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Busulfan, an indispensable medicine in cancer treatment, can cause serious reproductive system damage to males as a side effect of its otherwise excellent therapeutic results. Its widespread use has also caused its accumulation in the environment and subsequent ecotoxicology effects. As a Chinese medicine, Wulingzhi (WLZ) has the effects of promoting blood circulation and improving female reproductive function. However, the potential effects of WLZ in male reproduction and in counteracting busulfan-induced testis damage, as well as its probable mechanisms, are still ambiguous. In this study, busulfan was introduced in a mouse model to evaluate its production of the testicular damage. The components of different WLZ extracts were compared using an untargeted metabolome to select extracts with greater efficacy, which were further confirmed in vivo. Here, we demonstrate abnormal spermatogenesis and low sperm quality in busulfan-injured testes. The WLZ extracts showed a strong potential to rehabilitate the male reproductive system; this effect was more prominent in room-temperature extracts. Additionally, both water and ethanol WLZ extracts at room temperature alleviated various busulfan-induced adverse effects. In particular, WLZ recovered spermatogenesis, re-activated arginine biosynthesis, and alleviated the increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the testis, ultimately reversing the busulfan-induced testicular injury. Collectively, these results suggest a promising approach to protecting the male reproductive system from busulfan-induced adverse side effects, as well as those of other similar anti-cancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant global health concern, and it is crucial that we find effective methods to prevent or slow down AD progression. Recent studies have highlighted the essential role of blood vessels in clearing Aβ, a protein that contributes to AD. Scientists are exploring blood biomarkers as a potential tool for future AD diagnosis. One promising method that may help prevent AD is remote ischemic conditioning (RIC). RIC involves using sub‐lethal ischemic–reperfusion cycles on limbs. However, a comprehensive understanding of how RIC can prevent AD and its long‐term effectiveness is still lacking. Further research is essential to fully comprehend the potential benefits of RIC in preventing AD. Methods: Female wild‐type (WT) and APP/PS1 transgenic rats, aged 12 months, underwent ovariectomy and were subsequently assigned to WT, APP/PS1, and APP/PS1 + RIC groups. RIC was conducted five times a week for 4 weeks. The rats' depressive and cognitive behaviors were evaluated using force swimming, open‐field tests, novel objective recognition, elevated plus maze, and Barnes maze tests. Evaluation of the neurovascular unit (NVU), synapses, vasculature, astrocytes, and microglia was conducted using immunofluorescence staining (IF), Western blot (WB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the cerebro‐vasculature was examined using micro‐CT, and cerebral blood flow (CBF) was measured using Speckle Doppler. Blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability was determined by measuring the Evans blue leakage. Finally, Aβ levels in the rat frontal cortex were measured using WB, ELISA, or IF staining. Results: RIC enhanced memory‐related protein expression and rescued depressive‐like behavior and cognitive decline in APP/PS1 transgenic rats. Additionally, the intervention protected NVU in the rat frontal cortex, as evidenced by (1) increased expression of TJ (tight junction) proteins, pericyte marker PDGFRβ, and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), as well as decreased VCAM1; (2) mitigation of ultrastructure impairment in neuron, cerebral vascular, and astrocyte; (3) upregulation of A2 astrocyte phenotype markers and downregulation of A1 phenotype markers, indicating a shift toward a healthier phenotype. Correspondingly, RIC intervention alleviated neuroinflammation, as evidenced by the decreased Iba1 level, a microglia marker. Meanwhile, RIC intervention elevated CBF in frontal cortex of the rats. Notably, RIC intervention effectively suppressed Aβ toxicity, as demonstrated by the enhancement of α‐secretase and attenuation of β‐secretase (BACE1) and γ‐ secretase and Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐40 levels as well. Conclusion: Chronic RIC intervention exerts vascular and neuroprotective roles, suggesting that RIC could be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting the BBB and NVU during AD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inversion method based on the reflection loss-grazing angle curve is an effective tool to obtain local underwater acoustic parameters. Because geoacoustic parameters vary in sensitivity to grazing angle, it is difficult to get accurate results in geoacoustic parameter inversion based on small-grazing-angle data in shallow water. In addition, the normal-mode model commonly used in geoacoustic parameter inversion fails to meet the needs of accurate local sound field simulation as the influence of the secant integral is ignored. To solve these problems, an acoustic data acquisition scheme was rationally designed based on a sparker source, a fixed vertical array, and ship drifting with the swell, which could balance the trade-off among signal transmission efficiency and signal stability, and the actual local acoustic data at low-to-mid frequencies were acquired at wide grazing angles in the South Yellow Sea area. Furthermore, the bottom reflection coefficients (bottom reflection losses) corresponding to different grazing angles were calculated based on the wavenumber integration method. The local seafloor sediment parameters were then estimated using the genetic algorithm and the bottom reflection loss curve with wide grazing angles, obtaining more accurate local acoustic information. The seafloor acoustic velocity inverted is c p = 1659   m / s and the sound attenuation is α p = 0.656   dB / λ in the South Yellow Sea. Relevant experimental results indicate that the method described in this study is feasible for local inversion of geoacoustic parameters for seafloor sediments. Compared with conventional large-scale inversion methods, in areas where there are significant changes in the seabed sediment level, this method can obtain more accurate local acoustic features within small-scale areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new dual-modules electret-based energy harvester structure is designed. • The capacitance calculation model of dual-modules e-EEH is established. • The e-EEH can achieve high conversion rate and NPD in broad operation bandwidth. • The influence of different parameters on output performance of e- EEH is analyzed. Based on the cantilever beam, this paper proposes and designs a novel electret-based electrostatic energy harvester (e-EEH) with dual modules: module I is a capacitor of nonparallel plate electrodes; module II is a multi-electrode array capacitor. Two stoppers are presented in concern with reliability by limiting the motion of proof mass to prevent capacitor breakdown and pull-in. Meanwhile the stoppers serve as a functional element to realize broadband harvesting. Considering the bending of the cantilever beam, the expression of the module Ⅰ capacitance is analytically derived as a function of the deflection. Conformal transformation is applied to obtain the expression of the module Ⅱ capacitance, simultaneously considering the change of distance and overlap area between movable and fixed electrodes. According to Hamilton's principle and Kirchhoff's circuit law, the electromechanical coupling nonlinear dynamics equations of the proposed energy harvesters are established. The output performance of the energy harvester is obtained and analyzed by numerical calculation. The results show that the double-model electrostatic energy harvester can output high power in low- frequency broadband. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Cu2Se was successfully exfoliated from foam copper in a Se-rich airflow, and the crystal phase and morphology of Cu2Se can be accurately regulated by controlling the exfoliation temperature. This investigation provides a novel strategy for the preparation of various crystal phases and morphologies of Cu2Se, which is very simple and convenient in accurate and large-scale production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane fouling has been a major factor hindering the development of ultrafiltration membranes. Herein, a novel in situ oxidation system was constructed via introducing MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, utilizing sunlight to synergistically activate persulfate (PMS) to mitigate ultrafiltration membrane fouling. The mechanism of mitigating membrane fouling in MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs-PVDF ultrafiltration membranes was systematically explored under four system (single filtration, single sunlight irradiation, single PMS oxidation and sunlight co-activated PMS). The MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs-PVDF membranes exhibited different fouling characteristics under the four systems, with the sunlight and MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs membrane co-activated PMS filtration system showing the highest humic acid (HA) removal efficiency of 90.2 %, as well as the lowest Rr (0.2108 × 1012m−1) and Rir (0.4525 × 1012m−1). To further evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of the sunlight-MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs-PMS system, the secondary effluent was selected to verify the treatment effect on natural organic matter (NOM) of actual water. By observing the microscopic morphology of the fouled membrane surface, it was evident that, compared with the other three filtration systems, the filter cake layer on the MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs membrane surface of the sunlight co-activated PMS system was