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The field observation of 54 non-methane hydrocarbon compounds (NMHCs) was conducted from September 1 to October 20 in 2020 during autumn in Haidian District, Beijing. The mean concentration of total NMHCs was 29.81 ± 11.39 ppbv during this period, and alkanes were the major components. There were typical festival effects of NMHCs with lower concentration during the National Day. Alkenes and aromatics were the dominant groups in ozone formation potential (OFP) and OH radical loss rate (L OH). The positive matrix factorization (PMF) running results revealed that vehicular exhaust became the biggest source in urban areas, followed by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage, solvent usage, and fuel evaporation. The box model coupled with master chemical mechanism (MCM) was applied to study the impacts of different NMHCs sources on ozone (O 3) formation in an O 3 episode. The simulation results indicated that reducing NMHCs concentration could effectively suppress O 3 formation. Moreover, reducing traffic-related emissions of NMHCs was an effective way to control O 3 pollution at an urban site in Beijing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To efficiently explore the influence of Fe content on the phase stability of the multicomponent CoCrFexNiMn (hereafter abbreviated as Fex) alloys. A diffusion layer with continuous, concentration gradient of Fe element is created based on diffusion couple technique. The microstructure and element distribution of the diffusion bonded layer between Fe0.2 and Fe16 alloys are analyzed. A new layer of FCC and HCP solid solution phases generates in the diffusion zone, which is consistent with the prediction of parametric approach and phase diagram calculation. As diffusion proceeds, the FCC phase is transformed from the BCC phase with the decreasing of Fe content and the HCP phase might be the transitional phase during this transition. The newly formed FCC and HCP phases are shown specific orientation relationships with the BCC phase. Elemental analysis indicated that the diffusion rate of the alloy components in the FCC phase is Cr > Mn > Co > Ni. The large concentration gradient in the diffuse interface and grain boundaries diffusion of BCC phase promoted the Fe diffusion, causing the BCC phase to transform into FCC phase. • The reliable joint of Fe0.2 and Fe16 alloys is achieved by diffusion bonding method. • Newly formed FCC and HCP phases obey the classical Burgers OR with BCC phase. • Compared with Fe16, the diffusion of Fe0.2 is insufficient during diffusion bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of tin-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is a promising approach to meet the demand of eco-friendly, lead-free perovskite photovoltaics. Limited to the poor chemical stability of tin perovskites, tin-based PSCs usually have to be fabricated with an inverted device structure and both the device efficiency and stability are highly dependent on the selection of hole transport materials (HTMs). Here, we report the synthesis of inorganic nickel oxide (NiOx) nanoparticles (NPs) via a soft base precipitation method, which enables us to obtain highly dispersed NiOx NPs over a wide pH window. The as-prepared NiOx NPs are employed as the HTM for formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) PSCs, resulting in excellent device efficiency (∼8%) and stability (1200 h). Our study offers a facile strategy for mass production of NiOx NPs and easy access to efficient and robust inorganic HTMs that could further boost the development of high performance tin-based PSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliable phase formation rule is demanded for high entropy alloys' (HEAs) design and property regulation. Previous studies reveal the significant roles of thermodynamic and geometrical parameters in predicting phase structures of HEAs, whereas an accurate criterion is still not available. Herein, taking the most extensively studied Al‐containing HEAs as research object, two alloying parameters, i.e., d‐orbital energy level (Md) and bond order (Bo), combining with valence electron concentration (VEC) and atomic size difference (δ), are introduced to explore the phase stability of Al‐containing HEAs. The results indicate that single FCC solid solution tends to form in the range of δ below 4.5%, ordered phases (such as B2 and intermetallics) are more likely to be produced when the Md value of the alloy is beyond 1.06, and the FCC + BCC dual‐phase structures are mainly concentrated in the region of δ > 4.5% and Md < 1.06. The Md–δ criterion provides a reliable criterion of phase stability and a good guidance in alloy design for Al‐containing HEAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of smart concretes with self-sensing properties has gained increasing attention recently. In this study, the effect of different precursors, including blast furnace slag, fly ash, silica fume, and metakaolin, on the electrical conductivity and piezoresistive properties of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) with and without carbon fiber (CF) was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the electrical and self-sensing properties of AAMs were significantly influenced by the raw materials, both with and without carbon fiber. However, distinct trends were observed. The use of silica fume (25 wt%) was beneficial to the self-sensing property of CF-AAM mortars. Mixtures containing fly ash and pure slag exhibited higher sensitivity but with reduced repeatability of the piezoresistivity. Due to the poor dispersion of carbon fibers, as well as the porous microstructure, mixtures with metakaolin had poorer conductivity and piezoresistivity. AAM mortars had evident piezoresistivity under cyclic loading, but their stability was inferior to that of AAM with carbon fibers. The pore size distribution and gel pore quantity of the binder phase were important factors determining the conductive and piezoresistive properties of CF-AAM mortars. • AAM mortars without carbon fiber presented evident piezoresistivity but with poor stability. • The use of silica fume was beneficial to the self-sensing property of CF-AAM. • Mixtures with metakaolin had poorer conductivity and piezoresistivity. • The pore size distribution and gel pore quantity were important for the conductivity of CF-AAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-methane hydrocarbon compounds (NMHCs) paly the leading role in the formation of ozone (O 3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA), which can affect severely global climate change, air quality, and human health. NMHCs pollution became a meaningful and crucial research topic in Beijing. From the Eleventh Five-Year Plan to the present, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have received widespread and great attention in environmental governance, especially the NMHCs. Due to successive stages to control air pollution, the concentration of NMHCs has dropped gradually nearly three years in Beijing. In this study, 54 NMHCs was measured from March 1 to March 30 in 2021. The mean concentration of NMHCs was 33.54 ± 16.69 ppbv during the whole observation period. The mean concentration of NMHCs was 40.69 ± 17.09 ppbv during the haze days, which was greater than non-haze days (26.68 ± 12.75 ppbv). Alkenes, alkanes, aromatics, and acetylene accounted for 34.22%, 33.02%, 32.60%, and 016% in total ozone formation potential (OFP), respectively. Aromatics accounted for 96.61% in total secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP). All the sources of NMHCs (except for fuel evaporation) made non-negligible contribution to O 3 formation. Solvent usage and gasoline exhaust contributed 52.19%, which were the largest contributor to SOAP. Therefore, Beijing should focus on the NMHCs pollution caused by the local emission (especially solvent usage and gasoline exhaust) to control and solve secondary pollution further in this study. • Characteristics and sources of NMHCs are studied in typical secondary transformation. • NMHCs sources are identified by positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. • The