Search

[Display omitted] Construction of heterogeneous interfaces with dual active components to synergistically promote both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an effective strategy for facilitating electrochemical water splitting, but the appropriate active component regulation via simple synthesis procedures is still challenging. Herein, the Co and Co 2 Mo 3 O 8 active components are screened to construct effective heterogeneous interfaces and successfully integrated on Ni foam by thermal reduction of cobalt molybdate precursor. And this bifunctional electrode (Co/Co 2 Mo 3 O 8 /NF) required overpotentials of only 164 and 360 mV to drive the 100 mA cm−2 for HER and OER in alkaline media, respectively. Theoretical calculations showed that the electron transfer occurred from Co to Co 2 Mo 3 O 8 at the interface, then the formed interfacial cobalt atoms with deficient electron were beneficial for water activation, and reduced energy barrier of water dissociation under the synergistic effect of Co 2 Mo 3 O 8. Notably, the alkaline electrolyzer based on symmetric Co/Co 2 Mo 3 O 8 /NF electrodes generated 100 mA cm−2 at a voltage of only 1.75 V, surpassing commercially available precious-metal Pt/RuO 2 -based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction Questionnaire (ChiPSO) is a measurement tool for assessing the importance of olfactory information in children. Due to limited research on the importance of olfaction in Chinese children, this study aims to translate the ChiPSO into Chinese and validate this version, thereby examining its applicability within the Chinese context. The study involved 1015 participants aged 6–15 years, with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) used to evaluate the questionnaire's factor structure, alongside tests for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity. The results confirmed a robust three‐factor structure (food, environment, and social) with adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Furthermore, concurrent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale for Children and the Body Odor Sniffing Questionnaire. In conclusion, this study effectively validated the ChiPSO‐C, proving it to be a reliable instrument for investigating olfactory significance in Chinese children. Practical Application: The Chinese version of the Children's Personal Significance of Olfaction offers a validated tool to assess the personal significance of olfaction in Chinese children. Researchers and educators can use this tool to better understand and support children who may rely more significantly on olfactory cues for learning and interaction. Furthermore, this tool facilitates cross‐cultural research by providing a means to compare olfactory significance across different cultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastocytosis, lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP), fixed drug eruption (FDE) and café-au-lait macules (CALM) have a similar appearance, often lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. At the outpatient clinic at Tianjin Children's Hospital in 21 patients with mastocytosis, 18 with LPP, 11 with FDE and 12 with CALM we evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of their dermatoses using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). In mastocytosis, the dermal papillary rings generally had a significantly increased bright refractive index and the superficial dermis was filled with moderate refractive flocculent material. In LPP, the dermal papillary rings were absent and numerous different-sized cellular structures were densely distributed in the superficial dermis. In FDE, the dermal papillary rings were intact with a significantly increased bright refractive index. In CALM, normal dermal papillary rings were detected with a uniformly slightly increased refractive index and no obvious abnormality in the superficial dermis. RCM allows for real-time visualization of the major key diagnostic and distinguishing features of four greyish-brown dermatoses in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a diagnostic tool for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and vulvar vitiligo (VV) in juvenile Chinese girls. VLS and VV have similar clinical appearances, but RCM can reveal distinct features that aid in diagnosis. The study examined 28 patients, with 17 having VLS and 11 having VV. The results showed that VLS is characterized by structural disorder, fibrous material deposits, and larger cellular structures, while VV is characterized by weakened dermal papillary rings. The authors suggest that RCM can be used to support clinical diagnosis of VLS and VV. [Extracted from the article]

The study of modern pollen, and vegetation can improve the accuracy of paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on fossil pollen data. A total of 188 pollen surface samples were collected from Southern Xinjiang (34°00′–43°00′N, 74°00′–94°00′E) in China, with an elevation range of 888–1530 m. Surface pollen and vegetation were studied in the northern region of the Kunlun Mountains and the southern region of the Tianshan Mountains. The results showed that the surface pollen assemblages on the southern slope of the Tianshan Mountains (3530–1124 m) were divided into three pollen zones, namely, montane steppe, montane desert steppe, and montane desert. These zones were dominated by Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, and Ephedra pollen. The surface pollen assemblages in the eastern Pamir Plateau (4530–1287 m) could be divided into alpine meadow, montane desert steppe, and montane desert zones, which were predominantly characterized by Artemisia, Chenopodiaceae, and Asteraceae pollen. However, the Southern Tarim Basin (3548–888 m) comprised montane desert steppe and montane desert zones, which was dominated by Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae pollen. The geographic distribution of the surface pollen sites obtained using ArcGIS, the R-value, and Pearson correlation analyses indicated that the over-represented Picea and Pinus pollen were of external origin and were transported by wind, water (rivers), and ice (glacier movement). Over-representation of Ephedra and Nitraria pollen was mainly distributed in the montane desert and desert steppe zones, respectively. Pollen from Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia were over-represented and broadly distributed across Southern Xinjiang. Juglans pollen was concentrated in areas with walnut trees, strongly indicating the presence of local parent plants. According to the Hybrid Single-particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model, more Pinus pollen was transported to the Pamir region by external airflows during spring and summer, resulting in its higher surface pollen content. Research elucidating the relationship between modern pollen and vegetation in southern Xinjiang could provide data describing the surface palynological database of Xinjiang for use in large-scale paleoenvironmental reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia areata (AA), trichotillomania (TM), nevus sebaceous (NS), and linear scleroderma en coup de sabre (LSCS) can all present with a patch of linear alopecia, making diagnosis challenging. The purpose of this study was to combine reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dermoscopy in the diagnosis of these lesions in children. Methods: A total of 36 patients with linear alopecia were enrolled, of whom 14 had AA, seven had TM, nine had NS, and six had LSCS. We evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the four conditions using RCM and dermoscopy. Results: The key to differential diagnosis was the dermal Hair follicle density in the dermis was decreased in AA, and the size and density of the follicular openings were normal in TM. In NS, the major features were petal‐like and frogspawn‐like structures. In LSCS, dermal papillary rings, sebaceous glands, and follicles were partially or completely missing, and abundant fibrous material was distributed in the dermis. Dermoscopy revealed alopecia, and all four conditions resulted in decreased hair density. AA patients exhibited yellow dots, black dots, and exclamation mark hairs. TM patients presented with irregularly broken hairs and blood spots. Both NS and LSCS patients exhibited an absence of follicular openings; NS patients demonstrated whitish and yellowish round structures, while an atrophic area with white patches, linear vessels, and no yellow or black dots was observed in LSCS patients Conclusion: RCM combined with dermoscopy can provide additional information on disease states and differentiate between AA, TM, NS, and LSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The largest marine carbonate oilfield and gas condensate field in China have been found in the Ordovician limestones in the central Tarim Basin. They are defined as large "layered" reef-shoal and karstic reservoirs. However, low and/or unstable oil/gas