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A machine‐learning‐assisted approach is employed to search for superconducting hydrides under ambient pressure within an extensive dataset comprising over 150 000 compounds. The investigation yields ≈50 systems with transition temperatures surpassing 20 K, and some even reaching above 70 K. These compounds have very different crystal structures, with different dimensionality, chemical composition, stoichiometry, and arrangement of the hydrogens. Interestingly, most of these systems display slight thermodynamic instability, implying that their synthesis will re quire conditions beyond ambient equilibrium. Moreover, a consistent chemical composition is found in the majority of these systems, which combines alkali or alkali‐earth elements with noble metals. This observation suggests a promising avenue for future experimental investigations into high‐temperature superconductivity within hydrides at ambient pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetohydrodynamic rotating shallow water system (MRSW) is a proposed model for a thin layer of electrically conducting fluid, which plays an important role in astrophysical plasma studies. For the spatial periodic domain, a mathematically rigorous framework is developed for deriving reduced systems for MRSW equations with general unbalanced initial data. It is shown that the reduced slow dynamics are the magnetohydrodynamic quasi-geostrophic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin‐orbit torque resulting from non‐magnetic materials with strong spin‐orbit coupling enables electrically controlled magnetization switching, offering potential applications in ultralow‐power memory and logic devices. However, such switching of perpendicular magnetization usually requires an in‐plane magnetic field along the applied current direction, which limits its use. To address this challenge, an all‐oxide superlattice is designed and fabricated that show both the perpendicular magneto‐crystalline anisotropy and in‐plane magnetic anisotropies induced by interfacial engineering. The results demonstrate that the coexistence of perpendicular and in plane magnetic anisotropy breaks the symmetry and thus enables the pure electrical switching of perpendicular magnetization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain engineering is an important method to control the structure and properties of functional thin films. Here, a new method to induce chemical strain through controllable substrate strain is proposed, which was first applied to double-perovskite thin films. We significantly improved the ferroelectricity of BiSmFe2O6-δ double-perovskite thin films to ∼4.80 μC/cm2, approximately improved six times. The value is more excellent than that of the orthorhombic double-perovskite ferroelectric systems. Synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction and spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy show that tensile strain can change the epitaxial growth mode and increase the lattice volume. Meanwhile, first-principles density functional theory calculations show that the tensile strain reduces the formation energy of oxygen vacancy. The increased oxygen vacancies can induce a large negative chemical pressure of −7.69 GPa imposed on the thin films on SrTiO3 substrates. The existence of more oxygen vacancies in the Fe-O octahedra of the thin films drives Fe ions away from their high-symmetrical central position, leading to the improvement of ferroelectricity. In addition, the large polarization and oxygen vacancy migration promote the improved functional properties of the thin films, such as large resistive switching (103 times). This strategy and approach will effectively promote the further application of the novel orthorhombic rare-earth double-perovskite devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prepared PdCuB Ngs/C catalysts exhibited outstanding catalytic activity and stability in the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). The improvement in electrocatalytic performance is due to the introduction of Cu and B atoms and the hollow nanocage structure, which changes the electronic structures of Pd, increases the reactive sites, and accelerates the reaction mass transfer rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ternary alloy catalyst has been confirmed to be an effective catalyst for anode catalysis in direct formic acid fuel cells, which can improve the electrocatalytic performance of the fuel cell by introducing commonly used metal elements to change the Pd electronic structure and can reduce the use of precious metals and the cost of catalyst production. In this study, PdCuSn Ns/C with a special 3D structure was synthesized by a simple two-step wet chemical method. The PdCuSn Ns/C catalyst prepared exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability for the formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR). The mass activity of 2420.1 mA mg−1Pd is 3.94 times that of the Pd/C catalyst. The improvement in the electrocatalytic performance stems from the introduction of Cu and Sn atoms and the unique 3D nanosheet structure, which changes the electronic structure of Pd to increase the reactive active site and accelerates the reaction mass transfer rate, and also reduces the content of precious metals, while improving the electrocatalytic performance. Therefore, the PdCuSn Ns/C catalyst has a promising future in the field of electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the magnetic field structures of solar filaments have been studied for several decades, the detailed evolution of the structure around a filament prior to its eruption is rarely observed. On 2021 October 28 in AR 12887, a major solar flare (X1.0 class) occurred at 15:35 UT. Based on the Solar Dynamics Observatory high-spatial-resolution observations, we find this flare is associated with the eruption of two filaments, namely F1 and F2. The two filaments are initially independent. The western leg (WLEG) of F1 approaches the northern leg of F2, due to the continuous movement and rotation of the magnetic field in which the WLEG roots in. We find first that there are some threads wrapping the WLEG. Brightening and bidirectionally plasmoid flows that originate from a brightening are detected in these threads, then the threads disappear, and the two filaments connect. NLFFF extrapolation reveals that there is a toroidal magnetic structure enveloping the WLEG and corresponding spatially to the threads. It is expected that a filament is enveloped by toroidal magnetic fields. According to the observations and extrapolation, we suggest that these threads represent the toroidal magnetic fields wrapping the WLEG. This paper provides new details about the dynamics of the toroidal magnetic fields. Magnetic reconnection takes place in the toroidal fields and thus destroys the fields, then F1 and F2 connect, and subsequently, the two filaments erupt and the flare occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically identify, appraise, and summarize the psychometric properties of instruments used to measure the quality of dying and death in Asian countries. Methods: The Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) was closely followed. The literature was searched using the following keywords and their synonyms: "death and dying," "measurement," and "Asian country" in CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and reviewed the full text. Two other reviewers independently assessed the quality of the identified studies in three steps: methodological quality evaluation, good measurement properties evaluation, and quality of evidence evaluation. Results: This review retrieved 37,195 studies, of which seven were finally included. Four instruments that assessed the quality of dying and death in Asian countries were identified: the Good Death Inventory (GDI), the Good Death Scale (GDS), and two versions