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With the increase of environmental pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources, the utilization of renewable biomass resources for developing functional materials or fine chemicals is of great value and has attracted considerable attention. Nanocellulose, as a well‐known renewable nanomaterial, is regarded as a promising nano building block for advanced functional materials owing to its unique structure and properties, as well as natural abundance. Typically, its high mechanical strength, structural flexibility, reinforcing capabilities, and tunable self‐assembly behavior makes it highly attractive to fabricate flexible materials for various applications. Herein, the recent progress in the design, properties, and applications of advanced flexible materials from nanocellulose is comprehensively summarized. The preparation and properties of nanocellulose are first briefly introduced and discuss its merits in fabricating flexible materials. Then, various advanced flexible materials from nanocellulose are introduced, and the critical role of nanocellulose in constructing flexible materials is highlighted based on its intrinsic properties. After that, their applications in energy storage, electronics, sensor, biomedical, thermally insulating, photonic devices, etc., are presented. At last, the outlook of the current challenges and future perspectives for developing nanocellulose‐derived flexible materials are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) on metabolic status including insulin metabolism and lipid metabolism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Four mainstream databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science were searched from their inception to October 2021. The registration number of this study was CRD42021285233. The quality assessment was performed referring the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated for continuous variables by meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed based on study duration (≤ 8 weeks or > 8 weeks), the source of n-3 PUFA (marine derived or plant origins) and dosage of n-3 PUFA (≤ 1000 mg/d or > 1000 mg/d). Eventually, 11 RCTs reporting 816 patients were enrolled. Compared with control group, n-3 PUFA treatment decreased waist circumference (MD = -2.76, 95% CI: -3.82 to -1.69; p < 0.00001), fasting plasma glucose (MD = -3.91, 95% CI: -5.69 to -2.13; p < 0.0001), fasting insulin (MD = -2.45, 95% CI: -3.19 to -1.71; p < 0.00001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (MD = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.11; p = 0.01), triglyceride (MD = -9.33, 95% CI: -10.56 to -8.10; p < 0.00001), total cholesterol (MD = -12.32, 95% CI: -19.15 to -5.50; p = 0.0004), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -10.53, 95% CI: -19.31 to -1.75; p = 0.02), and increase quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (MD = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.02; p < 0.00001), Adiponectin (MD = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.80; p < 0.00001) in PCOS patients. However, n-3 PUFA failed to change body weight, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hs-CRP in the overall analysis. Further subgroup analyses showed that supplements of n-3 PUFA for more than 8 weeks is more conducive to improve the metabolic status in insulin resistance and lipid profiles. The meta-analysis demonstrates that n-3 PUFA may be an effective intervention for alleviating metabolic status in PCOS. Hence, we recommend PCOS patients replenish n-3 PUFA with duration > 8 weeks regardless of the source and the dosage to retard the pathogenesis of PCOS related metabolic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient removal of oil droplets and particles from volumes of a stable emulsified oil-contaminated polymer-flooding wastewater has been an interesting yet challenging research topic within the oilfield. In this work, a highly efficient composite flocculant (PAC-PSi-PDMDAAC) was prepared by modifying activated silicic acid onto polyaluminium chloride (PAC) through Si-O-Al bond firstly and then combined with polydimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) by physical blending, the preparation conditions and the flocculation parameters that influence of the turbidity removal and oil removal were experimentally investigated. The optimal conditions are shown as follows: pH= 3.04, PAC/PSi = 5:1, PAC/PDMDAAC = 1:0.3. The characterization of composites were analyzed by Fourier infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetry (Tg) and Static light scattering (SLS). The results revealed that PAC underwent the addition of PSi and PDMDAAC to form high-polymeric species. In addition, the formation of more denser flocs in wastewater treatment was affirmed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The flocculation experiments results showed that the maximum turbidity removal rate and oil removal efficiency for polymer-flooding wastewater could reached 98.3% and 91.3% at dosage of 120 mg/L, respectively, and its flocculation efficiency was much better than that of flocculants (PAC, PAC-PSi and PAC-PDMDAAC), which confirmed the synergistic enhancement of performance of PAC by PSi and PDMDAAC. However, the Zeta potential results indicated that the maximum Zeta potential value of PAC-PDMDAAC treatment was not beneficial for oil and particles removal, which indicated the adsorption bridging effect of lager aggregates played a most significant role in the flocculation process. And this newly synthesized PAC-PSi-PDMDAAC would be a promising flocculant for polymer-flooding oily wastewater treatment to reduce oil and particulate matters. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DFF was achieved in high selectivity by photocatalytic oxidation of HMF over g-C 3 N 4 under visible light. [Display omitted] • HMF can convert to DFF by a green photocatalytic selective oxidation process. • Metal-free g-C 3 N 4 catalyst exhibits good performance under visible light. • High DFF selectivity of 85.6% can be achieved under incident light >400 nm. Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) catalyst was synthesized by a simple calcination of melamine. The characterization results indicate that the water treatment during preparation process is in favor of the formation of pore structure, enhancing light-harvest ability and suppressing the recombination of the photoexcited electron-hole pair. The as-prepared g-C 3 N 4 catalyst was applied in the photocatalytic selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF). The effects of incident wavelength, solvent, reaction time and scavenger on the photocatalytic performance were investigated. The results indicate that O 2 − plays a key role as dominant active species in photocatalytic oxidation of 5-HMF. Compared with visible light, the UV light illumination is easier to cause the overoxidation of target product and thus leads to a lower DFF selectivity. Under the irradiation of light with wavelength >400 nm, the highest DFF selectivity of 85.6% can be achieved with HMF conversion of 31.2% in the presence of O 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-quality Ho:YAP crystal was fabricated by the Czochralski method. • The structure, spectroscopy and J-O parameters of Ho:YAP were discussed. • For the first time, ∼3 μm CW laser was realized in single Ho-doped crystal host. • Maximum power of 176 mW and slope efficiency of 3.36% was obtained. We demonstrate the spectroscopy and mid-infrared laser performance on the Ho:YAP oxide crystal grown by the Czochralski method in detail. The crystal belongs to orthorhombic system of Pnmb (62) space group and shows high crystalline quality. The lifetimes of 5I 6 and 5I 7 levels are 0.412 and 4.485 ms, respectively. Particularly, under 1150 nm Raman fiber laser pumping, a 3.01 μm CW laser with a maximum power of 181 mW and slope-efficiency of 3.35% is achieved. The M2 factor of 1.35/1.37 indicates that the yield laser has excellent beam quality. The results reveal that the Ho:YAP crystal possesses great potential for developing efficient 3.0 μm mid-infrared lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ho and Pr doped LuYSGG laser crystals were successfully grown by Czochralski method. X-ray rocking curves indicate their high crystalline quality. Crystal structure and basic parameters are provided by XRD and Rietveld refinement. Combining density functional theory, the bandgaps of YSGG and LuYSGG are calculated to be 3.497 and 3.483 eV, respectively. Particularly, the J-O parameters and emission spectra suggest the LuYSGG is more suitable as host for Ho3+ ions and could achieve better 2.9 μm emission than the YSGG. Meanwhile, the luminescent decay curves show the deactivated Pr3+ ion can greatly narrow the lifetime gap between the 5I 6 and 5I 7 energy levels, which can eventually attenuate effect of