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Selenium (Se) is indispensable for the majority of organisms, yet it also possesses toxic properties, with a delicate balance between insufficiency and harmful levels. Some plants can be used for resistance of Se pollution. Here, to identify the Se tolerance and resistance potential of alfalfa, we comprehensively investigated the effects of excessive Na2SeO3 on the physio-biochemical, anatomical, mRNA, and miRNA expression profile alterations. Foliar spraying 500 mg/kg Se significantly reduced the biomass in alfalfa probably by inhibiting photosynthesis (20.2%). Excessive Se breaks the balance of antioxidant system, resulting in an increase of H2O2 and MDA content by 14.2 and 4.3%. Leaf ultra-structure damages subsequently revealed the phytotoxic effects of Se. And at 500 mg/kg, alfalfa synthesized more S-type lignin probably to increase the Se tolerance, but it resulted in lower nutritional quality. Through RNA-seq, we found 2112 Se-responsive differentially expressed genes, including 1322 up-regulated and 790 down-regulated mRNAs, many of which were related to plant hormone signal transduction, redox reaction, S-assimilation, and cell homeostasis. Moreover, we identified 296 known and 258 conserved miRNAs, and predicted 310 novel miRNAs, among which 77 differentially expressed miRNAs were induced by Se. miRNAs play a crucial role in forming Se tolerance in alfalfa under the precise regulation of redox, chlorophyll degradation, photosynthesis, cell wall synthesis, and other related target genes. Our results provided insights into the complex mechanism of the Se stress response in alfalfa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The High Energy Cosmic-Radiation Detection Facility (HERD) is dedicated to achieving several scientific objectives, including the search for dark matter, precise measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum, and gamma-ray sky survey observations. HERD's innovative design incorporates a three-dimensional imaging calorimeter with five sensitive faces, significantly enhancing geometric acceptance. However, this design introduces a new challenge for reconstructing particles incident from all directions. This article aims to integrate rapidly advancing deep learning techniques into the reconstruction task. Utilizing simulation data, Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and other deep learning networks are employed to reconstruct the energy of isotropic electrons. Model performance sees a significant boost through the application of end-layer visible energy correction and a "multi-class multi-prediction" approach, involving different models trained for distinct energy ranges. Moreover, recognizing differences between simulation and physical samples, the model is validated using the beam test data. The model predicts an energy resolution of better than 1% for simulation isotropic electrons ranging from 10 to 1000 GeV. In the case of beam data, the model achieves an energy resolution of 1.3% at 200 GeV, comparable to traditional methods. The results demonstrate the significant potential of deep learning in the reconstruction of three-dimensional calorimeters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the influence of doping on vortex dynamics in 3 MeV proton-irradiated single crystals of CaK(Fe1− x Ni x)4As4 (1144, x = 0.015, 0.025, and 0.03) and Ba(Fe1− x Co x)2As2 (x = 0.04, 0.062, 0.066 and 0.074). Non-irradiated crystals of the 1144 system display superconducting critical temperatures ranging from 31 K for x = 0.015–20.5 K, as doping increases to 0.03. On the other hand, pristine crystals of the 122 system show Tc values between 14.6 and 23.6 K, with the maximum Tc occurring at intermediate doping levels. The fluence was set at 3 × 1016 p cm−2, resulting in a decrease in the Tc by around 1.5 K for all samples and significantly affecting the vortex dynamics by reducing the flux creep relaxation compared to previously reported values for unirradiated crystals. Parameters such as vortex pinning energy U 0 and the glassy exponent μ dependencies on doping and magnetic field strength are identified. For the 1144 system, U 0 reaches values approaching 500 K for small fields in samples with Tc = 29.3 K (x = 0.015), systematically decreasing to around 200 K as Tc falls below 20 K. Furthermore, U 0 decreases as the field increases to 3 T for the same sample, varying from approximately 250 K to 100 K as Tc decreases. These changes are typically accompanied by modifications in μ, gradually increasing from values around 1 towards 1.5, corresponding to small bundle relaxation in the collective creep theory. Despite differences in the substitutional disorder and magnetic phase diagram with respect to the 1144 system, the results for 122 single crystals follow a similar tendency in which U 0 usually reduces and μ increase rise as the applied magnetic field is increased. Due to moderate U 0 in these systems (few hundreds of kelvins), the resulting decay of persistent current at liquid helium temperatures is primarily determined by a balance between U 0 and bundle size contribution. These findings provide valuable insights for potential applications of these