obviously reduced, and the structure of the cake layer was more loose. It can be concluded that the principle behind the synergistically activated system to alleviate the membrane fouling was to accelerate the mineralization rate of HA molecules, oxidize the HA into a smaller particle size that can pass through the membrane pores. The main reactive oxygen species and HA degradation mechanism in the synergistic activation system were further elucidated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and density functional theory calculations (DFT). The results indicated that the degradation of HA by the synergistically activated PMS system involved a combination of free radicals (·O 2 −、SO 4 ·− and ·OH) and non-free radicals (1O 2). Overall, the in-situ oxidation system provided an alternative way to alleviate ultrafiltration membrane fouling. [Display omitted] • Preparation of a tailored catalyst MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs-PVDF ultrafiltration membrane. • Systematic investigating the membrane fouling performance of different filtration system. • The co-activation filtration system of sunlight and MnFe 2 O 4 /MWCNTs-PVDF membranes showed lowest fouling resistance. • Exploring the performance of the different filtration system in secondary effluent. • XDLVO theory and the membrane fouling model was used to explain the mitigating membrane fouling mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes bearing competitive reducible groups to produce functionalized amino compounds has wide application in industrial production. However, to control only reducing the target group is still a challenge. Here, Cu2O/M2Ta2O6 (M=H, Li, Na, K, Ag, Bi) catalysts were prepared to evaluate their catalytic performance using 3‐nitrostyrene (3‐NS) as a model reaction. The results confirm pristine Cu2O has a highly activity to hydrogenate 3‐NS but low selectivity with the coexisted products of 3‐vinylaniline (3‐VA), 3‐ethylaniline(3‐EA) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐nitrobenzene (3‐NE), whereas the independent tantalate can converse 3‐NS to sole product 3‐VA via absolutely preferential reduction of −NO2 moiety but with a low conversion rate. Importantly, if combining Cu2O and tantalate, the activity and selectivity of the appointed product were all obviously increased. Furthermore, the hydrogenation activity of 3‐NS to generate 3‐VA is positively related with the catalysts' intrinsic basicity and the preferential adsorption toward −NO2 group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring cheap, eco-friendliness, and highly efficiency photocatalysts for improving the degradation performance of ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a challenge in the environmental remediation field. Herein, 2D/2D ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 /NH 4 V 4 O 10 (CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10) heterojunction is successfully prepared by intercalating g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets into the ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts. For the optimized 50-CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 , the removal rate is 92% for 10 mg·L−1 CIP under simulated solar light, far better than the separated components CNNS and NH 4 V 4 O 10. Moreover, the wide degraded concentration of CIP ranges from 5 to 40 mg·L−1 devotes a prospect of practical application. The mechanism investigation confirms the intercalating action can break the interlaminar bonding linkage of NH 4 , which increases the surface NH 4 + content and promotes the steered adsorption capacity toward ciprofloxacin through binding to F- in CIP via H-bonding. This work provides a novel design idea for constructing 2D/2D intercalated nanocomposite for the application in the removal of the deleterious fluoric-containing organic pollutants in water environment. [Display omitted] • A S-type 2D/2D g-C 3 N 4/ NH 4 V 4 O 10 (CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10) was prepared. • g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets were intercalated into the laminar space of NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts. • CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 has highly photocatalytic activity and reusability to ciprofloxacin. • The expand interlayer space of CNNS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 can increase accessible active sites. • The bonding interaction of NH 4 + and F- is favorable to pre-adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focused on energy and environment issues, in present investigation, an economical and eco-friendly photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in water splitting reaction has been designed and fabricated. The characteristics by XRD, TEM, XPS and AFM confirmed that an octahedral H 2 Ta 2 O 6 is uniformly capsuled by ZnIn 2 S 4 thin clothes to form a package ZnIn 2 S 4 /H 2 Ta 2 O 6 heterojunction. The assembled ZnIn 2 S 4 /H 2 Ta 2 O 6 exhibits superior hydrogen generated performance with a value of 3217.31 μmol g−1•h−1 under simulated sunlight irradiation, without obvious deactivation in five consecutive cycles. The enhanced activity and reusability are mainly attributed to ultrathin clothe-like shell, the well-matched band structure and a large tight contact interface in the package type construction, which can promote redox ability, extend light harvesting range and boost charge separation efficiency. The present study proposes a new design idea to assemble a highly efficient and durable photocatalyst for solar hydrogen generation by splitting water. [Display omitted] • A package ZnIn 2 S 4 /H 2 Ta 2 O 6 heterojunction was prepared by one-step synthetic method. • The enhanced activity is due to the formation of tightly connected interface. • Large surface area and modified electronic structure contribute to the activity. • The ZnIn 2 S 4 /H 2 Ta 2 O 6 showed well reusability during 30 h of stability test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized by thermal condensation, hydrothermal, and in situ precipitation method. The microscopic morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, FT‐IR, XPS, and other characterizations. BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 (BiVO4/Cu:g‐C3N4 mass ratio was 1:1) photocatalyst had the optimal photocatalytic degradation activity for tetracycline (TC) wastewater under visible light irradiation (120 min, 74.8%). The introduction of Cu and Z‐scheme heterojunction was further confirmed by UV‐vis, PL, EIS, and capture mechanism analysis, which effectively accelerated the separation and transfer rate of photogenerated electron holes and enhanced the strong oxidation of h+ and •O2− active species. BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalytic material has potential application value in the removal of refractory pollutants in wastewater. Practitioner points: A novel Z‐scheme BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic activities and stability was prepared to treat tetracycline (TC) wastewater.1:1 CBCN (BiVO4/Cu:g‐C3N4 mass ratio was 1:1) photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for TC wastewater.The Z‐scheme heterojunction and Cu act as the interfacial charge transfer medium accelerated the transfer and separation of carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Tibial tubercle is a crucial player in maintaining the structural integrity and functional stability of the knee joint. Currently, there is no standardized protocol for the classification and treatment of tibial tubercle fractures in adults. This study analyzed the incidence and treatment strategies of tibial tubercle fractures in adults according to the four‐column and nine‐segment classification system. Methods: Data of patients with proximal tibial fractures involving tibial tubercle fractures who were treated at our hospital from August 2007 to March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification and four‐column and nine‐segment classification systems, and the treatment protocol (surgically treated or conservatively treated) was recorded. The number and distribution proportion of patients were counted. A two‐sided t‐test was conducted to determine the significance of differences between the gender and sides. Results: In total, 169 tibial tubercle fractures were found in 1484 proximal tibial fractures. According to the AO/OTA classification, seven of the 169 patients, (4.1%) were type A, 36 patients (21.3%) were type B, and 126 patients (74.6%) were type C. According to the four‐column and nine‐segment classification, type 1 cleavage without free fragments was the most common type of fracture (93/169, 55.0%), followed by type 2 dissociative segmental fragments (48/169, 28.4%) and type 3 comminuted fractures (28/169, 16.6%). Overall, 139 of the 169 proximal tibial fractures with tuberosity involvement were treated surgically. Among them, additional fixation of the tubercle fragment was performed in 52 fractures. Conclusion: The incidence of tibial tubercle fractures involved in proximal tibial fractures was approximately 11.4% (169/1484) in adults, and approximately one‐third of the tubercle bone fragment required additional fixation (30.8%, 52/169). The injury types in the four‐column and nine‐segment classifications are helpful for accurately judging and making treatment‐related decisions for tibial tubercle fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerotic plaque is the primary cause of cardiovascular disorders and remains a therapeutic hurdle for the early intervention of atherosclerosis. Traditional clinical strategies are often limited by surgery‐related complications or unsatisfactory effects of long‐term drug administration. Inspired by the plaque‐binding ability of platelets, a biomimic photodynamic therapeutic system is designed to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. This system is composed of photosensitizer‐loaded upconversion nanoparticle cores entrapped in the platelet membrane. The platelet membrane coating