of the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) Questionnaires. All included studies failed to evaluate all the recommended psychometric properties, and none of the instruments provided strong evidence of their quality among Asian populations. Overall, the grade of evidence quality for the GDI was moderate, the highest among all identified instruments. Conclusion: The GDI is by far the most reliable instrument for assessing the quality of dying and death in Asian populations. A lack of validation studies in Asian and Western cultures, however, warrants caution when drawing conclusions from the GDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity to externally manipulate magnetic properties is highly desired from both fundamental and technological perspectives, particularly in the development of magnetoelectronics and spintronics devices. Here, using first-principles calculations, we have demonstrated the ability of controlling the magnetism of magnetized graphene monolayers by interfacing them with a two-dimensional ferroelectric material. When the 3d transition metal (TM) is adsorbed on the graphene monolayer, its magnetization easy axis can be flipped from in-plane to out-of-plane by the ferroelectric polarization reversal of In2Se3, and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) can be high to −0.692 meV/atom when adopting the Fe atom at bridge site with downward polarization. This may be a universal method since the 3d TM-adsorbed graphene has a very small MAE, which can be easily manipulated by the ferroelectric polarization. As a result, the inherent mechanism is analyzed by the second variation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southern China (SC) has experienced increasing precipitation in early winter over the past 40 years, which has been attributed to increasing precipitation over the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) in this study. In early winter, the positive diabatic heating released by the increasing precipitation over the TIO triggers a strong Matsuno–Gill response. The Kelvin wave of the Matsuno–Gill response forms an anomalous anticyclone over the Western North Pacific (WNPAC) in the lower troposphere, which strengthens water vapor transport from the ocean to SC and induces an increase in precipitation. In late winter, the increasing TIO precipitation is relatively weak, and the trend of SC precipitation is likely caused by factors outside the Indian Ocean. Plain Language Summary: Winter rain accompanied by strong cooling has a significant impact on agriculture and transportation activities in southern China (SC). During the past 40 years, SC has experienced a wetting trend in early winter but a drying trend in late winter. Previous studies have usually focused on the drying of SC. This study investigated the mechanism of increasing SC precipitation in early winter and found that it is associated with wetting topical Indian Ocean, which releases more diabatic heating that forms an anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific (WNPAC) in the lower troposphere. The WNPAC strengthens the water vapor transport from the ocean to SC and induces a wetting SC. Key Points: Increasing rainfall over Southern China (SC) is caused by increasing rainfall over tropical Indian Ocean through the Matsuno–Gill responseThe Kelvin wave of the Matsuno–Gill response forms an anomalous anticyclone over the Western North Pacific (WNPAC) in the lower troposphereThe WNPAC strengthens water vapor transport from the ocean to SC and induces an increasing precipitation in early winter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity are major environmental factors limiting plant productivity. Autophagy-related genes are extensively involved in plant growth, development, and adverse stress responses, which have not yet been characterized in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum, TB). In this study, we verified that drought stress could induce autophagy in TB roots. Next, 49 FtATGs in the whole genome of TB were identified. All FtATGs were randomly distributed in 8 known chromosomes, while 11 FtATGs were predictably segmental repeats. As the core component of autophagy, there were 8 FtATG8s with similar gene structures in TB, while FtATG8s showed high expression at the transcription level under drought and salt stresses. The cis-acting element analysis identified that all FtATG8 promoters contain light-responsive and MYB-binding elements. FtATG8s showed a cell-wide protein interaction network and strongly correlated with distinct stress-associated transcription factors. Furthermore, overexpression of FtATG8a and FtATG8f enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activities of TB under adverse stresses. Remarkably, FtATG8a and FtATG8f may be vital candidates functioning in stress resistance in TB. This study prominently aids in understanding the biological role of FtATG genes in TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Prior research has identified ANGPTL4 as a key player in the control of the body's lipid and glucose metabolism and a contributor to the onset of numerous cardiovascular conditions. Recently, it has been shown that ANGPTL4 also plays a critical role in tumor growth and progression. Nowadays, the number of EGFR-TKI resistant patients is increasing, and it is important to investigate the role of ANGPTL4 in regulating gefitinib resistance in PC9/GR non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. The expression of ANGPTL4 in A549, PC9, H1975, BEAS-2B and PC9/GR cells was verified by Western blot and qRT-PCR assays, and the effect of gefitinib on the proliferative ability of each cell was probed by CCK-8 assay. By using shRNA to inhibit ANGPTL4 expression in cells, the effect of ANGPTL4 on cell migratory ability was examined and the effect of ANGPTL4 on cellular gefitinib sensitivity was confirmed using the CCK-8 assay and the edu proliferation test. Mouse transplantation tumors were constructed, and the effect of ANGPTL4 on cellular gefitinib sensitivity was investigated in vivo by flow cytometry, Tunel staining assay, immunohistochemical staining, and ROS fluorescence staining assay. ANGPTL4 expression in homoRNA overexpression cells was constructed, and the changes in the expression levels of ASC\NLRP3\Caspase 8 pathway and focal and apoptotic proteins were investigated in vitro, in vivo, afterknockdown and overexpression of ANGPTL4 expression by Westen blot assay. Results. ANGPTL4 was highly expressed in PC9/GR cells. Interfering with ANGPTL4 expression resulted in decreased proliferation and migration ability, decreased resistance to gefitinib, and increased scorching and apoptosis in PC9/GR cells. Interfering with ANGPTL4 expression in PC9/GR cells was shown to promote sensitivity to gefitinib and to mediate the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase 8 pathway to induce cell scorching and apoptosis. Conclusions. ANGPTL4 promotes gefitinib resistance in PC9/GR cells by regulating the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase 8 pathway to inhibit scorch death. ANGPTL4 may be an effective new target for inhibiting EGFR-TKI resistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand-supply mismatch is considered one of the most important factors that drives firm risk. Nevertheless, the difficulties in quantifying firms’ capability and ambition to deal with demand-supply mismatch drive external investors to seek valuable signals to guide investment decisions. Drawing on signaling theory, we identified supply chain board members (SCBMs) – the presence of directors of customer and supplier organizations in a focal firm’s boardroom as an effective approach to attenuate demand-supply mismatch, and accordingly indicate lower firm risk. Through a panel dataset of 1681 manufacturing firms listed in the North American market from 2010 to 2020, we empirically analyzed the effects of supply chain board members on