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Thymic carcinoma (TC) is a rare form of highly invasive tumors. Currently, the standard first-line therapy involves paclitaxel plus carboplatin treatment, while the recommended regimen for second-line therapy remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to explore the second-line mode of TC patients. We evaluated the outcome of subjects with advanced TC between 2009 and 2023 in three medical centers, retrospectively. Tumor response was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Kaplan-Meier was used for calculating Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The factors affecting survival in the real world were evaluated by Cox analysis. Totally 136 patients were included in this study, the median PFS (mPFS) for all subjects was 5.97 months, and the median OS (mOS) was 25.03 months. According to patient's treatment modes, they are divided into monotherapy (n = 95) and combination therapy (n = 41), PFS manifested the difference between two groups (5.17 vs. 9.00 months, P = 0.043). OS also indicated a significant distinction (22.50 vs. 38.00 months, P = 0.017). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in PFS between patients using immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy and those with antivascular therapy (8.57 vs. 13.10 months, P = 0.047). In the second-line therapy for advanced TC, the efficacy of combination therapy was better than monotherapy, especially for immunotherapy combined with antivascular therapy. • One hundred and thirty-six patients were enrolled, including 95 patients with monotherapy and 41 with combination therapy. • The efficacy of combination therapy was better than that of monotherapy. • Immunotherapy combined with anti-angiogenesis therapy showed better efficacy in second-line TC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to attenuate the various low-frequency vibrations that may cause structural fatigue and damage, impact human health and affect work efficiency, this paper presents a novel local resonance metamaterial sandwich meta-plate structure containing a cantilever spiral beam-mass resonator, and investigates vibration reduction effects of it within the obtained low-frequency bandgap range. For this purpose, a theoretical model of the low-frequency resonator being composed by a cantilever Archimedean spiral beam and cylindrical mass is established. The natural frequency of it is calculated by solving the Euler-Lagrange equation of the resonator. The accuracy and reliability of the theoretical model are verified through COMSOL simulation. The stress distribution of five types of cantilever spiral beam mass resonators (i.e. Archimedes spiral, triangle spiral, square spiral, pentagon spiral and hexagon spiral) and different cross-sectional shapes (rectangular, square, circular, diamond and triangular) are analyzed. Then, a unit cell model of a sandwich meta-plate with a cantilever Archimedean spiral beam resonator is selected. Hamilton’s principle is used to deduce the bandgap range under infinite periods, and the theoretical solutions are also verified. The parameter optimization of the substrate plate and resonator are also studied. Moreover, the effects of the various structural variables on the bandgap range are systematically explored. Finally, the dynamic responses of the sandwich meta-plate composed of 5 × 8-unit cells under different excitation frequencies, boundary conditions and structural damping are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vibrations of rotating joined conical–conical shells with classical supported conditions have been studied extensively. As a matter of fact, in some cases, these classical boundary conditions cannot exactly model actual situations. Moreover, theoretical frameworks on them are still limited. This research aims to investigate the fundamental frequencies and dynamic mode shapes of the traveling wave of the rotating porous metal material joined conical–conical thin shells (PJCS) with elastic supports. By utilizing artificial spring technology, arbitrary elastic supported boundary conditions and classical boundary conditions are achieved efficiently. A new dynamic model has been formulated with the help of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and Hamilton's principle. By employing the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method along with stress boundary conditions and generalized eigenvalues, various factors such as porosity, semi-vertex angles and stiffness are analyzed for their impact on the fundamental frequencies of forward wave (FW), backward wave (BW) and mode shapes. The presented results are validated through the convergence and comparison studies from literatures. The interesting and novel results indicate that the in-plane displacement constraints have the most significant impact on the critical speed, while the lateral displacement constraint has the least effect. The vibrations are more easily excited for the part with a larger half vertex angle. Rotating PJCS with Type 1 has the biggest critical rotating speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bistable laminates (BSLs) are prone to vibration and dynamical snap-through behavior (STB) under the action of external environment. To control them, active vibration control using smart material is a terrific choice because it can minimize the impact on the stable configuration and properties of bistable laminate. This paper focuses on the active vibration control of rectangular asymmetric and anti-symmetric cross-ply bistable laminates under impact loadings using piezoelectric macro-fiber composite (MFC) whose size and position of paste are optimized instead of pasting randomly or middle of the laminate. The bistable laminated structures are simply supported at four selected points, while all the edges of them are free. With the aid of energy principle, governing equations of vibration of the bistable laminated structure are acquired with regard to two principal curvatures. The accuracy and validation of present formulation are verified by comparison studies of stable configurations and snap-through voltage of MFC. Then, the positions and geometric dimensions of piezoelectric macro-fibers are optimized by using genetic algorithm. The active vibration control of the bistable laminated structures subjected to step loading, decreasing loading, increasing loading and sinusoidal loading is studied for various control gains, geometries and different simply supported points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Camellia oleifera is an important edible oil woody plant in China. Anthracnose is a serious disease of C. oleifera, causing severe economic losses and posing a huge threat to the C. oleifera industry. The fungi Colletotrichum siamense is one of the main pathogens causing anthracnose of C. oleifera. In this study, antifungal activity of microorganisms isolated from garbage enzyme against C. siamense were investigated for the first time. 8 strains were isolated and purified from garbage enzyme. By morphological observation, gene sequence analysis, among the strains, 4 isolates were identified as Trichoderma harzianum and 4 isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis. The result showed that 8 isolates displayed a relatively good potential on inhibiting the mycelial growth in C. siamense, but T. harzianum was more effective than B. subtilis as a biocontrol agent, with the best efficiency of 76.5%. In the vitro treatments, the combination of T. harzianum and B. subtilis were the most effective treatments in reducing the incidence and severity of anthracnose in C.oleifera, with the highest control efficiency of 77.56%. It can be concluded that T. harzianum and B. subtilis are promising biocontrol agents to manage anthracnose. These promising results provided valuable information on using garbage enzyme of wastes as a new source of antagonists to control fungi disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International Sport Federations, as part of the Olympic network, have different organizational structures and decision-making mechanisms from the International Olympic Committee. The authors, in examining the history of the International Amateur Athletics Federations' (IAAF) handling of the "China question" in international sport, probe how these differences translated into the IAAF's organizational politics and power dynamics in face of governmental interference. Primarily examining archival documents obtained from the IAAF Archive and the International Olympic Committee Historical Archives, the authors particularly follow how the self-governing IAAF upheld, bent, and modified its statutes during its engagement with the People's Republic of China from the 1950s to the 1970s and around its eventual admission of the People's Republic of China's Athletics Association in 1978. It is also argued that the IAAF's engagement and inclusion of the People's Republic of China allowed the consolidation of its monopolizing power in global athletics governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, nonlinear dynamic responses of bi-stable laminate being simply supported on four corner points, which is subjected to various impact loads, are analyzed from theoretical viewpoints. Consider a four layers asymmetric cross-ply bi-stable laminate composited by the carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix. A novel configuration function that satisfies the boundary condition is proposed to predict the equilibrium configuration. Then, employing the first order shear deformation theory, the von Kàrmàn strains and Hamilton principle, nonlinear dynamic equations of motion expressed by two curvatures are derived. To obtain the two stable configurations of the laminate, the inertia terms are ignored. With the aids of static equilibrium equation, the side length and curvature of the system are solved by using NLPSolve functions in the Maple software. The stable configurations are verified by comparing present results with those reported in available literatures. Consider the incremental load loading, the decreasing loading, the sinusoidal loading, the step loading, the triangular loading and periodic loading, the nonlinear dynamic response of the bi-stable laminate are discussed. The dynamic snap-through behavior, the intra-well oscillations and inter-wall oscillations are studied by numerical simulation in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper researches the free vibrations and corresponding material parameters of a functional gradient graphene platelets-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) cantilever torsional plates with both pore and graphene variations in the transverse direction. Utilizing the feature of closed-cell cellular solids, the mixture rule, and the modified Halpin–Tsai model, the material parameters of the composite are determined for different volume fractions of component materials. Then, using the classical plate theory (CLPT), the Rayleigh–Ritz technique and polynomials, the dynamic equation that can be used to obtain the free vibration mode shapes and frequencies of the rotating cantilever torsional plate is given. Comparison studies with the previous calculation results from available literature and the finite element (FE) models of cantilever plates are conducted, and the correctness of the present theoretical formulation and numerical calculation is verified. Finally, the effects of graphene platelet (GPL) distribution, porosity distribution (PD), GPL content, rotational speed, and average geometric size of GPL on free vibrations of the system are studied in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of poor cycle stability can be effectively solved by using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursor to obtain oxides. In this work, a layered NiO@NiCo2O4 nanocomposite electrodes were designed from bimetallic (Ni/Co) based bimetallic metal–organic framework (Ni/Co-MOF) by simple hydrothermal method followed by subsequent controlled calcination under air atmosphere at various temperatures for the transition process. XRD and FE-SEM studies were substantiating the formation of MOF derived NiO@NiCo2O4 nanocomposite with layered structure. Interestingly, electrochemical studies shows that MOF derived NiO@NiCo2O4 nanocomposite achieved at the calcination temperature at 300 °C and 400 °C demonstrates high specific capacitance of 2461 F/g and 2180 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g, which keeps the precursor Ni/Co-MOF with high specific capacitance peculiarity of 2250 F/g at 2 A/g. In terms of cycle retention rate, the NiO@NiCo2O4 nanocomposite obtained at 400 °C still has a high retention rate of 78% under the current density of 15 A/g for 4500 cycles. It significantly improved the precursor Ni/Co-MOF low cycle retention rate of only 56% after 1000 cycles. The results show that the metal oxide nanocomposites calcined with MOFs as sacrificial template not only retain the high specific capacitance characteristics of MOFs, but also improve its low cycle stability, which has great potential in electrochemical supercapacitor electrode materials and provides a certain useful reference for the direction of global energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe cross-well dynamic of the bi-stable laminates triggered by ambient vibration is a typical nonlinear dynamic, the larger deformation makes the bi-stable laminates attract much attention in vibration energy harvesting. To obtain the performance of cross-well dynamics and vibration energy harvesting of the bi-stable laminate theoretically, a 4-layer harmonic base-excited antisymmetric cross-ply bi-stable laminates with d31 type Marco fiber composite (MFC) for vibration energy harvesting is proposed. The bi-stable laminate is fixed at a chosen point where a base excitation is applied as displacement excitation. The first order shear deformation laminated plate theory (FSDT), geometric nonlinear, and the energy principle are employed to obtain the governing equation of the system in terms of the polynomial coefficients of configuration functions. Two stable configurations are calculated by the principle of minimum potential energy, which is used as the initial state for the energy harvesting analysis. The stable configurations are predicted, and evaluated by comparing them with ABAQUS. The cross-well nonlinear dynamic behaviors and the performance of energy harvesting are analyzed. The effects of excitation level, excitation frequency, and the position of the fixed point on the cross-well dynamics and energy harvest characteristics of the antisymmetric bi-stable laminates are investigated in-depth, and some new aspects are revealed. It demonstrates that the base displacement harmonic excitation can induce chaotic cross-well vibration in a high-frequency band when the fixed point is far away from the center point, the various cross-well vibration of the system is more likely to occur in the dominate-frequency resonant band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. A dose‒response experiment with six supplemental levels of coated sodium butyrate (CSB) (0, 250, 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,250 mg/kg) was conducted to investigate its effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and caecal short-chain fatty acids of growing Pekin ducks aged 14 to 35 d. A total of 288 male 14-d-old Pekin ducks were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments. Each treatment had eight replicate pens of six ducks per pen. 2. The daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed/gain of ducks from 14 to 35 d of age were not influenced by increasing CSB levels. The relative weight and length of the duodenum, jejunum, and caecum increased linearly or quadratically as supplemental CSB increased (P < 0.05). 3. For the ileum and caecum, the villus height and height/crypt depth increased linearly or quadratically, and the villus crypt depth decreased linearly as the supplemental CSB increased (P < 0.05). As supplemental CSB increased, the goblet cell numbers of the ileum increased and decreased and changed quadratically (P < 0.05), but caecal goblet cell number increased quadratically (P < 0.05). Increasing the CSB level linearly or quadratically elevated the concentrations of propionic acid and butyric acid in the caecum (P < 0.05). 