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Silicon-on-insulator devices are widely utilized in high-performance and high-reliability fields, facing challenges from self-heating effects (SHEs). However, research on the heat dissipation path closely related to SHEs remains incomplete. This paper initiates an in-depth analysis of thermal effects involving the fine structures within the heat dissipation path, using ultrafast pulse I–V measurements combined with thermal simulations. It is found in practical processes that the SHEs of scaled-down devices decreased by 40% rather than increased. Research shows the improvement is attributed to the reduction in the thickness of the buried oxide layer between different generations of processes, and the decrease in thermal sensitivity. Based on the two-stage SHE mechanism, the study clarifies for the first time that the box layer mainly affects first-stage heat dissipation, and the main timescale of impact is about the first 100 ns. In addition, the heat dissipation contact capability can effectively affect the temperature rise of first-stage SHEs. For the first time, we reveal that the TiN barrier layer with low thermal conductivity is the key factor limiting heat dissipation through contact. This study represents the crucial step toward a comprehensive investigation of SHEs, offering substantial support for device modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topographic variables derived from digital elevation models (DEM) are the most commonly used predictor in soil organic carbon (SOC) prediction. The predictability of these variates for the spatial heterogenity of SOC is influenced by the size of DEM resolution. This paper aimed to investigate the resolution effect of the topography at multiple DEM resolutions and select the most important predictors and the optimal resolution for SOC prediction in a large-scale and morphologically complex area. The study area, covering 15 600 km2, was located in a mountainous province in China. A total of 3901 soil samples and three machine learning algorithms including random forest, gradient boosted regression tree, and artificial neural network were used to construct the SOC predictive models at resolutions of 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, 330, and 390 m. Topographic factors were derived from the DEM with an original resolution of 30 m and were subsequently resampled to varying resolutions by using the bilinear interpolation algorithm. The importance of each variate in each predictive model was computed for the most important predictor selection, and the determination coefficient (R2) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of each predictive model were computed for the accuracy evaluation. Comparative analysis on point-based topographic representation, the accuracy of predictive models, and the variable importance was conducted among different resolutions to investigate the resolution effect on the SOC prediction and to select the optimal resolution for this study area. The results showed that topography was the key factor influencing the SOC distribution in this large-scale area due to the region's mountainous nature, and the relative contribution of the topography to predict SOC distribution varied with DEM resolutions. Elevation was the most important topographic factor at all DEM resolutions. Accuracies of predictive models built on the three machine learning algorithms were all dependent on DEM resolution, indicating that DEM resolution had an important effect on SOC prediction. Overall, the random forest predictive models outperformed the other two algorithms, and its most accurate result was obtained at the 210-m resolution with an R2 of 0.25 and an RMSE of 4.77 g kg–1. In conclusion, we found that finer resolutions did not necessarily produce more accurate SOC predictions even in a large-scale and morphologically complex area. Therefore, investigating the resolution effect is suggested to select an optimal resolution for the SOC prediction in other regions characterized by similar geomorphological conditions as this study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All living organisms require thiamine, a water-soluble vitamin, which is also reported to play a role in response to various abiotic stresses. However, the impact of thiamine on the growth of Wickerhamomyces anomalus under ethanol stress is still not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous thiamine application on the growth of W. anomalus under ethanol stress. We also investigated how thiamine affected the differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) using a non-targeted metabolomics approach. The results showed that exogenous thiamine application improved the growth of ethanol-stressed W. anomalus. The DEMs affected by exogenous thiamine application were significantly enriched as ABC transporters process, glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, and one carbon pool via folate and sulfur relay system using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Several pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis, cell cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, etc., were also regulated by thiamine because they were not enriched after exogenous thiamine application. Therefore, thiamine helped to protect W. anomalus from the effects of ethanol stress. These findings offer a theoretical basis for further understanding the regulatory mechanism of thiamine-mediated ethanol stress tolerance in W. anomalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interval-valued fuzzy logical connectives are extensions of fuzzy logical connectives to the interval-valued framework. The extensions require linear orders to define the monotonicity between intervals. As a significant linear order, the admissible order is introduced to compare any interval in interval-valued fuzzy logic. In this work, we examine several widely-used interval-valued fuzzy logical connectives with respect to admissible orders. We are concerned with interval- valued fuzzy negations, automorphisms, fuzzy implications