firm idiosyncratic volatility. We found that firms with supply chain members in their boardrooms are accompanied by lower idiosyncratic volatility than those without SCBMs. We further discussed the effects of supply chain network architectures as critical signaling environments on SCBMs. The regression results indicated that the signal of SCBMs is strengthened under high eigenvector centrality, but weakened by a high level of structural holes. This study extends conventional risk evaluation literature by theorizing one type of inter-organizational relationship, SCBMs, as an effective signal of collaborative intention and commitment, which proxies a focal firm’s capability and ambition to build collective strength with external investors and stakeholders to lower firm risk. Our findings are robust under several additional tests, e.g., propensity scores matching, instrument variable regression, and Heckman’s two-stage regression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct conversion of syngas to aromatics over metal oxide‐zeolite (OX‐ZEO) composite catalysts is a novel route for efficient utilization of carbon resources. To realize a high activity with considerable selectivity to aromatics and stability, the design of synergetic OX‐ZEO catalyst to meet complex kinetics still remains a great challenge. In this work, a synergetic dual‐oxide/zeolite catalyst was developed to tune the coupling between CO and H2 activation through active H species migration, by adopting ZnZrOx oxide with stable single‐layer Zn−O structure for H2 activation and CeZrOx oxide with abundant oxygen vacancies as the CO activation component. The ratio and the proximity of CeZrOx and ZnZrOx is essential for the catalyst activity and stability. The optimal catalyst 1CeZrOx‐2ZnZrOx/Z5@Si shows a superior catalytic performance with 75.6 % aromatics selectivity at a CO conversion as high as 57.5 %. After induction period, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability for 1100 h, keeping the high selectivity above 75 % with an average conversion of 43 %. This work will provide a new perspective to design a high performance and long‐life OX‐ZEO composite catalyst for direct conversion of syngas to high value chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermocline depth in the tropical Indian Ocean has experienced dramatic decadal variations in recent decades. Using analysis and reanalysis datasets, we find that the decadal thermocline depth anomalies show large seasonal differences. The seasonal differences are modulated by two major modes. The first mode shows a zonal dipole pattern, with opposite thermocline depth anomalies in the equatorial eastern Indian Ocean and western Indian Ocean, and is prominent in summer and winter. The second mode is characterized by marked thermocline depth anomalies in the southern Indian Ocean and is significant in spring and fall. The amplitude of the seasonal oscillation in these two modes has increased substantially in the twenty-first century. Their phase change is in good agreement with the observed thermocline depth anomalies in each season. The results also show that the seasonality of the decadal thermocline depth anomalies arises directly from surface wind variations within the Indian Ocean. The first mode is mainly caused by equatorial zonal wind anomalies. The second mode is dominated by local wind stress curl anomalies. These wind anomalies are both significantly correlated with the ENSO-like SST anomalies in the Pacific Ocean. The findings improve our understanding of the decadal thermocline anomalies, and will help to better evaluate their impact on seasonal phase-locked oceanic and atmospheric processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the rate of human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence after surgery in patients with cervical cancer, and to analyze the factors associated with HPV persistence and viral load after surgery. Medical records of women who underwent surgery for treatment of cervical cancer between 1 January 2018 and 30 June 2019 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with persistent HPV infection after 2 years of follow-up were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to determine the impact of various factors including patient age, menopausal status, parity, and surgical margin status on HPV persistence. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the factors that influenced postoperative HPV viral load. Altogether, 607 women were eligible for the final analysis. The persistence rates of HPV at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery were 17.3, 13.7, and 10.2 %, respectively. In univariate analysis, the factors that were predictive of the persistence of HPV infection were old age, postmenopausal status, and positive vaginal incision margin with cancer. In multivariate analysis, the significant independent predictive factors were postmenopausal status and positive vaginal incision margin with cancer (P < 0.05, odds ratio (OR) = 2.289, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.262–4.150 and OR = 3.271, 95 % CI: 1.253–8.537, respectively). A vaginal lesion with cancer or squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and positive vaginal incision margin influenced HPV viral load at 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). Postmenopausal patients and those with positive vaginal incision margin with cancer are at an increased risk of HPV persistence after surgical treatment for cervical cancer. Vaginal lesions with cancer or SILs and positive vaginal incision margin are risk factors for high HPV viral load after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We monitored the BL Lac object S5 0716+714 in four optical wavebands with four telescopes on 11 nights from 2012 to 2017. The object was active during most of those nights. It was brightest on 2012 November 7 with 11.720 mag in the I band and reached the faintest state on 2016 January 22 with 15.770 mag in the R band corresponding to ∼15.230 mag in the I band. Intraday variations in all bands were found on 6 d, while in partial bands on 3 d. Strong bluer-when-brighter chromatism was observed on 8 nights. Correlation analyses revealed interband time delays from 4 to 40 min in the intraday variability on 5 nights. Both hard and soft lags were observed in this object, indicating complicated emission process in the jet. The analysis on the interband time delays indicated that the radiative cooling may dominate the optical time lags in S5 0716+714 occasionally, but cannot be invoked as the sole explanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the original publication [[1]], errors were introduced in two pictures (Figure 5(A-2),(A-3)) in Figure 5 during the copyediting stage. Graph: nanomaterials-12-01880-g005b.tif Graph: nanomaterials-12-01880-g005c.tif Footnotes 1 B Publisher's Note: b MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Figure Graph: Figure 5 SEM pictures and the according diameter distribution of the SF nanofibers with SF concentrations of (A) 6 wt %; (B) 8 wt % and (C) 10 wt %, respectively. [Extracted from the article]

