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Flexoelectric effect in ferroelectric epitaxy films has attracted significant attention due to its theoretical and application potentials. However, the origin and control of flexoelectric field is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the surface structure of single-domain epitaxial BiFeO 3 films with a (111) orientation using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and X-ray reflection methods. We observed large strain gradient on the surface of the BiFeO 3 films, which produces a giant flexoelectric field up to 82.55 MV/m at the surface of 15 nm thick BiFeO 3 film. Additionally, we discovered the presence of a surface layer with lower electron density than that of the underlying BiFeO 3 layer, which is related to the flexoelectric field. Moreover, with increased film thickness, we found the strain distribution along growth direction of the film is changed, thereby leads to the decreased flexoelectric field and increasing thickness of the surface layer respectively. These findings convinced the coupling between the strain state and surface structure, changing the thickness of the ferroelectric film and consequently the strain state is an efficient way to adjust the flexoelectric field and the surface structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorption‐based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) has great potential for clean water acquisition and renewable energy use. Adsorption and desorption properties of sorbents play a crucial role in SAWH systems. However, most sorbents with high adsorption capacities are hindered by either slow sorption/desorption kinetics or poor regeneration performance. Here, a highly efficient block copolymer composite sorbent with dual functions of thermo‐responsive and photothermal properties is designed based on rape pollens. This sorbent has a hierarchical porous structure, in which the outermost layer of poly‐pyrrole enables it to convert light energy into heat and the second layer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) imparts thermo‐responsive properties to improve the desorption ability. Meanwhile, confined LiCl improves its sorption capacity and cavities of the pollen can store captured moisture to avoid liquid leakage. This sorbent can sorb moisture to more than 144% of its own weight within 3 h under 20 °C&80% relative humidity (RH) and 82% of captured water can be released within 0.5 h under 1 sun. The water harvester using this sorbent can realize an exceptional water productivity of up to 2.21gwater gsorbent−1 day−1 only by three continuous water adsorption‐desorption cycles in a day. The high‐performance sorbent smooths the path for efficiently extracting water from the atmosphere to tackle water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential application of conducting Scholte‐wave analysis using electroseismic pressure fields excited by an electric current source due to the electrokinetic effect in fluid‐saturated porous seabed sediments is investigated. First, we develop a numerical modelling algorithm by combining the Luco–Apsel–Chen generalized reflection and transmission method with the peak‐trough averaging method to simulate the electroseismic wave fields in stratified fluid/porous media. The modelling results show that the electroseismic pressure signals recorded on the seafloor are mainly composed of evanescent electroseismic waves, and Scholte waves are the dominant wave pattern. Their amplitudes are generally within the order of magnitudes capable of being detected by current seismic instruments. Then, the modified frequency–Bessel transform method is extended to extract the Scholte‐wave dispersion curves from electroseismic pressure fields. Results demonstrate that Scholte‐wave dispersion curves extracted from electroseismic records are superior to those extracted from conventional seismic wave fields excited by an airgun source under the same source–receiver geometry because they contain many overtones and are almost free from the interferences of dispersive guided waves. Furthermore, the Scholte‐wave dispersion inversion results obtained by employing the Levenberg–Marquardt method show that the shear‐wave velocity model inverted by Scholte‐wave dispersion curves extracted from the electroseismic pressure field is more accurate than those obtained by dispersion curves extracted from the seismic wave fields with the guided‐wave removal. The above results indicate that the electroseismic Scholte‐wave analysis method has the potential to evaluate the shear‐wave velocities of shallow‐water seabed sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonmetallic ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit unique advantages in catalyzing poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) glycolysis, but usually require longer reaction times. We found that exposure to UV radiation can accelerate the glycolysis reaction and significantly reduce the reaction time. In this work, we synthesized five nonmetallic dibasic ILs, and their glycolysis catalytic activity was investigated. 1,8-diazabicyclo [5,4,0] undec-7-ene imidazole ([HDBU]Im) exhibited better catalytic performance. Meanwhile, UV radiation is used as a reinforcement method to improve the PET glycolysis efficiency. Under optimal conditions (5 g PET, 20 g ethylene glycol (EG), 0.25 g [HDBU]Im, 10,000 µW·cm−2 UV radiation reacted for 90 min at 185 °C), the PET conversion and BHET yield were 100% and 88.9%, respectively. Based on the UV-visible spectrum, it was found that UV radiation can activate the C=O in PET. Hence, the incorporation of UV radiation can considerably diminish the activation energy of the reaction, shortening the reaction time of PET degradation. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism of [HDBU]Im-catalyzed PET glycolysis under UV radiation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) releases significant cooling potential, but improper usage can easily lead to wastage of resources and environmental pollution. The study developed an integrated air separation system and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) power generation system to effectively harness the inherent cold energy within LNG. Two distinct optimization algorithms, the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), were employed to determine the optimal operational parameters. The results showed the superior performance of PSO over NSGA-II, as demonstrated by the exergy efficiency, net output power, and levelized cost of energy at 78.12 %, 2.29*1011 kW, and 0.0665 $/kWh, respectively. Additionally, an assessment of various factors influencing the system's performance was conducted. The performance of both conventional and proposed systems was studied under varying regasification rates. The findings indicated that incorporating the cold recovery and storage unit enhanced the efficient utilization of LNG cold energy, resulting in an increased valley-to-peak ratio of the total power output from 0.03 in the conventional system to 0.5. The proposed system exhibits alignment with the energy consumption demands of users, and this study is anticipated to furnish a theoretical foundation for harnessing the cooling capacity of liquid hydrogen. [Display omitted] • The novel utilization of LNG cold energy by combining air separation with ORC. • PSO is superior than NSGA-II for optimization: 14.4 % decrement in LCOE. • PSO: 17.9 % and 7.0 % increment in the exergy efficiency and net output power. • Both LNG steady state and fluctuating in regasification rates were investigated. • The valley-to-peak ratio of the system's power output was increased to 0.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To fully utilize the advantages of Si3N4 and Silicon-On-Insulator to achieve a high-efficiency wideband grating coupler, we propose and numerically demonstrate a grating coupler based on Si3N4 and a Silicon-On-Insulator heterogeneous integration platform. A two-dimensional model of the coupler was established and a comprehensive finite difference time domain analysis was conducted. Focusing on coupling efficiency as a primary metric, we examined the impact of factors such as grating period, filling factor, etching depth, and the thicknesses of the SiO2 upper cladding, Si3N4, silicon waveguide, and SiO2 buried oxide layers. The calculations yielded an optimized grating coupler with a coupling efficiency of 81.8% (−0.87 dB) at 1550 nm and a 1-dB bandwidth of 540 nm. The grating can be obtained through a single etching step with a low fabrication complexity. Furthermore, the fabrication tolerances of the grating period and etching depth were studied systematically, and the results indicated a high fabrication tolerance. These findings can offer theoretical and parameter guidance for the design and optimization of high-efficiency and broad-bandwidth grating couplers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the operation of multi-electric aircraft, the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material used to insulate the aviation cable is subjected to a high electric field while working under the extreme conditions of high temperatures for a long