and aggregation functions with respect to Kα,β orders and arbitrary intervals on L([0, 1]). We also make a discussion of width-preserving interval-valued fuzzy equivalence functions and dissimilarity functions with respect to arbitrary admissible orders and the intervals with the same width on L([0, 1]). Then we bring some approaches to constructing the proposed interval-valued fuzzy logical connectives with respect to admissible orders. The introduced interval-valued fuzzy logical connectives with respect to admissible orders may have a deep impact on some fields exploiting fuzzy methods dealing with intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of dolostones from the Lei 4 Member (T2l4) of the Middle Triassic Leikoupo Formation in the Western Sichuan Depression is unclear. The occurrence and genetic evolution of dolostones in T2l4 were analysed by polarised thin-sections and cathodoluminescence, major- and trace-element, scanning electron microscope, and carbon, oxygen and strontium isotope analyses. The study results are summarised as follows. (1) The dolostones were mainly precipitated in three stages of <40 °C, 40–60 °C and 60–80 °C, corresponding with three paleodepth ranges of 167–300 m, 433–1000 m and 1067–1433 m. The micritic dolostones and the fabric-retentive dolostones (algal dolostone, granular dolostone) mainly formed in a near-surface–shallow-burial environment, and the crystalline dolostones were mainly formed under intermediate burial conditions. (2) 87Sr/86Sr ratios are equivalent to that of the Middle Triassic seawater, Sr/Ba and V/Ni ratios >1, Na notably higher than that in coexisting limestones of T2l4, and the dolostones always coexist with evaporative minerals such as gypsum, indicating that dolomitisation fluids mainly originated from evaporative concentrated seawater. (3) The dolostones mainly inherit materials from precursor limestones based on trace-element distribution patterns, and carbon and oxygen isotope values that are consistent with coexisting limestones of T2l4. (4) Mediated by micro-organisms during the syngenetic period, micritic dolostones and some algal dolostones were formed by replacing aragonites and calcites. During shallow burial, concentrated seawater rich in Mg2+ from the supratidal–intertidal zone flowed downward owing to gravity along the platform and replaced the underlying carbonate rocks, promoting continuous growth of the early dolomites. In the intermediate burial period, the Mg2+-depleted dolomitisation fluid caused the early micritic and silt-crystalline dolostones to recrystallise into silt- or fine-crystalline dolostones with larger crystals and altered the fabric-retentive dolostones into crystalline dolostones. (5) The evaporative dolostones deposited in the near-surface environment are characterised by maximal enrichment of Fe, Sr and Na, the highest δ18O values, the lowest order degree and the highest Ca/Mg ratios. The reflux dolostones formed in a shallow-burial environment characterised by the lowest Fe, medium δ18O values and the lowest order degree. The burial dolostones that developed in the intermediate burial environment are characterised by relative enrichment of Fe and Mn, minimal Na, the lowest δ18O values, the highest order degree and medium Ca/Mg ratios. The fabric-retentive dolostones mainly formed in a near-surface–shallow-burial environment, and the crystalline dolostones mainly formed under intermediate burial conditions. Dolomitisation fluids mainly originated from the evaporative concentrated seawater, and the dolostones inherit materials from the precursor limestones. Micritic dolostones were formed by evaporative dolomitisation; algal dolostone and granular dolostone were formed by evaporative dolomitisation and reflux dolomitisation; and silt-crystalline dolostone were formed by reflux dolomitisation and burial dolomitisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of the Gallium Anomaly, from the BEST, GALLEX, and SAGE radioactive source experiments, is quantified using different theoretical calculations of the neutrino detection cross section, and its explanation due to neutrino oscillations is compared with the bounds from the analyses of reactor rate and spectral ratio data, β-decay data, and solar neutrino data. In the 3+1 active-sterile neutrino mixing scheme, the Gallium Anomaly is in strong tension with the individual and combined bounds of these data sets. In the combined scenario with all available data, the parameter goodness of fit is below 0.042%, corresponding to a severe tension of 4–5σ, or stronger. Therefore, we conclude that one should pursue other possible solutions beyond short-baseline oscillations for the Gallium Anomaly. We also present a new global fit of νe and ν ¯ e disappearance data, showing that there is a 2.6–3.3σ preference in favor of short-baseline oscillations, which is driven by an updated analysis of reactor spectral ratio data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) represents a powerful tool to investigate key electroweak physics parameters and neutrino properties since its first observation in 2017 by the COHERENT experiment exploiting the spallation neutron source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In light of the recent detection of such a process with antineutrinos produced by the Dresden-II reactor scattering off a germanium detector, we revisit the limits so far set on the neutrino magnetic moments, charge radii and millicharges as well as on the weak mixing angle. In order to do so, we also include the contribution of elastic neutrino-electron scattering, whose effect becomes non negligible in some beyond the Standard Model theories. By using different hypotheses for the germanium quenching factor and the reactor antineutrino flux, we provide a measurement of the weak mixing angle at the low-energy scale of the Dresden-II reactor experiment and, thanks to a combined analysis with the latest cesium iodide and argon data set released by the COHERENT Collaboration, we deliver updated limits for the neutrino electromagnetic properties. Interestingly, we are able to set a new best upper