production has been a big challenge for effective exploitation in ultra-deep (>6000 m) reservoirs for more than 20 years. Together with the static and dynamic reservoir data, we have a review of the unconventional characteristics of the oil/gas fields in that: (1) the large area tight matrix reservoir (porosity less than 5%, permeability less than 0.2 mD) superimposed with localized fracture-cave reservoir (porosity > 5%, permeability > 2 mD); (2) complicated fluid distribution and unstable production without uniform oil/gas/water interface in an oil/gas field; (3) about 30% wells in fractured reservoirs support more than 80% production; (4) high production decline rate is over 20% per year with low recovery ratio. These data suggest that the "sweet spot" of the fractured reservoir rather than the matrix reservoir is the major drilling target for ultra-deep reservoir development. In the ultra-deep pre-Mesozoic reservoirs, further advances in horizontal drilling and large multiple fracturing techniques are needed for the economic exploitation of the matrix reservoirs, and seismic quantitative descriptions and horizontal drilling techniques across the fault zones are needed for oil/gas efficient development from the deeply fractured reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen production from electrochemical water splitting currently suffers from the key issues of high energy consumption and cost. Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of highly efficient and stable clustered CoP nanowires electrocatalysts on nickel foam. Moreover, an ion exchange strategy was proposed to precisely control the doping content of iron to further modify the intrinsic electrochemical activity of CoP nanowires. The introduction of iron effectively alters the surface atomic configuration and electronic structure of CoP and increases the active sites, thus accelerating the overall reaction rate and enhancing the catalytic performance. It has been demonstrated that the CoFeP-30-30/NF electrode exhibits platinum-like catalytic activity with only an overpotential of 29.8 mV at 10 mA·cm−2 and outstanding stability toward hydrogen evolution reaction. The synthetic strategy of CoFeP/NF electrode proposed in this work will significantly promote the development of highly efficient transition metal phosphides electrocatalysts with lower overpotential and better stability. [Display omitted] • Ion exchange strategy is proposed to control Fe doping content in CoP nanowires. • The synergistic effect of Fe and Co atoms enhances the number of active sites. • CoFeP electrodes exhibit platinum-like activity and good durability toward HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Owing to their similar appearance, lichen striatus (LS), lichen nitidus (LN), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and molluscum contagiosum (MC) on the penis often lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, especially in children. In vivo evaluation of penile dermatoses with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is helpful in the diagnosis of these ambiguous lesions in children. Methods: We recruited 12 patients with LS, nine with LN, seven with JXG, and nine with MC and evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the four kinds of papule dermatoses on the penis using RCM. Results: The four dermatoses all had unique RCM features. LS generally showed focally destroyed dermal papillary rings, with numerous mononuclear cell clusters aggregated inside the papillary rings, and highly refractive clumps were observed. For LN, the dermal papillary rings were completely destroyed and arranged in a solitary, enlarged, cavity‐like structure, in which round cells, particulate matter structures, and plump cellular structures were aggregated; the adjacent skin was completely normal. In JXG, the dermal papillary rings were significantly dilated, and the superficial dermis was filled with different‐sized large bright ring cells; smaller, refractive, roundish structures; and particulate matter. For MC, the normal structures completely disappeared; the lesions were arranged in a crater‐shaped structure; and a mass‐like substance formed by the aggregation of multiple, uniform, roundish structures was observed within the crater. Conclusion: RCM allows for real‐time visualization of major key diagnostic and distinguishing features of four papule dermatoses, LS, LN, JXG, and MC, on the penis in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model to assist surgeons in choosing an appropriate surgical approach for mitral valve disease patients. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 143 patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve disease. The XGBoost algorithm was used to establish a predictive model to decide a surgical approach (mitral valve repair or replacement) based on the echocardiographic features of the mitral valve apparatus, such as leaflets, the annulus, and sub-valvular structures. The results showed that the accuracy of the predictive model was 81.09% in predicting the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient's preoperative echocardiography. The result of the predictive model was superior to the traditional complexity score (81.09% vs. 75%). Additionally, the predictive model showed that the three main factors affecting the choice of surgical approach were leaflet restriction, calcification of the leaflet, and perforation or cleft of the leaflet. We developed a novel predictive model using the XGBoost algorithm based on echocardiographic features to assist surgeons in choosing an appropriate surgical approach for patients with mitral valve disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) in girls presents with itching, dysuria, and constipation and may result in the loss of vulvar architecture. In patients with an ambiguous clinical presentation, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could be a helpful noninvasive diagnostic tool. The aim of this study was to describe the RCM characteristics of VLS and explore the clinical application value of RCM in therapeutic monitoring. Methods: Sixteen patients with VLS were included in the study. All patients were periodically evaluated clinically with RCM, and different treatment regimens were given based on the patient's clinical appearances and RCM features. Results: Some major key diagnostic features of VLS can be observed by RCM, including round to oval cyst‐like structures with medium‐to‐low‐refractive keratinoid substances (75%), thinning of the epidermal thickness (100%), destruction of the ring‐like structures around dermal papillae (100%), disorderly distributed coarse medium‐refractive fibrous material (100%),polygonal, plump, high‐refractive cellular structures and linear low‐refractive canalicular structures (100%). All of these characteristics had a high correspondence with histopathological features. The clinical manifestations improved after individualized treatment regimens based on the clinical appearances and RCM features. Conclusion: RCM allows the visualization of major key diagnostic features of VLS and represents a valid option for objective therapeutic monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molluscum contagiosum (MC), milia, keratosis pilaris (KP), verruca plana (VP), seborrheic keratosis (SK), and juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) are common papule dermatoses on the face of children that have a similar appearance. In vivo evaluation of facial papule dermatoses with reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is helpful in the diagnosis of these ambiguous lesions in children. The purpose of this study was to clarify the RCM characteristics of MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG and explore the clinical application value of RCM for these common facial papule dermatoses. Methods: We recruited 113 patients referred for unequivocal facial papule dermatosis, including 21 patients with MC, 17 patients with milia, 19 patients with KP, 36 patients with VP, 8 patients with SK, and 12 patients with JXG. We evaluated the characteristics and distinguishing features of the six kinds of facial papule dermatoses using RCM. Results: The main RCM features of the six dermatoses included a well‐demarcated border of the lesion area. MC, milia and KP all manifested cyst‐like structures, and their distinguishing features were the location of the cystic structures and the refractive index of the contents. Although VP, SK, and JXG did not have obvious cystoid structures, VP was typically characterized by uniformly distributed petal‐like structures with a medium‐to‐high refractive index in the epidermis. With regard to SK, the characteristic features were an obviously thickened epidermis and cobblestone‐like structures. JXG was mainly characterized by multiple large round and ovoid cells with a foamy cytoplasm, and discoid‐shaped multinucleated large cells were diffusely distributed in the dermis. Conclusion: RCM allows the