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Social interactions (e.g. aggression, mating and parenting) often depend on the social environment, and recent studies suggest that the adult sex ratio (ASR, the proportion of males in the adult population) modulates these social interactions. While observational studies and phylogenetic analyses provide strong support for the proposition that the relative frequencies of adult males and females impact social decisions, the experimental evidence for the impacts of ASR on social interactions is moot. In this study, we manipulated ASR in dung beetles, Onthophagus taurus , to test the responses of males and females in contest behaviour, courtship behaviour and breeding success. We found that ASR influenced the intensity of both contest and courtship, with both contests and courtships being more frequent in male-biased ASRs than in female-biased and unbiased treatments. The weight of brood balls did not differ significantly between ASR treatments, suggesting that ASR does not affect the breeding success of dung beetles by changing the parental investment of females and males. Moreover, the mean number of brood balls per male was fewer in male-biased treatments than in female-biased and unbiased treatments, while there was no significant difference in the mean number of brood balls per female between treatments, supporting the hypothesis that a male-skewed ASR can impair the breeding success of organisms by influencing the reproductive capacity of males but not females. Our results extend the understanding of the influence of ASR on the reproductive strategy decisions of males and females in breeding success. Future analyses are needed to understand the physiological and genetic implications of mate choice and contest behaviour in the context of a variable social environment, as represented by ASR. • An increased male-biased ASR frequently intensifies contest and courtship behaviour. • ASR shows no impact on parental care, evidenced by consistent brood ball weights. • ASR shifts male, not female, reproductive capacity, impacting breeding success. • There is no ASR effect on the parental care–fecundity trade-off in our experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzene is the typical volatile organic compound (VOC) of indoor and outdoor air pollution, which harms human health and the environment. Due to the stability of their aromatic structure, the catalytic oxidation of benzene rings in an environment without an external energy input is difficult. In this study, the efficient degradation of benzene at room temperature was achieved by constructing Ag and Ni bimetallic active site catalysts (AgNi/BCN) supported on boron–carbon–nitrogen aerogel. The atomic-scale Ag and Ni are uniformly dispersed on the catalyst surface and form Ag/Ni-C/N bonds with C and N, which were conducive to the catalytic oxidation of benzene at room temperature. Further catalytic reaction mechanisms indicate that benzene reacted with ·OH to produce R·, which reacted with O2 to regenerate ·OH. Under the strong oxidation of ·OH, benzene was oxidized to form alcohols, carboxylic acids, and eventually CO2 and H2O. This study not only significantly reduces the energy consumption of VOC catalytic oxidation, but also improves the safety of VOC treatment, providing new ideas for the low energy consumption and green development of VOC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The battery system, as the core energy storage device of new energy vehicles, faces increasing safety issues and threats. An accurate and robust fault diagnosis technique is crucial to guarantee the safe, reliable, and robust operation of lithium-ion batteries. However, in battery systems, various faults are difficult to diagnose and isolate due to their similar features and internal coupling relationships. In this paper, the current research of advanced battery system fault diagnosis technology is reviewed. Firstly, the existing types of battery faults are introduced in detail, where cell faults include progressive and sudden faults, and system faults include a sensor, management system, and connection component faults. Then, the fault mechanisms are described, including overcharge, overdischarge, overheat, overcool, large rate charge and discharge, and inconsistency. The existing fault diagnosis methods are divided into four main types. The current research and development of model-based, data-driven, knowledge-based, and statistical analysis-based methods for fault diagnosis are summarized. Finally, the future development trend of battery fault diagnosis technology is prospected. This paper provides a comprehensive insight into the fault and defect diagnosis of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, aiming to promote the further development of new energy vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety, durability and power density of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are currently inadequate to satisfy the continuously growing demand of the emerging battery markets. Rapid progress has been made from material engineering to system design, combining experimental results and simulations to enhance LIB performance. Limited by spatial and temporal resolution, state‐of‐the‐art advanced characterization techniques fail to fully reveal the complex multi‐scale degradation mechanism in LIBs. Strengthening interaction and iteration between characterization and modeling improves the understanding of reaction mechanisms as well as design and management of LIBs. Herein, a seed cyber hierarchy and interactional network framework is demonstrated to evaluate the overall lifecycle of LIBs. The typical examples of bridging the characterization techniques and modeling are discussed. The critical parameters extracted from multi‐scale characterization can serve as digital inputs for modeling. Furthermore, advanced computational techniques including cloud computing, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence can also promote the comprehensive understanding and precise control of the whole battery lifecycle. Digital twins techniques will be introduced enabling the real‐time monitoring and control of LIBs, autonomous computer‐assisted characterizations and intelligent manufacturing. It is anticipated that this work will provide a roadmap for further intensive research on developing high‐performance LIBs and intelligent battery management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims  The F-actin-binding protein Drebrin inhibits smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration, proliferation, and pro-inflammatory signalling. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that Drebrin constrains atherosclerosis. Methods and results SM22-Cre+/ Dbn flox/flox/ Ldlr−/ − (SMC- Dbn−/ − / Ldlr−/ − ) and control mice (SM22-Cre+/ Ldlr−/ − , Dbn flox/flox/ Ldlr−/ − , and Ldlr−/ − ) were fed a western diet for 14–20 weeks. Brachiocephalic arteries of SMC- Dbn −/ − / Ldlr−/ − mice exhibited 1.5- or 1.8-fold greater cross-sectional lesion area than control mice at 14 or 20 weeks, respectively. Aortic atherosclerotic lesion surface area was 1.2-fold greater in SMC- Dbn−/ − / Ldlr−/ − mice. SMC- Dbn−/ − / Ldlr−/ − lesions comprised necrotic cores that were two-fold greater in size than those of control mice. Consistent with their bigger necrotic core size, lesions in SMC- Dbn−/ − arteries also showed more transdifferentiation of SMCs to macrophage-like cells: 1.5- to 2.5-fold greater, assessed with BODIPY or with CD68, respectively. In vitro data were concordant: Dbn−/ − SMCs had 1.7-fold higher levels of KLF4 and transdifferentiated to macrophage-like cells more readily than Dbn flox/flox SMCs upon cholesterol loading, as evidenced by greater up-regulation of CD68 and galectin-3. Adenovirally mediated Drebrin rescue produced equivalent levels of macrophage-like transdifferentiation in Dbn−/ − and Dbn flox/flox SMCs. During early atherogenesis, SMC- Dbn−/ − / Ldlr−/ − aortas demonstrated 1.6-fold higher levels of reactive oxygen species than control mouse aortas. The 1.8-fold higher levels of Nox1 in Dbn−/ − SMCs were reduced to WT levels with KLF4 silencing. Inhibition of Nox1 chemically or with siRNA produced