limit on the electron neutrino charge radius and significantly improve the other CEνNS-related limits on the neutrino electric charge and magnetic moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the constraints on the parameters of several light boson mediator models obtained from the analysis of the current data of the COHERENT CEνNS experiment. We consider a variety of vector boson mediator models: the so-called universal, the B − L and other anomaly-free U(1)′ gauge models with direct couplings of the new vector boson with neutrinos and quarks, and the anomaly-free Le− Lμ, Le− Lτ, and Lμ− Lτ gauge models where the coupling of the new vector boson with the quarks is generated by kinetic mixing with the photon at the one-loop level. We consider also a model with a new light scalar boson mediator that is assumed, for simplicity, to have universal coupling with quarks and leptons. Since the COHERENT CEνNS data are well-fitted with the cross section predicted by the Standard Model, the analysis of the data yields constraints for the mass and coupling of the new boson mediator that depend on the charges of quarks and neutrinos in each model under consideration. We compare these constraints with the limits obtained in other experiments and with the values that can explain the muon g − 2 anomaly in the models where the muon couples to the new boson mediator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose a novel switching-table-based direct torque control (ST-DTC) method to eliminate the current harmonics in dual-three-phase permanent-magnet synchronous machines due to the back electromotive force (back EMF) harmonics and voltage vector selection. By employing a novel space voltage vector selection strategy and the optimal action time for different groups of vectors, a novel ST-DTC method is developed. Furthermore, in order to implement standard pulsewidth modulation (PWM) switching sequence, a centralization PWM method for 36 voltage vectors is introduced. The proposed method can effectively reduce the phase current harmonics caused by both back EMF distortion and voltage vector selection, and still reserve the advantages of the conventional ST-DTC, such as fast torque response and simple structure. Its effectiveness is verified by simulations and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new constraints on three different models, the so-called universal, B − L and Lμ− Lτ models, involving a yet to be observed light vector Z′ mediator, by exploiting the recent observation of coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CEνNS) in argon and cesium-iodide performed by the COHERENT Collaboration. We compare the results obtained from a combination of the above data sets with the limits derived from searches in fixed target, accelerator, solar neutrino and reactor CEνNS experiments, and with the parameter region that could explain the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. We show that for the universal and the B − L models, the COHERENT data allow us to put stringent limits in the light vector mediator mass, MZ′, and coupling, gZ′, parameter space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rayleigh surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices based on 128° YX LiNbO3 and ZnO/Si substrates with different resonant frequencies from ∼62 MHz to ∼275MHz were fabricated and characterized. Effects of SAW frequency and power on microfluidic performance (including streaming, pumping, and jetting) were investigated. SAW excitation frequency influenced the SAW attenuation length and hence the acoustic energy absorbed by the liquid. At higher frequencies (e.g., above 100 MHz), the SAW dissipated into liquid decays more rapidly with much shorter decay lengths. Increasing the radio frequency (RF) frequencies of the devices resulted in an increased power threshold for streaming, pumping, and especially jetting, which is attributed to an increased absorption rate of acoustic wave energy. ZnO SAW devices could achieve similar streaming, pumping, and jetting effects as well as frequency effect, although the SAW signals are relatively weaker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pumpkin rootstock affects watermelon scion growth, fruit yield, and quality, but the mechanisms of related key enzymes and photosynthesis remain unclear. In this study, net photosynthetic rate (PN), chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters, fruit mass and sugar accumulation, and related key enzyme activities were determined during the fruit development stage in diploid and triploid watermelon lines and corresponding pumpkin rootstock-grafted lines. The results showed that pumpkin rootstock increased PN and Chl fluorescence parameters of diploid and triploid watermelon, indicating that pumpkin rootstock could increase photosynthesis, the utilization efficiency of light energy of diploid and triploid watermelon lines. Pumpkin-grafted lines had higher alkaline α-galactosidase activity and lower activities of insoluble acid invertase, sucrose phosphate synthase, and sucrose synthase than corresponding own-root lines in diploid and triploid watermelon. It indicates that pumpkin rootstock could increase the unloading of photoassimilates and reduce the conversion of photoassimilates into sucrose in diploid and triploid watermelon fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport properties of B-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are studied from both experimental and theoretical standpoints. Experimentally, it is found that the semiconducting behavior of SWNTs is drastically changed after B-doping, and the unusual abrupt current drops are observed at low temperatures, which may imply the possibility of superconducting transition in B-doped SWNTs. Using the density-functional tight-binding calculation, it is observed that B-doping induces the presence of density of state peaks near the Fermi level which shifts toward the valence band region, showing a clear charge-transfer characteristic, which agrees well with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus, is a worldwide chronic