systems, particularly in the context of intrinsic superconducting parameters and the resulting pinning landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a stiffness-toughness balance, low-cost, and biodegradable PLA composite is an effective strategy for improving product market competitiveness, reducing dependence on petroleum-based resources and protecting the environment. Rice husk (RH) is extensively used as a filler in polymers, but the addition of too much rice husk into PLA has damaged the toughness of the composite. In this work, fully biodegradable composites with a stiffness-toughness balance and low cost are successfully fabricated through melt blending of PLA, RH and acetyl tributyl citrate (ATBC), named PLAC0, PLAC3, PLAC6, PLAC9, PLAC12, PLAC15, PLAC18, PLAC20 respectively according to amount of ATBC (0phr, 3phr, 6phr, 9phr, 12phr, 15phr, 18phr, 20phr). The results show that bio-based plasticizer ATBC can improve the flowability of PLA composites, further enhancing their processability, which promotes the dispersion of RH in PLA. The impact strength and elongation at break of PLAC20 reach the value of 100 J/m and 148%, achieving an increase of 4.3 and 60.1 times compared with PLAC0, respectively. The torque rheological test shows that the maximum torque and equilibrium torque of PLAC18 decrease by about 67.4% and 63.5% respectively compared to PLAC0. This suggests a decrease in friction between PLA molecular chains, thereby increasing the fluidity of PLA composites and indicating a significant improvement in processing performance. As the ATBC amount increases, the water absorption rate of the composite progressively rises, while the contact angle steadily diminishes, resulting in the improvement for hydrophilicity, thereby broadening its potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discrete-element method was employed to investigate the macro- and micromechanical behaviors of anisotropic granular specimens using orientational rotational shear (ORS) tests. The variations in the initial fabric orientation relative to the vertical direction were considered during the sample preparation stage. Several ORS tests were performed on samples with various initial fabrics, stress ratios, and densities. The contact-normal-based fabric tensor was considered as a measure of the internal structure of the granular assembly and employed in the detailed analysis. The proportional and noncoaxial components of the fabric tensor, with reference to the deviatoric stress tensor, exhibited similar sinusoidal evolution trends. The initial fabric represented by the bedding plane angle affected the phase angle of the cyclic variation waveforms of the proportional and noncoaxial components, whereas the stress ratio and initial density primarily affected their amplitude and magnitude. The decomposition of the strain increment tensor with respect to the stress indicated that the noncoaxial part was dominant, but the orthogonal component gradually vanished with an increase in the deviatoric strain, whereas the noncoaxial part decreased with an increase in the stress ratio. The new findings obtained in this study may provide useful guidance for the development of micromechanics-based constitutive models of granular materials subjected to ORS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinearity of dynamic systems plays a key role in neuromorphic computing, which is expected to reduce the ever-increasing power consumption of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. For spin waves (magnons), nonlinearity combined with phase coherence is the basis of phenomena like Bose–Einstein condensation, frequency combs, and pattern recognition in neuromorphic computing. Yet, the broadband electrical detection of these phenomena with high-frequency resolution remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate the generation and detection of phase-coherent nonlinear magnons in an all-electrical GHz probe station based on coplanar waveguides connected to a vector network analyzer which we operate in a frequency-offset mode. Making use of an unprecedented frequency resolution, we resolve the nonlocal emergence of a fine structure of propagating nonlinear magnons, which sensitively depends on both power and a magnetic field. These magnons are shown to maintain coherency with the microwave source while propagating over macroscopic distances. We propose a multi-band four-magnon scattering scheme that is in agreement with the field-dependent characteristics of coherent nonlocal signals in the nonlinear excitation regime. Our findings are key to enable the seamless integration of nonlinear magnon processes into high-speed microwave electronics and to advance phase-encoded information processing in magnonic neuronal networks. The authors realize the generation and electrical detection of nonlinear magnons in a ferrimagnetic insulator, giving rise to secondary nonlinear magnons with fine frequency structures on the order of a few MHz and specific propagation characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compatibility of W-boson mass measurements performed by the ATLAS, LHCb, CDF, and D0 experiments is studied using a coherent framework with