equivalent levels of macrophage-like transdifferentiation in Dbn−/ − and Dbn flox/flox SMCs. Conclusion  We conclude that SMC Drebrin limits atherosclerosis by constraining SMC Nox1 activity and SMC transdifferentiation to macrophage-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constant current casting of molten steel in ladle lifted by special-purpose crane is an important part of metallurgical production line. At the same time, there are risks of failure in the pouring process, so it is necessary to carry out risk assessment on the pouring system. Based on the constant current casting theory, the relationship between velocity and time is deduced by assuming the physical model in the pouring process. And the visual programming software is proposed, and the lifting speed of the auxiliary hook at different moments in different pouring stages is calculated. The lifting speed of the auxiliary hook at different times was input into MATLAB, and the Gaussian curve was fitted in the Notebook environment, to obtain the function and function curve of the lifting speed of the auxiliary hook with respect to time. It can be seen from the comparison of a series of auxiliary hook lifting velocity function curves that the molten steel starts to flow from the ladle until the molten steel is poured. The lifting speed changes smoothly and does not cause huge fluctuations and splashes of molten steel. This study not only prevents the failure of ladle crane, but also realizes the intelligent automatic control of the casting process of ladle crane. It is of great significance to the intelligent development of ladle crane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desmoplastic small round‐cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive malignant tumor, which in the great majority of cases arises at abdominal‐pelvic sites. Nevertheless, rare cases of primary extra‐abdominal tumors have been reported. In challenging cases, its molecular hallmark, the EWSR1‐WT1 reciprocal translocation, can be exploited diagnostically by various molecular techniques. Herein, we report an extremely rare case of primary subcutaneous DSRCT in an effort to raise awareness among our dermatopathology colleagues by expanding the differential of superficial round‐cell tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reduction and dissolution mechanism of Fe3O4 in NaCl-CaCl2 melts system are analyzed by thermodynamics. The electrochemical methods of Fe3O4 in NaCl-CaCl2 melts are studied by cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry and open-circuit chronopotentiometry. The effects of temperature on reduction potential and peak current are investigated. The diffusion coefficients of Fe3+ and Fe2+ at different temperatures are calculated, and the activation energy E is obtained. Electrolytic products are obtained after 10 min of potentiostatic electrolysis in the melts of NaCl-CaCl2-Fe3O4 at 1073 K and 1.9 V. The results of XRD show that no other compounds are formed in the melts, indicating that Fe3O4 do not react chemically in the NaCl-CaCl2 melts system at 973 K, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. Fe3O4 is reduced by two-step quasi-reversible reaction in the melts of NaCl-CaCl2 at 973 K to obtain iron: Fe3+ → Fe2+ → Fe. The two-step reaction is controlled by diffusion. The diffusion coefficients are 4.53 × 10–6 cm2·s–1 and 1.17 × 10–6 cm2·s–1, respectively. Fe3O4 is reduced in two steps. The potential shifts with temperature and decreases with the increase of the proportion of Fe3O4. The activation energies of the two-step reaction are 62.38 kJ·mol–1 and 77.52 kJ·mol–1. A deposited layer of uniform distribution, high coverage and dense iron is prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorene quantum dots (PQDs) with high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield were fabricated through pulsed laser ablation of black phosphorus in liquids. The PL emission showed excitation wavelength-independent features due to the sufficient passivation by oxygen-containing substituents derived from the ablation-decomposed solvent molecules. There were four peaks in the PL profile showing a multifrequency PL effect, which provided a viable route to investigate the PL mechanism via the detailed structures of the PL profile. The two peaks at shorter wavelengths were attributed to the intrinsic PL transitions. The two peaks at longer wavelengths were assigned to the transitions from the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital to the two-surface states. The positions of the four peaks are redshifted with increasing solvent molecular chain length due to the passivation effect. The intense, excitation wavelength-independent, multifrequency and blue-violet PL emissions indicate the potential application in semiconductor light sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure the secure and healthy usage of lithium-ion batteries, it is necessary to accurately estimate the state of charge (SOC) in battery management systems. The development of deep learning (DL) provides a new solution for battery SOC estimation. However, the directly measured physical quantities contain less useful information and have low estimation accuracy. This paper proposes a method of integrating the mechanism knowledge of the battery domain into the DL framework. Firstly, the simplified electrochemical model is utilized to obtain the mechanism-related physical variables to expand the input of the DL model. Secondly, the long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used with the Bayesian optimization, and the variables with high correlation are identified. The best SOC estimation performance can be obtained by adding all the selected highly-correlated variables to the input for training together. The results show that the proposed method can improve the SOC estimation performance with only a slight increase in computation cost. Finally, other DL models are utilized to further validate the effectiveness, to reveal the universality. These results show that the performance of the DL model can be effectively improved by using the knowledge of the battery domain. • Electrochemical mechanism provides useful information for deep learning. • Variables highly correlated with SOC are selected to be added into input. • All statistical errors are reduced by more than half relatively to each other. • Multiple deep learning models are used to verify universality of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A rough micro-structure was obtained utilizing powder adhesion in laser cladding. • The coating surface became hydrophobic when it absorbed organics in the atmosphere. • The hydrophobicity of the coating was improved by stearic acid modification. Much attention has been paid to hydrophobic coatings in metal surface engineering. In this study, a rough micro-structure was formed on the coating by utilizing powder adhesion during laser cladding. Upon adsorption of hydrocarbons and their derivatives with low surface energy present in the atmospheric environment, the coating showed hydrophobic behavior. After the coating was modified by a stearic acid solution, the water contact angle of the coating surface increased from 137.2 ± 2.8° to 149.1 ± 3.3°, indicating that the hydrophobicity of the coating was further improved. According to the electrochemical results, the modified coating exhibited improved anti-corrosion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electric machine supported by an active magnetic bearing (AMB) can realize ultrahigh speed and high power density, and it is developing toward the trends of higher rotation speed and higher power density. The displacement sensor used for an AMB is one of the most important components in a magnetic suspension electric machine, so improving the dynamic response and the resolution of the displacement sensor become a critical technology. In this paper, a novel self-differential eddy-current displacement sensor (ECDS) based on the Hartley principle for a high-speed magnetic suspension electric machine is proposed and verified. First, the integral structure of the ECDS probe and the novel design scheme are presented. Second, the phase advance network method is described in detail to improve