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A generation method of new metric in the case of static spherically symmetric space-time is derived. Using this approach, we construct a metric which describes Euler–Heisenberg black hole surrounded by perfect fluid dark matter and investigate its optical and thermodynamic properties. We found that radius of shadow will increase with the increase of dark matter effect, and more strong dark matter will diminish the light intensity of accretion disk generally. Moreover, in thermodynamics, when quantum electrodynamic parameter is positive, there will be a critical value of dark matter parameter, which determine the number of black hole’s critical points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:  To discover the mechanism of the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-mediated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway in the protection against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonatal mice.Materials and Methods:  Neonatal mice were treated with EX527 (an inhibitor of SIRT1) and/or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-κB). The survival rate of the mice was recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the intestines. Furthermore, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were conducted to measure the protein and gene expression, while corresponding kits were used to detect the levels of oxidative stress indicators.Results:  PDTC increased the survival rate of NEC mice. When compared with the NEC+ EX527 + PDTC group, the histological NEC score was higher in the NEC + EX527 group but lower in the NEC + PDTC group. SIRT1 expression in the intestines of NEC mice was downregulated, with an increase in p65 nuclear translocation. Additionally, malondialdehyde increased and glutathione peroxidase decreased in the intestines of NEC mice, with the upregulation of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the downregulation of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-4 in the intestines. However, the above changes could be improved by PDTC, which could be further reversed by EX527.Conclusion:  SIRT1 can mitigate inflammation and the oxidative stress response and improve intestinal permeability by mediating the NF-κB pathway, playing an important role in the alleviation of NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harsh discipline during childhood (psychological aggression and corporal punishment) has been found to be an early risk factor for adolescent aggressive behavior. However, previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between harsh discipline as a whole and the level of adolescent aggressive behavior. This study investigates the effects of childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment on the initial levels and rate of change in adolescent aggressive behavior, as well as the mediating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Using cluster sampling, a three-wave follow-up assessment was conducted on 1214 high-school students (60.7% boys; mean age at Wave 1 = 15.46 ± 0.71). The results showed that childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment had a positive predictive effect on the development level of adolescent aggressive behavior. However, only childhood psychological aggression significantly directly attenuated the decline rate of adolescent aggressive behavior. In addition, both childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment indirectly affected the initial levels and growth rate of adolescent aggressive behavior through self-compassion. These findings could provide potential targets for prevention and intervention programs aimed at improving aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial debonding between the active layer and the current collector has been recognized as a critical mechanism for battery fading, and thus has attracted great efforts focused on the related analyses. However, much still remains to be studied regarding practical methods for suppressing electrode debonding, especially from the perspective of mechanics. In this paper, a pre-strain strategy of current collectors to alleviate electrode debonding is proposed. An analytical model for a symmetric electrode with a deformable and limited-thickness current collector is developed to analyze the debonding behavior involving both a pre-strain of the current collector and an eigen-strain of the active layers. The results reveal that the well-designed pre-strain can significantly delay the debonding onset (by up to 100%) and considerably reduce the debonding size. The critical values of the pre-strain are identified, and the pre-strain design principles are also provided. Based on these findings, this work sheds light on the mechanical design to suppress electrode degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise manipulation of the time–frequency modes of entangled photons is crucial for future quantum science and technologies. Recently, the frequency-domain-quantum-optical-synthesis (FD-QOS) method was demonstrated by creating a superposition of different joint temporal amplitudes: those temporal distributions can be controlled by manipulating the