time, which can easily cause a partial discharge and even flashover along the surface, which seriously threaten the safe operation of the aircraft. In this paper, the electrical insulation properties of PTFE were regulated via modification by the magnetron sputtering of TiO2 under high temperatures, and modified PTFE with different sputtering times was prepared. The direct current (DC) surface discharge, surface flashover, and electric aging characteristics of modified PTFE were studied under the condition of 20~200 °C, and the mechanisms by which modification by sputtering of TiO2 and high temperature influence the insulation properties were analyzed. The results show that the surface discharge intensity increases with the increase in temperature, the modification by sputtering of TiO2 can significantly inhibit the partial discharge of PTFE, and the flashover voltage first increases and then decreases with the increase in the modification time. The modification by magnetron sputtering can effectively increase the surface potential decay rate of the PTFE, increase the shallow trap energy density, effectively avoid charge accumulation, inhibit the partial discharge phenomenon, and improve the surface electrical insulation and anti-aging properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element both affecting rhizosphere microorganisms within soil and supporting plant nutrition; however, little is known about how the rhizosphere microbial community composition of tiger nut in sandy soil responds to nitrogen addition. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology is employed to analyze the shifts in composition and co-occurrence networks of rhizosphere microbial communities in tiger nut after nitrogen addition in sandy farmland. Results reveal that nitrogen addition significantly increases several soil parameters, including total organic matter (SOC, 32.2%), total nitrogen (TN, 46.2%), alkali-hydro nitrogen (AN, 92.7%), β-1,4-glucosidase (BG, 12.6%), L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP, 8.62%), β-1,4-xylosidase(XYL, 25.6%), and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG, 32.3%). Meanwhile, bacterial α-diversity decreases with nitrogen addition, while fungi remain unaffected. Network analysis indicates a reduction in connections between microorganisms; however, increasing stability is observed in the interaction network after nitrogen addition. Importantly, nitrogen addition leads to the enhancement of rhizosphere soil multifunctionality, with fungal diversity identified as the primary driver of soil multifunctionality. The positive impact of microbial diversity on soil multifunctionality outweighs the relative negative effects. This study sheds light on the nuanced effects of nitrogen addition on rhizosphere microbial diversity and its consequent impact on soil multifunctionality, with Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria and Ascomycota having positive effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex environmental–plant–soil–microbe interactions in sandy farmland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractArea detectors have been widely used in X-ray diffraction (XRD) to improve the acquisition speed and data quality. Here, an accurate, high efficiency, low distortion approach with a large angle range for collecting powder X-ray diffraction data is developed which is carried out by rotating a small area detector on the detector arm of the diffractometer. A series of collected images are spliced and converted into one 1D XRD pattern. The calculation of the 2θ value and intensity corresponding to every pixel are shown in detail. The calibration of the detector and experimental geometry was carried out. Finally, the reliability of this method has been demonstrated by the X-ray diffraction measurements of a standard LaB6 powder and Rietveld refinement results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we use the geometric-arithmetic mean inequality to build stronger uncertainty relations based on the Wigner-Yanase skew information of N observables. It is proved that, in comparison to the lower bounds given by Zhang et al. (Phys. Lett. A 387, 127029 2021) and by Zhang and Fei (Quantum Inf. Process. 20(12), 384 2021), our bounds are stronger in any interval. In addition, we construct two descending sequences of lower bounds for the uncertainty relations of N observables. Detailed examples are provided to show the advantages of our bounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID pandemic fueled by emerging SARS-CoV-2 new variants of concern remains a major global health concern, and the constantly emerging mutations present challenges to current therapeutics. The spike glycoprotein is not only essential for the initial viral entry, but is also responsible for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 components via syncytia formation. Spike-mediated cell-cell transmission is strongly resistant to extracellular therapeutic and convalescent antibodies via an unknown mechanism. Here, we describe the antibody-mediated spike activation and syncytia formation on cells displaying the viral spike. We found that soluble antibodies against receptor binding motif (RBM) are capable of inducing the proteolytic processing of spike at both the S1/S2 and S2' cleavage sites, hence triggering ACE2-independent cell-cell fusion. Mechanistically, antibody-induced cell-cell fusion requires the shedding of S1 and exposure of the fusion peptide at the cell surface. By inhibiting S1/S2 proteolysis, we demonstrated that cell-cell fusion mediated by spike can be re-sensitized towards antibody neutralization in vitro. Lastly, we showed that cytopathic effect mediated by authentic SARS-CoV-2 infection remain unaffected by the addition of extracellular neutralization antibodies. Hence, these results unveil a novel mode of antibody evasion and provide insights for antibody selection and drug design strategies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Author summary: SARS-CoV-2 has been found to mediate breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals and re-infections of convalescent patients, but the molecular mechanism of its immune escaping strategies remains elusive. Unlike virus-to-cell transmission, spike promotes SARS-CoV-2 cell-to-cell transmission, which is strongly resistant to extracellular antibodies and patient plasma. Here we show that receptor binding-motif antibodies mediate the ACE2-independent activation of spike at the cell plasma membrane. This mode of spike activation is enabled by the protease-mediated S1/S2 cleavage event and can be genetically and pharmacologically prevented. Through targeting the S1/S2 site, antibody neutralization against spike-mediated cell-cell fusion can be restored in various SARS-CoV-2 variants. Hence, these data highlight a role for S1/S2-cleaved spike and inform therapeutic strategies to restore antibody neutralization against cell-cell transmission of SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new set of complex dynamic localized response coefficients (LRC-NEW), related to the fast P waves, slow P waves, S waves, and electromagnetic (EM) waves, respectively, is derived to overcome the numerical inaccuracy occurring while computing the seismoelectric (SE) wave fields in stratified low-permeability porous media based on the reflectivity method. In addition, the dynamic electrokinetic coupling coefficient is modified to make it applicable for the electrical double layer of arbitrary thickness. After a thorough validation, we find that the EM waves simulated by using the known LRC expressions differ significantly with the analytical solutions when the static permeability is below 10–15 m2, while those simulated by using LRC-NEW achieve excellent fits with the analytical solutions even when the static permeability is as low as 10–20 m2. A sensitivity study demonstrates that an optimum static permeability exists where the amplitude of evanescent SE responses reaches its maximum. The normalized root-mean-square amplitude of the evanescent SE signals in low-permeability rocks such as shales is more sensitive to permeability than seismic waves, even when the interdependence of porosity and static permeability is considered. Sensitivity studies also manifest that evanescent SE responses are sensitive to salinity and water saturation even in low-permeability shales. Notably, the amplitude of the evanescent SE conversions increases monotonically with water saturation, which is much simpler than the relationship between the seismic amplitude and water saturation. Therefore, the SE method has the potential to characterize the permeability, salinity, and water saturation of low-permeability reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridge influence lines (BILs) and bridge influence surfaces (BISs) are inherent static parameters of bridges which can be extracted from moving vehicle-induced bridge responses. Compared with dynamic parameters, these parameters are directly related to the stiffness and internal forces in each cross-section of a bridge therefore can be considered as an effective bridge metamodel. To accelerate the engineering practice of BIL- and BIS-based