zoonosis. Albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole are effective against CE, but a high dosage in a long-term period is usually required. In this study, we evaluate the effects of DNA damage repair inhibitor (i.e., Veliparib) in combination with artesunate (AS) on hydatid cysts. For the in vitro assay, protoscoleces of E. granulosus (E.g PSCs) were incubated with low AS (AS-L, 65 μM), moderate AS (AS-M, 130 μM), and high AS (AS-H, 325 μM), AS-L/M/H+Veliparib (10 μM), and ABZ (25 μM), respectively. The AS-H+Veliparib group showed the maximal protoscolicidal effects. Ultrastructural change revealed that germinal layer (GL) cells were reduced, and lipid droplets appeared. AS could induce DNA injuries in PSCs. The 8-OHdG was expressed in the PSCs and GL of the cysts in mice, especially in the presence of Veliparib. The most severe DNA damages were observed in the AS-H+Veliparib group. Meanwhile, the expression of ribosomal protein S9 (RPS9) gene in the AS-H+Veliparib group was significantly lower than that in the AS-H group. The in vivo chemotherapeutic effects of AS-L (50 mg/kg), AS-H (200 mg/kg), and AS-H+Veliparib (25 mg/kg) were assessed in experimentally infected mice. Upon 6 weeks of oral administration, ultrasonography was used to monitor the volume change of vesicles. Maximum potentiation was seen on day 15 with values (versus AS) of 34 (P < 0.05) for AS-H + Veliparib. It led to the reduction of cyst weight (55.40%) compared with the model group (P < 0.01), which was better than AS alone (52.84%) and ABZ-treated mice (55.35%). Analysis of cysts collected from AS-H+Veliparib-treated mice by transmission electron microscopy revealed a drug-induced structural destruction. The structural integrity of the germinal layer was lost, and the majority of the microtriches disappeared. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that AS or AS in combination with Veliparib is effective for treating CE, especially the combination group. On this basis, AS represented promising drug candidates in anti-CE chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of constructing a 2D simulation model based on the real microstructure is developed to simulate the microstructural evolution of materials. Microstructure photographs of two typical metallic materials, 40Cr and TC4, are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-electron backscattering diffraction. Then, the photographs are converted into digital images and the grain topology information in the photographs is reserved. Based on this information, the true microstructure of materials is rebuilt with the finite element software ABAQUS using the PYTHON rogramming language. The 2D model the true microstructure will be of importance for improving the accuracy of elastoplastic finite element simulation for polycrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide materials, such as the heterobilayers by piling up the monolayers in out-of-plane direction, behave unique performances in applications of nanoelectronic components. In this work, the in-plane thermal conductivities of MoS2–MoSe2, MoS2–WS2, and MoS2–WSe2 heterobilayers are investigated with nonequilibrium molecular dynamics method by considering the effects of system dimensions, temperature, coupling strength, strain, and misorientation. The results show that the thermal conductivity decreases as the temperature rises from 100 K to 500 K. The effect of coupling strength on the thermal conductivity is not significant. Both strain and misorientation could result in a reduction in the thermal conductivity, and the effect of tensile strain is stronger than that of compressive strain. An analysis based on phonon spectral energy density is performed to further understand phonon thermal properties in heterobilayers. This work provides a fundamental basis for regulating thermal transport in two-dimensional heterobilayer-based nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are emerging as preclinical models with promising values in personalized cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to establish a living biobank of PDOs from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to study the responses of PDOs to drugs. PDOs derived from NSCLC were cultured in vitro, and then treated with natural compounds including chelerythrine chloride, cantharidin, harmine, berberine and betaine with series of concentrations (0.5-30 µM) for drug screening. Phenotypic features and treatment responses of established PDOs were reported. Cell lines (H1299, H460 and H1650) were used for drug screening. We successfully established a living NSCLC organoids biobank of 10 patients, which showed similar pathological features with primary tumors. Nine of the 10 patients showed mutations in EGFR. Natural compounds chelerythrine chloride, cantharidin and harmine showed anticancer activity on PDOs and cell lines. There was no significant difference in the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the IC50 value of chelerythrine chloride between PDOs (1.56-2.88 µM) and cell lines (1.45-3.73 µM, p>0.05). PDOs were sensitive to berberine (95% CI, 0.092-1.55 µM), whereas cell lines showed a resistance (95% CI, 46.57-2275 µM, p<0.0001). PDOs had a higher IC50 value of cantharidin, and a lower IC50 value of harmine than cell lines (p<0.05, 7.50-10.45 µM and 4.27-6.50 µM in PDOs, 3.07-4.44 µM and 4.69-544.99 µM in cell lines, respectively). Both PDOs and cell lines were resistant to betaine. Chelerythrine chloride showed the highest inhibitory effect in both models. Our study established a living biobank of PDOs from NSCLC patients, which might be used for high-throughput drug screening and for promising personalized therapy design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TNF-α has been confirmed to promote tumor growth in LSCC. PGE2 expression in LSCC tissues was significantly higher than in tumor-adjacent tissues. In the present work, we aimed to discover the combined role of TNF-α and PGE2 in LSCC progression and its potential mechanisms. TNF-α and PGE2 were quantified by ELISA. TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8, and cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. GRK2/TRAF2 interaction was tested by Co-IP. The results showed that TNF-α, PGE2, TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues. Higher expressions of TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 were associated with poorer prognosis of LSCC. Combined TNF-α with PGE2 promoted UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The interactions of TRAF2 and GRK2, as well as MMP-9 expression, were upregulated in response to TNF-α and PGE2 co-stimulation. In conclusion, we found crosstalk between PGE2 and TNF-α signaling pathways, and the interaction between GRK2 and TRAF2 led to the activation of TNF-α-TRAF2-MMP-9 signaling and resulted in the progression of LSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) concentrations in Manila clam from Liaodong Bay (China) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Tissue-specific bioaccumulation, geographical variability (using metal pollution indices) and health risks (using target hazard quotients and maximum daily consumption values) were assessed. Cd concentrations were high at all sampling sites, particularly S6 and S7, where it reached Category III. Other metal concentrations were high at S7 (As), S1 (Cr), S5 (Pb), and S5 and S7 (Zn). As, Cr and Cu accumulated to a higher degree in the viscera than muscles, but Cd accumulated more in muscles than viscera. Heavy metal (HM) contamination was worse in the west than that in the east. The Cd target hazard quotients were greater than 1, but the other HM target hazard quotients were less than 1 at all sites, indicating Cd posed the greatest health risks to humans. The maximum daily consumption values also indicated Cd poses health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TNF-a has been confirmed to promote tumor growth in LSCC. PGE2 expression in LSCC tissues was significantly higher than in tumor-adjacent tissues. In the present work, we aimed to discover the combined role of TNF-a and PGE2 in LSCC progression and its potential mechanisms. TNF-a and PGE2 were quantified by ELISA. TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation was tested by CCK-8, and cell migration and invasion were determined by transwell assay. GRK2/TRAF2 interaction was tested by Co-IP. The results showed that TNF-a, PGE2, TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 expressions were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues. Higher expressions of TRAF2, MMP-9 and GRK2 were associated with poorer prognosis of LSCC. Combined TNF-a with PGE2 promoted UM-SCC-11A cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The interactions of TRAF2 and GRK2, as well as MMP-9 expression were upregulated in response to TNF-a and PGE2 co-stimulation. In conclusion, we found a crosstalk between PGE2 and TNF-a signaling pathways, and the interaction between GRK2 and TRAF2 led to the activation of TNF-a-TRAF2-MMP-9 signaling, and resulted in the progression of LSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines patient-derived non-small cells lung cancer (NSCLC) organoids (PDO) and their drug screening applications. Also cited are the possible use of PDOs in personalized cancer therapy, the creation of living NSCLC organoids biobank, and the anticancer activities of the natural compounds chelerythrine chloride, harmine, and cantharidin.

The autoionization mechanisms of dense nP3/2 (n = 20–97) Rydberg gases of 87Rb atoms in the spontaneous evolution were investigated for the first time. By observing the characteristic time of the electrons generated through autoionization process, the dependence of autoionization mechanisms (black‐body radiation, electron–Rydberg collision, and Penning ionization) on the principal quantum number n of initial nP states was demonstrated. The dependence on the number n in nP Rydberg atoms is similar to those in nD Rydberg atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin and peroxidase (POD) are important active compounds in Chinese red radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The effects of exogenous sucrose, mixture of fructose and glucose (F/G 1:1), and mannose on anthocyanin accumulation and POD activity were investigated in hypocotyls and roots of red radish seedlings. Sucrose was most effective in inducing anthocyanin accumulation and POD activity in both organs, followed by F/G; mannose caused only a little increase of anthocyanin content and POD activity in hypocotyls, but a decrease in roots. The distribution of anthocyanin accumulation was different between hypocotyls and roots in the presence or absence of sucrose. Anthocyanin was clearly induced in root tips and cortex under exogenous sucrose. Accumulation of anthocyanin was closely correlated to the increase of endogenous sucrose content rather than glucose or fructose content. Sucrose significantly induced the expressions of late anthocyanin biosynthetic genes by up-regulating Raphanus sativus myeloblastosis 1 and Raphanus sativus transparent testa 8 in both organs. The POD activity significantly increased following the remarkable accumulation of anthocyanin in hypocotyls under exogenous sucrose, which may be partially required for anthocyanin oxidation. In roots, the high POD activity might lead to a low anthocyanin content by degrading anthocyanin and diverting the metabolic flux to lignin synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overflow of the flame plume from the window is the main cause of the vertical spread of the fire on the facade of the building. This paper considers the geometry of the window by taking measures to prevent the flame from propagating along the vertical wall. In this paper, a residential building is taken as an example to evaluate the flame plume characteristics through experimental tests and numerical simulations. The objective of the present study is to study the flame plume characteristics under the air blow on the outer window side of the building. The theoretical equations of the flame tilt angle, non-dimensional temperature and non-dimensional velocity are derived. A series of experimental