real‐time visualization of major key diagnostic and distinguishing features of common facial papule dermatoses in children, including MC, milia, KP, VP, SK, and JXG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the widespread use of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers, increased N and P deposition also regulate microbial growth by altering the effectiveness of forest soil nutrients. Soil microbes residing within or among soil aggregates serve as functional components of soil ecosystems and serve as sources and reservoirs of soil nutrients capable of reflecting minor alterations in soil ecosystems. Understanding the impact of N and P additions on soil microbial community structure is vital for predicting the consequences of N and P additions on ecosystems. Therefore, soils from short-term NP (nitrogen plus phosphorus) addition experiments were utilized, and high-throughput sequencing analysis was performed to ascertain how bacterial and fungal α – diversity and community composition across different aggregate-size fractions (macroaggregates: 2000–250 μm; and microaggregates: < 250 μm) were altered in response to short-term NP addition in a broad-leaved Korean pine forest. There were four treatments: CK (no addition), N 1 P 1 (50 kg N ha−1 a−1 + 50 kg P ha−1 a−1), N 2 P 2 (150 kg N ha−1 a−1 + 100 kg P ha−1 a−1), and N 3 P 3 (300 kg N ha−1 a−1 + 200 kg P ha−1 a−1). In this study, all the NP-treated soil samples had lower fungal diversity than bacterial diversity and demonstrated a tendency toward a negative response to NP addition. NMDS and RDA analyses revealed that the bacterial communities in macroaggregates and microaggregates differed in composition, while the fungal composition was similar. In addition, the bacterial and fungal communities in the CK, medium-concentration NP addition treatment, and low-concentration NP addition groups were closely related and were distinct from those in the high-concentration NP addition treatment group. PERMANOVA further revealed that the community composition and structure of bacteria and fungi were significantly affected by NP addition, with a greater responsiveness observed in fungal communities. Bacterial and fungal functional groups were predicted using the PICRUSt2 and FUNGuild databases. It was observed that high-NP addition led to a significant reduction in the number of bacterial metabolism-related pathways and an increase in the relative abundance of fungal saprotrophs within the soil aggregates. Overall, our findings suggest that short-term NP addition results in a reduction in fungal α -diversity and alters the community composition of soil aggregates, with a comparatively lesser impact on bacteria. Higher NP concentrations exerted a more pronounced influence on both bacterial and fungal communities compared to lower concentrations. These results contribute valuable insights into the influence of NP addition on diverse microbial communities within aggregates and their associated functions. This approach enhances our comprehensive understanding of the impact of environmental changes on microbial communities within soil aggregates in temperate forest ecosystems, facilitating predictions related to microbial-mediated soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles. [Display omitted] • Short-term NP addition had a greater effect on fungal alpha diversity in soil aggregates than on bacteria. • Short-term NP addition had significant effects on bacterial and fungal community composition at aggregate scale. • Fungal community composition is more sensitive to short-term NP addition. • The bacterial composition in macroaggregates and microaggregates is different, while the fungal composition is similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most mature men have symptoms associated with spontaneous itching, burning, bleeding, and male dyspareunia; however, in pediatric patients, MGLSc is often asymptomatic and easily leads to an ignored and missed diagnosis. Histopathological examination (Figure 1f) showed epidermal atrophy, liquefaction degeneration of basal cells, bands of homogenization of collagen and lymphocytes, and dense infiltration of melanophages. An 8-year-old boy presented to our department with asymptomatic, whitish plaques on the glans for 6 months. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the use of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) as a noninvasive imaging technique for diagnosing hypopigmented skin lesions in pediatric patients. The study included 52 children with various skin conditions, such as vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus, lichen striatus, and lichen sclerosus. RCM revealed specific diagnostic patterns for each condition, improving the accuracy of diagnosis. The article emphasizes the importance of RCM in identifying and managing hypopigmented skin diseases. [Extracted from the article]

The counteractive effect of atmospheric CO2 (ca) enrichment and drought stress on tree growth results in great uncertainty in the growth patterns of forest plantations in cold semi‐arid regions. We analysed tree ring chronologies and carbon isotopes in Populus simonii plantations in cold semi‐arid areas in northern China over the past four decades. We hypothesized that the hydraulic stress from drought would override the stimulating effect of increasing ca and temperature (T) on stem growth (basal area increment [BAI]). We found the stimulating effect of rising ca and T on the growth, indicated by continuous increase of intrinsic water‐use efficiency in all stands and a positive correlation between T and BAI. However, these effects failed to alleviate the negative impacts of drought on tree growth. Concurrent acceleration of BAI reversed during the intensive drought episodes. Water stress resulted from inaccessibility of roots to deep soil water rather than from lack of precipitation, suggested by the decoupling of BAI from precipitation and vapour pressure deficit. Local soil water limitation might also cause greater stomatal regulation in declining trees, indicated by lower intercellular CO2 concentration. Thus, site‐specific soil moisture conditions growth sensitivity to global warming resulting in site‐specific decline episodes in drought‐prone areas. Summary Statement: Forest mortality calls for the study of growth responses to climate change factors. We find that drought stress offset the stimulating effects of rising CO2 and temperature on tree growth. Therefore, increased intrinsic water‐use efficiency did not translate to growth enhancement and failed to prevent dieback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conspicuous coloration in animals serves many functions such as anti-predation. Anti-predation strategies include motion dazzle and flash behavior. Motion dazzle markings can reduce the probability of being preyed on because the predators misjudge their movement. In flash behavior, prey demonstrate conspicuous cue while fleeing; the predators follow them; however, the prey hide their markings and the predators assume that the prey has vanished. To investigate whether bovids use conspicuous hindquarter markings as an anti-predatory behavior, we undertook phylogenetically controlled analyses to explore under what physiological characteristics and environmental factors bovids might have this color pattern. The results suggested that rump patches and tail markings were more prevalent in bovids living in larger-sized groups, which supports the hypothesis of intraspecific communication. Moreover, we observed the occurrence of conspicuous white hindquarter markings in bovids having smaller body size and living in larger groups, suggesting a motion dazzle function. However, the feature of facultative exposing color patterns (flash markings) was not associated with body size, which was inconsistent with predictions and implied that bovids may not adopt this as an anti-predator strategy. It was concluded that species in bovids with conspicuous white hindquarter markings adopt motion dazzle as an anti-predation strategy while fleeing and escaping from being prey on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Valsalva maneuver (VM) is the most sensitive auxiliary method for the detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO), but it is difficult to assess whether the maneuver is adequately performed during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). In this study, we tried to use aortic root downward movement as a novel method for judging whether VM was adequate or not, and to evaluate whether this novel method can increase the sensitivity of detecting PFO. A total of 224 patients with clinically suspected PFO were enrolled in this study. These patients were injected with activated normal saline to detect the right-to-left shunt (RLS), in the following three conditions: contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography under adequate VM (AVM cTTE), contrast-enhanced TEE under non-adequate VM (non-AVM cTEE), and cTEE