joint spectral amplitude in 2D frequency space via a Fourier optical relation. This FD-QOS method provides an efficient, flexible, and easy-to-control way to precisely modulate the temporal distributions of the entangled photon in an ultrafast region. However, manipulation of only the temporal modes is not sufficient for various applications in quantum information, since spectral modulations are also needed on many occasions. Here, we present a proof-of-concept experiment of two-photon spectral modulation via temporal manipulation of a biphoton wave packet. This protocol, called time-domain-quantum-optical-synthesis (TD-QOS), is achieved by adjusting the relative phases between two joint temporal distributions. In addition, the two-photon joint spectral distributions are characterized by measuring the joint spectral intensities and Hong–Ou–Mandel interferences. The combination of FD-QOS and TD-QOS enables complete control over the biphoton states. Our work would further develop quantum technologies that rely on the time–frequency modes of entangled photons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an acidic polysaccharide (FVP-7 A) was isolated from Fucus vesiculosus by DEAE-Sepharose™ fast flow. The chemical composition, glycosidic bonds and in vitro fecal fermentation characteristics of FVP-7 A were studied. Results shown that FVP-7 A was a homogenous polysaccharide with average molecular weight of 30.94 kDa. Combined with FT-IR, monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR analysis, the glycosidic bonds of FVP-7 A mainly composed of →4)- β -D-Man p -(1→, →3)- α -L-Fuc p -(1→, α -D-Man p -(1→, →3)- β -D-Man p -(1 → and →4,6)- α -D-Man p -(1→. The zeta potential and atomic force microscopy images indicated that FVP-7 A could exist stably as a single chain-like structure in dilute solution. After gut fermentation, FVP-7 A was utilized and promoted multiple short-chain fatty acids production, especially acetic acid, butyric acid and valeric acid. For prebiotics, FVP-7 A significantly increased the relative abundance of short-chain fatty acids producing bacteria such as Bacteroides , Lachnospira , Faecalibacterium , Ruminococcus , Oscillospira and Dialister , and inhiited the growth of the harmful bacteria Shigella. These results indicated that FVP-7 A could be used as a potential dietary supplement to improve intestinal health. [Display omitted] • A novel heteropolysaccharide (FVP-7 A) was purified from Fucus vesiculosus. • Its glycosidic bonds mainly consisted of →4)- β -D-Man p -(1→, →3)- α -L-Fuc p -(1→, α -D-Man p -(1→, →3)- β -D-Man p -(1 → and →4,6)- α -D-Man p -(1 →. • FVP-7 A was molecularly dispersed in water to adopt chain-like shape. • FVP-7 A could modulate the richness and community structure of gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interference, which refers to the phenomenon associated with the superposition of waves, has played a crucial role in the advancement of physics and finds a wide range of applications in physical and engineering measurements. Interferometers are experimental setups designed to observe and manipulate interference. With the development of technology, many quantum interferometers have been discovered and have become cornerstone tools in the field of quantum physics. Quantum interferometers not only explore the nature of the quantum world but also have extensive applications in quantum information technology, such as quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum measurement. In this review, we analyze and summarize three typical quantum interferometers: the Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interferometer, the N00N state interferometer, and the Franson interferometer. We focus on the principles and applications of these three interferometers. In the principles section, we present the theoretical models for these interferometers, including single-mode theory and multi-mode theory. In the applications section, we review the applications of these interferometers in quantum communication, computation, and measurement. We hope that this review article will promote the development of quantum interference in both fundamental science and practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate microstructural evolution and plastic deformation under tension, the rapid solidification processes of the Ni47Co53 alloy are first simulated by molecular dynamics methods at cooling rates of 1011, 1012 and 1013 K s−1. Then, the uniaxial tension simulation study was conducted on a single crystal, polycrystal and metallic glass, which were formed during the rapid solidification. The results show that the dislocation loops evolution in the crystal is caused by the slips and proliferation of stacking faults, and in terms of plastic deformation, the single crystal is carried by stacking faults, while a polycrystal is carried by grain boundaries. A metallic glass formed at the critical cooling rate and crystallized under tension, the plastic deformation is carried by grain boundaries and stacking faults in metallic glass. Ultimately, the stacking faults are the most resistant to plastic deformation. This study has great significance for the study of the mechanical properties of single