Search

To interpret the common symmetric peaks caused by the large-scale structure in the complex S(f) spectrum from the heterodyne Doppler reflectometry (DR) measurement in EAST, a 2D circular-shape O-mode full wave model based on the finite-difference time-domain method is built. The scattering characteristics and the influences on the DR signal from various scales are investigated. When the structure is located around the cut-off layer, a moving radial or poloidal large scale structure $k_\theta\lesssim k_{\theta,match}$ ($k_{\theta,match}$ is the theoretic wavenumber of Bragg scattering) could both generate an oscillation phase term called “phase modulation”, and symmetrical peaks in the complex S(f) spectrum. It was found that the image rejection ratio $A_{-1}/A_{+1}$ ($A_{\pm1}$ represent the amplitudes of $\pm1$ order modulation peaks) could be a feasible indicator for experiment comparison. In the case when the structure is near the cut-off layer same as experiment arrangement for the edge DR channel, the curve of $A_{-1}/A_{+1}$ versus to $k_\theta$ could be divided into three regions, weak asymmetrical range with $k_\theta/k_0\lesssim0.15$ ($k_0$ is the vacuum wavenumber), harmonics range with $0.15\lesssim k_\theta/k_0\lesssim0.4$, and Bragg scattering range $0.4\lesssim k_{\theta}/k_0\lesssim0.7$. In the case when the structure is located away from the cut-off layer, the final complex S(f) spectrum is the simple superimposing of modulation and Bragg scattering, and the modulation peaks have an amplitude response nearly proportional to the local density fluctuation, called the "propagation-route effect". Under the H-mode experiment arrangement for the core DR, a critical fluctuation amplitude $Amp(n_{e,Mod.@route})/Amp(n_{e,Tur.@MSA})\sim1.3-4.1$ ($Amp(n_{e,Mod.@route})$ refers to the pedestal large scale structure amplitude and $Amp(n_{e,Tur.@MSA})$ refers to turbulence amplitude at the main scattering area) is needed for the structure in the pedestal to be observed by the core DR measurement. The simulations are well consistent with the experimental results. These effects need to be carefully considered during the DR signal analyses as the injecting beam passing through the plasma region with large scale structures.

Influenza hemagglutinin that drives viral entry into cells via the membrane fusion process is an up-and-coming antiviral drug target. Herein, we described for the first time the design, synthesis, and biological characteristics of a new class of pentacyclic triterpenoid-based proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) to enhance the degradation of hemagglutinin target. Among these PROTACs

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (HOIPs) possess significant photoelectric characteristics for solar energy conversion, but the presence of lead causes issues for eco-friendly applications. Halide double perovskites represent a green option for application in the optoelectronic field, especially X-ray detection systems. Despite the great efforts, the exploration of large-size lead-free iodide-based hybrid double perovskite single crystals for X-ray detection has been unsuccessful. Herein, we demonstrate that a large single crystal of the 2D (two-dimensional) semiconducting perovskite (C

Compared to the three-dimensional (3D) perovskite materials, the Ruddlesden−Popper (R-P) type two-dimensional (2D) organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites have indicated specific unique physical properties that include moisture-stable behaviours, exciton effects, and quantum confinements, making it a solid and potential candidate for optoelectronic applications. Nonetheless, while specific candidates have exhibited visible-blind ultraviolet (UV) photoelectric response, most R-P type 2D materials have been known to be photosensitive to visible light. In this study, an R-P type 2D lead bromide hybrid perovskite (C8H11FN)2PbBr4, (1, where C8H10FN is 4-Fluorophenethylamine) has been analyzed, which contained both inorganic frameworks and organic cations. Moreover, 1 exhibits a relatively wide optical bandgap of 3.30 eV, corresponding to that of the Br-based 2D R-P perovskites expected to exhibit selective photoresponse for the UV light. It is pertinent to note that the photodetectors based on the crystal of 1 exhibit spectral selective photoresponse for UV light with high detectivity up to ∼ 1.6×1011 Jones. Moreover, the trap density of 1 is estimated to be 1.34×1011 cm-3; the trap density of 1 was almost equal to that obtained in the high-quality 3D CH3NH3PbBr3 single crystals. Besides, under external environment, 1 illustrated excellent stability. The figures of merit for its photoconductivity make 1 a potential candidate for the visible-blind UV photodetection. This discovery opens up new vistas for the further development of optoelectric devices based on 2D R-P organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites.