bridge evaluation, this paper first briefly reviews the current BIL and BIS field test and identification methods. Then, the bridge evaluation guidelines of China and the United States are introduced as the basis of the evaluation methods. Engineering application scenarios for bridge evaluation, including permit load verification, performance degradation checking, and load carrying capacity evaluation, are summarized, and a multiple-scenario bridge evaluation method is established. At the end of this paper, an evaluation example of a four-span continuous bridge is presented to illustrate the application procedure and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The outcomes of this paper provide a promising application method of field test BILs and BISs, which may help bridge engineers more effectively use these parameters in engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photorespiration begins with the oxygenation reaction catalyzed by Rubisco and is the second highest metabolic flux in plants after photosynthesis. Although the core biochemical pathway of photorespiration has been well characterized, little is known about the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Some rate-limiting regulation of photorespiration has been suggested to occur at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels, but experimental evidence is scarce. Here, we found that mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (MAPK2) interacts with photorespiratory glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase, and the activities of these photorespiratory enzymes were regulated via phosphorylation modifications in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Gas exchange measurements revealed that the photorespiration rate decreased in rice mapk2 mutants under normal growth conditions, without disturbing photosynthesis. Due to decreased photorespiration, the levels of some key photorespiratory metabolites, such as 2-phosphoglycolate, glycine, and glycerate, significantly decreased in mapk2 mutants, but those of photosynthetic metabolites were not altered. Transcriptome assays also revealed that the expression levels of some flux-controlling genes in photorespiration were significantly downregulated in mapk2 mutants. Our findings provide molecular evidence for the association between MAPK2 and photorespiration and suggest that MAPK2 regulates the key enzymes of photorespiration at both the transcriptional and posttranslational phosphorylation levels in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simply supported bridges are the main bridge types in many transportation systems, and their damage can significantly reduce their load-carrying capacity. To detect possible damage, the time history and spatial distribution of the static responses of bridges (deflection, rotation, and strain influence lines/deformation curves) have recently been proposed as important indicators due to their good local damage detection ability and low testing cost. This paper attempts to establish connections between different static curve-based damage indicators through the various forms of Maxwell-Betti's law. Damage indicators related to seven static curves are then rewritten as a unified framework. The framework states that all these static curves are directly related to the flexural stiffness distribution of the main girder for the simply supported bridge. Then, the theoretical formulations for the difference between the static curves of bridges in intact and damaged states are derived, and the response difference surfaces (RDSs) are plotted to visualize the sensitivity of different static curves to damage. Sensor placement suggestions for stiffness degradation evaluation are presented based on the damage sensitivity analysis at the end of this paper. The results of this study provide comprehensive theoretical support for static response-based damage identification of simply supported bridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inertial migration has proven effective for high-throughput manipulation of tiny particles in confined flows. However, complex and even controversial relationships between hydrodynamic forces and flow conditions hinder the development of an explicit formula for inertial lift acting on finite-sized particles at Reynolds numbers in the hundreds. Herein, we reveal the different scaling laws for shear gradient-induced inertial lift and wall-induced inertial lift by separating the contributions of pressure stress and viscous stress. A direct result of this treatment is a new explicit formula for the total inertial lift, valid for Reynolds numbers up to 400 and particle blockage ratios up to 0.25. This study provides an alternative way to understand inertial lift, thereby greatly facilitating the prediction of particle migration in practical microfluidic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The effect of optimized mating methods for long-term selection has not been studied in cattle breeding. In this study, the linear programming and optimal contribution selection methods on the genetic gain and inbreeding level of beef cattle were explored and evaluated using a simulation strategy. Our results showed that the linear programming method can effectively improve the genetic gain in the population during long-term selection in the breeding process, and the optimal contribution selection method can maintain a balance between improving genetic gain and controlling inbreeding level. Our findings can provide theoretical guidance for the long-term and sustainable genetic gain in breeding populations in farm animals. The optimized selection method can maximize the genetic gain in offspring under the premise of controlling the inbreeding level of the population. At present, genetic gain has been largely improved by using genomic selection in multiple farm animals. However, the design of the optimal selection method and assessment of its effects during long-term selection in beef cattle breeding are yet to be fully explored. In this study, a simulated beef cattle population was constructed, and 15 generations of simulated breeding were carried out using the linear programming breeding strategy (LP) and optimal contribution selection strategy (OCS), respectively. The truncation selection strategy (TS−I and TS−II) was used as the control. During the breeding process, genetic parameters including genetic gain, average kinship coefficient, QTL effect variance, and average observed heterozygosity were calculated and compared across generations. Our results showed that the LP method can significantly improve the genetic gain in the population, especially the genetic performance of the traits with high heritability and the traits with high weight in the breeding process, but the inbreeding level of the population is higher under LP strategy. Although the genetic gain in the population under the OCS strategy is lower than the TS−II strategy, this method can effectively control the inbreeding level of the population. Our findings also suggest that the LP and OCS method can be used as an effective means to improve genetic gain, while the OCS method is a more ideal method to obtain sustainable genetic gain during long-term selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The membrane method based on adaptive wettability shows great advantages in oil-water separation. At present, researches focus on the excellent application performance of the membrane material, while the quantitative analysis of interactions in oil-water separation is rarely recognized. Herein, we constructed an adaptable wettability membrane with multiple polymer networks by polydopamine (PDA) and mussel-inspired amphiphilic polymer. Based on the Owens three-probe liquid method, the surface energy of the modified membrane was verified to meet the adaptive wettability conditions, with surface energies (gS) of 147.6 mJ m-2 (superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic) and 49.87 mJ m-2 (superhydrophobic/superoleophobic), respectively. The adhesion or repulsion of the membrane to the oil phase under different conditions during the separation process was quantified by the chemical probe AFM technique. In addition, the oil-water selective separation mechanism was further analyzed in a simplified membrane microchannel model. The results show that the different wetting produces capillary additional pressure in opposite directions, resulting in different energies to be overcome when the oil or water passes through the microchannels, thus achieving selective separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Matching the active site of the catalyst with the carbonyl reactive site of PET at the nanoscale and achieve precise shearing of the PET reactive site at the molecular level by accurately modulating the catalyst layer spacing is particularly challenging. Herein, a new design strategy for green catalysts is proposed to synthesize a novel class of Polyoxometalate (POM) anion‐based ILs (POM‐ILs) [X]n[WZn3(H2O)2(ZnW9O34)2] (X=PyPs, Py, MIMPs, TEAPs, n=3, 6, 9, 12) with high thermally stable and adjustable layer spacing (1.00–1.63 nm). By adjusting the ratio of organic cations to match the spacing (1.34 