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It is commonly assumed that gastrointestinal cancer is the most common form of cancer across the globe and is the leading contributor to cancer-related death. The intricate mechanisms underlying the growth of GI cancers have been identified. It is worth mentioning that both non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and certain types of RNA, such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs), can have considerable impact on the development of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. As a tumour suppressor, in the group of short non-coding regulatory RNAs is miR-34a. miR-34a silences multiple proto-oncogenes at the post-transcriptional stage by targeting them, which inhibits all physiologically relevant cell proliferation pathways. However, it has been discovered that deregulation of miR-34a plays important roles in the growth of tumors and the development of cancer, including invasion, metastasis, and the tumor-associated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further understanding of miR-34a's molecular pathways in cancer is also necessary for the development of precise diagnoses and effective treatments. We outlined the most recent research on miR-34a functions in GI cancers in this review. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of exosomal miR-34 in gastrointestinal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detachment faults at slow‐ and ultraslow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges are essential for lithosphere‐hydrosphere interactions. However, their coupling with subseafloor hydrothermal circulation is poorly understood. Here, we investigated shallow hydrothermal fluid circulations in the active Dragon Horn detachment fault system of the Southwest Indian Ridge using combined near‐bottom magnetic anomaly data and rock magnetic analyses. We observed enhanced magnetic anomalies related to the high magnetization of basaltic country rocks and highly serpentinized (>80%) peridotite, whereas the hydrothermally altered basalts and sulfide deposits had weak magnetization and reduced magnetic anomalies. Therefore, the low‐magnetization zone was interpreted as a proxy for the hydrothermal fluid channel. The spatial distribution of the low‐magnetization zone revealed that the inactive Suye field expanded more than 500 m in diameter horizontally and ∼100 m vertically, and the active Longqi hydrothermal field had a >1 km fluid channel, both centered around the detachment fault fracture zone. Our results establish a robust link between detachment faulting and shallow hydrothermal circulation in which the detachment fault system provides critical fluid paths. Therefore, detachment tectonics are important elements for evolving seafloor hydrothermal fields along the Southwest Indian Ridge and possibly other slow‐ and ultraslow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges globally. Plain Language Summary: The detachment faults of slow‐ and ultraslow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges are geological structures motivated by seafloor spreading. Intermitted movements of detachment faults exhume deep oceanic crust or mantle rocks and provide pathways for seafloor hydrothermal systems. The magnetic properties of rocks in seafloor detachment fault systems are sensitive to hydrothermal fluids and can be used to study fluid circulation within seafloor detachment fault systems. Using magnetic methods, we found that magnetic minerals in fresh basalt and highly serpentinized peridotite created positive magnetic anomalies, whereas the absence of magnetic minerals in hydrothermally altered basalts and sulfides decreased the magnetic anomalies. As represented by the low‐magnetization zones, the shallow hydrothermal fluid channels sit on the detachment fault, highlighting the close relationship between detachment tectonics and the evolution of seafloor hydrothermal systems. We conclude that the detachment fault system primarily controls the formation of black‐smoker chimneys along the magma‐poor mid‐ocean ridges. Key Points: Altered basalt and sulfide deposits attenuated the magnetic anomaly of the normal‐polarity zone in the Dragon Horn areaSerpentinized peridotite (>80%) produced significant positive magnetic anomalies in the Dragon Horn areaDetachment faulting controls the formation of fluid channels for hydrothermal circulation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the operating state of the power system changes, a modular multilevel converter power electronic transformer (MMC-PET) based on modular multilevel converters cannot perform efficient energy transfer and power conversion under conventional control strategies. To address the above problems, this paper proposes a passive, second-order super-helical sliding mode control strategy for MMC-PET by combining passive control and second-order super-helical sliding mode control with a stronger anti-interference capability. First, a Euler–Lagrange model based on positive and negative sequence separation is established according to the mathematical model of the MMC; second, the model of the system is passively analyzed, and a passive controller is designed according to its passivity, and the passive controller is further optimized by using the super-helical second-order sliding mode control, which improves the overall robustness and interference immunity; finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the super-twisting second-order sliding mode passive control strategy is demonstrated by verifying it through the construction of the MMC-PET simulation model and testing it under various non-ideal working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti2AlNb is a typical hard cutting material whose high strength and hardness result in a low traditional mechanical cutting efficiency and high tool wear. Short electric arc milling (SEAM) is a non-contact machining method whose machining process is unaffected by the material itself. It shows good machining performance and a high machining efficiency for Ti2AlNb materials. In this paper, the effects of the milling method, electrode material, and W-Cu alloy electrode on the sidewall properties of Ti2AlNb materials milled by SEAM were investigated. We used material removal rate (MRR), relative electrode wear ratio (REWR), and surface roughness (Ra) as technical indicators. The experiments showed that the W-Cu alloy electrode was more suitable for the rough machining of Ti2AlNb materials. Up-milled Ti2AlNb showed a high surface quality. Compared with a copper–graphite electrode, the MRR and REWR of W-Cu alloy is twice and 1/8 that of copper–graphite. The maximum thickness of the recast layer and heat-affected layer on the workpiece surface after W-Cu alloy electrodes is about 3.3 times and 3.1 times that of copper–graphite. This work provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for the efficient, high-quality, and high-precision short arc machining of Ti2AlNb materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduced a new ultrasonic vibration–assisted short electric arc machining method to improve the machining quality of workpieces. This method mitigated abnormal discharge phenomena such as short circuits, partial discharge, and secondary discharge caused by particle bridges formed between electrodes and workpieces owing to ineffective chip removal in conventional short electric arc machining. After both standard short electric arc and composite processing, the macroscopic characteristics and microscopic morphology of the workpiece were compared through experiments. Moreover, the surface morphology, roughness, and elemental energy spectrum of the workpiece were examined and analyzed through ultra-depth-of-field microscopy, electron scanning, and other methods. The results revealed changes in the surface morphology of the workpiece after the integration of a short electric arc machining and ultrasonic vibration. With the introduction of ultrasonic vibration, the workpiece surface exhibited disorder and uniformity, along with a significant reduction in the number of electrical corrosion pits and surface microcracks. Consequently, the thickness of the recast layer decreased by half, and the surface roughness decreased by over 16%, achieving a maximum reduction of more than twice the original state. Additionally, the surface elements of the material were modified. This study introduces a new method for advancing short electric arc technology to improve processing quality, material modification, and technological coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scholars have experimentally investigated the processing performance of 2D C/SiC composites, but conventional machining methods