Mastering nuclear fusion, which is an abundant, safe, and environmentally competitive energy, is a great challenge for humanity. Tokamak represents one of the most promising paths toward controlled fusion. Obtaining a high-performance, steady-state, and long-pulse plasma regime remains a critical issue. Recently, a big breakthrough in steady-state operation was made on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). A steady-state plasma with a world-record pulse length of 1056 s was obtained, where the density and the divertor peak heat flux were well controlled, with no core impurity accumulation, and a new high-confinement and self-organizing regime (Super I-mode = I-mode + e-ITB) was discovered and demonstrated. These achievements contribute to the integration of fusion plasma technology and physics, which is essential to operate next-step devices.

A broadband (BB) mode is observed by collective Thomson scattering diagnostics in repeatable shots of EAST and analyzed for the first time. This BB mode usually grows during L–H transitions, featuring a BB quasi-coherent mode with increasing frequency. During H-mode operations, it is characterized by steady-state BB in the high-frequency range (f ∼ 200–2000 kHz), at the electron scale (k θ ρ s = 1‒2), mainly driven by the density gradient, and is sensitive to the value of η e in the region of interest (ρ = 0.4‒0.8), where η e = R / L T e / R / L n e is the ratio of the normalized electron temperature gradient and density gradient, and the region ρ = 0.4‒0.8 usually has a relatively low collisionality (v eff < 5). The frequency of BB is found to be dependent on the electron temperature and density gradient, which is a typical feature of electron-driven turbulence. A negative correlation between the energy confinement and the intensity of the BB turbulence during H-mode has been found, which indicates a strong electron thermal transport induced by the BB turbulence. The BB significantly decreases the electron temperature and causes flatter electron temperature profiles in the region of interest (ρ = 0.4‒0.8), thus making η e decrease and the BB destabilize further. These characteristics of BB are related to the theoretical density gradient-driven trapped electron mode. It should be noted that this mode is not observed by other diagnostics in EAST, and shows very different features to the coherent modes in the edge.

This article introduced a specific design and an effective, low-cost production method of the concentration gradient generator. It can generate different concentration at eight outlets. Deep resear...

CNOOC Iraq Limited (CILB) operates the Missan oilfield in Iraq, which consists of three oilfields: Buzurgan oilfield, Abu Gharib oilfield and Fauqi oilfield. To maximize production from the field it has been necessary to overcome different challenges related to asphaltenes (tubing deposition, formation damage, emulsions) – firstly by properly understanding the fluid behaviour, and then by developing and implementing mitigation strategies. To understand the asphaltene stability of the reservoir fluids, an isothermal depressurization study was performed on a monophasic bottomhole sample from the reservoir's main production unit. Asphaltene Onset Pressures (AOPs) were identified and used for tuning an equation-of-state model to generate an asphaltene precipitation envelope (APE). Modelling software was used to calculate pressure-temperature profile of fluids both in the near wellbore region and production wells and determine if they entered the APE. This was reviewed against historical field data to assess if asphaltene issues were predictable. Common fluid property screening tests (e.g. De Boer plots, Colloidal Instability Index) under-predicted the occurrence of asphaltene precipitation in the oilfields. When fluid pressures and temperatures in the reservoir and well environment were compared against the modelled APE, they showed the reservoir fluids passing through the asphaltene instability region for most wells, indicating a risk of deposition in the tubing and in the formation. Comparing predictions with field data highlighted that precipitation of asphaltenes does not always result in tubing deposition and additional factors such as watercut and oil viscosity need to be considered. Other fluid-related issues, such as stable emulsions and formation damage, have been observed in the field and require managing. Results from this study show that these can be explained in terms of asphaltene stability issues arising from fluid P/T behavior and interactions with water. The importance of drawdown management, already practiced by the field operator, is shown to be a key tool for managing and controlling asphaltene issues. The value of optimizing solvent-based stimulations and retaining the ability to stimulate ESP-lifted wells is also demonstrated. Measuring asphaltene stability using virgin reservoir samples, and applying fluid screening tests, are common activities during new field appraisals. The results inform high value decisions, ranging from completion design to reservoir management strategy. This study, conducted on a mature field with known production history, shows how results from fluid characterisation studies relate to actual experience of asphaltenes during production. The use of fluid studies in diagnosis and treatment of operational challenges is also demonstrated.