self-termination phenomenon on the 2.9 μm emission. • A series of Ho and Pr doped LuYSGG mixed laser crystals are prepared. • Microscopic and bandgap structure of LuYSGG are investigated in detail. • LuYSGG is more suitable for achieving Ho:2.9 μm emission than YSGG. • Pr can effectively attenuate the 2.9 μm self-termination phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the influence of gamma-ray irradiation on the propagation loss and laser performance of an Er,Pr:GYSGG single crystal fiber (SCF). The size of SCF is Φ 0.75 mm × 70 mm and the diameter fluctuation is less than ±3.5%. The propagation loss coefficients of the samples are 0.07 and 0.09 dB cm−1 before and after irradiation, respectively, which is almost unaffected. The maximum output powers of 197 and 192 mW on the SCFs before and after irradiation are obtained under a 969 nm laser diode (LD) end-pumping, corresponding to the slope efficiencies of 8.1% and 7.9%, respectively. A very good beam quality factor M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.11/1.13 is achieved. These results imply that the Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF laser can be used as a potential seed source for mid-infrared (MIR) multi-stage amplification laser apparatus applied in radiation environment. • Er,Pr:GYSGG single crystal fiber (SCF) with a diameter of Ф 0.75 mm is prepared. • Effect of 100 Mrad 60Co gamma-ray irradiation on Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF is demonstrated. • Output power of 192 mW and M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.11/1.13 are achieved after irradiation. • Both maximum output power and slope efficiency are reduced by only 2.5%. • Er,Pr:GYSGG SCF laser is a potential seed light source applied in radiation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cascade Er:YSGG crystal pulsed lasers near 1.6 and 2.8 μm are realized at room temperature. • The slope efficiency of MIR laser increases to 4.2 % from 1.9 % by cascade process. • Four laser wavelengths of 2.793, 2.821, ∼2.860, 2.917 μm in Er:YSGG laser are discovered. • The cascade process can improve the MIR laser performance based on the Er:YSGG crystal. We demonstrate a pulsed cascade laser on LD end-pumped Er:YSGG crystal near 1.6 and 2.8 μm at room temperature for the first time. The slope efficiency of mid-infrared laser with the assistance of cascade process is significantly improved. Under the working frequency of 100 Hz and pump pulse width of 6 ms, a maximum power of 243 mW centered at 2.79 μm is achieved with increasing slope efficiency of 4.2 %, while the slope efficiency of non-cascade is only 1.9 %. Under high pump power, four laser wavelengths of 2.793, 2.821, ∼2.860, and 2.918 μm are discovered and the phenomenon is explained according to the Boltzmann factors. This work would be conducive to the exploration of pulsed cascade laser based on the Er:YSGG crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Er3+-doped YAP crystals with concentrations of 5 at%, 10 at%, 15 at% and 20 at% were grown successfully by Czochralski method. X-ray rocking curves suggest high crystalline quality. Lifetime ratio of 4I 13/2 and 4I 11/2 levels decreases obviously with the increase of Er3+ concentrations, which is beneficial to realize population inversion and decrease the laser threshold. Spectroscopy and laser show the 15 at% Er:YAP crystal has strongest mid-infrared fluorescence intensity and best laser performance by 968-nm LD side-pumping. Maximum average powers of 23.52 and 11.08 W are achieved at 250 and 1000 Hz, corresponding to the slope efficiency of 12.0% and 6.2%, respectively. Therefore, the 15 at% Er:YAP crystal is a promising candidate for the high-power and high-frequency mid-infrared laser. • High-quality Er:YAP crystals with four concentrations were grown by the Cz method. • Influences of Er3+ concentrations on the performance of Er:YAP crystals were studied. • Energy transfer and luminescence mechanism in the Er:YAP crystals were analyzed. • LD side-pumped high-power and high-frequency Er:YAP laser is demonstrated. • Maximum average power of 23.52 W was obtained on the 15 at% Er:YAP crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a high-peak-power and narrow pulse mid-infrared (MIR) laser with xenon-lamp pumping and La3Ga5SiO14 (LGS) Q-switching on the Cr,Er:YAP crystal grown by Czochralski method. X-ray powder diffraction and x-ray rocking curves suggest the crystal has high crystalline quality. Segregation coefficients of the Cr3 + and Er3 + in the as-grown Cr,Er:YAP crystal are 4.96 and 1.07, respectively. The absorption and fluorescence spectra indicate that the Cr,Er:YAP crystal is a promising material for MIR laser by xenon-lamp pumping. The fluorescence lifetimes of the upper (I11/24) and lower (I13/24) laser levels are 0.86 and 3.57 ms, respectively. A maximum energy of 632 mJ is acquired at 5 Hz by xenon lamp pumping. By the LGS electro-optic Q-switching technology, single pulse energy of 148.6 mJ is achieved at 5 Hz with a pulse width of 35.4 ns and peak power of 4.2 MW. The results show that the LGS Q-switched Cr,Er:YAP crystal pumped by xenon lamp possesses potential application as a short-pulse and high-energy laser device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption is a widely applied waste water treatment technology, especially for removing micro-pollutants and dyes of industrial effluents. Over the past decade, adsorbing metal oxide micron- and nano-particles have been successfully developed and investigated as adsorbents. In the present research, Mg-ferrite adsorbent particles were synthesized and their properties were fully determined. The pore volume is 0.139 cm3/g. The BET analysis reveals a surface area of 94.4 m2/g. The porosity is of meso- and microporous nature. The adsorbent was used to adsorb acid fuchsine, an important industrial dye. The equilibrium adsorption capacity was 796.4 mg/g, with an adsorption yield of 78.7–82.0%. The adsorption kinetics can be adequately fitted by a pseudo-second-order model. The isotherms of both Langmuir and Freundlich are applicable. The stability, recovery and reuse of the ferrite particles were proven in multi-cycle experiments, and the adsorption activity decreased by less than 3% between the first and fifth cycle. Experimental and fitting results were finally used to design a batch adsorber to remove a given concentration of acid fuchsine from different volumes of wastewater. • Adsorption is widely applied for removing micro-pollutants and dyes from industrial effluents. • Reusable magnetic Mg-ferrite adsorbents have been successfully developed as adsorbents for acid fuchsine. • Mg-ferrites adsorbent particles were synthesized and their properties were fully determined. • The equilibrium adsorption capacity was ∼795 mg/g, with adsorption yield close to 80%. • The stability, recovery and reuse of the adsorbent particles were proven in 5-cycle experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an color image encryption algorithm using alternate chaotic mapping structure. Initially, we use the R, G and B components to form a matrix. Then one-dimension logistic and two-dimension logistic mapping is used to generate a chaotic matrix, then iterate two chaotic mappings alternately to permute the matrix. For every iteration, XOR operation is adopted to encrypt plain-image matrix, then make further transformation to diffuse the matrix. At last, the encrypted color image is obtained from the confused matrix. Theoretical analysis and experimental results has proved the cryptosystem is secure and practical, and it is suitable for encrypting color images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pericarp browning is a major symptom of the quality deterioration in postharvest longan fruit. Previous studies show that the change in the quality of fresh produce is related to the level of energy status. The proton transport regulator such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and disodium succinate (DS) can regulate the protons flux to affect the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and the level of energy status. However, the mechanisms of proton transport regulator induced-the changes in the level of ATP and energy status in postharvest longan fruit in relation to longan pericarp browning remain unclear. In this work, the influences of DCC and DS-mediated the alteration of energy status on longan pericarp browning, energy metabolism, and respiratory metabolism were investigated. Results showed that DCC treatment accelerated pericarp browning development and elevated respiration rate as compared to the control. Longans treated with DCC exhibited higher levels of ATP, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and energy charge, as well as higher activities of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase in the mitochondrial, vacuole, and plasma membranes. Additionally, DCC treatment increased the activities of phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), cytochrome C oxidase (CCO), ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), and alternative oxidase (AOX), along with higher contents of ubiquinol (QH 2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and the reduced form of NAD (NADH). Whereas, DCC treatment decreased the activities of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (NADK), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) + 6-phosphaogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGDH), and lowered the contents of ubiquinone (Q), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), and the reduced form of NADP (NADPH). These results revealed that DCC treatment accelerated energy deficit, disrupted energy balance, and promoted respiratory metabolism through enhancing embden-meyerhof-parnas (EMP), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and cytochrome pathway (CCP) while attenuating pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), ultimately leading to the aggravated longan pericarp browning. Conversely, DS treatment delayed longan pericarp browning by acting on the opposite effects of DCC treatment. • DCC hastened longan pericarp browning, whereas DS had the opposite effect. • DCC lowered energy status of longan pericarp, but DS retained a higher energy status. • DCC reduced ATPase activities in longan pericarp, but DS enhanced these activities. • DCC raised EMP-TCA cycle and CCP, but reduced PPP, DS exhibited the opposite pattern. • DCC speeded energy deficit and respiratory metabolism, but DS retarded this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-CuNPs with three-dimensional network topology were successfully prepared to improve rain-wash resistance and synergistic antimicrobial activity. [Display omitted] • CuO nanoparticles was successfully synthesized using waste tea seed cake extract. • The prepared Bio-CuNPs showeda three-dimensional network topology. • Bio-CuNPs exhibited excellent wettability and resistance to rain-washing. • CuO nanoparticles and tea saponin showed synergistic antimicrobial activity. • Bio-CuNPs displayed good biosafety to plants, microorganisms and aquatic organisms. Copper-based fungicides are commonly utilized as protective germicides; however, their susceptibility to rain-induced washing leads to a substantial copper exposure, resulting in significant environmental pollution and potential ecological risks. This study focuses on the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles at room temperature, utilizing copper sulfate pentahydrate and tea seed cake extract as reactive raw materials. The obtained copper oxide nanoparticles exhibit a distinctive dendritic three-dimensional topology. Notably, these copper oxide nanoparticles demonstrate superior wettability and spreadability on tomato, rice, and wheat leaves compared to the commercial formulation of copper hydroxide (Kocide). The retention amount of copper oxide nanoparticles on the surface of plant leaves after rain washing exhibited a 75.89% to 84.31% increase compared to that of Kocide, attributed to the structural chimerism of copper oxide nanoparticles and the micro-nano structure of leaves. Regarding antimicrobial activity against Magnaporthe oryzae and Clavibacter michiganense , copper oxide nanoparticles showed better residual activity and a longer persistent period than Kocide. Safety experiments demonstrated that copper oxide nanoparticles had minimal adverse effects on wheat plants, while in vivo studies in zebrafish revealed their effectiveness in reducing toxicity by over five-fold compared to Kocide. Furthermore, soil ecosystem assessments highlighted the high biocompatibility of copper oxide nanoparticles with Escherichia coli. Consequently, the prepared copper oxide nanoparticles hold significant promise as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional copper-based fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas adsorption is widely used in air pollution control, with mainly activated carbon and zeolites used as adsorbents. Although physical and chemisorption can be used, most air pollution applications involve physical adsorption, now also increasingly investigated for CO2 abatement from combustion gas. Empirical adsorption treatments have been presented since many decades, but solely rely on the comparison of adsorbate feed and exhaust concentrations of the adsorption bed. In-situ measurements, to study the absorbate/adsorbent interactions in real time, are compared in the present review when performed by a three-dimensional (3D) Positron Emission Tomography of an adsorbing 11CO2 radioactive tracer on activated carbon versus a zeolite adsorbent. The overall results are validated by conventional exit gas analysis. Results are defining both the time-dependent adsorption parameters, such as the progressing adsorption front and Mass Transfer Zone along the adsorbent bed length, and enable to assess previous semi-empirical adsorption correlations toward their optimum validity in predicting adsorption isotherms, kinetics and mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, wearable electronic devices and human–computer interaction are developing prosperously, which expands the requirement of flexible sensing materials. Graphene and its derivatives with extraordinary advantages are highly attractive precursors. However, it is difficult to assemble graphene into macroscopic cubes with good fatigue resistance performance. Here, we propose an efficient way to manufacture a lamellar-structural rGO aerogel with enhanced stiffness and deflection of lamellae, by using MXene as a rigidity additive. The addition of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) improves the mechanical and fatigue resistance properties of the aerogel, making it super compressible and elastic. The highly stable structure of the aerogel can withstand extremely high compressive strain of 90% and long-term compression at 50% strain for at least 10,000 cycles. The lamellar structure makes a great contribution to achieve good sensing performance including high linear sensitivity, low testing limit, wide testing strain range and quick response. These features make the MXene/rGO aerogel a promising sensing material for flexible wearable devices to monitor the subtle and obvious biosignals of the human body movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A LuYSGG single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. • Mohs hardness and surface roughness were obtained to be 6.86 and 0.23 nm. • Thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity were 8.5 × 10−6 K−1 and 4.79 W m−1 K−1. • Sellmeier equation was fitted and the refractive index curve was displayed. • Results can provide useful parameters for LuYSGG crystal as substrate and laser host. We investigate the physical and chemical properties of a Lu 1 Y 2 Sc 2 Ga 3 O 12 (LuYSGG) single crystal with high quality grown by the Czochralski (Cz) method. The XRC result shows the crystal has high crystalline quality and the lattice constant is calculated to be 12.4253 Å, and the lattice constant value could be adjusted by changing the ratio of Lu and Y. The dislocation density on the (1 1 1)-crystalline face is achieved to be about 200 cm−2. The Mohs hardness is obtained to be 6.86. The surface roughness (R a) of the polished LuYSGG wafer is only 0.23 nm. The thermal expansion coefficient and the thermal conductivity are measured to be 8.5 × 10−6 K−1 and 4.79 W m−1 K−1, respectively, indicating the LuYSGG has better thermal properties. In addition, the Sellmeier equation is fitted by the measured refractive indices at a few distinct wavelengths using the method of minimum deviation angle, and the refractive index curve in the range of 400–3000 nm is displayed. The maximum phonon energy of LuYSGG crystal is determined to be 880.7 cm−1. All the obtained results can provide useful reference parameters for the further investigation of LuYSGG crystal as epitaxial magneto-optical thin film substrate and laser host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We reprogrammed ICH patient's skin cells into iPSCs. [•] The iPSCs can differentiate into NES cells and neural cells in vitro. [•] Therapeutic effects of iPSC-derived NES cells in rat ICH model were observed. [•] The grafted NES cells differentiated into neural cells in the brain of ICH rats. [•] Functional improvement of ICH rat is partially due to neuronal replacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the temperature distribution and 2.79 μ m laser performance in a high-quality Er:YSGG single crystal fiber (SCF) with size of Φ 0.85 × 8 mm3 for the first time. Compared with 2 × 2 × 8 mm3 Er:YSGG bulk crystal, the simulation results show that the center maximum temperature of Er:YSGG SCF is much lower, and the temperature rising and total thermal deformation are evidently reduced, indicating that the SCF possesses more efficient