under adequate VM (AVM cTEE). A novel method in which the aorta root moves downward (movement range ≥16 mm) in the cTEE judged whether AVM was performed. The PFO detection rate and sensitivity of AVM cTEE were better than that of non-AVM cTEE (detection rate: 108 PFOs [48.2%] vs. 86 PFOs [38.4%], p = 0.036; sensitivity: 100% vs. 79.6%). Among AVM cTTE, non-AVM cTEE, and AVM cTEE, the RLS grade evaluation results were inconsistent, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Non-AVM cTEE had RLS underestimation or false negatives. Compared with non-AVM cTEE, AVM cTEE and AVM cTTE had better consistency in evaluating PFO RLS (kappa value = 0.675). Aortic root downward movement could be used as a novel method for judging the effectiveness of VM, which is critical for the detection of PFO in cTEE. Concerning effectiveness and convenience, this method should be promoted during the clinical detection of PFO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Objective: To evaluate myocardial injury by observing the different parameters of global myocardial work (MW) by left ventricular pressure-strain loop (PSL) analysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). (2) Methods: According to the left ventricular mass index, the study patients with CKD were further divided into two groups: the left ventricular normal group (CKDN-LVH, 59) and left ventricular hypertrophy group (CKDLVH, 46). Thirty-three healthy controls (CON) matched in age and sex with the CKD group were recruited. The routine ultrasonic parameters were obtained by routine TTE, and the strain index and different parameters of the left ventricular MW were obtained by dynamic image offline analysis. (3) Results: This study found that (1) compared with the CON group, the CKDN-LVH group had a significantly increased global waste work (GWW) and significantly decreased global work efficiency (GWE), the GWW further increased, and GWE further decreased in the CKDLVH group. There was no significant change in the global work index (GWI) and global constructive work index (GCW) in the CKDN-LVH group, but the GWI and GCW in the CKDLVH group were significantly increased. (2) According to the grouping analysis of systolic blood pressure (SBP), we found that the GWW increased and GWE decreased in CKD patients with an elevated SBP. (3) Correlation analysis showed that the increase of the peak strain dispersion, SBP, and left ventricular mass index and the decrease of the estimated glomerular filtration rate were significantly correlated with the decrease of the GWE and the increase of the GWW. (4) Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of myocardial damage induced by the GWE and GWW in the CKD group and CON group was higher than that of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (AUCs: 0.87 and 0.878 versus 0.72, respectively). (4) Conclusions: Noninvasive left ventricular PSL analysis can be used to evaluate the global MW in patients with CKD. The study justified the role of GWW in the noninvasive assessment of myocardial function in patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much research has focused on quantifying the bony characteristics of patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Far less attention, however, has been paid to muscle abnormalities around the hip such as those in the gluteus medius (GM).Methods: We retrospectively examined clinical and imaging data, such as the age of onset and computed tomography (CT) findings, in 108 consecutive hips. Subjects for the control group were selected from our radiology database. Two readers independently evaluated the length (LGM), cross-sectional area (CSA), width (WGM), and thickness (TGM) of the GM and arm of GM (AGM) and angle of the GM activation (AOA) and bony parameters including the acetabulum-head index (AHI), lateral central edge angle (LCEA), acetabular index (AI), femoral offset (FO), and height of the rotation centre of femoral head (HCFH) among all cases using the imaging data.Results: The patient group included 108 hips. The AGM, LGM, CSA, and TGM were lower in the DDH patients, while AOA was higher. However, there was no significant difference in the WGM between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that AGM and AOA were independent factors affecting LCEA. The following regression equation was used: Y(LCEA) = 5.377 * X1 (AGM) - 0.310 * X2 (AOA) - 11.331. The mechanical characteristics of the GM and many bony parameters were significantly correlated (the AGM and AHI, LCEA, AI, FO, but not HCFH; AOA and AHI, LCEA, AI, but not FO or HCFH). The CSA was positively correlated with only HCFH. The rest were not statistical significance linear correlation. The multivariate regression results showed that the age of onset was positively correlated with AGM (r = 0.467). The regression equation used was Y = 9.0 * X (age of onset) - 11.4.Conclusion: We found difference in the morphological and mechanical characteristics of the GM between hips with DDH and hips of normal morphology. Of note, the mechanical characteristics of the GM were influenced by bony parameters in patients with DDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne pollen is indicative of vegetation and climatic conditions. This study investigates airborne pollen trapping in the Betula microphylla-dominated wetland of Ebinur Lake in Northwestern China from September 2012 to August 2015 using Pearson correlation analysis and the Hybrid Single-particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model. Higher temperatures and moderate precipitation during the flowering period facilitated an increase in birch pollen with more exotic spruce pollen carried from the Tianshan Mountains by airflows, leading to the highest arbor pollen concentrations from September 2012 to August 2013. Peak pollen concentrations from September 2013 to August 2014 were possibly due to an increase in herbaceous pollen resulting from higher temperatures, lower precipitation and more exotic pollen from the desert of southwest Ebinur Lake and Central Asia in summer and autumn. Between September 2014 and August 2015, unfavorable climate conditions in summer and autumn decreased the pollen dispersal of xerophytes such as Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae, with little pollen transported from the Kazakh hilly area in late summer, resulting in the lowest pollen concentrations. Climatic parameters and air mass movements both greatly affected the atmospheric pollen concentration. The results provide information concerning the dispersion and distribution of birch pollen, paleoenvironmental reconstruction and wetland conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and hydrogen storage properties of Ti 10+ x V 80- x Fe 6 Zr 4 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) alloys have been studied. XRD and SEM analyses show that all alloys consist of a BCC main phase and a small fraction of C14 Laves secondary phase, in which the latter precipitates along the grain boundary of the former becoming network structure. With increasing Ti content in the alloy, the lattice parameter and cell volume of the BCC main phase of the alloy increase. The chemical composition of each phase is analysed by EDS, from which the lattice parameters of BCC phase have a good linear relationship with their average atomic radii. All bulk alloys have good activation behaviors and hydriding kinetics. With the increase of Ti content, the incubation time for activation decreases first and then increases under an initial hydrogen pressure of 4 MPa at 298 K. The incubation time of Ti 15 V 75 Fe 6 Zr 4 alloy is only 12 s. It is one of the shortest incubation time in V-based solid solution alloys as far as we know, which may be related to the existence of C14 Laves phase. All the alloys have relatively high hydrogen absorption capacities of above 3 wt%, which increase first and then decrease as the Ti content increases, achieving the maximum capacity of 3.61 wt% at x = 10 at 298 K. With increasing x , the equilibrium plateau pressure of dehydrogenation of the samples at 353 K decreases owing to the expansion of unit cell of main phase, which is far below 0.1 MPa for x = 10 and 15. The maximum desorption capacity of 1.94 wt% (desorbed to 0.001 MPa) is obtained at x = 5, compared to that of 1.6 wt% (desorbed to 0.1 MPa) achieved at x = 0. • Bulk Ti 10+ x V 80- x Fe 6 Zr 4 (x = 0, 5, 10, 15) are directly used into the activation. • The incubation time for activation for Ti 15 V 75 Fe 6 Zr 4 is only 12 s. • The substitution of Ti for V within 10 at.% enhances the absorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2019; 28 (11): 1380 - 2. 3 Lueangarun S, Subpayasarn U, Tempark T. Distinctive lupus panniculitis of scalp with linear alopecia along Blaschko's lines: a review of the literature. Linear lupus panniculitis of the scalp presenting as alopecia along Blaschko's lines: a distinct variant of lupus panniculitis in east Asians? A 1.4-year-old girl presented to our department with asymptomatic, annular patches of hair loss on the scalp and neck erythema for 2 months. [Extracted from the article]