mixed source of solvent usage and gasoline exhaust is the greatest contributors to OFP and SOAP. • Beijing should focus on the NMHCs pollution caused by the local emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The optical transfer function (OTF) can be used to evaluate the performance of optical imaging systems comprehensively and objectively. However, current method of determining an OTF is based on analyzing the imaging process in the spatial domain and combining the Fourier transform. For this issue, replacing optical rays by waves, we studied the lens imaging process of a cosine-fringe pattern and obtained the OTF of the lens without using the Fourier transform. First of all, we analyzed the properties of the light waves emitted from the cosine-fringe pattern. Then according to the lens' parameters and the use conditions, the quantity and quality of the coherent waves collected and utilized by the lens were analyzed, and the parameters of the cosine-fringe pattern on the image plane were obtained. Finally, the method of investigation of OTFs for ideal lens and aberrant lens without using Fourier transform was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an indoor visible light localization system based on improved chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) is proposed to achieve indoor 3-D positioning. In the field of visible light positioning, most of the localization is two-dimensional positioning under the condition of height determined. In addition, some three-dimensional visible light localization systems use a hybrid algorithm that greatly improves the computational complexity of the system, or requires the user to first provide a better initial point for three-dimensional positioning, which can’t be applied to life well. In order to solve the problems in the field of VLP, this paper proposes an indoor visible light positioning system based on improved chaotic particle swarm optimization. In this paper, the chaos algorithm is firstly used in the visible light positioning area. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm combines chaos algorithm and particle swarm optimization algorithm, and obtains a high positioning accuracy in the simulation space of 3 m × 3 m × 4m. Chaos optimization algorithm can make use of visible light indoor positioning system to achieve the positioning accuracy greatly, and join the particle swarm algorithm can offset the slow convergence of the chaos algorithm. The simulation results show that the visible light positioning system based on CPSO algorithm can achieve the average error of less than 1.4 cm, and the positioning accuracy of 96.6% sampling points can reach within 3.55 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dual-phase AlCoCr 0.5 Fe x Ni 2.5 (x = 0.5, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were prepared and annealed at 600 °C for 50 h to better understand the phase stability at intermediate-temperature and their mechanical behaviors. The results revealed that a FCC-to-BCC phase transformation was occurred during annealing. The defined thermodynamic parameters (Ω) and atomic size difference (δ) attempted to explain the phase stability of HEAs. The HEAs with higher Ω and lower δ tend to exhibit better thermal stability under the intermediate temperature. The mechanical properties mainly depended on the fractions of each phase. The increased fraction of BCC/B2 phase and the optimization of phase distribution in the Fe x alloys were the major factors improving the mechanical properties. The deformation inconsistency of dual-phase structure brought back stress hardening, enhancing both strain hardening capability and uniform elongation of the alloys. The strength of AlCoCr 0.5 Fe 2.5 Ni 2.5 alloy was obviously improved without losing the plasticity undergoing the long-term annealing, showing a promising potential for engineering material applied in intermediate-temperature environments. • A FCC-to-BCC phase transformation was occurred in Fex alloys during annealing. • The higher Ω and lower δ of HEAs might be helpful to enhance the thermal stability. • The increased BCC phase and optimized structure enhanced the mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object: Duck enteritis virus (DEV) is a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae viruses. VP16 and pUL14 are both predicted to be tegument proteins of DEV. Methods: An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was performed for preliminary analysis of the colocalization of pUL14 and VP16, which detected their subcellular localization in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs) during virus replication. The coexpression of pUL14 and VP16 was detected in transfected DEFs. A bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay was used to confirm a direct interaction between pUL14 and VP16. To better characterize the nuclear localization domain of pUL14, we designed a series of deletion mutants and transfected them with VP16. Results: Our IFA findings indicated that pUL14 binds to VP16 in the cytoplasm and that pUL14 leads VP16 import into the nucleus during DEV replication. The BiFC assay revealed the presence of pUL14 and VP16 complexes. Furthermore, 1-98 amino acid (aa) at the N-terminus of pUL14 played a role in the nuclear localization signal (NLS) region and promoted translocation of VP16 into the nucleus to complete the virus life cycle. Conclusions: Our findings indicated that pUL14 could transport VP16 into the nucleus and that the N-terminal 1-98 aa may contain the NLS domain of pUL14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the pivotal roles of the duck plague virus (DPV) tegument protein UL14 in viral replication, we generated 2 mutated viruses of DPV by using the bacterial artifcial chromosome system, the UL14-null mutant virus (CHv-BAC-ΔUL14) and the corresponding revertant virus (CHv-BAC-ΔUL14R). We found that the CHv-BAC-ΔUL14 viruses exhibited impaired virion morphogenesis in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. Furthermore, CHv-BAC-ΔUL14 exhibited a plaque size reduction in duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs). Finally, CHv-BAC-ΔUL14 exhibited a significant viral growth defect. Taken together, our findings suggest that DPV UL14 protein regulates viral morphogenesis for efficient viral replication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) colloidal crystals are ordered monolayer arrays of colloidal sphere particles assembled on the substrates or at phase interfaces. Owing to their unique periodic structure and fascinating properties, 2D colloidal crystals have aroused considerable interest because of their potential applications. Among them, 2D colloidal crystals self-assembled from soft microgel spheres stand out particularly. The 2D colloidal crystals of soft microgel spheres combine the advantages of monolayer colloidal crystals and sensitive microgels, which have a good application prospect in biomedical area. In this article, we provide a systematic overview of 2D colloidal crystals of soft microgel spheres related to their development, preparation and applications. First, various preparation methods of 2D colloidal crystal of microgels are introduced, including dip-coating, drop-coating, spin-coating, interface assembly, surface reaction-assisted assembly, and so forth. Second, representative biomedical applications consisting of optical sensor, drug delivery, antibacterial coating, cell culture, and colloidal template are also exemplified to show the high performance of 2D colloidal crystals of soft microgel spheres. In addition, we also present prospects of future developments of 2D microgel colloidal crystals. [Display omitted] • 2D colloidal crystal monolayers of soft microgel spheres have received more and more attention. • Various methods for the self-assembly of 2D colloidal crystal of microgels were introduced. • The high performance of 2D colloidal crystals of soft microgel spheres was reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely and accurate estimation of the winter wheat planting area and its spatial distribution is essential for the implementation