thermal dissipation. Under 970 nm laser diode pumping, a maximum output power of 636 mW with slope efficiency of 20.2% is realized. More importantly, a high beam quality factors M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.28/1.29 is obtained, which is close to the fundamental TEM 00 mode, suggesting that the Er:YSGG SCF can act as a promising candidate for mid-infrared laser seed source. • Er:YSGG single-crystal fiber(SCF) with a diameter of Φ 0.85 mm is prepared successfully. • Temperature distribution simulation shows the SCF possesses more efficient thermal dissipation. • 2794 nm CW laser power of 636 mW and beam quality factor M x 2 / M y 2 of 1.28/1.29 are achieved. • Er:YSGG SCF laser is a promising candidate for mid-infrared laser seed source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Laser performance of LD side-pumped YSGG/Er:YSGG with concave end-faces is studied. • The laser rods with negative curvature radii of 250, 500 and 1000 mm are employed. • Highest power of 20.92 W with slope efficiency of 26.18% at 150 Hz is achieved. • 15.59 W at 500 Hz is obtained in rod with negative curvature radius of 500 mm. • Thermal bonding and concave end-faces can effectively improve laser performance. We demonstrate the laser performance of 970 nm LD side-pumped YSGG/Er:YSGG/YSGG thermal bonding crystal rods with negative curvature radii of 250, 500, and 1000 mm, respectively. The maximum average output powers of 20.04, 20.92, 17.02 W are achieved, corresponding to the slope efficiencies of 26.28%, 26.18%, 21.28%, and optical–optical efficiencies of 18.56%, 19.37%, 15.76%, respectively. The results of the laser performance and thermal focal length indicate that the negative curvature of 500 mm has an optimal effect on thermal lensing compensation. At the high repetition rate of 500 Hz, the average output power of 15.59 W is obtained. The beam quality factors of M x 2/M y 2 are calculated to be 3.37/3.34. These results can provide valuable references for promoting the development of 2.7–3 μm lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the defect, mechanical, thermal properties, and refractive index of Er:LuYSGG mixed crystal grown by the Czochralski method. The chemical etching pit patterns present a regular tetrahedron, which consists well with the corresponding atomic arrangement schematics. The Mohs hardness is obtained to be 6.60. The thermal expansion coefficient and the thermal conductivity along <111> crystallographic orientation are achieved to be 7.91 × 10−6 K−1 and 3.423 W m−1 K−1, respectively, indicating the Er:LuYSGG has a relatively high damage threshold. Based on the measured values of refractive index, the Sellmeier equation is fitted and the refractive index curve in the range of 400–3000 nm is displayed. All these results are of great significance for the further research and laser application of Er:LuYSGG crystal. • Physical and chemical properties of Er:LuYSGG laser crystal are investigated in detail. • Mohs hardness and thermal expansion coefficient are obtained to be 6.60 and 7.91 × 10−6 K−1. • A high thermal conductivity of 3.423 W m−1 K−1 is conducive to heat dissipation. • Sellmeier equation and refractive index curve are fitted using the measured values. • Results can provide useful parameters for laser application of Er:LuYSGG crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pestalotiopsis microspora (P. microspore) is the main pathogenic microorganism causing fruit spoilage and rot in postharvest Chinese olive (Canarium album L.). The effects of P. microspore inoculation on disease occurrence of harvested Chinese olives with a specific focus on ROS and membrane lipid metabolisms were explored. The results showed a higher fruit disease index in P. microspora -infected samples. Notably, P. microspora -infected samples exhibited higher ROS levels, coupled with the lower AsA and GSH contents, the reduced ROS scavenging enzyme activities, a decreased reducing power, and a lower ability for scavenging DPPH radicals. Furthermore, the inoculated Chinese olives displayed higher cell membrane permeability and MLMREs activities, higher values of MDA, DAG, and SFAs, but lower PC and PI contents, USFAs, U/S, and IUFA. Taken together, these findings strongly suggested that the aggravated disease development in postharvest Chinese olives after P. microspore inoculation could be attributed to an enhanced peroxidation of membrane lipids due to the dropped capability to eliminate ROS. • P. microspore promoted disease development of harvested Chinese olive fruit. • P. microspore reduced ROS scavenging capacity in harvested Chinese olive fruit. • P. microspore promoted membrane lipid peroxidation in harvested Chinese olive fruit. • P. microspore promoted the degradations of membrane phospholipids and USFAs. • P. microspore -induced disease development is related to ROS and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor foliar deposition and retention of pesticides results in serious pesticide residues and environmental pollution. Organic-inorganic hybridized nanoparticles (OIHN), combining the advantages of organic and inorganic materials, can be used as carriers to load pesticides for efficient and safe application. Herein, a novel multifunctional OIHN composed of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and cationic chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC) was constructed and used as a delivery system for prothioconazole (PTC). The resultant PTC@MSNs-HACC exhibited a remarkable loading capacity of 39.07 wt% and demonstrated enhanced PTC release (31.47 %) under alkaline conditions. The UV-shielding properties of MSNs efficiently shielded PTC from photodegradation, increasing its photostability by over threefold. The strong positive charge of HACC conferred excellent adhesion of PTC@MSNs-HACC to fungal cell membranes, leading to high deposition on wheat leaves with improved rain-wash resistance (increased by 30 %). Consequently, PTC@MSNs-HACC (EC 50 : 12.48 mg/L) exhibited superior wheat scab control compared to PTC emulsifiable concentrate (EC 50 : 28.49 mg/L). Additionally, PTC@MSNs-HACC displayed excellent uptake and transport in plants, ensuring plant safety and reducing toxicity to zebrafish by >1-fold. The potential application of the developed PTC@MSNs-HACC in agricultural production holds significant promise and is anticipated to find widespread use in the future. [Display omitted] • Prepared nanoparticles can combine the advantages of organic and inorganic materials. • PTC@MSNs-HACC can effectively protect PTC from photodegradation. • The nanoparticles improve the fungal cell adhesion and antifungal activities of PTC. • The prepared nano-formulation of PTC has excellent rain-wash resistance ability. • PTC@MSNs-HACC exhibits reduced toxicity to zebrafish and good safety on wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The THz absorption spectra of piracetam and its pharmaceutical cocrystals are reported. [•] The cocrystal formation is monitored from both time and frequency-domain THz spectra. [•] THz-TDS is potential to directly characterize the pharmaceutical solid-state reactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the work presented here, well-dispersed ferric giniite microcrystals with controlled sizes and shapes are solvothermally synthesized from ionic-liquid precursors by using 1- n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dihydrogenphosphate ([Bmim][H2PO4]) as phosphate source. The success of this synthesis relies on the concentration and composition of the ionic-liquid precursors. By adjusting the molar ratios of Fe(NO3)3 ⋅9H2O to [Bmim][H2PO4] as well as the composition of ionic-liquid precursors, we obtained uniform microstructures such as bipyramids exposing {111} facets, plates exposing {001} facets, hollow spheres, tetragonal hexadecahedron exposing {441} and {111} facets, and truncated bipyamids with carved {001} facets. The crystalline structure of the ferric giniite microcrystals is disclosed by various characterization techniques. It was revealed that [Bmim][H2PO4] played an important role in stabilizing the {111} facets of ferric giniite crystals, leading to the different morphologies in the presence of ionic-liquid precursors with different compositions. Furthermore, since these ferric giniite crystals were characterized by different facets, they could serve as model Fenton-like catalysts to uncover the correlation between the surface and the catalytic performance for the photodegradation of organic dyes under visible-light irradiation. Our measurements indicate that the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Fenton-like catalysts is highly dependent on the exposed facets, and the surface area has essentially no obvious effect on the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in the present study. It is highly expected that these findings are useful in understanding the photocatalytic activity