the dynamic characteristic of the sensor. Third, the detailed suppression procedure of the sensor-to-sensor crosstalk noise is given to improve the sensor's resolution. Finally, a series of experiments is carried out on two typical prototypes of a high-speed magnetic suspension electric machine. The experimental results indicate that the proposed ECDS with high dynamic response and resolution is valid in the application of the high-speed magnetic suspension rotating machinery in industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The actin-binding protein Drebrin is up-regulated in response to arterial injury and reduces smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation through its interaction with the actin cytoskeleton. We, therefore, tested the hypothesis that SMC Drebrin inhibits angiotensin II-induced remodelling of the proximal aorta. Methods and results Angiotensin II was administered via osmotic minipumps at 1000 ng/kg/min continuously for 28 days in SM22-Cre+/ Dbn flox/flox (SMC- Dbn −/−) and control mice. Blood pressure responses to angiotensin II were assessed by telemetry. After angiotensin II infusion, we assessed remodelling in the proximal ascending aorta by echocardiography and planimetry of histological cross sections. Although the degree of hypertension was equivalent in SMC- Dbn −/− and control mice, SMC- Dbn −/− mice nonetheless exhibited 60% more proximal aortic medial thickening and two-fold more outward aortic remodelling than control mice in response to angiotensin II. Proximal aortas demonstrated greater cellular proliferation and matrix deposition in SMC- Dbn −/− mice than in control mice, as evidenced by a higher prevalence of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive nuclei and higher levels of collagen I. Compared with control mouse aortas, SMC- Dbn −/− aortas demonstrated greater angiotensin II-induced NADPH oxidase activation and inflammation, evidenced by higher levels of Ser-536-phosphorylated NFκB p65 subunits and higher levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and adventitial macrophages. Conclusions We conclude that SMC Drebrin deficiency augments angiotensin II-induced inflammation and adverse aortic remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the wide application of the high-speed electrical machine with the active magnetic bearings (AMBs), improving the dynamic response and the resolution of the displacement sensor for AMBs becomes an actual challenge for industrial development. This paper proposes a self-differential eddy current displacement sensor (ECDS) for radial AMBs system. The phase advance network method was utilized to improve the dynamic characteristic for the sensor based on the equivalent transfer function model. The reason of the sensor-to-sensor crosstalk was analyzed in detail to provide a theoretical basis for improving the resolution of the sensor. First, the operating principle of the ECDS was analyzed in detail. Second, the miniaturization design was presented: the two symmetrical probe coils were used as the working inductors in the Hartley oscillation circuit to form a self-differential structure to simplify the measuring circuit observably, and suppress the common mode interference. Third, the dynamic characteristic of the sensor and the sensor-to-sensor crosstalk was described and compensated. Finally, a series of experiments was carried out to test the sensor performance. The experimental results showed that the ECDS with the features of the minimum circuit, the wide bandwidth, and the high resolution can greatly improve the controllability of the AMBs system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene has demonstrated excellent field emission performance, however, the emitted-current shows irreversible decline. The cause of this decline has not been clearly studied or thoroughly identified, which limits application of graphene as field emitters. In this work, accompanied by the decay of emission currents, the damage to few-layer graphene sheets was observed for the first time by introducing a plate-needle-type setup. The low turn-on field show excellent emission ability. The thinnest regions at the edges of graphene sheets, which have high emission efficiency, are the first to be destroyed. Thus, the graphene sheets become shortened and show thicker serrated edges because of thermally assisted field evaporation induced by the local heating effect of the currents, resulting in the degradation of emission ability. In contrast to the damage, changes in the Raman features of the graphene sheets are not visible, indicating that the graphene structure is retained in the remaining graphene sheets and only the morphology is changed, which renders the ϕ unchanged. This work provides the first direct and credible evidence that the degradation of emission performance is derived from damage to the graphene sheets, which leads to changes in their geometry and determines the β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stepwise ring closing processes of platinum(II) alkynyl arkynyl bridged DTEs (OO→OC→CC) were studied theoretically with density functional theory method in this work for better understanding the Pt(II) alkynyl coordination effect on the photophysical and photochemical properties of dithienylethene (DTE). It is observed that the absorption spectrum of OO complex is red-shifted compared with that of ring-opened DTE monomer because of the decreased HOMO-LUMO gap energy. The first S 0 →S 1 absorption of OC is red shifted than that of OO and is blue shifted than that of CC complex because of the increased conjugation of the ring-closed DTE moiety. In addition, potential energy surface (PSE) studies show that the energy barrier for the ring-closing process in the ground state of Pt(II) complex is smaller than that of the isolated DTE monomer and the isomerization process is changed from endothermic to exothermic reaction. Moreover, the energy barrier for the first ring-closing process is a little larger than the second ring-closing process involved in the DTE moieties. More important, similar with that in the DTE monomers, the ring closing processes in the ionic and triplet states of Pt(II) complexes is easier than that in the neutral case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel strategy for high-quality AlN templates epitaxy on sapphire substrates with sputtered buffer layers combined with a low- and high-temperature alteration technique is proposed. The best full width at half maximum values for (0002) and (1 1 ¯ 02) reflections are 207 and 377 arcsec, respectively. Investigations indicate the joint effect of growth mode control and sputtered buffer layer results in the improvement of AlN crystalline quality. Firstly, threading dislocations density can be significantly decreased due to the alteration from three-dimensional to two-dimensional growth mode. Moreover, the graded composition of AlON layer in the sputtered buffer layer is believed to alleviate lattice mismatch between sapphire substrates and AlN, which also contributes to low dislocations density in AlN templates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food shortage of kelp Saccharina japonica is one of the most serious concerns for aquaculture of juvenile Strongylocentrotus intermedius in summer. For the first time, the present study provides a cost-effective approach to addressing this problem for field aquaculture. We found juvenile S. intermedius fed gulfweed Sargassum horneri (group S) had significantly higher food consumption and better growth than those fed S. japonica (group K). S. intermedius fed S. horneri and S. japonica (group M) showed significantly larger test diameter, test weight, body weight, and higher specific growth rate than those fed S. japonica only (group K), but not significantly larger or higher than those fed S. horneri only (group S). Further, gonad weight and index were significantly smaller in the group S than in the groups K and M, which indicates that S. horneri is not only a better diet for aquaculture of juvenile sea urchins S. intermedius, but leads a suitable energy allocation for cultured juvenile S. intermedius in summer. According to the present study, full replacement of S. japonica with S. horneri