crystals, polycrystals and metallic glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum fusiforme polysaccharides (SFPs), including SFP-3-40, SFP-3-60, SFP-3-80, SFP-7-40, SFP-7-60, SFP-7-80, SFP-10-40, SFP-10-60, and SFP-10-80, were extracted at different pH (3, 7, and 10), and then precipitated with graded precipitation of 40%, 60% and 80% (v /v) ethanol solution, respectively. Their physicochemical properties and α -glucosidase inhibitory activity were determined. Results showed that SFPs significantly differed in the contents of total sugar, protein, uronic acid, sulfate, the zeta potential, and molecular weight distribution. SFPs, including SFP-10-40, SFP-10-60, and SFP-10-80, had bigger absolute zeta potential value and higher respective average molecular weight in the same ethanol concentration precipitate. All samples were mainly composed of fucose, glucuronic acid, and mannose with different molar ratios. The extraction pH and precipitation ethanol solution concentration caused little changes in functional groups, but significantly altered surface morphology of SFPs. Congo red test revealed that all polysaccharides were not helical polysaccharides. Rheological measurements indicated that SFPs were pseudoplastic fluids and showed elastic behavior of the gel. Except SFP-3-40 and SFP-3-60, all other samples had a stronger α -glucosidase inhibitory activity than that of acarbose. The inhibition type of SFPs against α -glucosidase varied owing to different extraction pH and precipitation ethyl concentration. This study shows that extraction pH can significantly affect the structure and hypoglycemic activity of SFPs and provide a data support for the scientific use of Sargassum fusiforme in industrial production. [Display omitted] • Nine polysaccharide fractions were obtained from Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch at different extraction pH. • The physicochemical properties of SFPs were significant different. • SFP-7-40 showed the strongest α -glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 0.304 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A molecular dynamics simulation has been conducted in Ni73Co27 and Ni74Co26 alloys during rapid solidification at the cooling rate of 1 × 1012 K/s. It indicates that two phase transitions occur with twice drops, and the number of FCC increases suddenly in Ni73Co27 alloy. And finally, FCC atoms are dominant with the amount of 92.94% at 300 K, which neatly arranges themselves into the crystalline structure. A lot of topologically close-packed clusters are formed in Ni74Co26 alloy, indicating the formation of metallic glass. The differences between the formations in crystalline hexagon and amorphous pentagon are demonstrated by three-dimensional visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a scheme to investigate the spatial modulation of the refractive index in a dense atomic ensemble under the action of the Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams. Theoretical derivations based on a density-matrix approach associated with numerical simulations are utilized to study the behaviors of the index of refraction, showing that the azimuthal and radial mode indices (i.e., l 2 and p 2) of the LG beams significantly affect the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index. To be specific, the number of the dispersive peaks is determined by (p 2 + 1) | l 2 | , and there are 2 | l 2 | lossless petals in conjunction with p 2 concentric absorption rings centered on the vortex center. Furthermore, by tuning the phase values of the electric and magnetic components of the electromagnetic field, the index of refraction can be drastically tuned from negative to zero to positive and accompanied by periodic absorption and amplification. This investigation provides a powerful tool for manipulating the index of refraction through a nonlinear interaction between atoms and the vortex beams and suggests potential applications in optical switching, logic gates, and optical storage with spatially varying refractive indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • EA/UPP SDs significantly increased the EA solubility and dispersity. • Crystalline transformation was one of the reasons for EA solubility enhancement. • EA/UPP SDs were mostly maintained by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. • EA/UPP SDs significantly enhanced the EA biotransformation process. The current study was aimed to enhance the solubility, dispersibility and biotransformation efficacy of ellagic acid (EA) by preparing food-derived ellagic acid- Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharides solid dispersion (EA/UPP SD). The results demonstrated that the solubility of EA/UPP SD was improved from 0.014 mg/mL to 0.383 mg/mL, and the enhancement was related to converting to a more amorphous state and restraining its self-aggregation during the mechanochemical process. The structure of EA/UPP SDs was mostly maintained by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between EA and UPP. Moreover, the result of in vitro anaerobic incubations showed the biotransformation process was improved with EA/UPP SD addition to substrate due to the advance of microbial accessibility in EA