of Fenton-like catalysts with different morphologies, and suggest a promising new strategy for crystal-facet engineering of photocatalysts for wastewater treatment based on heterogeneous Fenton-like process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The equivalent spatial frequency is defined according to the characteristic of lensless Fourier hologram. It is found from the theoretical analysis that the adjustable magnification without aberration can be achieved only if the relation of the equivalent spatial frequency is satisfied. This process can be regarded as numerical magnification of the real object. Meanwhile, its corresponding reconstruction algorithm is given. To testify the method, a transmission setup and a reflection setup are used to record lensless Fourier holograms of a small object and a large object, respectively. Magnification and de-magnification of the reconstructions with improved image quality demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. In addition, the effects of the under-sampling problem in phase-unwrapping are minimized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Stone–Wales defect in a single-walled carbon nanotube has been investigated theoretically by a fully discrete dislocation equation. It is found that Stone–Wales defect as a fundamental structure can be obtained from the basic dislocation equation, which is used to determine the structure of the dislocations. In addition, there are two possible equilibrium configurations for the Stone–Wales defect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report on the spectroscopic and laser performance of a novel 30 at.% Er:LuYSGG mixed crystal grown by Czochralski method. The XRC result shows the crystal has a high crystalline quality. A strong absorption peak is located at 966 nm with a FWMH of about 11 nm. The lifetimes of the upper 4I 11/2 and lower 4I 13/2 levels are 1.91 ms and 6.53 ms, respectively. A maximum output power of 909 mW with LD end-pumping is achieved, corresponding to optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 18.1% and slope efficiency of 21.6%. The laser wavelength of 2794 nm and beam quality factors M x 2 /M y 2 of 1.78/1.83 are displayed. These results indicate that Er:LuYSGG mixed crystal is a promising gain medium for 2.8 μm laser. • The Er:LuYSGG mixed crystal with high optical quality was grown by the Cz method. • It has a longer upper laser level lifetime of 1.91 ms. • A maximum output power of 909 mW with LD end-pumping was obtained. • Results indicate the Er:LuYSGG is a promising gain medium for 2.8 μm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dystrophinopathy, a common neuromuscular disorder, includes Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD). Many researches are currently ongoing to develop curative approaches, which results in an urgent need for biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response. This study investigated whether the serum creatinine (SCRN) level can be used as a biomarker of disease progression in dystrophinopathy.Methods: We enrolled 377 male patients with dystrophinopathy and 520 male non-dystrophinopathy controls in a cross-sectional study. From this cohort, 113 follow-up patients were enrolled in a longitudinal study. Patients' demographic information, motor function, muscle fatty infiltration, and muscle dystrophin levels were evaluated. We investigated correlations between these parameters and SCRN levels, and determined changes in SCRN levels with maturation and with motor function changes.Results: Our results showed SCRN levels correlated with motor function (FDR < 0.001) and timed test results (FDR between < 0.001-0.012), as well as with muscle fatty infiltration (FDR < 0.001) and dystrophin levels (FDR = 0.015 and 0.001). SCRN levels increased with maturation in control individuals; it slowly increased with maturation in patients with BMD but decreased generally with maturation in patients with DMD. The longitudinal study further demonstrated that SCRN levels were associated with motor function.Conclusions: These findings indicated that the SCRN level is a promising biomarker for assessing disease progression in dystrophinopathy and could be used as a potential outcome measure in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) refers to the phenomenon that ischemic injury of the brain leads to the injury of brain cells, which is further aggravated after the recovery of blood reperfusion. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) has an effective therapeutic effect on vascular diseases; however, its role in CIRI has not been investigated. The oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model was used on HT22 hippocampal neurons in mice, by oxygen and sugar deprivation. DHM was found to increase the cell viability of HT22 cells following OGD/R induction. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in the OGD/R-induced HT22 cells increased following DHM treatment, accompanied by the decreased protein expression levels of NOX2 and NOX4. DHM also inhibited cell apoptosis induced by OGD/R, and decreased the protein expression levels of Bax and caspase-3, and increased the expression levels of Bcl-2. Moreover, the expression levels of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO-1) signaling pathway-associated proteins in OGD/R-induced HT22 were increased following DHM treatment, and the effect of DHM on oxidative stress and apoptosis was reversed after the addition of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway inhibitor, brusatol. In conclusion, DHM inhibited oxidative stress and apoptosis in OGD/R-induced HT22 cells by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate the performance of a 968-nm laser-diode (LD) side-pumped Er,Pr:YAP laser in free-running and electro-optical (EO) Q-switched modes with emission at 2.7 μm, respectively. In the free-running mode, a maximum power of 11 W is achieved at a working frequency of 150 Hz and a pulse width of 200 μs, corresponding to the single pulse output energy of 73.3 mJ and slope efficiency of 13.3%. In the EO Q-switching mode, a giant pulse laser is obtained with pulse energy of 20.5 mJ, pulse width of 61.4 ns, and peak power of 0.33 MW at the highest working frequency of 150 Hz, corresponding to the energy extraction efficiency of 71.4%. In addition, dual-wavelength laser at 2713 and 2732 nm and beam quality factors Mx2/My2 of 6.62/6.66 are measured, respectively. The results indicate that a 2.7-μm laser with a high repetition rate and high peak power can be realized through LD side-pumped and EO Q-switched Er,Pr:YAP crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylobacterium sp. CLZ was isolated from soil contaminated with chemical wastewater. This strain simultaneously synthesizes Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and carotenoids by utilizing methanol as a carbon source. Comparative genomic analysis was performed for five Methylobacterium strains. As per the outcomes, the Methylobacterium CLZ strain showed the smallest genome size and the lowest number of proteins. Thus, it can serve as an ideal cell model for investigating the biological process of Methylobacterium and constructing genetically engineered Methylobacterium. The Methylobacterium CLZ strain's pqqL gene, which does not occur in other Methylobacterium strains but plays a crucial role in PQQ synthesis. This was a surprising finding for the study of PQQ biosynthesis in Methylobacterium. Methylobacterium sp. NI91 strain was generated by random mutagenesis of CLZ strain, and NI91 strain showed a 72.44% increase in PQQ yield. The mutation in the mxaJ gene involved in the methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) synthesis was identified through comparative genomic analysis of the whole genome of mutant strain NI91 and wild-type strain CLZ. The mxaJ gene was found to be upregulated in the NI91 strain. Thus, the up-regulation of the mxaJ gene could be correlated with the high yield of PQQ, and it could provide valuable clues for strain engineering to improve PQQ production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin—a critical structural element in muscle cells—cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is the most common fatal genetic disease. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-mediated gene editing is a promising strategy for permanently curing DMD. Methods: In this study, we developed a novel strategy for reframing DMD mutations via CRISPR-mediated large-scale excision of exons 46–54. We compared this approach with other DMD rescue strategies by using DMD patient-derived primary muscle-derived stem cells (DMD-MDSCs). Furthermore, a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) DMD mouse model was established by transplanting DMD-MDSCs into immunodeficient mice. CRISPR gene editing components were intramuscularly delivered into the mouse model by adeno-associated virus vectors. Results: Results demonstrated that the large-scale excision of mutant DMD exons showed high efficiency in restoring dystrophin protein expression. We also confirmed that CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1(Cas12a)-mediated genome editing could correct DMD mutation with the same efficiency as CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). In addition, more than 10% human DMD muscle fibers expressed dystrophin in the PDX DMD mouse model after treated by the large-scale excision strategies. The restored dystrophin in vivo was functional as demonstrated by the expression of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex member β-dystroglycan. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the clinically relevant CRISPR/Cas9 could restore dystrophin in human muscle cells in vivo in the PDX DMD mouse model. This study demonstrated an approach for the application of gene therapy to other genetic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mutations in the DMD gene encoding dystrophin—a critical structural element in muscle cells—cause Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which is the most common fatal genetic disease. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-mediated gene editing is a promising strategy for permanently curing DMD. Methods: In this study, we developed a novel strategy for reframing DMD mutations via CRISPR-mediated large-scale excision of exons 46–54. We compared this approach with other DMD rescue strategies by using DMD patient-derived primary muscle-derived stem cells (DMD-MDSCs). Furthermore, a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) DMD mouse model was established by transplanting DMD-MDSCs into immunodeficient mice. CRISPR gene editing components were intramuscularly delivered into the mouse model by adeno-associated virus vectors. Results: Results demonstrated that the large-scale excision of mutant DMD exons showed high efficiency in restoring dystrophin protein expression. We also confirmed that CRISPR from Prevotella and Francisella 1(Cas12a)-mediated genome editing could correct DMD mutation with the same efficiency as CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). In addition, more than 10% human DMD muscle fibers expressed dystrophin in the PDX DMD mouse model after treated by the large-scale excision strategies. The restored dystrophin in vivo was functional as demonstrated by the expression of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex member β-dystroglycan. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the clinically relevant CRISPR/Cas9 could restore dystrophin in human muscle cells in vivo in the PDX DMD mouse model. This study demonstrated an approach for the application of gene therapy to other genetic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Raw soybean flour could be an alternative nitrogen source for economical production of Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) by a novel Bacillus velezensis ND strain (ND).was used as an economical nitrogen source for Menaquinone-7 (MK-7) production by a novel Bacillus velezensis ND strain (ND). • Liquid-state fermentation (LSF), biofilm-based fermentation (BF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) for production of MK-7 were compared. • The expression level of genes involved in MK-7 biosynthesis were determined. In this study, a novel MK-7 producing bacterial strain, Bacillus velezensis ND, was isolated and characterized. Multiple low-cost substrates were used in Bacillus velezensis ND culture medium to reduce the MK-7 production cost, MK-7 concentration of 43.8 ± 2.8 mg/L was obtained using raw soybean flour by liquid-state fermentation (LSF). To improve the MK-7 production, LSF, biofilm-based fermentation (BF), and the solid-state fermentation (SSF) were compared. The highest MK-7 yield was achieved by SSF is 150.0 ± 4.9 mg/kg. The associated synthetic gene expressions under these three fermentation processes were investigated as well. The result indicated that the key genes menF , menH , and menG in the MK synthesis pathway are positively correlated with the increase of MK-7 biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This process has greatly reduced sludge volume and excellent turbidity removal. • The optimal pH for utilization of Ca(OH) 2 and coagulation parameters were obtained. • PACS and PDMDAAC exhibit a significant synergistic effect when combined. • Al-F bonds are formed by charge neutralization and bridging adsorption. • This treatment process has economic feasibility and promotion value. The wastewater generated by the graphite industry exhibits high acidity and contains elevated concentrations of toxic ions, posing challenges for its efficient and cost-effective treatment. This study presents a novel approach for treating graphite industry wastewater, involving a synergistic process that combines NaOH neutralization, Ca(OH) 2 mid-stage coagulation, and compound agent flocculation. The results showed that when pH = 2 was adjusted with NaOH and continued to pH = 8 with Ca(OH) 2 , the amount of precipitation produced was 62% lower than that of the conventional Ca(OH) 2 coagulation process. Based on the defluoridation mechanism, polyaluminum chloride sulfate (PACS) and poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) were identified as the best compound flocculants. The turbidity and fluoride removal efficiencies of raw water reached 99.37% and 99.80%, respectively, when the mass ratio was m(PACS:PDMDAAC) = 9:1, the stirring rate was 150 rpm, and the coagulant dosage was 170 mg/L. By using X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization, the flocculation-defluoridation mechanism of PACS in combination with PDMDAAC was examined for its synergistic effect. The flocculation-defluoridation mechanism confirmed that the adsorption complexation of Al3+ on F- is significant in the removal of low concentrations of fluoride ions. Practical applications have proved that this treatment strategy can effectively solve the problems of excessive sludge mass and low removal rate of fluoride and metal ions in graphite industrial wastewater treatment. This process provides a new idea to promote the application of combined flocculants in the large-scale treatment of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic CH 4 decomposition (CMD) over Fe-based catalyst is an economical and environmentally friendly way to produce Co x -free H 2 and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The Fe-loading was varied to study its influence on the catalytic performance. The highest H 2 yield (82.25%) was obtained with a 12% Fe content where the activity of the catalyst did not decrease for 3 h on-stream. A higher Fe content causes the Fe dispersion to decrease, resulting in a reduced available surface area of active sites. Different techniques were used to characterise the fresh and spent catalysts i.e., ICP-AES, XRD, H 2 -TPR, SEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy. Plotting kinetic results as a function of 1/T, defines two different conversion ranges, being reaction rate controlled at low temperature and diffusion rate controlled at high temperature. For the reaction rate controlled regime, the Arrhenius equation provides an activation energy of 101.26 kJ/mol (E a) and a pre-exponential factor of 393 kmol/s (A). • Iron-based catalysts for methane decomposition to H 2 and CNTs were developed. • The highest H 2 yield (82.25%) was obtained with a 12% Fe content. • The CH 4 –C was recovered as carbon nanotubes. • The CNTs outer diameter is 60–80 nm, well-graphitized nanotubes with the interlayer spacing of 0.34 nm. • CH 4 conversion at low temperature is reaction-rate determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pestalotiopsis microspora (P. microspore) is the primary pathogen causing postharvest rot and spoilage in Chinese olive (Canarium album L.). This study investigated P. microspore -induced disease development in postharvest Chinese olives in relation to respiratory and energy metabolism. Results suggested that P. microspore -inoculated Chinese olives had higher fruit disease index, fruit disease diameter, and fruit respiration rate, but a lower energy charge. Furthermore, P. microspore -inoculated Chinese olives displayed higher respiratory metabolism-related enzymes (RMREs) activities, higher levels of NAD(H), and lower levels of NADP(H). Additionally, P. microspore -inoculated Chinese olives had lower ATPase activities, as well as lower ATP and ADP contents but higher AMP content. These findings suggest that P. microspore infection exacerbates disease development in postharvest Chinese olives by increasing respiration metabolism and causing energy deficiency. • P. microspore was the main pathogenic fungus in harvested Chinese olive fruit. • P. microspore promoted the activities of respiratory metabolism-related enzymes. • P. microspore reduced the contents of