facilitates specific targeting of the therapeutic system to macrophage‐derived foam cells, the hallmark, and main component of early stage atherosclerotic plaques, which is firmly confirmed by in vivo fluorescent and single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) radionuclide imaging. Importantly, in vivo phototherapy guided by SPECT/CT imaging alleviates plaque progression. Further immunofluorescence analysis reveals foam cell apoptosis and ameliorated inflammation. This biomimic system, which combines plaque‐binding with radionuclide imaging guidance, is a novel, noninvasive, and potent strategy to mitigate the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preparation of a novel catalyst MnFe 2 O 4 doped PVDF ultrafiltration membrane. • The PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 /PMS system showed lowest irreversible fouling resistance. • Reaction site of HA was predicted via density functional theory (DFT) calculation. • Investigating the performance of the PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 /PMS system in surface water. • Systematic exploring the relationship between PMS oxidation and membrane filtration. Membrane separation has become the most promising technology in the field of wastewater purification, but there will inevitably be membrane fouling. Catalytic polymer membranes combining membrane filtration and advanced oxidation technologies (AOPs) offered an alternative for mitigating membrane fouling. This work successfully synthesized a MnFe 2 O 4 catalytic polyvinylidene fluoride (MnFe 2 O 4 -PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane and systematically investigated the performance of peroxymonosulfate (PMS)/MnFe 2 O 4 membrane oxidation filtration system for removing humic acid (HA). The results showed that the PVDF@MnFe2O4/PMS synergistic system oxidized HA into small molecules and further repelled them to the membrane surface by size exclusion to form a filter cake layer. The PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 /PMS system exhibited the lowest irreversible fouling (0.414 × 1010m−1) and the highest HA removal efficiency (83.4 %) compared with PVDF single filtration. After hydrodynamic cleaning, PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 can achieve 73.2 % water flux recovery. The membrane fouling mitigation mechanisms were investigated by the Extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory and the combined pore blockage-cake filtration model. Quenching experiment and density functional theory calculation (DFT) revealed the HA degradation as a result of the synergistic action of free radicals (SO 4 ⋅-, ⋅OH) and non-free radicals(1O 2) in PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 /PMS system. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the system in the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) from surface water. The results suggested that the PVDF@MnFe 2 O 4 /PMS system could validly remove the main fluorescent matters from surface water. In conclusion, this work provides a promising route for solving the membrane fouling caused by NOM in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) acts as both a binder and a polysulfide reactant. • Abundant amidogen in APS restrain the shuttle effect of polysulfides. • A stable 3D silica structure encapsulates nanoparticles to relieve the volume change. • A low-cost, environmentally-friendly, powerful network polymer cathode was obtained. One of the reasons why lithium-sulfur batteries have not yet been commercialized is a great attenuation of the capacity, although their theoretical capacity is ultrahigh. To alleviate this problem, we developed multifunctional organic matter, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), for preparing a uniform hybrid consists of silica 3D network skeleton and copolymerized sulfur nanoparticles (cpS). In this hybrid, abundant amidogen in APS induced polymerization with sulfur, which formed uniform copolymerized sulfur nanoparticles (nano sulfur), restraining the shuttle effect of polysulfides. Meanwhile, polycondensation APS not only acted as an efficiently binder, affording compact cathodes, but also formed a stable 3D silica structure to encapsulate sulfur nanoparticles, relieving the volume change of sulfur. Consequently, this binder-free cpS composite exhibited much enhanced electrochemical performances, including a high capacity of 1187.8 mAh·g−1 at 0.1 C and a low capacity fading of 0.0654% per cycle for 500 cycles at 1 C. This study paved the way for high-energy-density batteries by simply applying a low-cost, environmentally-friendly, powerful network polymer cathode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brønsted solid acids have popularly been used as catalysts or supports for many hydrogenation reactions, while it is uncertain if their structural H species could significantly enhance velocity and reusability for these reactions. In this work, a series of tantalate‐supported silver catalysts Ag/MxH2–xTa2O6 (M=H, Li, Na, K, Sr) were prepared, along with abundant solid acid catalysts (Ag/Al2O3, Ag/SiO2−Al2O3, Ag/ZrO2−SO42−, and Ag/heteropolyacid). By assessing activity of a model reaction from p‐nitrophenol to the corresponding aniline together with an isotope comparative test (Ag/D2Ta2O6 and Ag/H2Ta2O6), a previously unknown route was uncovered, which involves that intrinsic proton H species of the Brønsted solid acid support directly participate in the formation of products. Meanwhile, Ag NPs could form an embedded distribution by exchanging with structural H species, responsible for the stabilization of catalytic active sites. The results reported here could give a deep understanding on proton chemistry of solid acids in construction of catalysts and/or supports in H‐participating reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel in-situ synthetic TA-APTES NPs multifunctional imprinted membrane was fabricated by tanning-inspired coating for selective adsorption of tetrabromobisphenol a (TBBPA) and oil-water emulsion separation. Tannic acid (TA) from natural plants can be cross-linked with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) by a simple green method to form nanosphere structures with secondary reaction sites. With TA-APTES coating, the membrane can be quickly converted from hydrophobic to super-hydrophilic. TEOS is not only used as a cross-linking agent in imprinting process，but also can be used for TA-APTES hybridization on the membrane surface to introduce stable silicone hydroxyl groups to the membrane surface. The modified membranes showed good hydrophilicity with a water flux of 27,272Lm−2 h−1 at 0.1Mpa, which was 18 times higher than that of pure PVDF membranes. In addition, the separation efficiency of four different types of oil-water emulsions (n-hexane, petroleum ether, dichloromethane and kerosene) reached 99.6%, 98.3%, 95.6%, and 98.7%, respectively. Among them, the oil water emulsion flux of dichloromethane could reach 1000.1. what's more, the prepared membranes also maintained relatively high selective separation efficiencies of TBBPA in oil-water mixtures. To better explain the mechanism of the TBBPA reaction process, the active sites in the TBBPA reaction process were calculated and predicted by density generalization theory (DFT). The Br and phenolic hydroxyl groups on the benzene ring of TBBPA showed higher activity and might be the main reaction sites. In addition, the imprinted composite membranes can be easily regenerated and reused without performance loss through a simple cleaning process. The coating process inspired by natural polyphenol chemistry has the advantage of being green, cost-effective and low energy, showing real potential in multifunctional membrane applications. [Display omitted] • Preparation of a novel multifunctional composite membrane for oil-water separation and selective adsorption of TBBPA. • TA-APTES coating replaces traditional PDA coatings and demonstrates amazing adhesion and hydrophilicity. • TA-APTES coating is used to provide a secondary reaction platform for imprinted polymerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a compact 29.3 GHz visible astro-comb covering the spectrum from 560 nm to 700 nm. A 837 MHz Yb:fiber laser frequency comb phase locked to a Rb clock served as the seed comb to ensure the frequency stability and high side mode suppression ratio. After the visible super-continuum generation, a Fabry-Perot cavity based on ultra-low expansion glass was utilized to filter the comb teeth. The mirrors were home-made complementary chirped mirrors pair with zero net-dispersion and high reflection to guarantee no mode skipping. Those filtered comb teeth were clearly resolved in an astronomical spectrograph of 49 000 resolution, exhibiting sharp line shape, zero noise floor, and uniform exposure amplitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flames propagating along the sample edges (edge flame) will transform two-dimensional flame spread into three-dimensional flame spread, causing a significant interference with results of material flammability test. A potential method to minimize above effect is utilizing an inert wall to inhibit the side surface of sample with a designed air gap distance. In this work, the downward flame spread along the sample edge with various air gap distances is systematically studied. Cast PMMA with thicknesses from 0.4 to 2.5 mm were used as samples. The general trend of flame spread rate (FSR) at edge with respect to air gap distance can be summarized into three regimes: when the air gap distance is less than 2 mm, the edge flame is quenched by wall heat loss, and the overall flame spread behavior is two-dimensional. Then, the edge flame appears after the air gap distance exceeds 2 mm, resulting in a sharp increase in FSR. This critical air gap distance for the onset of edge flame is less sensitive to the sample thickness. Finally, as the air gap distance continues to increase, the FSR gradually approaches the asymptotic value of the uninhibited