) without noticeable field or thermal hysteresis has been observed around the Curie temperatures, T C ~ 22.3 K for Ho 60 Co 20 Al 20 , ~ 10.3 K for Er 60 Co 20 Al 20 , and ~ 5.0 K for Tm 60 Co 20 Al 20 , respectively. The MC parameters including the maximum magnetic entropy change (| Δ S M max |), temperature-averaged entropy change with 3 K lift [ TEC (3 K)], and relative cooling powder/refrigerant capacity (RCP/RC) have been determined to check the MC performances, and the corresponding values are determined to be 14.16, 15.57 and 15.06 J/kgK, to be14.04, 15.38 and 14.78 J/kgK, and to be 625.0/478.7, 505.7/391.8 and 334.0/243.4 J/kg for Ho 60 Co 20 Al 20 , Er 60 Co 20 Al 20 and Tm 60 Co 20 Al 20 under the field change Δμ 0 H = 5 T, respectively. The present results indicate that RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 (RE = Ho, Er, Tm) amorphous ribbons are considerable for cryogenic MR application. • The RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 (RE = Ho, Er, Tm) amorphous ribbons are fabricated. • The glass forming ability in RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 amorphous ribbons was investigated. • Large magnetocaloric effect in RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 has been observed. • RE 60 Co 20 Al 20 ribbons are considerable for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rolling bearings are widely applied in rotary machines. Bearing failures can lead to long machine downtime and costly maintenance. To reduce the maintenance time and cost, this article proposes a new denoising approach to remove heavy noise and extract weak bearing fault vibration features. The first step proposes a global variational mode decomposition (VMD) optimization algorithm that adaptively matches the optimal decomposition parameters based on kurtosis. In the second step, an adaptive selection criterion for IMF is developed by kurtosis theory. Meanwhile, an adaptive termination criterion is established based on sample entropy (SampEn), and the fault features are extracted with a Butterworth band-pass filter (BBF). Finally, actual fault-bearing experiments are performed using the proposed denoising approach. The comparison with respect to EEMD and WPD is illustrated in detail. The experimental result shows that the proposed approach is a validated tool for the diagnosis of bearings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size distribution and composition of Co-rich particles in phase-separated Cu75Co25 alloys under magnetic fields of up to 4T were investigated. The results indicate that forced convective flow is suppressed effectively under a suitable magnetic field, whereas the thermoelectric magnetic convection under a high magnetic field cannot be neglected. The diffusive growth of Co-rich particle has a strong relation with the undercooling and a weak dependence on the magnetic field. The magnetic field does not alter the asynchronous crystallization behavior of Co-rich particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel coaxial mixer was proposed,which had an outer wall-scrapingframe and a combined inner impeller consisting of a four-pitched-bladeturbine paddle (PBT-4) and a Rushton turbine paddle (RT-6). Its heattransfer performance in Newtonian fluid under different operatingmodes (single rotation of inner impeller, corotation and counter-rotation)was experimentally investigated in a stainless steel agitated vesselwith semicircle spiral jacket and ellipsoidal head by measuring theaverage heat transfer coefficient of the inner wall. Meanwhile, thewall temperature, the heat flow rate and the local heat transfer coefficientin the coaxial agitated vessel were determined with the help of numericalsimulation. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient nearthe inner wall surface of the agitated vessel will increase with theincreasing speed of the inner or outer impeller whether under single-shaftagitation or under coaxial agitation mode, whereas the effect of speedof the inner impeller on heat transfer is more obvious and efficient.Under the same conditions, the heat transfer of coaxial agitationis more efficient than that of single-shaft agitation, especiallythe local heat transfer coefficient on the upper and lower part ofthe agitated vessel, which is increased greatly. In addition, thelocal heat transfer coefficient varies with the axial position ofthe agitated vessel, and the heat transfer coefficient in zones betweenthe upper and lower impeller is relatively high. The effect of thecorotation mode and counter-rotation mode on heat transfer is of littledifference, but the corotation mode is recommended owing to its advantageof low power consumption and good mixing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We developed a new method of pulsed laser gas phase evaporation–liquid phase collection nano-particles. [•] Fe2O3–TiO2 nano-composite particles were synthesized by this new laser method. [•] The prepared nano-composite particles are 20–50nm in diameter with high dispersion. [•] The magnetic properties of the nano-composite particles are dramatically improved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Completely cross-linked film is obtained on the basis of photoinitiator markedly lowering the cross-linking temperature. • Hole mobility is enhanced by adding photoinitiator. • Energy levels become more suitable through doping photoinitiator. • Cross-linked hole transport layer improves power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells. To the best of our knowledge, poor environment stability is the main challenge for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, cross-linked hole transport layer (HTL) is built on perovskite crystal to guarantee the operation stability of mesoporous PSCs for the first time. Here, N,N' -di-p-tolyl- N,-N' -bis(4-vinylphenyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine (V-p-TPD) was applied as a hole-transportable polymerizable monomer with the assistance of ultraviolet photoinitiator 4-octyloxydiphenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate (OPPI). Cross-linking process is conducted at a distinctly low temperature of only 100 °C by adjusting the V-p-TPD: OPPI ratio to 10:1, which is tolerable for the active black phase of perovskite. The resultant cross-linked V-p-TPD film is qualified with a high cross-linking degree of 99%, a high hole mobility of 3.84 × 10−4 cm2V−1s−1 and a hydrophobic surface with wetting angle of 94.6°. Mesoporous PSCs based on the obtained cross-linked HTL achieved a tremendous Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.49%, which represents the state-of-the-art records of mesoporous PSCs with cross-linkable HTL. PCE of the unpackaged device can remain 88% of the initial value after 30 d in an atmospheric environment with a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%, and maintain 86% of the initial PCE after 200 h in 65 ± 2 °C argon atmosphere. This work presents a low-temperature processing strategy for the preparation of cross-linked HTL layer, which does favor to the stable and efficient energy harvesting application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six segments of quadratic Bézier curve are joined together according to some geometrical rules to approximate fold shape. In a classification of folds based on this method, an ideal fold shape is determined by two parameters. The first one, uc , termed the axial lift-up ratio of the central part, generates the folds within a broad spectrum of forms ranging from box folds to chevron folds. The other one, γ, is the interlimb angle. In the quantitative