4. It was concluded that CSB can be used as a safe and effective feed additive to promote the intestinal integrity of growing ducks by improving intestinal morphology and increasing the concentration of caecal short-chain fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pentatricopeptide repeats (PPR) proteins function in organellar RNA metabolism and plant development constitute one of the largest protein families in land plants. Besides the organelle localization, some of this family members localized in nuclear, indicating mysterious and wider roles of PPR proteins. Oryza sativa L. nuclear-localized PPR protein 1 (OsNPPR1), a member of the PPR family in rice, is a novel nuclear RNA-binding protein, which plays a pivotal role in mitochondria. However, there is scarce knowledge about its protein partners and RNA-related roles in mitochondria function. Here, using yeast two-hybrid assay, RIP-seq and IP-MS, we uncover OsNPPR1's interacting endogenous RNA targets and protein binding partners. OsNPPR1 potentially interacts with many nuclear factors including splicing factors, transcription and post-transcription factors to perform its function in nuclear, and controls mitochondria metabolism through binding nuclear encoded mitochondria genes. Together, our data reveal new insights into the molecular roles and characteristics of nuclear PPR proteins and provide new ways to further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing resources are the core resources for intelligent manufacturing enterprises. It is of great practical significance to improve the reliability and stability of production control in a dynamic production environment with long-term frequent disturbances. This paper explores the simulation system design and development for combined service optimization and production control of intelligent manufacturing. After specifying the system architecture, modelling and matching were carried out according to the specific requirements of intelligent manufacturing combined service objects in the production process. Next, a six-tuple was introduced into the service provided by the production control system combined with the Internet of things (IoT), the formal definition was given to the IoT service and intelligent manufacturing combined service, and the key parts were described in detail with the overall service description and combined service description of the six-tuple as examples. Through experiments, the results of the simulation system were outputted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phantom studies show that intelligent four-dimensional computed tomography (i4DCT) sequence-scanning can reducing breathing irregularity related artifacts significantly comparing to traditional spiral 4DCT, but clinically the two techniques from a single simulation session have not been compared. i4DCT is a sequence scan with beam on times adapted to individual patient breathing pattern in real time to optimize projection data coverage. Here we report quantitative and qualitative evaluations of spiral 4DCT and i4DCT during simulation. Thirty-three patients' spiral 4DCT and i4DCT were collected retrospectively on an IRB approved study from patients with irregular breathing traces on both 4DCT acquisitions. The irregularities here include irregular breathing amplitude, or irregular frequency, or the combination of both. Spiral 4DCT and i4DCT scans were acquired during a single simulation session. Short spiral 4DCT scans were used for motion evaluation, while the long i4DCT scans used for treatment planning. To compare the internal target volume (ITV) on both 4DCT datasets, a radiation oncologist manually contoured all ITVs de novo on average CTs. Residual sorting artifacts were visually evaluated and scored by a radiation oncologist and medical physicists on a scale of 1 to 3 where score from high to low indicated the presence of artifact around tumor or within tumor, away from tumor, and no substantial artifacts, respectively. The ITVs comparison between two 4DCT techniques revealed mean, standard deviation (STD), maximal, and minimal Dice similarity coefficients of 0.59, 0.18, 0.85, and 0.13 respectively. ITV mean HU difference varies between 0.80 HU to 518.26 HU (Mean±STD: 53.97±92.46 HU). For the spiral 4DCT phases, 30.30%, 48.48%, and 21.21% of patient's dataset scored at 3, 2, 1, respectively. For these cases scored at 3, artifacts happened within or around tumor on multiple slices, which indicated rescan may necessary. While some of such artifacts diminished on average CT since not all the phases suffering from same artifacts. For i4DCT, none of the phase shows level 3 artifacts. The local rescanning and rebinning further enhance image quality for individual 4DCT phases. Our results show irregular breathing patterns can degrade spiral 4DCT quality and tumor delineation. The novel i4DCT technique provides a reliable solution to reduce such artifacts significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear accelerator-based machine matching is very common now a days to facilitate patient treatment. However, Due to complexity of particle therapy system, it is rare to match two independent cyclotrons dosimetrically to allow patient transfer between systems. In our routine clinical practice, we've observed only minor differences between the two proton therapy cyclotrons and their associated beam lines, despite each single-room proton unit utilizing a unique beam model tailored to its distinctive beam characteristics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using a universal beam model for two proton machines. A new universal pencil beam scanning (PBS) beam model was developed by evenly tuning the beam models of two different proton machines, averaging the visual source-axis distance, spot profiles and absolute dosimetry, i.e. Subsequently, a portability test was conducted by applying this universal PBS beam model to generate treatment plans for both proton machines. Patient-specific quality assurance (PSQA) plans of six different disease sites (Brain, Esophagus, Head and Neck, Abdomen, Chest wall and Lung) were generated by using this new PBS beam model. These plans were then delivered on both proton machines to access the clinical impact of beam model discrepancies. All the tests were conducted in normal clinical workflow through our clinical verify and record system. The universal beam model didn't result in any noticeable deviation between the calculated and actual delivered doses in the PSQA. All reached a level more than 90% gamma passing rate with a 3mm/3% criterion, at both surface and fall-off depth. On the other hand, the absolute dose PSQA using ionization chambers were performed as well, and all passed within 3% difference tolerance. A universal PBS beam model demonstrates feasibility both dosimetrically and clinically for multiple single-room proton therapy S250i units, with closely matched cyclotron and beam line components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a simple comprehensive scoring method that was developed to screen young low-risk endometrial cancer (EC) patients with fertility preservation. The study included 212 EC patients and investigated the correlation between ultrasonic signs, tumor biomarkers, and immunohistochemical molecular markers in EC patients. The results showed that tumor biomarkers were significantly correlated with the clinical and pathological features of EC patients. The accuracy of ultrasonography in predicting the depth of muscle infiltration and cervical invasion in EC lesions was high. The simple comprehensive scoring method can effectively distinguish low-risk and non-low-risk EC groups and quickly screen out young patients with EC who can preserve fertility. The authors suggest that this innovative approach can be recommended to low-income countries or regions with poor health systems to provide them with more help. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study that aimed to assess the feasibility and usefulness of using transabdominal 2D ultrasound and STIC combine with HDFI techniques to detect fetal pulmonary veins (PVs) in early pregnancy (11-13+6 weeks). The study enrolled 337 normal singleton fetuses, and the abilities of 2D-HDFI and STIC-HDFI to display fetal PVs were compared. The results showed that the display rate of 2D-HDFI was higher than STIC-HDFI, and the fetal PVs display rate increased with gestational age. The study concluded that both methods had high display ability for fetal PVs, with 2D-HDFI having better display ability and fewer influencing factors, while STIC-HDFI had advantages such as lower acquisition time and remote transmission. [Extracted from the article]