sample. With the increase in air gap distance, thermally-thin assumption loses validity as a result of the reduction in residence time of solid phase (larger FSR). To interpret the general trend of FSR with respect to air gap distance, a modified flame spread model based on conventional thermal theory is developed. The effect of air gap distance on flame spread along sample edge is characterized by two correction factors, one of which describes solid surface curvature at sample edge, the other of which is the effective flame temperature considering the heat loss from the spreading flame to the metal wall. The new model well reproduces the experimental results, and further supports the significance of heat loss in the trend of flame spread rate. This work helps to understand the flame spread mechanism under effects of solid surface curvature and heat loss, while also providing scientific support for optimization of material flammability testing standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart foams were fabricated by using a novel switchable surfactant, AZO-B4, which contains tertiary amine and azobenzene groups corresponding to CO 2 /N 2 and photo stimuli. The foamability and foam stability of AZO-B4 is similar as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). On the one hand, the foam is reversible response to CO 2 /N 2 . On the other hand, the foam can be reversible triggered by UV irradiation. All the foaming/defoaming can be performed at room temperature. The multi-stimuli responsive systems can fine wide application in industries where stabilization and destabilization of foams are both desired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Concurrent flame spread behaviors over glass fiber reinforced composites were explored. • GFUPR-ATH/MH has a higher flame spread rate than GFUPR under external airflow and radiation. • A theoretical analysis of concurrent flame spread over composites was performed. • Decomposition of ATH/MH may cause a larger total flame heat feedback in preheat zone. This paper reports an experimental investigation of concurrent flame spread over composites, for the first time, with combined flame retardants and external radiation factors. Glass fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester resins without flame retardants (GFUPR) as well as those containing aluminum hydroxide (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MH), which were utilized widely in modern high-speed train, were systematically explored. Infrared measurement was employed to track the displacement of pyrolysis front. Because of the dilution of H 2 O generated during the decomposition of ATH and MH, the flame temperature (T f) of GFUPR-ATH/MH is thought to be lower than that of GFUPR. Nonetheless, the most noteworthy finding is that the flame spread rate, flame preheat length and flame height for GFUPR-ATH/MH could be larger than that of GFUPR if concurrent airflow velocity exceeds 0.5 m/s under high external radiation. To interpret this unexpected while practically important phenomena, theoretical analysis based on the heat/mass transfer theory is established to explore the general mechanism. It is concluded that in the transition from natural-convection to forced-convection, the different in the flame convection in burning zone between the sample with high T f (i.e. GFUPR) and the sample with low T f (i.e. GFUPR-ATH/MH), will decrease rapidly. It is primarily because the sample with low T f is earlier to enter in the region where forced-convection is controlled as the airflow velocity increases. The critical parameter (Fr 2 Re)-1 = 1 could be used to characterize this transition. As a result, in forced-convection region, the role of thermal conductivity of the fuel-gas mixture (k mix) may emerge, that the sample with high k mix but low T f (i.e. GFUPR-ATH/MH) may impart more heat to burning zone than the sample with low k mix but high T f (i.e. GFUPR), generating more combustible gases in the burning zone hence larger flame heat feedback to preheat zone. Moreover, this effect will be reinforced by the larger flame preheat length of GFUPR-ATH/MH, due to the temperature dependency of molecular diffusivity. This mechanism analysis is well corroborated by the experimental results. This new finding may facilitate understanding of the effect of flame retardants on the heat/mass transfer mechanism in flame spread under concurrent airflow and external radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upward- (UFS) and downward (DFS) flame spread along a vertical installed electrical wire has been examined experimentally to gain better understandings of the heat transfer mechanism and burning behavior over electrical wires. UFS is considered as a much more hazardous fire scenario than DFS, however, UFS over electrical wires was very limited addressed. Fundamentally, the controlling heat transfer boundary over the preheating zone, hence the flame spread behaviors are quite different between DFS and UFS. This problem is more complicated for an electrical wire, for which the metal conduction is involved additionally, playing an important role in the heat transfer process. Thirteen types of polyethylene-insulated electrical wires with Cu- and NiCr-core were used to investigate the effect of metal core thermal conduction and wire configuration for both UFS and DFS. During the flame spread process, the pyrolysis length of UFS was enlarged, while only portion of virgin material of DFS were burnt as the result of distinct dripping. By further concerning the curvature effect, the dependence of the flame length on heat release rate per unit width (i.e. perimeter for cylinder) can be well explained by non-dimensional analysis. It turns out that the growth of flame length will be restrained as radius decreases significantly, and can be categorized in to two regions, one is controlled by laminar molecular diffusion followed the other controlled by turbulent entrainment. The variation of flame spread rate (FSR) with wire configuration and metal core thermal conduction are well interpreted by a theoretical model, which describes the heat recirculation through flame-insulation-core comprehensively based on thermodynamics theories, and attempts to consider the effects of temperature gap between core and insulation at pyrolysis front, burning fraction and melting heat. The validity of this new model is well confirmed by measured FSR. An important finding is that a highly conductive core will trigger an acceleration of FSR over the wire, primarily because heat flux in gas phase is more sensitive to the change of core thermal conductivity than heat conduction through core. Even though the heat diffusion length increases at the same time, however, the heat flux in gas phase grows faster than the corresponding heat loss through core, thereby compensate the corresponding heat loss. This work could facilitate understanding of heat transfer mechanism and burning behavior not only on the electrical wires, but also on the composite material with high thermal-conductive media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CdS QDs intercalated laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts was prepared. • CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 shows highly photocatalytic activity and reusability to amoxicillin. • CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 expand interlayer space to increase the accessible active sites. • CdS QDs intercalated structure prevent its agglomeration and shedding to stability. • The hydrogen bond of NH 4 + from CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 and AMX is favorable to pre-adsorption. Due to their solubility and structural perseverance, the deleterious amoxicillin (AMX) residuals in aqueous environment are awfully difficult to be contaminated and thus it is great challenge to design and construct photocatalysts with the advantages of highly efficiency, eco-friendliness, and easy feasibility. Here we have prepared an intercalated CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 composite by implanting CdS quantum dots into the laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts with a facile heating reflux method. The special ultrathin layer structures provided larger surface area, the accelerated separation and transfer of charges, and the abundant active sites to photo-degrade AMX. The optimal composite 6-CdS/NH 4 V 4 O 10 presented a best degradation performance (94.4% removal rate with 5 wt% AMX) and high reusable stability. The investigation on the photodegradation mechanism revealed that the intercalation of CdS quantum dots into the laminar ultrathin NH 4 V 4 O 10 nanobelts could not only expand interlayer space to increase the accessible active sites, but also well prevent CdS quantum dots agglomeration and shedding. In addition, in such architecture, the oxidation ability is maintained while the photo-excited hole and electrons is well separated. And all these contributes to the enhanced photocatalytic activity and lastingly stability. Our work provides a new design idea to prepare a kind of the intercalated composite with laminar ammonium vanadium bronze by implanting superfine semiconductor and apply them to purify the deleterious and perseverance pollutants with a lasting reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the sample thickness effect on the concurrent flame steady spread behavior. Two configurations, ceiling flame and floor flame, as the fundamental diffusion combustion problems and representative scenarios of horizontal flame spread, are concerned herein. PMMA samples with thickness (δ) of 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 mm were employed including both thermally-thin and thermally-thick conditions. A wind tunnel was used to provide the uniform concurrent airflow ranging from 0.3 m/s to 1.2 m/s in 0.3 m/s intervals. Flame characteristics and basic parameters to quantify the flame steady spread process have been studied, including flame spread rate (FSR), equivalent pyrolysis length as