of crop growth monitoring and yield estimation, and hence for the development of national agricultural production and food security. In remotely sensed winter wheat mapping based on spectral similarity, the reference curve is obtained by averaging multiple standard curves, which limits mapping accuracy. We propose a spectral reconstruction method based on singular value decomposition (SR-SVD) for winter wheat mapping based on the unique growth characteristics of crops. Using Sentinel-2 A/B satellite data, we tested the SR-SVD method in Puyang County, and Shenzhou City, China. Performance was increased, with the optimal overall accuracy and the Kappa of Puyang County and Shenzhou City were 99.52% and 0.99, and 98.26% and 0.97, respectively. We selected the spectral angle mapper (SAM) and Euclidean Distance (ED) as the similarity measures. Compared to spectral similarity methods, the SR-SVD method significantly improves mapping accuracy, as it avoids excessive extraction, can identify more detailed information, and is advantageous in distinguishing non-winter wheat pixels. Three commonly used supervised classification methods, support vector machine (SVM), maximum likelihood (ML), and minimum distance (MD) were used for comparison. Results indicate that SR-SVD has the highest mapping accuracy and greatly reduces the number of misidentified pixels. Therefore, the SR-SVD method can achieve high-precision crop mapping and provide technical support for monitoring regional crop planting structure information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise synthetic control of yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3) nanotube morphology is essential for their practical application. A comprehensive investigation into the growth mechanisms of these nanotubes is crucial for directing the regulation of their morphology. In this study, Y 2 O 3 nanotubes were successfully synthesized. The morphological evolution was characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), which elucidated the growth mechanism underlying the transformation from Y 4 O(OH) 9 (NO 3) nanosheets to nanotubes. The initiation of this process involves lattice distortions within the nanosheets, resulting in a spontaneous curling phenomenon driven by the minimization of surface energy. The presence of NaOH in the reaction milieu initiates a topotactic transformation, resulting in the conversion of the Y 4 O(OH) 9 (NO 3) nanosheets into Y(OH) 3 nanotubes. Subsequent calcination induces a phase transition from hexagonal Y(OH) 3 to cubic Y 2 O 3 phases, while preserving the tubular structure. These findings offer strategic insights into the controlled synthesis of nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generally, there is an inconsistency between the total regional crop area that was obtained from remote sensing technology and the official statistical data on crop areas. When performing scale conversion and data aggregation of remote sensing-based crop mapping results from different administrative scales, it is difficult to obtain accurate crop planting area that match crop area statistics well at the corresponding administrative level. This problem affects the application of remote sensing-based crop mapping results. In order to solve the above problem, taking Fucheng County of Hebei Province in the Huanghuaihai Plain of China as the study area, based on the Sentinel-2 normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series data covering the whole winter wheat growth period, the statistical data of the regional winter wheat planting area were regarded as reference for the winter wheat planting area extracted by remote sensing, and a new method for winter wheat mapping that is based on similarity measurement indicators and their threshold optimizations (WWM-SMITO) was proposed with the support of the shuffled complex evolution-University of Arizona (SCE-UA) global optimization algorithm. The accuracy of the regional winter wheat mapping results was verified, and accuracy comparisons with different similarity indicators were carried out. The results showed that the total area accuracy of the winter wheat area extraction by the proposed method reached over 99.99%, which achieved a consistency that was between the regional remote sensing-based winter wheat planting area and the statistical data on the winter wheat planting area. The crop recognition accuracy also reached a high level, which showed that the proposed method was effective and feasible. Moreover, in the accuracy comparison of crop mapping results based on six different similarity indicators, the winter wheat distribution that was extracted by root mean square error (RMSE) had the best recognition accuracy, and the overall accuracy and kappa coefficient were 94.5% and 0.8894, respectively. The overall accuracies of winter wheat that were extracted by similarity indicators, such as Euclidean distance (ED), Manhattan distance (MD), spectral angle mapping (SAM), and spectral correlation coefficient (SCC) were 94.1%, 93.9%, 93.3%, and 92.8%, respectively, and the kappa coefficients were 0.8815, 0.8776, 0.8657, and 0.8558, respectively. The accuracy of the winter wheat results extracted by the similarity indicator of dynamic time warping (DTW) was relatively low. The results of this paper could provide guidance and serve as a reference for the selection of similarity indicators in crop distribution extraction and for obtaining large-scale, long-term, and high-precision remote sensing-based information on a regional crop spatial distribution that is highly consistent with statistical crop area data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesiosis caused by Babesia orientalis is one of the most serious parasitic diseases of water buffalo in the central and south part of China. Rhoptry neck proteins (RONs) are very important protein components to form a complex moving junction (MJ) which mainly participate in the invasion processes in apicomplexan parasites. Aimed to the further investigation of the function of Bo RON proteins in B. orientalis , in this study, Bo RON5 was characterized. A truncated 921 bp fragment of Bo RON5 with predicted antigenic epitopes was cloned and inserted into pSUMO expression vector. Recombinant protein rSUMO- Bo RON5 was purified from Escherichia coli. and used to produce antisera in Kunming mice. rSUMO- Bo RON5 showed strong immunosignals when blotted with the positive serum from B. orientalis -infected water buffalo. Antisera raised in Kunming mice against rSUMO- Bo RON5 could detect the native Bo RON5 in parasite lysates. Immuofluorescence assay showed that 谈何 mice antisera of rSUMO- Bo RON5 could detect merozoite in B. orientalis infected water buffalo erythrocytes. This study provides useful information for the further investigation of the Bo RON5 function during B. orientalis invasion of water buffalo. • B. orientalis Bo RON5 was characterized. • Bo RON5 shares 6 conserved cysteine residues with 5 putative RON5 from Babesia sp. • Bo RON5 contains a SP and a predicted TM. • Antisera raised in mice against recombinant Bo RON5 possess antigenicity feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Annealed + aged Al 0.25 CoCrFeNi alloy shows high hydrogen embrittlement resistance. • High dislocation density and aggregated second phase help the initiation of HE crack. • Decreasing dislocation density and aging precipitation improve HE resistance of alloy. In this study, the influences of annealing and aging treatments on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) behavior of the cryo-rolled Al 0.25 CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) were investigated through tensile tests and electrochemical hydrogen charging experiments. The results found that the aged sample showed high strength but was more susceptible to HE. A trade-off between the strength and HE resistance was achieved in the annealed + aged sample. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis and fracture characteristics were performed to clarify the HE mechanism. The high dislocation density and aggregated second phase along the grain boundaries in the aged sample were the important factors to help the initiation of HE crack, and then increasing the HE susceptibility. The annealed + aged sample with low dislocation density and aging precipitation reduced the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking and resulting in the excellent HE resistance. This work offered the method to obtain a comprehensive improvement in the strength and HE resistance of this alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise identification and detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is significant for the early diagnosis and prognostic treatment of cancer. However, it remains a challenge to detect CTCs with high sensitivity and specificity. In this study, a colorimetric sensor for the analysis of CTCs was constructed based on dual-aptamer recognition and core (Fe3O4)–shell (Pt) nanoparticle (Fe3O4@Pt NP) nanozymes coupled with a G-quadruplex as a signal transducer/amplifier. The results show that the linear range of the designed colorimetric sensor is 50–4000 cells and the detection limit is 4 cells. The constructed aptasensor could be extended to identify various CTCs by changing the aptamers, and holds great potential in precise tumor diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high-stability high-peak-power near-diffraction-limit 1-kHz sub-nanosecond diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG laser amplifier was achieved. • The single pulse energy was amplified from 80 μJ to 2.72 mJ (34 times magnification) by a single-stage double-pass MOPA configuration. • The evolution of thermal effects to degrade the laser beam quality of the amplifier was numerically analyzed, and a spherical-aberration self-compensated scheme was designed. A high-beam-quality 1-kHz sub-nanosecond Nd:YAG master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system based on diode end pumping is demonstrated. Based on detailed theoretical analysis on thermal effects in the gain medium, especially the spherical aberration which played the major role in beam degradation, a simple and effective compensation scheme was designed for the experiment. While the single pulse energy was amplified from 80 μJ (oscillator) to 2.72 mJ (amplifier, 34 times magnification), the beam quality factor (M2) was improved from 1.21 to 1.14 at the same time. The evolution of pulse duration with the increase of pump power was also investigated. The output pulse width of 454 ps corresponded to the peak power of 6 MW, the highest in kHz-level end-pumped single-stage Nd:YAG amplifiers up to now. The MOPA system demonstrated excellent operating stability, with the peak-to-peak and root-mean-square (RMS) power fluctuation of 2.78 % and 0.54 %, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of the test data and Miner's rule, a combined high and low cycle fatigue (CCF) life prediction model considering the loading interaction is established by introducing coupled damage. The coupled damage is determined by multiplying the high cycle fatigue damage and the low cycle fatigue damage by a coupled damage coefficient K. According to the analysis of the test data, the coupled damage coefficient K is positively correlated with the high cycle stress ratio R. In addition, an interaction factor, which reflects the loading interaction effect, is introduced to correct the coefficient K. The CCF experimental data of four materials are employed for model verification and comparison among the proposed model, Miner's rule, and Trufyakov–Kovalchuk model (T–K model). The proposed model exhibits a relatively higher prediction accuracy and is more suitable for predicting the fatigue life of CCF. Highlights: A combined fatigue life prediction model is proposed considering loading interaction.Coupled damage coefficient is determined through analysis of the test data.The proposed model exhibits a relatively higher prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface orienting effect of rubbed polyimide alignment layer on the random lasing (RL) properties of dye-doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (DDPDLC) was studied experimentally. Two groups of experiment were done and nematic liquid crystal E7 was used. In the first group, the samples were 25 μm non-oriented DDPDLC sample (N-DDPDLC) and 25 μm one-side oriented DDPDLC sample (P-DDPDLC). In the second, the samples were 10 μm N-DDPDLC and 10 μm P-DDPDLC sample. The results showed that compared to the N-DDPDLC, P-DDPDLC has a lower threshold, and the 10 μm P-DDPDLC has a lower threshold compared to the 25 μm P-DDPDLC. Apparently, the P-DDPDLC cell has stronger RL spike. The oriented layer changed the phase separation structure of DDPDLC which formed hierarchical structure so as to enhance the scattering intensity of system. It is a good way to reach high efficient random laser emission by tailoring the size and morphology of PDLC through surface orientation and Polymerization-induced phase separation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a series of Al 0.4 Cr 0.7 Fe x Ni 2 V 0.2 (x: molar ratio, x = 0.5, 1, 2) high entropy alloys were cold-rolled and annealed. The microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloys were systematically investigated. The results revealed that all the solution-treated alloys with different Fe contents exhibited solo FCC phase. After annealing, the coherent L1 2 phases and hard BCC phases were formed in the Fe0.5 and Fe1 alloys, while the Fe2 alloy only contained the L1 2 phases. The precipitation of L1 2 and BCC phases increased the hardness of the alloys. The volume fraction of BCC phase was found to decrease as the Fe content increased, the excessive BCC phases led to the decrease of plasticity. The mechanical properties of alloys were mostly determined by the degree of recrystallization and the amount and type of precipitates. The precipitation of the second phase was regulated by tailoring the alloy composition, so that the AN Fe1 alloy can obtain excellent mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through analyzing the characteristics of the Miner's rule and the Manson-Halford (M-H) model, a nonlinear fatigue damage accumulation model is established based on the damage curve method under combined high and low cycle fatigue loading. In this model, an interaction factor related to the maximum stress and high cycle stress range is proposed to consider the loading interaction effect. Furthermore, the proposed model does not require any additional material parameters except for the S-N curve parameters. The experimental data of five materials, including TC11 alloy, 2024-T3 aluminum alloy, 45 steel, LY12-CZ aluminum alloy, and GH4033 Ni-based alloy, are introduced to verify the proposed model. Compared with the Miner's rule and the M-H model, most of the prediction results by the proposed model are within the life factor range of 2, implying the established model has higher prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric oxidizing capacity (AOC) is the fundamental driving factors of chemistry process (e.g., the formation of ozone (O 3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA)) in the troposphere. However, accurate quantification of AOC still remains uncertainty. In this study, a comprehensive field campaign was conducted during autumn 2019 in downtown of Beijing, where O 3 and PM 2.5 episodes had been experienced successively. The observation-based model (OBM) is used to quantify the AOC at O 3 and PM 2.5 episodes. The strong intensity of AOC is found at O 3 and PM 2.5 episodes, and hydroxyl radical (OH) is the dominating daytime oxidant for both episodes. The photolysis of O 3 is main source of OH at O 3 episode; the photolysis of nitrous acid (HONO) and formaldehyde (HCHO) plays important role in OH formation at PM 2.5 episode. The radicals loss routines vary according to precursor pollutants, resulting in different types of air pollution. O 3 budgets and sensitivity analysis indicates that O 3 production is transition regime (both VOC and NO x -limited) at O 3 episode. The heterogeneous reaction of hydroperoxy radicals (HO 2) on aerosol surfaces has significant influence on OH and O 3 production rates. The HO 2 uptake coefficient (γHO 2) is the determining factor and required accurate measurement in real atmospheric environment. Our findings could provide the important bases for coordinated control of PM 2.5 and O 3 pollution. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A widely tunable optical parametric generator (OPG) from near- to mid-infrared was achieved based on PPMgLN pumped by a sub-nanosecond pulsed laser. • The PPMgLN OPG produced kHz-repetition-rate pulses with peak power over 1 MW and high conversion efficiency up to 67.2%. • Theoretical models were built on the evolution of signal linewidth and beam profile during wavelength tuning of the OPG. A high-efficiency, high-peak-power, widely tunable optical parametric generator (OPG) based on a multi-period MgO-doped periodically poled lithium niobite (PPMgLN) crystal is presented. Pumped by a passively Q-switched microchip Nd:YAG laser with the pulse duration of 330 ps and repetition rate of 1 kHz, the OPG could be continuously tuned from 1399 nm to 4443 nm by changing the grating period and working temperature. The total output power of the signal and idler waves reached 591 mW, corresponding to the conversion efficiency of 67.2% and slope efficiency of 89.6%, the highest as far as we know. The maximum signal peak power was over 1.6 MW at 1758 nm. The evolution of line width and beam profile of the signal wave during wavelength tuning were also studied and the theoretical models were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important precursor of hydroxyl radical (OH), nitrous acid (HONO) plays a significant role in atmospheric chemistry. Here, an observation of HONO and relevant air pollutants in an urban site of Beijing from 14 to 28 April, 2017 was performed. Two distinct peaks of HONO concentrations occurred during the observation. In contrast, the concentration of particulate matter in the first period (period Ⅰ) was significantly higher than that in the second period (period Ⅱ). Comparing to HONO sources in the two periods, we found that the direct vehicle emission was an essential source of the ambient HONO during both periods at night, especially in period Ⅱ. The heterogeneous reaction of NO 2 was the dominant source in period Ⅰ, while the homogeneous reaction of NO with OH was more critical source at night in period Ⅱ. In the daytime, the heterogeneous reaction of NO 2 was a significant source and was confirmed by the good correlation coefficients (R 2) between the unknown sources (P unknown) with NO 2 , PM 2.5 , NO 2 × PM 2.5 in period Ⅰ. Moreover, when solar radiation and OH radicals were considered to explore unknown sources in the daytime, the enhanced correlation of P unknown with photolysis rate of NO 2 and OH (J NO 2 × OH) were 0.93 in period Ⅰ, 0.95 in period Ⅱ. These excellent correlation coefficients suggested that the unknown sources released HONO highly related to the solar radiation and the variation of OH radicals. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote sensing-based crop harvest index (HI) information is of great significance for crop yield estimation, crop variety breeding and evaluation of crop cultivation effectiveness. The method for estimating HI using fG (fraction of post-anthesis phase biomass accumulation) has been widely used and shows good performance at the field scale, but the upscaled regional application of this method had not been achieved using remote sensing information. In this paper, a remote sensing method for estimating the dynamic harvest index (D-HI) based on the remote sensing-based dynamic fG (D-fG) was proposed to solve this problem and was verified based on D-fG and D-HI measurements. This approach was based on accurate D-fG parameters estimated by using the NDSI constructed from hyperspectral sensitive band centres. The results showed that the D-fG estimation, the overall verification accuracy of the D-HI estimation at different growth stages and the accuracy of the D-HI estimation in a single growth stage were highly accurate. In the overall D-HI estimation verification, the normalized root square mean error (NRMSE) was between 10.83% and 14.45%, and the mean relative error (MRE) was between 9.62% and 13.99%. At maturity, the D-HI estimation accuracy based on band centre λ (732 nm, 834 nm) was the highest, and the NRMSE and MRE were 9.62% and 9.27%, respectively. Based on these results, the proposed method is feasible and effective at accurately estimating the D-HI, thus providing a technical reference for the use of satellite remote sensing data to obtain regional crop HI information based on fG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) have gained increasing attention as potential candidates for conductive and self-sensing concretes. This study investigated the effect of fly ash microspheres and quartz sands on the piezoelectric properties of carbon fiber-reinforced alkali-activated fly ash/slag (AAFS) mortars. The rheological property, mechanical property, resistivity, and piezoelectric properties of different AAFS mortars were investigated. Our findings demonstrated that the use of fly ash microspheres (FAM) significantly reduced the yield stress and plastic viscosity of the mortars due to the "ball bearings" effect. In addition, the finer particles of FAM led to a dense gel pore structure of AAFS. The use of FAM improved carbon fiber dispersion and formed a stable conductive network. Therefore, AAFS mortars with FAM exhibited superior conductivity and piezoelectricity. The use of quartz sands exhibited adverse effects on the self-sensing properties of AAFS mortars. The incorporation of quartz sands predominantly hindered the conductive network formation of carbon fibers, resulting in a significantly higher resistivity and piezoresistivity with low strain sensitivity. • The use of FAM in carbon fiber reinforced-AAFS results in superior conductivity and piezoresistivity. • FAM improved the rheology of AAFS, facilitating the dispersion of carbon fibers. • The use of quartz sands led to a higher resistivity and poor piezoresistivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FCC-structured Al 0.25 CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (Al0.25 alloy for short) was melted and cryo-rolled. The influences of annealing temperature (800 °C, 1000 °C, 1200 °C) on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties were investigated. The results suggested the synchronous enhancements in strength and ductility were obtained in the cryo-rolled Al0.25 alloy annealed at 1000 °C with fully recrystallization and B2 phase precipitation. TEM studying on the deformation behavior of this sample revealed that a laminated HCP phase was transformed from FCC phase during the tensile deformation at ambient temperature, which served as the media of twinning. The outstanding improvements in mechanical properties benefited from the contributions of twin-induced plasticity (TWIP) and phase transformation plasticity (TRIP). In addition, the order of recrystallization and the precipitation/dissolution of B2 phase for the cryo-rolled Al0.25 alloy during annealing process was tried to be clarified, which provided the guideline to tailor the mechanical properties of this alloy. • Strength and ductility of Al0.25 alloy can be improved by cryo-rolling and annealing. • Recrystallization and B2 phase precipitation/dissolution of this alloy is clarified. • Superior tensile properties of Al0.25 alloy are benefit from TWIP and TRIP effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature-dependent optical properties of the AgGaS 2 crystal were characterized in the 0.2–2 THz range by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (TDS). The refractive indices and the absorption coefficients along and orthogonal to the optical axis (c axis) were measured, and the temperature-dependent Sellmeier equations were fitted for various applications of linear and nonlinear optical devices. An E mode vibrating orthogonal to the c axis centering at 1.03 THz (34 cm−1) and a B 2 mode along the c axis centering at 1.86 THz (62 cm−1), were observed for the first time. The phonon softening during the temperature rise was discussed and analyzed with the help of