and the feeding regime of S. horneri and S. japonica are both acceptable for juvenile S. intermedius aquaculture in summer. Therefore, we suggest aqua-farmers choose suitable replacement according to the local availability and cost of S. horneri and S. japonica in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Simultaneous nitrate and phosphate adsorption by La-Ca-MWS in binary system. • Strong adsorption capacity over the pH range 3–10. • Nitrate adsorption occurs via electrostatic attraction and ion exchange, while phosphate adsorption occurs via surface precipitation, ligand exchange, and electrostatic attraction. • Adsorption efficiency remains > 85 % after nine cycles of adsorbent regeneration. Nitrates and phosphates accumulate in waterbodies and cause eutrophication, reduce the self-purification capacity of the water body, and decrease the dissolved oxygen, thereby causing the death of aquatic organisms. Simultaneous removal of nitrate and phosphate from water is challenging to achieve but is essential for improving the ecological environment and reducing public health hazards. In this study, we developed a novel adsorbent, La/Ca-loaded modified straw (La-Ca-MWS), for the simultaneous removal of nitrate and phosphate from water. Quaternary amine and La/Ca bimetallic groups were employed for nitrate and phosphate adsorption, respectively. The adsorption isotherms and kinetics as well as solution pH effects were investigated in single and binary pollutant systems. Nitrate and phosphate weakly inhibited each other's adsorption on La-Ca-MWS in the binary system, and their adsorption capacities were 68.66 and 84.72 mg g−1, respectively. La-Ca-MWS showed excellent adsorption capacity over the pH range 3–10. After nine adsorption and desorption cycles in a 10 % NaOH–NaCl solution, the adsorption efficiency remained > 85 % in the adsorbent regeneration test. This bifunctional adsorption site-modified straw adsorbent has practical applications in nitrate and phosphate removal from wastewater. We expect that our findings will promote the development of multifunctional adsorbents in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and the characterization of core-shell Au@Ag nanorods through reduction by the wet chemical method. UV-visible absorption spectra of core-shell Au@Ag nanorods demonstrate the longitudinal mode of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) can be tailored from 724 to 786 nm by controlling the thickness of the silver shell, as is assessed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Furthermore, the tunable and well-controlled LSPRs of core-shell Au@Ag nanorods are also investigated by numerical simulation using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method, which strongly supports the experimental observations. The growth mechanism for core-shell Au@Ag nanorods is proposed, according to experimental observations and numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex marine benthic environments shape a number of ecologically important behaviors in sea urchins, including covering and righting behaviors. The present study correlated covering and righting behaviors to a series of fitness-related traits in sea urchins. Righting response time of Glyptocidaris crenularis was significantly positively correlated with body size, but significantly negatively correlated with food consumption. Covering behavior was not significantly correlated with test diameter, test height or body weight, but covering response time was negatively correlated with body weight. A significantly negative correlation was found between righting response time and covering response time. Glyptocidaris crenularis showed a significantly positive correlation in covering response time with and without exposure to poured sand, but no significance in covering ability (number of shells used to cover). The present study provides new insight into internal mechanisms and evolutionary drives of covering and righting behaviors of sea urchins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phototriggered intramolecular isomerization in a series of ruthenium sulfoxide complexes, [Ru(L)(tpy)(DMSO)] n+ (where tpy=2,2':6',2''-terpyridine; DMSO=dimethyl sulfoxide; L=2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), n=2; N, N, N', N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmen) n=2; picolinate (pic), n=1; acetylacetonate (acac), n=1; oxalate (ox), n=0; malonate (mal), n=0), was investigated theoretically. It is observed that the metal-centered ligand field (3MC) state plays an important role in the excited state S→O isomerization of the coordinated DMSO ligand. If the population of 3MCS state is thermally accessible and no 3MCO can be populated from this state, photoisomerization will be turned off because the 3MCS excited state is expected to lead to fast radiationless decay back to the original 1GSS ground state or photodecomposition along the Ru2+−S stretching coordinate. On the contrary, if the population of 3MCS (or 3MCO) state is inaccessible, photoinduced S→O isomerization can proceed adiabatically on the potential energy surface of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited states (3MLCTS→3MLCTO). It is hoped that these results can provide valuable information for the excited state isomerization in photochromic d6 transition-metal complexes, which is both experimentally and intellectually challenging as a field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we use dispersion-corrected density functional theory methods to illustrate how it is possible to control the electronic and photophysical properties of [Ru(bpy)2(OSO)]+ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; OSO = methylsulfinylbenzoate) isomers with the type and positions of the substituents on coordinated ligand. It is found that the frontier MOs of the ruthenium sulfoxide complexes can be substantially modulated as a function of different substitution patterns. Correspondingly, the first absorption and phosphorescence emission transitions can be tuned because both of them are dominated by one-electron transitions between frontier MOs. More importantly, the relative thermodynamic stabilities of two linkage isomers also can be changed with ligand modification. It is proposed that the Ru–S → Ru–O1 isomerization is more thermodynamically favored by electron-withdrawing group substitution on coordinated ligands. Understanding the variation of electronic and photophysical properties induced by ligand modification can be used for developing a rational design process for such electrochromic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nano-CeO 2 particles as nucleating agents were incorporated into Ni625 alloy powder by ball milling method, with the aim of inhibiting occurrence of liquation crack during Ni625 alloy laser cladding. The differences in microstructure, electrochemical performance and tribological performance between Ni625 and Ni625 + 0.2 wt%CeO 2 cladding layers were studied and compared. The results from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analyses clearly revealed that liquation crack in the lap zone between scanning tracks of the Ni625 cladding layer was caused by successive γ + Laves eutectic structure at the boundary of coarse grains. CeO 2 with high melting point and low Gibbs free energy had good stability, and the two-dimensional disregistry between CeO 2 and Ni625 alloy was 5.9%, which made the nano-CeO 2 particles promote the heterogeneous nucleation of Ni625 alloy. Benefiting from heterogeneous nucleation, the Ni625 + 0.2 wt%CeO 2 cladding layer was without liquation crack and had larger equiaxed zone and finer grains. Moreover, the γ + Laves eutectic structure at grain boundary changed from successive distribution to discrete distribution and its content reduced, which indicated that elemental segregation of Mo and Nb during solidification was improved. The results of electrochemistry, microhardness and friction wear tests showed that the Ni625 + 0.2 wt%CeO 2 cladding layer had large charge transfer resistance, higher microhardness and less wear mass loss, which signified that it had better corrosion resistance and wear resistance. • Liquation crack in the lap zone was clearly characterized by SEM and EBSD. • Nano-CeO 2 added by ball milling effectively refined grains of the cladding layer. • The liquation crack was inhibited as grain size and Laves phase content decreased. • The two-dimensional lattice disregistry between CeO 2 and Ni625 was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization, digital twins, machine learning, simulation Bridging Multiscale Characterization Technologies and Digital Modeling to Evaluate Lithium Battery Full Lifecycle (Adv. Keywords: characterization; digital twins; machine learning; simulation EN characterization digital twins machine learning simulation 1 1 1 09/05/22 20220901 NES 220901 B Lithium Batteries b In article number 2200889, Kai Yang, Shichun Yang and co-workers demonstrate the potential of cyber hierarchy and interactional network framework (CHAIN) to bridge multi-scale characterization and modeling technologies to evaluate lithium battery overall lifecycle. [Extracted from the article]