A GaAs/AlOx high index contrast subwavelength grating with TE polarization is presented for the GaAs-based vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) method is employed to simulate the dependence between its reflection characteristics and grating parameters. Especially, the effects of the stress buffer layer, shape errors, and angle of incidence on refractivity are also analyzed in detail. The high index contrast subwavelength grating has a large reflection bandwidth up to 97 nm with good polarization selectivity, and exhibits large tolerance in preparation, which makes it easier to integrate with the VCSEL. What's more, its sensitivity to angle of incidences facilitates the single-mode VCSELs' implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of spontaneous fission on r -process nucleosynthesis are investigated in the hot wind r -process scenario. We perform network calculations using three sets of spontaneous fission rates to study how the abundance pattern is shaped when different sets of fissioning nuclei are encountered by the r -process nuclear flow. The relative contributions from spontaneous fission, neutron-induced fission, and β -delayed fission to the nucleosynthesis process are studied by calculating the corresponding fission flow. We show that the relative contributions of various fission channels in r -process nucleosynthesis depend on the astrophysical conditions and fission models used. By using the spontaneous fission rates from a modified Swiatecki’s formula with isospin and blocking effects, the spontaneous fission and neutron-induced fission play an equally important role in r -process nucleosynthesis under an extreme neutron-rich astrophysical scenario with Y e = 0.1. The fissioning nuclei are located in different regions of the nuclear chart when different spontaneous fission models are used. The fission fragment distributions of fissioning nuclei in different regions have apparent diversity, which affects the mass regions where fission products are deposited, leading to the difference of the final abundance around the second r -process peak and rare-earth subpeak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a comprehensive methodology for the investigation of free vibrations in intelligent composite constructions. The design integrates a functionally graded graphene platelet-reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) core with magnetoelastic faculae composed of BaTiO3–CoFe2O4. Four GPL distributions within the FG-GPLRC core enhance its performance. Material characterization employs the enhanced Halpin–Tsai method, enabling precise computation of the composite’s properties. Coupling effects across elastic, thermal, electrical, and magnetic fields are elucidated. Nonlinear equations for controlling smart, gradient-thickness FG-GPLRC panels are derived using first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and Hamilton’s Principle. Natural frequencies are determined via double triangular series approximation and Galerkin’s method. A detailed parameter analysis investigates the influence of GPL on centration, distribution, temperature, trapezoid angles, base dimensions, and thickness on vibration modes and frequencies. Insights reveal how geometry, materials, and thickness gradients affect smart composite dynamics. The model’s accuracy is verified against finite element simulations, showcasing its utility for analyzing advanced composites under free vibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetospheric convective electric fields that could radially transport particles adiabatically, may leave their imprints in the form of energy‐time dispersed patterns termed "zebra stripes". Inspired by comprehensive studies on zebra stripes in Earth's electron radiation belts, similar electron signatures were found and explained in Saturn's inner magnetosphere. Using Cassini Magnetosphere Imaging Instrument observations, we demonstrate that the zebra‐stripes in proton and water group ion spectrograms at the energy range from 30 keV to ∼1 MeV, which coexist with electron zebra‐stripes, can be traced to the same electric field, even though the associated radial flows were originally thought to be too slow to disturb the fast azimuthal energetic ion drift. The simultaneous observations of zebra stripes in electrons and ions further establish the importance of the planet's noon‐midnight electric field as a regulator of radiation belt dynamics. Plain Language Summary: Planets with an intense intrinsic magnetic field, such as Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter, could trap energetic charged particles, including electrons and ions. These particles drift around the planets under the control of the dipole‐like magnetic field. And when a global uniform convection electric field exists, the particles will show a banded pattern in the spectrogram of energy versus distance to the planet as a result of radial transport. Such a link has been established on Earth and recently also on Saturn with electron observation. In this paper, we report that ions also have a similar pattern. This is unexpected since the convection electric field was thought to be powerless on ions as they drift so fast compared to the radial flow associated with the electric field. This result gives hints on how the convection electric field modulates the energetic particle environment of fast‐rotating giant planets. Key Points: Simultaneous energy‐time dispersed zebra‐stripes of ions and electrons at Saturn are analyzedBoth proton and water group ion fluxes are modulated by the magnetospheric noon‐midnight electric fieldTest‐particle model under convection electric field reproduces both proton and electron stripes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the outer radiation belt, localized ultralow frequency (ULF) waves can interact with energetic electrons by drift resonance, leading to quasiperiodic oscillations. The oscillations in the pitch angle spectrum can be characterized by either boomerang-shaped or straight stripes. Previous studies have shown that boomerang-shaped stripes evolve from straight ones when electrons drift away from the localized wave interaction region. Based on the time-of-flight technique on the pitch angle-dependent drift velocity, the origin can be remotely identified from the pitch angle dispersion. We report 27 straight stripe events and 86 boomerang-shaped events observed by Van Allen Probes from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017. Statistical study shows a good coincidence between the locations of straight ones and traceback regions from boomerang-shaped ones. These locations, mainly located in noon-to-dusk region, coincide well with the plasmaspheric plumes. Thus, localized ULF waves trapped in the plume may result in the preference of localized ULF wave-electron interactions at noon-to-dusk region. Plain Language Summary In the outer radiation belt, energetic electrons drift eastward with periods from minutes to hours, which coincide with ultralow frequency (ULF) waves. Thus, drift resonance can efficiently exchange energy between ULF waves and energetic electrons. Previous studies present that drift resonances can result in either straight or curved quasiperiodic stripes on the electron pitch angle (the angle between electron velocity and magnetic field) distributions. Curved stripes are thought to evolve from vertical ones due to the pitch angle-dependence of drift velocities. Based on the time-of-flight technique, one can trace back from the curved stripes to the time and location of the expected straight ones, at which the drift-resonant interaction takes place. In this study, we find 27 straight stripes and 86 curved stripes events observed by Van Allen Probes from 2013 to 2017. The traceback regions from these curved stripes events are mainly located at the noon to the duskside, coinciding with the locations of straight stripe events. These results suggest that the drift resonance between the localized ULF waves and energetic electrons occurs more frequently from the noon to the duskside. Most source regions