nm) between the active sites of the catalyst with the spacing (1.32 nm) of the carbonyl functional groups on both sides of the PET benzene ring, the long PET chains were precisely sheared and rapidly degraded to bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) in short time with the synergistic catalytic effect of anions and cations. Under the optimal conditions, the catalyst dosage was only 0.8 % of PET mass, and it could degrade 100 % in 30 min with BHET yield up to 85.35 %, and the yield of BHET was still greater than 85 % after 5 cycles. In addition, a possible mechanism of synergistic catalytic PET alcoholysis was proposed by density functional theoretical calculation. Moreover, the strategy of promoting PET alcoholysis by accurately modulating the spacing of the catalytic active site has not been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonatite intrusions host the world's most important light rare earth element (LREE) deposits, and their formation generally requires extraordinary fertile sources, magmatic evolution, and hydrothermal events. However, carbonatitic magma evolution, particularly the role of fractional crystallization and contamination from silicate rocks in REE enrichment, remains enigmatic. The Maoniuping world-class REE deposit in southwestern China, is an ideal target to decipher magmatic evolution and related REE enrichment as it shows continuous textual evolution from medium- to coarse-grained calcite carbonatite (carbonatite I) at depth, to progressively pegmatoidal calcite carbonatite (carbonatite II) at shallow levels. In both types of calcite carbonatites, four generations of calcite can be classified according to petrographic and geochemical characteristics. Early-crystalizing calcite (Cal-I and Cal-II) are found in carbonatite I and exhibit equigranular and a polygonal mosaic textures, while late calcites (Cal-III and Cal-IV) in carbonatite II are large-size oikocrysts (>0.5 mm in length) with strain-induced undulatory extinction and bent twinning lamellae. All these generations of calcite yield similar, near-chondritic, Y/Ho ratios (26.6–28.1) and are inferred to be of magmatic origin. Remarkably, gradual enrichment of MgO, FeO and MnO from Cal-I to Cal-IV is coupled with a significant increase in REE contents (~800 to 2000 ppm), with LREE-rich and gentle-to-steep chondrite-normalized REE patterns ((La/Yb)N = 3.1–26.8 and (La/Sm)N = 0.9–3.9, respectively). Such significant REE enrichment is ascribed to protracted magma fractional crystallization with initial low degree of fractional crystallization (fraction of melt remining (F) = ~0.95) evolving to late stage (F = 0.5–0.6) by formation of abundant calcite cumulates. Differential LREE and HREE behavior during magma evolution largely depend on separation of phlogopite, amphibole, and clinopyroxene from the carbonatitic melt, which is indicated by progressively elevated (La/Yb)N ratios ranging from 3.1 to 26.8. The four generations of calcite have significantly different C and Sr isotopic compositions with δ13CV-PDB decreasing from −3.28 to −9.97‰ and 87Sr/86Sr increasing from 0.70613 to 0.70670. According to spatial relations and petrographic observations, the relative enrichment of δ13C and depletion in 87Sr/86Sr ratios of Cal-I and Cal-II show primary isotopic characteristics inherited from initial carbonatitic magma. By contrast, the variable Sr and C isotopic compositions of Cal-III and Cal-IV are interpreted as the results of contamination by components derived from silicate wall rocks and loss of CO2 by decarbonation reactions. To model such contamination processes, Raleigh volatilization and Monte Carlo simulation have been invoked and the model results reveal that carbonatitic melt-wall rock interaction requires 40% radiogenic Sr contamination from silicate rocks and 35% CO2 degassing from carbonatitic melt. Moreover, positive correlations between decreasing δ13C values and increasing REE contents, together with bastnäsite-(Ce) precipitation, indicate further REE accumulation during the contamination processes. In summary, alongside REE-rich magma sources, the extent of fractional crystallization and contamination during carbonatitic magma evolution are inferred to be important mechanisms in terms of REE enrichment and mineralization in carbonatite-related REE deposits worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Particle transport by a temperature gradient is prospective in many biomedical applications. However, the prevalence of boundary confinement in practical use introduces synergistic effects of thermophoresis and thermo-osmosis, causing controversial phenomena and great difficulty in understanding the mechanisms. We developed a microfluidic chip with a uniform temperature gradient and switchable substrate hydrophilicity to measure the migrations of various particles (d = 200 nm − 2 μm), through which the effects of particle thermophoresis and thermo-osmotic flow from the substrate surface were decoupled. The contribution of substrate hydrophilicity on thermo-osmosis was examined. Thermophoresis was measured to clarify its dependence on particle size and hydrophilicity. This paper reports the first experimental evidence of a large enthalpy-dependent thermo-osmotic mobility χ ∼ Δ H on a hydrophobic polymer surface, which is 1–2 orders of magnitude larger than that on hydrophilic surfaces. The normalized Soret coefficient for polystyrene particles, S T / d = 18.0 K-1µm−1, is confirmed to be constant, which helps clarify the controversy of the size dependence. Besides, the Soret coefficient of hydrophobic proteins is approximately-four times larger than that of hydrophilic extracellular vesicles. These findings suggest that the intrinsic slip on the hydrophobic surface could enhance both surface thermo-osmosis and particle thermophoresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effect of retrogression time on the fatigue crack growth of a modified AA7475 aluminum alloy. Tests including tensile strength, fracture toughness, and fatigue limits were performed to understand the changes in properties with different retrogression procedures at 180 °C. The microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings indicated that as the retrogression time increased, the yield strength decreased from 508 MPa to 461 MPa, whereas the fracture toughness increased from 48 MPa√m to 63.5 MPa√m. The highest fracture toughness of 63.5 MPa√m was seen after 5 h of retrogression. The measured diameter of η' precipitates increased from 6.13 nm at the retrogression 1 h condition to 6.50 nm at the retrogression 5 h condition. Prolonged retrogression also increased the chance of crack initiation, with slower crack growth rate in the long transverse direction compared to the longitudinal direction. An empirical relationship was established between fracture toughness and the volume fraction of age-hardening precipitates, with increasing number density of precipitates seen with increasing retrogression time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The interaction between emulsified substances and lipids generates an emulsification system during the extraction of microalgae edible oil by aqueous enzymatic method. This study aimed to resolve the dynamics of interfacial protein adsorption during the extraction of microalgae oil at different enzymatic times and the effect on the stability of the interfacial membrane formed by the proteins based on interfacial effects. RESULTS: At 1.5 h of enzymatic hydrolysis, the molecular weights of the proteins/peptides were all below 35 kD. In addition, the protein–peptide structure was loose, with the lowest number of disulfide bonds, peak surface hydrophobicity, the highest number of residues, and disordered lipid acyl arrangement. At the same time, the physical stability of the emulsion was the lowest, and the interfacial membrane rupture was distinct. On excessive enzymatic hydrolysis (at 3.0 h), a more uniform interfacial membrane was re‐formed on the lipid surface. CONCLUSION: Protein is the main emulsifying substance in the emulsification system. The addition of protease affects the stability of the interfacial membrane formed by proteins. In addition, sufficient enzymatic hydrolysis (1.5 h) inhibited emulsification, while excessive enzymatic hydrolysis (3.0 h) promoted emulsification. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orthorhombic O and O′ structure phases of ABO3-type perovskites possess the same symmetry and quite different physical properties. In this work, a pressure induced isostructural O′–O phase transition with volume expansion and less distortion in DyFeO3 orthoferrite was experimentally observed and studied by high-pressure x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements. Up to 35.2 GPa, DyFeO3 crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pbnm symmetry structure. With no change in the symmetry group, distinct O′-phase and O-phase were verified below 13.1 GPa and above 15.1 GPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the lattice becomes less distorted and metrically pseudo-cubic on the high-pressure side. The cell volume expands by a step in the intermediate pressure window accompanied by a decrease in spontaneous strain. It is suggested that FeO6 octahedra are more compressible than DyO12 sites under pressure. This work claimed the physical mechanism underlying phonon dynamics and variation of local structure symmetry of DyFeO3, which can be considered as the basic view for RFeO3 perovskites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) secondary to brucellosis, in which typhoidal cells were found in bone marrow, suggesting typhoidal cells present not only in Salmonella typhi infections but also in other bacterial infections. Typhoidal cells in bone marrow can be used to quickly identify the presence of bacterial infection pending the results of bone marrow and/or blood cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible functional composites have great potential for a variety of applications in the fields of athlete health monitoring and auxiliary training. There are a few recent reports on various functional composites such as graphene-based composites, MXene-based composites, and polymerbased composites, etc. However, the applications of flexible functional composites for athlete health monitoring and auxiliary training have yet to be widely reviewed. This mini-review summarizes these three types of functional composites for the applications of athlete health monitoring and auxiliary training. The synthetic methods, structures, and properties of functional composites are reviewed via some typical examples. The authors focus on the properties of functional composites as sensors for health-monitoring. Moreover, future development directions are suggested based on the authors' knowledge. This review article demonstrates that these flexible functional composites can display excellent properties and promising potential for applications in athlete health monitoring and auxiliary training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) have been used widely in the maintenance therapy of COPD. However, whether inhaled therapy containing ICSs can reduce the all-cause mortality risk and the possible benefited patient subgroups is unclear.Research Question: Does inhaled therapy containing ICSs reduce the all-cause mortality risk in patients with COPD compared with other inhaled therapies not containing ICSs?Study Design and Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Pooled results were calculated using Peto ORs with corresponding 95% CIs.Results: Sixty RCTs enrolling 103,034 patients were analyzed. Inhaled therapy containing ICSs (Peto OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84-0.97), especially triple therapy (Peto OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.91), was associated with a reduction in the all-cause mortality risk among patients with COPD when compared with inhaled therapy without ICSs. Subgroup analyses revealed that treatment duration of > 6 months (Peto OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.97), medium-dose ICSs (Peto OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.91), low-dose ICSs (Peto OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97), and budesonide (Peto OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94) were involved in this association. The predictors of this association included eosinophil counts of ≥ 200/μL or percentage of ≥ 2%, documented history of ≥ 2 moderate and severe exacerbations in the previous year, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages III or IV, age younger than 65 years, and BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2, among which eosinophil counts of ≥ 200/μL (Peto OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.95) were the strongest predictor.Interpretation: Inhaled therapy containing ICSs, especially triple therapy, of longer than 6 months was associated with a reduction in the all-cause mortality risk in patients with COPD. The predictors of this association included medication factors and patient characteristics, among which eosinophil counts of ≥ 200/μL were the strongest predictor.Trial Registry: PROSPERO; No.: CRD42022304725; URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Shen-Shi-Jiang-Zhuo formula (SSJZF) exhibits a definite curative effect in the clinical treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Objective: To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of SSJZF on NAFLD. Materials and methods: Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, NAFLD, positive drug (12mg/kg/day), SSJZF high-dose (200mg/kg/day), SSJZF middle-dose (100 mg/kg/day), and SSJZF lowdose (50mg/kg/day) groups. After daily intragastric administration of NAFLD rats for 8 weeks, lipid metabolism and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated by biochemical indices and histopathology. Then we uncovered the main active compounds and mechanism of SSJZF against NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology, and PI3K/AKT pathway activity was verified by western blot. Results: High dose SSJZF had the best inhibitory effect on hepatic lipid accumulation and fibrosis in rats with NAFLD, which significantly down-regulated total triglycerides (58%), cholesterol (62%), aspartate aminotransferase (57%), alanine aminotransferase (41%) andc-glutamyl transpeptidase (36%), as well as the expression of ACC (5.3-fold), FAS (12.1-fold), SREBP1C (2.3-fold), and CD36 (4.4-fold), and significantly reduced collagen deposition (67%). Then we identified 23 compounds of SSJZF that acted on 25 key therapeutic targets of NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology. Finally, we also confirmed that high dose SSJZF increased p-PI3K/PI3K (1.6-fold) and p-AKT/AKT (1.6-fold) in NAFLD rats. Discussion and conclusion: We found for first time that SSJZF improved NAFLD in rats by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings provide scientific support for SSJZF in the clinical treatment of NAFLD and contribute to the development of new NAFLD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axially chiral biaryl diols have achieved great success in asymmetric catalysis. By contrast, axially chiral biaryl amino alcohols are far less developed. Herein, we have rationally designed a versatile C1‐symmetric biaryl amino alcohol scaffold 1‐(1‐amino‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (NPNOL) on the basis of axially chiral C2‐arylpyrrole framework. For its enantioselective synthesis, the chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed asymmetric Attanasi reaction between 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and azoalkenes had been established. By using this practical method, a wide range of NPNOLs were readily prepared in high yields and excellent atroposelectivities (38 examples, up to 89 % yield and 99 % ee). DFT calculations were performed to reveal the reaction mechanism and the origins of the enantioselectivity. The easy transformations of NPNOL‐derived products into organocatalysts/ligands and their preliminary applications in asymmetric catalytic reactions demonstrated the promising utility of NPNOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Axially chiral biaryl diols have achieved great success in asymmetric catalysis. By contrast, axially chiral biaryl amino alcohols are far less developed. Herein, we have rationally designed a versatile C1‐symmetric biaryl amino alcohol scaffold 1‐(1‐amino‐pyrrol‐2‐yl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (NPNOL) on the basis of axially chiral C2‐arylpyrrole framework. For its enantioselective synthesis, the chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed asymmetric Attanasi reaction between 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and azoalkenes had been established. By using this practical method, a wide range of NPNOLs were readily prepared in high yields and excellent atroposelectivities (38 examples, up to 89 % yield and 99 % ee). DFT calculations were performed to reveal the reaction mechanism and the origins of the enantioselectivity. The easy transformations of NPNOL‐derived products into organocatalysts/ligands and their preliminary applications in asymmetric catalytic reactions demonstrated the promising utility of NPNOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal meanflow with nonuniform distributions of velocity and temperature is a major challenge for acoustic analysis of a muffler in the frequency domain. On the other hand, the three-dimensional time-domain numerical method is well suited for solving the influence of meanflow on the muffler, but it is time-consuming, especially for calculating the transfer matrix that requires two sets of boundary conditions. We proposed a more efficient time-domain method to calculate the scattering matrix (SM) of an actual engine muffler using a numerical model with only one set of boundary conditions. The reciprocity, as a basic property of waves, was for the first time demonstrated in such a complex muffler with hot nonuniform flow exhausted from the engine and used to reduce the procedures for calculating the SM. The reciprocal relationship was not only expressed in the modules of the transmission coefficients in the SM but also corrected in the phases using the time delay between the incident and transmitted waves observed with the time-domain method. At