Search

High-temperature CMAS corrosion has become a crucial factor inhibiting the further development of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) because of the increasing service temperature of aero-engines. Herein, a novel mid-entropy rare-earth hafnate (Y0.3Gd0.3Yb0.4)4Hf3O12 (YGYbH) was prepared by ultrafast high-temperature sintering (UHS) technology, and its CMAS corrosion behavior and mechanism were investigated. During corrosion, the Ca2RE8(SiO4)6O2 apatite phase with a lower formation enthalpy and entropy-stabilized effect had a more intense tendency to be generated, which improves the density and stability of the reaction layer, hindering the further penetration of molten CMAS. Moreover, the significant lattice distortion caused by the rare-earth ions with different radii impeded the ionic diffusion, which delayed the CMAS corrosion reaction. In general, YGYbH, with excellent CMAS corrosion resistance, has the potential to serve as a next-generation TBC material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) promotes wakefulness states under general anesthesia. Recent studies have shown that glutamatergic neurons within the PBN play a crucial role in facilitating emergence from anesthesia. Our previous study indicates that vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (vglut2) expression neurons of the PBN extend into the extended amygdala (EA). However, the modulation of PBNvglut2‐EA in general anesthesia remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the role of PBNvglut2‐EA in alterations of consciousness during sevoflurane anesthesia. Methods: We first validated vglut2‐expressing neuron projections from the PBN to the EA using anterograde tracing. Then, we conducted immunofluorescence staining of c‐Fos to investigate the role of the EA involved in the regulation of consciousness during sevoflurane anesthesia. After, we performed calcium fiber photometry recordings to determine the changes in PBNvglut2‐EA activity. Lastly, we modulated PBNvglut2‐EA activity under sevoflurane anesthesia using optogenetics, and electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded during specific optogenetic modulation. Results: The expression of vglut2 in PBN neurons projected to the EA, and c‐Fos expression in the EA was significantly reduced during sevoflurane anesthesia. Fiber photometry revealed that activity in the PBNvglut2‐EA pathway was suppressed during anesthesia induction but restored upon awakening. Optogenetic activation of the PBNvglut2‐EA delayed the induction of anesthesia. Meanwhile, EEG recordings showed significantly decreased δ oscillations and increased β and γ oscillations compared to the EYFP group. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of the PBNvglut2‐EA resulted in an acceleration of awakening from anesthesia, accompanied by decreased δ oscillations on EEG recordings. Optogenetic inhibition of PBNvglut2‐EA accelerated anesthesia induction. Surprisingly, we found a sex‐specific regulation of PBNvglut2‐EA in this study. The activity of PBNvglut2‐EA was lower in males during the induction of anesthesia and decreased more rapidly during sevoflurane anesthesia compared to females. Photoactivation of the PBNvglut2‐EA reduced the sensitivity of males to sevoflurane, showing more pronounced wakefulness behavior and EEG changes than females. Conclusions: PBNvglut2‐EA is involved in the promotion of wakefulness under sevoflurane anesthesia. Furthermore, PBNvglut2‐EA shows sex differences in the changes of consciousness induced by sevoflurane anesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between expanded access to driver's licences among undocumented immigrants and the number of post‐mortem organ donors, using difference‐in‐differences modelling and event study estimation techniques. Results suggest that the adoption of laws that grant driver's licences to undocumented immigrants effectively increased the population of licensed drivers by about 2.7%. These increments eventually led to subsequent increases in the number of Hispanic organ donors by 28%, and the outcome is driven mainly by young adult Hispanic donors. Moreover, DLU laws are further credited with an approximately 17% increase in organ transplants, particularly among Hispanics, although transplant waiting list addition numbers are not significantly affected. As these laws pave the way for more undocumented drivers to register as organ donors, such legislation could help to alleviate organ shortage issues and narrow the 'ethnic waiting period gap' for organ transplants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are promising as semiconducting light-emitting materials due to improved environmental stability and unique optical properties, compared with three-dimensional MHPs. However, toxic Pb and relatively low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) limit the potentials of these 2D lead halides in solid-state lighting. Herein, we report a series of F-doped, 2D zinc halide-layered perovskites based on phenylethylamine (PEA), PEA2ZnFxCl4–x, which exhibits efficient white light and the highest PLQY of 21.02% at x = 0.40, seven times higher than that of non-F doping samples for 2D hybrid white-light-emitting MHPs. Steady-state and temperature-dependent optical measurements verify that the white-emission arose from self-trapped excitons and highlight the significant effects of F-doping and defect passivation on efficient photoluminescence. Especially, F-doped 2D zinc halide perovskites show ultrahigh stability with negligible degradation for 1000 h at 80 °C. This work paves an avenue to designing efficient and stable single-component white-light-emitting diodes in solid-state lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of E‐Verify adoption on the total number of farm workers, total acres of operated farmland, and farm wages. This article finds that states with a high E‐Verify enforcement level experiences a decrease in the total number of farm workers and the total acres of operated farmland, suggesting that farms reduced their production scales after E‐Verify. However, this study finds no E‐Verify impact on farm weekly wages. This result could be a result of crop mix shift. States that adopt more stringent immigration policies should prepare the farm sector for a variety of negative shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]