theory uncertainty correlations. The measurements are combined using a number of recent sets of parton distribution functions (PDF), and are further combined with the average value of measurements from the Large Electron–Positron collider. The considered PDF sets generally have a low compatibility with a suite of global rapidity-sensitive Drell–Yan measurements. The most compatible set is CT18 due to its larger uncertainties. A combination of all m W measurements yields a value of m W = 80 , 394.6 ± 11.5 MeV with the CT18 set, but has a probability of compatibility of 0.5% and is therefore disfavoured. Combinations are performed removing each measurement individually, and a 91% probability of compatibility is obtained when the CDF measurement is removed. The corresponding value of the W boson mass is 80 , 369.2 ± 13.3 MeV, which differs by 3.6 σ from the CDF value determined using the same PDF set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on the dynamics of turbulence and flows at the edge of the HL-2A tokamak is analyzed utilizing transfer entropy technique. The results have shown that the RMP damps the poloidal flows as well as the E × B shearing rate, whereas enhances the toroidal flows and leads to a broadened particle spectrum with increased small scale turbulence transport. The causality analysis indicates that the regulation impact of poloidal flow on turbulent fluctuations and particle flux is weakened, while that of the toroidal rotation on the latter is strengthened by the RMP field. The impact of the changes in poloidal flow dominates over that of the modified toroidal flow on turbulent transport in the edge. The magnetic perturbation and the flows generally show predator–prey oscillations, where the causal effect between the former and the toroidal flow transits to a synchronization relation in the presence of RMP. In addition, the RMP field will weaken the causal effect on poloidal Reynolds stress while strengthening the parallel-radial component simultaneously. The present findings provide a possible explanation on the effects of external fields on the edge transport, which is suggested to be dominated by the complex interactions among external perturbations, flows, and ambient microturbulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio telescopes with dual linearly polarized feeds regularly participate in Very Long Baseline Interferometry. One example is the VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS), which is employed for high‐precision geodesy and astrometry. In order to achieve the maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio, the visibilities of all four polarization products are combined to Stokes I before fringe‐fitting. Our aim is to improve cross‐polarization bandpass calibration, which is an essential processing step in this context. Here we investigate the shapes of these station‐specific quantities as a function of frequency and time. We observed the extra‐galactic source 4C 39.25 for 6 hours with a VGOS network. We correlated the data with the DiFX software and analyzed the visibilities with PolConvert to determine the complex cross‐bandpasses with high accuracy. Their frequency‐dependent shape is to first order characterized by a group delay between the two orthogonal polarizations, in the order of several hundred picoseconds. We find that this group delay shows systematic variability in the range of a few picoseconds, but can remain stable within this range for several years, as evident from earlier sessions. On top of the linear phase‐frequency relationship there are systematic deviations of several tens of degrees, which in addition are subject to smooth temporal evolution. The antenna cross‐bandpasses are variable on time scales of ∼1 hr, which defines the frequency of necessary calibrator scans. The source 4C 39.25 is confirmed as an excellent cross‐bandpass calibrator. Dedicated surveys are highly encouraged to search for more calibrators of similar quality. Key Points: The new‐generation geodetic radio telescopes observe two orthogonal linear polarization directionsCalibration of the gain differences between the two polarizers is necessary to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio of observationsWe investigate these cross‐polarization gain differences and their temporal evolution for selected antennas [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For further development of light sources, white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) have attracted widespread attention as promising next-generation light sources fabricated via the combination of phosphors and LED chips. However, latent defects, such as chemical/thermal instability, low color rendering index (CRI) and high correlated color temperature (CCT), of current mainstream wLEDs seriously hinder their further large-scale implementation. Herein, in order to overcome these limitations, single-phase color-tunable gaudefroyite (Ca3Y(GaO)3(BO3)4 (CYGB)) tridoped with Bi3+/Tb3+/Eu3+ ions was synthesized for the first time and detailed characterisation was performed via high-temperature solid-state reaction and structural/spectral analyses, respectively. Radius difference percentage calculations and