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in electric vehicles and play an important role in the energy storage system. However, lithium plating is one of the major degradation processes in lithium-ion batteries, leading to severe capacity fading and other latent safety problems. Lithium plating should be prevented or detected effectively to ensure the operation of LIBs safe and reliable. In this paper, an electrochemical model of lithium plating combined with Monte Carlo method is established to investigate the lithium plating process at different operating conditions, considering the influence of electric field and concentration field. Particle movement and system evolution in atomic scale is simulated at two dimensions with the mobility of each Li+ computed. In-situ optical detection experiments of lithium plating at different charging rates are designed and carried out with a charge coupled device (CCD) digital camera and an optical microscope to validate the viability of model. Finally, other usages of this model are discussed. This model will contribute to the novel microscopic insight for mechanism of lithium plating, with the combination of modeling analysis and experiments developing detection techniques for lithium plating. • An electrochemical and graphics model for Li dendrites. • In-situ optical detection experiments of lithium plating are designed and developed. • Constant voltage edge conditions and charging rates should be strictly controlled. • The simulation result demonstrates the behavior of Li dendrites formation and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of metal ions (M n+ = Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and hydrated Mg2+ ions) and water molecules on the tautomerism of adenine induced by single proton transfer (SPT) have been investigated theoretically. Calculated results show that the single proton transfer process in adenine base is favored and even becomes thermodynamically spontaneous because of the presence of M n+ interacting at the N3 position of adenine. On the contrary, if M n+ coordinated to N7 site, the single proton transfer process will become unfavorable than that in the neutral system. The effects of metal ions on the SPT of adenine base are more pronounced if Lewis acidity of metal ion is increased. Water plays a more important role than metal ions during the SPT process. It is found that water can act not only as a solvent but also as a mediator which gives and accepts protons to promote SPT, playing a bridge role. As a result, inclusion of a water molecule drastically reduces the energy barrier for the SPT. Moreover, two water molecules can yield larger assisting effect on the SPTs compared with one water molecule. We can conclude that the tautomerism of DNA adenine base can be modulated by the metal ions and water molecules. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dispersion-corrected DFT study on the redox-induced linkage isomerization of a family of [M(bpy)2AL]2+ complexes {M = Ru, Os; bpy = 2,2-bipyridine; AL = 2-[(isopropylsulfinyl)methyl]pyridine (pySO), 2-[2-(isopropylsulfinyl)ethyl]pyridine (pyESO), 2-[3-(isopropylsulfinyl)propyl]pyridine (pyPSO)} was undertaken. The calculated results indicated that modification of the metal center or ancillary ligand could produce distinct electronic and photophysical properties of the complexes. In good agreement with experimental absorption spectrum results, a redshift in the absorption maximum was observed if the metal center of the complex was changed from ruthenium to osmium. More importantly, the relative thermodynamic stabilities of the two linkage isomers in these complexes could also be tuned by modifications to the metal center or ancillary ligand. It was found that the relative energies between the S- and O-linked ruthenium sulfoxide complexes were smaller than those between the osmium sulfoxide isomers. Intrinsic reaction pathway results demonstrated that intramolecular S→O and O→S isomerization was easier in the ruthenium complexes than in the osmium complexes with the same coordinated ligands. Moreover, intramolecular isomerization was more favorable if the number of methylene units between the sulfoxide group and the pyridine ring in the ancillary ligand was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-induced thermoelectric voltage effect signal was observed in the La 0.9 Sr 0.1 NiO 3 (LSNO) thin films grown on LaAlO 3 single crystal substrate which is cut with 5° tilting angle along the 〈100〉 direction by excimer pulsed laser deposition. The results of the LITV measurement demonstrated that the peak voltage of LSNO thin films was strong and could reach as large as 700 mV when laser energy density is 2 mJ/mm 2 . The rising time of LITV signal was less than 20 ns. Moreover, the peak voltage increased linearly with the single-pulse laser energy density. Above characteristics indicate LSNO thin films are a potential candidate for laser energy/power detectors is an excellent choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ectoparasitoid wasp, Nasonia vitripennis can enhance its cold tolerance by exploiting a maternally-induced larval diapause. A simple manipulation of the fly host diapause status and supplementation of the host diet with proline also dramatically increase cold tolerance in the parasitoid. In this study, we used a metabolomics approach to define alterations in metabolite profiles of N. vitripennis caused by diapause in the parasitoid, diapause of the host, and augmentation of the host's diet with proline. Metabolic profiles of diapausing and nondiapausing parasitoid were significantly differentiated, with pronounced distinctions in levels of multiple cryoprotectants, amino acids, and carbohydrates. The dynamic nature of diapause was underscored by a shift in the wasp's metabolomic profile as the duration of diapause increased, a feature especially evident for increased concentrations of a suite of cryoprotectants. Metabolic pathways involved in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism were distinctly enriched during diapause in the parasitoid. Host diapause status also elicited a pronounced effect on metabolic signatures of the parasitoid, noted by higher cryoprotectants and elevated compounds derived from glycolysis. Proline supplementation of the host diet did not translate directly into elevated proline in the parasitoid but resulted in an alteration in the abundance of many other metabolites, including elevated concentrations of essential amino acids, and reduction in metabolites linked to energy utilization, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Thus, the enhanced cold tolerance of N. vitripennis associated with proline augmentation of the host diet appears to be an indirect effect caused by the metabolic perturbations associated with diet supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full-length cDNA library from the antenna of Chrysopa pallens (Rambur) was constructed based on switching mechanism at 5' end of RNA transcript ( SMART ) system. The purified double-stranded cDNA was ligated to vector SMART2IFD, and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α by electroporation. The library constructed for female and male reached high titers of 2.1 x 106 and 1.8 x106 pfu/mL, respectively. PCR