cause serious tool wear and display high costs and low efficiencies. These issues affect the efficient and high-quality machining of 2D C/SiC composites. Short electric arc milling (SEAM) is a new machining method that is useful for processing difficult-to-cut materials. Here, the machinability and material removal mechanisms were studied by processing 2D C/SiC composites using SEAM. First, the removal mechanism was studied by a high-speed camera, discharge waveform, and pulsed discharge crater characteristics. Second, graphite and tubular copper electrodes were used to identify a more suitable electrode material. Finally, response surface methodology was used to study the effect of pulse discharge parameters on the surface characteristics of the workpiece. According to the study, the copper electrode was most suitable for the short arc milling of 2D C/SiC composites. When machined by SEAM, the 2D C/SiC composite material ejected large amounts of gases and C fibers. The depth-to-diameter ratio of the resulting discharge craters along the parallel surface of carbon fibers was larger than that of those on the vertical surface. The pulsed discharge parameters significantly impacted the processing of 2D C/SiC composites. SEAM formed defects such as micro-craters, holes, microcracks, fibers, and droplets on the surface of 2D C/SiC composites. This work provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for efficient, high-quality, and high-precision SEAM for 2D C/SiC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with non-fragile output-feedback control for time-delay neural networks with persistent dwell time (PDT) switching in a continuous-time setting. The main purpose is to design an output-feedback controller subject to gain fluctuations, guaranteeing both asymptotic stability and L 2 -gain of the closed-loop control system. To achieve reduced conservatism, the controller is formulated to depend not only on the system mode but also on a time scheduler constructed based on the PDT switching rule and minimum time span. A criterion for the asymptotic stability and L 2 -gain analysis is established through the application of the Gronwall–Bellman inequality and mathematical induction. Then, a numerically tractable design approach for the desired controller is proposed, utilizing a four-section piecewise time-dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and several nonlinearity decoupling techniques. For comparative purposes, a simple case, independent of the time scheduler, is also investigated, and the corresponding controller design approach is presented. Finally, a simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed system mode and time scheduler dual-dependent controller design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) combines the process characteristics of both electric discharge machining (EDM) and electrochemical machining (ECM). ECDM combines the advantages of both processes to achieve high precision and high surface-quality machining. It has a broad application prospect. This paper briefly introduces the development history of ECDM. The machining mechanism of ECDM is explained. The applications of ECDM machining features are listed, including drilling, milling, turning, cutting, and hybrid machining methods, for process performance enhancement. A comprehensive analysis of the process parameters of ECDM and their impact on process performance is presented. The paper surveys the extensive ECDM research and concludes with a discussion of the future direction of ECDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusing condensed aromatics into multi‐resonance (MR) frameworks has been an exquisite strategy to modulate the optoelectronic properties, which, however, always sacrifices the small full width at half maxima (FWHM). Herein, we strategically embed B−N/B−O contained heterocycles as fusion locker into classical MR prototypes, which could enlarge the π‐extension and alleviate the steric repulsion for an enhanced planar skeleton to suppress the high‐frequency stretching/ scissoring vibrations for ultra‐narrowband emissions. Sky‐blue emitters with extremely small FWHMs of 17–18 nm are thereafter obtained for the targeted emitters, decreased by (1.4–1.9)‐fold compared with the prototypes. Benefiting from their high photoluminescence quantum yields of >90 % and fast radiative decay rates of >108 s−1, one of those emitters shows a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 31.9 % in sensitized devices, which remains 25.8 % at a practical luminance of 1,000 cd m−2 with a small FWHM of merely 19 nm. Notably a long operation half‐lifetime of 1,278 h is also recorded for the same device, representing one of the longest lifetimes among sky‐blue devices based on MR emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusing condensed aromatics into multi‐resonance (MR) frameworks has been an exquisite strategy to modulate the optoelectronic properties, which, however, always sacrifices the small full width at half maxima (FWHM). Herein, we strategically embed B−N/B−O contained heterocycles as fusion locker into classical MR prototypes, which could enlarge the π‐extension and alleviate the steric repulsion for an enhanced planar skeleton to suppress the high‐frequency stretching/ scissoring vibrations for ultra‐narrowband emissions. Sky‐blue emitters with extremely small FWHMs of 17–18 nm are thereafter obtained for the targeted emitters, decreased by (1.4–1.9)‐fold compared with the prototypes. Benefiting from their high photoluminescence quantum yields of >90 % and fast radiative decay rates of >108 s−1, one of those emitters shows a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 31.9 % in sensitized devices, which remains 25.8 % at a practical luminance of 1,000 cd m−2 with a small FWHM of merely 19 nm. Notably a long operation half‐lifetime of 1,278 h is also recorded for the same device, representing one of the longest lifetimes among sky‐blue devices based on MR emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mathematical model of the reachable domain of the contingency return trajectories. • Reachable domain calculation method of the contingency return trajectories based on interval analysis. • Parameter characteristic analysis of reachable domain. The investigation on reachable domain based on interval analysis is performed, which is aimed for the contingency return trajectories during the circumlunar flight stage in manned lunar landing engineering. First, the issue of contingency return trajectory, which adopts a non-coplanar maneuver during the circumlunar flight phase, is expounded upon. The mathematical model of the reachable domain of contingency return trajectories is established. Second, the contingency return trajectory is designed. An improved interval branch and bound algorithm is introduced and a reachable domain calculation method of the contingency return trajectories is proposed. Third, in numerical simulations, by comparing the reachable domain obtained by the traditional brute force method, the accuracy of the method presented in this paper is verified. It also indicates that this method has a higher calculation efficiency. Finally, numerous simulations are conducted to discuss the parameter characteristic of reachable domain by adopting this method. The study conclusions can serve as an important reference for the selection and decision of contingency return trajectory plans in the future manned lunar landing engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses surface defects such as micro-cracks and phase change layer on the surface of Ti6Al4V workpieces after short electric arc machining (SEAM). The effects of process parameters on surface integrity (surface crack density (SCD), phase change layer thickness (PCLT), and surface roughness (Ra)) are analyzed using Taguchi L32 orthogonal experimental system. SCD and PCLT are estimated from scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs of the workpiece surface based on the micro-crack area and cross-sectional phase change layer area, respectively, by ImageJ software. The combination of parameters under the optimal index is analyzed by the graph of the variation of the output index with the processing parameters, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) results show that voltage, feeding speed, and milling depth have the greatest effect on surface integrity. Finally, the 16 best sets of solutions satisfying the objective function are predicted using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA II), which are obtained from the Pareto optimal bound, and the accuracy of the predicted solution sets is verified experimentally with an estimation error of less than 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controllable