Rietveld refinements indicate that dopants occupy both Y3+ and Ca2+ sites but preferably the Y3+ site over the Ca2+ site due to the same valence state. Through subtly regulating the (co)doping contents and skillfully utilizing the energy transfer (ET) strategy from the allowed transition of blue light-emitting Bi to the forbidden transition of green/red light-emitting Tb/Eu, the color hue (including white light) of highly efficient PL can be easily tuned according to the need. Meanwhile, composition/content-optimized white light-emitting CYGB:2%Bi/10%Tb/12%Eu also shows splendid chemical/thermal stability. Finally, as a proof-of-concept experiment, the CYGB:2%Bi/10%Tb/12%Eu phosphor-converted wLED (pc-wLED) was fabricated and encapsulated via the up-to-date remote 'capping' method, which imparted attractive performances. Altogether, the stable CYGB:Bi/Tb/Eu phosphor is a promising candidate for application in lighting/display fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triangularity is an important shaping parameter in tokamak plasmas that affects the edge plasma state. In this work, we utilize the BOUT++ code to study the effect of positive and negative triangularity on the peeling–ballooning modes with H-mode profiles. The model equilibria with a JET-like geometry are self-consistently generated by the CORSICA equilibrium code, with a fixed pressure profile when varying triangularity. The linear simulations reveal that increasing positive triangularity results in the increase in magnetic shear and decrease in radial electric field (Er) curvature, leading to the stabilization of the peeling–ballooning modes. On the contrary, the increase in negative triangularity results in a destabilizing effect due to the decrease in magnetic shear and increase in Er curvature. It is found that the modification of Er shear due to triangularity variation cannot impact edge stability significantly. The nonlinear simulations further demonstrate that more positive triangularity results in reduced nonlinear energy loss fraction or pedestal collapse, while more negative triangularity results in increased nonlinear energy loss fraction or pedestal collapse. These results provide qualitative insights into experimental observations of the high pedestal pressure profiles with positive triangularity configuration and restricted low pedestal pressure profiles with negative triangularity configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a common type of potentially malignant disorder. Early identification of the malignancy potential leads to a better management of OLK and prediction of development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, there has been no effective biomarker to assess the risk of malignancy in OLK. Genomic copy number alteration (CNA) is a complex chromosomal structural variation in the genome and has been identified as a potential biomarker in multiple cancers. This study aimed to develop a predictive model for the malignant transformation risk of OLK by copy number analysis. A total of 431 OLK samples with long-term follow-up (median follow-up of 67 mo) from multiple academic centers were analyzed for CNAs. CNA events increased with the severity of hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, and severe dysplasia. More CNA events were present in patients with OLK who later developed OSCC than in those with OLK who did not. By multivariate Cox regression analysis, the OLK of the CNA scorehigh group showed an increased risk of malignant transformation than the CNA scorelow group (P < 0.001). A CNA score model was developed to accurately predict the prognosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.879; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.799–0.959) and was validated using data from 2 external centers (AUC = 0.836, 95% CI, 0.683–0.989; AUC = 0.876, 95% CI, 0.682–1.000), and all of them showed better prediction performances than histopathological grade in assessing the transformation risk of OLK. Furthermore, we performed CNA models among 4 subgroups of OLK with hyperplasia, mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia, and severe dysplasia and found that CNA score can accurately predict malignant transformation of different subgroups. CNA score may be a useful biomarker to predict malignant transformation of OLK. Subtyping of OLK by the CNA score could contribute to better management of OLK and predicting development of OSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relation between tectonics and arc magmatism has been proposed in the west Pacific‐type accretionary orogens, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. This study examines the Cretaceous records in NE Asia in order to unravel this link. Two tectono‐magmatic episodes, namely the Early and Late Cretaceous, are recognized. The first episode was under (trans‐)extension, consisting of both mafic and felsic, depleted and enriched, and deep‐ and shallow‐derived arc magmas. The second episode experienced several compressive events with highly evolved and shallow‐derived (mid‐crustal level) arc magmas. We propose that (trans‐)extension thinned the arc crust, facilitating deep mafic magmas to ascend and cool rapidly, maintaining