description of complete folds with multiple layers, three new parameters, θ, T and E are used to describe the deflection angle of the axial plane, the thickness increment of hinge zone and the limb elongation, respectively. Based on the modeling method, the program “Bézier Fold Profiler” has been developed, with which most types of folds can be simulated by varying thirteen parameters. Two description methods, complete fold description and individual layer description, can be used for the quantitative analysis of folds. The description methods are carried out by the visual matching of the fold profile displayed on-screen from an imported digital image. The layer curves of the model are displayed on the fold image. This method has the advantage of speed and simplicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In our geometric modeling, the inner layer of competent rock units in a detachment fold is approximated by several quadratic Bézier curves, which are joined together according to some geometrical rules, whereas the outer layers are calculated from the inner layer by parallel folding mechanism. In this model, an ideal fold is determined by three parameters: w, half of the distance between the locations of the fold''s two limbs where their dips are measured, θ 1 and θ 2, the dip angles of its two limbs. Two more parameters, respectively the axial lift-up ratio (u) and the limb elongation (E) may be used to change the ideal fold shape, if necessary. In kinematic modeling, downward deflection in the two synclines flanking an anticline is assumed to maintain constant area during folding. Both mathematical derivation and numerical simulation show that the reduction of the balanced area (A r) is directly proportional to the downward deflection angle (φ), and there is an approximate linear relationship between the detachment depth and the downward deflection angle. Based on this relationship, an iterative method is used to find the approximate value of φ. Furthermore, syn-folding growth strata can be modeled through calculating the velocity field above a detachment fold during folding. The method is applied to three seismic interpretation cross-sections of detachment folds respectively in Tarim Basin (western China), Zagros fold-belt (Iran) and Niger delta (western Africa). Variations of φ with the development of the detachment folds indicate the transfer of rock materials between the synclinal and anticlinal areas of the folds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We herein provided a systematical determination of the structural and magnetic properties, especially of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and magnetocaloric performances of four rare-earth oxychlorides, i. e., the RE OCl (RE = Ho, Dy, Tb and Gd) compounds. The studied RE OCl compounds are all crystallized in the tetragonal matlockite structure (P 4/ nmm space group) and the RE , O, and Cl elements are with the RE 3+, O2−, and Cl− valence states, respectively. The DyOCl, TbOCl and GdOCl compounds reveal an antiferromagnetic transition at around approximate 9.5, 3.7 and 4.8 K, respectively. The magnetocaloric performances are checked by the maximum magnetic entropy change, relative cooling power, and temperature-averaged entropy change with 5 K lift, which are found to be 14.16 J/kgK, 375.55 J/kg and 13.89 J/kgK for HoOCl, to be 14.88 J/kgK, 488.14 J/kg, and 14.60 J/kgK for DyOCl, to be 14.59 J/kgK, 419.67 J/kg, and 14.42 J/kgK for TbOCl, and to be 16.16 J/kgK, 213.68 J/kg, and 14.39 J/kgK for GdOCl, with the magnetic field change of 0–7 T, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Effect of Fe/Ni addition on phase separated behavior in Cu75Co25 was investigated. [•] Particle size distribution in Cu75Co25 − x M x (M=Fe, Ni and x =1, 5) alloys was reported. [•] Small amounts Fe/Ni addition has similar effect to that of alter undercooling in Cu–Co alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels that possess adequate toughness in bulk and at soft interface are highly desirable. We report a fully physically crosslinked dual Amylopectin (Amy, the first network)/poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (PHEAA, the second network) hydrogel, where both networks were hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) crosslinked, with super toughness in bulk and tunable adhesion at hydrogel-soft tissue interface. Through adjustment of hydrogen bond density, strong and tough hydrogels were prepared that exhibited different levels of adhesion strength and three adhesive failure mechanisms. We replaced Amy with oxidized starch (OSA) to synthesize dual and hybrid chemically/physically crosslinked OSA/PHEAA double network (DN) hydrogels that were capable of forming Schiff's bases at hydrogel-hydrogel or hydrogel-tissue interfaces, aside from interfacial H-bonding, incurring sustained, high interfacial toughness (1850 J m−2 hydrogel-hydrogel and 610 J m−2 hydrogel-tissue) in wet environments. Such tough and adhesive DN hydrogels have great potential in various applications such as engineering of artificial soft tissues or implantable devices that are intended to adhere to internal organs or tissues. • Fully physically crosslinked hydrogels via H-bonding. • Tunable adhesion and three adhesive failure mechanisms of hydrogels. • The sacrificial bonds including H-bonds and reversible Schiff's bases at the interface. • High interfacial toughness at hydrogel-hydrogel or hydrogel-tissue interfaces in wet environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ternary rare earth RE CoSi 2 (RE = Er and Tm) intermetallic compounds were synthesized by means of arc-melting technique and their crystal structure, magnetism and magneto-caloric effect (MCE) were studied systematically. Both ErCoSi 2 and TmCoSi 2 crystallize in a CeNiSi 2 -type structure (Cmcm space group) confirmed by FULLPROF Rietveld refinement. Magnetization data indicates the antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state for both RE CoSi 2 compounds, and a magnetic field-induced ferromagnetic (FM) transition occurs below the Neel temperature T N ∼6.9 K for ErCoSi 2 and ∼5.4 K for TmCoSi 2. Considerable reversible MCE in ErCoSi 2 and TmCoSi 2 was observed. The MCE performances of RE CoSi 2 are evaluated by -Δ S M max (maximal magnetic entropy change), TEC (3) (temperature averaged entropy change), and RCP (relative cooling power) with the values of 7.1 J/kg K, 6.8 J/kg K and 165.9 J/kg for ErCoSi 2 , as well as 8.7 J/kg K, 8.5 J/kg K and 152.9 J/kg for TmCoSi 2 , respectively, under Δ H (field change) of 0–50 kOe. Image 1 • CeNiSi 2 -type RE CoSi 2 (RE = Er and Tm) compounds were fabricated. • AFM ordering at T N ∼6.9 K for ErCoSi 2 and ∼5.4 K for TmCoSi 2. • A field-induced AFM to FM transition for both compounds occur below T N. • Considerable values of -Δ S M max, TEC , RC and RCP were found. • RE CoSi 2 compounds are also considerable for cryogenic magnetic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clustering electric load curves is an important part of the load data mining process. In this paper, we propose a clustering algorithm by combining singular value decomposition and KICIC clustering algorithm (SVD-KICIC) for analyzing the characteristics of daily load curves to mitigate some of the traditional clustering algorithm problems, such as only considering intra-class distance and low computational efficiency when dealing with massive load data. Our method identifies effective daily load curve characteristics using the singular value decomposition technique to improve dimensionality reduction, which improves low computational