set of contingency return trajectories for crewed lunar missions is studied on the basis of interval analysis. Firstly, in the light of the statement of the contingency return trajectory departing from the low lunar orbit, the mathematical model of the controllable set problem is presented. Secondly, based on interval analysis and contingency return trajectory design, a controllable set algorithm is put forward by combining a modified branch and bound method. Thirdly, using numerical simulations, the accuracy of this algorithm is verified by comparing with the results acquired from the classical brute force method. In addition, the comparison indicates this algorithm has higher calculation efficiency. Finally, the controllable set parameter characteristic analysis of contingency return trajectories is performed. The investigation conclusions can supply a decision basis for the plan and selection of a contingency return scheme in the future crewed lunar missions. • Mathematical model of controllable set of the contingency return trajectories. • Controllable set algorithm of the contingency return trajectories based on interval analysis. • Controllable set parameter characteristic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel efficient and sustainable electrical discharge machining method, referred to as short electric arc machining (SEAM), is proposed to solve the problems of low efficiency, severe tool wear, and high cost of Ti2AlNb machining by traditional methods. The mechanism of SEAM with different voltages and tool electrode materials (W70Cu30, high-purity graphite, copper-plated graphite, and 304 stainless steel) is studied using a DC power supply, and the workpiece material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (Sa), and relative tool wear rate (RTWR) are analyzed. In addition, the surface morphology, cross-sectional morphology, elemental distribution, and microhardness of Ti2AlNb after processing are investigated. The experimental results show that under 28 V, the W70Cu30 electrode achieves the highest MRR of 2571 mm3/min, which is higher than that of the other three electrode materials. It has also the lowest RTWR of the electrode and a relative electrode loss of only 0.0974%. The lowest surface roughness and heat-affected layer of the workpiece after machining are 53.2 and 56.54 µm, respectively. The absolute difference of the width of the cross-section of the workpiece is the smallest, and the hardness of the recast layer of the workpiece is close to the hardness of the base metal, which is conducive to further processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Emitters with narrowband spectra are of great importance nowadays because of the growing demand for ultra‐high‐definition displays in the fields of panel displays and solid‐state lighting. Though the reported multiple resonance (MR) emitters have been widely studied with extremely sharp spectra and color‐tunable emissions, the electrophilic borylation synthetic strategies and stable narrowband blue devices still face great challenges. Herein, by virtue of the advantages of both the MR effect of conventional indolocarbazole skeleton and the easy‐to‐access of B—N covalent bonds, the linear tert‐butyl benzene and carbazole groups modified 6,12‐diphenyl‐5,11‐dihydroindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole derivatives (tPh[BN] and Cz[BN]) containing two B—N covalent bonds are easily constructed through amine‐directed double borylation strategy. Both emitters behaved bright blue emission with full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of 20—27 nm in solution, high fluorescence quantum efficiency over 90%, and excellent stability toward moisture. By employing triplet‐triplet annihilation electroluminescent mechanism, blue OLED devices based on them showed a small FWHM of 48 nm and maximum external quantum efficiency of ~7.1% with negligible efficiency roll‐off, and long operational lifetime (LT80) of 87 h at an initial brightness of 1000 cd·m−2, demonstrating the enormous application potential of B—N bonds embedded emitters in achieving ideal narrowband blue emitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-diffusion of fluids in nanotubes generally consists of both molecule–molecule and molecule–wall interactions, which can be quantitatively described by the Knudsen mechanism and the molecular mechanism, respectively. Combining these two effects, the Bosanquet equation is generally used to predict the self-diffusivities of molecules in one-dimensional nanopores. In this work, equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the validity of the equation in predicting the self-diffusivities of fluids inside carbon, boron nitride, and silicon carbide nanotubes with diameters from ∼1.0 to 4.3 nm. Our results indicate that although the Bosanquet equation can predict the self-diffusivities of H2, Ar, CH4, CO2, C2H6, and C3H8 in carbon nanotubes in the same order of magnitude, the accuracy of these predictions is generally rather poor. At high and moderate loadings, the large deviation mainly results from the limited accuracy of the simplistic free path model, which tends to neglect the intermolecular forces of fluid molecules. However, at low loadings, the failure of the Bosanquet equation can be traced to the failure of the Knudsen model, which largely underestimates the diffusivity in nanotubes due to the smoothness of the tube wall. Furthermore, the Bosanquet equation fails to predict the self-diffusivities of H2O in confinement since the presence of hydrogen bonding violates the mean free path theory. It is suggested that further modification of this extrapolation should take into account the intermolecular forces of fluid molecules as well as the smoothness of the tube wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery with high energy density is attracting more and more attention as a candidate battery for high-energy power supply in the coming new energy era. However, several defects, such as the insulation properties and shuttle effect of sulfur species, greatly hinder its application. Herein, we rationally design a three-dimensional MXene-based aerogel with a surface area of 221 m2 g–1 and use it as a sulfur host and functional separator for Li–S battery. In the preparation strategy of MXene-based aerogel, Ti3C2Tx and melamine–formaldehyde resin are integrated into a three-dimensional interconnected porous network structure. As the sulfur host, MXene-based aerogel-derived sulfur cathode shows a highly reversible specific capacity of 1042 mA h g–1 at 0.1 C, excellent rate capability, and long-term cycling stability. Furthermore, the modified separator made by coating MXene-based aerogel on the commercial separator has been applied to Li–S battery. Compared with MXene modified separator, the rate capability and cycling performance of Li–S battery with the MXene-based aerogel modified separator are largely enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique porous material, namely, MXene/SiO2 hybrid aerogel, with a high surface area, was prepared via sol-gel and freeze-drying methods. The hierarchical porous hybrid aerogel possesses a three-dimensional integrated network structure of SiO2 cross-link with two-dimensional MXene; it is used not only as a scaffold to prepare sulfur-based cathode material, but also as an efficient functional separator to block the polysulfides shuttle. MXene/SiO2 hybrid aerogel as sulfur carrier exhibits good electrochemical performance, such as high discharge capacities (1007 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C) and stable cycling performance (823 mA h g–1 over 200 cycles at 0.5 C). Furthermore, the battery assembled with hybrid aerogel-modified separator remains at 623 mA h g–1 over 200 cycles at 0.5 C based on the conductive porous framework and abundant functional groups in hybrid aerogel. This work might provide further impetus to explore other applications of MXene-based composite aerogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing a high concentration of electrolyte into the working medium of conventional short electric arc machining (SEAM), we have realized the removal of surface defects of SEAM using electrochemical machining (ECM) during the discharge of SEAM. This process is called short electric arc-electrochemical (SEAM-ECM) combined machining. The forms of power excitation mainly use pulsed and constant voltage DC. Therefore, this research first reveals the arc-breaking and action mechanism of SEAM-ECM combined machining under two excitation forms by single-pulse simulation and experiment. The results show that DC excited arc-breaking is an adaptive arc-breaking over the discharge gap; the intensity and duration of ECM action