well as heat flux feedback in both pyrolysis and preheating zones. Results show that FSR decreases with sample thickness, being more sensitive to sample thickness for ceiling flame configuration than that for floor flame configuration. Equivalent pyrolysis length increases with sample thickness and ceiling flame's equivalent pyrolysis length is larger than floor flame's. Convection feedback is dominant under concurrent airflow regardless of the flame configuration, airflow velocity or sample thickness. In pyrolysis zone, the total heat flux to fuel surface of ceiling flame configuration is larger than that of floor flame configuration for thin samples due to buoyancy, but it decreases rapidly as sample thickness increases. In preheating zone, the heat flux decreases in power law for ceiling flame configuration while a piece-wise fitting is found for floor flame configuration, which is interpreted based on their inherent flame characteristic difference hence the thermal boundary layer conditions between these two configurations. To analyze the sample thickness effect on concurrent flame spread, a characteristic solid temperature (T *) is proposed by theoretical analysis, as an essential parameter to be used in the concurrent flame spread model to represent the coupling effect of heat input in gas phase and in-depth heat loss into the solid phase (or namely thermal inertia controlled by a characteristic thermal penetration depth). The calculated non-dimensional characteristic solid temperature (θ) shows to be less sensitive to flame configuration and concurrent airflow velocity for relatively thicker samples because the thermal penetration depth will tend to approach a limit. A general trend of its variation with sample thickness (δ) can be employed to predict the heat loss into solid phase and its predictive capability is verified by the experimental results. This work advances the fundamental understanding of the sample thickness effect on concurrent flame spread mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxicity of triclosan (TCS) to various aquatic organisms has been demonstrated at environmental concentrations. However, the effects and mechanisms of TCS on toxic cyanobacteria remains largely unexplored. This study investigated the physiological and molecular variations in two representative toxic Microcystis species (M. aeruginosa and M. viridis) under exposure to TCS for 12 d. Our findings demonstrated that the median effective concentration (EC 50) of TCS for both Microcystis species were close to the levels detected in the environment (M. aeruginosa : 9.62 μg L−1; M. viridis : 27.56 μg L−1). An increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in Microcystis , resulting in oxidative damage when exposed to TCS at concentrations ranging from 10 μg L−1 to 50 μg L−1. The photosynthetic activity of Microcystis had a certain degree of recovery capability at low concentrations of TCS. Compared to M. aeruginosa , the higher recovery capability of the photosynthetic system in M. viridis would be mainly attributed to the increased ability for PSII repair and phycobilisome synthesis. Additionally, the synthesis of microcystins in the two species and the release rate in M. viridis significantly increased under 10–50 μg L−1 TCS. At the molecular level, exposure to TCS at EC 50 for 12 d induced the dysregulation of genes associated with photosynthesis and antioxidant system. The upregulation of genes associated with microcystin synthesis and nitrogen metabolism further increased the potential risk of microcystin release. Our results revealed the aquatic toxicity and secondary ecological risks of TCS at environmental concentrations, and provided theoretical data with practical reference value for TCS monitoring. [Display omitted] • Triclosan inhibited the growth and of Microcystis at environmental concentrations. • Triclosan induced dysregulation of genes related to photosynthetic system. • Antioxidant system systems were activated by triclosan. • Triclosan induced increase of microcystins (MCs) synthesis genes and MCs production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reverse saturable absorption effect of real saturable absorber on conventional and dissipative solitons is investigated. • Reverse saturable absorption effect clamps peak power of conventional and dissipative solitons. • Revealing the role of reverse saturable absorption effect in different mode-locked regimes. We numerically investigate the influence of the reverse saturable absorption effect of real saturable absorbers on conventional and dissipative solitons. The results show that the reverse saturable absorption effect leads to more loss and clamps peak power of both conventional and dissipative solitons, but plays different roles on their properties. When the cavity operates at conventional solitons state, the reverse saturable absorption effect restricts the maximum pulse energy to less than 0.1 nJ, facilitates the formation of multiple solitons, but maintains the time-bandwidth product close to 0.315, indicating the pulses maintain the sech2 shape. While the cavity operates at dissipative solitons state, the reverse saturable absorption effect increases the maximum pulse energy from 11 to 13 nJ and plays a key role in transforming the pulse states, which further facilitates the generation of dissipative soliton resonance pulses. In addition, the reason of the different influences on pulses in two mode-locked regimes is also discussed. Our results reveal the role and promote the rational use of the reverse saturable absorption effect in different mode-locked regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the effect of environmental wind and fuel inclined angle on concurrent flame spread behaviors along PMMA surface. During the experiments, wind velocity varies from 0 m/s (still air) to 2.0 m/s. Fuel inclined angle ranges from 0° (horizontal) to 90° (vertical). Measurements and analysis focus on the evolution of flame spread rate, flame shape parameters (flame height, preheating length) and heat flux distribution in preheating zone. Under wind effect, flame spread rate increases with wind velocity for 0° ∼ 75°, and decreases for 75° ∼ 90°, indicating the competing mechanisms of wind on flame spread process. The evolution of flame height and preheating length with wind velocity shows opposite trend at different fuel inclined angles, which is due to the coupling mechanism of environmental wind on flame diffusion combustion process. Theoretical models of flame height and preheating length are proposed combining thermal buoyancy effect and wind effect. Heat flux distribution in preheating region is shown to be of power function with downstream distance. The average preheating flux is constant with preheating length and fuel inclined angle for fixed flame tilt angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover Feature: Insight into the Selective Conversion via a Steered Adsorption and Protonation from Tantalates-based Solid Acid's Intrinsic Proton for Hydride-transfer Reduction (ChemCatChem 13/2020) Keywords: tantalic acid(H2Ta2O6) supporter; hydride-transfer reaction; reusability; structural H species EN tantalic acid(H2Ta2O6) supporter hydride-transfer reaction reusability structural H species 3333 3333 1 07/08/20 20200706 NES 200706 B The Cover Feature b shows a selective conversion of nitroarenes to aminoarenes via a steered adsorption from tantalates-based solid acid's intrinsic proton. Tantalic acid(H2Ta2O6) supporter, hydride-transfer reaction, reusability, structural H species. [Extracted from the article]

• SMF has been synthesized by a silane hydrolysis-thermal solidification method. • SMF can effectively eliminate crude oil contamination in both water and soil. • Remove oily contaminates from the soil by modifying the adhesion of soil through regulating the water content of the soil. Crude oil pollution in water and soil has resulted in considerable environmental damage. The utilization of hydrophobic and oleophilic sponge materials for the treatment of crude oil pollution has garnered significant interest, owing to their excellent selective adsorption performance. In this paper, superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponges (SMF) are prepared by a simple silane hydrolysis-thermal curing method, which is low-cost, environmentally friendly, large-scale preparation, acid and alkali-resistant, and mechanically stable. They can be used for the remediation of oil pollutants in water and soil simultaneously, and show high efficiency, excellent stability, and biosafety. Under appropriate circumstances, SMF is capable of adsorbing up to 82.7 g/g of crude oil in water and eliminating over 70.0 % of crude oil in soil, while exhibiting exceptional recycling performance. Notably, this study introduces a novel technique that alters soil viscosity by controlling soil water content, in conjunction with SMF, for the removal of crude oil in soil. Consequently, SMF shows great promise for practical application in the remediation of oil pollutants in both water and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glutathione peroxisomal‐5 (Gpx5) promotes the elimination of H2O2 or organic hydrogen peroxide, and plays an important role in the physiological process of resistance to oxidative stress (OS). To directly and better understand the protection of Gpx5 against OS in epididymal cells and sperm, we studied its mechanism of antioxidant protection from multiple aspects. To more directly investigate the role of Gpx5 in combating oxidative damage, we started with epididymal tissue morphology and Gpx5 expression profiles in combination with the mouse epididymal epithelial cell line PC1 (proximal caput 1) expressing recombinant Gpx5. The Gpx5 is highly expressed in adult male epididymal caput, and its protein signal can be detected in the sperm of the whole epididymis. Gpx5 has been shown to alleviate OS damage induced by 3‐Nitropropionic Acid (3‐NPA), including enhancing antioxidant activity, reducing mitochondrial damage, and