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural macromolecule material with good biocompatibility, which can be used to prepare a variety of biological materials. In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was applied to improve the properties of SF nanofibrous scaffolds (NFS) for skin tissue engineering applications. SF/HPMC NFS with varying weight ratios of SF: HPMC were prepared in batches by a modified free surface electrospinning. The effects of the varying weight ratio of SF: HPMC on the morphology, property and yield of SF/HPMC NFS were investigated. The results revealed that with the increase of HPMC contents, the hydrophilicity of SF/HPMC NFS would be improved, but the yield of that would decrease. Considering its effects on the morphology, property and yield of SF/HPMC NFS, the optimal weight ratio of SF: HPMC was 7:1. And SF/HPMC NFS with the weight ratio of 7:1 (SF/HPMC-7:1 NFS) had good mechanical property, hydrophilicity, porosity, swelling property and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). In addition, the viability test results of human umbilical vein endothelial cells demonstrated that SF/HPMC-7:1 NFS maintained excellent biocompatibility for cell adhesion and proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To analyze the pharmacological mechanism of the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) based on a network pharmacological approach of Shuang Di Shou Zhen Tablets (SDSZT) and to provide a new reference for the current lack of effective treatment of dry AMD. Methods. The main chemical constituents and their targets of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Ligustrum lucidum, Mori Fructus, Paeonia albiflora, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, Alisma orientale, Schisandra chinensis, Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Radix Rehmanniae were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID). The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine were screened according to Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME), the gene names of the targets of each active ingredient were obtained from the Uniprot database, the main targets of dry AMD were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET database, and the protein interaction analysis was performed on the String database. The Metascape database was used to analyze the "drug-component-target" and the biological processes and networks involved, and then, Cytoscape 3.8.1 was used to construct the " SDSZT component-dry AMD target-pathway" network. Results. The main active ingredients of SDSZT for dry AMD treatment are quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, β-glutamine, β-carotene, etc. And, the core targets are RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 (PTGS1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2), caspase-3 (CASP3), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit gamma isoform (PIK3CG), androgen receptor (AR), apoptosis regulator BAX (BAX), etc. The biological pathways for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration by SDSZT mainly act on pathways in cancer, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, and TNF signaling pathway, and the main function of SDSZT is to regulate intracellular cytokine receptor binding. Conclusion. This study initially reveals the multiconstituent, multitarget, and multipathway mechanism of action of SDSZT in the treatment of dry AMD and provides the basis for the clinical application of SDSZT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate interdecadal differences in the interannual variability of the South China Sea (SCS) Winter Monsoon (SCSWM) since 1950. The SCSWM is influenced by both the East Asian Winter Monsoon (EAWM) over the mid–high latitudes and the anomalous anticyclone over the western North Pacific (WNPAC). The EAWM tends to cause a positive linear correlation of wind speeds between the northern SCS (NSCS) and the southern SCS (SSCS). Because the cold surge of the EAWM can make wind speeds over the NSCS and SSCS increase simultaneously. While, the WNPAC tends to weaken this positive correlation (corNS) because anomalies associated with the WNPAC will decrease wind speeds over the NSCS but exert a small or even an opposite influence on wind speeds over the SSCS. The interannual variation of the EAWM before the late 1970s is greater than that after the early 1990s. And the WNPAC was weak and confined to the east of the SCS before the late 1970s but became strong and expanded towards the SCS after the early 1990s. As a result, the positive corNS was significant at the 95% confidence level before the late 1970s but became insignificant after the early 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the combination of novel carbon material graphynes (GYs) and superalkalis (OM3), a class of GY superalkali complexes, OM3+@(GY/GDY/GTY)− (M = Li, Na, and K), has been designed and investigated using the density functional theory method. Computational results reveal that these complexes with high stability can be regarded as novel superalkali salts of GYs due to electron transfer from OM3 to GYs. For second‐order nonlinear optical response, these superalkali salts exhibit large first hyperpolarizabilities (β0). Two essential effects on β0 values are found, namely, the atomic number of alkali atom in superalkali and the pore size of GY. Integrating the two effects, the selected combination of OLi3 with large pore size graphtrigne (GTY) can lead to a considerable β0 value (6.5 × 105 au), which is a new record for superatom‐doped GYs. In the resulting complex, the OLi3 unit is located at the center of the pore of GTY, forming a planar structure with the highest stability among these salts. Besides large β0 values, these superalkali salts of GYs have a deep‐ultraviolet working region; hence, they can be considered a kind of high‐performance deep‐ultraviolet NLO molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depth variation diagrams of Co, Ni, and Co/Ni in pyrite from different depths of the skarn iron deposit in Zhuchong deposit. [Display omitted] • The enrichment position and occurrence state of cobalt in the Zhuchong skarn Fe deposit were studied. • Reveal the cobalt partitioning behavior in pyrite of skarn environments. • Address substitution mechanisms and their controlling factors of cobalt. • Estimate the present economic sulfide phase cobalt resources by evaluating cobalt resources of different mineral phase in the deposit. Global Cobalt (Co) is mainly mined from sediment-hosted, magmatic sulfide, or laterite deposits, but rarely in skarns. The Middle-Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt (MLYB), eastern China, is an important skarn iron ore producer, where skarn iron deposits are often associated with Co. The Zhuchong iron deposit is a typical high-grade skarn iron deposit with Co enrichment in this belt. This deposit contains 50 Mt Fe ore @50.1 %, 4.3 Mt Cu ore @1.15 %, and ∼ 10000 t Co metal with an average grade of 0.019 %. In this study, the distribution and enrichment of Co at Zhuchong were investigated by detailed petrographic observations, mineral geochemistry, and whole-rock major and trace element data. Our results indicate that Co contents in the ore and gangue minerals at Zhuchong follow these trend: pyrite (median = 2138 ppm) > pyrrhotite (705 ppm) > sphalerite (352 ppm) > magnetite (72.1 ppm) > diopside (42.5 ppm) > chalcopyrite (3.11 ppm) > garnet (1.23 ppm). The negative correlation between Co + Ni and Fe in pyrite suggests that the incorporation of Co into pyrite can be achieved by the substitution mechanism of 2Fe2+ ↔ Co2+ + Ni2+. Depth profile analysis reveals that the Co-enriched pyrite is mainly developed in the contact zone between the diorite pluton and the skarn iron ore body. Pyrite far from the pluton has lowered Co contents ranging from several to hundreds ppm. This study highlights that the enrichment of Co in pyrite at Zhuchong is probably temperature-dependent. Co/Ni ratios of pyrite range from 0.01 to 10000, and where pyrrhotite occurs the ratios increase. Additionally, Our results establish pyrite as the primary carrier of Co at the Zhuchong deposit, contributing approximately 5000 tons of Co. Pyrrhotite and magnetite account for about a quarter proportion of total Co reserves, respectively. Our study emphasizes that finding out the Co-rich location and its occurrence nature of the deposit is of great significance for the recovery and utilization of Co in skarn iron deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The syenite of the Yangyugou was formed in the early Silurian (438.9 ± 3.3 Ma). • Barytocalcite is the main carrier of REE and Ba at the Yangyugou REE deposit. • The