efficiency by reducing the number of dimensions inherent in big data. Additionally, the method performs SVD on the load data to obtain singular values for determination of weight of the KICIC algorithm, which leverages intra-class and inter-class distances of the load data and further improves the computational efficiency of the algorithm. Finally, we perform a series of simulations of actual load curves from a certain city to validate that the algorithm proposed in this paper has a short operation time, high clustering quality, and solid robustness that improves the clustering performance of the load curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein fabricated two gadolinium-transition metal-based high entropy (HE) oxides of Gd(Mn 0.25 Fe 0.25 Al 0.25 Cr 0.25)O 3 [denoted as Gd(4 TM 0.25)O 3 ] and Gd(Mn 0.2 Fe 0.2 Al 0.2 Co 0.2 Ni 0.2)O 3 [denoted as Gd(5 TM 0.2)O 3 ] and determined their structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties. Both of present HE oxides are found to crystallize in the single-phase perovskite-type orthorhombic structure with a homogeneous microstructure and exhibit prominent cryogenic magnetocaloric performances. The values of magnetic entropy change, refrigerant capacity, and temperature-averaged entropy change (6K-lift) under the magnetic field change of 0–7 T are estimated to be 20.34 J/kgK, 295.4 J/kg, and 19.56 J/kgK for Gd(4 TM 0.25)O 3 , and to be 22.45 J/kgK, 258.2 J/kg, and 20.79 J/kgK for Gd(5 TM 0.2)O 3 , respectively, which are comparable with recently reported candidate materials for practical magnetic cooling. These findings not only indicate potential applications of present perovskite-type Gd(4 TM 0.25)O 3 and Gd(5 TM 0.2)O 3 HE oxides, but also provide meaningful clues for exploring HE oxides with prominent cryogenic magnetocaloric performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure together with the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in RE 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 (RE = Dy, Ho, Er and Tm) have been investigated systematically. All the RE 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 compounds crystallize in a CaIn 2 -type structure of (P63/mmc space group). A second-ordered magnetic phase transition (SOPT) from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic (FM to PM) is occurred in RE 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 compounds with the Curie temperatures (T C) of approximately 16.1, 10.6, 4.1 and below 2 K for RE of Dy, Ho, Er and Tm, respectively. The magnetocaloric parameters including magnetic isothermal entropy change/temperature-averaged magnetic entropy change -Δ S M max/ TEC (5) and relative cooling power RCP are calculated with the values of 10.01/9.92 J/kg K and 418.6 J/kg for Dy 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 , 20.12/19.65 J/kg K and 644.1 J/kg for Ho 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 , 18.07/17.69 J/kg K and 447.1 J/kg for Er 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 , as well as 18.22/16.75 J/kg K and 330.7 J/kg for Tm 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 with magnetic field change (Δ H) of 0–7 T, respectively. Notably, Ho 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 exhibits ralatively high magnetocaloric parameters, which suggests that Ho 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 is a competitive candidate among the MCE materials in the field of cryogenic magnetic refrigeration (MR). • Magnetic properties and MCE in RE 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 compounds were studied. • Large values of -ΔS M max, TEC and RCP were observed at low temperature. • Ho 2 Ni 1.5 Ga 2.5 compound is competitive for cryogenic magnetic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CO 3 2− enhanced catalytic activity and stability of Co 3 O 4 for PMS activation. • Faster catalysis occurred when solution pH exceeded but approached pH PZC of Co 3 O 4. • The dominated reactive species switched from •OH/SO 4 •− to 1O 2 after adding CO 3 2-. • CO 3 2− drove the catalytically active center migrating from Co(II) to Co(III). • Co(III) and CO 3 2−/OH- were electron and proton acceptors to promote 1O 2 evolution. Transition-metal catalysts (TMCs) for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation suffer from low stability (i.e. severe metal leakage and poor reusability) when maintaining high activity in water decontamination. An innovative carbonate (CO 3 2−)-mediated method to synchronously enhance the catalytic activity and stability of TMCs was developed herein. In a model PMS/Co 3 O 4 nanowire system for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation, the first-order kinetic constant and total organic carbon removal ratio were increased by 202.27% and 71.32% upon adding CO 3 2−, respectively. Meanwhile, the cobalt release amount was significantly reduced from 4.90 to 0.03 mg/L, and the number of reuse with high efficiency (>90% of BPA removal within 10 min) was augmented from 1 to 3 times. The CO 3 2− buffered pH decline to repress metal leakage, and promoted Co(III) reduction into Co(II) to avoid the over-oxidation of catalyst. Under the driving of CO 3 2−, the dominated reactive species were switched from •OH/SO 4 •- to 1O 2 accompanying the migration of catalytic center from Co(II) to Co(III). The Co(III) and CO 3 2−/OH- acted as electron and proton acceptors, respectively, to accelerate PMS decomposition into SO 5 •- and subsequent generation of vast 1O 2. This work proposes a green way to construct novel 1O 2 -based catalytic systems with excellent activity and stability for pollution remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a detailed investigation of the crystal structure, magnetism and magneto-caloric performances of RE Co 2 B 2 C (RE = Gd, Tb and Dy) compounds. All compounds are described with a LuNi 2 B 2 C-type crystallographic structure (I 4/ mmm space group). A second-ordered paramagnetic to ferromagnetic (PM-FM) transition is observed in RE Co 2 B 2 C compounds around their Curie temperatures (T C) of 17.2, 5.3 and 7.7 K, and induced a considerable magneto-caloric effect (MCE) for GdCo 2 B 2 C, TbCo 2 B 2 C and DyCo 2 B 2 C, respectively. The magneto-caloric performances for RE Co 2 B 2 C were characterized by the isothermal magnetic entropy (- Δ S M max) , temperature averaged entropy change (TEC) with three different temperature lifts (3, 5 and 10 K), and relative cooling power (RCP). The corresponding values of - Δ S M max , TEC (3 K) and RCP under the magnetic field change (Δ H) of 0–5 T, are 10.34 J/kg-K, 10.23 J/kg-K, and 238.1 J/kg for GdCo 2 B 2 C, 18.09 J/kg-K, 17.83 J/kg-K, and 438.2 J/kg for TbCo 2 B 2 C, as well as 17.79 J/kg-K, 17.72 J/kg-K, and 480.1 J/kg for DyCo 2 B 2 C, respectively. • Magnetic properties and MCE in RE Co 2 B 2 C compounds were studied. • Large values of -ΔS M max, TEC, RC and RCP were observed at low temperature. • RE Co 2 B 2 C compounds are competitive for cryogenic magnetic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, multiple‐hydrogen‐bond approach to fabricating physically crosslinked, Amylopectin reinforced polyacrylamide/poly(vinyl alcohol) (Amy/PAAm/PVA) double‐network (DN) hydrogels with super toughness in bulk and at solid interfaces is reported. The Amy/PAAm/PVA DN hydrogels exhibit high tensile strength (854.1 kPa), high extensibility (≈eight times), high bulk toughness (4094.8 kJ m−3), good self‐recovery property (≈92% of self‐recovery at room temperature), and strong adhesion to nonporous glass surfaces (≈158 kPa). Such tough and adhesive DN hydrogels have great potential for various applications in engineering artificial soft tissues, flexible electronics, and wearable devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein investigated four rare earth (RE)-based oxides, the RE 2 SiO 5 (RE = Gd, Dy, Ho, and Er) silicates, regarding their structural and cryogenic magnetic properties. All the RE 2 SiO 5 silicates are found to crystallized in a monoclinic structure. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy spectra illustrate that RE , Si and O elements in RE 2 SiO 5 silicates are present as RE 3+, Si4+, and O2−, respectively. The Dy 2 SiO 5 reveals a first-order magnetic transition around 4.5 K. The magnetic phase transition temperatures are probably below 2 K for the RE 2 SiO 5 (RE = Gd, Ho, and Er) silicates. Large cryogenic magnetocaloric effects (MCE) and good magnetocaloric performances were observed in the RE 2 SiO 5 silicates. The MCE parameters in terms of the maximum magnetic entropy changes, the temperature-averaged entropy change (5 K-lift) and refrigerant capacity under a magnetic field change of 0–5 T are determined to be 35.5, 30.4 J/kgK, and 215.7 J/kg for Gd 2 SiO 5 , to be 13.3, 12.9 J/kgK, and 190.5 J/kg for Dy 2 SiO 5 , to be 15.3, 15.1 J/kgK, and 274.1 J/kg for Ho 2 SiO 5 and to be 17.9, 16.5 J/kgK, and 181.14 J/kg for Er 2 SiO 5 , respectively. These derived values of MCE parameters of the RE 2 SiO 5 silicates, especially for Gd 2 SiO 5 , are at similarly high level with or better than those of the updated candidate materials, making them also of potential for practical magnetic refrigeration applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunosuppression induced by programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) presents a significant constraint on the effectiveness of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy. The potential of combining PD1/PDL1 (Programmed cell death 1 ligand 1) axis blockade with CAR-T cell therapy is promising. However, developing a highly efficient and minimally toxic approach requires further exploration. Our attempt to devise a novel CAR structure capable of recognizing both tumor antigens and PDL1 encountered challenges since direct targeting of PDL1 resulted in systemic adverse effects. Methods: In this research, we innovatively engineered novel CARs by grafting the PD1 domain into a conventional second-generation (2G) CAR specifically targeting CD19. These CARs exist in two distinct forms: one with PD1 extramembrane domain (EMD) directly linked to a transmembrane domain (TMD), referred to as PE CAR, and the other with PD1 EMD connected to a TMD via a CD8 hinge domain (HD), known as PE8HT CAR. To evaluate their efficacy, we conducted comprehensive assessments of their cytotoxicity, cytokine release, and potential off-target effects both in vitro and in vivo using tumor models that overexpress CD19/PDL1. Results: The findings of our study indicate that PE CAR demonstrates enhanced cytotoxicity and reduced cytokine release specifically towards CD19 + PDL1 + tumor cells, without off-target effects to CD19-PDL1 + tumor cells, in contrast to 2G CAR-T cells. Additionally, PE CAR showed ameliorative differentiation, exhaustion, and apoptosis phenotypes as assessed by flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing, and metabolic parameter analysis, after encountering CD19 + PDL1 + tumor cells. Conclusion: Our results revealed that CAR grafted with PD1 exhibits enhanced antitumor activity with lower cytokine release and no PD1-related off-target toxicity in tumor models that overexpress CD19 and PDL1. These findings suggest that our CAR design holds the potential for effectively addressing the PD1 signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advantages of the new method are mild reaction conditions, simple procedure, and good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in-situ generated reactive electrophilic Se species reacts with several alkenes (I) furnishing β-hydroxy selenides in moderate to good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advantages of the new method are mild reaction conditions, simple procedure, and good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure, magnetism, and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) were investigated in ternary Er2Ni2Ga compound. The Er2Ni2Ga belongs to W2B2Co-type structure (orthorhombic, space group Immm). The magnetization measurements indicate that Er2Ni2Ga suffers a field-induced metamagnetic transition (antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic) below Néel temperature (TN) of 7.1 K. Inverse MCE occurs with magnetic field change ($\Delta H$) lower than 0–30 kOe and at low temperatures, whereas normal reversible MCE happens with higher $\Delta \text{H}$. The calculated $-\Delta S_{M}$ (magnetic entropy change) has a peak value of 12.93 J/kg K (~9 K) with refrigerant capacity value of 265 J/kg (5–30 K) for Er2Ni2Ga under $\Delta H$ of 0–70 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital light processing 3D printing can be applied to fabricate complex silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4) components. However, because of the surface hydroxyl groups and large refractive index, it is still a foremost challenge to realize a stable photosensitive Si 3 N 4 slurry with combined benefits of low viscosity and large curing depth. In this study, we propose a new formulation strategy to prepare Si 3 N 4 slurry. Starting from the optimization of monomer ratio, we have systematically optimized powder particle size, dispersant and photoinitiator on the rheological properties and curing properties of Si 3 N 4 slurry. Specifically, we have fabricated a stable photosensitive Si 3 N 4 slurry (48 vol%) with a viscosity of 2.09 Pa s (30 s−1), a critical curing energy of 126.09 mJ/cm2 and a maximum curing depth of 80 µm. Finally, based on this optimized slurry, we have successfully obtained complex Si 3 N 4 green body with no defect, which demonstrates great potential to fabricate arbitrary complex ceramic components for various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ontology is an effective method to solve the problem of heterogeneous data in lidar measurements. Due to complexity and diversity of data structure, traditional method of ontology storage cannot be directly applied to lidar data. In this work, we proposed a novel ontology storage model based on the object-oriented data model, in which the mapping mechanism was established from ontology of lidar data to the object-oriented data model. A new storage model of lidar data is then obtained by a combination of the characteristics of lidar data and the syntax of OWL DL. Compared to the traditional method of ontology storage, we believe that the new storage model can better serve the sharing of lidar data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of lanthanum oxide (La 2 O 3 ) on the flame retardant properties and mechanism of a novel intumescent flame retardant polylactide composites (PLA/IFR) was investigated by the means of limited oxygen index (LOI), catalytic effectivity analysis (CAT-EFF), vertical burning test (UL-94), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). La 2 O 3 enhanced the LOI value of the PLA/IFR composite dramatically and all the composites passed the UL-94 V-0 rating test. PLA/IFR/1% La 2 O 3 had the highest CAT-EFF, and the LOI value of the composite increased from 32.8 to 42.2% according to catalytic affectivity (CAT-EFF) analysis. 