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Flatfoot is a common foot deformity, causing foot pain, osteoarthritis of the midfoot, and even knee and hip dysfunction. The elastic modulus of foot soft tissues and its association with gait biomechanics still remain unclear. For this study, we recruited 20 young individuals with flatfoot and 22 age-matched individuals with normal foot arches. The elastic modulus of foot soft tissues (posterior tibial tendon, flexor digitorum brevis, plantar fascia, heel fat pad) was obtained via ultrasound elastography. Gait data were acquired using an optical motion capture system. The association between elastic modulus and gait data was analyzed via correlation analysis. The elastic modulus of the plantar fascia (PF) in individuals with flatfoot was higher than that in individuals with normal foot arches. There was no significant difference in the elastic modulus of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), or the heel fat pad (HFD), or the thickness of the PF, PTT, FDB, and HFD. Individuals with flatfoot showed greater motion of the hip and pelvis in the coronal plane, longer double-support phase time, and greater maximum hip adduction moment during walking. The elastic modulus of the PF in individuals with flatfoot was positively correlated with the maximum hip extension angle (r = 0.352, p = 0.033) and the maximum hip adduction moment (r = 0.429, p = 0.039). The plantar fascia is an important plantar structure in flatfoot. The alteration of the plantar fascia's elastic modulus is likely a significant contributing factor to gait abnormalities in people with flatfoot. More attention should be given to the plantar fascia in the young population with flatfoot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has attracted much attention in the pharmaceutical industry. During the injection, the drug is delivered into the tissue producing strong fluid flow and tissue deformation. While data indicate that the drug is initially uptaken by the lymphatic system due to the large size of mAbs, many of the critical absorption processes that occur at the injection site remain poorly understood. Here, we propose the MPET2 approach, a multi-network poroelastic and transport model to predict the absorption of mAbs during and after subcutaneous injection. Our model is based on physical principles of tissue biomechanics and fluid dynamics. The subcutaneous tissue is modeled as a mixture of three compartments, i.e., interstitial tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels, with each compartment modeled as a porous medium. The proposed biomechanical model describes tissue deformation, fluid flow in each compartment, the fluid exchanges between compartments, the absorption of mAbs in blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as well as the transport of mAbs in each compartment. We used our model to perform a high-fidelity simulation of an injection of mAbs in subcutaneous tissue and evaluated the long-term drug absorption. Our model results show good agreement with experimental data in depot clearance tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades, the metal‐assisted growth approach of semiconductor nanowires (NWs) has shown its potential in controlling crystal properties, such as crystal structure, composition, and morphology. Recently, literature reports have shown successful semiconductor NW growth with multiphase seed particles under growth conditions. Exploring alternative metal seeds and the mechanisms for growing semiconductor NWs is an exciting research field aiming to improve the control over the crystal growth process. Herein, the gallium phosphide (GaP) NW growth using Cu as seed particles inside an environmental transmission electron microscope is studied. In particular, the transformations of the Cu‐rich seed particles during the nucleation and growth of GaP NWs are observed. The supply of a relatively high amount of Ga atoms by the precursor mixture led to a solid Cu‐rich seed particle core covered by a liquid phase. Different growth dynamics within the two‐phase seed particle resulted in local competition in NW growth. As a result, the GaP NW kinked into another growth direction by forming a new interface at the NW growth front. The generated results enable insights into fundamental processes occurring in the seed particle during growth, creating leverage points for controlling the NW morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae H46, a marine bacterium associated with microalgae, exhibits algicidal activity against harmful algal bloom microalgae Chattonella marina and Alexandrium tamarense. The complete genome of S. pseudonitzschiae H46 was sequenced to investigate its algicidal mechanism further. One chromosome, eight circular plasmids and add one not circularized plasmid (Plas II) were identified, which are 4.93 Mb in length with 4871 open reading frames. The genome contains 43 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes; six ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes that can be classified into two 5S rRNA, two 16S rRNA, two 23S rRNA, and two small RNA (sRNA) genes. Genomic annotation revealed that S. pseudonitzschiae H46 has two pairs of LuxI/R-type Quorum-sensing (QS) systems. The QS systems can regulate the functions involved in host colonization and biofilm formation. Moreover, the existence of 49 Type-IV and Dddl genes in the chromosome indicated that Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) catabolism of S. pseudonitzschiae H46 is the main interaction with marine microalgae. S. pseudonitzschiae H46 utilizes DMSP produced by microalgae as the carbon source, and this may induce algicidal activity. The complete genome sequence of S. pseudonitzschiae H46 can provide useful information on the underlying molecular mechanism between QS and algicidal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The roles of biochar on microbial growth and activity were systematically analyzed. • Biochar improved the microbial community diversity and population. • Biochar enhanced cellular enzyme activity and accelerated electron transfer. • Biochar promoted functional gene expression and regulated metabolic pathway. • Biochar targeted design to achieve high microbial activity in AD were suggested. The biochar is a well-developed porous material with various excellent properties, that has been proven with excellent ability in anaerobic digestion (AD) efficiency promotion. Current research is usually focused on the macro effects of biochar on AD, while the systematic review about the mechanisms of biochar on microbial behavior are still lacking. This review summarizes the effects and potential mechanisms of biochar on microorganisms in AD systems, and found that biochar addition can provide habitats for microbial colonization, alleviate toxins stress, supply essential nutrients, and accelerate interspecies electron transferring. Moreover, it also improves microbial community diversity, facilitates EPS secretion, enhances functional enzyme activity, promotes functional genes expression, and inhibits the antibiotic resistance genes transformation. Future research directions including biochar targeted design, in-depth microbial mechanisms revelation, and modified model development were suggested, which could promote the widely practical application of of biochar-amended AD technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MPET 2 model couples the multi-network poroelastic theory (MPET) with solute transport equations and provides predictions of the material deformation, fluid dynamics, and solute transport in different compartments of a deformable multiple-porosity medium. MPET 2 offers a comprehensive framework for understanding complex porous media across multiple disciplines. Examples of its applications include studying rock formations, soil mechanics and subsurface reservoirs, investigating biological tissues, modeling groundwater flow and contaminant transport, and optimizing the design of porous materials. Despite the wide range of applications of the model, its numerical discretization has received little attention. Here we propose a stabilized formulation of the MPET 2 model. To address the unique challenges posed by the discretization of the MPET 2 model, we use multiple techniques including the Fluid Pressure Laplacian stabilization, Streamline Upwind Petrov–Galerkin stabilization, and discontinuity capturing. Our spatial discretization is based on Isogeometric Analysis with higher-order continuity basis functions. The fully discretized governing equations are solved simultaneously with a monolithic algorithm. We perform a convergence study of the proposed formulation. Then, we conduct a series of simulations of subcutaneous injection of monoclonal antibodies under different injection conditions. Our simulations show that the stabilized MPET 2 formulation can provide oscillation-free solutions for tissue deformation, fluid flow in the interstitial tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels, drug absorption in blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, as well as drug transport in each compartment. We also study the effects of different injection conditions on drug absorption, showing the potential of the proposed model and algorithm in the future optimization of injection strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Stable functional photocatalyst of