of DC excitation are higher than that of pulsed excitation; at the same current strength, the arc-breaking time of DC excitation is about three times more than that of pulsed excitation (duty cycle of 55%). In addition, continuous discharge experiments are conducted to verify the machining effect of SEAM-ECM combined machining. The results show that DC excitation tends to form a continuous arc during machining, aggravating copper electrode loss and reducing the workpiece's dimensional accuracy and the material removal rate. The concentrated discharge energy also produces deeper discharge pits, making the workpiece surface rougher relative to the pulsed excitation. The machining differences between the two excitation methods at different voltages are compared, showing that a balance exists between SEAM and ECM under suitable machining conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Theoretical model of EAECM material removal mechanism was developed. • Experiments showed that the feed rate is the decisive factor regulating the percentage of EAM/ECM action in EAECM. • Waveform and surface integrity measurements showed that the structural evolution of the machined surface transitions from a black recast layer covered surface to a brightly finished material matrix. • Cross-sectional experimental results showed that EAECM can obtain good surface quality at low discharge energies and high electrolyte concentrations with no recast layer. In this study, a theoretical model about the conversion mechanism of material removal by electric arc electrochemical machining (EAECM) was derived. The limiting conversion rate of ECM-EAECM was measured on this basis. The current waveform, surface integrity, shape accuracy and process indexes during machining were measured and evaluated. The results showed that when the limiting conversion rate of ECM was exceeded, the material removal consisted of alternating effects of electric arc machining (EAM) and ECM. The proportion of EAM increased and the surface structure evolved into discharge defects, verifying the correctness of the theory. In addition, parametric crossover experiments were performed to clarify the degree of parametric response to EAECM modulation. Finally, the optimal combination of parameters resulted in a material removal rate of up to 5452 mm3/min, a relative electrode wear rate of 1.39 %, and a surface roughness of only 4.62 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of rotating detonation engines (RDEs) is theoretically better than that of traditional aero engines because of self-pressurization. A type of swirl injection scheme is introduced in this paper for two-phase detonation. On the one hand, experiments are performed on continuous rotating detonation of ternary "kerosene, hydrogen and oxygen-enriched air" mixture in an annular combustor. It is found that increasing the mass fraction of hydrogen can boost the wave speed and the stability of detonation waves' propagation. One the other hand, characteristics of kerosene–hot air RDE is investigated for engineering application. Some unstable phenomena are recorded, such as changes of the number of detonation waves, low-frequency oscillations, and sporadic detonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: MicroRNA168 (MIR168) is a key miRNA that targets the main RNA‐induced silencing complex component Argonaute 1 (AGO1) to regulate plant growth and environmental stress responses. However, the regulatory functions of MIR168 need to be further elucidated in rice. In this paper, we generated clean OsMIR168a deletion mutants by CRISPR‐Cas9 strategy. We then phenotypically and molecularly characterized these mutants. The rice OsMIR168a mutants grew rapidly at the seedling stage, produced more tillers and matured early. Compared to the wild‐type plants, the mutants were shorter at maturity and produced smaller spikelets and seeds. Analysis of gene expression showed that the transcription levels of OsMIR168a's target genes such as OsAGO1a, OsAGO1b and OsAGO1d were elevated significantly in the OsMIR168a mutants. Intriguingly, OsAGO18, a member of a new AGO clade that is conserved in monocots, was confirmed to be a target of OsMIR168a not only by informatic prediction but also by expression analysis and a cell‐based cleavage assay in the OsMIR168a mutants. Many protein‐coding genes and miRNAs showed differential expression in the OsMIR168a mutants, suggesting OsMIR168a exerts a major transcriptional regulatory role, likely through its potential target genes such as OsAGO1s and OsAGO18. KEGG enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes pointed to OsMIR168a's involvement in important processes such as plant hormone signalling transduction and plant–pathogen interaction. These data collectively support that the complex regulation module of OsMIR168a‐OsAGO1/OsAGO18‐miRNAs‐target genes contributes to agronomically important traits, which sheds light on miRNA‐mediated crop breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We established the solid–liquid two-phase model of polymer and carbon paste and the solid–solid two-phase model of polymer and graphite. • The binding energy of different polymer mixtures with carbon paste and graphite was calculated. • The optimal polymer ratio 5PVDF + 5PVP was selected for the preparation of nanofiber film. Electrospinning technology was used to prepare a breathable ultra-thin polymer film. • Flexible screen printing electrode were prepared using nanofiber polymer film as substrate. The preparation of three electrodes (working electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode) on soft, deformable, and breathable film substrates with good adhesion is a novel approach for the development of wearable devices for plants. In this study, the adsorption energy of carbon paste, graphite, and a polymer was calculated via molecular dynamics simulations, and the optimal polymer ratio was selected for the preparation of nanofiber films. Electrospinning technology was used to prepare a breathable ultrathin polymer film, which was used as a flexible substrate for three electrodes, and a conductive carbon paste was patterned on the nanofiber film substrate by screen printing. The properties of the composite nanofiber membrane substrate and flexible screen-printing electrode were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), 3D profile scanning, and electrochemical experiments. The combination of electrospinning technology and screen-printing technology is a new path for the preparation of nondestructive and wearable detection devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the processing deformation, low efficiency, tool wear, surface burrs and other problems of aluminium alloy thin-walled parts, a study on 7075 aluminium alloy using short electric arc milling (SEAM) technology is proposed. Using the material removal rate, relative tool wear ratio, surface roughness and side taper of workpiece as technical indexes, the effects of voltage, duty cycle, frequency and electrode material on aluminium alloy processing performance were studied. The surface morphology, chemical composition, microstructure and microhardness of 7075 aluminium alloy were analysed, and the machining mechanism of 7075 aluminium alloy was further revealed. Comparing the processing results of different electrode materials, the copper electrode can process aluminium alloys with an efficiency of up to 14940 mm3/min, good surface finish and high dimensional accuracy. This work lays a foundation for high efficiency and high quality SEAM of 7075 aluminium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, Nb is used as an intermediate layer to assist the pulsed laser welding of titanium (Ti) alloy/stainless steel (SS), and the formation of brittle Ti–Fe intermetallics is prevented. Microstructures of the joints are analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties of the joints are evaluated by tensile tests. The laser is concentrated on the side of the Ti alloy, and the formation of the Ti–Fe intermetallics is avoided due to the unmelted Nb. A eutectic reaction occurs at the Nb–SS interface to form a reaction layer. The width of the reaction layer increases as the heat input increases. Reasonable control of laser offset and laser current can keep the thickness of the Nb–Fe composite layer at a low level to obtain a small amount of Nb–Fe intermetallics, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the reaction layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: CRISPR‐Cas9 is an emerging genome editing tool for reverse genetics in plants. However, its application for functional study of non‐coding RNAs in plants is still at its infancy. Despite being a major class of non‐coding RNAs, the biological