dispersion. Altogether, these results indicated that the EA/UPP SDs expanded the application of EA by increasing the solubility and dispersity, and provided a theoretical basis for bioconversion efficiency enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F with a typical Na+ superionic conductor (NASICON) structure is a promising cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) due to its unique layered structure, high energy density and fast ionic conductivity. However, the low intrinsic electronic conductivity seriously hinders the practical application of Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F. In this work, ionic liquid-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-IL) were applied as a conductive network to form Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F-based cathode. The highly dispersed MWCNT-IL can hinder the agglomeration growth of Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F crystal and can result in the formation of uniform Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F cubes of ∼1 μm which are covered evenly by conductive MWCNT-IL through C O P/V bonds (denoted as NVOPF@MWCNT-IL). Relying on the synergistic effect of conductive MWCNT-IL and uniform Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 2 O 2 F cubes, NVOPF@MWCNT-IL cathode for SIBs can exhibit improved cycling stability and superior rate performance. The specific capacity of NVOPF@MWCNT-IL can reach 107 mA h g−1 with high retention of 96.7% after 900 cycles at a current density of 1C (1C=130 mA h g−1). At a high current density of 30C, NVOPF@MWCNT-IL maintains a high discharge capacity of 79 mA h g−1 after 1500 cycles. The above results provide an effective and simple method to construct advanced NASICON cathodes for SIBs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharides (FVPs; FVP-2, FVP-4, FVP-7, FVP-10, and FVP-13) were extracted by different pH, and their physicochemical characteristics and α -glucosidase inhibitory activity were investigated. Results showed that extraction pH significantly affected the chemical composition, molecular weight, zeta potential, structure characterization, and rheological property of FVPs. The viscosity consistency index of Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharides at high concentration (40 mg/mL) were ranked in decreasing order as FVP-10 > FVP-4 > FVP-7 > FVP-2 > FVP-13, which was strictly in accordance with the order of Mw. Among the five polysaccharides, FVP-13 showed the strongest α -glucosidase inhibitory activity, which might be related to its the lowest Mw and relatively higher xylose content. Fluorescence quenching analysis indicated that the interaction of FVPs and α -glucosidase was predominated by a dynamic mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the main driving forces for the interaction was hydrophobic interaction. Circular dichroism spectrum analysis found that FVPs could induce the secondary structure of α -glucosidase changes like the decrease of β -sheet content and the increase of β -turn and random coil content to inhibit α -glucosidase activity. These results suggested that extraction with high pH was an efficient method to obtain FVPs with strong α -glucosidase inhibition activity. • Five Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharides were obtained at different extraction pH. • FVP-13 showed the stronger α -glucosidase inhibitory activity. • The α -glucosidase inhibitory mechanism of polysaccharide was studied. • Hydrophobic interaction played a key role in the bonding of FVPs to α -glucosidase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a protective barrier for brain safety, but it is also a major obstacle to the delivery of drugs to the cerebral parenchyma such as the hippocampus, hindering the treatment of central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this work, an anti-AD brain-targeted nanodrug delivery system by co-loading icariin (ICA) and tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) into Aniopep-2-modified long-circulating (Ang2-ICA/TSIIA) liposomes was developed. Low-density lipoprotein receptorrelated protein-1 (LRP1) was a receptor overexpressed on the BBB. Angiopep-2, a specific ligand of LRP1, exhibited a high binding efficiency with LRP1. Additionally, ICA and TSIIA, drugs with neuroprotective effects are loaded into the liposomes, so that the liposomes not only have an effective BBB penetration effect, but also have a potential anti-AD effect. The prepared Ang2-ICA/TSIIA liposomes appeared narrow dispersity and good stability with a diameter of 110nm, and a round morphology. Cell uptake observations, BBB models in vitro, and imaging analysis in vivo showed that Ang2-ICA/TSIIA liposomes not only penetrate the BBB through endocytosis, but also accumulate in N2a cells or brain tissue. The pharmacodynamic analysis in vivo demonstrated that Ang2-ICA/TSIIA liposomes could improve AD-like pathological features in APP/PS1 mice, including inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, reducing apoptosis, protecting neurons, and improving cognitive function. Therefore, Ang2-ICA/TSIIA liposomes are considered a potentially effective therapeutic strategy for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is