1%La 2 O 3 enhanced the fire retardant performance of PLA/IFR, resulting consequently in reduction of heat release rate (HRR), total heat release (THR), heat release capacity (HRC) and degree of flammability ( F index ) of the PLA/IFR. The TGA test revealed that La 2 O 3 changed the degradation behavior of the PLA/IFR, enhanced the thermal stability of the PLA/IFR at high temperature and increased the char residue. The morphological structures observed by SEM demonstrated that La 2 O 3 effectively help to form more continuous and compact intumescent char layer on the surface. The LRS results indicated that higher graphitization degree of the residue char was formed. The EDS and XPS results illustrated that the existence of La 2 O 3 promoted to remain more P and O in the char layer to form more crosslinking structure to improve barrier properties of the char layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic refrigeration (MR) based on magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is a key technique, since it possesses ideally higher performance than the traditional gas compression technology. However, the lack of MR materials with excellent MCE performance is a bottle-neck for practical MR applications. Herein, we systematically report the structural properties using powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope as well as the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties through the magnetization measurements of four rare-earth (RE) ruthenate RE 3 RuO 7 (RE = Pr, Nd, Gd and Tb) compounds. Light RE -based Pr 3 RuO 7 and Nd 3 RuO 7 compounds form an orthorhombic Cmcm structure, while heavy RE based Gd 3 RuO 7 and Tb 3 RuO 7 compounds crystallize in an orthorhombic P 2 1 nb structure. The magnetic phase transition of all the present compounds are confirmed to be of the first-order type with T N of 52, 15, 11 and 12 K for Pr 3 RuO 7 , Nd 3 RuO 7 , Gd 3 RuO 7 and Tb 3 RuO 7 compounds, respectively. The related MCE parameters including the maximum isothermal magnetic entropy change, temperature-averaged entropy change (5 K lift), and refrigerant capacity with the magnetic field change of 0–5 T were computed to be 1.35 J/kgK, 1.31 J/kgK, and 27.4 J/kg for Pr 3 RuO 7 , to be 2.18 J/kgK, 2.04 J/kgK, and 25.6 J/kg for Nd 3 RuO 7 , to be 8.12 J/kgK, 7.90 J/kgK, and 124.6 J/kg for Gd 3 RuO 7 , and to be 7.78 J/kgK, 7.49 J/kgK, and 128.8 J/kg for Tb 3 RuO 7 , respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare-earth (RE)-based magnetic solids with large magneto-caloric effect (MCE) have been well investigated recently due to their potential applications in the field of environmentally friendly cryogenic magnetic refrigeration (MR). Herein, two polycrystalline RE-based REFe2Si2 (RE = Dy and Tb) intermetallic compounds have been prepared by an arc-melting way and determined with regard to the structural and magnetic phase transition (MPT) properties as well as the MCE and magneto-caloric performance. Both of the present REFe2Si2 compounds at room temperature are crystallized in a ThCr2Si2-type structure and undergo a first-ordered MPT from antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic state around the Néel temperature (TN) of ~ 4.05 K for DyFe2Si2 and ~ 6.25 K for TbFe2Si2, respectively. Large cryogenic MC effect together with excellent MC performance have been realized in DyFe2Si2 compound. The MC parameters with magnetic field change at 0–5 T of the maximum magnetic entropy changes and the refrigerant capacity/relative cooling power were found to be 16.08 J/kgK and 318.5/403.3 J/kg for DyFe2Si2 and to be 9.88 J/kgK and 105.9/140.8 J/kg for TbFe2Si2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search for new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis (LN), we employed TMT-liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (TMT-LC–MS/MS) combined with RNA-seq and identified a panel of proteins that was dysregulated both at protein level and mRNA level in active LN patients compared with healthy controls. We chose to study the role of IGFBP2 since it is a relatively understudied protein in the context of LN. We further validated that IGFBP2 significantly increased and correlated with SLE activity index in active LN patients. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve suggested that plasma IGFBP2 had a high diagnostic efficiency for distinguishing between inactive and active LN patients (AUC = 0.992; 95% CI = 0.974–1.000; P < 0.001). We demonstrated neutralizing IGFBP2-downregulated CD4+ T cell activation, upregulated the ratio of Treg, downregulated AKT/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway, and significantly improved nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. In all, our work demonstrated IGFBP2 as a biomarker specific for active LN and blocking IGFBP2 could be a new target for treating LN. Key messages: Plasma IGFBP2 is a promising diagnostic marker for distinguishing stable LN from active LN, and it is also a predictor for the poor prognosis of LN. Blockade of IGFBP2 can significantly improve the pathological damage of LN. IGFBP2 may regulate activation of CD4+ T and Treg ratio. Neutralizing IGFBP2 downregulates AKT/mTOR/4E-BP1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CsCl-type HoZn undergoes two successive magnetic phase transitions: (i) paramagnetic to ferromagnetic (FM) at T C ∼ 72 K and (ii) a spin reorientation (SR) at T SR ∼ 26 K. Magnetization and modified Arrott plots indicate that HoZn undergoes a second-order magnetic phase transition around T C . The obtained critical exponents have some small deviations from the mean-field theory, indicating a short range or a local magnetic interaction which is properly related to the coexistence of FM and SR transitions at low temperature. Two successive magnetic transitions in HoZn induce one broad pronounced peak together with a shoulder in the temperature dependence of the magnetic entropy change −Δ S M ( T ) curves, resulting in a wide temperature range with a large relative cooling power ( RCP ). For a field change of 0–7 T, the maximum value of −Δ S M is 15.2 J/kg K around T C with a large RCP value of 1124 J/kg. The large reversible magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and RC indicate that HoZn is a good candidate for active magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an end‐to‐end deep convolutional neural network to improve the dual‐energy CT (DECT) material decomposition performance. Methods: In this study, we proposes a unified mutual‐domain (sinogram domain and CT domain) material decomposition network (DIRECT‐Net) for DECT imaging. By design, the DIRECT‐Net has immediate access to mutual‐domain data, and utilizes stacked convolution neural network layers for noise reduction and material decomposition. The training data are numerically generated following the fundamental DECT imaging physics. Numerical simulation of the XCAT digital phantom, experiments of a biological specimen, a calcium chloride phantom and an iodine solution phantom are carried out to evaluate the performance of DIRECT‐Net. Comparisons are performed with different DECT decomposition algorithms. Results: Results demonstrate that the proposed DIRECT‐Net can generate water and bone basis images with less artifacts compared to the other decomposition methods. Additionally, the quantification errors of the calcium chloride (75‐375 mg/cm3) and the iodine (2‐20 mg/cm3) are less than 4%. Conclusions: An end‐to‐end material decomposition network is proposed for quantitative DECT imaging. The qualitative and quantitative results demonstrate that this new DIRECT‐Net has promising benefits in improving the DECT image quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We herein fabricated the (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In high-entropy (HE) compounds and systematically determined its structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties. The (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In HE compound was found to crystalize in a tetragonal Mo 2 B 2 Fe type structure (P4/ mbm space group) and undergoes typical second order type magnetic transition. Large MCE and prominent cryogenic magnetocaloric performances were observed in (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In HE compound. The evaluated values of magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity of (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In HE compound under magnetic field change of 0–7 T are 17.1 J/kgK and 398.0 J/kg which are comparable with the reported candidate materials for cryogenic magnetic cooling, making the present (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In HE compound also considerable for practical applications. • The (Dy 0.25 Ho 0.25 Er 0.25 Tm 0.25) 2 Cu 2 In HE compound was fabricated. • The structural, magnetic, MPT and MC properties were investigated. • The present HE compound is considerable for cryogenic magnetic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The gallides RE 2 Rh 3 Ga (RE = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er) compounds are fabricated. • The structural, MPT and magnetocaloric properties in RE 2 Rh 3 Ga were studied. • The present RE 2 Rh 3 Ga compound are considerable for cryogenic MR. We herein provide an experimental investigation of the gallides RE 2 Rh 3 Ga (RE = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er) regarding their magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE). All of these RE 2 Rh 3 Ga intermetallic compounds crystallized with the Mg 2 Ni 3 Si type structure, space group R– 3 m and are ordered magnetically at low temperatures. Large reversible MCEs around their own ordering temperature were observed in all RE 2 Rh 3 Ga compounds and their magnetocaloric parameters including the maximum magnetic entropy change, refrigerant capacity, and temperature-averaged entropy change are comparable to those of some recently reported candidate materials with prominent performances, making them considerable for cryogenic MR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Er 2 BaCu 1- x Ni x O 5 oxides were fabricated. • The structural and magnetic properties were investigated. • Large magnetocaloric effects were observed. • The Er 2 BaCu 1- x Ni x O 5 oxides may considerable for magnetic cooling. The solid-state magnetic cooling based on the magnetocaloric (MC) effects was recognized as one of the most prospective alternative cooling methods to the gas compression technology. Exploring suitable candidate materials with prominent MC performances remains an urgent research priority in this field. Thus, we herein investigated fabricated the Er 2 BaCu 1- x Ni x O 5 oxides (x = 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3) and experimentally determined their structural and magnetic properties together with their MC performances. All the present studied Er 2 BaCu 1- x Ni x O 5 oxides are crystallized in the RE -211 type oxide structure (space group: Pnma). Considerable reversible low-temperature MC effects and good MC performances have been observed in present studied Er 2 BaCu 1- x Ni x O 5 oxides which were assessed by determination the parameters including the magnetic entropy changes, temperature-averaged entropy changes, and relative cooling power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated the amorphous Ho 0.2 Tm 0.2 Gd 0.2 Co 0.2 Al 0.2 ribbon by melt-spun method and systematically investigated its glass forming ability (GFA) and magnetic properties, especially of the magnetic phase transition (MPT) and magneto-caloric (MC) effect. The melt-spun Ho 0.2 Tm 0.2 Gd 0.2 Co 0.2 Al 0.2 ribbon is found to exhibit a fully amorphous structure and good GFA. The amorphous Ho 0.2 Tm 0.2 Gd 0.2 Co 0.2 Al 0.2 ribbon undergoes a second order type MPT around 32.6 K from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state. Large reversible low temperature MC effect and good MC performances in the amorphous Ho 0.2 Tm 0.2 Gd 0.2 Co 0.2 Al 0.2 ribbon were realized which was identified by the parameters of magnetic entropy change, temperature-averaged entropy change, and refrigerant capacity. These parameters are are at similarly high level with recently reported low temperature MC materials, making the amorphous Ho 0.2 Tm 0.2 Gd 0.2 Co 0.2 Al 0.2 ribbon also attractive for magnetic cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Operando observation system is constructed to make in situ test on lab-on-a-chip. • Image processing method is developed based on automatic object detection. • It is first-time visualization of dynamic deposition process of submicron particle. • The growth site and direction of particle chain are investigated systematically. • This work confirms the effect of drag force on ultimate height of particle chain. Submicron particle is a harmful air pollutant due to size effect, gathering characteristic and biological activity, which not only causes a serious threat to human health and public sanitary security, but also is difficult to capture with lowest removal efficiency. Here, Operando investigation system is constructed to explore deposition characteristics of submicron particles in electric-flow coupled fields through combining microfluidic technology for forming micro electric field on the lab-on-a-chip with micro-visualization technology for capturing dynamic deposition process. Besides, based on object detection and deep learning, an image processing method is developed which can realize automatic object detection and rapid extraction of required information. Results show that particle chain grows preferentially from the convex position to prove the influence of electrode surface roughness on the growth site. The global electric field has a positive effect on keeping particle chain growing up at upright direction, and the growth process of particle chain is proposed: forming growth site stage, grow fast stage and fluctuation stage. Particle velocity in the airflow direction presents a decrease trend during the process particle migrates towards to electrode surface, which proves the direct influence of boundary layer effect on the ultimate height of particle chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• a novel interpretable model based on a convolutional dictionary learning network and nonlocal group sparse prior, called DCDL-GS, for sparse view CT image reconstruction. • In this work, we apply a statistical iterative reconstruction algorithm for a fixed number of iterations with a neural network to improve the image reconstruction quality. Inspired by a group sparsity prior, we adopt a novel group thresholding operation to improve the feature representation and constraint ability and obtain a theoretical interpretation. • To improving model applicability, filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction, fast sliding window nonlocal self-similarity operations, and a lightweight convolutional dictionary learning network are integrated into our DCDL-GS model. Purpose Numerous techniques based on deep learning have been utilized in sparse view computed tomography (CT) imaging. Nevertheless, the majority of techniques are instinctively constructed utilizing state-of-the-art opaque convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and lack interpretability. Moreover, CNNs tend to focus on local receptive fields and neglect nonlocal