roles of circle RNAs (circRNAs) remain largely unknown in plants. Previous plant circRNA studies have focused on identification and annotation of putative circRNAs, with their functions largely uninvestigated by genetic approaches. Here, we applied a multiplexed CRISPR‐Cas9 strategy to efficiently acquire individual null mutants for four circRNAs in rice. We showed each of these rice circRNA loci (Os02circ25329, Os06circ02797, Os03circ00204 and Os05circ02465) can be deleted at 10% or higher efficiency in both protoplasts and stable transgenic T0 lines. Such high efficiency deletion enabled the generation of circRNA null allele plants without the CRISPR‐Cas9 transgene in the T1 generation. Characterization of the mutants reveals these circRNAs' participation in salt stress response during seed germination and in particular the Os05circ02465 null mutant showed high salt tolerance. Notably, the seedlings of the Os06circ02797 mutant showed rapid growth phenotype after seed germination with the seedlings containing higher chlorophyll A/B content. Further molecular and computational analyses suggested a circRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network where Os06circ02797 functions to bind and sequester OsMIR408, an important and conserved microRNA in plants. This study not only presents genetic evidence for the first time in plants that certain circRNAs may serve as sponges to negatively regulate miRNAs, a phenomenon previously demonstrated in mammalian cells, but also provides important insights for improving agronomic traits through gene editing of circRNA loci in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advent of big data science, the field of geoscience has undergone a paradigm shift toward data-driven scientific discovery. However, the abundance of geoscience data distributed across multiple sources poses significant challenges to researchers in terms of data compilation, which includes data collection, collation, and database construction. To streamline the data compilation process, we present GeoKnowledgeFusion, a publicly accessible platform for the fusion of text, visual, and tabular knowledge extracted from the geoscience literature. GeoKnowledgeFusion leverages a powerful network of models that provide a joint multimodal understanding of text, image, and tabular data, enabling researchers to efficiently curate and continuously update their databases. To demonstrate the practical applications of GeoKnowledgeFusion, we present two scenarios: the compilation of Sm-Nd isotope data for constructing a domain-specific database and geographic analysis, and the data extraction process for debris flow disasters. The data compilation process for these use cases encompasses various tasks, including PDF pre-processing, target element recognition, human-in-the-loop annotation, and joint multimodal knowledge understanding. The findings consistently reveal patterns that align with manually compiled data, thus affirming the credibility and dependability of our automated data processing tool. To date, GeoKnowledgeFusion has supported forty geoscience research teams within the program by processing over 40,000 documents uploaded by geoscientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new development direction for electrical discharge machining, short electric arc machining (SEAM) has emerged as an efficient machining technology for difficult-to-machine conductive materials, as this method is not limited by the strength, hardness, toughness, and other mechanical properties of metal materials. In this paper, the pulse voltage, DC voltage, and DC superimposed pulse (comb) voltage were used as energy inputs to study the SEAM of Ti6Al4V. Experiments were carried out with a graphite tube material as the tool and Ti6Al4V as the workpiece. The current waveform of the experimental process was analyzed; the material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear ratio (TWR) were calculated; and the surface and cross-sectional micro-morphologies and micro-hardness were studied. The experimental results showed that the comb voltage input mode yields the highest machining efficiency, with an MRR of 19,620 mm3/min and a maximum current of 1475 A, which was 35 times higher than that in the conventional pulse voltage input mode. Moreover, the processing was more stable; however, the surface quality was poor. The study results are expected to help select an appropriate processing method depending on the process requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A favorable flow field enhances the product transport capacity and also increases the electrochemical mass transfer rate. In this paper, an end-side connected electrode suitable for electric arc electrochemical composite milling was proposed based on the existing flushing form. The aim is to simultaneously enhance the machining of the groove surface and the side. The flushing form was optimized by the flow field, and it was shown that the internal flushing increased the area of the high flow rate zone of the bottom gap. In the experiments, it was found that the internal flushing reduced the secondary discharge probability, the accumulation of re-solidified material on the groove surface was decreased, and the surface dissolution was uniform with low oxidation. However, the central jet is lost along the course and a zero velocity zone exists at the corners of the groove. Therefore, the sidewall open flow field is proposed to reduce the sidewall recast layer. It was verified that the sidewall slots of the positive flow type improved both the surface quality of the groove surface and the side wall. It was also found that the increase in the number of open grooves facilitates the generation of uniform debris removal. [Display omitted] • A gas-liquid-solid three-phase flow model was developed for flow field optimization. • The flushing form was optimized and the important role of internal flushing was demonstrated. • An end-side connected electrode with improved surface and sidewalls quality was proposed. • The optimized end-side connected electrode can be adapted to more complex working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Classic control methods commonly used for a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) include the following: proportional integral (PI) control, proportional resonance (PR) control, and repetitive control. Generally, the main weaknesses of these control methods are poor compensation accuracy and low response speed. In this article, in order to enhance the overall performance of the system, we introduce an innovative nonlinear control strategy based on the Lyapunov function for the three‐phase three‐wire neutral‐point clamp (NPC) type three‐level UPQC. We first develop the mathematical UPQC model, then obtain from the model the control law which we use to construct the switching function by creating the Lyapunov function, thus avoiding the introduction of closed‐loop feedback. The suggested strategy also achieves system stability and dynamic performance by selecting appropriate parameters, after which a carrier‐based pulse width modulation control method based on the injected zero‐sequence component is applied to maintain the stability and balance of the DC‐side capacitor voltage. In addition, both numerical simulation and comparison of experimental results using traditional PI control, passivity‐based control methods, and sliding mode control shows that the proposed nonlinear control strategy for three‐phase three‐wire NPC type three‐level UPQC has an excellent response speed and compensation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic lavas of Cenozoic age are widely distributed in northeast China and received much attention as an important part of the Circum‐Pacific volcanic belt. The age constraints for the volcanic activity were determined mostly by K/Ar and 40Ar/39Ar methods. We present zircon (U–Th)/He ages obtained on the thermally overprinted sands directly underlying a basaltic lava. This thermochronometer is insensitive to weathering and not biased by excess argon, thus it can express accurately the age of thermal effect of the lava flow. As a regional cooling age reference, three granite samples were dated from basement units that have not been thermally influenced by the basalt eruptions. The reference granite samples revealed well‐defined Cretaceous (U–Th)/He‐ages, while 20 zircon crystals from the sand below the basalt lava revealed a prominent Miocene (U–Th)/He age component of 9.33 ± 0.24 Ma. Raman spectroscopy of these zircon crystals supports their thermally overprinted character. We infer that the sand sample has experienced significant thermal overprint by the overlying basalt lava leading to thermal reset of the majority of