coincide with the plasmaspheric plume, suggesting localized ULF waves are trapped in the plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on photosynthesis in Emmenopterys henryi Oliv. under high light (HL) was investigated. HL resulted in reduction of chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (ICE) whereas increase of intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), which returned more or less after removal of HL. Application of ABA alleviated the decrease of chlorophyll content, PN and ICE under HL and promoted the recovery of them after removal of HL while further depressed gs, Tr and Ci induced by HL and delayed the recovery of them. HL resulted in reduction of the maximal efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), the PSII potential activity (Fv/Fo), photochemical quenching (qP), the actual quantum yield of PSII (Y(II)), the proportion of heat dissipation (NPQ), the regulated-energy dissipation (Y(NPQ)) and the electron transport rate (rETR (II)) while significant increase of unregulated energy dissipation (Y(NO)), which were alleviated by ABA pretreatment. The recovery of Fv/Fm, Fv/Fo, qP, Y(II), NPQ, Y(NPQ) and rETR (II) after relieve of HL were advanced by ABA pretreatment. These results suggest that ABA pretreatment alleviated the adverse effect of HL on photosynthesis in E. henryi during HL and enhanced its recovery by alleviating chlorophyll degradation, improving ICE, promoting repair of PSII reaction center, allocating more energy to photochemical reaction, maintaining electron transport activity. Anthocyanin accumulation induced by HL was inhibited by ABA pretreatment. The role of anthocyanin in the protection function of ABA under HL remain to be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to establish a non-destructive and rapid approach to monitor the moisture content of wheat leaves in Southern Xinjiang, China, and promptly acquire information on the physiological water demand of crops to guide precision irrigation. Wheat leaves were used as the research object. Using a custom-made clamped parallel-plate capacitor and LCR digital bridge meter, we determined the electrical properties (capacitance and resistance) of wheat leaves with various moisture contents within a frequency range from 0.12 to 100 kHz. Moreover, we explored the correlation between leaf moisture content and the electrical properties. Our data showed that leaf moisture exhibited the best correlation with the electrical properties at 50 kHz. Under these optimized conditions, a model for moisture measurement was established using a single-parameter method (capacitance or resistance). However, the estimated standard errors (RMSE) of this method were 3.29% (for resistance) and 3.49% (for capacitance), which were greater than the standard error of the measured moisture content (2%). Therefore, we developed an improved model using a two-parameter method (capacitance and resistance), and the estimated standard error was 2.68%, which was more feasible for predicting moisture content compared with the single-parameter method. The model was validated using eight groups of wheat leaf samples at the turning-green stage and the jointing stage, and the RMSE values were less than 2%. Our findings provide a scientific basis for real-time and targeted water-saving irrigation of wheat in arid areas of Southern Xinjiang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the nonlinear dynamic responses of a functionally graded material (FGM) truncated conical shell under 1:2 internal resonance relation. The FGM truncated conical shell is subjected to the in-plane load and the aerodynamic load along the meridian direction. According to a power-law distribution, the material properties are assumed to be modified along the thickness direction smoothly and continuously and the material properties are temperature dependent. The aerodynamic load is obtained by the first-order piston theory with the curvature correction term. According to von Karman type nonlinear geometric relations, first-order shear deformation shell theory, Hamilton principle, the nonlinear equations of motion for the FGM truncated conical shell are established. Furthermore, the nonlinear equations of motion are reduced into a system of the ordinary differential equations by utilizing Galerkin procedure. The multiple scales method is used to obtain the averaged equations for the FGM truncated conical shell under the relations of 1:2 internal resonance and 1/2 subharmonic resonance. The frequency–response curves, time history diagrams, phase portraits, Poincare maps and bifurcation diagrams with different parameters are yielded by employing numerical calculations. The influences of exponent of volume fraction, Mach number, damping coefficient and in-plane load on the nonlinear resonance behaviors of the FGM truncated conical shell are investigated. The chaotic and periodic motions of the FGM truncated conical shell have been discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the relationship between surface membrane-bound APRIL and ITP.Methods: The peripheral blood of all subjects, 50 patients diagnosed with ITP and 25 healthy controls, was collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of membrane-bound APRIL on immune cells and platelets. ELISA was used to detect the content of soluble APRIL in plasma.Results: Membrane-bound APRIL was only expressed on the surface of platelets in both ITP patients and controls. APRIL expression on the platelet surface was significantly lower in newly diagnosed (P < 0.001) and chronic (P < 0.001) ITP patients than in controls. Platelet surface APRIL level was significantly enhanced in patients with complete remission after treatment (P = 0.02) but not in those with no response after treatment. Platelet surface APRIL level in ITP patients was negatively correlated with serum APRIL level (r = -0.09765, P = 0.0424).Conclusions: Platelet surface APRIL may play a key immunoregulative role. Platelet surface APRIL is likely to be one source of the excessive serum APRIL in ITP patients. The effectiveness of treatment may be measured by determining the platelet surface APRIL levels in ITP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To study the relationship between surface membrane-bound APRIL and ITP. Methods. The peripheral blood of all subjects, 50 patients diagnosed with ITP and 25 healthy controls, was collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of membrane-bound APRIL on immune cells and platelets. ELISA was used to detect the content of soluble APRIL in plasma. Results. Membrane-bound APRIL was only expressed on the surface of platelets in both ITP patients and controls. APRIL expression on the platelet surface was significantly lower in newly diagnosed (P < 0.001) and chronic (P < 0.001) ITP patients than in controls. Platelet surface APRIL level was significantly enhanced in patients with complete remission after treatment (P = 0.02) but not in those with no response after treatment. Platelet surface APRIL level in ITP patients was negatively correlated with serum APRIL level (r = − 0.09765 , P = 0.0424). Conclusions. Platelet surface APRIL may play a key immunoregulative role. Platelet surface APRIL is likely to be one source of the excessive serum APRIL in ITP patients. The effectiveness of treatment may be measured by determining the platelet surface APRIL levels in ITP patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultralow frequency (ULF) wave‐particle interactions play a significant role in the radiation belt dynamic process, during which drift resonance can accelerate and transport energetic electrons in the outer radiation belt. Observations of wave‐electron drift resonance are characterized by quasiperiodic straight or "boomerang‐shaped" stripes in the pitch angle spectrogram. Here we present an ULF wave event on 1 December 2015, during which both kinds stripes were observed by Van Allen Probes A and B, respectively. Using the time‐of‐flight technique based on the pitch angle dependence of electron drift velocities, the "boomerang‐shaped" stripes are inferred to originate from straight stripes at the time and location covered by Probe B. Given that straight stripes were indeed observed by Probe B, our observations strongly support the charged particle