self-similarity prior information. Obtaining diagnostically valuable images from sparsely sampled projections is a challenging and ill-posed task. Method To address this issue, we propose a unique and understandable model named DCDL-GS for sparse view CT imaging. This model relies on a network comprised of convolutional dictionary learning and a nonlocal group sparse prior. To enhance the quality of image reconstruction, we utilize a neural network in conjunction with a statistical iterative reconstruction framework and perform a set number of iterations. Inspired by group sparsity priors, we adopt a novel group thresholding operation to improve the feature representation and constraint ability and obtain a theoretical interpretation. Furthermore, our DCDL-GS model incorporates filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction, fast sliding window nonlocal self-similarity operations, and a lightweight and interpretable convolutional dictionary learning network to enhance the applicability of the model. Results The efficiency of our proposed DCDL-GS model in preserving edges and recovering features is demonstrated by the visual results obtained on the LDCT-P and UIH datasets. Compared to the results of the most advanced techniques, the quantitative results are enhanced, with increases of 0.6-0.8 dB for the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), 0.005-0.01 for the structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and 1-1.3 for the regulated Fréchet inception distance (rFID) on the test dataset. The quantitative results also show the effectiveness of our proposed deep convolution iterative reconstruction module and nonlocal group sparse prior. Conclusion In this paper, we create a consolidated and enhanced mathematical model by integrating projection data and prior knowledge of images into a deep iterative model. The model is more practical and interpretable than existing approaches. The results from the experiment show that the proposed model performs well in comparison to the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power consumption of a coaxialmixer consisting of an outer anchor and different inner impellerswas experimentally characterized in an agitating vessel full of Newtonianfluids (highly viscous malt syrup). Meanwhile, taking the rotationmode, speed ratio, and diameter ratio between the inner and outerimpellers into consideration, a novel correlation for the calculationof the total power consumption of the coaxial mixer was introducedby defining a new characteristic diameter and a new characteristicspeed. The results show that the inner impeller has an obvious effecton the power consumption of the outer impeller: the power consumptionof the outer impeller will decrease under co-rotation mode and increaseunder counter-rotation mode. The power consumption of the high-speedinner impeller accounts for a large percentage of the total powerconsumption and the outer impeller has little effect on it. Comparedwith other existing correlations, the Reynolds number calculated fromthe novel correlation is greater and the power number is smaller,which can better reflect the high efficiency and low power consumptionof the coaxial mixer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase relations and microstructure of LaFe13-xSix alloys (x= 0.5 to 3.0) were investigated. In induction-melted alloys, α-(Fe,Si) and LaFe2Si2 crystallized primarily in sequence of increasing x. In arc-melted alloys, α-(Fe,Si) and the tetragonal La(Fe,Si)13 compound crystallized primarily instead. The cubic La(Fe,Si)13 compound was found to crystallize as a peritectic phase following primary α-(Fe,Si) formation in some of the alloys. The results were discussed with respect to phase formation during rapid solidification of the La(Fe,Si)13 material for magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure, microstructure, magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in KNaSnF6-type GdCrWO 6 and ErCrWO 6 oxides have been investigated. Both GdCrWO 6 and ErCrWO 6 oxides are confirmed to crystalize in a polar aeschynite type structure with the space group of Pna 2 1 (No.33, oP36). The grain size remains relatively average according to the SEM graph. Under low magnetic field of 0.1 T, the ErCrWO 6 oxide undergoes two successive magnetic transitions around 22 and 7 K, whereas only a weak magnetic transition around 6 K can be noticed. The paramagnetic Curie temperatures θ p are fitted to be −17.0 and −16.6 K for GdCrWO 6 and ErCrWO 6 oxides, respectively, suggesting that the antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction is dominant at ground state. With the magnetic field change (ΔH) of 0–7 T, the peak value of magnetic entropy change (-ΔS M), refrigeration capacity (RC), relative cooling power (RCP) and 5 K lift temperature-averaged ΔS M (TEC) are figured to be 9.13 J/kg-K, 152 J/kg, 190 J/kg and 9.07 J/kg-K for GdCrWO 6 as well as to be 5.3 J/kg-K, 128 J/kg, 161 J/kg and 5.09 J/kg-K for ErCrWO 6 , respectively. The MCE parameters for GdCrWO 6 and ErCrWO 6 oxides are comparable with recently reported RE -based MCE oxides, indicating present GdCrWO 6 and ErCrWO 6 oxides also considerable for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration (MR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heterogeneous platinum catalyst with tridentate pyridine Schiff base ligands supported on silica gel is reported. The catalyst was fully characterized via FTIR, solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalyst showed potential application in mediating hydrosilylation reactions between olefins and hydrosilanes, and it can be reused for at least five cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The RE 2 Ga 2 Mg (RE = Tm, Er, Ho) compounds were fabricated. • The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties were investigated. • Large conventional and inverse magnetocaloric effects were observed. • The Tm 2 Ga 2 Mg is considerable for cryogenic magnetic cooling. The Mo 2 FeB 2 -type compounds RE 2 Ga 2 Mg (RE = Tm, Er, Ho) (space group P 4/ mbm) exhibit a large magnetocaloric (MC) effect which makes them promising for use in cryogenic magnetic cooling applications. They exhibit low temperature metamagnetic nature below their Néel temperatures of 6.8, 11.7 and 18.4 K for Tm 2 Ga 2 Mg, Er 2 Ga 2 Mg and Ho 2 Ga 2 Mg, respectively. The magnetic entropy change, the temperature-averaged entropy change (3 K-lift), and the relative cooling power under a magnetic field change of 0–7 T are 15.6, 15.4 J/kgK and 275.8 J/kg for Tm 2 Ga 2 Mg; 13.2, 13.0 J/kgK and 268.0 J/kg for Er 2 Ga 2 Mg; as well as 9.1, 9.0 J/kgK and 223.0 J/kg for Ho 2 Ga 2 Mg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions in space, such as microgravity, may affect the hematopoietic and bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM‐MSCs) of astronauts. However, to date, few detailed phenotype change data about the different type of hematopoietic cells have reported. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (control) and a hindlimb suspension group (treated). After four weeks of hindlimb suspension, we found that this simulated microgravity (sµg) condition could increase the percentage of monocytes and macrophages and decrease the percentage of B lymphocytes and mature red cells in bone marrow. The percentage of B lymphocytes in the spleen and the red blood cell count in peripheral blood also decreased, consistent with the response of bone marrow. The cytoskeleton in the BM‐MSCs was disrupted. The expression levels of hematopoietic‐related genes, such as fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 ligand, granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor, interleukin‐3, and adipogenic differentiation associated genes, leptin and proliferator‐activated receptor γ type 2, were upregulated under sµg conditions. These results indicated that simulating microgravity can affect the phenotype of certain types of hematopoietic cells and the morphology and gene expression pattern of BM‐MSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on multiple hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) hydrogels have gradually aroused wide interest. In this paper, a multiple H‐bonds‐reinforced poly(acrylamide‐co‐2‐vinyl‐4,6‐diamino‐2‐vinyl‐1,3,5‐triazine)/tannic acid (P(Am‐co‐VDT)/TA) hydrogels are prepared. The results suggest that the prepared hydrogel has two types of H‐bonds crosslinking regions: A "soft" region of H‐bonds between the diaminotriazine (DAT) moieties on the polymer chains and the TA pyrogallol/catechol groups, and a "hard" region of H‐bonds forming by DAT moieties with itself. The hard crosslinking region exhibits significantly higher activation energy than the soft region. Such soft and hard dual physically crosslinked networks dramatically enhance the mechanical properties of P(Am‐co‐VDT)/TA hydrogels in a synergistic manner (tensile strength is 2.34 MPa, elongation at break is 410%). Due to the multiple hydrogen bonds, the hydrogel has good pH sensitivity and rapid response to shape memory within a few minutes. In addition, the hydrogels have the capacity of physical adsorption of the anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium and other molecules with a specific spatially arranged chemical composition. These hydrogels with high mechanical strength, excellent shape memory behavior, and capacity of adsorption of anti‐inflammatory drug could be attractive candidates for applications in the fields of biomedicine, tissue engineering, and medical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, polycrystalline oxides viz., Ho 2 CrMnO 6 (HCMO) and Er 2 CrMnO 6 (ECMO), were prepared using the sol-gel process, and their crystal structure, magnetic properties, and magnetocaloric effects (MCEs) were studied. X-ray refinement results demonstrate that both oxides exhibited the B -site disordered perovskite type structure (Pbnm space group). A ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transition as well as large reversible MCEs was also observed at Curie temperatures (T C) of ~6.1 and ~5.2 K for HCMO and ECMO, respectively. For a magnetic field change (ΔH) of 0–7 T, the maximum magnetic entropy change (-Δ S M), temperature-averaged entropy change (TEC 3), and relative cooling power (RCP) were estimated to be 11.03 J/kgK, 11.02 J/kgK, and 322.7 J/kg for HCMO, and 12.94 J/kgK, 12.80 J/kgK and 277.5 J/kg for ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic refrigeration (MR) by utilizing the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of magnetic solids has been considered a promising, environmentally benign, energy-efficient cooling technology. However, the lack of promising magnetic substances has slowed the development of its active application. To identify suitable candidate materials, we herein identified the structural and magnetic properties together with the MCE and magnetocaloric performances of rare earth (RE) rich RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 (RE = Dy, Ho and Er) compounds. All the RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 compounds are confirmed to crystallized in orthogonal Ho 6 Co 2 Ga-type structure and underwent paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic magnetic transitions. Moreover, large direct (conventional) and inverse MCEs have been observed in all the RE 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 compounds. The values of peak magnetic entropy changes, temperature-averaged magnetic entropy changes with 5 K-lift and relative cooling powers under magnetic field change of 0–7 T are evaluated to be − 4.44 J/kg-K, − 4.38 J/kg-K and 230.6 J/kg for Dy 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , to be − 12.68 J/kg-K, − 12.26 J/kg-K and 378.2 J/kg for Ho 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , and to be − 17.52 J/kg-K, − 17.33 J/kg-K and 465.7 J/kg for Er 6 Ni 2.25 Al 0.75 , respectively. • The RE6Ni2.25Al0.75 (RE = Dy, Ho and Er) compounds are fabricated. • The structural and magnetic properties were investigated. • Large direct and inverse magnetocaloric effects were observed. • The Er6Ni2.25Al0.75 is considerable for cryogenic magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is desirable due to ionizing radiation, but the resulting images suffer from serious streak artifacts and spot noise. Recently, deep learning (DL)-based methods have emerged as promising alternatives for medical image processing. However, most DL-based methods are built intuitively and lack interpretability, and it is difficult to effectively separate the artifacts and noise in LDCT images. Obtaining diagnostically useful images, especially when using a low-dose scanner protocol, remains an open challenge. To improve the quality of LDCT images, we developed a novel processing network called the sparse autorepresentation U-Net (SureUnet). First, inspired by multilayer convolutional sparse coding (CSC), we constructed a sparse autorepresentation encoder to sufficiently capture and represent hierarchical image features. Then, we chose the widely used U-Net model for sparse autorepresentation block applications and designed SureUnet by adding a feature decoding block. Therefore, every module has well-defined interpretability in our network. Additionally, hybrid loss functions were specifically designed, including the mean absolute error, edge loss and perceptual loss. Through the cooperation of multiple loss functions, the noise artifact suppression effect of the network was improved. The visual results obtained on the MAYO and UIH datasets show that the proposed method’s noise artifact suppression effect was more significant. The quantitative results showed promising improvement levels compared to those of the other state-of-the-art methods. The SureUnet model significantly outperformed the compared methods on two datasets, with margins of 0.4 dB for the PSNR, 0.007 for the SSIM, and 1.6 for the FID on the MAYO dataset and margins of 0.5 dB for the PSNR, 0.004 for the SSIM and 2.9 for the FID on the UIH dataset. This work paves the way for sparse autorepresentation in DL for processing LDCT images. Experimental results have demonstrated the competitive performance of SureUnet in terms of noise suppression, structural fidelity and visual impression improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, weakly agglomerated and well dispersed α-Al 2 O 3 powders were synthesized by a novel spray precipitation method. It was demonstrated that the as-prepared powders exhibited better dispersity than powders from conventional precipitation due to the increased phase contact and reaction area during the precipitation process. The effects of different titration ways, calcination temperature and holding time on the morphology, phase composition and sintering behaviour of Al 2 O 3 powders were systematically investigated. Weakly agglomerated and well crystallized α-Al 2 O 3 powders were obtained when the as-prepared precursors were calcined at 1150 °C for 2 h in air. The average particle size of α-Al 2 O 3 powders with higher sintering activity was approximately 68.6 nm, and the specific surface area was above 22.4 m 2 g −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]