suppressing cell apoptosis. Gpx5 reduces OS damage in PC1 and maintains the well‐functioning extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by PC1, and the additional epididymal EVs play a role in the response of sperm to OS damage, including reducing plasma membrane oxidation and death, and increasing sperm motility and sperm‐egg binding ability. Our study suggests that GPX5 plays an important role as an antioxidant in the antioxidant processes of epididymal cells and sperm, including plasma membrane oxidation, mitochondrial oxidation, apoptosis, sperm motility, and sperm‐egg binding ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses a collection of chronic inflammatory conditions impacting the gastrointestinal tract, with a discernible global rise in prevalence and severity. The overabundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the intestinal environment leads disruption of local redox homeostasis, and perturbation of the gut microbiota, exacerbating IBD. Consequently, mitigating excess ROS and preserving gut microbiota homeostasis have emerged as effective approaches for IBD management. In this study, a triangular DNA origami nanostructure loaded with siRNA targeting tumor necrosis factor α (siTNF‐αtDON) is introduced for this purpose. This nanostructure demonstrates efficacy in eliminating ROS within cells closely associated with IBD, diminishing inflammation, and ameliorating disorders in gut microbiota, as evidenced in an IBD mouse model. Furthermore, this investigation demonstrates the effects of siTNF‐αtDON on related inflammatory signaling pathways, including NF‐κB, MAPK/ERK and Keap1/Nrf2. Collectively, this study offers insights into the potential utilization of DNA nanostructures as antioxidants and gut microbiota modulators, presenting promising avenues for the IBD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple hydrothermal method and wet chemical method were both used to synthesize a novel SFO/BMO heterojunction, which was applied to the degradation of tetracycline (TC) in wastewater. Compared with the pure catalyst, the composite heterojunction catalyst can significantly improve the photodegradation efficiency. Under simulated sunlight, the degradation rate of TC by the composite with 30 wt% SFO mass could reach 77%, which was 20.8% higher than that of pure BMO and 50.4% higher than that of pure SFO. This is attributed to the low recombination rate of photogenerated electron-holes and the reduction in the band gap width caused by the synergy of BMO and SFO. At the same time, this phenomenon was confirmed by a series of characterizations, including XRD, SEM, XPS, FT-IR and UV–Vis, as well as analysis of the catalytic mechanism. The study provides a theoretical basis for the discovery of diverse photocatalysts. The heterojunction Bi2MoO6/SrFeO3-x is formed to reduce the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-holes, thereby improving the degradation efficiency of the original Bi2MoO6 to tetracycline wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• New strategy to disrupt planarity and obtain available color. • pQ3TQ exhibited magenta-to-transmissive with excellent EC performances. • Novel ECS bifunctional materials were prepared. • pQ3TQ has large area capacitance for 2.47 mF·cm−2. • Completing the CMY palette through electropolymerization. Developing electropolymerized magenta-to-transmissive electrochromic polymers is crucial in completing the CMY color palette. In this paper, three pure donor-type monomers (E3TE, Q3TQ and pro3Tpro) with various degrees of twisting blocks as peripheral electropolymerization units (EDOT/Prodot-Me 2 /proDot) and terthiophene (3T) as the central nucleus have been synthesized. Moreover, the corresponding polymers (pE3TE, pQ3TQ) were prepared via electropolymerization successfully. The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of both polymers were systematically investigated. Introducing the 3, 4-propylenedioxythiophene into 3T yields pQ3TQ with heightened degrees of twisting along the polymer backbone, slightly increasing the onsets of oxidation and blue-shifting the absorption precisely. The neutral polymer colors were fine-tunable from purple to magenta while maintaining transmissive oxidized states from pE3TE to pQ3TQ. The pQ3TQ has low oxidation potential (less than 1 V (E vs Ag/AgCl)), fast-switching time (0.63 s/0.29 s at 531 nm), reasonable optical contrast (31.9 % at 531 nm), good optical memory, excellent coloring efficiency (479.9 cm2/C), robust cycle stability (600 cycles) and large area specific capacitance (2.47 mF/cm2). This work provides a novel strategy to precisely disrupt planarity to obtain available color adjustment of electropolymerized polymer films and also provides an electrochromic-supercapacitor bifunctional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of infectious diseases has risen in recent years, leading to a significant surge in the demand for medical molecular detection. High-throughput molecular detection platforms play a crucial role in facilitating rapid and efficient molecular detection. Among the various techniques employed in high-throughput molecular detection, microliquid transfer stands out as one of the most frequently utilized methods. However, ensuring the accuracy of liquid transfer poses a challenge due to variations in the physical and chemical properties of different samples and reagents. In this study, a pipetting complementation model was developed specifically for the serum, paraffin oil, and throat swabs. The aim was to enhance the transfer accuracy of diverse liquids in the context of high-throughput molecular detection, ultimately ensuring detection reliability and stability. The experimental findings revealed notable improvements in pipetting accuracy after compensating for the three liquids. In particular, the pipetting error rates decreased by 52.5, 96, and 71.4% for serum, paraffin oil, and throat swabs, respectively. These results underscore the model's effectiveness in providing reliable support for the precise transfer of liquids on the high-throughput molecular detection platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although lithium metal has long been regarded as a promising anode material for high-energy density batteries due to its high specific capacity and low potential, the safety hazard caused by uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites limited its practical applications. Herein, we developed a hierarchical heterostructure consisted of the carbon fiber cloth (CFC) core with good conductivity and the treated metal-organic frameworks (tMOFs) sheath with poor conductivity (CFC-tMOFs). In this structure, not only the conductivity changing interface trapped lithium inside the porous sheath, guiding uniform lithium nucleation, but also the tMOFs sheath served as a persistent buffer layer to confine subsequent deposition of lithium, avoiding the formation of lithium dendrites. Consequently, lithium dendrites were efficiently eliminated with a uniform lithium deposition of 5 mAh cm−2, and this matrix exhibited superior cycling stability with a high coulombic efficiency of 99% over 500 cycles with 1 mAh cm−2. A CFC-tMOFs matrix with the conductivity changing interface and hierarchical heterostructure is achieved. Such unique features not only enable to confined and homogenous deposition of lithium, but also resolved volume change of lithium during cycling process. Consequently, this matrix reveals superior cycling stability with a high coulombic efficiency of 99% over 500 cycles with 1 mAh cm−2. Image 1 • Developed a hierarchical heterostructure with superiorly conductive carbon fiber cores and poorly conductive tMOFs sheaths. • The heterostructure trapped lithium onto carbon fiber cores via the conductivity changing interface. • The tMOFs sheath as a persistent buffer layer confined lithium deposition, avoiding the formation of lithium dendrites. • The heterostructure shown superior cycling stability including a coulombic efficiency of 99% over 500 cycles with 1 mAh cm-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The synergistic effect of RL and magnetic powder is greater than the single effect. • RL-MMBR coupled system can enhance the degradation of pollution. • RL-MMBR coupled system can alleviate membrane fouling. • RL and magnetic powder can enhance microbial activity in the sludge mixture. • RL and magnetic powder can reduce the attachment of microorganisms on the membrane. This study constructed a rhamnolipid-magnetic membrane reactor (RL-MMBR) coupled system to investigate the effects of RL and magnetic powder on membrane fouling alleviation and wastewater treatment efficiency. The optimal concentration was determined by comparing the effects of different concentrations of RL and magnetic powder as well as single and mixed injection on the operation performance. The effects of RL and magnetic powder on pollutant degradation and membrane fouling were investigated at the optimum concentration (300 mg/L RL + 120 mg/L Fe 3 O 4). It was found that the time for TMP to reach 30 kpa in RL-MMBR was 7 days longer than that in CMBR. In the RL-MMBR, the concentration of SMP declined from 13.22 mg/L to 6.75 mg/L and the concentration of LB-EPS decreased from 14.37 mg/L to 7.95 mg/L, and their concentration in RL-MMBR was gradually lower than that in CMBR. But the concentration of TB-EPS in RL-MMBR was always greater than that of CMBR. The sludge particle size in RL-MMBR was gradually larger than that in CMBR. The overall COD removal rate of RL-MMBR (95 %-98 %) was better than that of CMBR (91 %-95 %). The synergistic effect increased the species abundance and diversity of microorganisms in the sludge mixture, but reduced the enrichment of microorganisms on the membrane, especially reduced the adhesion of high-viscosity microorganism Proteobacteria to the membrane. The RL-MMBR coupled system improved the degradation efficiency and alleviated the membrane fouling. In addition, the direct dosing of the agent increased the convenience of operation, the