ATP and ADP, and the levels of energy charge. • P. microspore reduced the activities of H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase. • P. microspore -induced disease related to metabolic disorder in respiration and energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bio-waste slow pyrolysis process is assessed by four indicators to determine its energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental performance. The influence of the pyrolysis temperature (300–800 °C) on these parameters, but also on the biochar, bio-oil and gas production, is analysed. The biochar yield decreased 10.5% and the gas yield increased 17.2% between 300 and 800 °C. The bio-oil yield increased about 2.1% between 300 and 500 °C and decreased about 8% between 500 and 800 °C. Within the temperature range 300–800 °C, the H 2 , CO and CH 4 molar fractions increased 51.4, 6.6 and 0.3%, respectively. CO 2 content decreased about 58.3%. The exergy efficiency varied between 81.16 and 85.33% in this temperature range. The exergy-based economic factor revealed that 15.38–19.16% of the total cost was associated with the exergy destruction. The environmental impact was lower at higher temperatures. The recommended temperature range is 300–400 °C to produce biochar, and temperatures of over 700 °C to produce gas. When the interest focus is on the bio-oil, it is recommended to work close to 500 °C. Image 1 • Thermodynamic equilibrium model was applied to predict biochar, bio-oil and gas yields. • The bio-oil yield showed a maximum at 500 °C. • H 2 , CO and CH 4 contents in the pyrolysis gas increased with the pyrolysis temperature. • The exergy efficiency varied between 81.16 and 85.33%. • 15.38–19.16% of the total cost is associated with exergy destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial contact heat resistance exists among granules in traditional Moving Bed Indirect Heat Exchanger (MBIHE), leading to poor heat transfer. To address that issue, a novel MBIHE with embedded agitator is developed, where the agitation can induce granule migration. The migrating granule serves as heat carrier to "carry" its heat directly to heat transfer surface, which accordingly enhances the heat efficiency. Through simulating the agitating process based on Discrete Element Method, horizontal migrations of granules are observed. Migrativity (0 ≤ σ ≤ 1) is defined to describe the horizontal mixing intensity of granules, which in turn represents the ability of heat transfer enhancement by the granule migration. σ increases with the agitator's rotational number N r and approaches to 1 when N r > 60. Due to the granule migration, poor contact between granules and the lower part of heat transfer tube in a stagnant bed is addressed, and the heat transfer area is increased by ∼20%. A pilot-scale MBIHE with granule capacity of 60–120 kg/h is built to conduct heat recovery experiments. The heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by 2–3 times owing to the granule mixing in MBIHE, and the heat recovery efficiency is up to 60–80%. • Heat can be carried to the heat transfer surface directly by granule migration. • Heat transfer coefficient is enhanced by 2–3 times via embedded agitation. • Heat transfer area in granule side is increased by around 20% due to the agitation. • 60–80% of waste heat in high-temperature industrial granules can be recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a time-fractional reaction diffusion initial-boundary value problem with discontinuous diffusive coefficient is considered. A fully discrete direct discontinuous Galerkin (DDG) method is presented to solve it. In this method, the well-known L1 scheme with graded mesh is presented to deal with the weak singularity at initial time t = 0, while in spatial a DDG method with uniform mesh is presented to handle the discontinuous diffusive coefficient. Then L 2 norm stability and consistency estimate results are derived. Numerical experiments are presented to confirm the sharpness of the error analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of unsaturated soil means that its permeability coefficient and seepage law are important topics in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. In this study, a new type of equipment for measuring the seepage of unsaturated soil was used to study the steady seepage of unsaturated loess soil collected from northern Shaanxi province in China. The entire process of the steady seepage of unsaturated soil under different seepage hydraulic gradients was obtained, and the permeability coefficient in the steady seepage state was measured. When the soil water content was low, the soil moisture remained only in small pores or at the junction of soil particles, the effective seepage area of the sample was reduced, and the seepage path was extended. Therefore, the lower the water content, the smaller the permeability coefficient of unsaturated soil and the longer the time required for the seepage to reach a steady state. The matric suction of the unsaturated loess soil was measured under different water contents. With decreasing water content, water remained only in the smaller pores, which provided shrink films with a smaller radius of curvature. This allowed the shrink films to withstand a larger pore air pressure and transmit a smaller pore water pressure, so that the matric suction of the loess soil increased with decreasing soil water content. The Gardner model provided an accurate fit of how the matric suction varied with the volumetric water content of the unsaturated soil. The seepage velocity and seepage hydraulic gradient were correlated well with a linear relationship, indicating that the seepage law of unsaturated loess soil accords with Darcy's law. The experimental results show that the new unsaturated soil permeameter has good performance and controllability, thereby providing support for studying the steady seepage of unsaturated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The different fluidization modes in a 4 m long tube are experimentally investigated. • Fluidization phenomena differ with the tube length (from freely bubbling to slugging). • Results are used to validate a 3D simulation approach by the NEPTUNE_CFD code. • The effect of mesh refinement on the slugging behavior prediction is discussed. • It is demonstrated that experiments and simulation predictions are in good agreement. Long tubes with small internal diameter find increasing applications in indirect concentrated solar receivers using an Upflow Bubbling Fluidized Bed of Geldart-A powders as heat carrier. Although successfully demonstrated for tubes of 0.5 to 1 m length, longer tubes are required to increase the solar energy capture efficiency and capacity. The fluidization phenomena differ with the tube length, and freely bubbling fluidization will be transformed into slugging, thus hampering the heat transfer. The behavior of Geldart-A powders in tall tubes of small I.D. has not been extensively studied. The research experimentally investigated the different fluidization modes in a 4 m long tube, and demonstrated the occurrence of freely bubbling at the bottom section of the bed, and slugging from a bed depth in excess of about 1.25 m. Slug characteristics (frequency, length, velocity) were measured and correlated. The results were used to validate 3D numerical simulations based on an Euler-Euler approach in the NEPTUNE_CFD code applied to a fine mesh of 15,000,000 cells. A positive match between experimental and simulation results concerning frequency and velocity of large bubble structures was obtained. The effect of mesh refinement on the slugging behavior prediction was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, ultrasound (US) disintegration was evaluated as a digestate treatment strategy. Digestate treatment is the physical, chemical or biological treatment and recirculation AD of the effluents of the anaerobic digesters (i.e., digestate) to the digester as supplementary feed to increase their utilization potential for energy conversion or green chemical production in post-valorization pathways. In this scope, semi-continuous small pilot scale manure digesters were operated in parallel with various operational settings. One of the digesters was fed by adding disintegrated digestate to an equal volume of fresh manure feed (recycle ratio of 1). The obtained results showed that US-assisted digestate treatment at 1500 kJ/kg TS specific energy input with 30 days of hydraulic retention time increased the methane production rate by 18%. The increased methane production rate was found to be related to the applied specific energy and organic loading rate. A basic cost-benefit analysis showed that the energy demand of the US disintegration at lab scale was higher than the energy that can be recovered from the additional biogas produced. • Ultrasound-assisted digestate treatment increases soluble COD of the digestate. • Higher methane