the detrital zircon crystals. The obtained age is thus interpreted as the eruption age of the basalt lava. The Huanan basalt flow thus belongs to volcanics of the Laoyeling episode in NE China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current application of short electrical arc discharge machining (SEAM) for cemented carbide removal is limited by its surface quality. In this study, tungsten-copper (W-Cu) alloy materials with different proportions as electrodes were studied by experimental methods. The mechanism of electrical parameters and composition content affecting the processing performance of SEAM was investigated, including surface roughness (Ra), material removal rate (MRR), micro-morphology, and the recast layer thickness (RLT). The results showed that the maximum MRR with W50-Cu electrode was 41 g/min, and the processing performance was the best with W90-Cu electrode in the U of 25 V, F of 2.3 KHz, and D of 55%. The W90-Cu electrode could provide good processing, and a thinner and more uniform recast layer was found on the workpiece surface. Therefore, W-Cu alloy tools are recommended when the hard surface materials machined by SEAM requires higher accuracy and surface finish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in gastric cancer tumorigenesis, the more comprehensive contributions of lncRNAs to gastric cancer require further investigation. Here, we identify a cytoplasmic lncRNA, LINC01485, which promotes tumor growth and migration in gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Microarray and computational analysis were utilized to identify differential expression in LINC01485 and EGFR. Real-time PCR and Western blotting assays were used to confirm the expression of LINC01485 and EGFR in gastric cancer cells. Cell proliferation, wound-healing and transwell assays were performed to measure cell growth, migration and invasion. Immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH) assays were used to test the interaction of c-Cbl with LINC01485 and EGFR. Furthermore, tumor xenograft in nude mice was performed to test tumor growth in vivo. Results: LINC01485 was upregulated and associated with tumor size, lymphatic metastasis and advanced pathological stage in gastric cancer. LINC01485 promoted gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LINC01485 levels were positively correlated with EGFR expression in gastric cancer tissues and significantly increased the expression and phosphorylation (Tyr1045) of EGFR in gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, LINC01485 competes with c-Cbl for binding to phosphorylated Tyr1045 site of EGFR, thus interfering with c-Cbl-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of EGFR. Conclusion: LINC01485 promoted EGFR stabilization and activation of EGFR/Akt signaling in gastric cancer. Our findings illustrate the diversity of cytoplasmic lncRNAs in signal transduction and highlight the important roles of lncRNAs in gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the anti-synchronization issue for stochastic delayed reaction–diffusion neural networks subject to semi-Markov jump parameters. A resilient fault-tolerant controller is utilized to ensure the anti-synchronization in the presence of actuator failures as well as gain perturbations, simultaneously. Firstly, by means of the Lyapunov functional and stochastic analysis methods, a mean-square exponential stability criterion is derived for the resulting error system. It is shown the obtained criterion improves a previously reported result. Then, based on the present analysis result and using several decoupling techniques, a strategy for designing the desired resilient fault-tolerant controller is proposed. At last, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the superiority of the present stability analysis method and the applicability of the proposed resilient fault-tolerant anti-synchronization control strategy, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short electric arc milling (SEAM) is an electrical discharge machining method characterized by low voltage and high current. This method has high machining efficiency, and the eroded material is quickly discharged from the discharge gap by a high-speed rotating tool electrode and a certain pressure of the gas-liquid mixed medium. In this paper, the effects of tool polarity, working medium, voltage, duty cycle, frequency, and flushing pressure on the performance of short electric arc milling were investigated by using the material removal rate (MRR), tool mass wear ratio (θ), and surface roughness (SR) as technical indicators. Moreover, the surface morphology, cross-section morphology, chemical composition, and micro-hardness of GH4169 after machining were also studied, and the machine mechanism was further revealed. This work lays a foundation for more efficient and high-precision short electric arc milling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk fibroin (SF)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite hydrogel and SF/PVA/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite were prepared by two methods: drying at room temperature and repeated freezing–thawing cycles. A comparative analysis was carried out for the composite material under various conditions, focusing on the properties of SF/PVA/HA composites, studied by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, swelling characteristics, mechanical compression, cytotoxicity, in vitro degradation, and drug carrying release experiment. The results show that compared with the SF/PVA/HA composites prepared by cooled at room temperature method, SF/PVA composite hydrogel was heated at 80°C after repeated freezing–thawing for three times, with HA blended, the SF/PVA/HA composites were obtained after freeze‐dried. The content of β‐sheet structure noticeably increased, which has the better mechanical properties and aqueous solution stability, good cell compatibility, moderate in vitro degradation rate and stable drug release rate, and can also be beneficial for material used in drug‐loaded tissue engineering bone scaffold to improve degradation of uniform rate and drug release stability. It provides a significant technique to achieve the treatment of anti‐bone tuberculosis and lesion bone defect repair. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3131–3139, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart product service system (PSS) design evaluation plays a crucial role in the early design stage of Smart PSS development. It aims at considering the user's value proposition for Smart PSS in the dimensions of intelligence, sustainability, and society, while also ranking Smart PSS to support delivery risk management under uncertainty. However, related Smart PSS evaluation models advocate the use of multi-criteria decision models for obtaining the intrinsic value of PSS by ignoring the influence of the causality of criteria on Smart PSS design, which results in an unstable evaluation process. Additionally, the adaptiveness of Smart PSS has not been thoroughly explored, and determining the adoption intentions of Smart PSS can be challenging. To fill these gaps, a Smart PSS evaluation model that integrates a rough decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and a Bayesian network (BN) is proposed to support probabilistic reasoning for Smart PSS adaptiveness and reduce the risk of Smart PSS development. First, a set of 17 evaluation criteria is identified, and their causal relationships and weights of the criteria were identified using a rough DEMATEL under uncertainty. Second, a BN-based reasoning model for Smart PSS criteria is developed to evaluate the adaptability of smart PSS by constructing a conditional probability calculation model based on criterion weights. Finally, a multifunctional smart cooking center (MFSCC) case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach. The belief propagation analysis results revealed the key criteria affecting the MFSCC service system development and provided design strategies to improve the adaptiveness of the Smart PSS. • A BN model is firstly developed to reason the risk of Smart PSS's adaptiveness. • Rough DEMATEL is applied to obtain the causal relationships of Smart PSS criteria. • A CPT construction model for BN based on PSS criteria weights is proposed. • Case verification of a multi-functional smart cooking center PSS design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tesla valve inlet scheme is adopted. • Total pressure gains of kerosene/oxygen-enriched air RDE are measured. • Effects of air injector stiffness on total pressure gain are investigated. • Reasons for deviations of outlet total pressures measured by EAP and MCSP are analyzed. Total pressure gain is one of the most