BTO@Bi 2 S 3 /PU was successfully fabricated. • BTO@Bi 2 S 3 /PU possess excellent activity for oxytetracycline photodegradation. • Metal ions redox boosted the charge transfer of Z-scheme from BTO to Bi 2 S 3. • ·O 2 − and h+ primarily dominate the photodegradation mechanism of oxytetracycline. • Eco-toxicity tests prove the environmental-friendly of photocatalytic process. Inspired by the high sustainability, energy saving, cleanliness of photocatalysis (PC) with respect to antibiotics decomposition, we developed a stable, highly efficient Bi 2 Ti 2 O 7 @Bi 2 S 3 /polyurethane (BTO@Bi 2 S 3 /PU) photocatalytic system. It exhibited the best degradation performance with the removal of 82.08 % oxytetracycline (OTC) within 180 min under the optimal reaction parameters. Systematic characterization of BTO@Bi 2 S 3 /PU revealed its wider light-harvest capacity, higher electron–hole (e−–h+) separation efficiency, lower interface resistance, and better redox potential in heterojunction. Based on electrochemical characterization and density functional theory calculation, the construction of Z-scheme BTO@Bi 2 S 3 photocatalyst substantially optimized the band structure. Moreover, the redox cycles of Bi3+/Bi5+ and Ti4+/Ti3+ further enhanced the charge transfer rate during the photoactivation process. For the OTC photodegradation pathways, ·OH, h+, ·O 2 −, and 1O 2 dominated the pollutant decomposition and the toxicity of intermediates were decreased. Overall, the BTO@Bi 2 S 3 /PU photocatalytic system may provide a universal and stable technique for advanced photoheterojunction applications and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of their unique advantages, coaxial pulsed plasma thrusters are competitive propulsion systems for microsatellites. The ignitor of a coaxial pulsed plasma thruster can be mounted on the side or at the center, but previous studies have not compared the effects of the two mounting positions on the thruster. Therefore, this study designs and investigates a coaxial pulsed plasma thruster that permits the ignitor position to be changed while keeping the electrode geometry constant. The discharge circuit parameters, plume plasma characteristics, and propulsion performance are measured, and long-exposure photographs are taken. While the impulse bit of the thruster with a coaxially-mounted ignitor is slightly lower than with a side-mounted ignitor (319.5 μNs vs. 334.5 μNs), the ablated mass bit of the former is significantly lower (15.2 μg vs. 24 μg). The thruster with a coaxially-mounted ignitor achieves higher specific impulse and efficiency (2139 s and 16.74%). Because of the match between the electric field and the neutral gas supply during discharge in the thruster with a coaxially-mounted ignitor, its energy and propellant utilization is higher, thus achieving a better propulsion performance. • A coaxial PPT with coaxially-mounted ignitor is designed. • The coaxial PPT with different ignitor positions is tested. • Using coaxially-mounted ignitor increases the efficiency from 11.65% to 16.74%. • The influence of different ignitor positions on the performance of PPT is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of biochar is a promising strategy to improve methane production via strengthening direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) in anaerobic digestion (AD) field. In this study, a novel oil sludge biochar (OSBC) prepared at 500/600/700 °C was used to investigate its dosage effects on performances of sewage sludge AD. The characterization results indicated that OSBC prepared at 600 °C had highest electron accepting and donating capacity, meanwhile, it also contained moderate functional groups such as C O, which were in favor of methane production. Therefore, the highest accumulative methane yield (143.96 mL (g VS)−1) accompanying with the fast consumption of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was achieved at dosage of 1.2 g. Additionally, the conductivity and enzyme activity (electron transport system activity and coenzyme F420) of AD with OSBC addition were also enhanced. Microbial community structures manifested that the potential syntrophic microbes including archaea Methanothrix , Methanospirillum , and bacteria Comamonas , Petrimonas and Syntrophomonas were enriched by OSBC due to its large surface area and microelement such as iron, and contributed to the improved methane production. The results suggested that OSBC exhibited excellent practical application potential in enhancing anaerobic sewage sludge treatment and biogas productivity. [Display omitted] • Oil sludge biochar prepared at 600 °C had highest electron accept/donate capacity. • Functional groups and iron of biochar were responsible for increasing CH 4 yield. • Oil sludge biochar improved the conductivity and enzyme activity of digesters. • IHT and DIET processes were promoted by oil sludge biochar from microbial perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetocaloric response in anisotropic single-crystals with cubic crystal symmetry is studied. As compared to isotropic magnets where only paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition occurs at Curie temperature ( T C = 185 K) and magnetization increases monotonously with increasing field and/or decreasing temperature, the spin reorientation phase transitions may occur at lower temperatures (∼ 115 K) as the magnetic field gets oriented along one of the cubic anisotropy easy axes and induces nonmonotonic increases in magnetization with increasing field and temperature, leading to a spike-like entropy change (−ΔSM) and positive ΔSM at TC, or move the −ΔSM peak towards higher temperatures. Finally, the power laws of maximum −ΔSM and relative cooling power with the field and the double-shifted loop results evidence that only second-order phase transition occurs and the abnormal magnetization behavior completely comes from the spin order evolution due to energy competition. Therefore, the Maxwell relation is applicable. The results are also suitable for multiple anisotropy or polycrystalline materials with well-defined domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative disease caused by cervical cord compression and can lead to the significant impairment of motor function including gait and balance disturbances and changes in lower extremity muscle activity. This study aimed to characterize gait, balance and lower extremity muscle activity in patients with CSM compared to age-matched healthy controls (HCs) using wearable sensors in the clinical setting. Nonrandomized, prospective cohort study. Ten CSM patients and 10 age-matched HCs were recruited for this study. Gait and balance function parameters contained spatial temporal parameters, step regularity (SR1), stride regularity (SR2) and harmonic ratio (HR). EMG muscle activity parameters included time to peak and peak value during loading, stance, and swing phase. In this study, parameters of gait and balance function were extracted using triaxial accelerometer attached to the spinous processes of Lumbar 5 while participants performed an overground walking at a self-preferred speed. Moreover, muscular activity was simultaneously recorded via sEMG sensors attached to tibialis anterior (TA), rectus femoris (RF), bicep femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius lateral (GL). Independent sample t test was used to find the differences between CSM patients and HCs. Gait analysis showed cadence, step length and walking speed were statistically significantly lower in CSM patients than HCs. Stride time was significantly higher for CSM patients in comparison to HCs. Lower root mean square ratio (RMSR) of acceleration in the mediolateral (ML) direction, HR in the anteroposterior (AP) direction, SR1 in the AP direction and SR2 in all three directions were observed in CSM patients. For muscle activity analysis, EMG RMS for TA and RF during loading phase and RMS for GL during midstance phase was significantly lower for CSM patients, while significantly higher value was observed for RF RMS during midstance phase and GL RMS during swing phase in CSM patients. Our pilot study shows that wearable sensors are able to detect the changes of gait, balance and lower extremity muscle activities of CSM patients in the clinical setting. This pilot study sets the stage for future researches on the diagnosis and monitor progression of CSM disease using wearable technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction, the effects of three treatment modes consisting of as-deposited, solid solution and solution aging state on mechanical structure-properties of a nickel-based superalloy fabricated by selective laser melting were studied. Grains have preferred orientation, i.e. strong texture along {100}. The phase transformation processes during post-heat treatments include dissolution of Laves phase, precipitation of strengthening phases γ′, γ′′ and δ, and size reduction of δ phase. Especially for solution aging treatment, the refined grains, high dislocation density and added high-angle grain boundaries cause a significant increase in strength and a decrease in ductility, which is consistent with the results of the tensile tests. The interior cracking behavior related to the micro-voids and microcracks formed by dislocation pile-ups and uncoordinated deformation around harder δ phase in a vacuum environment becomes a typical ductile failure mode. [Display omitted] • A