last, the SM was adopted to obtain the performance of the muffler, which was validated with the measurement. The proposed method shall make the time-domain method more efficient for calculating the characterizing matrix of a muffler without or with meanflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the interface characteristics during the two-phase invasion of silicon oil and water were investigated using high-precision optical experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. An experimental system composed of a CCD (charge coupled device) industrial camera and an optical microscope was designed to observe the interface state between the dispersed phase at the silicone oil-water interface. At the same time, the microscopic image and energy spectrum results of the silicone oil-water mixture were obtained using a cryo-scanning electron microscope (Cryo-SEM). The molecular dynamics method was also used to simulate the dynamic process of the mass transfer of the silicone oil-water mixture. Through experimental results and molecular dynamics simulations, the phenomenon of diffuse mass transfer during the phase invasion and the existence of silicon oil-water associations were confirmed. The results showed that the silicone oil and water molecules were associated with each other due to the hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions, but the interfacial association matter was loose and unstable. The C–H, Si–O, and H–O bonds were the main factor in the formation of the silicone oil-water dispersion association matter. The findings revealed the rationality of the dispersion associated substances at the silicon oil-water interface, and showed its microstructure characteristics. The study is expected to provide an insight for the study of silicon oil-water interface and enrich the emulsification and separation theories between silicon oil and water solutions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of electrodes is crucial for the performance and practical applications of flexible zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZIHS). In this paper, we have developed an easy strategy to design electrodes based on current collectors with vertically aligned nanohole arrays on their surfaces. Zinc nanosheet arrays were deposited on a porous aluminum oxide/aluminum (AAO) film to form a Zn@AAO anode. Graphene nanoribbons (GR) unzipped for carbon nanotubes were coated on a unique three-dimensional carbon pre-coated AAO (CAAO) film to form a GR@CAAO composite cathode. After assembling with ZnSO 4 /gelatin gel electrolyte, a quasi-solid Zn@AAO//GR@CAAO ZIHS with a potential of 1.6 V was obtained. The as-prepared ZIHS exhibits an areal capacitance of 156 mF cm−2 at 0.25 mA cm−2 and a high energy density of 56 μW h cm−2 at 0.202 mW cm−2, an excellent flexibility as well as long cycle life. • A zinc/aluminum oxide/aluminum (Zn@AAO) anode was developed. • Graphene ribbon and 3D carbon nanomaterial on AAO (GR@CAAO) was prepared as the cathode. • Zn@AAO//GR@CAAO hybrid supercapacitor exhibited excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) poses a significant threat to the global pork industry, resulting in substantial economic losses. Current control measures rely on modified live virus (MLV) vaccines with safety concerns. However, the lack of consensus on protective PRRSV antigens is impeding the development of effective and safety subunit vaccines. In this study, we conducted in vitro virus neutralization (VN) assays in MARC-145 and CRL-2843CD163/CD169 cell lines and primary porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) to systemically identify PRRSV structural proteins (SPs) recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies in hyperimmune serum collected from piglets infected with highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP-PRRSV). Additionally, piglets immunized with different combinations of recombinant PRRSV-SPs were challenged with HP-PRRSV to evaluate their in vivo protection potential. Intriguingly, different in vitro VN activities of serum antibodies elicited by each PRRSV SP were observed depending on the cell type used in the VN assay. Notably, antibodies specific for GP3, GP4, and M exhibited highest in vitro VN activities in PAMs, correlating with complete protection (100% survival) against HP-PRRSV challenge in vivo after immunization of piglets with combination of GP3, GP4, M and N (GP3/GP4/M/N). Further analysis of lung pathology, weight gain, and viremia post-challenge revealed that the combination of GP3/GP4/M/N provided superior protective efficacy against severe infection. These findings underscore the potential of this SP combination to serve as an effective PRRSV subunit vaccine, marking a significant advancement in pork industry disease management. • In vitro VN titers of serum sample against PRRSV were variable in different cells. • Antibodies specific for PRRSV-SPs show variable VN activity in MARC-145 and PAMs. • Antibodies against GP3, GP4 and M show VN activity against PRSSV in PAMs. • Antibodies against GP2 and GP5 show no VN activity against PRSSV in PAMs. • Immunization of GP3, GP4 and M combined with N show best efficiency against HP-PRRSV challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized and environmentally friendly ionic liquids are required in many fields, but convenient methods for measuring their polarity are lacking. Two novel ether-functionalized amino acid ionic liquids, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium alanine ([C1OC2mim][Ala]) and 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium alanine ([C2OC2mim][Ala]), were synthesized by a neutralization method and their structures confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Density, surface tension, and refractive index were determined using the standard addition method. The strength of intermolecular interactions within these ionic liquids was examined in terms of standard entropy, lattice energy, and association enthalpy. A new polarity scale, PN, is now proposed, which divides polarity into two compartments: the surface and the body of the liquid. Surface tension is predicted via an improved Lorentz-Lorenz equation, and molar surface entropy is used to determine the polarity of the surface. This new PN scale is based on easily measured physicochemical parameters, is validated against alternative polarity scales, and is applicable to both ionic and molecular liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, we calculate the fragmentation functions for g → Bc and g → B c ∗ . The ultraviolet divergences in the calculation are removed through the renormalization of the operator definition of the fragmentation functions under the modified minimal subtrac- tion scheme. We then obtain the fragmentation functions D g → B c (z, μF) and D g → B c ∗ (z, μF), which are presented as figures and fitting functions. The obtained fragmentation functions are complementary to the previous work on the next-to-leading order fragmentation functions for b ¯ → Bc( B c ∗ ) and c → Bc( B c ∗ ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gallium nitride (GaN) has attracted great attention as a structural material for advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), thanks to its excellent ensemble of electrical and mechanical properties. Here, we report on studying the effects of ion radiation-induced displacement damage on resonant MEMS made of GaN film grown on aluminum nitride (AlN) buffer layer. We design and fabricate GaN/AlN heterostructure doubly-clamped microstring resonators with length $L \,\, =100$ , 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 $\mu \text{m}$ , and irradiate the devices with 440-keV Ar $^{+}$ ions, to probe the effects of ion radiation-induced displacement damage on the resonance behavior. The ion energy and range have been selected so that the ions would stop within the GaN layer, thus allowing diagnostics to show the effects of damage in the structure. The multimode resonance frequencies of the devices decrease significantly ($\vert \Delta f\vert /f >50$ %) with the increase of fluence beyond 1014 cm−2. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, the irradiated GaN/AlN resonators are visibly deformed at high fluence, where the amount of curvature increases monotonically with the fluence. The deformation of the structures can be ascribed to the change in both Young’s modulus and built-in stress resulting from ion radiation-induced displacement damage. The results extend the understanding of radiation-induced damage mechanisms in resonant MEMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we make a detailed study on the production of the B c , B c ∗ , B c (2 1 S 0) , and B c ∗ (2 3 S 1) mesons via the three planned running modes (Z, W, and H) at the future Circular Electron–Positron Collider (CEPC). The fragmentation-function and full nonrelativistic QCD approaches are adopted to calculate the production cross sections. Considering the excited states shall decay to the ground B c state (e.g. 1 1 S 0 -state) with almost 100 % probability, our numerical results show that up to next-to-leading order QCD corrections, there are about 1.4 × 10 8 B c events to be accumulated via the Z mode ( s = m Z ) of the CEPC, but only about 1.6 × 10 4 and 1.1 × 10 4 B c events to be accumulated via the W ( s = 160 GeV ) and H ( s = 240 GeV ) modes, respectively. Since the Z mode is the best mode among the three planned modes of the CEPC for studying the production of the B c , B c ∗ , B c (2 1 S 0) , and B c ∗ (2 3 S 1) mesons and the differential distributions of these mesons may be measured precisely at this mode, we further present the differential cross sections d σ / (d z d cos θ) and d σ / d z via the Z mode of the CEPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in desiccant coated heat exchanger (DCHE)-based systems due to characteristics of isothermal dehumidification and compact structure. To enhance the dehumidification efficiency and reduce the regeneration temperature of DCHE-based systems, a thermo-responsive composite desiccant coated heat exchanger (PSLCHE) was developed. This study focuses on investigating the influence of operating parameters (such as air temperature, relative humidity, regeneration temperature and adsorption/desorption time ratio) on the dynamic performance, average dehumidification capacity (D avg) and thermal coefficient of performance (COP th) of the system. Under the air condition of 30 °C & 60% RH, the PSLCHE demonstrates remarkable performance with the D avg of 7.3 g·kg−1 and COP th of 0.93 at 40 °C. This study provides a route to the design of highly efficient air conditioning systems using thermo-responsive composite for ultra-low grade thermal energy at 40 °C. • A thermo-responsive composite coated heat exchanger PSLCHE was developed. • The average dehumidification capacity (D avg) of PSLCHE can be up to 9.87 g kg−1. • The thermal coefficient of performance (COP th) of PSLCHE can be as high as 1.15. • PSLCHE can be regenerated at ultra-low temperatures (40 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topological insulators have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their unique electronic properties. However, pressure-induced topological materials often located in the middle of the two diamonds and cannot be detected by Angle resolved electron spectra. Such topological materials only stay in theoretical calculated. Since diamond has a high optical transmittance, its optical properties have been extensively studied to probe the band structure of topological insulators under pressure. In this paper, we determine the high-pressure infrared (IR) properties by measuring the transmittivity and reflectivity of Sb 2 Te 3 up to 23.2 GPa. The plasma edge shows jumping at 4.2 GPa and 8.5 GPa, where is caused by the change of charge carrier features and a new phase appears at 8.5 GPa. Furthermore, by analyzing the position of plasma edge under pressure, we find that the absence of plasma edge at high pressure corresponds to the disappearance of the Sb 2 Te 3 topological structure. Therefore, utilizing the plasma edge to investigate the modification of band structure in materials under high pressures is highly effective. • Topological insulators have garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their unique electronic properties. However, pressure-induced topological materials often located in the middle of the two diamonds and cannot be detected by Angle resolved electron spectra. Such topological materials only stay in theoretical calculated. Since diamond has a high optical transmittance, its optical properties have been extensively studied to probe the band structure of topological insulators under pressure. In this paper, we find that the absence of plasma edge at high pressure corresponds to the disappearance of the Sb 2 Te 3 topological structure. Therefore, utilizing the plasma edge to investigate the modification of band structure in materials under high pressures is highly effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) is an emerging ultrawide bandgap (∼4.8 eV) semiconductor with attractive properties for future power and radio frequency (RF) electronics, optoelectronics, and sensors for detecting gases and solar-blind ultraviolet radiation. Beyond such promises, β-Ga2O3 crystal possesses excellent mechanical properties, making it pertinent as a material for micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS). Here, we present an overview and perspective on the emerging β-Ga2O3 M/NEMS and their roles in supplementing Ga2O3 power and RF electronics. We review the development of β-Ga2O3 micro/nanomechanical devices and precise extraction of mechanical properties from these devices. We evaluate the design for frequency scaling up to over 4 GHz by tuning the device geometry and dimensions. Toward technological applications, β-Ga2O3 M/NEMS are analyzed in two aspects: β-Ga2O3 vibrating channel transistors for potential integration with β-Ga2O3 power and RF electronics with operating frequency beyond 1 GHz, and β-Ga2O3 resonant transducers for photon radiation detection with scaling of responsivity and response time. With analytical prediction, we envision challenges and propose strategies and schemes in efficient electromechanical transduction engineering, frequency scaling, and design and fabrication for future development of β-Ga2O3 M/NEMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of circulating total bilirubin (TB) and UGT1A1 with NAFLD in Chinese Han population.Methods: 172 adults were enrolled from the Qingdao Municipal Hospital from May 2019 to October 2020. All individuals were examined with MRI-PDFF and divided into no steatosis, mild steatosis, moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis groups according to the MRI-PDFF values. The biochemical indexes and UGT1A1 were measured.Results: There was no significant difference of circulating TB and UGT1A1 levels between NAFLD group and controls. In the moderate steatosis and severe steatosis groups, the circulating TB levels were higher than that in control group (all P < 0.05). In addition, circulating TB levels were weak positively associated with liver fat fraction in NAFLD patients (ρ = 0.205, P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between circulating UGT1A1 levels with liver fat fraction in patients with NAFLD (ρ = 0.080, P = 0.179), but positively correlation was found in patients with severe steatosis (ρ = 0.305, P = 0.026).Conclusions: The circulating TB levels were significant high in patients with moderate and severe steatosis. Circulating TB levels were weakly associated with liver fat fraction in patients with NAFLD, and the circulating UGT1A1 levels were positively correlated with liver fat fraction in NAFLD patients with severe steatosis.Trial Registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900022744. Registered 24 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=38304&htm=4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquiring desirable device performance with deep‐blue color purity that fulfills practical application requirements is still a challenge. Bipolar fluorescent emitters with hybrid local and charge transfer (HLCT) state may serve to address this issue. Herein, by inserting anthracene core in the deep‐blue building blocks, the authors successfully developed two highly twisted D‐π‐A fluorescent emitters, ICz‐An‐PPI and IP‐An‐PPI, featuring different acceptor groups. Both exhibited superb thermal stabilities, high photo luminescent quantum yields and excellent bipolar transport capabilities. The non‐doped OLEDs using ICz‐An‐PPI and IP‐An‐PPI as the emitting layers showed efficient blue emission with an external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 4.32 % and 5.41 %, and the CIE coordinates of (0.147, 0.180) and (0.149, 0.150), respectively. In addition, the deep blue doped device based on ICz‐An‐PPI was achieved with an excellent CEmax of 5.83 cd A−1, EQEmax of 4.6 % and the CIE coordinate of (0.148, 0.078), which is extremely close to the National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) standard. Particularly, IP‐An‐PPI‐based doped device had better performance, with an EQEmax of 7.51 % and the CIE coordinate of (0.150, 0.118), which was very impressive among the recently reported deep‐blue OLEDs with the CIEy <0.12. Such high performance may be attributed to the hot exciton HLCT mechanism via T7 to S2. Our work may provide a new approach for designing high‐efficiency deep‐blue materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearings are regarded as a crucial element that impacts the overall performance of the seismic analysis of bridges. The assessment of seismic performance in bridges heavily depends on the nonlinear features of bridge bearings. Therefore, it is essential to simulate the nonlinear mechanical behavior of bridge bearings to attain the required accuracy of seismic analysis. This paper examines the friction features of pot bearings using the Bouc-Wen hysteretic model, based on which a nonlinear model of pot bearings is proposed. The proposed model can rapidly and effectively analyze the nonlinear mechanical behaviors of bridge bearings under horizontal earthquakes by adequately simplifying the mechanical properties of these bearings. The accuracy of the model for horizontal seismic effects analysis is validated using a numerical