recycling of the magnetic powder reduced the operating cost, and the reaction had no secondary pollution. This provided new ideas and theoretical guidance for solving membrane fouling problems in MBR treatment of domestic sewage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, alumina ceramic was bonded to itself with composite foils (Ti/Cu/Ni/Cu/Ti). The thermodynamics analysis indicates that Ti-Cu liquid firstly formed and reacted with alumina to produce Ti 3 Cu 3 O reaction layer. Meanwhile, the consumption of element Ti within the Ti-Cu liquid by Ni interlayer optimized the microstructure of the joint. By thickening Ni interlayer from 0 µm to 100 µm at 1020 ℃, the joints' strength could be significantly improved by 130.6%. While the joints' strength decreased with the decomposition of reaction layer at the brazing temperature higher than 1020 ℃. The FE simulations show that the high-level stress concentration within the reaction layer could be ameliorated by Ni interlayer effectively, which was in accordance with the corresponding fracture characteristics. Although the joint's strength could be improved to 203.9 MPa by using 300 µm Ni interlayer, its improvement rate was limited with Ni interlayer constantly thickening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-derived estrogen is an endogenous neuroprotective agent, whether and how might this protective function with aging, especially postmenopausal drops in circulating estrogen, remain unclear. We herein subjected 6, 14, and 18 Mon female rats to mimic natural aging, and found that estrogen synthesis is more active in the healthy aged brain, as evidenced by the highest levels of mRNA and protein expression of aromatase, the key enzyme of E2 biosynthesis, among the three groups. Aromatase knockout in forebrain neurons (FBN-Aro-/-) impaired hippocampal and cortical neurons, and cognitive function in 18 Mon rats, compared to wild-type controls. Furthermore, estrogen nuclear receptors (ERα/β) displayed opposite changes, with a significant ERα decrease and ERβ increase, while membrane receptor GPR30 expressed stably in hippocampus during aging. Intriguingly, GPR30, but not ERα and ERβ, was decreased by FBN-Aro-/-. The results indicate that GPR30 is more sensitive to brain local E2 synthesis. Our findings provide evidence of a critical role for brain-derived estrogen in maintaining healthy brain function in older individuals, possibly involving GPR30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lensless imaging uses a mask plate instead of a conventional lens and reconstructs an image based on the point spread function (PSF), which allows for a compact optical path. This method relies heavily on accurate estimation of the PSF of the mask plate, which entails meticulous assembly of the mask plate and calibration of the PSF. Computational ghost imaging (CGI) reduces the need for spatial resolution of the detector by modulating the object multiple times. Combining the characteristics of the two methods, we demonstrate a lensless imaging model based on an LED array, named Quasi-Uniform PSF Model. In this model, the PSF is quasi-uniform in the field of view and can be accurately calculated. Inspired by traditional CGI algorithms, we proposed a deconvolution image reconstruction algorithm suitable for our lensless imaging model. The exact PSF of this model is discussed in numerical simulations. We built a prototype, and reconstructed recognizable images with a resolution of 32 × 32 pixels. The results of the experiment were in agreement with the simulation results. Our lensless imaging model eschews lenses, masks, or array detectors, and can evaluate the accurate PSF. • A new lensless imaging system based on computational ghost imaging and LED array. • Proposed a Quasi-Uniform PSF model for deconvolution reconstruction. • Reconstructed images are 50% max more accurate than computational ghost imaging. • The new system is lighter and more compact. • There is enormous potential to improve imaging quality and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A telomerase‐responsive DNA icosahedron was designed to precisely release caged platinum nanodrugs into cisplatin‐resistance tumor cells for effective therapy. This DNA icosahedron was constructed from two pyramidal DNA cages connected with telomerase primers and telomeric repeats, and platinum nanodrugs were then encapsulated into the DNA structure. In the presence of telomerase, the primers are extended, leading to inner‐chain substitution of the DNA icosahedron and subsequent release of the caged nanodrugs. This DNA icosahedron can precisely release caged nanodrugs in response to telomerase in tumor cells, giving enhanced anticancer efficacy in drug‐resistant carcinoma and with reduced toxicity to normal tissues. We speculate that this precisely designed, well controlled DNA cage could be generalized to diverse anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A telomerase‐responsive DNA icosahedron was designed to precisely release caged platinum nanodrugs into cisplatin‐resistance tumor cells for effective therapy. This DNA icosahedron was constructed from two pyramidal DNA cages connected with telomerase primers and telomeric repeats, and platinum nanodrugs were then encapsulated into the DNA structure. In the presence of telomerase, the primers are extended, leading to inner‐chain substitution of the DNA icosahedron and subsequent release of the caged nanodrugs. This DNA icosahedron can precisely release caged nanodrugs in response to telomerase in tumor cells, giving enhanced anticancer efficacy in drug‐resistant carcinoma and with reduced toxicity to normal tissues. We speculate that this precisely designed, well controlled DNA cage could be generalized to diverse anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate semantic segmentation of point cloud data is the basis for their application in the inspection of extra high-voltage transmission lines (EHVTL). As deep learning evolves, point-wise-based deep neural networks have shown great potential for the semantic segmentation of EHVTL point clouds. However, EHVTL point cloud data are characterized by a large data volume and significant class imbalance. Therefore, the down-sampling method and point cloud feature extraction method used in current point-wise-based deep neural networks hardly meet the needs of computational accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we proposed a two-step down-sampling method and a point cloud feature extraction method based on local feature aggregation of the point clouds after down-sampling in each layer of the model (LFAPAD). We then established a deep neural network named PowerLine-Net for the semantic segmentation of the EHVTL point clouds. Furthermore, in order to test and analyze the performance of PowerLine-Net, we constructed a point cloud dataset for the EHVTL scenes. Using this dataset and the Semantic3D dataset, we implemented network parameter testing, semantic segmentation, and an accuracy comparison of different networks based on PowerLine-Net. The results illustrate that the semantic segmentation model proposed in this paper has a high computational efficiency and accuracy in the semantic segmentation of EHVTL point clouds. Compared with conventional deep neural networks, including PointCNN, KPConv, SPG, PointNet++, and RandLA-Net, PowerLine-Net also achieves a higher accuracy in the semantic segmentation of EHVTL point clouds. Moreover, based on the results predicted by PowerLine-Net, the risk point detection for EHVTL point clouds has been achieved, which demonstrates the important value of this network in practical applications. In addition, as shown by the results of Semantic3D, PowerLine-Net also achieves a high segmentation accuracy, which proves its powerful capability and wide applicability in semantic segmentation for the point clouds of large-scale scenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, a novel composite proton exchange membrane with heterogeneous dual-interface proton transport channels are constructed by impregnating γ-polyglutamic acid functionalized cellulose whiskers/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibers (PGA@CW/PVDF) into the sulfonated polysulfone matrix through a micro-impregnation method. The heterogeneous dual-interfaces generate enriched proton acceptors and donors facilitating the proton conduction, which is clarified by calculating the activation energy barriers of different proton transport pathway via density functional theory. The composite membrane with 15% content of PGA@CW/PVDF demonstrates a high proton conductivity of 0.582 S cm−1 (80 °C). Benefiting from the combined physicochemical and structural advantages of PGA@CW/PVDF and the matrix, the composite membrane achieves a low methanol permeability of 2.05 × 10−7 cm2 s−1, an enhanced tensile strength of 44.61 MPa, and a competitive power density of 201.14 mW cm−2. This study demonstrates a promising prospect in direct methanol fuel cell application. [Display omitted] • PVDF/Cellulose whiskers core-shell nanofibers are fabricated. • PGA@CW/PVDF constructs heterogeneous dual-interface proton transport channels. • The activation energy barrier between PGA and SPS is calculated by DFT. • The composite membrane demonstrates ultrahigh proton conductivity of 0.582 S cm−1. • The composite membrane demonstrates low methanol permeability of 2.05 10−7 cm2 s−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Tunnel wall incident heat flux exposed to an adjacent fire was investigated. • Special flame bifurcation phenomenon was observed in mild longitudinal velocity. • Flame behaviors were identified into three regimes according to the force status. • Heat flux declined with the increased burner-wall distance at a fixed longitudinal flow. • Normalized peak heat fluxes show non-monotonic trend under longitudinal flow. An understanding of sidewall incident heat flux exposed to an adjacent fire source is important for evaluating flame wall interactions and the performance of structural systems