tests were carried out in a reduced-scale building model corresponding to the changes of lateral blow ventilation velocity. Reduced scale numerical simulations were conducted to verify the experiments. Results showed that the flame tilt angle increases with ventilation velocity increases. Meanwhile, the experimental results were compared with the reduced-scale tests and numerical simulations. These showed a good agreement between experimental results and numerical simulations. All these findings provide theoretical basis for building fire prevention outside window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two spring wheat varieties were used to study alleviating effects of exogenous spermine (Spm) and spermidine (Spd) on agronomic traits and photosynthesis under high temperature treatment (HT). Our results showed that HT significantly decreased grain mass per panicle of heat-resistant variety (XC 6) by 25% and heat-sensitive variety (XC 31) by 32%. After HT, i.e., at 13 d after flowering, the decrease in net photosynthetic rate of XC 6 (38%) was lower than that of XC 31 (53%); the reason for this was related to XC 6, which could maintain correspondingly normal chlorophyll content (Chl), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), and intercellular CO2 concentration. Exogenous Spm and Spd could increase relative water content, Chl, gs, E, the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, antenna conversion efficiency, and photochemical quenching coefficient of flag leaves under HT. Our results indicated that the heat resistance of XC 6 is better than that of XC 31 and exogenous Spm and Spd could alleviate the heat injury of photosynthesis of wheat flag leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal growth of liquid silicon on the heterogeneous surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is simulated. Silicon atoms are concentrated to form perfect coaxial cylindrical configurations around CNT cores. The heredity effect makes silicon imprint cylindrical shapes of CNTs during the solidification. The CNTs have a great influence on the stacking sequence of silicon atoms. Growth competition between CNT cores is clearly observed, which results in defects at the shared interface. The internal potential field around CNTs is responsible for growth competition and the heredity effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping efficiency and optical and electrical properties of the N-doped ZnO films grown on c-sapphire were investigated. An anomalous Raman mode at 275 cm-1 was observed in the films grown at high Zn temperature, which implied that the films have a large number of defects induced by high N concentration. The intensity ratio of the donor-acceptor pair (DAP)/donor-bound exciton (DX) increases with increasing Zn temperature; this was attributed to the increase of N concentration. The films exhibit a conversion from n-type to p-type conductivity with increasing Zn temperature, and reproducible p-type conductivity was obtained at the Zn temperature of 255 °C. This study offers a simple and effective route to enhance the N solubility in ZnO films and confirms that the anomalous Raman mode at 275 cm-1 was related to substitution of N for O site (NO) and not related to substitution of N2 for O site (N2)O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors report negative differential resistance (NDR) characteristics observed in nanodevices constructed using three types of fullerenes (C60, C70, and C84) encapsulated metallic double-walled carbon nanotubes. The NDR behavior persists from room temperature (300 K) to lower temperatures, and a significantly high on-off peak-to-valley current ratio is observed for many of the devices examined. The fullerene species exerts a strong influence on the peak voltage of the NDR, which exhibits a linear decrease with increasing fullerene size. The observed current-voltage curves are highly reproducible during measurements, and fully reversible upon change in the bias sweep direction. In addition, the peak current of the NDR is found to increase significantly under light illumination and is recoverable in the absence of light, which indicates potential for applications such as logic optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between band gap and biaxial stress in wurtzite ZnO thin films has been investigated by side-inclination x-ray diffraction technique and optical absorbance spectrum as well as ab initio calculation. The experimental result shows that differing from other semiconductor thin films with hexagonal structure, such as GaN, the band gap of ZnO thin films increases with the increase in biaxial tensile stress. For explaining the difference, ab initio calculation is performed to simulate the relationship between band gap and biaxial stress of wurtzite ZnO and GaN. The calculated result indicates that the band gap of ZnO increases under biaxial tensile stress but GaN is opposite, supporting our experimental result. The band offset calculation shows that the conduction-band minimum (CBM) and the valence-band maximum (VBM) of ZnO and GaN offset to low energy under biaxial tensile stress. The VBM offset of ZnO is larger than the CBM, responsible for the increase in band gap. The VBM offset of GaN is smaller than the CBM, responsible for the decrease in band gap. The difference between ZnO and GaN is attributed to the strong p-d coupling in valence band of ZnO, but strong p-p coupling in valence band of GaN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using density functional theory (DFT) computations, we investigated pyridinelike structures in a series of single-walled CNx nanotubes and found that tube chirality and diameter play important roles in the formation of pyridinelike structures. Not pyridinelike structures but more NC defects (N atoms substituting for C atoms) should be responsible for the experimentally observed donor states of CNx nanotubes. The adsorption energies of Li at the pyridinelike defect are so large and the energy barrier for lithium penetrating the defect is so low that CNx nanotubes with pyridinelike structures