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Livestock grazing can strongly determine how grasslands function and their role in the carbon cycle. However, how ecosystem carbon exchange responds to grazing and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We measured ecosystem carbon fluxes to explore the changes in carbon exchange and their driving mechanisms under different grazing intensities (CK, control; HG, heavy grazing; LG, light grazing; MG, moderate grazing) based on a 16‐year long‐term grazing experimental platform in a desert steppe. We found that grazing intensity influenced aboveground biomass during the peak growing season, primarily by decreasing shrubs and semi‐shrubs and perennial forbs. Furthermore, grazing decreased net ecosystem carbon exchange by decreasing aboveground biomass, especially the functional group of shrubs and semi‐shrubs. At the same time, we found that belowground biomass and soil ammonium nitrogen were the driving factors of soil respiration in grazed systems. Our study indicates that shrubs and semi‐shrubs are important factors in regulating ecosystem carbon exchange under grazing disturbance in the desert steppe, whereas belowground biomass and soil available nitrogen are important factors regulating soil respiration under grazing disturbance in the desert steppe; this results provide deeper insights for understanding how grazing moderates the relationships between soil nutrients, plant biomass, and ecosystem CO2 exchange, which provide a theoretical basis for further grazing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock grazing can strongly determine how grasslands function and their role in the carbon cycle. However, how ecosystem carbon exchange responds to grazing and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We measured ecosystem carbon fluxes to explore the changes in carbon exchange and their driving mechanisms under different grazing intensities (CK, control; HG, heavy grazing; LG, light grazing; MG, moderate grazing) based on a 16‐year long‐term grazing experimental platform in a desert steppe. We found that grazing intensity influenced aboveground biomass during the peak growing season, primarily by decreasing shrubs and semi‐shrubs and perennial forbs. Furthermore, grazing decreased net ecosystem carbon exchange by decreasing aboveground biomass, especially the functional group of shrubs and semi‐shrubs. At the same time, we found that belowground biomass and soil ammonium nitrogen were the driving factors of soil respiration in grazed systems. Our study indicates that shrubs and semi‐shrubs are important factors in regulating ecosystem carbon exchange under grazing disturbance in the desert steppe, whereas belowground biomass and soil available nitrogen are important factors regulating soil respiration under grazing disturbance in the desert steppe; this results provide deeper insights for understanding how grazing moderates the relationships between soil nutrients, plant biomass, and ecosystem CO2 exchange, which provide a theoretical basis for further grazing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend toward miniaturized and highly integrated chip packaging has created a pressing need for lead-free solders with high strength, toughness, and conductivity. In this paper, we designed a scheme of Al2O3-modified nanomaterial-reinforced low silver Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu (SAC105) solder matrix. To begin with, a novel amorphous carbon and nickel core–shell structure plating modified on Al2O3 (C/Ni/Al2O3) were prepared by the electroless plating method. Then, the nano-C/Ni/Al2O3 particle as reinforcement phase was mixed into the matrix solder alloy by ultrasonic vibration stirring. Finally, the morphology and relationship between coated carbon, deposited nickel and original solder interface were analyzed. The microstructure and main properties of the modified solders were also investigated. The experimental results suggested that amorphous carbon and nickel film were prepared on the surface of Al2O3 by electroless plating method. The outer layer of nano-Al2O3 was coated with non-uniform thickness of nickel and carbon coatings. The mass percentage of amorphous carbon was about 3.50%. Adding C/Ni/Al2O3 (0–0.5%) into the SAC105 solder matrix resulted in a gradual increase in conductivity and wettability. The strength and toughness of the modified solder alloy improved as well with the adjunction of reinforced phase. The tensile fracture surface exhibited from a mixture of ductile and brittle, characterized by dimples and cleavage surface, to a purely ductile mode consisting mainly of dimples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiO-modified Al2O3(NiO–Al2O3) as the reinforcing phase of solder matrix was prepared by impregnation method, and then, the prepared reinforcing phase was mixed with Sn1.0Ag0.5Cu at a mass ratio of 10:1 to conduct soldering experiments. In this study, we discussed the morphology, phase composition and interfacial coherence of nickel oxide nanoparticles during the preparation of reinforcement and then studied the properties of the composite solder with different content NiO–Al2O3. The shear strength of solder joints and the morphology of the intermetallic compound (IMC) layer were also investigated. The results showed that NiO nanoparticles prepared by impregnation method were deposited on the surface of Al2O3, and the interface of NiO–Al2O3 was a semi-coherent interface, which was a good metallurgical bond. When the doping content was 0.7 wt%, the wetting angle was the smallest and the shear strength of solder joint was highest. With the addition of NiO–Al2O3 increased, the scallop-like interface IMC was more continuous and regular under the optimal doping amount (0.7 wt%). Microstructural studies have also shown that NiO–Al2O3 nanoparticles were adsorbed on the surface of the IMC layer, effectively preventing the diffusion of metal atoms. The effect of NiO–Al2O3 addition on shear fracture was described. When the NiO–Al2O3 content was 1 wt%, the reinforcement exhibited obvious agglomeration, which led to an increase in the thickness of the IMC layer and an irregular hill-like interface morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A platoon of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) is one of the promising autonomous-driving applications. Vehicles in a platoon need timely delivery of road-safety information in order to alter their speeds in time and thus maintain the stability of the platoon. The intra-platoon message delivery delay is a critical metric that has a big impact on the maintenance of a platoon's stability. It depends on several system parameters, such as the number of vehicles in a platoon, the intra-platoon spacing, and the distribution of non-platoon vehicles. This paper studies the analysis of the intra-platoon message delivery delay in a platoon of CAVs moving on a highway road. A theoretical analytical model is derived to investigate the impacts of major system parameters on the intra-platoon message delivery delay. The derived analytical model considers a V2V hop-by-hop communication mode and takes into account the effects of both platoon and non-platoon vehicle nodes on channel access contention. The effect of hidden vehicle nodes is also considered. The derived analytical model is validated through simulation results and the impacts of major system parameters on the intra-platoon message delivery delay are investigated through numerical results. The derived analytical model can be used to provide reasonable reference values for system parameter setting in order to maintain the stability of an autonomous-driving platoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new aqueous two-phase system was prepared with piperazinium-based surface-active ionic liquid. • The system was cost-effective, water-rich and near-neutral. • Phase behaviors were systematically investigated and phase separation mechanism was revealed. • The system demonstrated high performance for extractions of two different dyes. Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) as alternatives to traditional liquid–liquid extraction systems have been used intensively in recent years. In this work, a new ATPS composed of a piperazinium-based surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazinium laurate ([HEP][C 11 CO 2 ]), and a commercial cationic surfactant, dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (DDBAC) was prepared. The phase diagram for the ternary system DDBAC + [HEP][C 11 CO 2 ] + H 2 O was determined, and the effects of composition and temperature on phase behaviors and properties were investigated. Phase separation was found spontaneous and thermodynamically favored when the mass fraction of water (w 3) exceeded 0.60, primarily due to the salting-out of the hydrophilic ions [HEP]+ and Cl− in the bottom phase. Micelles were observed in the top phase where high concentrations of the hydrophobic ions [DDBA]+ and [C 11 CO 2 ]− were present. Increasing the water content at a fixed surfactant-to-SAIL molar ratio resulted in a decreased top phase volume, while the extraction efficiency (EE) and the distribution coefficient (D) were both increased for extractions of Basic Blue 7 and Allura Red AC. When w 3 reached 0.96 and the initial concentration of dye was below 1 × 10−4 mol·L−1, the EE values exceeded 98 % with all the D values surpassing 100, indicating the promising potential for SAIL-ATPS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dry skin is a common skin condition caused by reduction of water‐holding capacity, which is regulated by skin barrier function. Dry skin can also be a symptom that indicates a more serious diagnosis. There are a number of moisturizers on the market, which play an important role in dermatologic and cosmetic therapies. However, the demand for these products with good and therapeutic efficiency is still growing. Aims: It remains necessary to investigate the effects of Elaeagnus L gum polysaccharides (EAP), which are prepared from gum of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. on the epidermal permeability barrier function and their possible underlying mechanisms. Patients/Methods: EAP were purified, analyzed, and tested on human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and then on the skin in vivo to evaluate their antiinflammatory activities and their impacts on impaired skin barrier function. Results: Histological analyses revealed that topical administration with EAP effectively attenuated dryness‐like skin condition, including less percutaneous water loss rate, less infiltrate inflammation cells, and less epidermal thickening. Moreover, EAP inhibited the production of various inflammatory mediators and increased AQP‐3, FLG, and LOR expression. Conclusion: Our results indicated that EAP enhances epidermal permeability barrier function, and they can be used as a promising adjuvant agent in skin care cosmetics and in treating some skin disorders characterized by cutaneous inflammation and abnormal barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a near-infrared light-responsive shape memory self-healing coating was prepared using epoxy resin (EP) and GO-PCL/PPy polymer composite as the shape memory matrix and photothermal conversion polymer agent, respectively. Special attention was paid to self-healing performance and corrosion resistance of the coating. The results indicated that the optimal performance of polypyrrole was achieved at the surfactant-pyrrole ratio of 2:1 and the polymerization time of 5 h. The incorporation of GO-PCL/PPy polymer into epoxy composite led to an increase in thermal conductivity of the whole coating. Additionally, the best photothermal conversion effect on epoxy resin was observed at the polymer content of 7 wt%, resulting in a shape recovery rate of 66.67% for the composite material. Moreover, the coating demonstrated the outstanding self-healing performance with a scratch-healing efficiency of up to 80%. Finally, the corrosion resistance of the coating was significantly improved compared to pure epoxy coatings. • The optimal preparation parameters of polypyrrole are obtained. • A near-infrared light-responsive shape memory self-healing coating is prepared. • The composite coating has a scratch-healing efficiency up to 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural selection drives the acquisition of organismal resilience traits to protect against adverse environments. Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is an important evolutionary mechanism for the acquisition of novel traits, including metazoan acquisitions in immunity, metabolic, and reproduction function via interdomain HGT (iHGT) from bacteria. Here, we report that the nematode gene rml‐3 has been acquired by iHGT from bacteria and that it enables exoskeleton resilience and protection against environmental toxins in Caenorhabditis elegans. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that diverse nematode RML‐3 proteins form a single monophyletic clade most similar to bacterial enzymes that biosynthesize L‐rhamnose, a cell‐wall polysaccharide component. C. elegans rml‐3 is highly expressed during larval development and upregulated in developing seam cells upon heat stress and during the stress‐resistant dauer stage. rml‐3 deficiency impairs cuticle integrity, barrier functions, and nematode stress resilience, phenotypes that can be rescued by exogenous L‐rhamnose. We propose that interdomain HGT of an ancient bacterial rml‐3 homolog has enabled L‐rhamnose biosynthesis in nematodes, facilitating cuticle integrity and organismal resilience to environmental stressors during evolution. These findings highlight a remarkable contribution of iHGT on metazoan evolution conferred by the domestication of a bacterial gene. Synopsis: Interdomain horizontal gene transfer (iHGT) between species can sometimes occur in evolution. Here, phylogenetic and experimental analyses reveal a C. elegans gene originating from bacteria that is crucial for exoskeleton resilience against environmental toxins. Evolutionary phylogenetic evidence