results showed that the inserts varied from 400 bp to 2 000 bp with the average size larger than 500 bp and the recombination rate over 93.0%. Further studies on those genes and large scale sequencing of the library may be helpful in screening new olfactory related genes in C. pallens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redox-stimulatedintramolecular isomerization of the DMSO ligandin [Os(bpy)2(DMSO)2]2+(bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine;DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide) was explored theoretically for better understandingthe electrochromic properties of osmium sulfoxide complexes. It isfound that the HOMO–LUMO gap is decreased because the electrontransfer amount from DMSO1 ligand to Os center using Os–S1linkage is larger than that using Os–O1linkage, which makes the absorption of such electrochromic Os(II)sulfoxide complexes red-shifted. Moreover, it is observed that Os–Olinkage is preferred by the “hard” Os(III) metal andthe “soft” Os(I) metal prefers Os–S linkage,compared with Os(II). Intrinsic reaction pathway calculation resultsdemonstrate that Os–S1→ Os–O1isomerization is favored by Os(II) oxidation, while Os–O1→ Os–S1isomerization is much easierto be triggered by reduction of Os(III) or Os(II). In addition, DMSO2linkage isomerization becomes much harder to proceed attributed tothe increased bond-strength between DMSO2 and Os center upon Os(II)–O1→ Os(II)–S1rearrangement, whichmakes only one DMSO ligand isomerized observed experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive blending system of free radical initiator (L101), polylactide (PLLA) and bio-based polyurethane (Bio-TPU) elastomer containing double bonds was investigated. There existed a competition for free radicals between the PLLA and Bio-TPU, because free radicals could attack both the tertiary hydrogen in PLLA chains and the double bonds in Bio-TPU. The behavior of competition for free radicals between PLLA and toughening phase was pointed out and analyzed in this work for the first time. Observations from all kinds of characterization lead us to believe that the double bonds in Bio-TPU were more prone to react with free radicals. The competition for free radicals played an important role on the interfacial properties of the blending systems, and consequently, on the thermal and mechanical properties of the blends. In PLLA/Bio-TPU/L101 (90/10/0.1, 90/10/0.3) blends, excellent ductility and high tensile strength were found at the same time owing to largely improved compatibility and much higher crystallinity. The elongation at break of these two samples were improved 36 and 34 times compared to pure PLLA separately, accompanied with only 16% and 18% decrease of the tensile strength. This work may be helpful for better understanding of similar reactive blending systems and designing PLLA blends with comprehensive properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boosting cold hardiness in parasitoids is a goal that is particularly attractive for increasing shelf life and shipment of biological control agents. In the experiments reported here we use the parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis as a model to evaluate manipulations that may be capable of enhancing the wasp’s cold tolerance. We altered the parasitoid’s cold tolerance by manipulating the wasp’s diapause status, the diapause status of the host fly ( Sarcophaga crassipalpis ), and the diet of the host. Larval diapause in N. vitripennis dramatically increased cold tolerance and the diapause status of the host also exerted a positive, although less dramatic, effect. Augmenting the host fly’s diet with supplements of putative cryoprotectants (alanine, proline and glycerol) enhanced cold tolerance in parasitoids that fed on the flies, thus indicating a tri-trophic effect on parasitoid cold tolerance. The most pronounced improvement in cold tolerance was noted in parasitoids fed on fly hosts that had received a diet augmented with proline. These results suggest mechanisms that could be exploited for enhancement of cold tolerance in parasitoids of commercial interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A facile, large-area, and cost-effective method to fabricate gap-controlled and highly ordered Ag NP arrays has been demonstrated. • The gap-controlled and highly ordered Ag NP arrays can be employed as both efficient plasmonic photocatalysts and stable SERS platforms. • The apparent activation energy of the photocatalytic reaction of 4NBT conversion to DMAB is significantly reduced as the gap decreases, owing to the high-intensity hot spots that facilitate the reaction. Plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis has attracted considerable attention due to its low energy consumption and high energy throughput. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a highly sensitive and label-free nondestructive tool to investigate plasmon-driven photocatalytic reactions. Herein, we present a facile method to fabricate gap-controlled Ag nanoparticle (NP) arrays with uniform and high-density distribution of hot spots, which can be employed as both efficient plasmonic photocatalysts and stable SERS platforms. The plasmon-driven catalytic reaction of 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4NBT), which transforms it into p, p′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB), is detected by using an in situ SERS technique at the excited wavelength of 785 nm. According to the temperature and laser power density dependent photocatalytic reaction rates observed on the Ag NP arrays, we quantitatively determined that the reductive coupling of 4NBT is more likely to occur as the gap decreases. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation results demonstrate that the plasmonic hot spots are significantly enhanced with a decrease in gap, which in turn reduces activation energy. The gap-controlled Ag NP arrays are efficient for both promotion and detection of plasmon-driven catalytic reactions, and may pave a pathway for implementing efficient plasmonic photocatalytic platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Citric acid modification can increase the content of carboxyl group. • The carboxyl anchoring effect is responsible for the uniform and ordered micropores. • Ion-exchange capacity regulates pore-size distribution. • Biochar with suitable pore-size distribution is used for excellent p -xylene capture. Capturing p -xylene from waste gas is a top priority, as it is classified as a Group I carcinogen, which can cause great harm to the human living environment. In this study, a facile synthetic route was designed to prepare microporous biochar (CABCs) through esterification and ion exchange and successively introduce carboxyl and alkali metal ions on the surface of biochar precursor before carbonation. The CABCs showed excellent performance in capturing p -xylene. The optimal preparation conditions were citric acid concentration of 0.6 mol L−1, KOH concentration of 2 mol L−1, carbonization temperature of 800 °C, and time of 60 min. The pore size of CABCs was 1.48 nm, which was 2.60-fold larger than n-CABCs derived from biochar precursor without citric acid modification. The presence of moisture had a negative effect on capturing p -xylene. In addition, the adsorption of p -xylene onto CABCs was described well using pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal models, and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 110.74 mg g−1 at 313 K. Furthermore, the adsorption properties of p -xylene onto CABCs were demonstrated by theoretical calculations based on density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation to guide the optimization of pore size. Moreover, p -xylene adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature, and the adsorption mechanism primarily included micropore filling and π–π interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The Ru–S and Ru–O1 bond are weakened by one electron excitation. [•] The strength of Ru–O1 linkage is significantly larger than that of Ru–S linkage. [•] HOMO–LUMO energy gap is closed by such intramolecular isomerization process. [•] Red shifted absorption and emission maxima upon isomerization