Both MLL-AF9 and MLL-ENL leukemia fusion proteins drive oncogenic transformation of hematopoietic cells through their N-terminal DNA/histone binding mixed-lineage leukemia 1 domain and their C-terminal fragment of AF9 or ENL containing a unstructured linker region and the ANC1 homology domain, which recruits transcription factors. Despite of their structural similarity, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients bearing MLL-ENL show more adverse outcomes compared to those with MLL-AF9. We recapitulated the clinical patterns of these two MLL-fusions driven AMLs using murine models and found that MLL-ENL AML cells showed slower cell cycle progression and more resistance to standard chemotherapy than MLL-AF9 cells. These phenotypes were primarily controlled by the linker regions of ENL and a highly conserved lysine residue K469 within. Substitution of K469 with an acetylated mimic glutamine abolished the ability of MLL-ENL to suppress proliferation and promote chemo-resistance. We showed that deacetylase Sirt2 might act as an upstream regulator of MLL-ENL. Deletion of Sirt2 promoted proliferation of AML cells with either MLL fusions. Importantly, loss of Sirt2 greatly enhanced the sensitivity of the MLL-ENL AML cells to chemo-treatment. Taken together, our study uncovered a unique regulatory role of Sirt2 in leukemogenesis and suggested targeting SIRT2 as a new way to sensitize MLL-ENL AML patience for chemotherapy.

A novel fluorescence-enhanced probe 2-butyl-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl picolinate (BDIP) has been developed for the detection of Cu

Following an upgrade of the neutral beam injection (NBI) system, obvious synergy between combined NBI and ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) heating was observed in recent experiments conducted at EAST. To investigate the effects of beam-ions accelerated by radiofrequency (RF) wave, analyses are performed by using TRANSP code based on the experimental results. The calculated results argue that only a small fraction of the ICRF power is absorbed by the beam ions in the ICRF + NBI synergistic heating of the (H)D plasma. To enhance the beam–RF interactions in synergistic heating and achieve high plasma performance of EAST, different experimental conditions, including multiple injection powers and diverse beam injection options, were explored. Beam injected fast ions are passing particles, trapped particles observed when synergy heating between ICRF and NBI. In particular, by varying the injection direction of the beam ions it was observed that more tangential beam yields better synergy in comparison with more perpendicular beam. The neutron emission rate of D–D fusion in tokamaks is improved and less fast ion loss is produced with tangential NBI + ICRF heating. Also, the effect of the ratio P ICRF/P NBI on ICRF + NBI combined heating is demonstrated, the higher power boosts the fusion enhancement. The study of the performed synergistic heating provides an important reference for the subsequent combined NBI + ICRF heating experiments on EAST.

Experiments on pellet fueling have been carried out in edge localized mode (ELM)-free high-confinement mode (H-mode) plasmas with q 95 ∼ 6 in the EAST tokamak. Cryogenic deuterium pellets were injected into the ELM-free plasmas at a frequency of 10 or 5 Hz from ∼45 cm above the mid-plane on the low-field side. It is found that the ELM-free H-mode plasmas are still sustained even if both the edge and core plasma are impacted by the pellet injections (PIs). Several small ELMs would appear and the edge coherent mode accompanying the ELM-free phase fades or even disappears just after the pellet events, but the plasma would rapidly recover to the ELM-free state. Although the ELMing phase is very short, it may be an issue that still needs to be resolved in the future. Meanwhile, the 3/2 tearing mode often appearing in ELM-free discharges would be stabilized by the PIs, and the high-Z impurity concentration would be reduced during the PIs. All these results will be meaningful to International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and future fusion reactors.

The formation of electron thermal internal transport barriers (eITBs) is investigated by critical gradient threshold analysis for recent EAST experiments with dominant RF heating and low torque injection. The ratio of electron temperature to ion temperature, τ = T e/T i, is identified to be the key parameter that triggers eITB in the hot electron mode through electron turbulence suppression by the effect of ion shielding. The critical gradient of electron-temperature-gradient turbulence can be greatly increased with τ due to strong electron heating and weak electron–ion energy coupling. The formation and evolution of eITB is found to be determined by the critical temperature gradient of electron turbulence.