supports iHGT from bacteria to nematodes for the C. elegans gene rml‐3.The RML‐3 protein participates in L‐rhamnose biosynthesis and is regulated during C. elegans development and upon environmental stress in the cuticle.RML‐3 promotes exoskeletal cuticle integrity, hypodermal barrier functions, and organismal stress resilience against environmental toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new piperazinium-based surface-active ionic liquid (SAIL) is prepared. • High surface activity of the SAIL is revealed. • Different microemulsion systems can be formed with the SAIL and cosurfactant. • Optimal salinity for solubilization of oil and water is determined. • Temperature has significant effect on the microemulsion phase behaviors. The intensive use of ionic liquid (IL) in various researches and applications induces the imperative need of specific functional ILs. Present work introduces a novel piperazinium-based surface-active IL (SAIL) which shows great potential for the preparation of microemulsion (ME), namely 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazinium laurate ([HEP][C 11 CO 2 ]). Important fundamental physicochemical properties have been investigated, revealing higher surface activity for the SAIL than common surfactants. [HEP][C 11 CO 2 ] is able to solubilize different oil components and water with short-chain alcohol as cosurfactant, forming stable ME in a wide range of ratio of water to oil, and a broad microemulsion region covering over 50 % of the pseudo-ternary phase diagram can be found. The structural transition of water-in-oil to bicontinuous occurs at the water content of 0.60 to 0.65 for the SAIL/1-butanol/ n -heptane/water systems at the ratios of SAIL to 1-butanol of 1:1 and 1:2, as confirmed by electrical conductivity measurements. Moreover, the solubilization of oil and water was investigated in the presence of NaCl, KCl or MgCl 2 , and the optimal salinity was determined. While Mg2+ induces formation of emulsion probably due to the poor solubility of Mg2+/[C 11 CO 2 ]− complexes, the ME system is much more stable with the presence of monovalent ions like Na+ and K+. For the NaCl-contained system, the salinity window of the bicontinuous phase changes from 0.030 to 0.025 and 0.020 when the temperature rises from 15 °C to 25 °C and 35 °C, which mainly results from the enhanced hydrophobic interactions and the weakened electrostatic interactions. Present studies elucidate that [HEP][C 11 CO 2 ] is feasible to form various microemulsion systems which may have extensive potential in further applications like size-controlled syntheses and oil recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of N-CDs and its dual-mode sensing mechanism for Fe3+ and FA. [Display omitted] • The dual-mode sensor was developed to detect Fe3+ and folic acid effectively. • The dual-mode sensor enabled the detection of Fe3+ and folic acid in real samples. • Two logic gates are constructed according to dual-mode sensor signals. In this study, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) from pine needles were obtained by one-step hydrothermal synthesis without any chemical reagents. The fluorescence quenching and absorbance enhancement of N-CDs occurred when Fe3+ and folic acid (FA) were added. Based on this, the dual-mode detection sensor by fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry for the determination of Fe3+ and FA was established. Detected by the dual-mode detection sensor under the optimized condition, the linear range of Fe3+ was 0.1–540 μM and FA was 0.1–165 μM. At the same time, the two inputs "NOR" and "OR" logic gates are constructed successfully according to the dual-mode sensor signals. The proposed dual-mode detection sensor is simple, efficient and stable; it can be applied to determinate Fe3+ and FA in practical samples successfully and the results are satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside enriched in the tissues of many edible plants, including seeds of stone fruits such as cherry (Prunus avium), peach (Prunus persica), and apple (Malus domestica). These plants biosynthesize amygdalin in defense against herbivore animals, as amygdalin generates poisonous cyanide upon plant tissue destruction. 1,2,3,4 Poisonous to many animals, amygdalin-derived cyanide is detoxified by potent enzymes commonly found in bacteria and plants but not most animals. 5 Here we show that the nematode C. elegans can detoxify amygdalin by a genetic pathway comprising cysl-1 , egl-9 , hif-1 , and cysl-2. A screen of a natural product library for hypoxia-independent regulators of HIF-1 identifies amygdalin as a potent activator of cysl-2 , a HIF-1 transcriptional target that encodes a cyanide detoxification enzyme in C. elegans. As a cysl-2 paralog similarly essential for amygdalin resistance, cysl-1 encodes a protein homologous to cysteine biosynthetic enzymes in bacteria and plants but functionally co-opted in C. elegans. We identify exclusively HIF-activating egl-9 mutations in a cysl-1 suppressor screen and show that cysl-1 confers amygdalin resistance by regulating HIF-1-dependent cysl-2 transcription to protect against amygdalin toxicity. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that cysl-1 and cysl-2 were likely acquired from green algae through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) and functionally co-opted in protection against amygdalin. Since acquisition, these two genes evolved division of labor in a cellular circuit to detect and detoxify cyanide. Thus, algae-to-nematode HGT and subsequent gene function co-option events may facilitate host survival and adaptation to adverse environmental stresses and biogenic toxins. [Display omitted] • Chemical screens identify amygdalin as a hypoxia-independent activator of HIF-1 • Amygdalin upregulates HIF-1 target gene cysl-2 via CYSL-1 upstream of HIF-1 • CYSL-1, EGL-9, HIF-1, and CYSL-2 act in a cascade to detoxify amygdalin-derived cyanide • cysl genes likely originated from green algae and functionally co-opted since Wang et al. show how plant-derived amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside, is detoxified by the nematode C. elegans through two paralogous genes cysl-1 and cysl-2. Functional and phylogenetic analyses suggest that both genes originated from green algae, likely by horizontal gene transfer, and evolved separate roles by gene co-option for cyanide detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eukaryotic cells, lipid transfer can occur at membrane contact sites (MCS) to facilitate the exchange of various lipids between two adjacent cellular organelle membranes. Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), including shuttle LTP or bridge-like LTP (BLTP), transport lipids at MCS and are critical for diverse cellular processes, including lipid metabolism, membrane trafficking, and cell signaling. BLTPs (BLTP1-5, including the ATG2 and VPS13 family proteins) contain lipid-accommodating hydrophobic repeating β-groove (RBG) domains that allow the bulk transfer of lipids through MCS. Compared with vesicular lipid transfer and shuttle LTP, BLTPs have been only recently identified. Their functions and regulatory mechanisms are currently being unraveled in various model organisms and by diverse approaches. In this review, we summarize the genetics, structural features, and biological functions of BLTP in the genetically tractable model organism C. elegans. We discuss our recent studies and findings on C. elegans LPD-3, a prototypical megaprotein ortholog of BLTP1, with identified lipid transfer functions that are evolutionarily conserved in multicellular organisms and in human cells. We also highlight areas for future research of BLTP using C. elegans and complementary model systems and approaches. Given the emerging links of BLTP to several human diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alkuraya-Kučinskas syndrome, discovering evolutionarily conserved roles of BLTPs and their mechanisms of regulation and action should contribute to new advances in basic cell biology and potential therapeutic development for related human disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How an organism dies is a fundamental yet poorly understood question in biology. An organism can die of many causes, including stress‐induced phenoptosis, also defined as organismic death that is regulated by its genome‐encoded programs. The mechanism of stress‐induced phenoptosis is still largely unknown. Here, we show that transient but severe freezing‐thaw stress (FTS) in Caenorhabditis elegans induces rapid and robust phenoptosis that is regulated by G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. RNAi screens identify the GPCR‐encoding fshr‐1 in mediating transcriptional responses to FTS. FSHR‐1 increases ligand interaction upon FTS and activates a cyclic AMP‐PKA cascade leading to a genetic program to promote organismic death under severe stress. FSHR‐1/GPCR signaling up‐regulates the bZIP‐type transcription factor ZIP‐10, linking FTS to expression of genes involved in lipid remodeling, proteostasis, and aging. A mathematical model suggests how genes may promote organismic death under severe stress conditions, potentially benefiting growth of the clonal population with individuals less stressed and more reproductively privileged. Our studies reveal the roles of FSHR‐1/GPCR‐mediated signaling in stress‐induced gene expression and phenoptosis in C. elegans, providing empirical new insights into mechanisms of stress‐induced phenoptosis with evolutionary implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of lncRNA RP3-340B19.3 on breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis and clinical significance of lncRNA RP3-340B19.3 for breast cancer. Methods: The subcellular localization of lncRNA RP3-340B19.3 was identified using RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The expression of lncRNA RP3-340B19.3 in breast cancer cells, breast cancer tissues, as well as the serum and serum exosomes of breast cancer patients, was measured through quantitative RT-PCR. In the in vitro setting, we conducted experiments to observe the effects of RP3-340B19.3 on both cell migration and proliferation. This was achieved through the utilization of transwell migration assays as well as clone formation assays. Meanwhile, transwell migration assays and clone formation assays were used to observe the effects of MDA-MB-231-exosomes enriched in RP3-340B19.3 on breast cancer microenvironment cells MCF7 and BMMSCs. Additionally, western blotting techniques were used to assess the expression levels of proteins associated with essential cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In vivo, the impact of RP3-340B19.3 knockdown on tumour weight and volume was observed within a nude mice model. We aimed to delve into the intricate molecular mechanisms involving RP3-340B19.3 by using bioinformatics analysis, dual luciferase reporter gene experiments and western blotting. Moreover, the potential correlations between RP3-340B19.3 expression and various clinical pathological characteristics were analyzed. Results: Our investigation revealed that RP3-340B19.3 was expressed in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, with a noteworthy increase in breast cancer cells. Notably, we found that RP3-340B19.3 exerted a promoting influence on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. MDA-MB-231-exosomes enriched in RP3-340B19.3 promoted the proliferation and migration of MCF7 and BMMSCs in vitro. Mechanistically, RP3-340B19.3 demonstrated the capability to modulate the expression of MORC4 by forming a complex with miR-4510. This interaction subsequently triggered the activation of the NF-κB and Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathways. Furthermore, our study highlighted the potential diagnostic utility of RP3-340B19.3. We discovered its presence in the serum and exosomes of breast cancer patients, showing promising efficacy as a diagnostic marker. Notably, the diagnostic potential of RP3-340B19.3 was particularly significant in relation to distinguishing between different pathological types of breast cancer and correlating with tumour diameter. Conclusion: Our findings establish that RP3-340B19.3 plays a pivotal role in driving the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer. Additionally, exosomes enriched in RP3-340B19.3 could influence MCF7 and BMMSCs in tumour microenvironment, promoting the progression of breast cancer. This discovery positions RP3-340B19.3 as a prospective novel candidate for a tumour marker, offering substantial potential in the realms of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of fatigue damage on the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) sensitivity of X80 steel welded joints, obtained using flux-cored arc welding method, were investigated in the study. Results show that both the yield and tensile strength increased for all the hydrogen-charged welded joints and decreased with the accumulation of fatigue damage. The fracture surface is the mixture of local quasi-cleavage (QC) surrounded by shallow dimples ductile fracture for hydrogen-charged welded joints, whilst that of hydrogen-free welded joint is typical dimple ductile fracture. The presence of fisheye morphology might be related to the hydrogen, local strain accumulation in the vicinity of inclusions and dislocations evolution caused by the cyclic load. The mechanism is the synergistic action of hydrogen-enhanced decohesion (HEDE) and hydrogen enhanced localized plasticity (HELP). However, the pinning effect of hydrogen on the dislocation motion is the dominant role. • The yield strength and tensile strength increased after hydrogen charging. • Fatigue damage increased the susceptibility of HE. • The size of fisheyes increased with fatigue damage increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The through-silicon via (TSV) approach is crucial for three-dimensional integrated circuit (3-D IC) packaging technology. However, there are still several challenges in the TSV fabrication process. One of the widely known challenges is via protrusion phenomenon. Annealing a TSV wafer makes the copper (Cu) TSVs under high stress and may form a protrusion where the Cu is extruded out of the TSV structure. The phenomenon occurs because of the large mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion between Cu via and silicon (Si) layer. Cu protrusion is able to cause crack, delamination of the back-end-of-line and short circuit of the chip, thus, it is a dangerous threat to the metal layer interconnect. Experiments are conducted to characterize the protrusion using several techniques. Scanning electron microscope is used to observe the protrusion topography and measure the height. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique is implemented to study the grain size distribution, local texture and microstructure evolution inside Cu vias. For the experiment, arrays of 10 μm diameter TSVs are fabricated and annealed in argon gas environment in six different temperatures. In this paper, finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out to study the Cu protrusion under different annealing conditions. Correlation between numerical results and experimental data is then performed. Based on the verified FEA methodology, several parametric studies are then conducted, including the effects of annealing temperature on Cu protrusion, residual stress distributions of TSV structures. The simulation results are helpful to understand and solve the key problem in TSV fabrication process and reliability challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous monitoring of human sweat, which enables highly sensitive multiple biomarkers analysis with a portable power supply, is increasingly desired for the remote healthcare industry. Smart fibers with on‐demand functionality are ideal candidates for fabricating noninvasive and conformal bioelectronic devices owing to their considerable flexibility. Herein, a multifunctional textile patch based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/tetra‐aniline (TANi) fiber for simultaneous biomarker monitoring and energy supply is reported. Benefiting from the multi‐electrochemical redox states and proton doping/dedoping characteristics of TANi, rGO/TANi hybrid fibers are combined into an energy storage device and biosensor in a physiological environment. GO flakes increase the viscoelasticity of the wet‐spinning dope by regulating the noncovalent interactions between TANi aggregates, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and conductivity of the resulting rGO/TANi hybrid fiber. Consequently, the hybrid fiber exhibits high volumetric capacitance and versatile sensing capability for various physiological analytes, e.g., pH, K+, and glucose in sweat electrolyte. Furthermore, a wireless continuous sweat monitoring system is constructed by integrating the multifunctional fiber sensor into a printed electric circuit board with programmed functionality. Such a delicate integrated design that harnesses the signal collection and communication units is anticipated to facilitate practical applications in personalized diagnostic and physiological health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional TiO2 nanotube array (1D-TNTs) was prepared on the surface of the pure titanium mesh by a simple anodization method, and 2H phase MoS2 (2H-MoS2) was deposited on the surface of the 1D-TNTs with a magnetron sputtering method. XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, PL, UV–Vis DRS and photoelectric properties were used to characterize the 2H-MoS2/1D-TNTs composite material. The results show that 2H-MoS2 is uniformly composited on the surface of 1D-TNTs. By constructing Z-scheme transfer mechanism of electron–hole pairs, the carrier separation efficiency is significantly increased and the recombination rate is reduced, so that the degradation of rhodamine B by 2H-MoS2/1D-TNTs under simulated visible light is greatly improved. The stability of 2H-MoS2/1D-TNTs was tested by cyclic photocatalysis experiment. The mechanism was studied by masking experiment, and it was concluded that OH and·O2− are the main active species in the catalytic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the application of underwater superoleophobic coatings in the field of oil/water separation has received increasing attention, and chitosan (CS) coatings have become a research hotspot due to their advantages of hydrophilicity, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties. In this work, a SiO 2 /CS underwater superoleophobic composite coating was prepared on 304 stainless steel mesh by a simple dip-coating method. The underwater oil droplet contact angle (OCA) of the SiO 2 /CS coating was 151.2°, and the oil droplet showed a stable underwater Cassie state on the coating. The stainless steel mesh with SiO 2 /CS coating could effectively separate different kinds of oil/water mixtures, and the separation efficiency for the kerosene/water mixture was 99.2 %. After 20 cycles of separation, the separation efficiency was more than 98 %, indicating that the SiO 2 /CS coating had excellent recycling performance. In addition, the prepared underwater superoleophobic coating exhibited excellent long-term stability, acid and alkali resistant stability and UV resistant stability. This SiO 2 /CS coating has promising practical application, which could expand the use of underwater superoleophobic coatings. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel theory is developed for predicting total fatigue lives of notched structures. • Theory of Notch Structural Stress (TNSS) overcomes the life prediction limitations caused by slope differences in S-N curves. • TNSS constructs a life-predicting frame suitable for different notch types even including plain and sharp notches. • IR- p i relationship establishment is the key to comprehensively considering material and structural factors for finely predicting fatigue life. Notch fatigue problems are among the most common topics for the reliability analysis and structural design of mechanical engineering components. In previous work, we proposed the Notch Structural Stress (NSS) method based on fracture mechanics for reflecting the notch effect on fatigue crack propagation lives. However, like other regular fatigue assessing procedures, NSS also cannot accurately predict the fatigue life of notched structures with slower stress gradients due to the inconsistent slope of their S-N curves. This paper presents the Theory of Notch Structural Stress (TNSS) for predicting total fatigue lives of notched structures, which overcomes the life prediction limitations caused by slope differences in S-N curves and constructs a life-predicting frame suitable for different notch types even including plain and sharp notches. Compared with the often-used stress-concentration-assessing procedures, TNSS provides a more effective consolidation of the S-N data from different notch types, mostly since it takes both Initiation and Propagation state resistance into account at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the fracture strain of polycrystal ɑ-iron at three different