microstructure evolution process with precipitation and reduction of δ phrase is proposed. • Mechanical properties are affected by grain size, dislocation density and HAGBs. • Interior ductile failure mechanism related to micro-voids and microcracks is elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial differential equations (PDEs) with spatial derivatives of order higher than two are receiving increasing attention, partially due to the current popularity of the phase-field method. In the finite element community, the growth of Isogeometric Analysis and other discretization schemes that employ approximation spaces with high-order continuity has fostered the use of variational formulations that avoid the use of auxiliary unknowns representing derivatives of the solution. However, one of the caveats of this approach is the accurate and efficient imposition of boundary conditions, especially on complex geometries. This paper proposes a new method to impose boundary conditions naturally in the weak form of higher-order PDEs. Our method is based on a specially-designed weak form in which the boundary conditions to be imposed are weighted by derivatives of the weight functions. This requires multiple integrations by parts which are allowed due to the smoothness of the basis functions. The Cahn–Hilliard equation and the isothermal Navier–Stokes–Norteweg equations are used as examples to demonstrate the proposed method. We show that if the solutions of the PDEs are smooth enough, the proposed variational equations and the original PDEs are equivalent. We discretize the variational equations using Isogeometric Analysis. Convergence results of the proposed method agree with the best approximation errors of the basis functions. Numerical examples illustrate the applicability of the approach to mapped geometries with non-conformal grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coaxial pulsed plasma thrusters are well suited for microsatellites, but the discharge therein is radially nonuniform, resulting in uneven propellant ablation that ultimately degrades the thruster performance. This study investigates how the propellant surface evolves during 50 000 discharges in a coaxial pulsed plasma thruster with different outer electrode inner diameters and initial voltages, encompassing the propellant surface profile, concave depth of the propellant, and carbon deposition on the propellant surface. The results show that the propellant surface changes in real time throughout the 50 000 discharges. Increasing the outer electrode inner diameter leads to a proportional increase in the concave depth of the propellant, resulting in unstable ablation, and the increased inward concave depth increases the likelihood of discharge failure. Furthermore, increasing the initial voltage increases the energy density in a unit area of propellant, further contributing to the increase in the concave depth and discharge failure. The energy density distribution on the propellant surface is obtained via simulation, and by comparing the results with experimental data, the critical ablation threshold for the propellant is estimated as being ca. 0.7 J/mm2. • The coaxial PPT discharged 50,000 times in 7 different working conditions. • The influence of initial voltage on the propellant evolution is analyzed. • The influence of electrode size on the propellant evolution is analyzed. • High initial voltage and large electrode size easily lead to discharge failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea plants prefer NH4+-N to NO3−-N, and thus nitrification would be detrimental to the N uptake of tea. However, the effects of different stand ages on nitrification and nitrogen oxide (NO and N2O) emissions in tropical and subtropical regions remain unclear. We performed an incubation experiment with tea field soils from different stand ages (5, 15, and 30 years) under different water contents in subtropical (Changsha, Hunan; C5L, C15L, C30L, C5H, C15H, C30H) and tropical regions (Baisha, Hainan; B5L, B15L, B30L, B5H, B15H, B30H). The results showed that the highest net nitrification rate was in C15L and B15. The results indicated that there was more NO3−-N loss in the 15-y tea field soil in both regions. The highest nitrogen oxide emissions from the subtropical and tropical plots were in C15H and B30H. Available K was the key variable for NO and N2O emissions in Changsha county, whereas SOM, pH, and available P were the key factors affecting NO and N2O emissions in Baisha county. Our findings suggest that more attention should be paid to NO3−-N loss in middle-aged (10–30 years) tea fields. Similarly, the focus should be given to nitrogen oxide emissions from middle-aged tea plantations in subtropical regions and old tea plantations (≥30 stand years) in tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy demands and costs of harvesting microalgal biomass make it unrealistic and unsustainable for economically feasible microalgal biofuel production. Therefore, meticulous exploration of the harvesting processes is essential to identify appropriate harvesting techniques for potentially commercialized microalgal biodiesel production. Flocculation may be a superior method when considering harvesting efficiency, economic cost, energy consumption and technical feasibility. This review sheds some light on the recent progresses of physical/chemical flocculation and bioflocculation applied in the microalgal biomass harvesting processes. Physical flocculation techniques are energy-intensive and require special equipment, creating the cost barrier for microalgal biomass harvesting. Magnetic particle flocculation is much more efficient and is also recyclable. In contrast, chemical flocculation that involves the application of organic and inorganic flocculants, is now in the limelight. The microalgae species applied, the dosages of flocculants as well as flocculation recovery efficiencies are compared and presented in detail in this review. In addition, bioflocculation as a harvesting techniques is critically described, in particular the mechanisms of autoflocculation, a promising bioflocculation by co-cultivation of microalgae with microorganisms, are explored. This review also disclosed the effects of flocculant application on downstream processes, especially when chemical flocculants are applied. This review intends to provide guidance for the long-term adoption of these economically beneficial mature flocculation recovery technologies in the biofuel industry. Despite of considerable progress, key challenges such as further reduction of costs and the minimization of downstream product pollution risks in conventional and advanced harvesting techniques, must be addressed. This article also suggests the directions for future research in microalgae harvesting and argues that the production of microalgae biofuels under potential policy intervention should be carried out in a healthy and sustainable way. Image 1 • As a potential substitute for fossil fuel, microalgae biofuel has great significant application prospects. • The high cost of the harvesting process is the main bottleneck in microalgae biofuel production. • The selection of microalgae harvesting technologies is advised to ensure the sustainable development of biofuels. • The systematic policy guarantees the successful large-scale application of the microalgae biofuel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flocculation is regarded as an effective, convenient and promising means for microalgal harvesting of microalgal biomass. In this study three types of metal sulfates (aluminum sulfate, aluminum potassium sulfate and ferric sulfate) were applied as flocculants to harvest microalgae Chlorella vulgaris biomass. The optimal operating parameters such as dosage, rotation speed, flocculation time and sedimentation time during microalgal biomass harvesting were determined, and the effects of metal sulfate application as flocculants on lipid extraction were investigated. The results showed that the optimal dosage for the three flocculants to harvest microalgal biomass was identically 2.5 g L−1, and the optimal rotation speeds for coagulation and flocculation were 150 and 25 rpm, respectively, while the flocculation time of 10 min was found to be appropriate. The findings also suggested that metal residuals in flocculated biomass would affect lipid extraction, resulting in 5.9%, 4.4% and 3.3% reduction of lipid contents for aluminum sulfate, aluminum potassium sulfate and ferrous sulfate, respectively. The contribution of this study lies in the provision of the optimal operating parameters during the microalgal biomass flocculation, thus potentially offering the technical guidance for the harvesting of microalgal biomass using metal sulfates as flocculants in practice. • Metal sulfates were applied as flocculants to harvest microalgae Chlorella biomass. • The optimal dosage for the three flocculants to harvest microalgal biomass was 2.5 g/L. • The flocculation time of 10 min was found to be appropriate. • The sedimentation with 10 min could achieve acceptable biomass recovery of 83%–90%. • Metal residuals in flocculated biomass resulted in 3.3%–5.9% reduction of extracted lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the conduction mechanism and dielectric nonlinearity of undoped and Mn-doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) films were investigated. The potential conduction mechanism in