their geochemical diversity. Compression led to magmatic emplacement around the middle crust; and the warm crust allowed highly‐evolved granitoids to form. Therefore, tectonic setting controls arc magmatism in NE Asia, and is likely representative of other west Pacific‐type orogens. Plain Language Summary: Arc magmas are produced where oceanic plates subduct into the mantle. Their chemical composition varies in different tectonic settings, but the specific mechanism is unclear. We explore this question using the NE Asian setting during the Cretaceous. Here, the Early Cretaceous arc magmas reveal diverse compositions when in a setting undergoing extension. However, the Late Cretaceous magmas uniformly contain high silica contents when the continental crust was under compression. This implies that thin arc crust under extension facilitated the ascent of deeply‐derived magmas and these cooled rapidly and kept their chemical diversity. In contrast, crust under compression prohibited the ascent of deep magmas, instead inducing crustal melting and slower cooling in the middle crust, thus increasing the silica content. Therefore, tectonics strongly affected the nature of arc magmatism in NE Asia, and possibly other west Pacific‐type orogens. Key Points: Cretaceous magmatism in the NE Asian arcs was diverse during extension, but highly evolved under compressionExtension induced deep magmas to ascend and cool rapidly; Compression restrained deep magmas and extended coolingArc magmas were controlled by alternating extensional and compressional regimes during subduction retreat in west Pacific‐type orogens [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of neuromorphic electronics, much effort has been devoted to expand perception, memory, and computing integration capabilities. In this paper, an ionic-based graphene synaptic transistor with long-gate structure has been investigated to mimic memory, learning function and perceive humidity. By harnessing the tunable in-plane-field transport of charge carriers in graphene and ions motion in ion-gel, this transistor mimics various synaptic functionalities, including inhibitory postsynaptic current, excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, long-term depression, and long-term potentiation. Under short pules stimuli, the long-gate structure provides our transistor with an inertial assisted re-accumulation, generating two excitatory postsynaptic current peaks and enhanced paired-pule facilitation up to ∼265%. Furthermore, the presence of the long-gate structure enables our transistor to exhibit excellent learning and simulate Ebbinghaus' memory. In addition, physical mechanic about its humidity perception has been analyzed and discussed. This study provides a unique platform for designing high-performance carbon-based artificial synapses enabling integrated functions of sensing, storage, and computation for the neuromorphic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses data from limited HL-2A Ohmic-plasma to answer the question of how turbulent transport broadens the heat flux width. A key issue in this study is the determination of the origin of scrape-off layer (SOL) turbulence. We develop the concept of the energy production ratio R a , which compares the flux of turbulence energy across the last closed flux surface (LCFS) to the net, integrated energy production in the SOL. The flux of turbulence energy (i.e. spreading) is measured directly, using Langmuir probes. Experimental data is used to evaluate R a . Results show that usually 1$?> R a > 1 , indicating that SOL turbulence is energized primarily by edge turbulence spreading. The exceptions—cases where R a < 1 —are those with relatively stronger E × B shear near the LCFS. The latter inhibits both turbulence spreading and local SOL production, but has greater effects on spreading. High blob fraction in the turbulence correlates with large values of R a . The implications for heat flux width physics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional drug therapy for constipation in the elderly. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics in managing constipation among the elderly. Methods: Eight databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating probiotics' efficacy in addressing constipation among the elderly until January 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted employing R software version 4.2.2. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to evaluate the risk of bias, and the GRADE approach was employed to assess the credibility of the evidence concerning the efficacy of probiotics in treating constipation in older individuals. Results: A total of six RCTs involving 444 patients were included. Two studies were rated as low risk of bias. The meta-analysis findings revealed that probiotics, when compared to a placebo, led to an increase in stool frequency (MD = 1.02,95% CI [0.21, 2.07], p<0.05, very low quality), the probiotic group exhibited a notable impact on ameliorating symptoms associated with constipation (OR = 11.28, 95%CI [7.21, 17.64], p < 0.05, very low quality), no significant disparities were observed in terms of efforts to evacuate, manual maneuvers, and the incidence