hydrogen concentrations and for three crystal sizes with molecular dynamics simulations (MDs). As the hydrogen concentration increases, a fine crystal model's fracture resistance is prone to below a comparatively coarse grain model. This finding elucidates that the most vulnerable area can alter from coarse grain zone to fine-grain zone in the welding heat-affected zone (HAZ) with the effect of hydrogen. A simplified model is thus built to predict the strain energy increment in different crystal size systems caused by the introduction of hydrogen atoms. This strain energy increment is not equal to the fracture energy reduction induced by the same amount of hydrogen insertion, demonstrating that elastic volume expansion of grain boundary (GB) caused by hydrogen is not the determining mechanism of intergranular failure. The density of triple or multi-junctions of GBs, which is typically dependent on the volume fraction of GBs, is the crucial factor for intergranular failure caused by hydrogen embrittlement. [Display omitted] • The GB expansion and the concentration of H are linearly correlated. • Fine crystals be more susceptible to H-induced fracture than coarse crystal. • Multi-junctions of GBs are most sensitivity to hydrogen embrittlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were prepared on a novel glass microsphere reinforced Mg alloy composite to retard the degradation of the composite in the liquid environment containing Cl− for degradable downhole tool applications. The microstructure and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized by SEM, EDS, XPS and XRD. The growth characteristics of the MAO coatings on different matrix regions were analyzed. The corrosion and wear resistance of the coatings were evaluated through the immersion test, electrochemical measurements and friction test. Results showed that the MAO coatings consisted primarily of Mg2SiO4, MgO, little amount of MgAl2O4 and amorphous SiO2. The current density influenced the thickness and structure via affecting the voltage response of the MAO process, afterward influencing the properties of the coatings. The termination voltage of the MAO process and thickness of the coatings increased with the current density. With the current density increased from 8 to 160 mA/cm2, the compactness and microhardness of the coatings were increased, thereby improving the corrosion and wear resistance of the coatings. However, as the current density increased to 200 mA/cm2, the generation of large through-cracks caused the friction coefficient to increase and the corrosion resistance to deteriorate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, cast magnesium alloys AZ31-xGd are assessed as anode material candidates for primary Mg-air batteries. The effects of Gd content in the microstructure, discharge behavior and electrochemical properties of cast AZ31 as an anode are studied through microstructure characterization, electrochemical measurements and battery discharge tests. Results indicate that the introduction of Gd can refine α-Mg grains. The discharge and electrochemical properties of magnesium alloys are improved by optimizing its composition. We confirm that the Al2Gd can restrain the kinetics of hydrogen evolution reaction. The acicular structure can connect the magnesium alloy matrix and reduce the chunk spalling. The data suggest that AZ31-5.8Gd alloy has the best self-corrosion resistance performance and discharge behavior among all prepared AZ31-xGd alloys. AZ31-5.8Gd can output a high specific capacity of 1411.8 mAh g−1 and a high energy density of 1153 mWh g−1 at the current density of 40 mA cm−2. The anode efficiency can reach up to 63.21%. The addition of Gd properly can optimize magnesium alloy microstructure and improve the discharge performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial superhydrophobic coatings with various properties have been developed by regulating surface chemical compositions and rough microstructures. Herein, a superhydrophobic Ni3S2 coating was fabricated on 304 stainless steel via combining electrodeposition, solvothermal reaction and chemical modification. Owing to the cooperation of the low surface energy of myristic acid, and rough structure of Ni3S2 nanorods, the coating exhibited remarkable superhydrophobicity with water contact angle (WCA) up to 163 ± 1°. The superhydrophobic coating tightly bonded with the steel substrate could withstand different mechanical damages, and the surface still maintained higher WCA after suffering from tape-peeling, sandpaper abrasion, water droplets impact and sand-flow impingement tests. In addition, the self-cleaning tests verified that the superhydrophobic coating was significantly repellent to different types of contaminations. Moreover, the Ni3S2 coating was capable of degrading methylene blue molecules under UV illumination, thereby restricting the damage of organic contaminations to the surface superhydrophobicity. It is expected that the durable and self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating will be suitable for achieving water-repellent surfaces to meet applications in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TMEM132D is a human gene identified with multiple risk alleles for panic disorders, anxiety and major depressive disorders. Defining a conserved family of transmembrane proteins, TMEM132D and its homologs are still of unknown molecular functions. By generating loss-of-function mutants of the sole TMEM132 ortholog in C. elegans, we identify abnormal morphologic phenotypes in the dopaminergic PDE neurons. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we find that NAP1 directly interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of human TMEM132D, and mutations in C. elegans tmem-132 that disrupt interaction with NAP1 cause similar morphologic defects in the PDE neurons. NAP1 is a component of the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) that controls F-actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Decreasing activity of WRC rescues the PDE defects in tmem-132 mutants, whereas gain-of-function of TMEM132D in mammalian cells inhibits WRC, leading to decreased abundance of select WRC components, impaired actin nucleation and cell motility. We propose that metazoan TMEM132 family proteins play evolutionarily conserved roles in regulating NAP1 protein homologs to restrict inappropriate WRC activity, cytoskeletal and morphologic changes in the cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was selected as the supporting material for grafting maleic anhydride (MA) to obtain sugarcane-bagasse-grafting-maleic-anhydride (SCB-g-MA), which was used as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) in the dye-containing wastewater. The granular morphology and functional groups of the material were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and solid-state analysis (13C NMR) methods. The effect(s) of the adsorbent dosage, adsorption time, initial concentration of MB, and the pH of solution on the MB adsorption performance of the material have been