significant performance metrics for rotating detonation engines. In this study, a Tesla valve is introduced with the intention of suppression of pressure feedback to improve the total pressure gain of RDE. A Tesla RDE has larger total pressure gain than a baseline RDE in some cases of 1.3Kg/s and 1.0Kg/s for A 8 /A 3.2 of 0.25 because it can delay the onset of Longitudinal pulsed detonation (LPD). Compared with published data, kerosene/oxygen-enriched achieves slightly higher total pressure gain than gaseous fuels. The maximum total pressure gain measured using the Equivalent available pressure (EAP) is −6.84%. As injection stiffness decreases, total pressure gain increases towards zero. Injection stiffness tends to decrease with increasing velocity for the given mass flow rates of air and nozzle. The pressure of the combustor inlet is positively correlated with the product of the detonation wave velocity and the mass flux of the nozzle outlet. Values of outlet total pressure calculated using EAP and Mach corrected static pressure (MCSP) are nearly the same, and deviations of them are summarized. When the Mach number of the nozzle outlet and total pressure recovery coefficient are taken into consideration, MCSP decreases while EAP increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZC3H13 is a canonical CCCH zinc finger protein, which harbors a somatic frame‐shift mutation in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, its expression and biological function were still uncertain. In the current study, we found that ZC3H13 was served as a tumor suppressor in CRC cells, which decreased the expression of Snail, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E1, and increased the expression of Occludin and Zo‐1 through inactivating Ras–ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, reduction of ZC3H13 associated with advanced TNM stage (p = 0.02), positive regional lymph node metastasis (p = 0.01). Taken together, the current study indicated that ZC3H13 may be an upstream regulator of Ras–ERK signaling pathway and suppressed invasion and proliferation of CRC. Zinc finger CCCH domain‐containing protein 13 (ZC3H13) suppresses colorectal cancer proliferation and invasion via inactivating Ras–ERK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superficial marine sediment is an important boundary of ocean acoustic propagation. So, the acoustic property of seafloor surface is always research hotspot. The acoustic property of sediment is affected by temperature and pressure which is not considered by conventional lab acoustic measurement. A new type of system, called "Small-scale Geo-acoustic Physical Model Pilot System" (SGPMP) has been developed. The system measures geo-acoustic property of sediment under specific temperature, pressure and frequency conditions which can be controlled conveniently and accurately. The components, structure, measurement principle, error analysis and application example of this system are introduced in this article. As a laboratory platform, the system makes it convenient for us to study the relationship between the temperature, pressure, frequency and acoustic properties of marine sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve problems such as insufficient energy and effective arc burning during the injection of a working medium in a short arc discharge channel, the application of a W-Cu alloy as the electrode material in short electrical arc machining (SEAM) is explored in this paper. Using the surface roughness, material removal rate, and tool electrode wear rate as technical indices, the effects of voltage, frequency, and duty cycle on W-Cu alloy materials are studied to explore machining characteristics in SEAM. Contrast experiments on a graphite electrode were conducted using a SU8010 scanning electron microscope and energy spectrum analysis to study the erosion mechanism of the W-Cu alloy material. This paper addresses applications of copper-based composites in SEAM and provides a theoretical basis for the development of electrode materials in the SEAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Significant yield increase has been achieved by simultaneous introduction of three trait-related QTLs in three rice varieties with multiplex editing by CRISPR–Cas9. Using traditional breeding approaches to develop new elite rice varieties with high yield and superior quality is challenging. It usually requires introduction of multiple trait-related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) into an elite background through multiple rounds of crossing and selection. CRISPR–Cas9-based multiplex editing of QTLs represents a new breeding strategy that is straightforward and cost effective. To test this approach, we simultaneously targeted three yield-related QTLs for editing in three elite rice varieties, namely J809, L237 and CNXJ. The chosen yield-related QTL genes are OsGS3, OsGW2 and OsGn1a, which have been identified to negatively regulate the grain size, width and weight, and number, respectively. Our approach rapidly generated all seven combinations of single, double and triple mutants for the target genes in elite backgrounds. Detailed analysis of these mutants revealed differential contributions of QTL mutations to yield performance such as grain length, width, number and 1000-grain weight. Overall, the contributions are additive, resulting in 68 and 30% yield per panicle increase in triple mutants of J809 and L237, respectively. Our data hence demonstrates a promising genome editing approach for rapid breeding of QTLs in elite crop varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) has gained considerable popularity for the development of large-scale distributed software systems. The SOA paradigm promotes the reusability and integrability of software in heterogeneous environments by means of open standards. The existing problem is that every service-oriented software development project often requires a customized development process that provides specific service-oriented software in support of requirements unique to that project. To resolve this problem, this study proposes universal service-oriented software (USOS). USOS focuses on the general simulation technology and integrates many features, which are necessary to build a correct and efficient simulation system. It is aimed at providing a professional environment to reduce the cost of modeling as well as the execution time of the simulation for multi-type models. USOS supports many advanced features such as dynamic model template generation, multi-formalism model debugging, flexible model-driven application, etc. Developers may use USOS as an open framework to build, store, and verify models very efficiently. Based on USOS, we have developed a large-scale parallel simulation platform called SIM, which is oriented to test parallel and distributed architectures, and applications in the aerospace domain. This study introduces the distinctive features of USOS for practical implementation of SIM and validates the performance by a prototype system simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Late Palaeozoic Solonker‐Xar Moron‐Changchun‐Yanji Suture (SXCYS) is considered to mark the location of the final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean, which separated the North China Craton to the south and the amalgamated blocks to the north in Northeast China. There has always been controversy about its eastern extension in Northeast China and the final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. To explore this issue, we collected gabbro and quartz‐diorite samples in the Hunchun area for the genesis of mafic magma and age dating, and five groups of Permian to Triassic sandstones belonging to both sides of the potential suture locations in the middle and east Jilin Province for the provenance analysis to discuss the final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the possible positions of the eastward termination of the SXCYS. The gabbro reveals a Middle Permian concordia average age of 266.9 ± 5.2 Ma, and the quartz diorite reveals a Late Permian Concordia average age of 258.8 ± 4.8 Ma. Lithological and geochemical analysis reveal the two rock samples belong to low‐K arc tholeiites from the oceanic island and calk‐alkaline volcanics from the active continental margin, respectively, which implies that during the middle to late Permian, the SW margin of the Jiamusi–Khanka Block (JB) continuously experienced the subduction process from the Paleo‐Asian Ocean Plate. The final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean should be later than the Late Permian. Meanwhile, four groups of sandstone from the east Jilin reveal typically Jiamusi–Mongolia Block (JMB) provenance features, with age components of ~500 Ma, ~0.9–1.5 Ga implying that the Wangqing, Hunchun, Kaishantun area belongs to the northern part of the SXCYS from late Early Permian to Middle Triassic, with youngest age components of 288.2 ± 2.8, 275.5 ± 1.8, 250 ± 1.7, and 244.9 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. The late Early Permian sandstone from the middle Jilin reveals the youngest age component of 273.8 ± 3.4 Ma and the age component of 487 ± 3 Ma also revealing JMB feature. Comparing to previous studies, we propose that the Paleo‐Asian Ocean finally closed during Middle to Late Triassic. A possible ENE fault separates the eastern extension of SXCYS into two parts, which means the possible position of the eastward extension of the SXCYS should go along the Wangqing‐Kaishantun with NNW direction in the west, Hunchun‐Laoheishan with NW direction in the east. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hollow SiO2 spheres are synthesized by using various sizes of PS spheres as sacrified templates followed removal of the PS core by calcination. Large-area 2D monolayer SiO2 hollow spheres opals are fabricated through gas-liquid-solid interface self-assembly route base on core-shell PS@SiO2 as structural bricks which is a simple, fast and easily large-area-fabricated. In this route, proper ratio of alcohol to water plays important role on the synthesis of core-shell PS@SiO2 composite spheres while,the hydrophobic treatment of core-shell PS@SiO2 composite spheres is found primarily to realize opal films floating on water surface and further to be compacted into well ordered large monolayer films. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate the obtained hollow SiO2 spheres opals are well dispersed and well-ordered into two dimensional arrays. ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy shows that transmission in visible light range increases with the added size of hollow SiO2 spheres. In contrast to solid SiO2 spheres opal, hollow SiO2 spheres opals demonstrates their improved transmission due to their high porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present was to assess whether serum thymidine kinase 1 (STK1) concentration is a useful biomarker for the screening of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate malignancy. Serum samples were collected from 123 patients with prostate carcinoma prior to surgery, biopsy or androgen deprivation therapy and at 3, 6 and 10 months following the procedure. A total of 205 patients with BPH and 266 healthy controls were also utilized. STK1 concentration and total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were measured in patient serum by use of commercial assays. The pathological specimens (obtained from surgery or biopsy) were assessed according to Gleason scores (GS). STK1 concentration and total PSA were significantly higher in patients with prostate carcinoma compared with patients with BPH and healthy individuals. Furthermore, STK1 concentration was associated with Gleason score, while total PSA was not. However, no association was identified between STK1 concentration and total serum PSA. A receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed on STK1 concentrations among patients with prostate carcinoma. The results demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity were high, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97. Although the sensitivity and specificity of total PSA were also high, the AUC value was relatively low (0.74). The results indicated that STK1 concentration is a more reliable prognostic biomarker than total PSA in respect to the GS system. Additionally, since STK1 concentration is associated with Gleason score, the use of biopsies to determine Gleason score may be replaced to some extent by the STK1 concentration test, thus reducing the discomfort of patients from which biopsies are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel imide-based organic-inorganic gel polymer electrolyte based on the reaction of poly (propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether) (2-APPG) with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and followed by the reaction with 3-isocyanatepropyltriethoxysilane (ICS) is successfully fabricated. The results reveal that the electrolyte has hardly any weight loss up to 100 °C, exhibiting a high ionic conductivity of 1.01 × 10−3 S cm-1 at room temperature and the Li ion transference numbers (t+) is as high as 0.65, as well as good electrochemical stability with electrochemical stability window up to 10 V. An archetype electrochromic device is assembled by using the organic-inorganic gel polymer electrolyte as conductive medium. The results confirm that the device has a high voltage (5 V) stability performance, high coloration efficiency (193.3 cm2 C−1) and good cycle performance (450 cycles over a voltage range of −3.5-2.5 V). So the presented organic-inorganic gel electrolyte is a very promising material for electrochemical application. Highlights • A novel imide-based organic/inorganic gel polymer electrolyte is successfully synthesized according to sol-gel process. • The electrolyte possesses excellent electrochemical properties. • An archetype electrochromic device with the electrolyte exhibits a high voltage stability and good cycle performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address defects in the recast layer and microcracks in laser drilling, this study adopted laser-electrolytic composite machining technology to conduct a boring test on nickel-based superalloy In718 through flushing outside the ring electrode and hydrostatic machining. This method obtained the characteristics of recast layer removal via composite machining and identified the influence rule of the residual rate of the recast layer via composite machining parameters. Results show that the recast layer exhibits a random distribution and gathers together at the exit when adopting the laser to rotationally cut and make the hole. Electrolytic post-processing for laser prefabricated small holes with a diameter larger than 1 mm by flushing outside the ring electrode proceeded as follows: using an electrolytic voltage of 20 V, NaNO3 electrolyte of 7.5 g/L, and electrolytic machining time of 20s, the reaming amount can reach 70-100 μm and steadily achieve recast layer removal. Electrolytic post-processing for prefabricated small holes with a diameter smaller than 1 mm can be carried out using hydrostatic machining under different flushing methods (continuous static electrolyte machining, free flushing, and forced flushing), indicating that forced flushing can remove the recast layers of the holes and achieve a better hole shape to create holes with good inwall quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plasmon enhanced perovskite solar cells (PSCs) incorporated with AgAl and Au composite nanoparticles (NPs) isolating from AgAl metal electrode with ultra-thin LiF spacer were investigated. PSCs with AgAl-Au composite NPs got 17.02% of the power conversion efficiency (PCE), which is 11.10% higher than PCE (15.32%) of the control PSC with only AgAl electrode. Furthermore, the hysteresis effect of PSCs with LiF modified AgAl and Au composite NPs can be neglected compared to the control cells without NPs and LiF spacer. In the meanwhile, carrier transport and collection probabilities of PSCs with AgAl and Au composite NPs were increased to 96.86% from 89.51% in control cells, indicating the improved electron transport and extraction ability. The enhanced PCEs of PSCs with AgAl(3 nm)/Au(2 nm)/LiF(1 nm) are attributed to the improved light absorption of perovskite layer and the reduced contact barrier at metal electrode, which can be supported with its enhanced photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (△IPCE) and the disappeared negative capacitive behavior. Furthermore, the obviously reduced work function values of AgAl-Au composite NPs and AgAl metal electrode after LiF modification were observed with ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. Our results indicate that thermally evaporating a ultra-thin LiF spacer can well inhibit the energy dissipation of plasmon effects of AgAl-Au composite NPs and reduce the contact barrier between PCBM and AgAl metal electrode, which is an efficient strategy to achieve efficient plasmon-enhanced perovskite solar cells. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Plasmon effects of AgAl-Au composite NPs are retained using ultra-thin LiF spacer. • Plasmon effects of AgAl-Au NPs boost the light absorption and improve PCEs of PSCs. • LiF modified AgAl-Au NPs reduced the contact barrier at PCBM/AgAl interface. • Plasmon enhanced PSCs show almost hysteresis-free effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]