relatively low electric fields should be dominated by hopping conduction rather than typical Ohmic conduction. In the high electric field region, the conduction mechanism is dominated by Poole–Frenkel emission and Schottky emission. The enhancement of electrical insulation of NBT films after Mn doping was shown to result from a decrease in oxygen vacancies and elevation of the conduction energy barrier. Furthermore, significant improvements in the nonlinearity of both the dielectric constant and polarization of Mn-doped NBT films were observed, as indicated by the results of Rayleigh fitting and first-order reversal curve distributions. Such enhancements were attributed to the reduction in domain wall pinning, decreased interference from electrostatic potential and improved leakage characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs hold great promise as biomarkers of disease. However, there are few efficient and robust methods for measuring microRNAs from low input samples. Here, we develop a high-throughput sequencing protocol that efficiently captures small RNAs while minimizing inherent biases associated with library production. The protocol is based on early barcoding such that all downstream manipulations can be performed on a pool of many samples thereby reducing reagent usage and workload. We show that the optimization of adapter concentrations along with the addition of nucleotide modifications and random nucleotides increases the efficiency of small RNA capture. We further show, using unique molecular identifiers, that stochastic capture of low input RNA rather than PCR amplification influences the biased quantitation of intermediately and lowly expressed microRNAs. Our improved method allows the processing of tens to hundreds of samples simultaneously while retaining high efficiency quantitation of microRNAs in low input samples from tissues or bodily fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SmxPr1-xFeO3 (x = 0, 0.4, 0.7, 0.9, 1.0) all-in-one single crystal rod with quasi-continuous composition distribution was successfully grown by a hetero-seed and hetero-feed optical floating zone technique in flowing air. The lattice mismatch between each adjacent composition is very small, leading to the high-quality continuous growth of SmxPr1-xFeO3 single crystal rod. X-ray back-reflection Laue photographs indicate that all single crystals at different positions along the growth direction have good crystallization quality and the same crystallographic axis. The composition change of the quasi-continuous single crystals along growth direction was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which shows that the composition varies continuously and smoothly near the different composition boundaries. At a distance relatively far away from the boundary, the composition remains constant. Finally, we measured the anisotropic magnetic properties of these single crystals when x = 0.7. Our study shows that the hetero-seed and hetero-feed optical floating zone technique has a great potential for high-throughput growth of crystalline materials, and could serve as an effective method to collect single crystal material properties in materials database research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET), via adding conductive materials, is regarded as an effective way for improving methane productivity of anaerobic digestion (AD). Therein, the supplementation of combined materials (composition of biochar and iron-based materials) has attracted increasing attention in recent years, because of their advantages of promoting organics reduction and accelerating biomass activity. However, as far as we known, there is no study comprehensively summarizing the application of this kind combined materials. Here, the combined methods of biochar and iron-based materials in AD system were introduced, and then the overall performance, potential mechanisms, and microbial contribution were summarized. Furthermore, a comparation of the combinated materials and single material (biochar, zero valent iron, or magnetite) in methane production was also evaluated to highlight the functions of combined materials. Based on these, the challenges and perspectives were proposed to point the development direction of combined materials utilization in AD field, which was hoped to provide a deep insight in engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The preparation methods influenced properties of biochar used in CWs. • Biochar addition improved transformation of pollutants in CWs via various pathways. • Biochar addition significantly enhanced common and emerging pollutants removal in CWs. • A novel Fe-C micro-electrolysis substrates boosted treatment performance of CWs. Traditional constructed wetlands (CWs) still face tremendous challenges, including low nitrogen removal, unstable operation, undesired refractory substances degradation and poor reoxygenation capacity, in their practical applications. Recently, biochar has been regarded as a promising alternative substrate in CWs to enhance pollutants removal via inner environment adjustment, plants growth facilitating and biotoxins adsorption. Based on VOSviewer analysis, this study comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms, application, and performances of biochar addition in CWs. First, physicochemical properties of biochar, including pore sizes/pore volumes, surface aeras, functional groups and chemical compositions, with different preparation methods were comparatively analyzed. Then, the mechanisms and applications of (modified) biochar in CWs and its improving effects on typical pollutants (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, complex organics and heavy metals) removal were summarized. Moreover, the mechanisms and strengthened effect of novel Fe-C micro-electrolysis substrates on pollutants reduction in CWs was also elucidated. Finally, the prospectives and challenges were proposed to offer a deep insight in biochar for its engineering application in CWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a great physical challenge to achieve controlled nuclear fusion in magnetic confinement tokamak and solve energy shortage problem for decades. In tokamak plasma, large-scale plasma instability called disruption will halt power production of reactor and damage key components. Prediction and prevention of plasma disruption is extremely urgent and important. However, there is no analytical theory can elucidate plasma disruption physical mechanism yet. Here we show an analytical theory of tokamak plasma disruption based on nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory, which can give the physical mechanism of disruption. The proposed theory has not only been confirmed by experimental data of disruption on T-10 device, but also can explain many related phenomena around plasma disruption, filling the gap in physical mechanism of tokamak plasma disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a great physical challenge to achieve controlled nuclear fusion in magnetic confinement tokamak and solve energy shortage problem for decades. In tokamak plasma, large-scale plasma instability called disruption will halt power production of reactor and damage key components. Prediction and prevention of plasma disruption is extremely urgent and important. However, there is no analytical theory can elucidate plasma disruption physical mechanism yet. Here we show an analytical theory of tokamak plasma disruption based on nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory, which can give the physical mechanism of disruption. The proposed theory has not only been confirmed by experimental data of disruption on T-10 device, but also can explain many related phenomena around plasma disruption, filling the gap in physical mechanism of tokamak plasma disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs) have been widely used in nano/micro-satellites in recent years. However, the efficiency of a low-power (<10 W) PPT is typically lower than 10%. Applied magnetic fields are widely used in electric propulsion to improve performance. However, few attempts have been made to use applied magnetic fields in low-power PPTs because of the high discharge current (kA), short pulse duration (μs), and oscillating current in the discharge process. The results of an experimental study on a low-power micro coaxial PPT with axial applied magnetic field are presented in this paper. The thrust, ablation, and discharge characteristics of the thruster are obtained under different applied magnetic fields. The results show a significant improvement in thruster efficiency. Using magnets that can generate magnetic fields of up to 0.3 T, 0.4 T, and 0.5 T result in efficiencies for the PPT of 15.6%, 24.7%, and 67.8%, respectively, which are 1.91, 3.03, and 8.34 times that in the absence of an applied magnetic field (8.1%). The results also show that the applied magnetic field has little influence on the discharge circuit and slightly affects the discharge characteristics and ablated mass bit (the consumption of propellant per discharge) of the thruster. • The axial magnetic field is applied on a low-power micro coaxial PPT. • The thrust performance and discharge characteristics of the PPT are measured. • The efficiency can be improved from 8.1% to 67.8% with a 0.5 T magnet. • The influence of magnetic field on the performance of PPT is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fatigue