interacting with azimuthally localized ULF waves. A new method is provided to identify the location of ULF wave‐particle interaction on the basis of remote observations of electron flux modulations. Plain Language Summary: In the outer radiation belt, energetic electrons drift around the Earth with the periods of tens of minutes up to a few hours, which match the period of ultralow frequency (ULF) waves. Therefore, resonant wave‐particle interactions may occur during the electron drift motion, which are observationally characterized by quasiperiodic stripes, either straight or "boomerang shaped," in the pitch angle spectrograms of electron fluxes. Here we observe, for the first time, the appearance of straight and "boomerang‐shaped" stripes at two Van Allen Probe locations, respectively. These observations support the scenario that the straight stripes are generated by localized wave‐particle drift resonance, and they are gradually distorted by the pitch angle‐dependent electron drift motion, to form "boomerang‐shaped" stripes outside the region of strong wave activity. This study also provides a new approach to identify the region of ULF wave‐particle interactions on the basis of remote observations of electron flux modulations. Key Points: ULF wave‐electron drift resonance can be characterized by quasiperiodic straight or boomerang stripes in the pitch angle spectragramBoomerang stripes evolve from straight ones after electrons drift away from the localized ULF wave‐particle interaction regionWe present a new approach to remotely identify the region of ULF wave activity, which is validated by two‐spacecraft measurements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present Van Allen Probe observations showing that seed (hundreds of keV) and core (≳ 1 MeV) electrons can resonate with ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) wave modes with distinctive m values simultaneously. An unusual electron energy spectrogram with double‐banded resonant structure was recorded by energetic particle, composition, and thermal plasma (ECT)‐magnetic electron ion spectrometer (MagEIS) and, meanwhile, boomerang stripes in pitch angle spectrogram appeared at the lower energy band. A localized drift resonance with m = 10 wave component was responsible for the resonant band peaked at ∼200 keV while a global drift resonance with m = 3 component gave rise to the upper band resonance peaked at ∼1 MeV. Time‐Of‐Flight on boomerang stripes suggested that the localized drift resonance with ∼200 keV electrons was confined within the plasmaspheric plume. Electron flux modulations were reproduced by numerical simulations in good consistency with the observations, supporting the scenario that localized and global drift resonance could coexist in the outer belt electron dynamics simultaneously. Key Points: We, for the first time, report the banded drift resonance between outer belt electrons and ULF wavesULF waves with small and moderate azimuthal wave numbers can resonate with core and seed electrons simultaneouslyAzimuthally localized and global drift resonances are able to coexist [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The instability of the seed release point in a seed-metering device is one of the main causes of the non-uniformity of seed spacing. To improve the seed spacing uniformity, a double-curved guiding groove (DGG) was designed based on the prerelease adaptive principle. The DGG was used at the seed release point of an existing high-speed precision soybean seed-metering device with a double-setting plate. The results showed that the prerelease curved surface of the DGG was capable of guiding seeds to be released at the same seed release point at all times, and the adaptive curved surface of the DGG prevented any changes in seed velocity caused by friction or collisions between seeds and the meter, thereby improving the seed spacing uniformity significantly. A discrete element model was developed and validated with laboratory tests. Through simulations using the model, the primary and secondary factors of the DGG impacting the qualified rate of seed metering (QRM) and the coefficient of variation of the seed spacing uniformity (CVU) were identified and were, in descending order, the spacing of prerelease (SPR), the starting position of prerelease (SPP), the inclination angle of the seed outlet (ASO), and the inclination angle of the receiving cup (ABR). Regression equations of the QRM and CVU with the two main impacting factors were then established. For a planter travel speed of 10 km h-1, the optimal SPR was 10 mm, and the optimal SPP was 40°, where the QRM was 100% and the CVU was 16.61%. When compared to seed metering without the DGG, the CVU was reduced by 2.55%, showing that the DGG significantly improved the uniformity of seed spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism is recorded by garnet clinopyroxenite enclaves enclosed in an undeformed, unmetamorphosed granitic pluton, northeastern Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt, northwest China. Three to four stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages have been found in the garnet clinopyroxenite, and clockwise metamorphic pressure-temperature (P-T) paths were retrieved, indicative of metamorphism of a possible subduction environment. Peak metamorphic P-T conditions (790~920 °C/28~41 kbar) of garnet clinopyroxenite suggest that they experienced high pressure to UHP metamorphism, and the UHP metamorphism occurred in the coesite- or diamond-stability field. The UHP metamorphic event is further confirmed by the occurrence of high-Al titanite enclosed in the garnet, along with at least three groups of aligned rutile lamellae exsolved from within the garnet. SIMS U-Pb dating of metamorphic titanite indicates that the post peak, subsequent tectonic exhumation of the UHP rocks occurred in the Devonian (~ 389~370 Ma). These data suggest that part of the Paleozoic Dunhuang orogenic belt experienced UHP metamorphism, and diverse metamorphic facies series prevailed in this orogen in the Paleozoic. It can be further inferred that most of the UHP rocks of this orogen are now buried in the depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of a ballistic two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confined to a Hall cross and subjected to a locally inhomogeneous magnetic field which is created by two parallel or antiparallel magnetized cylindrical dots deposited above the 2DEG is investigated. The Hall and bend resistances are calculated as a function of the magnetization of the magnetic dots for different positions of the dots on the Hall bar. The Hall and bend resistances are different for parallel and antiparallel magnetized dots and depend on the relative position of the magnetic dots on the Hall bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the nonlinear stochastic dynamic response of a three-degree-of-freedom(3-DOF) airfoil with high substructural nonlinearity under vertical turbulent disturbances. Considering a two-dimensional flow field, the Dryden turbulence model is used to describe the vertical turbulent disturbance, and a nonlinear stochastic aerodynamic model based on the Theodorsen theory is established for the stochastic flutter problem of the wing. An analysis is conducted to reduce the dimensionality of the airfoil system and solve the critical flutter velocity of the system. The Monte-Carlo method is applied to analyze the stochastic P-bifurcation problem of the system, and the effects of parameters such as the incoming velocity, turbulence scale and intensity on the stochastic dynamics behavior of the system are clarified. It is shown that the amplitude of the steady-state oscillation of the system increases with the incoming velocity and turbulence intensity, whereas the critical flutter speed decreases with increases in these parameters. • The stochastic dynamics of an airfoil in a two-dimensional flow field considered. • The high-dimensional multi-stability system simplified by dimension reduction. • Stochastic P-bifurcation phenomenon of a steady-state probability density analyzed. • Large oscillations of the wing flutter at various incoming flow velocities studied. • Flutter in the wing pitch direction found to be sensitive to the vertical turbulence scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which investigated the effect of externally applied magnetic field during heat treatment on crystallization and magnetic properties of a neodymium alloy. Experimental methods used; Role of magnetic field strength in the process; Results of the study.