can be explained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Blends of entirely bio-sourced polymers, namely polylactide (PLA) and starch, have been melt-compounded by lab-scale co-extruder with castor oil (CO) as a plasticizer. The enrichment of castor oil on starch had great effect on the properties of the blends. If the castor oil was mainly dispersed in PLA matrix, the properties of the blends were poor, but when the hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI) was grafted on starch granules the ready reactions between the hydroxyl on CO and the isocyante on the HDI-grafted starch (HGSTs) brought CO molecules enriched on starch particles. DSC analysis shows that the CO layer on starch has a positive effect on the crystallization of PLA in the ternary blend. The accumulation of CO on starch greatly improves the toughness and impact strength of PLA/starch blends. The grafting content of HDI on the starch granules primarily determined the compatibility and properties of the resulted blends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Well-ordered silver nano arrays, prepared using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by laser molecular beam epitaxy (L-MBE) method, were adhered to the work electrode using conductive adhesive to be a Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. Variable SERS signals of paranitrobenzoic acid (PNA) on the electrode modified with silver nano arrays were recorded with electric potential ranging from 0.1 to −0.5V. The SERS spectra of PNA using DFT-B3PW91 with lanl2dz based on two models were calculated. It indicate that the adsorption orientation of probe molecules on the silver nano arrays with potential change of the electrode. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

So far, Puguang gas field is the largest and most abundant oversize marine carbonate reservoir that has been exploited in China. The range of H2S and CO2 content in natural gas is 13% -- 18% (v) and 8% -- 10% (v) respectively, organic sulfur content is 340.6 mg/m³. The conventional acid gas removal process is not applicable. By research and analysis on high sulfur natural gas purification technology, the gas purification process of Puguang gas field is set up. MDEA is selected as main absorption solvent, and organic sulfur is removed by catalytic reaction. To control the CO2 absorption, an interstage cooler is et between the first main absorber and the second absorber. The rich MDEA from acid gas removal unit and tail gas treating unit is regenerated in the same stripper to reduce the cost and energy consumption. This technology has been applied in Puguang gas field for more than one year, and the technical specifications meet requirements, the content of H2S in product is tower than 6 mg/m³, CO2 is lower than 3%(v), and the total sulfur is lower than 200 mg/m³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various effects caused by surface plasmons including enhanced electromagnetic field, local heating, and excited electrons/holes can not only redistribute the electromagnetic field in the time domain and space but also redistribute the excited carriers and drive chemical reactions. In this study, firstly, an Au nanoporous array photocatalyst with the arrayed gauge was prepared by means of the anodic alumina template. Then, the formation of 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) by the surface plasmon-driven photocatalysis under 633 nm laser irradiation was investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy using aminothiophenol (PATP) as a probe molecule on gold nananoporous arrays. In addition, sodium borohydride was introduced in situ to realize the reverse photocatalytic reaction driven by the surface plasma. With the help of FDTD software, the plasma distribution characteristics on the surface of Au nanoporous arrays were simulated and analyzed. Through this practical method, it is expected to draw specific graphics, letters, and Chinese characters on the micro/nano scale, and realize the functions of graphics drawing, information encryption, reading, and erasing on the micro/nano scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Gold nanowires array with diameter from 90 to 110nm was prepared on AAO template by laser molecular beam epitaxy (LMBE), and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of probe molecules nicotinic acid (NA) were recorded on the gold nanowires array. The Raman and SERS spectrum of NA using DFT-B3PW91 with lanl2dz based on two models were calculated, and compared with the experimental results. It was found the calculated frequencies were in good agreement with experimental values, which indicates that there are two enhanced mechanism which electromagnetic enhancement and charge transfer enhancement, on the gold nanowires array regarding SERS effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The highly ordered anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template was fabricated using aluminum anodizing in electrolytes with two-step method, which apertures were about 50–80nm. The nickel nanowires with about 40–70nm in diameter was prepared on the AAO template by laser-MBE (molecular beam epitaxy). And high quality Raman spectra of SudanII were obtained on the glass covered with the nickel nanowires. On the nickel nanowires there are both surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and tip enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). The new observations not only enlarge the range of SERS applications, but also imply a possible new enhancement mechanism. Otherwise the Raman and SERS frequencies of SudanII molecule were calculated using, respectively, DFT and B3PW91. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Silver, titanium, nickel, and aluminum nanowire arrays with diameters from 90 to 110 nm were prepared on AAO templates by laser molecular beam epitaxy. On the several kinds of nanowire arrays, high-quality surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of probe molecules of the red dye Sudan II (C18H16N2O) were obtained. In particular, the SERS spectrum of Sudan II on an aluminum nanowire array is reported for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A high quality anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template with ordered apertures about 50–80nm was fabricated by anodizing aluminum in electrolytes through a two-step method, and silver nanowires with diameters from 40nm to 70nm were prepared on this AAO template by magnetron sputtering. On the glass covered with silver nanowires, high quality surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of sudan II (C18H16N2O) with enhancement factors of 105 were obtained. And comparison of SERS spectra on silver nanowires with the SERS spectra of silver colloids indicates that main enhanced mode is lightning rod effect of nanorods on the Sudan II/silver nanowires system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrogen peroxide was detected during the ozonation of para-chlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solutions. Its formation and influence on the reaction mechanism were examined. Semi-batch experiments showed that hydrogen peroxide was formed during the direct reaction between molecular ozone and 4-CP. The detected hydrogen peroxide could reach 12. 