Yangyugou complex may have originated from Ba-rich fluid metasomatic lithospheric mantle. The Qinling Orogenic Belt (Central China) is a world-class rare earth element (REE) metallogenic belt in which REE deposits are mainly hosted by alkaline rocks and/or carbonatites. The newly discovered Yangyugou REE deposit, hosted by alkaline complexes in this belt, is unusual because the REE mineralization mainly takes the form of Ba- and REE-bearing minerals, such as barytocalcite. In this study, we present whole-rock major and trace elements, zircon geochronology, Hf isotopes, and mineral geochemistry to investigate the enrichment of REE and Ba and origin of this deposit. The REE-bearing alkaline complex at the Yangyugou deposit consists of syenite and carbonatite. Carbonatite exhibits higher concentrations of REE and Ba compared to syenite. The concentrations of REE and BaO in the carbonatite can be up to 6214 ppm and 22.4 wt%, respectively, and exhibit a positive correlation. The carbonatite contains numerous Ba-rich minerals, primarily comprising barytocalcite and a smaller amount of bazirite. The REE concentrations of barytocalcite range from 3059 to 10032 ppm, and the Ba concentration can be as high as 37.4 wt%. The barytocalcite is the primary carrier of REE and Ba in the Yangyugou carbonatite. Zircons from the syenite have a 206Pb/238U weighted mean age of 438.9 ± 3.3 Ma (MSWD = 1.08). The ε Hf(t) values of these zircons range from −8.28 to −3.17, with two-stage Hf model ages of 1.61–1.93 Ga. Apatite from the syenite has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70906 to 0.70984. Our study indicates that syenite-carbonatite complex was probably derived from the enriched mantle that has been metasomatized by a Ba-rich fluid, and that the early Silurian alkaline magmatism may be related to the opening of the Erlangping back-arc basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A SiO 2 nano-interphase was built to enhance the water resistance of Jute/PP composites. • The water absorption mechanism of the composites was studied at multiple scales. • The composites exhibit superior resistance to ageing in wet conditions. Natural fiber reinforced composites are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials in various industrial applications. However, their long-term performance under outdoor conditions is adversely affected by moisture absorption and interface failure. In this study, we design a SiO 2 nano-interphase between the jute fibers (Jute) and polypropylene (PP) to prevent the composites (Jute-SiO 2 /PP composites) against the interface failure caused by water absorption under wet conditions. Combining molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, microstructure characterization and macroscopic water absorption test, we elaborate on the underlying mechanism of water absorption for Jute-SiO 2 /PP composites at multi-scale levels. MD simulations reveal that the SiO 2 /PP interface and the Jute-SiO 2 interface, with their strong interlocking of molecular chains and polar interaction, respectively, effectively protect the composites from water diffusion at molecular level. Moreover, SiO 2 nano-interphase with the array structure provides superior shielding against water ingress into the composites at micro level. The cooperation of the strong molecular structure and the unique microstructure for Jute-SiO 2 /PP interphase results in enhanced water resistance and dimensional stability of the composites. The water uptake and the thickness swelling of Jute-SiO 2 /PP composites are reduced by 3.6% and 3.0%, respectively. Our study offers new insights into leveraging sustainable biomaterials in moisture-prone applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic reconnection is believed to play an important role in the release and conversion of energy among magnetized plasma systems. So far, we have been unable to understand under what conditions magnetic reconnection can take place. Based on observations from the New Vacuum Solar Telescope and the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), we study 16 magnetic reconnection events, and each event has a clear X-type configuration consisting of two sets of atmospheric structures. We focus on 38 footpoints that are relevant to these structures and can be clearly determined. By using SDO/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager line-of-sight magnetograms, we track the field evolution of these footpoints. Prior to the occurrence of magnetic reconnection, the associated fields at the footpoints underwent convergence and shear motions, and thus became enhanced and complex. During the converging period, the rates of increase of the mean magnetic flux densities (MFDs) at these footpoints are 0.03–0.25 hr−1. While the unsigned mean MFDs are 70–300 G, magnetic reconnection in the solar atmosphere takes place. Subsequently, the photospheric fields of these footpoints diffuse and weaken, with rates of decrease of the MFDs from 0.03 to 0.18 hr−1. These results suggest that, due to the photospheric dynamical evolution at the footpoints, the footpoint MFDs increase from a small value to a large one, and the corresponding atmospheric magnetic fields become complicated and nonpotential; then reconnection happens and it releases the accumulated magnetic field energy. Our study supports the conjecture that magnetic reconnection releases free magnetic energy stored in the nonpotential fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates passive synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation using Terrestrial Digital Video Broadcast (DVB-T) transmitters of opportunity and an airborne receiver. The proposed airborne system does not use separate channels for direct and reflected signal reception. The proposed image formation algorithm suppresses artifacts due to the presence of the direct signal in radar echo data using modified CLEAN method and accounts for unknown irregularities in airborne platform motion using a map-drift autofocus (MDA) technique. The algorithms are theoretically derived and experimentally confirmed via an appropriate airborne campaign, and their experimental performance is measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • U-Pb dating returned a Middle Devonian formation age for the Jinjiazhuang gold deposit, North China craton. • Gold mineralization at Jinjiazhuang was synchronous with the emplacement of the Da'nanshan alkaline complex. • Jinjiazhuang can be classified as an alkaline intrusion-related gold deposit. • Other Devonian alkaline complexes along the Fengning-Longhua fault present priority exploration targets. The northern margin of the North China craton (NCC) is adjacent to the Central Asian orogenic belt. The region underwent arc-continental collision during the Middle Paleozoic, oceanic plate subduction and closure during the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic, and tectonic reactivation during the Late Mesozoic. The Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic and Late Mesozoic tectonothermal events formed numerous gold deposits along the northern margin of the NCC. However, until now, it was unclear whether any gold mineralization formed during the Middle Paleozoic arc-continental collision. The Jinjiazhuang gold deposit is located in the Zhang–Xuan district at the center of the northern margin of the NCC. Gold mineralization is structurally controlled by NWW-SEE-striking faults cutting the Xiaozhangjiakou ultramafic intrusion and Da'nanshan alkaline complex, which exhibit zircon U-Pb ages of 400 ± 5 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.3) and 389 ± 3 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.8), respectively. Petrographic and geochemical data for titanite, garnet, and zircon grains from Jinjiazhuang gold ores indicate that these minerals have a hydrothermal origin and coprecipitated with the gold. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses of the hydrothermal titanite, garnet, and zircon grains yielded reproducible U-Pb dates of 383 ± 12 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.4), 392 ± 2 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 0.79), and 391 ± 3 Ma (2σ, MSWD = 1.4), respectively. These new data suggest that the Jinjiazhuang gold deposit formed in the Middle Devonian and was coeval with the emplacement of the Da'nanshan alkaline complex, the genesis of which is related to post-collisional extension across the Bainaimiao island arc and NCC. The recognition of Middle Devonian gold mineralization related to alkaline complexes is of great significance for targeting similar gold deposits along the Fengning–Longhua fault, along which numerous Middle Devonian alkaline intrusions are located. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Porous titanium-coated UHMWPE for joint prostheses were developed via hot-pressing. • BMP-2 and vancomycin were co-functionalized on Ti-coated UHMWPE. • Biofunctionalized UHMWPE promoted cell adhesion and inhibited biofilm formation. • Surface bio-functionalized UHMWPE acetabular cup promoted bone integration in vivo. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a common material for artificial joint linings, lacks appropriate bioactivity and antibacterial property, which could lead to prosthetic loosening and infections after surgery. Herein, a biofunctionalized UHMWPE material was developed by constructing a firmly bonded porous titanium layer on UHMWPE surface through hot-pressing. The micron-scale titanium surface was then activated by tannic acid treatment, and co-immobilized with Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and vancomycin. Scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing, contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, and infrared spectrometry confirmed the successful construction of the coatings on UHMWPE without causing obvious oxidative degradation. The biofunctionalized UHMWPE surface significantly promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, and inhibited bacterial formation in vitro and in vivo. A preliminary in vivo study of canine hip replacement showed that the UHMWPE acetabular cup with the coating had good biocompatibility and promoted new bone formation and integration. These findings support the use of biofunctionalized UHMWPE as promising materials for artificial joint prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nanofibers with Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) as the core and Polylactic acid (PLA) as the shell materials were prepared via coaxial electrospinning. The in vivo animal experiment showed that PLA/γ-PGA core-shell nanofiber membranes was conducive to wound repair, which suggested a promising and dependable material for tissue engineering and wound healing. • The core-shell nanofibers was prepared via coaxial electrospinning. • The in vitro cell culture study showed favorable biocompatibility of nanofibers. • The biodegradable core-shell nanofiber membrane could be used as in biological tissue engineering scaffolds. The repair process in wound healing is vital and complicated, which brings great challenge to researchers. Tissue engineering scaffolds provide a realizable approach for wound repair. In this study, nanofibers with Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) as the core and Polylactic acid (PLA) as the shell materials were prepared via coaxial electrospinning. The effect of flow rate on the structure and diameter of the core-shell nanofibers was investigated. The microstructure and morphology of the core-shell nanofibers were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In laser scanning confocal microscopy experiments (LSCM), core-shell nanofibers loaded with rhodamine and coumarin-6 were excited with red and green light respectively to further investigate the structure of core-shell nanofibers. The hydrophobicity and degradation of core-shell nanofibers were studied by water contact angle test and degradation performance test experiments. The in vitro cell culture study showed favorable biocompatibility of nanofibers. The in vivo animal experiment showed that PLA/γ-PGA core-shell nanofiber membrane was conducive to wound repair, where more than 90% re-epithelialization was observed. It suggested a promising and dependable material for tissue engineering and wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Based on the density functional theory calculations, the BP-(B 3 N 3) n and Li@BP-(B 3 N 3) n (BP = biphenylene, n = 1–4) systems, were designed for the first time and explored the effects of Li doping and B 3 N 3 substitution on their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. We find that, when the carbon rings are replaced by B 3 N 3 units in the biphenylene, systems of enhanced static hyperpolarizabilities (β 0) are delivered. And the position and the number of B 3 N 3 unit have an important effect on the β 0 value. Moreover, when one Li atom is adsorbed on the surface of B 3 N 3 -substituted BP, the β 0 values of these systems are further dramatically enhanced to 2.24 × 104–1.42 × 106 au. The further investigations show that small transition energy is the decisive factor for their large β 0 values. Specially, these Li-doped compounds exhibits high stability and excellent infrared (IR) transparency. These findings might provide valuable insights into the design of novel high-performance NLO materials based on BP flake. Highlights • The position and the number of B 3 N 3 unit have large influence on β 0 of BP-(B 3 N 3) n. • Li atom can further enhance the NLO response of the B 3 N 3 -substituted biphenylene. • The β 0 values of Li@BP-(B 3 N 3) n are much larger than those of Li@BP systems. • Absorption spectra shows that Li-doped molecules can be used as IR NLO materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising alternative for the large‐scale energy storage owing to the natural abundance of sodium. However, the practical application of SIBs is still hindered by the low working voltage, poor rate performance, and insufficient cycling stability. A sodium‐ion based full battery using a multi‐ion design is now presented. The optimized full batteries delivered a high working voltage of about 4.0 V, which is the best result of reported sodium‐ion full batteries. Moreover, this multi‐ion battery exhibited good rate performance up to 30 C and a high capacity retention of 95 % over 500 cycles at 5 C. Although the electrochemical performance of this multi‐ion battery may be further enhanced via optimizing electrolyte and electrode materials for example, the results presented clearly indicate the feasibility of this multi‐ion strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of SIBs for possible energy storage applications. Two ions in the fire: A multi‐ion strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of sodium‐ion full batteries is presented. The optimized sodium‐ion‐based multi‐ion battery achieves a high working voltage of about 4.0 V, superior rate capability (up to 30 C; capacity retention: 87 %), and long cycling stability over 500 cycles at 5 C (capacity retention: 95 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are a promising alternative for the large‐scale energy storage owing to the natural abundance of sodium. However, the practical application of SIBs is still hindered by the low working voltage, poor rate performance, and insufficient cycling stability. A sodium‐ion based full battery using a multi‐ion design is now presented. The optimized full batteries delivered a high working voltage of about 4.0 V, which is the best result of reported sodium‐ion full batteries. Moreover, this multi‐ion battery exhibited good rate performance up to 30 C and a high capacity retention of 95 % over 500 cycles at 5 C. Although the electrochemical performance of this multi‐ion battery may be further enhanced via optimizing electrolyte and electrode