currently a highly destructive forest pest, causing substantial economic losses. Ash species (Fraxinus spp.) are economically invaluable components of natural forests and urban environments. However, these trees have been severely damaged by EAB. Endophytes, which are prevalent in plants, are hypothesized to contribute to the complex relationships between insects and plants. However, research on the effect of EAB infestation on the community changes in endophytic fungi and bacteria in phloem of Fraxinus is scarce. To bridge this gap, we compare changes in fungi and bacteria diversity, community makeup, and the potential roles of various endophytic fungi and bacteria in both EAB-infested and uninfected Fraxinus bungeana trees. We observed an elevation in bacterial richness, without notable changes in diversity, whereas fungal richness and diversity remained unaffected. Furthermore, we identified four key microbial genera undergoing substantial shifts post-infestation. The functional roles of endophytic fungi and bacteria also exhibited changes, with a decline in beneficial activities and an emergence of potentially detrimental functions. Network analyses have shown elevated negative correlations and core genera shift in EAB-infected phloem. The findings of our study contribute to a better understanding of the complex interactions between plants, insects, and endophytic microorganisms. Endophytes, prevalent in plants, mediate plant–insect interactions. Nevertheless, our understanding of the key members of endophyte communities involved in inhibiting or assisting EAB infestation remains limited. Employing ITS and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, along with network analysis techniques, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into the reaction of endophytic fungi and bacteria within F. bungeana phloem by comparing EAB-infested and uninfected samples. Our findings reveal that EAB infestation significantly impacts the endophytic communities, altering both their diversity and overall structure. Interestingly, both endophytic fungi and bacteria exhibited distinct patterns in response to the infestation. For instance, in the EAB-infested phloem, the fungi abundance remained unchanged, but diversity decreased significantly. Conversely, bacterial abundance increased, without significant diversity changes. The fungi community structure altered significantly, which was not observed in bacteria. The bacterial composition in the infested phloem underwent significant changes, characterized by a substantial decrease in beneficial species abundance, whereas the fungal composition remained largely unaffected. In network analysis, the endophytes in infested phloem exhibited a modular topology, demonstrating greater complexity due to an augmented number of network nodes, elevated negative correlations, and a core genera shift compared to those observed in healthy phloem. Our findings increase understanding of plant–insect–microorganism relationships, crucial for pest control, considering endophytic roles in plant defense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb2S3 is rapidly developed as light absorber material for solar cells due to its excellent photoelectric properties. However, the use of the organic hole transport layer of Spiro‐OMeTAD and gold (Au) in Sb2S3 solar cells imposes serious problems in stability and cost. In this work, low‐cost molybdenum (Mo) prepared by magnetron sputtering is demonstrated to serve as a back electrode in superstrate structured Sb2S3 solar cells for the first time. And a multifunctional layer of Se is inserted between Sb2S3/Mo interface by evaporation, which plays vital roles as: i) soft loading of high‐energy Mo particles with the help of cottonlike‐Se layer; ii) formation of surficial Sb2Se3 on Sb2S3 layer, and then reducing hole transportation barrier. To further alleviate the roll‐over effect, a pre‐selenide Mo target and consequentially form a MoSe2 is skillfully sputtered, which is expected to manipulate the band alignment and render an enhanced holes extraction. Impressively, the device with an optimized Mo electrode achieves an efficiency of 5.1%, which is one of the highest values among non‐noble metal electrode based Sb2S3 solar cells. This work sheds light on the potential development of low‐cost metal electrodes for superstrate Sb2S3 devices by carefully designing the back contact interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐wavelength quantum light sources are extremely desired in establishing communication links among multiple users for realizing quantum networks. Despite recent impressive advances, developing such a quantum light source with high quality remains challenging. Here a multi‐wavelength quantum light source using a silicon nitride micro‐ring with a free spectral range of 200 GHz is demonstrated. The generation of eight‐wavelength‐paired photon pairs is ensured in a wavelength range of 25.6 nm. With device optimization and noise‐rejecting filters, this source enables the generation of heralded single‐photons at a rate of 62 kHz with gh(2)(0)=0.014±0.001$g^{(2)}_{\text{h}}(0)=0.014\pm 0.001$ and the generation of energy‐time entangled photons with a visibility