Raman spectroscopy. According to the measured absorption spectrum of AgGaS 2 , we also fitted the parameters of the low-frequency phonon modes at room temperature with the Lorentz dispersion model, which is helpful in predicting the lattice dynamics and optical behaviors of the crystal. • The temperature-dependent optical properties of the AgGaS 2 crystal were characterized and the low-frequency phonon modes were observed. • The phonon softening of AgGaS 2 was studied based on absorption and Raman spectroscopy. • The dielectric properties of AgGaS 2 were fitted by the Lorentz model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia orientalis, belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, is mainly accountable for water buffalo babesiosis, which adversely affected the livestock industry in China. Variant erythrocyte surface antigen-1 (VESA1), an antigen that helps infected erythrocytes to escape from host immune responses, was first reported in Babesia bovis. Various VESA1 proteins have also been characterized in other Babesia species. Nevertheless, there is no research on the identification and characterization of VESA1 proteins in Babesia orientalis. In this study, the BoVESA1 gene was amplified from both gDNA and cDNA. The results revealed that it is an intronless gene with a full length of 753 bp, encoding a protein of 250 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 28 kDa. The coding sequence (CDS) was cloned into the pGEX-6p-1 vector using a homologous recombination kit and expressed as a glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-fusion protein with a molecular weight of 53 kDa. The tertiary structure of BoVESA1 was predicted using the I-TASSER software. The recombinant protein was subjected to western blotting; the immunogenicity of recombinant BoVESA1 (rBoVESA1) was identified by incubating it with B. orientalis-positive serum. The native BoVESA1 was identified using the lysates of B. orientalis-infected water buffalo erythrocytes incubated with the anti-rBoVESA1 mouse serum. The results showed a band of ~ 28 kDa, which is similar to the predicted size. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using anti-rBoVESA1 serum probed indicated a strong signal in the infected RBCs, while the negative control showed no signal. In conclusion, the VESA1 protein was first identified in B. orientalis. This study facilitated further investigation of B. orientalis, and the results indicated that BoVESA1 may serve as a potential candidate antigen for diagnosis and detection of B. orientalis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimized two-step sequential deposition method to fabricate hole-transport-layer-free carbon-based methyl ammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr 3) perovskite solar cells is reported. Small amounts of MABr are introduced into the PbBr 2 precursor solution during the first step to prepare MAPbBr 3 perovskite films (labeled as MAPB-xMABr), which promotes the conversion of PbBr 2 into perovskite phase and results in denser perovskite films with increased crystallinity, lower trap density, and longer carrier lifetime. After optimization, a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.64% (V OC = 1.36 V) is obtained for MAPB-0.2MABr based solar cells. Significantly, the non-encapsulated devices exhibit excellent long-term stability in ambient air (25–30 °C and 20–30% relative humidity), showing no degradation after a year's exposure. While, it also shows superior thermal stability with PCE retaining 95% of the initial efficiency after 120 h under thermal stress of 80 °C and 40–70% relative humidity. • An optimized two-step sequential deposition method is introduced. • More complete conversion of PbBr 2 to CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 is observed. • Morphology of CH 3 NH 3 PbBr 3 film is modified by the precursor engineering. • Enhanced performance and stability is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole-transport material-free (HTM-free) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have the advantages of low manufacturing cost and excellent stability, however, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of these PSCs are relatively low due to the high recombination rate at charge transport interface contacts. Herein, a novel bilayer electron-transport scaffold of SiO 2 /NaYF 4 :Yb,Er@SiO 2 modified TiO 2 nanorods was designed to improve the performance of HTM-free PSCs. Facilitated by the 1D nanorods structure of underneath TiO 2 scaffold, photogenerated charges can be quickly transported out of perovskite film with reduced recombination, and the NaYF 4 :Yb,Er@SiO 2 insulating capping layer can further inhibit the charge recombination by removing charge shorting pathways caused by the tangle of TiO 2 nanorods with carbon back contact. Moreover, NaYF 4 :Yb,Er can upconvert near-infrared light into visible region that can be directly used by perovskite materials to improve the current density of corresponding PSCs. Our PSCs have an average PCE of 14.01 ± 0.53%. We demonstrated that up-conversion of light at 980 nm was possible but up-conversion made no statistical improvement in performance. Image 1 • Facilitating the charge transportation by 1D TiO 2 nanorods is applied. • Inhibiting the charge recombination by insulating layer is applied. • Transforming NIR photons into visible photons is applied. • Enhanced performance is observed. • Excellent long-term stability is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional therapeutics have encountered a bottleneck caused by diagnosis delay and subjective and unreliable assessment. Biomarkers can overcome this bottleneck and guide us toward personalized precision medicine for oral squamous cell carcinoma. To achieve this, it is important to efficiently and accurately screen out specific biomarkers from among the huge number of molecules. Progress in omics-based high-throughput technology has laid a solid foundation for biomarker discovery. With credible and systemic biomarker models, more precise and personalized diagnosis and assessment would be achieved and patients would be more likely to be cured and have a higher quality of life. However, this is not straightforward owing to the complexity of molecules involved in tumorigenesis. In this context, there is a need to focus on tumor heterogeneity and homogeneity, which are discussed in detail. In this review, we aim to provide an understanding of biomarker discovery and application for precision medicine of oral squamous cell carcinoma, and have a strong belief that biomarker will pave the road toward future precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hole transport material free (HTM-free) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with carbon counter electrode have the advantages of low-cost, good efficiency and high stability. Here in this work, we demonstrate that incorporating Au@SiO 2 core-shell NPs into TiO 2 scaffold layer increases the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PSCs by improving the light absorption and facilitating carrier transfer or separation through SPR effect. With the optimal concentration of 0.3 wt % Au@SiO 2 incorporation, the average PCE of PSCs enhances to 13.85 ± 0.45% from the reference samples of 12.01 ± 0.44%, which is mainly caused by the improved short circuit current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthogonally polarized lasers (OPLs) play important roles in the application fields of precision measurement, imaging, etc. Compared with the traditional inefficient gas lasers, all-solid-state OPLs has significant advantages in output power and feasible frequency difference. In this paper, a compact, efficient and power-ratio tunable OPL with single-wavelength emission at 1064 nm is proposed using two Nd:YVO 4 crystals and a coaxial diode-end-pumping configuration. The parameters of the pump source and gain media were optimized to realized high efficiency with balanced output power, as well as large tuning range of power ratio between two polarization components. Under the pump power of 13.29 W, the output power reached 2.92 W at each