3% of the initial mole concentration of 4-CP. Hydrogen peroxide reacts with ozone in neutral pH and leads to the appearance of the powerful oxidant, OH. An O3/OHmpound, succinate was then developed, and also included in the 4-CP solution matrix. The disappearance of succinate with time shows the amount of OH. With enough tert-butanol inhibiting the OHoxidation, results showed that 4-CP was transformed to para-quinone by ozone, and subsequently destroyed to formic acid and oxalic acid. Without scavengers of inactivation the OH, 4-CP was destroyed to low molecular weight acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Because tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vein graft neointimal hyperplasia, we sought to determine mechanisms by which TNF could induce proliferative and migratory responses in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Methods and results: In rabbit jugulocarotid interposition vein grafts, SMCs expressed TNF as early as four days postoperatively. In rabbit aortic SMCs, TNF and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) elicited comparable migration (1.7-fold/basal), and their effects were partially additive. In contrast, while TNF failed to promote SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation alone, it doubled the [3H]thymidine incorporation observed with PDGF alone. To gain mechanistic insight into these phenomena, we found that TNF and PDGF each activated p38mapk equivalently in SMCs, but that PDGF was two to three times more efficacious than TNF in activating SMC extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. However, only TNF activated NFκB. SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation that depended on TNF, but not PDGF, was abolished by overexpression of a dominant-negative IκBα mutant. Inhibition of ERK activation by U0126 reduced SMC migration stimulated only by PDGF (by 35%, P<0.05), but not by TNF. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase by LY294002, however, significantly reduced both TNF- and PDGF-stimulated chemotaxis (by 38–54%, P<0.05). In contrast, both U0126 and LY294002 abolished SMC [3H]thymidine incorporation induced by either TNF, PDGF, or both agonists. Conclusions: In primary rabbit SMCs, TNF promotes migration and mitogenesis through signaling mechanisms that are both distinct from and overlapping with those employed by PDGF. TNF-induced SMC mitogenesis requires complementary co-stimulation with other growth factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

K. Peppel, L. Zhang, T. T. T. Huynh, X. Huang, A. Jacobson, L. Brian, S. T. Exum, P.-O. Hagen and N. J. Freedman. Overexpression of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase-2 in Smooth Muscle Cells Reduces Neointimal Hyperplasia. Journal of Molecular Cellular Cardiology (2002) 34, 1399–1409. The activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in neointimal hyperplasia involves signaling through receptor tyrosine kinases as well as G protein-coupled receptors. Overexpression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 (GRK2) in SMCs can attenuate mitogenic signaling and proliferation in response to not only several G protein-coupled receptor agonists, but also platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). To test whether overexpression of GRK2 could inhibit other SMC responses implicated in neointimal hyperplasia, we assessed SMC chemotaxis and mitogenic signaling evoked by PDGF and Gq-coupled receptor agonists. To test the effects of GRK2 overexpression on neointimal hyperplasia in vivo, we employed a rabbit autologous vein graft model system. GRK2 overexpression reduced PDGF-promoted SMC chemotaxis by 85% (P<0.01), but had no effect on chemotaxis promoted by epidermal growth factor (EGF). Congruently, GRK2 overexpression reduced by ∼50% (P<0.05) the [3H]thymidine incorporation induced by combinations of PDGF and Gq-coupled receptor agonists, but had no effect on that induced by PDGF plus EGF. PDGF-, but not EGF-promoted phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity in SMCs was also inhibited by GRK2 overexpression. In rabbit vein grafts, we achieved GRK2 overexpression in medial SMCs, reduced cell proliferation during the first week after graft implantation, and reduced steady state neointimal thickness by 29% (P<0.01), without affecting medial thickness or potentiating SMC apoptosis. Because of its ability to dampen chemotactic and mitogenic signaling through PDGF and Gq-coupled receptors, GRK2 overexpression in SMCs may be a useful therapeutic approach for neointimal hyperplasia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Friction loss in slurry pipelines transporting coarse (settling) particles are governed by two mechanisms: Coulombic and kinematic friction. The Coulombic (sliding bed) friction component produces a highly abrasive condition that results in significant wear at the pipe invert and produces asymmetric thinning of the pipe wall. In this paper, an experimental investigation was carried out to study abrasive wear under Coulombic friction-dominated slurry flow conditions. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory-scale apparatus known as the Toroid Wear Tester (TWT) using narrowly-sized coarse particles (0.125–4 m m) suspended in three different carrier fluids (μ f : 1–5.12 m P a s , ρ f : 998–1103 k g / m 3). The friction loss attributable to the presence of the coarse particles was obtained from torque measurements made during each test. Visualization experiments were used to establish contact load-dominated (sliding bed) slurry flow conditions based on the ratio of flow velocity to the particle terminal settling velocity i.e. V / v ∞. Abrasive wear experiments were then conducted with the TWT operating under full contact load conditions. It was found that the measured wear rates correlated with the magnitude of the Coulombic shear stress. The most important outcome of this study is the demonstrated potential to predict actual slurry pipeline wear rates from TWT experiments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

State-of-Health (SOH) estimation of lithium-ion batteries is critical for reliable and efficient energy storage and usage. Traditional SOH estimation approaches either compromise on real-time performance or on estimation accuracy. This paper introduces an end-cloud collaboration approach that synergistically combines a cloud-based deep learning model with an end-based empirical model to achieve both high-accuracy and real-time SOH estimation. Utilizing the Transformer architecture, the cloud-side model employs multiple features extracted through signal analysis technology. On the other hand, the end-side employs a fast, iterative double exponential empirical model that provides real-time estimates. Two methods of end-cloud collaborative updating are presented, both leveraging Kalman Filter and Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) to integrate and iteratively update the models. Evaluation shows that the cloud-side model achieves a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of around 0.8 %, while the end-cloud collaboration system maintains these metrics at 1 %, successfully capturing nonlinear capacity rebound phenomena. The work contributes to the domain by offering an approach that balances computational load and latency, making it suitable for online applications. Under the Cyber Hierarchy and Interactional Network (CHAIN) framework, this end-cloud collaboration architecture holds promise for high-accuracy, real-time health management of lithium-ion batteries across their full lifecycle. The entire end-cloud collaboration system includes a cloud based deep learning model, an end-side fast empirical model and an end-cloud collaboration algorithm. On the cloud-side, firstly, data preprocessing such as data cleaning and filtering is performed on the data. Then, multiple features are extracted based on various signal analysis methods, including differential thermal voltammetry analysis, incremental capacity analysis and equal voltage discharge interval discharge time analysis. The deep learning model based on Transformer is constructed. On the end-side, the fast model is constructed based on a dual exponential empirical model. And the end-cloud collaboration algorithm is arranged on the end-side. Two end-cloud collaboration methods are used simultaneously, including result fusion and iterative update based on Kalman filter, and online parameter identification based on UKF by sequentially linking end and cloud models. Finally, under the cyber hierarchy and interactional network framework, the end-cloud collaboration approach proposed in this paper has the potential to realize high-accuracy and high-real-time health management of lithium batteries throughout the full life cycle. [Display omitted] • A high accuracy and real-time SOH estimation method is presented. • Deep learning model on cloud-side is constructed with Transformer model as the core. • Feature extraction is based on multi feature collaborative analysis. • Two end-cloud collaboration methods are proposed to update the end-side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]