Chromolaena odorata is a noxious invasive perennial herb in tropics and subtropics throughout the world. However, photosynthetic induction of this invader is not well understood. Here, we measured the induction of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in young and mature leaves of Chromolaena odorata. During photosynthetic induction, the young leaves exhibited higher biochemical and total limitations to photosynthesis than that of the mature leaves. Photosynthetic induction in this invader was affected by a mix of biochemical and stomatal limitations. Under a strong photosynthetic photon flux density, nonphotochemical quenching was rapidly activated to dissipate excessive light energy in both young and mature leaves. Furthermore, the induction of photosynthetic electron flow was faster than that of net photosynthetic rate for both young and mature leaves. The rapid activation of nonphotochemical quenching can dissipate excess light energy and regulate photosynthetic electron flow during photosynthetic induction, especially in the young leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphibolites in the Shuixiakou area of the southern Dunhuang Orogenic Belt, southernmost Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB), occur as lenses within hornblende-biotite-plagioclase gneiss or pelitic schist, exhibiting block-in-matrix feature of tectonic mélange. Three generations of metamorphic mineral assemblages (M1, M2, and M3) have been recognized in the garnet-bearing amphibolite lenses. The metamorphic prograde assemblage (M1) is documented with inclusion trails (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz) within garnet porphyroblasts, and are estimated to be formed under 610-690 °C and 6.5-10.2 kbar. The metamorphic peak assemblage (M2) consists of garnet + hornblende + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + quartz in the matrix and records metamorphic peak P-T conditions of 720-750 °C and 13.4-14.7 kbar. The retrograde assemblage (M3) is represented by the symplectic assemblage (hornblende + plagioclase + quartz ± biotite ± magnetite) rimming the garnet porphyroblast, formed in the decompression stage under P-T conditions of 630-730 °C and 3.8-7.2 kbar. The derived metamorphic P-T paths show similar tight clockwise loops including nearly isothermal decompression processes, typical of orogenic metamorphism. SIMS dating of metamorphic zircons from the amphibolites confirm that the high-pressure metamorphism (M2) occurred at ca. 438-398 Ma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA) to the design of non-compact flow shop scheduling plan, and successfully solves the multi-objective optimization problem considering process connection. Specifically, an NSGA-based scheduling strategy was developed after analysing the features of the non-compact flow shop in manufacturing enterprises, and an improved algorithm was created for the multi-objective optimization of non-compact flow shop scheduling considering process connection. The research results show that: the improved NSGA is a desirable way to solve the multi-objective optimization of non-compact flow shop scheduling, as it ensures the population diversity and guarantees the evolution effect; this algorithm is more realistic than traditional algorithms, which overlooks the process connection; the case simulation and analysis reveal that the established multi-objective scheduling model for non-compact flow shop enjoys good adaptability. The research finding carries profound theoretical and practical significance for enterprises, e.g. improving the scheduling of non-compact flow shop, production efficiency and response to market situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An editorial is presented on iIliofemoral occlusive disease can be broadly divided into post-thrombotic disease has caused by venous fibrosis, or non-thrombotic iliac vein disease has caused by external compression. Topics include the May-Thurner syndrome has compression of the left common iliac vein, the right common iliac artery has localized stricture at the left common iliac vein, and the traditional treatment has involved prolonged repeat compression therapy.

Clutch judder has serious impacts on the noise, vibration and harshness performance. In this article, a simplified dynamic model with nonlinear friction torque is developed to simulate clutch judder, and the stability and dynamic response of the clutch are analysed. The real part of the judder modal eigenvalue, the moment when the clutch enters the stick state and the fluctuation level of the driving part of the clutch are treated as the evaluation indices. An uncertain hybrid model with random and interval variables is used to describe the uncertainty of parameters and a hybrid perturbation vertex method is formulated to compute the uncertainty. Furthermore, parameters with high sensitivities are used as design variables and uncertainty-based optimization is conducted to reduce clutch judder. The optimization results strongly validate that the proposed method is very effective in improving the robustness of the clutch judder performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The driveline torsional vibration issue is one of the most significant Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) problems, especially in rear-wheel drive vehicles with manual transmission. In this article, a new driveline and rear axle coupled torsional vibration model (DRCTVM) is developed that considers the relationship between the driveline and the rear axle. The experiments show that the DRCTVM can provide much better results than the traditional model. In addition, for the first time, uncertainty theory is introduced to the analysis and optimization of driveline torsional vibration based on the DRCTVM. A truncated normal distribution is used to describe the uncertainty of DRCTVM, which considers both the probability distribution and the bounds of uncertain variables. Furthermore, robustness of the driveline torsional vibration was analysed using the Monte Carlo (MC) process and optimized using the Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm. The optimization results show that the proposed model and method are effective and improve the robustness of driveline torsional vibration performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new structural dynamic model for the free vibration characteristic analysis of rotating pretwisted functionally graded (FG) sandwich blades is developed. The sandwich blade is made up of two functionally graded skins and a homogeneous material core. The thick shell theory is applied to derive the basic equations of motion of the rotating FG sandwich blade by considering the effects of centrifugal and Coriolis forces. The mode shapes are expanded in terms of two-dimensional algebraic polynomials in the Rayleigh–Ritz method, and the static and dynamic natural frequencies of the blade are obtained. The convergence analysis is studied, and the accuracy of the proposed model is verified by comparing with the literature results and ANSYS data. The effects of frequency parameters such as the twist angle, the thickness ratio, the aspect ratio, the layer thickness ratio, the scalar parameter of volume fraction, the stagger angle, and the rotation velocity on the vibration characteristics for pretwist FG sandwich blade are investigated in detail. In addition, the phenomena of frequency locus veering and mode shape exchanging occur in the static and dynamic states. Frequency locus veering is essentially caused by the coupling between different modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the mortality and causes of death in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: We collected the clinical data of all consecutive adult systemic lupus erythematosus patients at the Rheumatology department of Peking University First Hospital between January 2007 and December 2015. The primary causes of death were identified, the standardized mortality ratio and