of adverse events (p>0.05). Conclusion: The available evidence indicates a degree of uncertainty, ranging from low-to-very low, suggesting the efficacy of probiotics in augmenting bowel frequency and ameliorating constipation-related symptoms among elderly patients with constipation. Nevertheless, given the quality of the studies included, it is advisable to conduct further well-designed investigations with substantial sample sizes to substantiate the findings of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (pc-wLEDs) have attracted attention in the field of solidstate lighting. Selection and study of suitable single-phase phosphor and packaging modes are currently the main research hotspots. Herein, color-tunable photoluminescence (PL) and thermally stable tridoped Melitite Sr2MgSi2O7:Ce/Tb/Sm are systematically studied via structural and static/dynamic spectral analyses. All dopants could only be accommodated in the Sr site due to similar ionic radii. Previous studies have concluded that green and red PL could be obtained from singly doped Tb and Sm phosphors with excellent reproduction, and color tunable PL can be achieved from Ce/Tb co-doped phosphors. The forbidden 4f-4f transitions of Tb/Sm cause low efficiency and Ce/Tb co-doping cannot achieve white light emissions. Alternatively, co-doping allowed 5d-4f transition sensitizer with emissions in the UV-blue region (i.e., Ce), color-tunable PL (including the white light); high efficiency of Sr2MgSi2O7:Ce/Tb/Sm could be achieved via energy transfer (ET) from Ce → Tb → Sm. The impossibly direct ET from Ce → Sm is associated with the side metal-metal charge transfer (MMCT) effect. Due to chemically nonequivalent substitutions, two positive Ce(Tb,Sm)Sr and one negative V"Sr were created to maintain the whole charge balance. To reduce the defects and allow more dopants to enter into the Sr site, Na+ was added as a charge balancer to enhance PL efficiency. Furthermore, an alkaline-earth-metal-ions blending strategy via partial replacement of Sr with Ba was investigated to regulate PL owing to the change in crystal field splitting. PL blue-shifted by Ba-co-doping, which could increase the degree of overlapping and enhance ET efficiency. As a proof-of-concept experiment, the pc-wLED fabricated via a combination of the optimal Sr(Ba)2MgSi2O7:Ce/Tb/Sm/Na and an n-UV LED chip based on a remote 'capping' packaging mode shows excellent performances, indicating its strong potential application in the field of solid-state lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the nonlocal phase coupling during turbulence spreading across the magnetic island. It is found that the coherent convective cells (sharing similar features to quasi-coherent mode in experiment) on both sides of the O-point boundary are accumulated during the island formation. The phase entrainment of the convective cells on the turbulence both in the inner and the outer regions of the magnetic island sets up a nonlocal phase coupling channel and leads to a fast spreading of the outer turbulence into the magnetic island by conquering the flow shear at the O-point boundary. This nonlocal coupling mechanism of turbulence spreading is analogous to a turbulence version of the well-known enhanced diffusion of passive scalars in laminar convective flows of neutral fluid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topology of the vortex flow associated with the magnetic island plays a significant role in modulating the turbulent transport near the magnetic island. In this paper, self-consistent nonlinear simulations of multi-scale interactions among large scale tearing mode, vortex flow, and small scale ion temperature-gradient (ITG) mode are numerically investigated based on the five-field Landau-fluid model. We found that the coherent vortex flow in a magnetic island has different parities in the nonlinear quasi-steady state, and this can be described by a theoretical framework—nonlinear parity instability. In the ITG stable case, the structure of the vortex flow bifurcates from tearing parity to twisting parity, which is characterized by modulational parity instability, modeled by a four-wave nonlinear coupling process. In the ITG unstable case, the vortex flow stays in tearing parity without parity bifurcation, and the energy is transferred from the twisting parity modes to the tearing parity modes. The impact of the parity instability on the magnetic island width is discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glued laminated bamboo (glubam) is an engineered bamboo for the potential usage in structures as an alternative to timber-based glulam. This paper focuses on the impact toughness and static bending strength of glubam, with the goal to provide basic understanding and experimental data for impact design of engineered bamboo structures. Two types of glubam, i.e., thin-strip and thick-strip glubams were investigated through impact pendulum and quasi-static bending tests. For the thick-strip glubam, testing parameters also included three types of manufacturing conditions with different degrees of carbonization of composing bamboo strips. Both comparisons among different types of glubam, and between dynamic and static bending