have enhanced capability for lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of Cs-encapsulated single-walled carbon nanotubes (Cs@SWNTs) and double-walled carbon nanotubes (Cs@DWNTs) is realized by a plasma ion-irradiation method. Transmission electron microscopy observations confirm that chainlike and amorphous Cs fill SWNTs and DWNTs, respectively. The electronic transport properties of Cs@SWNTs and Cs@DWNTs are experimentally investigated at both room and low temperatures by fabricating them as the channels of field-effect transistor devices. Our results reveal that both Cs@SWNTs and Cs@DWNTs exhibit n-type semiconducting behavior at room temperature. The electronic properties of the Cs-encapsulated nanotubes can be controlled by adjusting the Cs filling levels during the plasma ion irritation process. At low temperatures, Coulomb blockade transport characteristics are observed for both encapsulated nanotubes, and the size of quantum dots formed in Cs@DWNTs is much smaller than that formed in Cs@SWNTs. More importantly, the n-type characteristics of Cs@SWNTs and Cs@DWNTs are found to remain stable, even in air, owing to Cs encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five kinds of nanowires and a nanochain that is embedded in a carbon nanotube have been optimized by density function theory, and the electronic transport properties through these nanowires and nanochain are studied. Our results indicate that the transmission spectra exhibit size-dependent oscillations. We observe and study the nonlinear contribution to the I-V characteristic (current-voltage) curves that is due to the quantum size effect. The I-V curve of the single chain is different from that when the chain is embedded in a carbon nanotube. The results provide valuable information on the correlation between the transport properties of nanowires and their microstructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circular magnetization process of FeSiBCuNb amorphous and nanocrystalline wires has been followed by the impedance measurements as a function of the amplitude and the frequency of driving current. The domain structure and consequently, the magnetization process have been tailored by suitable thermal processing. The different circular coercivity mechanisms are deduced by analyzing the magnetic losses. We find that the coercivity is due to domain-wall pinning for wire with axial domain, while the coercivity is from domain nucleation for one with transverse domain structure. In addition, the influence of axially applied field H is different for wires with different domain structure. The application of tensile stress to a wire with positive magnetostriction can be taken as an axial induced anisotropy, which makes the circular permeability decrease and the coercivity increase. Finally, the influence of driving current frequency on the circular magnetization process has been also studied for the wire with transverse domain structure. The results indicate that the frequency effect is from the eddy-current damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two pieces of Fe[SUB73.5] Cu[SUB1] Nb[SUB3] Si[SUB13.5] B[SUB9] amorphous wires were submitted to thermal treatment without (S1) or under (S2) applied tensile stress, so inducing nanocrystalline structure characterized by two different types of magnetic anisotropy. Sample S1 exhibits longitudinal domain structure with small anisotropy constant, while a transverse domain structure with large transverse anisotropy is induced by stress annealing for sample S2. The specific magnetoimpedance response of each nanocrystalline wire has been studied as a function of the applied torsion, &Xgr;. Both samples show the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect, with GMI ratios of 190% and 145% at &Xgr; = 0 for wires S1 and S2, respectively. Applied torsion modifies the form as well as the amplitude of magnetoimpedance, which is discussed in terms of the competition between the magnetoelastic anisotropy induced by the processing and the helical anisotropy induced by the torsion. The torsion impedance has been modeled for the case of sample S1 under large enough helical anisotropy. The observed giant torsion-impedance effect of 320% and 235% for samples S1 and S2, respectively, is proposed to be employed in magnetoelastic torsion sensors. The use of the GMI effect is further emphasized to be a powerful tool to explore the magnetic structure and the magnetic anisotropy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetoimpedance (MI) effect has been investigateded in Fe[sub 63.5]Cr[sub 10]Si[sub 13.5]B[sub 9]Cu[sub 1]Nb[sub 3] alloy wire exhibiting an ultrasoft magnetic character after suitable thermal treatment at 525 °C. It has been measured as a function of the sample length and of the distance to the ends of the wire (MI profile). The observed dependence on both parameters is correlated with the local particularities of the magnetization process: complex domain structures emerging near the ends to decrease the magnetostatic energy modify the local magnetic susceptibility and consequently the MI response. The present study points out the importance of geometrical dimensions of samples and measuring conditions when reporting numerical values in MI studies. This wire, showing large magnetoimpedance together with optimized soft magnetic behavior and improved corrosion properties seems to be indicated as a sensing element in GMI based sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study which analyzed the temperature behavior and memory effect in standard spin valves with synthetic antiferromagnetic subsystems. Development of spin-valve structures; Details on the memory effect phenomenon.