in longitudinally ventilated tunnels. This work experimentally investigated the total heat flux profiles from an adjacent fire to a tunnel wall surface under the action of longitudinal flow velocity ranging from 0 to 2.5 m/s. A total of 192 tests were conducted, in which the separation distances between the fire and sidewall were also varied (5∼15 cm). Square sand-filled burners with dimensions of 5 and 10 cm were placed near the wall at four heat release rates (11.67, 17.43, 23.33, and 29.16 kW) to generate buoyant-controlled diffusion flames, and gaseous propane was employed as the fuel. Flame morphological behavior was recorded by two digital cameras from both the side view and downstream view. The heat flux profiles on the sidewall surface were measured by a total of 48 heat flux gauges. The flame transition behavior from persistent touching-wall flame to non-touching conditions, was discussed based on the analysis of the interactions among the longitudinal flow inertia, buoyancy and pressure thrust. The heat flux mappings of the wall surface were obtained for different burner-sidewall distances and heat release rates, which were consistent with the flame morphological behavior. The location of the peak heat flux migrated downstream at lower heights with increasing longitudinal flow velocity. In still air, the peak total heat fluxes upon the wall surface decreased with increasing separation distance, and raised with increasing heat release rate. Then, a correlation of the peak heat flux in still air was developed to describe the data well in the current work. While peak total heat fluxes presented an earlier increasing and later decreasing trend with a modified Froude number u 2/ gS under the effect of longitudinal flow velocity, which was well interpreted based on the change in radiative and convective heating effects on the wall surface, together with the cooling effect caused by forced flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jet fire including process pipeline/tank leakage, oil exploitation industry of tail gas treatment flare or other industrial combustors as a common phenomenon can be found at high altitude areas. This work characterizes the flame trajectory evolution of horizontal jet fires under reduced pressures, which is rarely studied. The experimental results show that the horizontal flame projection distance increases monotonously, but the vertical flame length first increases and afterward decreases with the increase of heat release rate and the decrease of ambient pressure. Meanwhile, flame trajectory length increases significantly and then slowly with increasing heat release rate, but first increases to a maximum value and afterward declines with decreasing ambient pressure. Meanwhile, the turning point of vertical flame length appears earlier than that of flame trajectory length with increasing heat release rate (or jet velocity at source) and decreasing ambient pressure. Then, a mathematical model based on the flame arc hypothesis and a dimensionless model were proposed to describe the flame trajectory length, the momentum-buoyancy length scale L m = (M 0 / g ′) 1 / 3 was used to normalize the flame trajectory length. The measured flame trajectory length in terms of the nozzle diameter, heat release rate, and ambient pressure was satisfactorily correlated by the proposed models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flame spread and extinction behavior are significantly influenced by both fuel inclination and wind velocity, however, the coupling effect of two has not been well quantified yet. In this paper, downward flame spread and extinction over inclined electrical wire under horizontal wind is investigated. Polyethylene(PE)-insulated wires (0.5 mm/0.15 mm in core diameter/insulation thickness) of two representative core materials (Copper/Nickel-Chrome: high/low conductivity) are used as samples. Flame geometrical characteristics (flame length L f , pyrolysis length L p , gas-phase thermal length L g), as well as the flame spread rate (FSR) are quantified. Results show that as the horizontal wind velocity increases, FSR demonstrates a non-monotonic trend before extinction, where four regimes are identified based on different heat transfer controlling mechanisms. On the other hand, FSR of Cu-core wire and NiCr-core wire show different dependence on inclination angle. FSR reaches the maximum when the flame is pushed by the horizontal wind to be parallel to wire, which can be explained by a balance of horizontal wind and buoyancy-induced flow (i.e. inclination). A quantified model based on the three characteristic lengths (L f , L p , L g) and a proposed mixed-convective coefficient h m i x combining the effect of inclination angle and wind velocity is established. The proposed model well represents the experimental FSR and interprets the controlling heat transfer mechanism. Moreover, the extinction limit is represented by a heat loss factor R l o s s as a function of strain rate a , showing an enhanced quenching effect and a weakened blow-off effect with increased inclination angle. The flame with Cu-core is more difficult to extinguish at small inclination but becomes easier at large inclination than that with NiCr-core, indicating a transition of inner core role from "heat source" to "heat sink". This work provides essential knowledge on flame spread and extinction mechanism over inclined fuel under wind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mass-flow-rate characteristics of high-pressure pneumatic servo valves (HPSVs) have an important effect on the dynamic performance of high-pressure servo systems. However, these characteristics are difficult to obtain by theoretical calculations and flowmeter measurements owing to the compressibility of high-pressure gas. In this paper, a new measurement method of the mass-flow-rate characterization parameters of HPSVs is proposed based on the principle of the series connection sonic discharge of valve orifices. The effective cross-sectional area and critical pressure ratio of the servo valve orifices can be accurately and efficiently determined by connecting two valve orifices in series and exchanging the flow sequence of the two valve orifices. The two assumptions including the sonic and adiabatic discharge of the proposed measurement method were verified. A comparison between the test and simulation data showed that the accuracy of the measured effective cross-sectional area and critical pressure ratio of the HPSV was high. The measured critical pressure ratio ranged from 0.46 to 0.50, and the flow coefficient represented by the effective cross-sectional area variation decreased with increasing valve opening. These findings have general implications for the accurate design, analysis, and control of high-pressure pneumatic servo systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fuel inclination and wind velocity play a significant role on the forward flame spread behavior. It deserves further study since the heat transfer mechanism and flame spread characteristics coupled these two factors are not clear yet. In this paper, a thermally thin slab of PMMA that could be inclined from a horizontal (0°) to a vertical (90°) angle is used to investigate flame spread behavior under the condition of the concurrent ambient airflow. A wind tunnel is utilized to provide a uniform concurrent airflow, ranging from 0 (quiescent) to 3 m/s with an interval of 0.5 m/s. Essential flame characteristic parameters are collected to quantify the flame spread process, including flame spread rate (FSR), burning rate, heat release rate as well as heat flux feedback both in the pyrolysis and preheating zones. A mechanism, including the competition between the acceleration of buoyancy brought by inclination and the cooling effect of ambient airflow for relatively high wind velocity, is developed. The relationship between flame length and pyrolysis length is investigated. Moreover, the evolution of both heat release rate per unit width and standoff distance as a function of pyrolysis length are analyzed. A dimensionless heat release rate for upward flame at different wind velocities is used to scale the dimensionless flame length with a power-law exponent of 0.77 and −1.92. In addition, the dimensionless heat flux in preheated zone decay with distance as a function of power law. A predictive formulation of FSR coupled with inclination angle and wind velocity is proposed. This study facilitates the understanding of the interaction of fuel inclination angle and horizontal ambient airflow from aspect of heat and mass transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal anodes are promising for application in new‐type secondary batteries. Unfortunately, low cycle life and safety peril induced by uncontrollable dendrites growth and weak solid electrolyte interface (SEI) have blocked their utilization. In this work, an interlamellar lithium‐ion conductor of lithium‐montmorillonite (Li‐MMT) is applied to enhance the SEI properties, inhibit dendrites‐germination, and thus significantly enhance electrochemical performance. Such a well‐designed Li‐MMT SEI not only possesses inherent fast lithium‐ion channels, but also works as a reservoir to supply adequate lithium‐ions in the interlaminations and periphery of Li‐MMT nanosheets, offering fast lithium‐ion transfer in interlaminations and sheet‐to‐sheet. Furthermore, the strong trend of lithium‐ion absorption of Li‐MMT is confirmed by density functional theory calculations and stable lithium deposition under Li‐MMT SEI layer at 10 mA cm−2 is verified via finite element modeling. As a result, a steady lithium deposition process without dendrites is achieved. Coulombic efficiency of the half‐cell accomplishes a mean value of 99.1% over 400 cycles at 1 mA cm−2, while Li‐LiFePO4 full cells show a stable capacity up to 120 mAh g−1 and steady circulation over 400 loops at 1C. This work offers a novel strategy to design a high‐performance SEI layer and suppress dendrite growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]