years of life lost were calculated, and the survival and variables associated with mortality were determined by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis respectively. Results: The mean age of all 911 patients (814 females and 97 males) was 37.8±14.7 years, the median disease duration at recruitment was 2.6 (0.5-7.0) years, and the median follow-up duration was 3.0 (1.4-5.1) years. Among the 911 patients who were successfully followed up, 45 patients died. Infection (31.1%) was the leading cause of death followed by renal failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension and cerebrovascular diseases. The overall age and sex-adjusted standardized mortality ratio was 3.2 (95% confidence interval 2.4-4.0), and the years of life lost for women and men were 29.8 and 9.4 respectively. Overall survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was 98.2%, 95.3% and 93.7% respectively. Older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary arterial hypertension were independent risk factors for the mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus patients, and longer disease duration at recruitment was an independent protective factor. Conclusions: Mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in China was substantial, especially in females, with infection the leading cause of death. Older age at disease onset, infection, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and pulmonary arterial hypertension were associated with poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mafic granulite and amphibolite in the Dongbatu and Mogutai blocks, middle Dunhuang orogenic belt, northwest China, southernmost Central Asian orogenic belt, occur as lenses within the matrix of metapelite and marble, exhibiting typical block-in-matrix fabrics of tectonic mélange. Three stages of metamorphic mineral assemblages were identified in these lenses. Clockwise metamorphic pressure-temperature (P-T) paths were obtained through geothermobarometry and thermodynamic pseudosection modeling, passing from 656 °C and 10.9 kbar through 830 °C and 16.5 kbar to 657 °C and 4.9 kbar for the mafic granulite, and from 564-645 °C and 3.2-9.6 kbar through 634-727 °C and 6.1-14.2 kbar to 615-664 °C and 3.2-4.2 kbar for the amphibolites, respectively. Metamorphic peak P-T conditions in the metapelitic country rocks were estimated to be 635-675 °C and 6.0-6.9 kbar. The metamorphic peak of the mafic granulite approaches the high P-T facies series, indicative of a subduction zone. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry and laser ablation- inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry U-Pb dating of metamorphic zircons suggests that the metamorphic event occurred between ca. 420 and 372 Ma. These data further certify that the subduction of the continental margin and subsequent uplift of the Dunhuang orogenic belt represent a longlived tectono-metamorphic event in the Paleozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear flutters of a truncated conical shell, which is subjected to aerodynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating, are researched. Material properties with gradient features along the radial direction depend on the temperature. The supersonic aerodynamic force is obtained by applying the first-order piston theory, including the correction factor for curvature. The temperature in the external surface of the functionally graded material truncated conical shell rises as a result of viscous aerodynamic heating, and the temperature distribution along the thickness can be described by polynomial series. Hamilton's principle is utilized to obtain the nonlinear partial differential equilibrium equation of the system. Using Galerkin's method, a high-dimensional nonlinear system can be derived. Without considering the parts of nonlinear terms and the external forcing excitation, the flutter boundaries are obtained by solving the eigenvalues problem. The influences of ratios of top radius to thickness, semi-vertex angle, and volume fraction index on nonlinear dynamic characteristics of functionally graded material truncated conical shell are studied in detail by the fourth-order Runge–Kutta algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An end-on azido-bridged trinuclear cobalt(III) complex [Co3(L1)2(μ1,1-N3)4(N3)2(OMe)(MeOH)] (I) and a phenolato-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex [Cu2(L2)2(NCS)2] (II), where L1 is the deprotonated form of 2-((2(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl)-4-fluorophenol, and L2 is the deprotonated form of 2-((3-(dimethylamino)propylimino)methyl)-4-fluorophenol, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV-Vis spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 1023376 (I); 1023377 (II)). The Co atoms in complex I are in octahedral coordination, and the Cu atoms in complex II are in square pyramidal coordination. The antibacterial properties have been tested on some bacteria and yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The severe cadmium (Cd) pollution of soil adversely affects food safety and human health. To prevent phytotoxicity and Cd accumulation in agricultural products, effective steps must be taken immediately. In the study, we added different concentrations (10, 50, and 250 mg/kg) of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) into Cd-contaminated soil, investigating the effects of α-Fe2O3 NPs on Cd toxicity. The various physiological indicators, such as antioxidant system, the distribution of Cd and the content of active ingredients in different parts of muskmelon were detected. The results revealed that α-Fe2O3 NPs greatly reduce Cd transport in plants and minimize Cd toxicity. Specifically, 250 mg/kg α-Fe2O3 NPs treatment reduced the root Cd content by 30.19% and 50 mg/kg α-Fe2O3 NPs treatment reduced the stem Cd content by 38.75%. For the content of active ingredients, 50 mg/kg α-Fe2O3 NPs treatment increased root polysaccharide content and leaf saponin content by 14.45 and 27.71%, respectively. Overall, α-Fe2O3 NPs can reduce Cd stress in muskmelon. The current work gave a unique notion for Cd remediation in soil using α-Fe2O3 NPs as amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaching kinetics of 20CaO·13Al2O3·3MgO·3SiO2(Q phase) was studied in this paper. The effects of agitation speed, leaching temperature, concentration of sodium carbonate, particle size and liquid–solid ratio on alumina leaching ratio of Q phase were investigated. The results indicate that the agitation speed did not influence alumina leaching ratio when it was higher than 400 r min−1, and the effect of liquid film diffusion on the leaching process was eliminated. The alumina leaching ratio would not increase by changing the liquid–solid ratio, when the concentration of sodium carbonate was excessive. The leaching process of Q phase was better as both the temperature and the concentration of sodium carbonate were higher and the particle size was smaller. The effect of concentration of sodium carbonate on alumina leaching ratio was not obvious. The leaching kinetics followed the shrinking unreacted core model, the reaction order of leaching process of Q phase was 0.47, and it can be described by surface chemical reaction. The activation energy was 41.63 ± 10 kJ mol−1, and the frequency factor was 1.472 × 103. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time- and temperature-dependencies of the switching fields of arrays of 230 nm × 150 nm Ni[SUB19]Fe[SUB81] rectangular elements have been investigated. The elements have thicknesses of 3 nm, 5 nm, and 10 nm. For temperatures from 100 K to 300 K, all three arrays show a linear dependence of switching field on temperature, with similar slopes, but below 100 K, a deviation from linearity occurs, indicating a change in the switching process. The energy barrier for reversal at zero field has been estimated as 70Kt[SUB300], 125Kt[sub300], and 280kT[SUB300] for the 3-nm, 5-nm, and 10-nm thick elements, respectively, which suggests that the energy barrier scales approximately linearly with film thickness. For uncoupled permalloy elements with these lateral dimensions, superparamagnetism is expected at room temperature for thicknesses below about 1 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]