The relationship between surface pollen and modern vegetation is an important criterion for interpreting fossil pollen spectra in reconstructing of paleovegetation and the paleoenvironment. A total of 438 surface pollen samples were collected from the Junggar Basin, Tianshan and Altai Mountains, and other areas in northern Xinjiang, China. Surface pollen assemblages were divided into five horizontal pollen zones: alpine and subalpine meadows, mountain forests, steppes, deserts, and wetlands. A high abundance of tree pollen was detected in the Altai and Tianshan Mountains, primarily originating from conifers such as Picea and Larix. Desert steppe vegetation was predominant on both sides of the central Junggar Basin, with significant amounts of pollen from Ephedra , Chenopodiaceae, and Artemisia. The geographic distribution of the pollen source sites was analyzed using ArcGIS. R -value, Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis were used to determine the distribution and central region for each of the main pollen taxa identified. Picea pollen at abundance levels above 30% indicated the existence of local spruce forests, as observed in the Tianshan and Altai mountains' conifer forests. A considerable amount of Betula pollen was observed in the intrazonal vegetation dominated by Betula , such as wetlands and river valleys, indicating the distribution of birch forests in the local vegetation. The pollen taxa of Ephedra , Chenopodiaceae, and Artemisia was over-represented across all investigated areas. These data may improve the accuracy and reliability of vegetation and climate reconstructions based on pollen data; furthermore, our information provides a framework for predicting future environmental trends. [Display omitted] • Modern pollen reflects well the characteristics of vegetation in northern Xinjiang. • The geographic distribution of typical pollen taxa was analyzed using ArcGIS. • Tree pollen were mainly distributed in the Altay and Tianshan Mountains. • Abundant Betula pollen in intrazonal wetlands indicated the growth of birch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Postoperative intra-abdominal infection is one of the most serious complications after pancreatic resection. In this article, we investigated the relationship between serum lactate level and postoperative infection, to suggest a new predictor of potential infection risk after pancreatectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 156 patients who underwent pancreatic surgery and admitted in the intensive care unit for recovery after surgery between August 2017 and August 2019 was performed. Results: The basic characteristics, preoperative information, pathological diagnoses, surgical methods, and intraoperative situations of patients in the postoperative intra-abdominal infection group (n = 52) and non-infection group (n = 104) showed no significant differences. With the same postoperative treatments and results of fluid balance, blood pressure maintenance, and laboratory tests, postoperative serum lactate level increased much higher in the infection group than non-infection group (P < 0.001), while the base excess level declined much lower (P = 0.002). Patients in the infection group needed more time to elute lactate (P < 0.001), and stayed longer in the intensive care unit after surgery (P = 0.007). The overall postoperative complications were certainly more in the infection group (P < 0.001), resulting in a longer hospitalization time (P < 0.001). Conclusions: When patients recovered smoothly from anesthesia with a stable hemodynamics situation and normal results of laboratory tests, abnormally high serum lactate level could be a predictor of postoperative intra-abdominal infection after pancreatic resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive aerobics is a sports project which combines music, aerobics, difficulty and performance as the whole, and takes health, strength and beauty as its movement characteristics. Competitive aerobics is one of the sports that is dominated by skills, and the technical requirements are higher. Through the analysis of the existing literature, the current research on the difficulty of aerobics is only in the general qualitative description and experience summary. So far, there is no comprehensive analysis of the evolution of the competitive gymnastics articles, in the theoretical aspects of the study which is more general, limited. In this work, the method of digital image processing is used to focus on the evolution of the difficulty of aerobics. Combining the rules of the international competitive aerobics competition in each cycle, this work analyzes the statistical data of the movement difficulty of the aerobics championships, discusses the difficulty of aerobics development and evolution process, from summing up the characteristics of the development of difficult movements,the development trend of difficult movements of competitive aerobics is scientifically predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dendritic (GaN) 1-x (ZnO) x /GaN array was synthesized by Au-assisted CVD method. • The surface vacancy defects of (GaN) 1-x (ZnO) x /GaN catalysts are modulated. • (GaN) 1-x (ZnO) x /GaN exhibits enhanced light absorption and PEC performance. Gallium-zinc oxynitride solid solution has been considered as a promising candidate material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, its PEC performance is severely limited by the poor charge separation efficiency and the adverse intrinsic vacancy defects. Herein, to solve these problems, we developed a novel strategy for constructing dendritic (GaN) 1-x (ZnO) x /GaN arrays with type-Ⅱ heterojunction on a conductive GaN crystalline substrate by an Au-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. Then, an additional annealing treatment in Ar is carried out to further decrease the density of surface oxygen vacancy and to increase the density of O N -V Ga vacancy complexes for enhancing photoelectrochemical performance. Under the synergistic effect of type-Ⅱ heterojunction and vacancy modulation, the optimized (GaN) 1-x (ZnO) x /GaN photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 0.25 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and the surface modification with CoPi co-catalyst can further increase the photocurrent density to 0.45 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. It is demonstrated that the O N -V Ga vacancy complexes are beneficial to increase the PEC performance of gallium zinc oxynitrides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction based on surface soil pollen and climate records on a regional scale is widely applied as a standard approach to investigating past climate changes. This study aimed to explore the quantitative relationships between the distribution of pollen taxa in 438 pollen samples from surface soils at altitudes ranging from 190 m to 3235 m and 19 environmental parameters in northern Xinjiang, China, using ordination and correlation analyses. The results showed that mean annual precipitation (MAP), precipitation in July, mean annual temperature (MAT), mean temperature in July and mean annual wind speed were the main environmental factors influencing the surface pollen distribution. Pinus pollen dispersal and transportation were primarily affected by spring wind, suggesting that exotic pollen played an essential role in surface pollen distribution. Picea pollen, with a percentage and concentration of over 30% and 30000 grains/g, was distributed at sites with MAT and MAP of −5.1–1.2 °C and 212–459 mm, respectively. Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae, with percentages and concentrations of over 50% and 50,000 grains/g and 50% and 10,000 grains/g, respectively, were mainly distributed at sites with MAT and MAP of −1.9–9.1 °C and 145–416 mm, and −3.2–8.9 °C and 129–449 mm, respectively, providing an accurate reference for paleoclimates reconstruction. This study presents information regarding the relationship between surface soil pollen and climate records, which may contribute to the reconstruction of historical climates, promote ecological development in Xinjiang, China, and assist in predicting future climate trends. • 438 surface pollen data and 19 climatic factors were analyzed in northern Xinjiang. • MAP, P7, MAT and T7 were the dominant climatic factors influencing surface pollen. • Spring winds was the main driving force of pine pollen transportation in Xinjiang. • The results provided a more accurate reference for paleoclimates reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationships between the four dimensions of the protestant work ethic (internal locus of control, asceticism, hard work, anti‐leisure) and organizational counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). Based on a sample of Chinese employees, the results from two‐wave lagged data (N = 691) indicated that the asceticism dimension and the anti‐leisure dimension were negatively associated with CWBs. These associations were moderated by party affiliation, indicating that party members had a stronger negative relationship between these constructs than non‐party members did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A boy with a 2‐year history of asymptomatic, linear pigmented macules involving the right side of the trunk and right upper limb. RCM revealed the dermal papillary rings were destroyed, and numerous irregular particulate structures with high refractive values were distributed in the superficial dermis. The RCM features implied the possibility of interface dermatitis. RCM was a complementary diagnostic tool for linear pigmented macules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frame rate up-conversion (FRUC) usually suffers from unreliable motion vectors due to the absence of the current frame to be interpolated. In addition, since the majority of video sequences are usually compressed by various coding standards to reduce the data volume, the quality of the generated frames in the FRUC will be further impaired. To address this problem, we proposed two FRUC algorithms based on deep residual network. We first present a deep residual network for the FRUC (DRNFRUC), which consists of feature extraction, feature recursive analysis, and image restoration parts with a skip connection between the input and the output of the network. The proposed DRNFRUC takes the result of an arbitrary existing FRUC method as the input and is able to significantly reduce the edge blurring and blocking artifacts when the motion of the block is violent. In addition, we proposed a deep residual network with weighted convolutional motion compensation (DRNWCMC) for the FRUC, where the convolution operations can be embedded into the motion compensation interpolation (MCI) in any existing MCI-based FRUC method. In DRNWCMC, we first devise two convolutional neural networks corresponding to the forward and backward motion compensated frames, respectively. And then, the adaptive interpolation coefficients for motion compensation are designed as two $1\times1$ convolutional kernels. Finally, the interpolation result of WCMC is fed into another convolutional neural network to further improve the performance. All the parameters involved in the DRNWCMC are trained simultaneously under the same cost function. The experimental results show that the two proposed algorithms can remarkably improve both the objective and subjective quality of the interpolated frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron acetylacetonate (Fe(acac) 3) modified polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMS), simplified as PMS(Fe), was firstly obtained from PMS and Fe(acac) 3 via the condensation reaction. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were then introduced to fabricate the corresponding MWCNTs/SiC nanocrystals/amorphous SiOC ceramic composites via pyrolyzed process. Owing to the catalytic effect of iron and heterogeneous nucleation promoted by MWCNTs, SiC nanocrystals were separated from SiOC amorphous ceramic matrix under 1400 °C. When the mass fraction of MWCNTs was 9 wt%, the obtained MWCNTs/SiC nanocrystals/amorphous SiOC ceramic composite (C9) demonstrated high microwave-absorbing properties. The minimum reflection loss (RL min) and effective absorption bandwidth (EBA) of the obtained C9 at X-band (8.2–12.4) reached −61.8 dB and 2.6 GHz (a thickness of 2.19 mm), respectively. Compared with other polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs), the RL min was higher and the required thickness was thinner. This excellent microwave-absorbing property was due to the interfacial polarization relaxation generated between nanocrystals (MWCNTs & SiC) and amorphous SiOC, and the formed complete conductive networks inside the ceramic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Forest landscape change and the dynamics are evaluated in urban fringe. • We used Geographically Weighted Regression and minimum cumulative resistance models. • Canopy cover is an important indicator in determining the spatial scale of urban forest. • Population density and policy factors greatly related to urban forest increase. • Potential land for developing urban forest concentrated in the peripheral area. Abstract We selected the Mapo-Niulanshan township located in the urban fringe of the Beijing metropolis as a case study with the goals of understanding urban forest change dynamics and locating potential spaces for conserving and developing urban forests, in the context of land use change associated with rapid urbanization. The results revealed an increase in canopy cover and forestland with the urbanization process. There was a significant increase in canopy cover in highly developed areas due to rising landscape needs and regulatory demands. The majority of forestland was converted from farmland and consisted of tree nurseries that usually lacked a recognizable canopy cover in remote sensing images. The influence of population density (POP) was strongest, followed by those of the built-up area ratio (BCOV) and gross industrial production (GIP). These socioeconomic factors had varying effects on the spatial heterogeneity of the urban forest landscape. Most of the areas demonstrated a positive influence of socioeconomic factors on urban forest landscape, especially those adjacent to water bodies and forestland. Based on the R2 values of the geographically weighted regression (GWR) models, unquantifiable indicators, such as policies and public preferences, were deemed very important in shaping urban forest landscape. According to the minimum cumulative resistance model (MCRM), suitable land for the development of urban forest mainly concentrated in the peripheral regions. Our research confirms that canopy cover must be considered with forestland area in spatial pattern analysis of the urban forest landscape. The results of the socioeconomic influence analysis and the MCRM helps to advance the understanding of urban forestry conservation and could improve policy-making and practices that promote urban forest under the pressure of urbanization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic resin/silicone hybrid composites (MPR) were prepared by a facile and low-cost method. FTIR results show that polycondensation of siloxane occurs in the presence of catalyst and water in the system, and siloxane oligomer was formed. During the curing process, the transesterification reaction between siloxane oligomer and phenolic resin (PR) makes silicon incorporated into PR. The TGA results indicate that introducing Si-O structure into PR can effectively improve the thermal stability of the resin. Compared with cured neat PR, temperatures at 5 and 10% mass loss of cured MPR can be improved by 43 and 36 °C. Its char yield at 800 °C was increased by about 9.1%. Cured MPR has been characterized by FTIR, XPS, XRD and Raman spectra to discuss the chemical state changes of silicon during pyrolysis process, as well as the effect of silicon on the char yield. On the one hand, the formation of Si-O-C structure can reduce the number of phenyl hydroxyl groups, which contributes to the reduced weight loss. On the other hand, the results indicate that Si-Ox structure was formed from the oxidation of Si-CH3 and hydrolysis of Si-O-C structures. According to Raman analyses, introducing silicone into the system cannot help to promote the formation of a more ordered structure. Additionally, the mechanical properties of cured MPR have also been improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The CHF of a vertical annulus channel with a short heated rod at low pressure and low flow conditions was experimentally studied. • The effects of mass flow rate, inlet temperature and pressure on the CHF were explored. • The flow regime of the CHF were investigated. • Proper correlation is selected and revised for the critical heat flux prediction for annular channels. An experimental study on critical heat flux (CHF) has been conducted in a vertical annulus channel with a short heated rod at low pressure and low flow conditions. The heated rod of the test section was made of Inconel-625 with a diameter of 37.2 mm and a heated length of 390 mm. The pressure, inlet temperature and mass flux were varied in the range of 103–170 kPa, 63 −90℃and 59.6–131.9 kg m2 s−1. The CHF phenomenon was observed through the transparent quartz glass. It was found that the CHF positions firstly appeared in a small zone on the heated rod wall and the dry-out area would further expand if the power was not cut off immediately. The experimental results showed that most of CHF data were firstly detected at the upper thermocouple position near the outlet, while CHFs data were observed at lower positions with low mass flux. And based on Mishima and Ishii's flow regime map, the analysis of experimental flow regime indicated that most of the CHF occurred in slug-churn and churn-annular