of 99.39±0.45%$99.39\pm 0.45\%$ in the Franson interferometer. These results, at room temperature and telecom wavelength, in a CMOS‐compatible platform, represent an important step toward integrated quantum photonic devices, which pave the way for realizing a large‐scale quantum network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antidiabetic activity and underlying mechanisms of Fucus vesiculosus polysaccharide (FVP) were studied in type 2 diabetic rats. Our results exhibited that FVP intervention reversed body weight loss, alleviated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. FVP also had the potential to ameliorate dyslipidemia, liver and kidney dysfunction, decrease oxidative stress, promote glycogen synthesis, and boost short-chain fatty acid production and total bile acid excretion. 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis suggested that FVP interfered with the gut microbiota in a beneficial manner. Moreover, RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the antidiabetic activity of FVP in connection with the acceleration of blood glucose absorption and glycogen synthesis, the inhibition of gluconeogenesis, and the regulation of lipid metabolism in the liver. These findings suggested that FVP had antidiabetic effects on high-fat diet and STZ-induced diabetic rats and could be a potential resource for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Display omitted] • FVP promoted glycogen storage in diabetic rats. • FVP enhanced bile acid excretion in diabetic rats. • FVP regulated gut microbiota in diabetic rats. • FVP regulated gene expression related to glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we study systematically the double-channel four-wave mixing (FWM) processing in an atomic medium by adjusting azimuthal and radial indices (i.e., l and p) of the Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) beams in the presence and absence of an elliptically polarized beam. It is found that there are ∣ l 1 - l 2 ∣ periods of phase jumps from - π to π as well as ∣ p 1 - p 2 ∣ raised phase surface and p min (p min = min { p 1 , p 2 }) convex rings in the phase profile of the FWM-generated field under the combined action of two LG beams and two circularly polarized components of the elliptically polarized light. In such a case, there are p max + 1 (p max = max { p 1 , p 2 }) concentric bright rings with a dark hollow center in the intensity distribution. However, the phase profile of the FWM field becomes twisted and displays petal-like structures under the action of four LG vortex beams. Compared with the situation of vortex and elliptically polarized beams illumination, the intensity pattern of the FWM field is distorted and multiple singularities occur at the transverse plane accompanied by zero-intensity regions. Our investigation shows the possibility of manipulating the intensity and phase profiles of the FWM-generated field, by purposely choosing appropriate azimuthal and radial mode indices of LG beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine the global effects of the Chêneau brace combined with Schroth exercises on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). We analyzed 192 patients with AIS who underwent the Chêneau brace treatment alone or combined with Schroth best practice (SBP) from June 2013 to October 2019. There were 138 patients in the Brace group and 54 patients in the Brace + SBP group. Radiographs were obtained at various treatment durations. Answers to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire were recorded before the intervention and at the time of treatment wean. The Cobb angle (–3.55°; p < 0.001) and C7-CSVL (–3.03 mm; p < 0.001) significantly decreased in the Brace + SBP group. Thoracic kyphosis (TK) decreased in both the Brace + SBP group (–1.85°; p = 0.0152) and the Brace group (–5.06; p < 0.001). Changes before and after treatment of TK were significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). The 22-item Scoliosis Research Society function score, self-image, mental health, and EuroQol 5-Dimension scores were significantly higher in the Brace + SBP group. The satisfaction score was higher in the Brace + SBP group (3.77 ± 0.63 vs. 3.13 ± 0.79; p < 0.001). Compared to bracing alone, the Schroth exercises plus bracing had a better effect on coronal balance. Schroth exercises improve flatback deformity caused by bracing and positively influence the HRQoL in AIS patients who received the Chêneau brace treatment. Bracing and physiotherapy are common treatments for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The Chêneau brace treatment causes flatback deformity and muscle stiffness in AIS patients. The Schroth method helps patients increase muscle strength, halt curve progression, increase vital capacity, and maintain improved posture. The Schroth exercises could improve flatback deformity caused by bracing and positively influence the health-related quality of life in AIS patients who received the Chêneau brace treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Spirulina platensis polysaccharides (SPLP) had significant hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects in HFD-fed rats. • SPLP intervention modulate the hepatic steatosis and mRNA expressions involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. • SPLP altered the relative abundance of cecal short-chain fatty acids. • SPLP significantly modulated the intestinal microbiota dysbiosis. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility that Spirulina platensis crude polysaccharides may ameliorate the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorder, including obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, hepatic steatosis, and gut dysbiosis. The results showed Spirulina platensis crude polysaccharides could improve body weight, serum/liver lipid and carbohydrate indexes, and liver antioxidant parameters in high-sucrose and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats, which were accompanied by regulated liver mRNA expressions involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorder. In addition, SPLP intervention significantly decreased cecal level of propionic acid in HFD-fed rats. Notably, the SPLP could alter the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria at phylum levels. Based on Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, serum/liver lipid and carbohydrate profiles were found significantly positively correlated with genera Romboutsia , Allobaculum , Blautia , Phascolarctobacterium , Bifidobacterium , Coprococcus , Turicibacter , Erysipelotrichaceae_unclassified , Olsenella , Escherichia/Shigella , Coprobacillus , Lachnospiracea incertae , and Lactobacillus , but strongly negatively correlated with genera Atopostipes , Flavonifractor , Porphyromonadaceae_unclassified , Barnesiella , Oscillibacter , Paraprevotella , Jeotgalicoccus , Corynebacterium , Alloprevotella and Bacteroides. It was concluded that oral administration of SPLP could remarkably ameliorate the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorder and significantly modulate the intestinal microbiota in HFD-fed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spacecraft devices have strict restrictions on weight and volume for high fuel efficiency and endurance requirements. In this paper, a method for designing an ultrathin passive vibration isolator based on multi-layer plain-woven wire mesh is proposed. The isolator is structurally inspired by O-type wire rope isolators, and the wire mesh is pre-compressed to buckling for lower stiffness and higher stability. The isolator stiffness in the post-buckling process is analyzed by simplifying the single wire as a strut. The motion equation of the strut is constructed and calculated by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and the shooting method. The morphology and stiffness variation of the wire mesh during pre-compression process and repeated compression process are analyzed, and the structural compaction ratio is calculated. This computational method has been experimentally validated and proven to be effective. To prevent collisions between the protected objects and the base during the shock process, the system is simplified and described using a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with displacement restrictors. The system's motion equation is formulated and solved using the central difference method. Subsequently, the maximum compression displacement of the isolator is determined through the calculation. A wire mesh isolator with a thickness of less than 10 mm is fabricated for a specific application. Experimental results confirm that the isolation efficiency surpasses 65%, and the isolator is capable of withstanding a peak acceleration of 60 g while maintaining a shock acceleration magnification below 1.2. • A method for designing vibration isolators composed of the wire mesh is proposed. • The isolator stability performance is enforced by pre-compressing the wire mesh. • The morphology and stiffness variation of the wire mesh are calculated. • The shock displacement amplitude is calculated using the central difference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference reveals that the two-photon interference phenomenon can be explained only by the concept of a two-photon wave packet rather than a single-photon one. However, the temporal interferogram in the modified HOM interferometer becomes flat in some cases so that no useful information can be extracted from time-domain measurement. Here, we theoretically explore such temporal interferogram from the frequency domain and obtain the spectrally resolved interference with high visibility. The result represents a modulation of the joint spectral intensity along both the frequency sum and the frequency difference directions. This is quite different from the cases of the spectrally resolved HOM interference and N00N state interference where the modulations happened only in one direction. Moreover, we have shown that such modulations have a potential application in the generation and characterization of high-dimensional frequency entanglement. • Spectrally resolved interference with high visibility in the modified HOM interferometer can be obtained even if the temporal visibility is zero. • Joint spectral intensity can be modulated by the time delay along both the frequency sum and the frequency difference directions. • High-dimensional frequency