Mode structures and excitation conditions for the low-frequency modes (LFMs) have been investigated in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) plasmas with q min ⩽ 2. Two different stages/categories of the LFM instabilities are observed during the oscillation of annular/central collapse events: (I) the upward sweeping frequency of LFMs; (II) the upward frequency jumpsof LFMs. The annular/central events are triggered by the m/n = 2/1 double tearing modes with different q-profiles, while the LFMs are characterized by higher mode numbers m/n = 4/2, 6/3, …, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively. The maximum radial coverage of the LFMs is located in the annular region of 1.97 ⩽ R ⩽ 2.07 m with the normalized minor radius 0.2 ⩽ ρ ⩽ 0.4, while the higher-frequency (or upward sweeping frequency) branch is more localized to the radial position of 2 ⩽ R ⩽ 2.02 m (q min). The frequency characteristics of upward sweeps or upward jumps of the LFMs are mainly attributed to the change in the q-profile, e.g. the upward sweeping frequency in stage I is caused by q min decreasing. Accordingly, the linear wave properties of LFMs in EAST with weak/reversed magnetic shear are studied numerically and analytically based on a general fishbone-like dispersion relation. Without considering the contribution of energetic ions, it is shown that the LFM with Alfvénic polarization is an MHD-unstable kinetic ballooning mode with frequency of the order of the ion diamagnetic drift frequency. Several important factors for the excitation of LFM instability are analyzed: (1) the role of energetic ions is unimportant, and the LFMs can be excited under the two conditions of with/without energetic ions; (2) the higher τ = T e/T i with larger η i = L ni /L Ti are required, namely the normalized pressure gradient α ∝ (1 + τ)(1 + η i) should be large enough to overcome the stability effect of finite field line bending; (3) the weak/reversed shear q-profile with q min ⩽ 2 and suitable S ≡ (r/q)(q″)1/2 are required.

It is urgently necessary to develop more effective anti-influenza agents due to the continuous emergence of drug-resistant strains of influenza virus. Our earlier studies have identified that certain pentacyclic triterpene derivatives are effective inhibitors of influenza virus infection. In the present study, a series of C-28 modified pentacyclic triterpene derivatives via conjugation with a series of polyphenols were synthesized, and their antiviral activities against influenza A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus in MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells were evaluated. Four compounds 23m, 23o, 23q and 23s displayed robust anti-influenza potency with averaged IC50 values at the low-micromole level, surpassing the potency of oseltamivir. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the four conjugates against MDCK cells showed no toxicity at 100 μM. Further mechanism studies of compound 23s, one of the best representative conjugates with IC50 value of 5.80 μM and a selective index (SI) value of over 17.2, by hemagglutination inhibition (HI), surface plasmon resonance and molecular modeling indicated that this conjugate bound tightly to the viral envelope hemagglutinin (KD = 15.6 μM), thus blocking the invasion of influenza viruses into host cells.

Federated learning provides a privacy-preserving mechanism for multiple participants to collaboratively train machine learning models without exchanging private data with each other. Existing federated learning algorithms can aggregate CNN models when the dataset is horizontally partitioned, but cannot be applied to vertically partitioned datasets. In this work, we demonstrate the image classification task in the vertical federated learning setting where each participant holds incomplete image pieces of all samples. We propose an approach called VFedConv to solve this problem and achieve the goal of training CNN models without revealing raw data. Different from traditional federated learning algorithms sharing model parameters in each training iteration, VFedConv shares hidden feature maps. Each client creates a local feature extractor and transmits the extracted feature maps to the server. A classifier model at the server-side is constructed with extracted feature maps as input and labels as output. Furthermore, we put forward the model transfer method to improve final performance. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the accuracy of VFedConv is close to the centralized model.

The multifaceted asymmetric radiation from the edge (MARFE), which is generally considered to be the result of a radiation thermal instability in the edge and usually occurs in high density operation, has been first observed to move up and down along the poloidal cross-section due to edge cooling after cryogenic deuterium pellet injections in EAST tokamak with tungsten divertor. A maximum electron density of 0.84 × n GW has been obtained using continuous cryogenic pellet fueling. In the meantime, MARFEs, initially located near the divertors of EAST, moves to the inner wall on high field side after each pellet injection. This movement should be attributed to the asymmetry of the power flow to the two sides of the MARFE after pellet injections. Accompanied with MARFE movement, two kinds of strong density fluctuations have been observed. The ones with continuous and regular frequency spectrum, which does not cause a reduction of main plasma density, are confirmed to be induced by MARFE. The others, appearing with magnetic fluctuations, have been determined to be induced by the m/n = 2/1 magnetohydrodynamic activities after pellet injections. All the investigations in this paper will be meaningful for the steady high density operation of future fusion reactors, such as ITER.