Aimed at its elegance, the rigid-body-based procedure for geometric nonlinear analysis is extended to including the plastic-hinge concept for elasto-plastic analysis of framed structures. To this end, the rigid body test for initially stressed elements is first briefed, followed by derivation of the tangent stiffness of the 2D elasto-plastic beam element using the initial and full yield surfaces to consider gradual yielding of the cross-section. Of theoretical importance, the tangent and geometric stiffnesses are jointly tested by the rigid body rule for initially stressed elements. The above concepts are contained in the global and localstrategies, respectively, for tracing the load–deflection curves and for performing the trial-and-error iterations. The former can deal with the formation of multi plastic hinges, in addition to multi-critical points, whereas the latter is strongly rooted in the rigid body rule and thus is free of fictitious forces (source of slow convergence). The accuracy and efficiency of the solutions obtained are confirmed by comparison with the existing ones. In conclusion, the procedure proposed in its entity makes the elasto-plastic analysis simpler and faster. The more complicated the problem is, the greater the saving in computation time using the proposed procedure. Since only minimal mathematical operations are required, this procedure has the potential of being widely accepted by structural engineers in routine analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacial stress transfer of single-walled carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites subjected to uniaxial tension was investigated by a newly developed shear-lag model integrated with a spring layer model. A linear relationship between the tangential relative displacement and the interfacial shear stress was assumed for the interface which is determined by van der Waals forces. The interface stiffness parameter was determined through comparing the stress distribution of the shear-lag model with multiscale simulation results. The effect of the interface stiffness and the nanotube's aspect ratios on the distribution of stress in CNT-reinforced composites was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an indispensable stage of product manufacturing, assembly process plays an important role in assuring product reliability by curbing the variation of assembly quality characters. The characters, mainly affected by the uncertainty components quality and assembly process parameters, are formed in a complex process. This paper approaches the uncertainty analysis of the assembly quality characters and the determination of key quality influence factors under multi-source uncertainty. Firstly, the fuzzy theory-based analytic hierarchy process(FAHP) is carried out to identify the main factors and the information entropy method is used to transfer them into uniform uncertainty variables. Secondly, the support vector regression (SVR) method is used to establish the surrogate model between the influence factors and assembly quality characters. Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is employed for uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis of assembly process on the basis of the surrogate model and data sampling, which realize the prediction of assembly quality and the determination of key process parameters. Finally, a case study of a bolt assembly process is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The proposed method in this paper is efficient and simple to apply in manufacturing applications directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The La0.67Ca0.20Sr0.13MnO3 nanoparticles and bulks were prepared by using sol-gel method (SGM) and spark plasma sintering (SPS), respectively. The X-ray diffraction analysis indicates each sample crystal in a single rhombohedral perovskite structure (space group R 3 ¯ c ). The Curie temperature is slightly improved and the phase transition is sharpened after processing with SPS. The enhancement of magnetocaloric effect (MCE) is also observed in the samples prepared by SPS. For a field change of 3 T, the maximum isothermal entropy change is improved by 32 and 117% when different sintering temperatures and sintering pressures are applied. The magnetic phase transition and MCE can be well described by the Landau theory. The present studies suggest that the perovskite bulks prepared by SPS could be useful for the application of magnetic refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The split ratio, i.e., the ratio of rotor outer diameter to stator outer diameter, is one of the most vital design parameters for permanent-magnet (PM) machines due to its significant impact on the machine torque or power density. However, it has been optimized analytically in the existing papers with due account only for the stator copper loss, which is reasonable for low-to-medium speed PM machines. For high-speed PM machines (HSPMMs), the negligence of stator iron loss and the mechanical stress on the rotor will lead to a deviation of optimal split ratio and actual torque capability. In this paper, the optimal split ratio of HSPMM is investigated analytically with the consideration of stator iron loss as well as the mechanical stress on the rotor. The influence of air-gap length and rotor pole pairs on the optimal split ratio is elaborated. Both the analytical and finite-element analysis reveal that the optimal split ratio for HSPMM will be significantly reduced, when stator iron loss and mechanical constraints are taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper, four rotor shaping methods, i.e., eccentric circular, inverse cosine, inverse cosine with third harmonic, and multi-step shaping methods, are developed and compared for torque ripple mitigation in variable flux reluctance machines (VFRMs). By using a 6-stator-pole/7-rotor-pole (6/7) VFRM as an example, the design criterions and capabilities of these four methods are illustrated. It is found that all the rotor shaping methods are capable of torque ripple mitigation and applicable to all the VFRMs except those with 6k/(6i ± 2) k (k, i = 1, 2, 3…) stator/rotor pole combinations. Moreover, the inverse cosine with third harmonic and multi-step shaping methods are found to have the best performance. They are able to reduce the torque ripple by 90% at a cost of only 3% torque density reduction. A 6/7 VFRM with both conventional and shaped rotors is prototyped and tested for verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]