flow regimes. Finally, the measured CHF data were compared with the results predicted by four commonly used correlations and the method of CHF look-up table, and a new correlation was developed. It was found that the new correlation can be better predicting experimental data with an error within ± 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is the most sustainable solvent, making it the obvious choice to replace organic solvents in various synthesis techniques. However, its applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries are often restricted by the low solubility of organic compounds in water. Essentially, the reactions of organic compounds in water are multiphase systems. Therefore, this review classifies aqueous-phase organic reactions into liquid–liquid, liquid–solid and gas–liquid–solid phase from the perspective of phase interfaces of multiphase reactions, and summarizes the research progress and breakthroughs in recent years, including the application of micellar catalysis, Pickering emulsion catalysis, micro-nanobubble/foam catalysis and "dry water" catalysis, as well as the unique advantages of using water as a medium. Finally, we point out the current challenges and future perspectives on multiphase catalysis in aqueous-phase reactions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we developed a novel distributed and privatized framework for miRNA-disease association prediction (DPFMDA) to predict potential miRNA-disease associations. DPFMDA assumes that diseases and miRNAs can be represented as feature matrices. Through independent factorization, collaborative analysis and matrix re-factorization, feature matrices are estimated and potential associations in miRNA-disease association matrix are predicted. The proposed computational model is tested and verified by leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV). The AUCs of global and local LOOCV are 0.8859 and 0.8267 respectively, which outperform the state-of-the-art computational models. DPFMDA is further evaluated with case studies of four important human complex diseases. We test Esophageal Neoplasms and Prostate Neoplasms using DPFMDA in the HMDD v2.0 database. For Breast Neoplasms, we use the HMDD v2.0 database which removes all the known miRNAs-disease associations on Breast Neoplasms. For Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HMDD v1.0 database is used as the input of DPFMDA and predicted results are verified with HMDD v2.0, dbDEMC and miR2Disease databases. The results show that 90% (Esophageal Neoplasms), 88% (Prostate Neoplasms), 98% (Breast Neoplasms) and 86% (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) of top 50 predicted miRNA-disease associations are confirmed by recent experimental studies respectively. It is anticipated that DPFMDA would be an effective and extensible method for potential miRNA-disease association prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferrocene-containing organosilicon polymers demonstrate wide applications in catalysts, redox sensors, ceramic nanomaterials and nanolithography fields. However, most synthesis methods for ferrocene-containing organosilicon polymers require either strict water-free and oxygen-free conditions or the presence of platinum complex catalysts. In this contribution, the free radical copolymerization of 1, 1′‑bis(dimethylvinylsilyl)ferrocene (DVFc) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) was achieved to construct either soluble branched ferrocene-containing organosilicon polymers or uniform cross-linked microspheres only through the feed ratio tuning of the two monomers. The structures of copolymer and cross-linked microspheres have been characterized by one-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (1D NMR) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR measurements. Furthermore, the novel organosilicon polymers could be employed as preceramic precursors to prepare magnetic Si-C-Fe-(O) ceramics with favorable ceramic yield at high temperature. The nanocrystals-containing ceramics magnetism could be tuned through copolymer nature or pyrolysis condition variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coupling RELAP5 and CTF, a novel multi-scale coupling method of domain overlapping is proposed. • A grid mapping method is established to satisfy the precise conversion among different scale parameters. • The multi-scale coupling method is applied to Xi'an pulsed reactor with natural circulation cooling for the first time. • Compared with standalone system code, the coupling calculation could reduce the relative deviation with the experimental data. • The convergence and numerical stability of domain overlapping method are better than that of domain decomposition method. Coupling best-estimate thermal–hydraulic system code RELAP5 (Reactor Excursion and Leak Analysis Program) and subchannel code CTF (Coolant Boiling in Rod Arrays-Two Fluid), a novel multi-scale coupling method of domain overlapping is proposed in this paper, based on cross-platform data transmission and secondary development of CTF source code. And a grid mapping method is established to satisfy the precise conversion among different scale parameters. The above-mentioned methods are applied to Xi'an pulsed reactor with natural circulation cooling. Meanwhile, the multi-scale coupling method of domain decomposition is established. The accuracy and validity of the two coupling methods are verified by the benchmark problem and the steady state analysis of the pulsed reactor. The convergence and numerical stability of the two coupling methods are compared in order to study the multi-scale coupling method more suitable for the pulsed reactor with natural circulation cooling. The results show that the proposed multi-scale coupling methods can be applied to the coupling analysis of the pulsed reactor and the coupling codes can perform high fidelity safety analyses of the pulsed reactor. In addition, compared with the domain decomposition method, the domain overlapping method has better convergence and numerical stability in steady state analysis of the pulsed reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern Great Xing'an Range is the most critical Sn‐polymetallic metallogenic belt in northeast China. However, the tectonic setting of the Early Cretaceous magmatic‐metallogenic "flare‐up" event remains uncertain. This paper presents an integrated study on the occurrence, petrology, zircon U‐Pb ages, whole‐rock geochemistry, and in situ zircon Hf isotopes for Wenduerchagan granites of Xi Ujimqin Banner, central‐eastern Inner Mongolia. These granites consist primarily of granite porphyry (with ages of 137 ± 1 Ma and 138 ± 1 Ma) and (porphyritic) alkali feldspar granite (with an age of 141 ± 2 Ma), corresponding to the early Early Cretaceous. They are A‐type granites characterized by high silicon, alkali, and TFeO/MgO contents while being depleted of Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. They show right‐dipping trend rare‐earth element distribution characteristics with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.01–0.20) and weak heavy rare‐earth element fractionation ((Gd/Yb)N = 0.77–2.30). They demonstrate homogeneous zircon Hf isotopic compositions (positive εHf(t) values from +5.3 to +7.1 and young two‐stage Hf model ages of 851–742 Ma) and high zircon saturation temperatures (av. 810°C). These geochemical characteristics indicate that Wenduerchagan granites originated from the partial melting of juvenile crust under high‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions. Wenduerchagan granites most likely formed in a post‐collisional compression‐extension transition regime caused by the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, when combined with regional geology. Such a transition regime can probably be attributed to the upwelling of the asthenospheric mantle caused by the break‐off of a subducted Mongol–Okhotsk oceanic slab. Upwelling asthenospheric mantle provided sufficient energy and favorable tectonic conditions for magmatism and mineralization of the Early Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to combine a set of methods for use of radiochromic film dosimetry, including calibration, correction for lateral effects and a proposed triple-channel analysis. These methods can be applied to GAFCHROMIC EBT3 film dosimetry for radiation field analysis and verification of IMRT plans. Methods: A single-film exposure was used to achieve dose calibration, and the accuracy was verified based on comparisons with the square-field calibration method. Before performing the dose analysis, the lateral effects on pixel values were corrected. The position dependence of the lateral effect was fitted by a parabolic function, and the curvature factors of different dose levels were obtained using a quadratic formula. After lateral effect correction, a triple-channel analysis was used to reduce disturbances and convert scanned images from films into dose maps. The dose profiles