materials for example, the results presented clearly indicate the feasibility of this multi‐ion strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of SIBs for possible energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising paradigm for drug administration that has garnered increasing attention in recent years is the direct transfer (DT) of nanoparticles for transcellular drug delivery. DT requires direct cell-cell contact and facilitates unidirectional and bidirectional matter exchange between neighboring cells. Consequently, DT enables fast and deep penetration of drugs into the targeted tissues. This comprehensive review discusses the direct transfer concept, which can be delineated into the following three distinct modalities: membrane contact-direct transfer, gap junction-mediated direct transfer (GJ-DT), and tunneling nanotubes-mediated direct transfer (TNTs-DT). Further, the intercellular structures for each modality of direct transfer and their respective merits and demerits are summarized. The review also discusses the recent progress on the drugs or drug delivery systems that could activate DT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical application of superhydrophobic coatings on glass is usually restricted by their poor wear resistance due to the insufficient adhesion. A double-silica-layered structure was proposed to reinforce the coating adhesion on glass substrate. The wettability, surface morphologies, and chemical composition were investigated by water contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The prepared superhydrophobic coating displays a good wear-resistance by emery paper and sand abrasion, which also has excellent thermal stability and UV resistance. This strategy shows a bright future for durable superhydrophobic coating on glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel quinoline derivatives containing perfluoropropanyl moiety were designed and synthesized. The bioassay results showed that some of them exhibited good control efficacy against Pyricularia oryae. The fungicidal activity was affected by the substituted position in the molecule. It was found that the compound 3n possessed highest control effect against P. oryae at different concentration. It is better than that of control Tebufloquin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is always a tradeoff between the resolution and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in confocal microscopy. In particular, the pinhole size is very important for maintaining a balance between them. In this paper, we propose a method for improving the lateral resolution and image SNR in confocal microscopy without making any changes to the hardware. By using the fluorescence emission difference (FED) approach, we divide the images acquired by different pinhole sizes into one image acquired by the central pinhole and several images acquired by ring-shaped pinholes. Then, they are added together with the deconvolution method. Simulation and experimental results for fluorescent particles and cells show that our method can achieve a far better resolution than a large pinhole and a higher SNR than a small pinhole. Moreover, our method can improve the performance of classic confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to a certain extent, especially CLSM with a continuously variable pinhole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an integrated dual-ion battery design is reported with active materials, current collectors, and separator, assembled in one flexible component. An aluminum film is deposited directly onto one side of the 3D porous glass fiber separator to form a porous anode. Cathode active materials are loaded on the other side of the separator with aluminum film deposited on the top as current collector. This design demonstrates ultrafast charge/discharge rate up to 120 C while maintaining high capacity of 116.1 mA h g−1. Moreover, long-term stability of over 1500 cycles at a high rate of 60 C is achieved. The estimated energy density remains as high as 232.6 W h kg−1 at an ultrahigh power density of 22634.5 W kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrasubstituted imidazoles were synthesized in high yields via the four-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, amines, substituted benzils and ammonium acetate catalyzed by a porous CeO nanorod. Their anti-cancer activities on the Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cell and antibacterial activities on four bacterial species (wild-type Escherichia coli, wild-type Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAM1032 and Escherichia coli-NMD-1) in vitro were evaluated. One compound ( 5p) was screened out because of its high inhibition rate on all four bacterials at 100 μg/mL. Three products ( 5p, 5t and 5y) showed a high inhibition rate on the Huh-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cell at 10 μg/mL. The results indicated their potential in new drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four microscopy resolution enhancement methods based on parallel detection were investigated in this study: confocal microscopy with four pinhole sizes, fluorescence emission difference microscopy (FED) based on parallel detection, Airyscan microscopy, and virtual k-vector modulation optical microscopy (Vikmom). These methods use different algorithms to process parallel detection data and achieve resolution improvement. We investigated these methods first by performing simulations and then experimentally. In this report, the basic theories of these methods are briefly introduced. Then, analyses and comparisons of their imaging performances, especially in terms of resolution improvement, imaging speed, and signal-to-noise ratio, are presented. Finally, the results of our comparative study are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ferroelectric control of magnetization is achieved at the van der Walls interface of ferroelectric PVDF and 3 d metal-absorbed graphene. • Ferroelectric switch can effectively tune the easy magnetization axis in the Ni bridge-adsorbed graphene. • The underlying mechanism of control of magnetism is analyzed at the atomic orbital level. • Interface electronic structure between PVDF and magnetized graphene was revealed. Electric control of magnetism has significant application prospect in magnetic storage. In this work, first-principles calculations are carried out to study the ferroelectric control of magnetism of the 3 d transition metal (TM = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, or Ni)-adsorbed graphene monolayers by using an organic ferroelectric poly(vinylidene-fluoride) (PVDF). Although we observe the ferroelectric control of the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) of all the studied 3 d transition metal atoms, the flip of the easy magnetization axis is only achieved in the case of Ni adsorption. When the Ni atom is adsorbed at the bridge site on the graphene monolayer, the easy axis of magnetization would undergo a transition from out-of-plane (MAE = 0.07 meV/atom) to in-plane (MAE = −0.23 meV/atom) when the polarization turns down to up. As a result, the study of Ni is particularly highlighted, and the underlying mechanism is discussed by second-order perturbation theories. We provide a means to realize electric control of the magnetism of graphene, which will facilitate relevant experimental and theoretical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia are widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS), where they aid in the maintenance of neuronal function and perform key auxiliary roles in phagocytosis, neural repair, immunological control, and nutrition delivery. Microglia in the undamaged spinal cord is in a stable state and serve as immune monitors. In the event of spinal cord injury (SCI), severe changes in the microenvironment and glial scar formation lead to axonal regeneration failure. Microglia participates in a series of pathophysiological processes and behave both positive and negative consequences during this period. A deep understanding of the characteristics and functions of microglia can better identify therapeutic targets for SCI. Technological innovations such as single-cell RNA sequencing (Sc-RNAseq) have led to new advances in the study of microglia heterogeneity throughout the lifespan. Here,We review the updated studies searching for heterogeneity of microglia from the developmental and pathological state, survey the activity and function of microglia in SCI and explore the recent therapeutic strategies targeting microglia in the CNS injury. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we investigated magnetostructural transition behavior in Mn-rich Heusler Mn 50− x Fe x Ni 41 In 9 ( x =0, 1, 2, 3 at%) ribbon materials. Microstructural observations showed that substituting Mn with Fe in Mn 50 Ni 41 In 9 led to striking grain refinement from ∼50 μm to 5–10 μm, and formation of a secondary phase when Fe content was increased up to 2 at%. Differential scanning calorimetric and thermomagnetic measurements indicated that a paramagnetic→ferromagnetic transition in austenite occurred first, followed with a weak-magnetic martensitic transition upon cooling for the Mn 50− x Fe x Ni 41 In 9 ( x =0, 1, 2). In case of Mn 47 Fe 3 Ni 41 In 9 , the martensitic transformation happened between paramagnetic austenite and weak-magnetic martensite, without the presence of the magnetic transition in austenite. The effective refrigeration capacity of Mn 49 Fe 1 Ni 41 In 9 reached 137.1 J kg −1 under a magnetic field change of 30 kOe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling between sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface wind speed over mesoscale eddies in the South China Sea (SCS) was studied using satellite measurements. Positive correlations between SST anomalies (SSTA) and wind speed anomalies were found over both cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies. In contrast to the open oceans, the spatial patterns of the coupling over mesoscale eddies in the SCS depend largely on the seasonal variations of the background SST gradient, wind speed, and wind directional steadiness. In summer, the maximum SSTA location coincides with the center of eddy-induced sea surface height anomalies. In winter, the eddy-induced SSTA show a clear dipole pattern. The spatial patterns of wind speed anomalies over eddies are similar to those of the SSTA in both seasons. Wind speed anomalies are linearly correlated with SSTA over anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies. The coupling coefficients between SSTA and wind speed anomalies in the SCS are comparable to those in the open oceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified high-pressure optical zone-melting technique was adopted to grow a rare-earth-based LaFe 11 Si 2 crystal in the present work. Dual-phase coupled microstructure was obtained where aligned α (Fe) phase distributed in the La(Fe,Si) 13 matrix. Magnetic measurements showed that the produced crystal underwent a second-order magnetic transition in the vicinity of 250 K. Under a magnetic field change of 30 kOe, the refrigeration capacity ( RC ) of the produced crystal reached up to 162 J/kg. It was confirmed that zone-melting crystal growth technique is an effective approach to strikingly enhance the magnetocaloric effect of La–Fe–Si refrigeration materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric thin films with switchable polarization and anomalous photoelectric effects have received extensive attention recently. However, the improvement of photoelectric performance is accompanied by the weakening of ferroelectricity. Here, both chemical and interlayer design are used to regulate the polarization and optical properties of BiFeO 3 -based ferroelectric films. We achieved an improvement in both ferroelectricity and bandgap by chemical composition. The remanent polarization has been enhanced to 73.8 μC/cm2 from 0.2 μC/cm2, ascribed to the structural transition. The band gap of Eu-BiFeO 3 films has been reduced to 2.23 eV from 2.42 eV due to the unique energy level from Eu 4 f , indicating the enhanced visible-light-absorbing capability. We have designed a "sandwich" interfacial structure of homogeneous Eu-BiFeO 3 films. A clever combination between optimal ferroelectricity and narrow band gap with near Eu contents of BFO films would generate an interfacial layer with a homogeneous gradient component, which should favor the switching of ferroelectric domains. The results show that the remanent polarization improved by 17 % to 86.2 μC/cm2 while the band gap has also improved. Intriguingly, the short-circuit current density (J sc) and open circuit (V oc) of the photovoltaic signal of the optimal films are 89.0 nA and 0.412 V, respectively. This provides a simple and intelligent way to design the ferroelectric-photoelectric thin films and lays the foundation for optical information storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated ozone (O3) can affect the susceptivity of plants to rust pathogens. However, the collective role of microbiomes involved in such interaction remains largely elusive. We exposed two cultivated poplar clones exhibiting differential O3 sensitivities, to non‐filtered ambient air (NF), NF + 40 ppb or NF + 60 ppb O3‐enriched air in field open‐top chambers and then inoculated Melampsora larici‐populina urediniospores to study their response to rust infection and to investigate how microbiomes inhabiting four compartments (phyllosphere, rhizosphere, root endosphere, bulk soil) are involved in this response. We found that hosts with higher O3 sensitivity had significantly lower rust severity than hosts with lower sensitivity. Furthermore, the effect of increased O3 on the diversity and composition of microbial communities was highly dependent on poplar compartments, with the microbial network complexity patterns being completely opposite between the two clones. Notably, microbial source analysis estimated that phyllosphere fungal communities predominately derived from root endosphere and vice versa, suggesting a potential transmission mechanism between plant above‐ and below‐ground systems. These promising results suggest that further investigations are needed to better understand the interactions of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant performance and the role of the microbiome in driving these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr-doped ZnO was synthesized by using a low-temperature co-precipitation technique producing ZnCrO nanoparticles. The effects of the Cr concentration (0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07) on the structural, optical, and magnetic properties of ZnO were investigated by first-principles calculations, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, the optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and magnetization measurements. The results show that Cr atoms are substituted for Zn ions successfully. The Cr ions exhibited + 3 valence state other than + 2 valence state, which is supported by the fact of high-spin configurations of Cr ions in the first-principle calculations. X-ray diffraction confirms that the samples have a single-phase wurtzite structure with the main crystal size decreases with increasing dopant concentration. This decrease occurs due to the small ionic radius of Cr ions in compared to Zn ions. The morphology on the surface shows further that the samples had a spherical shape with an average particle size of 75 nm. The optical band gap of ZnO nanoparticles varies with Cr doping, which is attributed to the s- d and p interaction. Introducing Cr into ZnO induces a strong magnetic moment. The estimated that the effective magnetic moment is very close to the magnetic moment obtained from total energy calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]