simulation method. The simulation compares the nonlinear model seismic effects of the bearing with a linear-elastic model that ignores the bearing frictional effects under horizontal seismic action. The results demonstrated that in the proposed nonlinear model, the ratio of the composite bending moment and yield bending moment of the pier bottom section (demand capacity ratio) is lower than that of the linear elastic model, leading to a more accurate analysis of horizontal seismic effects and thus preventing overestimation of seismic consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) constitutes a significant public health concern, with limited therapeutic options to mitigate injury or expedite recovery. A novel therapeutic approach, local renal treatment, encompassing pharmacotherapy and surgical interventions, has exhibited positive outcomes in AKI management. Peri-renal administration, employing various delivery routes, such as the renal artery, intrarenal, and subcapsular sites, has demonstrated superiority over peripheral intravenous infusion. This review evaluates different drug delivery methods, analyzing their benefits and limitations, and proposes potential improvements. Renal decapsulation, particularly with the availability of minimally invasive techniques, emerges as an effective procedure warranting renewed consideration for AKI treatment. The potential synergistic effects of combined drug delivery and renal decapsulation could further advance AKI therapies. Clinical studies have already begun to leverage the benefits of local renal treatments, and with ongoing technological advancements, these modalities are expected to increasingly outperform systemic intravenous therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present an improved calculation for the decay rate of the rare Z-boson decay into J / ψ + J / ψ. This decay is dominated by the photon fragmentation mechanism, i.e., the transition Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ followed by the fragmentation γ ∗ → J / ψ. In our calculation, the amplitude of γ ∗ → J / ψ is extracted from the measured value of Γ (J / ψ → e + e -) , and the amplitude of Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ is calculate through the light-cone approach. The higher-order QCD and relativistic corrections in the amplitude of γ ∗ → J / ψ and the large logarithms of m Z 2 / m c 2 that appear in the amplitude of Z → J / ψ + γ ∗ are resummed in our calculation. Besides, the non-fragmentation amplitude is calculated based on the NRQCD factorization, and the next-to-leading order QCD and relativistic corrections are included. The obtained branching fraction for this Z decay channel is 8. 66 - 0.69 + 1.48 × 10 - 11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplet-based microfluidics offers unique advantages to create platforms that fabricate functionalized particles with increased accessibility, robustness, and simplicity. Herein we present a three-phase microfluidic device that can control the flow pattern to directly generate either core–shell or hole–shell microparticles. The major benefits of this device are the ease of controlling the morphology of the compound droplets by the flow rates and thus the microstructure of the synthesized microparticles. The transition between flow patterns enables the generation of either core–shell particles or Janus particles in a single device. We further show the versatility of the proposed device in fabrication of functionalized particles: the hole size of the hole–shell microparticle can be fine-tuned while its outer diameter is kept constant, and by adding Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the photocurable phase, the obtained magnetoresponsive microparticle can move rotationally or translationally under an external magnetic field. We anticipate that the present method could facilitate the fabrication of the functional microparticles for diverse applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocity is a basic property existing in wave phenomena characterized by complex transmission coefficients. Reciprocity in a duct describes the relationship between the direct response at the duct outlet to a source applied at the inlet and the reverse response at the inlet to a source at the outlet. The reciprocity has been adopted to simplify the methodology for predicting the reverse transmission coefficient from the direct coefficient and vice versa. The existing methods, however, cannot predict the complex form of the coefficient because they only consider the reciprocity in the moduli but neglect the reciprocity in the phases. The study on the reciprocity in a duct with a temperature gradient has hardly been seen. The present work derived a reciprocal equation with a time domain method to characterize the reciprocity in a duct with spatially varying temperature. In addition to considering the reciprocity in the moduli of the direct and reverse transmission coefficients, the proposed method invented a correction term to consider the reciprocity in their phases as well. The correction term was developed from the time delay between the incident and the transmitted pulses in the duct solved with the time domain method. The modified reciprocal equation using the correction term was derived and used to predict the reverse transmission coefficient for calculating exhaust noise of an engine connecting to the duct. The result has shown that the proposed time domain method is an effective approach to accurately describe the phase relationship of waves in flow ducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a shallow or ground surface source and receiver at the same level or close depth, it is very difficult or computationally inefficient to simulate seismoelectric or electroseismic wave‐fields in stratified porous media by current reflectivity methods, such as the Luco‐Apsel‐Chen generalized reflection and transmission method (LAC GRTM). In this work, the peak‐trough averaging method which has been proved effective and efficient in dealing with this kind of computational problem is adopted to update the seismoelectric and electroseismic modeling algorithm based on LAC GRTM. After thoroughly verifying the accuracy and computational efficiency of the updated algorithm, we utilize it to numerically investigate both the electroseismic and seismoelectric couplings. Snapshots of electroseismic wave‐fields indicate evanescent electroseismic conversion, a reverse process of evanescent seismoelectric conversion, dominates at relatively larger ratios of seismic wavelength to interface depth, whereas the interfacial radiation electroseismic conversion is more prominent for the opposite situation. Our seismoelectric modeling results demonstrate that electric signals can arrive at the ground surface a few milliseconds earlier than their causative seismic signals due to evanescent seismoelectric conversion. This is the first modeling result considering source‐receiver geometries on the surface capable of explaining similar phenomena reported in geophysical field observations of seismically induced electrokinetic effects over a long history. The updated algorithm offers an accurate and efficient tool for forward modeling and will benefit interpretations of field observations as well as future inversion studies. Plain Language Summary: For the case of active seismoelectric or electroseismic measurements with source and receivers located on or near the ground surface, it is computationally difficult for current reflectivity methods, such as Luco‐Apsel‐Chen generalized reflection and transmission method (LAC GRTM), to simulate the wave‐fields in stratified porous media. In this study, the peak‐trough averaging method is adopted to update the LAC‐GRTM‐based seismoelectric and electroseismic modeling algorithms to solve this computational problem. We verify the accuracy and efficiency of the updated algorithm and apply it to investigate the electroseismic and seismoelectric couplings. Two kinds of electroseismic conversions were identified by our modellings. When the ratio of seismic wavelength to interface depth is large, evanescent electroseismic conversion will be dominant; otherwise, the interfacial radiation electroseismic conversion will become prominent. In our seismoelectric modellings, it is found electric signals recorded by ground surface receivers could be several milliseconds earlier than their causative seismic signals due to evanescent seismoelectric conversion. This is the first modeling result capable of explaining similar phenomena that have been reported in seismoelectric field measurements over a long history. Generally speaking, the updated algorithm is a useful forward modeling tool, which could benefit interpretations of field data and future inversion studies. Key Points: An updated algorithm is proposed to handle the modeling of active seismoelectric surveys with the source and receivers on the surfaceEvanescent electroseismic conversion dominant at relatively low frequencies is recognized by numerical simulationsEvanescent seismoelectric waves can explain the arrival of electric signals milliseconds prior to causative seismic arrivals [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]