lives with interior failure are longer at 750 °C and shorter at 1000 °C. • Interior crystallographic plane cracking behavior belong to Mode I & Ⅱ cracking. • Climbing, bypassing and shearing mechanisms are remarkable at elevated temperature. • Threshold value and transition crack size are lower at 1000 °C. • A crystallographic version of FIP controlled crack initiation life is proposed. Asymmetric load tests with stress ratio of 0.1 at 25 °C, 750 °C and 1000 °C were performed to investigate the high-cycle and very-high-cycle fatigue properties of Inconel-713C Ni-based superalloy. Results show that the life at 750 °C is longer than that at 25 °C, but shortens as temperature keeps rising to 1000 °C. Relevant crack initiation and growth belong to the mixed Modes I & Ⅱ cracking along the maximum shear stress. Moreover, due to the effects of temperature and vacuum environment, threshold values for small and long cracks, and the transition crack size decreases as the temperature increases. Moreover, further analysis of dislocation structures such as tangled dislocations, dislocation loops and finer stacking faults shows that the deformation mechanism with faceting cracking at 750 °C should be the interaction of bypassing and shearing mechanisms, especially under stress concentration effect of crack. Based on these, a crystallographic version of fatigue index parameter model for crack nucleation life is proposed and the predicted results are within a factor of two with respect to experimental data. The present model can be applied to predict the fatigue life based on the microstructure attributes and load conditions at different temperatures, which can effectively improve operational safety and reliability of structural components in reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We construct a fine-grained classification dataset of wet Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). • A knowledge-driven deep learning model, KFWC, is proposed to improve accuracy in fine-grained disease classification with insufficient data. • KFWC can detect 10 signs of lesions on medical images and can diagnose two subtypes of wet-AMD. • Multiple experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and interpretability of the proposed KFWC. Automated diagnosis using deep neural networks can help ophthalmologists detect the blinding eye disease wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Wet-AMD has two similar subtypes, Neovascular AMD and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV). However, due to the difficulty in data collection and the similarity between images, most studies have only achieved the coarse-grained classification of wet-AMD rather than a fine-grained one of wet-AMD subtypes. Therefore, designing and building a deep learning model to diagnose neovascular AMD and PCV is a great challenge. To solve this issue, in this paper, we propose a Knowledge-driven Fine-grained Wet-AMD Classification Model (KFWC) to enhance the model's accuracy in the fine-grained disease classification with insufficient data. We innovatively introduced a two-stage method. In the first stage, we present prior knowledge of 10 lesion signs through pre-training; in the second stage, the model implements the classification task with the help of human knowledge. With the pre-training of priori knowledge of 10 lesion signs from input images, KFWC locates the powerful image features in the fine-grained disease classification task and therefore achieves better classification. To demonstrate the effectiveness of KFWC, we conduct a series of experiments on a clinical dataset collected in cooperation with a Grade III Level A ophthalmology hospital in China. The AUC score of KFWC reaches 99.71%, with 6.69% over the best baseline and 4.14% over ophthalmologists. KFWC can also provide good interpretability and effectively alleviate the pressure of data collection and annotation in the field of fine-grained disease classification for wet-AMD. The model proposed in this paper effectively solves the difficulties of small data volume and high image similarity in the wet-AMD fine-grained classification task through a knowledge-driven approach. Besides, this method effectively relieves the pressure of data collection and annotation in the field of fine-grained classification. In the diagnosis of wet-AMD, KFWC is superior to previous work and human ophthalmologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The p38 MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a key signal transduction cascade that cancer cells employ to sense and adapt to a plethora of environmental stimuli and has attracted much attention as a promising target for cancer therapy. Although the kinases that phosphorylate p38 have been extensively studied, the negative regulation of p38 phosphorylation remains to be elucidated. Here, we found that PPM1G was highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) compared to normal tissues, and higher levels of PPM1G were observed in adverse staged LUAD. Furthermore, the higher levels of PPM1G were highly correlated with poor prognosis, according to the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Most importantly, we identified phospho-MEK6 as a direct substrate of PPM1G. PPM1G, a metal-dependent protein phosphatase family phosphatase, could reduce p38 phosphorylation via MEK6 dephosphorylation and contribute to the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of LUAD. Our study highlighted the essential role of PPM1G in LUAD and shed new light on unveiling the regulation of p38 activity via direct dephosphorylation of MEK6 in malignant transformation. Together, this study provides new insight into the complexity of regulating the versatile p38 signaling and suggests new directions in intervening in p38 MAPK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsating tension fatigue tests were conducted at 25°C, 150°C, and 250°C to investigate the effect of temperature on high cycle and very high cycle fatigue behavior of titanium alloy. The fatigue strength decreases with the increase of temperature, and the surface failure is more sensitive to temperature than interior failure. Afterwards, the fatigue fracture morphology, microstructure, and texture of titanium alloy were characterized. The results show that the fracture of larger αp phase with the maximum shear stress and higher strain concentration is responsible for the facet formation. The formation of facets leads to the interior failure at different temperatures. Finally, combining with the definition of interior crack growth rate, an assessment approach was proposed to predict the crack growth rate within the inhomogeneous microstructure area (IMA), which takes crack growth acceleration caused by the increase of temperature into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water occurrence states relied on sludge viscosity and EPS water-holding ability. • EPS polarity distribution was an important factor influencing sludge viscosity. • Rigid and compact EPS matrix contributed to the release of bound water. • Disulfide bonds induced α -helix formation and polypeptide aggregation. • Carbonyl group was most sensitive to disturbance of hydrothermal temperature. Water occurrence states in sewage sludge, influenced by sludge physicochemical properties, are crucial for sludge dewaterability and have recently been regarded as a research hotspot. Here, the multifold characteristics of sludge flocs during hydrothermal treatment, including rheological properties, solid-water interfacial interactions, and the polarity distribution and molecular structure of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), were systematically investigated, and the impact of these characteristics on sludge dewaterability was explored in depth. Hydrothermal treatment at 80 °C and 100 °C induced the conversion of free water into bound water, while an increase in temperature to 180 °C resulted in a significant decrease in bound water content, approximately 4-fold lower than at 100 °C. In addition to the conventional view of decreased sludge surface hydrophilicity at high temperatures, the decline in bound water was associated with the reduction in sludge apparent viscosity. XAD resin fractionation identified the hydrophobic/hydrophilic EPS (HPO-/HPI) ratio as an important factor determining water occurrence states. Especially, hydrolysis of HPI-related hydrophilic proteins and subsequent increase in HPO-related tryptophan-like substances played a dominant role in reducing sludge viscosity and facilitating the release of bound water. Protein conformational analysis revealed that the disruption of α -helix structures and disulfide bonds significantly reduced EPS water-holding capacity, providing strong evidence for the potential of targeting these dense structure units to enhance sludge dewaterability. These findings provide a holistic understanding of multidimensional drivers of water occurrence states in sludge, and guide directions for optimizing sludge treatment efficiency through EPS modification. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Magnetic biochar addition caused a loosed structure of protein for boosting CH 4 yield. • Fe 2 O 3 and FeO of magnetic biochar first bound with proteins via hydrogen bond. • The C=O, C N and N H of protein were subsequently destroyed by magnetic biochar. • Hydrolysis-acidification and syntrophic metabolisms were promoted by magnetic biochar. The addition of composite conductive materials is being increasingly recognized as a promising strategy to enhance anaerobic digestion (AD) performance. However, the influence of these materials on protein hydrolysis has been poorly documented. Here, a novel magnetic biochar derived from oil sludge and straw was synthesized using different iron sources and successfully applied in sludge AD. Experimental results revealed that magnetic biochar modified by Fe2+ exhibited excellent electron transfer capacity, moderate magnetization, diverse functional groups (e.g. C=O, C-O=O-), and abundant iron distribution. These characteristics significantly enhanced the hydrolysis of tryptophan-like components, leading to increased methane production (144.44 mL gVS−1 vs 79.72 mL gVS−1 in the control test). Molecular docking analysis revealed that the binding of magnetic biochar related Fe2+ and Fe3+, onto sludge proteins via hydrogen bond played a key role in promoting subsequent protein hydrolysis. Additionally, the noteworthy conservation of protein structures from α-helix and β-sheet to random coil, along with the breakdown of the amide I-associated C=O group and amide III-related C N and N H bonds following the addition of magnetic biochar, accelerated the degradation of sludge protein. Observation of variations in protease activity, coenzyme F420, electron transfer system (ETS), and conductivity within the AD systems, particularly the enrichment of Methanospirillum and Methanosaeta archaea , as well as the Petrimonas, Comamonas, and Syntrophomonas bacteria, suggested that magnetic biochar facilitated a conducive environment by improving hydrolysis-acidification and the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) process for acetoclastic methanogens. Moreover, metabolic pathways further proved that tryptophan metobalism and acetoclastic methanogenesis were both facilitated by magnetic biochar. This study provides an in-depth understanding of the impact of magnetic biochar on protein hydrolysis in sewage sludge AD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axial fatigue tests at elevated (650°C) temperature with stress ratios of 0.1 and −1 were conducted under the loading cycle range of 104–108 cycles to investigate interior cracking mechanism at elevated temperature of one selective laser melted GH4169 superalloy. Results showed that the interior fatigue crack nucleation was the main failure mode with both stress ratios at 650°C in the long‐life regime. The interior crack nucleation region consisting of many facets was formed under shear stress and strain according to the 3D morphology restructure of the fracture surface. Combined with the evaluation of the threshold stress intensity factor, the transition lengths from a small crack to a long crack for interior failure at both stress ratios were evaluated. Based on the above analysis, the microstructure‐related interior failure mechanism was summarized. Finally, crack nucleation and propagation lives were predicted to obtain the total fatigue life, which showed that the prediction and experimental data scattered between the factor‐of‐three boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The crack-front plastic zone evolution of three aluminum alloys under the single overload with two overload ratios was traced using DIC technique. • Crack closure phenomenon was directly observed by using in-situ SEM testing. • The crack closure effect based on Paris-type bi-linear relation can well interpret the post-overload crack growth behavior. The dominant role of crack-front plasticity on crack growth retardation is verified. • A modified Willenborg model considering plastic zone shape effect and residual stress distribution was proposed. Fatigue crack growth behaviors of three aluminum alloys under single overload are investigated by in-situ optical microscopy testing and in-situ SEM testing. The results show that the shape effect of overload-induced plastic zone leads to a larger crack growth retardation range than that assumed in Willenborg model. Besides, the crack closure effect based on general form of Paris law cannot correlate the post-overload crack growth, but a bi-linear form fit the measured effective stress intensity factor behavior well. Moreover, the crack-front plasticity effected range can match the retardation extent. A modified Willenborg model is proposed to predict crack growth retardation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anoxic environment formed in counter-diffusion biofilm for Fe2+ continually releasing. • The electrons generated by Fe2+ oxidation transferred through Quinone promoting EC 1.7.5.1 accumulation. • Fe/C stimulated denitrification to enhance TN removal. • High Fe/C loading promote DNR process even if under low binding free energy between Gln-residues and nitrite. A membrane-aerated biofilm-coupled Fe/C supported sludge system (MABR-Fe/C) was constructed to achieve in situ electron production for NO 3 −-N reduction enhancement in different Fe/C loadings (10 g and 200 g). The anoxic environment formed in the MABR-Fe/C promoted a continual Fe2+release of Fe/C in 120 d operation (average Fe2+concentrations is 1.18 and 2.95 mg/L in MABR-Fe/C10 and MABR-Fe/C200, respectively). Metagenomics results suggested that the electrons generated from ongoing Fe2+ oxidation were transferred via the Quinone pool to EC 1.7.5.1 rather than EC 1.9.6.1 to complete the process of NO 3 −-N reduction to NO 2 −-N in Acidovorax, Ottowia , and Polaromonas. In the absence of organic matter, the NO 3 −-N removal in MABR-Fe/C10 and MABR-Fe/C200 increased by 11.99 and 12.52 mg/L, respectively, compared to that in MABR. In the further NO 2 −-N reduction, even if the minimum binding free energy (MBFE) was low, NO 2 −-N in Acidovorax and Dechloromonas preferentially bind the Gln-residues for dissimilatory nitrate reduction (DNR) in the presence of Fe/C. Increasing Fe/C loading (MABR-Fe/C200) caused the formation of different residue binding sites, further enhancing the already dominant DNR. When DNR in MABR-Fe/C200 intensified, the TN in the effluent increased by 3.75 mg/L although the effluent NO 3 −-N concentration was lower than that in MABR-Fe/C10. This study demonstrated a new MABR-Fe/C system for in situ electron generation to enhance biological nitrogen removal and analyzed the NO 3 −-N reduction pathway and metabolic mechanism, thus providing new ideas for nitrogen removal in electron-deficient wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Molecular weight of protein and carbohydrate greatly affected anaerobic digestion. • Protein resulted in higher methane yield than carbohydrate, but a longer lag phase. • Bacterial communities were particularly influenced by protein-like substrates. • High molecular weight substrates favored the acetoclastic metabolic pathway. • Methanoregulaceae and Methanomassillicoccus served as biomarker methanogens. Proteins and carbohydrates are important organics in waste activated sludge, and greatly affect methane production and microbial community composition in anaerobic digestion systems. Here, a series of co-substrates with different molecular weight were applied to investigate the interactions between microbial dynamics and the molecular weight of co-substrates. Biochemical methane production assays conducted in batch co-digesters showed that feeding high molecular weight protein and carbohydrate substrates resulted in higher methane yield and production rates. Moreover, high-molecular weight co-substrates increased the microbial diversity, enriched specific microbes including Longilinea , Anaerolineaceae , Syner-01 , Methanothrix , promoted acidogenic and acetoclastic methanogenic pathways. Low-molecular weight co-substrates favored the growth of JGI-0000079-D21 , Armatimonadota , Methanosarcina , Methanolinea , and improved hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway. Besides, Methanoregulaceae and Methanolinea were indicators of methane yield. This study firstly revealed the complex interactions between co-substrate molecular weight and microbial communities, and demonstrated the feasibility of adjusting co-substrate molecular weight to improve methane production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polarity distribution of anammox EPS was quantified by XAD resin fractionation. • Anammox aggregation relied on the hydrophobicity and gel properties of EPS. • Large amounts of tryptophan-like substances contributed to hydrophobic interactions. • Increased β -sheet and reduced β -turn favored the exposure of hydrophobic groups. • High levels of α -helix and n pr enhanced EPS gel strength and mechanical stability. The chemical characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of anammox bacteria (AnAOB) play a crucial role in the rapid enrichment of AnAOB and the stable operation of wastewater anammox processes. To clarify the influential mechanisms of sludge EPS on AnAOB aggregation, multiple parameters, including the polarity distribution, composition, and molecular structure of EPS, were selected, and their quantitative relationship with AnAOB aggregation was analyzed. Compared to typical anaerobic sludge (anaerobic floc and granular sludge), the anammox sludge EPS exhibited higher levels of tryptophan-like substances (44.82–56.52 % vs. 2.57–39.81 %), polysaccharides (40.02–53.49 mg/g VSS vs. 30.22–41.69 mg/g VSS), and protein structural units including α -helices (20.70–23.98 % vs. 16.48–19.32 %), β -sheets (37.43–42.98 % vs. 25.78–36.72 %), and protonated nitrogen (N pr) (0.065–0.122 vs. 0.017–0.061). In contrast, it had lower contents of β -turns (20.95–27.39 % vs. 28.17–39.04 %). These biopolymers were found to originate from different genera of AnAOB. Specifically, the α -helix-rich proteins were mainly derived from Candidatus Kuenenia , whereas the extracellular proteins related to tryptophan and N pr were closely associated with Candidatus Brocadia. Critically, these EPS components could drive anammox aggregation through interactions. Substantial amounts of tryptophan-like substances facilitated the formation of β -sheet structures and the exposure of internal hydrophobic clusters, which benefited the anammox aggregation. Meanwhile, extracellular proteins with high N pr content played a pivotal role in the formation of mixed protein-polysaccharide gel networks with the electronegative regions of polysaccharides, which could be regarded as the key component in the maintenance of anammox sludge stability. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted roles of EPS in driving anammox aggregation and offer valuable insights into the development of EPS regulation strategies aimed at optimizing the anammox process. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consideration of nonextensivity effects is crucial to the accurate diagnosis of plasma parameters; common plasma nonextensive parameters include electron nonextensive parameter and ion nonextensive parameter, and the former can be measured, while the ion nonextensive parameter cannot be measured yet. Here we show the measurement of ion nonextensive parameter of plasma based on the theory of nonextensive geodesic acoustic modes. We assume that the plasma to be measured can be described by nonextensive statistical mechanics, and on this basis, the nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory is established. Utilizing this theory, we have measured the ion nonextensive parameter q F i = 1.565 which cannot be diagnosed even by a nonextensive single electric probe. Our research points out that the proposed measurement method of ion nonextensive parameter may play a role in plasma diagnosis and will help us to grasp the nonextensivity of plasma more precisely. We hope the proposed method of ion nonextensive parameter diagnosis based on the nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory can be the starting point of more complex ion nonextensive parameter diagnosis methods. In addition, the measurement of ion nonextensive parameter is closely related to the study of various plasma waves, instabilities, turbulence and abnormal transport, and a defined and quantitative test of nonextensive geodesic acoustic mode theory will bound up deeply with such developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High cycle fatigue and very high cycle fatigue tests with pulsating tension for three surface‐carburized steels were performed to investigate interior failure behavior and life prediction method. As a result, all cracks with fine granular area and fisheye characteristics are induced from inclusions in matrix or in carburized layer. However, the later cracking morphology is smoother, which is due to the difference of plastic deformation and microstructure of the two regions. Based on estimation of threshold values for small and long crack growth, fatigue design curves are established. The maximum inclusion sizes of three carburizing steels were estimated by four statistical analysis methods. Combined with material microstructure characteristics and the critical plane theory, a failure‐based life prediction model is proposed by using fatigue indicator parameter, whose validity is verified based on good agreement between predicted and experimental ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has rapidly become the most accessible and widely-applied method for quantifying gene transcription. Stable reference genes need to be normalized to facilitate gene expression studies and obtain more accurate qRT-PCR data. In this research, eight reference genes from different functional categories and gene families were used to assess the stability level of gene expression under different conditions in H. cunea. Finally, the expression pattern of the target gene serine proteases (HcSP1) was evaluated under different conditions to verify the precision and reliability of the results. This study provides a comprehensive list of suitable reference genes for analyses and optional reference genes for other gene function research in H. cunea. The relative quantification of gene expression is mainly achieved through reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR); however, its reliability and precision rely on proper data normalization using one or more optimal reference genes. Hyphantria cunea (Drury) has been an invasive pest of forest trees, ornamental plants, and fruit trees in China for many years. Currently, the molecular physiological role of reference genes in H. cunea is unclear, which hinders functional gene study. Therefore, eight common reference genes, RPS26, RPL13, UBI, AK, RPS15, EIF4A, β-actin, α-tub, were selected to evaluate levels of gene expression stability when subjected to varied experimental conditions, including developmental stage and gender, different tissues, larvae reared on different hosts and different larval density. The geNorm, BestKeeper, ΔCt method, and NormFinder statistical algorithms were used to normalize gene transcription data. Furthermore, the stability/suitability of these candidates was ranked overall by RefFinder. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of reference genes in H. cunea and could help select reference genes for other Lepidoptera species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel degradable, elastic, anionic, and linear polyurethane was synthesized from hexamethylene diisocyanate, polycaprolactone diol, and a bicine chain extender. The chemical structure, mechanical properties, degradation rate, and swelling ratio were characterized by comparing the polymer with a polyurethane containing a 2,2-(methylimino) diethanol chain extender. Due to the incorporation of negatively charged carboxyl side groups, the bicine extended polymers exhibited higher micro-phase separation, better mechanical properties in dry condition, and better sensitivity to environmental stimuli than controls, as demonstrated by its high swelling ratio at elevated pH, lower ionic strength, or higher temperature. The swelling ratio of membranes showed reversible change as the function of pH at 37 °C, the membranes becoming fully water soluble at pH above 8.3. Nile blue chloride and lysozyme were selected to study their release from this polymer. The release rates of both compounds were significantly influenced by the pH and ionic strength. The swelling ratios were also influenced by lysozyme loading at low pH. The pH dependent properties were used to fabricate scaffolds by drop-on-demand printing. Bicine extended polyurethanes may be of interest for possible drug delivery applications, customizable scaffold fabrication and other potential biomedical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the field of plasma diagnosis, the measurement of the distribution function is significant because the distribution function is the basis for the use of plasma kinetic theory and it is the prerequisite for analyzing many physical phenomena, such as Landau damping (wave-particle resonance phenomenon) and ion sheath. Theoretical analysis and a large number of experiments have proved that plasma components do not obey Boltzmann–Gibbs statistics and can be well described by nonextensive statistical mechanics. The field of nonextensive electric probe has also made great progress, and the invention of the nonextensive single electric probes has developed and strengthened the power of plasma diagnostics. The nonextensive electric probe can not only measure the electron nonextensive parameter of plasma that cannot be measured by traditional probes but can also measure more accurate plasma parameters that can also be measured by traditional probes, such as Te, Φp, ne, Φf, and α q F e . However, diagnosing the plasma distribution function by the nonextensive electric probe has not been thoroughly and systematically analyzed and discussed. Here, we show the measurement of the plasma distribution function with a nonextensive single electric probe. This work expands the diagnostic capabilities of the nonextensive single electric probe. We utilize the nonextensive single electric probe theory to analyze the experimental data points of the I–V curve, measure the plasma electron distribution function f v x , and display the distribution curve (figure f-vx), and we also measure the plasma parameters of q F e , Te, Φp, ne, Φf, α q F e , etc. The proposed method provides a new approach to the diagnosis of the plasma distribution function and contributes to a more accurate and comprehensive grasp of plasma, which creates better conditions for us to take advantage of plasma. These initial results illustrate the potential of the nonextensive electric probe in the field of plasma diagnosis and, more generally, in accelerating the progress of fusion-energy science and helping to understand complex physical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The interior