polarization, corresponding to the optical–optical conversion efficiency of 43.94%. The anisotropic thermal effects at two polarizations was also investigated, which was the basis of cavity design for higher output power and better beam quality. In the experiment, an overall beam quality factor (M2) of 2.23 and the RMS power instability of 1.19% was realized for the OPL. • A compact, efficient and power-ratio tunable OPL with single-wavelength emission at 1064 nm is proposed using two Nd:YVO 4 crystals and a coaxial diode-end-pumping configuration. • Under the pump power of 13.29 W, the output power reached 2.92 W at each polarization, corresponding to the optical–optical conversion efficiency of 43.94%. • The anisotropic thermal effects at two polarizations was investigated, and the details of designing a cavity for higher output power and better beam quality are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanoscale precipitation and the mechanical properties of the two CuNiAl-containing steels with different Cu contents aged at 500 °C were investigated in this study. Results of mechanical property indicated that the co-precipitation of Cu-rich and NiAl phases during aging contributed to the precipitation strengthening effects. The influence of Cu content on the evolution of precipitates was studied by atom probe tomography (APT). The results demonstrated that the increasing of Cu content enhanced the number density of precipitates and accelerated the precipitation process. The two steels showed two kinds of precipitation sequences on account of different Cu contents. The steel 1 with low Cu content exhibited a precipitation sequence of "supersaturated solid solution → NiAl → NiAl + Cu", while the steel 2 with high Cu content presented the process of "supersaturated solid solution → Cu → Cu + NiAl". After further aging, the precipitates of both steels were transformed into Cu/NiAl co-precipitates without isolated Cu-rich phases and isolated NiAl phases. • Hardness of the CuNiAl-containing steel can be improved by increasing the Cu content. • The increasing of Cu content enhances the number density of precipitates and accelerates the precipitation process. • The precipitation sequences of two steels with different Cu contents are clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction The principal aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular autonomic system status of diabetes patients using approximate entropy (ApEn) extracted from 24-h heart rate variability ( HRV) and its frequency components. Materials and Methods A total of 29 healthy controls and 63 type 2 diabetes patients were included. Participants' 24-h HRV signals were recorded, and decomposed and reconstructed into four frequency components: high, low, very low and ultra low. The total 24-h HRV and its four components were divided into 24 1-h segments. ApEn values were extracted and statistically analyzed. Four traditional HRV indices, namely standard deviation of the RR intervals, root mean square of successive differences, coefficient of variance of RR intervals and ratio of low to high power of HRV, were also calculated. Results The low-frequency component contained the most abundant non-linear information, so was potentially most suitable for studying the cardiovascular system status with non-linear methods. ApEn values extracted from low- and high-frequency components of healthy controls were higher than those of diabetes patients. Except for root mean square of successive differences, standard deviation of the RR intervals, low to high power of HRV and coefficient of variance of RR intervals of healthy controls were all higher than those of diabetes patients. Conclusions The results showed that ApEn contained information on disorders of autonomic system function of diabetes patients as traditional HRV indices in time and frequency domains. ApEn and three traditional indices showed accordance to some degree. Non-linear information in subcomponents of HRV was shown, which is potentially more effective for distinguishing healthy individuals and diabetes patients than that extracted from the total HRV. Compared with diabetes patients, the cardiovascular system of healthy controls showed information of higher complexity, and better regulation function in response to changes of environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Y3+ ions were incorporated into MAPbBr 3 films through a precursor engineering method. • The better crystallinity, lower trap density and longer carrier lifetime of perovskite absorber as obtained. • The MAPb 0.98 Y 0.02 Br 3 PSCs achieved a higher PCE of 8.313% with a V OC of 1.562 V. • Y3+-doped MAPbBr 3 devices exhibited long-term stability in harsh environment. Y3+ ions are incorporated into MAPbBr 3 lattice through a precursor engineering method, the appropriate introduction of Y3+ ions can considerably suppress the charge recombination and increase carrier lifetimes. The hole-transport-layer-free carbon-based MAPb 0.98 Y 0.02 Br 3 PSCs achieve a higher PCE of 8.313% with a V OC of 1.562 V. More importantly, the un-encapsulated device also shows remarkable long-term stability under high temperature and high humidity in ambient conditions. [Display omitted] The preparation of high-quality perovskite films with low defect density and long carrier lifetime is a precondition for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, we successfully incorporated Y3+ ions into perovskite films to enhance the photovoltaic performance of hole-transport-layer-free (HTL-free) carbon-based MAPbBr 3 PSCs in ambient atmosphere. The perovskite films exhibit better crystallinity, lower trap density, and longer carrier lifetime after the introduction of Y3+ ions. By optimizing the doping dosage, a maximal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.313% (open-circuit voltage (V OC) = 1.562 V) is achieved for MAPb 0.98 Y 0.02 Br 3 PSCs. Moreover, the unencapsulated device also shows remarkable long-term stability over 80 days under dry condition with 20–30% relative humidity (RH) at 20–25 °C, which even maintains 95% of its initial PCE when stored in harsh environment (80 °C and 40–70% RH) over 72 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nonylphenol (NP) has been proven to be one of the most investigated xenohormones interacting with the estrogen receptor. Technical nonylphenol (t-NP) contains at least 20 para-substituted isomers. It has been shown that NP isomers vary in their estrogenic potency. So the use of mixtures or impure substances can lead to misinterpretations and unsatisfying conclusions. In the present study, experiments were performed to examine effects of NP isomers on steroidogenesis of rat Leydig cells. Primary cultured Leydig cells were exposed to NP isomers (p33-NP, p262-NP, p353-NP, p363-NP) at the optimized inhibitory concentration 5μmol/L for 6h. NP isomers showed various degrees of inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis, with p363-NP leading to the most significant decrease and others sharing the similar efficacy. The expression of 3b-HSD, Cyp11a1, Star and the apoptosis of Leydig cells were further measured to investigate the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that NP isomers can affect the steroidogenesis of rat Leydig cells, at least in part, through their influence on gene expression and cell apoptosis, but varied in their individual degree. However, the final results were not completely coincident with their estrogenic potency tested in vitro, which implies that effects of NP isomers on steroidogenesis appear to be mediated through some other underlying mechanisms besides their various estrogenic potency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The influence of hydrogen via electrochemical charging on the mechanical behavior of the cryo-rolled and annealed Al 0·25 CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) through tensile experiments was investigated. The results indicated that the Al 0·25 CoCrFeNi alloy mainly composed of FCC phase has immunity to electrochemical hydrogen embrittlement. Analysis on the fracture surfaces revealed that hydrogen permeates into a shallow depth