of open fields were measured using EBT3 films and compared with the data obtained using an ionization chamber. Eighteen IMRT plans with different field sizes were measured and verified with EBT3 films, applying our methods, and compared to TPS dose maps, to check correct implementation of film dosimetry proposed here. Results: The uncertainty of lateral effects can be reduced to ±1 cGy. Compared with the results of Micke A et al., the residual disturbances of the proposed triple-channel method at 48, 176 and 415 cGy are 5.3%, 20.9% and 31.4% smaller, respectively. Compared with the ionization chamber results, the difference in the off-axis ratio and percentage depth dose are within 1% and 2%, respectively. For the application of IMRT verification, there were no difference between two triple-channel methods. Compared with only corrected by triple-channel method, the IMRT results of the combined method (include lateral effect correction and our present triple-channel method) show a 2% improvement for large IMRT fields with the criteria 3%/3 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a $4\times4$ capacitive pressure tactile sensor fabricated with new materials, which consists of one dielectric layer and two electrode layers. The dielectric layer is composed of carbon nanotubes dispersed in liquid crystal, which is surrounded by a hydrogel elastomeric membrane. An upper Au parylene film and a lower Au parylene film taped on the kapton tapes are served as the electrode layers. The properties of the devices are well characterized and the capability of adjustable measurement range is successfully realized. Experimental results demonstrate that the capacitance will change with the different driving frequency and voltage accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novolac resin (NR) modified with 1, 1’-bis(dimethylsilyl) ferrocene (FeNR) was synthesized. The thermal properties and structural evolution of cured FeNR were studied to analyze the reason for high char yield of cured FeNR. Thermal stability of cured FeNR has been improved, and the char yield of cured FeNR at 800 °C can be increased by 8.82% in comparison to that of cured NR. The results show that silicon atom and ferrocene contribute to the high char yield of cured FeNR. On one hand, the Si-O structure can be kept in the system during the whole pyrolysis process, which could help to reduce the weight loss. On the other hand, introducing ferrocene into novolac resin promotes the graphitization degree and graphite crystallites of pyrolyzed resins. Moreover, the pyrolyzed products possess different magnetic properties owing to the formation of iron nanocrystal at 800 °C and Fe 5 Si 3 nanocrystal at 1200 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiBCN ceramic precursor, polyborosilazane, was synthesized through a novel method which used sodium borohydride as boron source. Vinyl silazane with Si Cl was converted to vinyl silazane with Si H structure, followed by hydroboration reaction and subsequent high-temperature reaction to form soluble polyborosilazane liquid. The process of precursor-to-ceramic conversion was almost completed before 800 °C and the cross-linked polyborosilazane precursor exhibited higher ceramic yield 75.6% at 1200 °C. The SiBCN ceramic annealed at 1400 °C contained B N, Si N and Si C bonds with smooth and dense surface and still retained principally amorphous structure up to 1600 °C. In addition, the viscosity of the polyborosilazane was 65 mPa.s, which can efficiently prepare ceramic matrix composite by means of precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). The density of as-obtained ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was 1.82 g/cm 3 , and the average bending strength, bending modulus and tensile strength were 265.2 MPa, 37.5 GPa and 158.6 MPa, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, novolac modified by CSEB ceramic precursor (B,B,B-tris[(chlorodimethylsilyl)-ethane]borazine, CSEB) was synthesized successfully. The corresponding molecular structure, chemical state and thermal property were characterized by FT-IR, Raman spectra, XPS, NMR and TGA. Meanwhile, DTA/TG/MS test was also performed to track the weight loss and gas evolution of modified novolac during the thermal degradation. CSEB could obviously improve the thermal decomposition temperature and the char yield of novolac. The maximum decomposition rate temperature is increased up to 575.2 °C. The char yield is increased to 75.5% at 800 °C, 72.6% at 1000 °C and 68.7% at 1200 °C, respectively. The improvement of the thermal stability of modified novolac could be mainly attributed to the incorporation of six-membered borazine ring (B 3 N 3 ), elements of Si, B and N. The B 3 N 3 ring remains stable at 1400 °C. And fixed structure Si-O x was formed during heat treatment. Moreover, CSEB also promote the graphitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, a novel and versatile strategy named phase separation assisted pyrolysis for the preparation of polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) microspheres with controlled morphology is reported. Various Si-C-N-(Ni) magnetic microspheres with a dimension from micro- to nanoscale can be conveniently prepared by using polymeric precursor with an assistance of polymer template of linear polystyrene. The morphology of PDC microspheres could be controlled through the feed ratio of precursor and template, pyrolysis temperature, and centrifugal fractionation, which were proved with dense structure, tunable crystals, and ferromagnetic property with an ultralow hysteresis loss. During phase separation and pyrolysis, the polymeric precursor or molecular precursor as well as various polymer templates can be employed. So, this strategy to synthesize ceramic microspheres with a dimension from micro- to nanoscale is indeed general and convenient for functional PDC microspheres with well-controlled morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have well reported nutrient deficiency and soil degradation focusing on soil N in pure plantations. However, few papers focused on soil P deficiency during pure plantation afforestation. We examined the variations in P fractions and phosphatase (P-ase) activities in the rhizosphere and bulk soils in Larix olgensis plantations of 16, 23, 34, and 49 y. Correlation analysis was applied to identify the relationships between available P and other P fractions and P-ase activities in the rhizosphere soil at different developmental stages. The stepwise regression models were established to explore their relationships with tree growth. The results showed that the deficiency of available P occurred in the rhizosphere micro-region relative to the bulk soil in the 34- and 49-y-old stands, which was related to the lower acid phosphatase activity, the deficient Fe-bound P, and occluded phosphate, as well as to soil pH in the rhizosphere soil during these periods. In addition, tree growth in the young and near-mature stands was significantly correlated with soil P fractions, and the main P fractions closely related to tree growth were total P, organic P, available P and inorganic P, followed by Ca-bound P and Fe-bound P. The decreases in average DBH and average height growth in the near-mature stand were related to the deficiency of available P in this period. Our results indicate that the development of Larix olgensis plantations affects the bioavailability of P through dynamic changes of P fractions and P-ase activities, which provides a theoretical base in future afforestation with Larix olgensis plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two UV-curable single source precursors of borazine derivatives [B{CH 2 (SiR 3 )}NH] 3 (a-TSMB) and [B{CH(CH 3 )(SiR 3 )}NH] 3 (a-TSEB) (R=acrylate group) were synthesised from chloromethyltrichlorosilane and trichlorovinylsilane as starting materials, respectively. a-TSMB and a-TSEB were characterised via Fourier transform infrared, 1 H NMR, 11 B NMR and 29 Si NMR spectroscopy. B and N existed in the form of a six-membered borazine ring, and the UV-curable acrylate groups were successfully introduced in both a-TSMB and a-TSEB. a-TSMB incorporated three UV-curable acrylate groups, whereas a-TSEB incorporated five or six acrylate groups. a-TSEB was used as a model to study these novel single source precursors with a borazine ring and acrylate function group because a-TSEB incorporated more UV-curable groups and its synthesis route was more accessible. The UV-activated polymerisation process of a-TSEB was studied via photo-differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated that a-TSEB showed a near 84% conversion under UV radiation within 1 min, and it has excellent photoreactivity and could be UV-cured rapidly. The results of scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction showed that an amorphous Si/B/N/C ceramic was produced by subjecting the pre-ceramic derived from a-TSEB to pyrolysis below 1400 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]