fatigue failure with longer life is greatly promoted at 650 °C. • The interior cracks are mainly nucleated from the facets associated with grain structure. • The interior crack nucleation and growth mechanisms at T = 25 °C & 650 °C are elucidated. • A microstructure-based crack nucleation life prediction model is proposed. Axial loading tests with stress ratios of −1 and 0.1 at 25 °C and 650 °C were performed to investigate the effect of elevated temperature on high-cycle and very-high-cycle fatigue properties of a Ni-based superalloy manufactured by selective laser melting. Interior fatigue failure with longer life is greatly promoted at elevated temperature, which is induced from the crystallographic facets associated with grain structure. By means of electron-backscattered diffraction and stress intensity factor evaluation, the interior failure mechanisms are elucidated. Based on the proposed microstructure-based crack nucleation life model, a good agreement between the predicted and experimental results is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effects of nitrogen on nutrient removal and biodiesel production of mono- and mix-cultured microalgae was investigated. • Microalgae co-culture could remove 70.4%–74.1% nitrogen. • Algae grown in media with different nitrogen sources had better growth performances. • The ultimate biomass increase and productivity in the mix-culture were the highest. • The biodiesel yields in this study ranged from 8.5–11.2 g-biodiesel/100 g-dry weight. Effects of nitrogen source inhomogeneity on nutrient removal and biodiesel production of mono- and mix-cultured microalgae were investigated in this study. The microalgal growth characteristics, lipid accumulation, biodiesel production and nutrient removal were determined by mono- or co-culturing microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus dimorphus in media with different nitrogen sources. The results showed that microalgae cultivated in media with different nitrogen sources indicated higher nitrogen removal, biomass increase and productivities of biomass, lipids and biodiesel than media with the sole nitrogen source. As for the microalgae grown in media with the same nitrogen source, the pattern for the lipid content was in the relationship C. vulgaris > mixed culture > S. dimorphus. The fatty acids of microalgae mainly consisted of C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C18:2 and C18:3, accounting for 79.6–90.6% of the total. The biodiesel production in this study ranged from 8.5 to 11.2 g-biodiesel/100 g-dry weight. This study presents one of the few studies, suggesting that nitrogen source itself can influence the nutrient removal and biodiesel production of mono- and mix-cultured microalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of magnetocrystalline anisotropy (K) on the magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) in single crystals under low fields (H) is studied based on unbiased Monte Carlo simulations. When H is applied perpendicular to the easy axis, the positive and negative ΔSM may coexist. The positive ΔSM peak value and its maximum value optimized by the field and the threshold of switching to negative ΔSM depend on K. Moreover, K linearly enhances the blocking temperature where the negative ΔSM maximum is obtained, associated with the decrease in the peak value with increasing K. Finally, the rotating ΔSM under a constant H may be much larger than ΔSM produced by moving the model in and out of the same H, and the best response to K is found at 86° between K and H, independent of the anisotropy magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface fatigue cracking behavior related to microstructure characteristics at 650 °C of a selective-laser-melted as-deposited superalloy was experimentally investigated by using multi-scale testing technologies including axial loading tests with two stress ratios, electron-backscattered diffraction and transmission electron microscope. As a result, the subsurface failures correspond to two cracking modes: defect assisted faceted cracking and non-defect assisted faceted cracking. The presence of a peculiar facetted cracking area with relatively larger plastic deformation becomes the typical failure feature. Due to the grain orientation difference, the microcracks are mainly nucleated from the larger grains with the soft orientation especially under the assistance of defect, and mainly propagate as the mode II microcrack along {111} slip plane in the direction of the maximum shear stress, leading to the formation of crystallographic facets. Moreover, the dislocation structures such as tangled dislocations, dislocation loops and stacking faults reveal that the deformation mechanism with faceting cracking is attributed to the combined effect of anti-phase boundary shearing, precipitates bypassing and stacking fault shearing, especially under the stress concentration effect of crack or defect. Combined with the evaluation of threshold values at the crack front, finally, the subsurface crystallographic faceting cracking mechanism at 650 °C related to the microstructure characteristics is elucidated. [Display omitted] • Defect & non-defect assisted faceted cracking are typical failure features. • Faceted microcrack is mainly nucleated from the larger grains with soft orientation. • Localized deformation is attributed to combined effect of shearing and bypassing. • Elevated temperature weakens the positive vacuum effect on threshold values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

These authors contributed equally: Zuozhi Hu, Shengfa Wu, Jiangcun Chen and Chengjie Zhong. The correct values for column 5 are " HT ht " and for column 9 " HT ht ", respectively. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • The epitaxial growth of BaZr 0.15 Ti 0.85 O 3 thin films on Si was realized by La 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 /CeO 2 /YSZ buffer layer. • Energy storage performance of the Si-integrated film Capacitors can be significantly improved by the buffer layer. • High temperature performance can be further optimized by an extra layer of graphene. With the rapid development of advanced electronic devices towards miniaturization and integration, silicon integrated lead-free ferroelectric film capacitors have attracted extensive attention due to their excellent energy storage performance and fast charge/discharge speed. In this study, the BaZr 0.15 Ti 0.85 O 3 (BZT15) film capacitors have been epitaxially integrated on Si (0 0 1) substrate with the buffer layers of Graphene/La 0.67 Sr 0.33 MnO 3 /CeO 2 /Y 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (G/L-C-Y). The highly epitaxial crystalline quality improves significantly the energy storage performance. The layer of G has been found to further improve the high temperature energy storage performance due to its heat dissipation effect. The energy storage density (W re) of the BZT15 film capacitor with the buffer layers reaches 112.35 J/cm3 with energy storage efficiency (η) of 76.7 % at room temperature, which is about 55.29 % and 9.18 % higher than that of the BZT15 film capacitor without buffer layers, respectively. Moreover, the BZT15 film capacitor with the buffer layer shows an ultra-high W re of 70.36 J/cm3 and an ultra-high η of 81.22 % at 200 °C, which are 74.55 % and 17.13 % higher than that of BZT15 film capacitor without buffer layer. More importantly, the fluctuation of W re and η of optimized BZT15 film capacitor is only 8.85 % and 1.30 % in the wide temperature range from −100 to 200 °C, respectively. Our studies provide an effective multi-strategy approach combining interface designing and thermal management for the epitaxially integration of dielectric film capacitors on Si substrates to obtain ultra-high energy storage performance in ultra-wide working temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The near-tip plasticity and crack tip opening level are traced under four typical variable amplitude loading. • The crack tip deformation process is directly observed under fatigue loading by in-situ SEM testing. • The governing role of near-tip plasticity in controlling fatigue crack growth is verified. • A modified Wheeler model is proposed to predict the fatigue crack growth under variable amplitude loading. Fatigue crack propagation behavior of Al7075-T6 and Al2024-T3 under four typical variable amplitude loading (VAL) patterns are investigated by using in-situ testing. The near-tip strain fields and crack opening level are measured combining in-situ optical microscopy testing and digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The crack tip deformation process is directly observed by in-situ scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that both the crack propagation behaviors and the crack-tip strain distributions are greatly influenced by the VAL patterns. The shape effect of the overload-induced plastic zone may prolong the crack growth retardation. The crack-front plasticity plays a dominant role in controlling fatigue crack growth. The crack-front plasticity supplies a link between crack closure and crack growth. The crack tip resharpening caused by the underload applied immediately after the overload may reduce the retardation extent. Finally, a modified retardation model is proposed and gives reasonable prediction results of the crack growth rate under VAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]