and transforms the deformation mechanism. The deformation twins and stress-induced phase transformation (FCC-to-HCP) are introduced in the surface near fracture of tensile sample when the Al 0·25 CoCrFeNi alloy is not charged by hydrogen. After hydrogen charging, the dissolved hydrogen decreases the stacking fault energy and promotes the planar dislocation slip, resulting in the enhancement of strength and ductility in Al 0·25 CoCrFeNi HEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsaturated alcohols and ketones are a category of oxygenated biogenic volatile organic compounds, which reacted with tropospheric ozone and then made a significant contribution to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA). However, the chemical pathways of their reaction with O 3 are poorly understood. Hence, the reactions of O 3 with three unsaturated alcohols and ketones were conducted in 100 L FEP Teflon smog chamber and the rate constants were obtained by using the absolute rate method. The rate constant of 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one, 2-methyl-4-penten-2-ol, 4-penten-2-ol reacting with O 3 at 298 K and 760 Torr was (7.68 ± 0.80) × 10−18, (4.27 ± 0.44) × 10−18 and (5.40 ± 0.57) × 10−18 cm3molecule−1s−1, respectively. Combining with theoretical calculation, the factors leading to the different rate constants of a series of similar structure compounds were analyzed, including the steric effect of methyl in specific position and the electron withdrawing effect of hydroxyl group in the gamma position for alcohols and carbonyl group in the beta position for ketones. Moreover, the major products of three unsaturated organics reacted with ozone were detected, and the reaction mechanisms were deduced by further supporting of theoretical calculation. The atmospheric lifetime of the target compounds and the environmental significant were explored. • The rate constants of three unsaturated organics reacted with O 3 were measured. • Rate constants for unsaturated organics were calculated through CTST with Wigner tunneling correction factor and SAR. • The electron withdrawing effect for β-C=O and γ-OH and the steric effect for methyl group affected the reaction rate. • The mechanism of ozonation reaction was proposed by combining experiment and theoretical calculation. • Atmospheric lifetimes of 4-penten-2-ol, 2-methyl-4-penten-2-ol and 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one were estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitrated nonylphenols (NNPs) degraded isomer-specifically in activated sludges. • NNP 111 was the most recalcitrant among four NNP isomers studied here. • Co-metabolism of NNPs occurred in nitrifying activated sludge. • Metabolites of NNPs with hydroxylated alkyl side chain were produced. • NNPs were likely removed by heterotrophic microorganisms. Nitrated nonylphenols (2-nitro-nonylphenols, NNPs) are metabolites of the endocrine-disrupter nonylphenols (NPs). While they have been detected in the environment, their fate in activated sludge has yet to be determined. In this study, we used synthesized NNP isomers and a 14C-tracer technique to study the degradation and transformation of four NNP isomers (NNP 111 , NNP 112 , NNP 38 , and NNP 65) in nitrifying activated sludge (NAS) and heterotrophic bacteria-enhanced activated sludge (HAS). Our results showed that the degradation of NNPs in both NAS and HAS was isomer-specific. The half-lives of the NNPs decreased in the order: NNP 111 > NNP 112 > NNP 38 > NNP 65. After 36 days of incubation, 9.48 % and 4.01 % of the 14C-NNP 111 was mineralized in NAS and HAS, respectively. In addition to mineralization, five metabolites of NNPs containing hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl substituents on the alkyl chains were formed in NAS but not in HAS. The transformation of NNPs differed in NAS and HAS, mainly due to the differences in their microbial communities and the activities thereof in NAS and HAS. This is the first study of the isomer-specific fate of NNP isomers in activated sludge. Future studies should assess the toxicity, stability and potential risks of NNP metabolites in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A group of high entropy alloys (HEAs) in equal valence electron concentration (VEC), AlCoCr 0.5 FexNi 2.5 (x = 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5), were melted and prepared. The microstructures and hardnesses were analyzed after homogenizing treatment. The results indicated that all of the equal-VEC HEAs consisted of FCC phase and BCC phase, their orientations obey Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship. This work also implied that the atomic size difference (Δr), like VEC, is an important parameter influencing the phase selection and worth considering in the HEA design. Fe is an FCC phase stabilizer for AlCoCr 0.5 Fe x Ni 2.5 HEAs and the ordered FCC phase (L12) gradually disappear with the Fe addition increased. The increasing FCC phase and the decreasing BCC phase resulted in the decreased hardness of HEAs. • Atomic size difference influences the phase formation of the equal-VEC HEAs. • Fe addition tends to stabilize FCC phase for AlCoCr0.5FexNi2.5 HEAs. • FCC and BCC phases in the equal-VEC HEAs obey Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered-structure MOF is a promising material for electrochemical energy storage applications. However, low conductivity hinders their electrochemical performance. Herein, a hierarchical layered-structure CoNi-MOF with ultrathin nanosheets and nanotube arrays are directly grown on carbon cloth (CC) with Co(OH) 2 as both template and Co source. The synthesized CC/CoNi-MOF shows high areal capacity of 1.01 C cm−2 at 2 mA cm−2, while keeps 61.4% capacity retention at 15 mA cm−2. A hybrid supercapacitor is successfully fabricated with CC/CoNi-MOF as positive electrode and reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotube as negative electrode, possessing a maximum areal capacitance of 846 mF cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2, a high energy density of 55.5 Wh kg−1 at 175.5 W kg−1, and excellent cycling stability (96.5% after 10000 cycles). This work may pave a new way for designing MOF based materials with similar structure for high performance supercapacitors. A dual CoNi-MOF nanosheet/nanotube assembled on carbon cloth for high energy supercapacitors. Image 1 • A dual CoNi MOF nanosheet/nanotube was assembled on carbon cloth. • Co(OH) 2 was used as both template and Co source. • The synthesized CC/CoNi-MOF shows high areal capacity of 1.01 C cm−2. • Our hybrid supercapacitor exhibited a high energy density of 55.5 Wh kg−1 and excellent cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two dimensional materials have promising benefits in photoelectronic devices, including facilitating charge transport and reducing defects in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and photodetectors (PDs) through interface engineering. Herein, a two dimension polymeric material of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-CNQDs) interlayer is used to modify the SnO 2 /perovskite interface in both ambient PSCs and PDs to improve the overall performance. The introduction of g-CNQD layer improves the crystalline quality of sequential perovskite absorber with high phase purity, less grain boundaries, low trap states and suppressed carrier recombination due to the intrinsic cross-linkable feature and relatively smooth surface of g-CNQD. As a result, with optimal modification, fully air-processed PSC reached a champion power conversion efficiency of 21.23% with negligible hysteresis, and the PDs had remarkable performance enhancement. Moreover, our PSCs have good stability in ambient air, keeping over 90% of the initial efficiency after 30 days' exposure. Image 1 • Two dimensional carbon nitride quantum dots were introduced in PSCs and PDs. • G-CNQDs were employed as modifying reagent at the SnO 2 /perovskite interface. • The crystalline quality of perovskite absorber with low trap states as achieved. • Our fully air-processed PSC reached a high efficiency over 21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]