also investigated. The results showed that the adsorption capacity and removal rate of MB were found to be 82 mg/g and 98%, respectively. It has also showed that the adsorption behavior on the MB could be well described by the pseudo-second-order model integrated with Langmuir model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existence of self-healing performance can effectively improve the service life of superhydrophobic coating. Due to its unique chemical composition and microstructure, layered double hydroxide (LDH) material is an ideal material for preparing self-healing superhydrophobic coatings. In this research, a Ni-Al LDH superhydrophobic coating with self-healing performance was prepared on aluminum alloy 6061 by hydrothermal reaction and low energy modification. The effects of hydrothermal parameters on the microstructure and wettability of the coating were investigated. The prepared coating with nanowall arrays showed excellent superhydrophobicity with contact angle of 162.1 ± 0.4° and rolling angle of 1.9 ± 0.3°. The superhydrophobic coating exhibited excellent low adhesion and self-cleaning properties, and could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy. In addition, the coating showed good stability in different harsh environments, and could self-heal quickly under the thermal stimulation after losing superhydrophobicity. [Display omitted] • The microstructure of Ni-Al LDH coating was compose of nanowall arrays. • The coating can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloy. • The Ni-Al LDH coating losing superhydrophobic property can achieve self-heal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frequent oil leakages and ever-increasing oily sewage have brought about serious damage to the ecological balance and human health. Therefore, effective and durable separation strategies and use of effective materials are highly desirable. In this work, a superwetting Ni 3 S 2 coating was fabricated on stainless steel mesh (SSM) to achieve continuous oil/water separation. This mesh was superoleophilic in air but superhydrophobic and superoleophobic under oil and water. Once immersed in a liquid, oil/water droplets displayed large contact angles and lower adhesion. A bidirectional T-tube device integrated with two meshes at the two exit ends with inverse wettability was employed to separate oil/water mixtures. This system displayed high separation efficiencies and flux regardless of the oil density, and the separation efficiency was largely maintained after 100 cycles of separation. The same device could also separate immiscible organic solvents. Moreover, the Ni 3 S 2 @SSM showed photocatalysis to degrade water-soluble dyes targeting to further relief the water pollution. This multi-superwetting Ni 3 S 2 @SSM is expected to be a promising material for practical oil/water separation. • A dual-functional Ni 3 S 2 coated mesh was prepared without organics modification. • The mesh has inverse underliquid wettability for efficient oil/water separation. • This mesh can separate harsh oil/water mixtures and immiscible organic solvents. • This mesh is able to degrade water-soluble dyes for further water purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are promising materials in the industrial and biomedical field, but the excessive corrosion rate limits their practical application. To improve the anti-corrosion property of Mg alloys, the composite coating composed of calcium phosphate (Ca P) and chitosan (CS) was prepared on AZ31 Mg alloy via simple electrophoretic deposition and chemical conversion method. The water contact angle (WCA) of the composite coating was as high as 158.6° after being modified by stearic acid. Furthermore, a superhydrophobic single Ca P coating with the WCA value of 158.5° was fabricated by a chemical conversion method and low energy modification. The superhydrophobic coatings exhibited good self-cleaning properties to prevent the pollution of different pollutants. Furthermore, the obtained superhydrophobic Ca-P/CS composite coating can withstand more times of tape-peeling because of its better bonding ability. Moreover, compared with the superhydrophobic single Ca P coating, the composite coating can provide more effective protection to the AZ31 substrate in electrochemical measurements and immersion test. Therefore, the superhydrophobic Ca-P/CS composite coating with significant performance advantages can expand the application fields of Mg alloys. • A superhydrophobic calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating was prepared. • The coating had low adhesion, good stability and excellent self-cleaning property. • The anti-corrosion behavior of the superhydrophobic coatings were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gahnite (ZnAl 2 O 4) is widely used in different fields including optics and catalysis, but is rarely used as the superhydrophobic material. Thermal decomposition of layered double hydroxide (LDH) materials is a way to prepare gahnite materials. In this paper, a Zn-Al LDH coating in-situ grown on aluminum alloy 6061 was used as the precursor, and a gahnite superhydrophobic coating was fabricated by calcination and stearic acid modification. The effects of calcination temperature and calcination time on the wettability and microstructure of the gahnite coating were investigated. It showed that a micro-sheet structure attached by nanoneedle was constructed after calcining the Zn-Al LDH coating at 500 °C for 2 h. After modification, the stearic acid molecules were stored on the coating due to the chemical bonding and adsorption, obtaining a superhydrophobic surface with the average contact angle of 158.8° and the sliding angle less than 2°. Compared with the Zn-Al LDH superhydrophobic coating without calcination, the stability in mechanical damage, high-temperature environment, and different chemical solutions of gahnite superhydrophobic coating was obviously improved. Furthermore, after chemical damage or contamination, the superhydrophobic property of the gahnite coating could be self-healing by external high-temperature stimulati. [Display omitted] • The gahnite coating has a composite structure with micro-sheet and nano-needle. • The gahnite superhydrophobic coating has high stability in different environment. • The gahnite coating losing superhydrophobic property can achieve self-heal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The dynamic spreading processes of Ni-GNSs reinforced SnAgCuRE composite solders on Cu substrate were characterized. • The formation mechanism of the precursor film in the dynamic spreading processes was revealed. • The correlative equation between spreading and wetting driving force of composite solder was established. To save test time and cost, spreading area method and wetting balance method were used to study the wetting characteristics of Ni-GNSs/SnAgCuRE composite solder under different parameters and explore the correlation between spreadability and wetting driving force of the composite solder. The results showed that the composite solder had good