production is correlated with the specific energy input of treatment. • Digestate treatment with lower intensity is favored for increased methane production. • Energy consumption of the US reactor exceeds energy gain from extra produced biogas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We fabricated hybrid Josephson junctions between a Ba0.5K0.5Fe2As2 (BKFA) single crystal and the conventional superconductor Nb with normal metal Al as the barrier. An in situ process was used to create clean BKFA/Al/Nb interfaces. Current transport is along the c-axis of BKFA. The current–voltage characteristics are slightly hysteretic at low temperatures. Except for some features indicative of resonant modes the shape of the current–voltage characteristics can be well described by the resistively and capacitvely shunted junction (RCSJ) model, with a product of the Josephson critical current and the normal state resistance of the junction exceeding 180 μV at low temperatures. The temperature dependence of the Josephson current is linear for temperatures down to 2 K. Under 40 GHz microwave irradiation integer Shapiro steps are observed. The power dependence of the Shapiro step-height is in good agreement with RCSJ simulations. Possible relations of our data with the symmetry of the superconducting order parameter of BKFA are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Four Cr,Er:YSGG crystal were processed with the size of Ø 3–6 mm × 105 mm. • A maximum pulse energy 1261 mJ operated at 5 Hz and 2.79 μm. • The formula of the thermal focal length is modified further. • Simulation results of the thermal focal lengths consist with the experiments well. Abstract We demonstrate the laser and thermal properties on the four Cr,Er:YSGG crystal rods with different diameters from 3 to 6 mm. A maximum pulse energy 1261 mJ operated at 5 Hz and 2.79 μm is obtained on the rod of 4 mm diameter, corresponding to electrical-to-optical efficiency of 1.53% and slope efficiency 1.82%, respectively. Combining with the electrical-to-optical efficiency and thermal distribution, the formula of the thermal focal length is modified further. The simulation results of the thermal focal length for four crystals with different diameters are in good consistence with the measurement values, suggesting the revised formula is accurate and effective to calculate the thermal focal length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) is gaining increasing attention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the context of cardioembolic stroke. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a mediator of profibrotic pathways and is associated with an increased incidence of heart failure. However, the role of Gal-3 in LAA remodelling and thrombus formation in AF has not been evaluated.Methods: This prospective study included 153 consecutive patients with paroxysmal (n=58), persistent (n=55) or permanent (n=40) nonvalvular AF. The serum level of Gal-3 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphology and function of LAA were determined by transoesophageal echocardiography.Results: Left atrial appendage thrombus was observed in 22 patients (2 in paroxysmal AF, 11 in persistent AF and 9 in permanent AF). Significant differences among patients with different types of AF were found in terms of LAA morphology (orifice diameter and depth) and function (flow velocity and tissue Doppler contracting velocity) as well as serum levels of Gal-3. Furthermore, patients with persistent or permanent AF had higher levels of Gal-3. High Gal-3 level was closely related to LAA flow velocity and occurrence of LAA thrombus. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that Gal-3 was an independent determinant of LAA thrombus in patients with AF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves related to LAA thrombus formation established a cut-off point for Gal-3 >18.95ng/ml.Conclusions: Cardiac rhythm disturbances caused by AF may lead to morphologic and functional remodelling of LAA. The serum level of Gal-3 was significantly correlated with LAA remodelling in patients with AF. High levels of Gal-3 were also a predicator for LAA thrombus formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soybean oil is widely used as cooking oil, whereas the soybean cake is a valuable ingredient for animal food. The extraction of soybean oil is an energy-intensive process, with additional significant impact on the environment via the wastewater and hexane emissions. The research investigated different ways to minimize the energy consumption. In a traditional process, both direct (live) steam and indirect steam heating (jackets, tubular exchangers) are used to deliver the required heat duty. Direct steam injection is restricted to the first evaporator and the stripper, for a total of 620 kg/h. Indirect steam is also applied in the evaporators for a total of 6.44 MW. The desolventizing process requires a steam energy input of 8.15 MW. Integration of a heat exchanger network in the evaporation and stripping part of the process reduces the amount of direct steam usage from 620 kg/h to 270 kg/h and of the indirect heat duty from 6.44 to 5.05 MW. In the cake desolventizing part of the process, the energy requirement is reduced from 8.15 to 2.12 MW. The overall gross energy saving is hence ∼50%. The improvements moreover reduce both the waste water loadings by 56.5% and the CO 2 emissions by 62.5%. Hexane emissions are moreover significantly (>90%) reduced. Graphical abstract Detailed flow sheet of the entire production process of Soybean oil. 1. Leaching; 2. Fluidized bed desolventizer/toaster/cooler; 3. EVAP1; 4. EVAP2; 5. STRIP; 6. Condenser; 7. Filter; 8. Cascade gas membrane separator; 9. Cascade gas membrane separator; 10. Vacuum pump; 11. water/hexane separator; 12. Waste water treatment. Image Highlights • The extraction of vegetable oils is an energy-intensive process. • Process improvements for the production of soybean oil were investigated. • Energy savings by the individual and combined improvements are calculated, and result in a ∼50% reduction in steam consumption. • Environmental benefits involve waste water reduction and a reduction of the CO 2 footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of Dy:GdScO3 and Dy,Tb:GdScO3 have been successfully grown by the Czochralski method. High crystalline quality of both crystals was determined via X-ray rocking curves. Effective segregation coefficients of Dy3+ and Tb3+ ions in GdScO3 host were calculated to be ∼0.7 and 1.03, respectively. The large FWHMs and absorption cross-sections of Dy:GdScO3 and Dy,Tb:GdScO3 crystals at 452 nm indicate that they can be efficiently pumped by the commercial blue GaN laser diodes. Both Dy:GdScO3 and Dy,Tb:GdScO3 exhibit relatively large stimulated emission cross-sections at 578 nm and relatively long fluorescence lifetimes. In particular, Dy,Tb:GdScO3 shows an enhanced yellow emission at around 578 nm. The energy transfer between Dy3+ and Tb3+ ions is beneficial for realizing population inversion by depopulating the population of the lower laser level of Dy3+ and has negligible influence on the upper laser level. Additionally, the defects and thermal properties of Dy:GdScO3 were investigated since they are very important for crystal growth and laser applications. Collectively, these results suggest that Dy:GdScO3 and Dy,Tb:GdScO3 can be regarded as promising candidates for realizing 578 nm laser output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Er3+ and Pr3+ co-doped YAP laser crystal with high optical quality was grown successfully by the Czochralski method for the first time. By contrast, an Er3+ single doped YAP laser crystal was also grown. The cell parameters of the two crystals were obtained by the X-ray Rietveld refinement method. The X-ray rocking curves indicate that the as-grown crystals possess excellent crystalline quality. The absorption spectra show that the crystals are suitable to be pumped by 972 nm LD. The NIR and MIR emission spectra, the up–conversion spectra and the fluorescence decay curves were also measured to investigate the influence of Pr3+ ions on the spectroscopic properties. The results indicate the Pr3+ ions acting as the deactivator can decrease efficiently the lifetime of the lower laser level 4I 13/2 of the Er3+ ions from 10.72 to 0.489 ms, which would be beneficial to decrease the laser threshold and increase the laser conversion efficiency. Highlights • XRCs show Er:YAP and Er,Pr:YAP crystals possess high crystalline quality. • Pr3+ deactivator reduces 4I 13/2 lifetime from 10.72 to 0.489 ms, benefiting to decrease threshold and improve efficiency. • NIR and UC fluorescence provide further evidence that Pr3+ ions can efficiently depopulate Er3+ ions at 4I 13/2 level. • All results indicate the Er,Pr:YAP crystal is a promising laser medium for realizing a 2.7 μm laser pumped by 970 nm LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]