entanglement can be generated by adjusting the time delay and can be characterized directly using the two-side dips appeared in temporal interferogram. • The research results could facilitate further development of spectrally resolved multi-photon interference and its applications in quantum information science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prevent the scale formation in the equipments and pipelines after pre-treated coal gasification gray water (CGGW) entering the reuse system and reduce the influence of various pollutants in the effluent on subsequent biochemical treatment, this study presented a coupled use of pulse electrocoagulation (PEC) and chemical precipitation (CP) coupling method for the pretreatment of coal gasification gray water (CGGW). In addition, the operation parameters of PEC and the reaction conditions of PEC–CP were optimized based on iron plate as electrode and total hardness, turbidity and sludge yield as assessment indicators. Due to the formation of multi-hydroxyl iron by several minutes of pulse current, and the addition of pH regulator and coagulant aid, the efficient removal of various ions, hardness and turbidity was significantly reduced via various mechanism such as redox, precipitation, adsorption and coagulation reaction. The result indicated that under the optimal operation conditions, the total hardness, turbidity, and Fen+ of PEC–CP effluents were 275.0 mg/L, 3.0 NTU and 5.6 mg/L, respectively and sludge amount was 0.88 kg/m3. The removal rates of Si, B, Mn, Ba, COD, NPOC and NH 4 +–N by PEC–CP reached 80.0%, 75.4%, 97.0%, 99.8%, 35.0%, 33.6% and 23.8%, respectively. The present results suggested that the CGGW pretreatment effluents could be not only reused directly, but also greatly alleviate the scaling problem of water pipeline and coal gasification production facilities. [Display omitted] • The PEC–CP was employed for coal gasification gray water (CGGW) pretreatment. • PEC–CP removed over 80.0%, 75.4%, 97.0%, 99.8% of Si, B, Mn, Ba. • The pretreatment mechanism was proposed based on multidisciplinary characterization. • The reuse of CGGW was realized with low pretreatment costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new method to detect liquid level is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. • The significant improvement as compared to the traditional demodulation method. • Enable measurement without specialized installation for easier deployment. This study presents a fiber optic liquid level sensor (FOLLS) by acquiring information from the amplitude of spectral fast Fourier transform (FFT) in a specified narrow wavelength range. The sensing light path is simply formed by embedding a section of Panda-type polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) into the sensing arm of a conventional Michelson interferometer (MI) structure. The output composite spectrum consists of two parts: the fine interference fringes due to MI optical path difference (OPD) and the envelope fringes stemming from the PMF's birefringence. By applying liquid level variations on the sensing structure, shifts in envelope wavelength indicate a sensitivity of −0.193 nm/cm, and a liquid level resolution of 1 mm can be easily acquired. Furthermore, by demodulating the amplitude after spectral FFT in a specific narrow wavelength range, and intensity sensitivity of 1.906 dB/cm is achieved, leading to a greatly improved overall resolution of 0.03 mm in liquid level measurement. Besides, the sensing element is sealed and packaged by two sheets of silicone rubber, which can be thrown into liquid when in use, thus easing the sensor installation. Moreover, due to the proposed demodulation method, the sensor is insensitive to the light source power jitter, reference arm phase shift and optical spectral analyzer wavelength shift. Therefore, the merits of the proposed sensor include high precision, high stability, ease of installation, which are beneficial in pore water pressure and liquid level monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Low-cost fiber MI temperature sensor is formed by filling SCF with polymer-UV glue. • High sensitivity is obtained due to the great thermal properties of UV glue. • Our sensor shows advantages of robust, small size, and low cost. • The reflective tip structure enable for remote sensing in practical applications. A low-cost fiber tip temperature sensor is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. It is based on the Michelson interferometer (MI) structure which is partially filled with polymer-UV glue in the suspended core fiber (SCF). Due to the greater thermal properties of UV glue compared with the silica optical fiber, the length of the inner cavity in the MI structure is susceptible to temperature modulation, resulting in the interference wavelength drift. Experimental results show that the sensor achieves a sensitivity of −164 pm/°C in the temperature range of 25–60 °C, and the sensor offers good wavelength and power stability at room temperature. In addition, the sensor has advantages such as robust, small size, and low cost, especially the reflective tip structure is more suitable for remote sensing in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]