spreadability on the Cu substrate under 270–280 °C and water-clean flux, and they had good wetting adaptability to Cu wire under the tin bath temperature of 270–280 °C, dipping time of 6 s and dipping speed of 20 mm/s. The results satisfied the requirements of production in micro-connection field. The dynamic spreading processes of Ni-GNSs/SnAgCuRE composite solder consisted of three stages: initial slow shrinkage, rapid expansion and gradual equilibrium. Added appropriate amount of Ni-GNSs into the solder alloy, they adsorbed on the surface of Ag 3 Sn particles to form a precursor film at the three-phase interface, which was conducive to spread. The correlation equation between spreadability and wetting driving force of composite solder was established. According to the spreading area of the composite solder on the Cu substrate, the wetting driving force and wetting balance of the immersion wetting processes could be analyzed and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings on hollow glass microspheres (HGM) reinforced Mg alloy degradable composite were prepared in alkaline silicate electrolyte. The morphology, chemical composition and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated by SEM, EDS, XPS, XRD and electrochemical tests. The growth characteristics of the coatings and the effects of HGM on the MAO behavior were specially studied. The results showed that the main compositions of the coatings were MgO and Mg 2 SiO 4 phases. The coatings possessed different growth behaviors on the different areas of the surface. The coatings exhibited faster growth rate on the α phase than the β phase. The HGM and Mg 2 Si particles hindered the growing of the coating in the early stage of MAO, but they would not disrupt the continuity of the coating, since they were gradually melted, reduced and disappeared, and translated into oxides of silicon and magnesium finally in the MAO process. The average thicknesses of the coatings obtained at MAO time of 10, 20, 30, and 40 min were 2.9 ± 0.9, 10.9 ± 0.8, 20.2 ± 1.2, and 22.7 ± 1.9 μm, respectively. Electrochemical tests showed the MAO coating obtained at MAO time of 30 min possessed the best corrosion resistance, the corrosion current density of which was approximately four orders of magnitude lower than that of the substrate. [Display omitted] • Microarc oxidation coatings on hollow microspheres/Mg alloy degradable composite are prepared. • The growth behavior of the coatings was studied. • HGM and Mg 2 Si particles effect the initial growth process of the coatings. • HGM and Mg 2 Si particles translate into oxides of silicon and magnesium finally. • Microarc oxidation coatings enhance the corrosion resistance of the composite in 3.5% KCl solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium-based degradable alloys and composites have recently gained great attention as promising candidates for the degradable fracturing tools of the unconventional oil and gas development field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ni content on the mechanical properties and degradation behavior of the HGM/Mg alloy degradable composites. The results showed that adding Ni led to the formation of Al 3 Ni 2 intermetallic compound, refined the matrix alloy grain and improved the mechanical properties. The Al 3 Ni 2 phase was distributed in the β-phase and thereby reducing the function of corrosion barrier of the β phase and promoting the corrosion products to peel off during the degradation process. Meanwhile, Al 3 Ni 2 phase can act as micro-galvanic cathode to accelerate the micro-galvanic corrosion rate. Thus, the degradation rate of the composite was significantly increased. The highest degradation rate (95.6 mg cm−2 h−1) in 3.5 wt% KCl solution at 93 °C was obtained in the composite containing 2 wt% Ni, which is 3 times higher than that of the composite without Ni. Image 1 • Adding Ni results in the formation of Al 3 Ni 2 intermetallic compound. • Al 3 Ni 2 phase is distributed in the β-phase and can act as micro-galvanic cathode. • High strength and rapid degradation rate are obtained. • The influence mechanism of Ni on degradation property is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the effect of hydrogen atoms on the intergranular failure of α-iron is examined by a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The effect of hydrogen embrittlement on the grain boundary (GB) is investigated by diffusing hydrogen atoms into the grain boundaries using a bicrystal body-centered cubic (BCC) model and then deforming the model with a uniaxial tension. The Debye Waller factors are applied to illustrate the volume change of GBs, and the simulation results suggest that the trapped hydrogen atoms in GBs can therefore increase the excess volume of GBs, thus enhancing intergranular failure. When a constant displacement loading is applied to the bicrystal model, the increased strain energy can barely be released via dislocation emission when H is present. The hydrogen pinning effect occurs in the current dislocation slip system, <111>{112}. The hydrogen atoms facilitate cracking via a decrease of the free surface energy and enhance the phase transition via an increase in the local pressure. Hence, the failure mechanism is prone to intergranular failure so as to release excessive pressure and energy near GBs. This study provides a mechanistic framework of intergranular failure, and a theoretical model is then developed to predict the intergranular cracking rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The application of smart anticorrosive coatings is comprehensively reviewed. • The development of the extrinsic healing smart anticorrosive coating is introduced. • The development of the intrinsic healing smart anticorrosive coating is summarized. • The development direction of smart anticorrosive coating is put forward. Smart anticorrosive coatings have better anticorrosion ability than traditional anticorrosive coatings. This is attributed to the development of active protection performance in the smart anticorrosive coating based on the passive barrier of the traditional coating. Smart anticorrosive coating can effectively respond to environmental changes, heal coating defects, and prevent further corrosion. In this study, the application prospects of smart anticorrosive coatings for protection of metal corrosion are reviewed from two aspects of extrinsic and intrinsic self-healing. First, the related concepts of healing due to coating are introduced. Second, the development of nano-container, anticorrosion performance, existing problems, and optimization measures of the extrinsic healing smart anticorrosive coating are introduced. Third, the mechanism, anti-corrosion performance, existing problems, and optimization measures of intrinsic healing smart anticorrosive coating are summarized. Finally, the development direction of smart anticorrosive coating is put forward, and the possible application prospects of these smart coatings to attain a long-term effect in the future are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]