results can effectively identify the impact resistance and mechanical properties of glubam. The dynamic impact loading resulted in higher instability and had failure modes different from quasi-static tests for glubam specimens. Experimental values of toughness, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) at different loading speed conditions are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hot tail generation is expected to be the dominant mechanism for the runaway electron (RE) seed formation during disruptions, especially in large devices with high electron temperature such as international thermonuclear experimental reactor. This issue has been studied in the HL-2A tokamak by using the superthermal electrons produced by lower hybrid waves (LHWs), which can adjust the hot tail distribution. It was observed that RE generation was significantly enhanced during disruptions with LHWs. The measurements show that the multitudinous superthermal electrons with energy of 40–60 keV created by LHWs greatly transform the landscape of hot tail distribution. The tail electrons can be directly converted into REs under the acceleration of the high toroidal electric field during disruptions. Runaway current plateaus are more likely to be formed than in normal disruptions without LHWs. However, some abnormal phenomena have also been observed, that is, RE generation was not enhanced and no runaway current plateau was formed during some disruptions with LHWs. It is found that this is attributed to the complete loss of RE seeds caused by strong magnetic fluctuations, which prevents the generation of REs during disruptions. This may provide a way to avoid the generation of REs during disruptions by actively exciting magnetic fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When constant parameters are used for peripheral milling CFRP, it is difficult to meet the requirement of high quality, so variable parameters machining is proposed. First, the response surface method was used to explore the effect of changing cutting conditions on the interaction of spindle speed, cutting depth and feed speed on radial force. The surface topography and roughness after the test were observed and analyzed. The results show that defects are more likely to occur at the entrance and the exit area than the central area. Taking the minimum radial force as the experimental goal, the optimal parameters combination was obtained and used for finite element and experimental verification. Second, the variable parameters milling were used the cemented carbide tool and PCD tool. The radial force, surface topography and roughness were analyzed and the optimized variable parameters combination was obtained. The results show that the high spindle speed, low feed speed and low cutting depth are beneficial to improve the surface quality at the entrance and the exit area when the machining parameters at the centra area remain unchanged. Meanwhile, when the parameters change abruptly, the fluctuation of the radial force at the variable parameters area is decreased. The variable parameters compared to constant parameters, the surface roughness of the machining with the cemented carbide tool at the entrance area by 29.7% and 7.4%, respectively and the machining with PCD tool at the exit and the entrance area decreased by 60.5%, 43.5% and 38.8%, 51.9%, respectively. Compared with the cemented carbide tool, the radial force of the PCD tool is more stable and the surface quality is further improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a method to predict the long-term creep behavior of continuous glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites (CGFRPP). The finite element method was used in this study, which was based on short-term experiments. For these calculations, a viscoelastic constitutive equation named the Burgers model was introduced to describe the creep behavior of pure polypropylene (PP) resin. The suitability of the Burgers model for the PP resin was investigated by performing short-term creep experiments under various stress conditions. The stress-dependent Burgers model was, thereafter, proposed by the calibration of elastic stiffness and viscosity parameters in nonlinearity. This nonlinear model was finally incorporated into a representative volume elements (RVE) model to predict the long-term creep behavior of CGFRPP unidirectional (UD) tape. It was found that the simulation results agreed with experiments when using the nonlinear Burgers model. The creep mechanism of the UD tape was also analyzed microscopically with the RVE model, and the redistribution of stress in the fiber and matrix was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of baicalin on cognitive function and nerves after splenectomy in aged rats is the main objective of the study. Aged rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group (to construct a splenectomy surgical model) and a baicalin treatment group (baicalin was given after the model was constructed). The pathological conditions like interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta content; brain detection by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method apoptosis of tissue cell; western blot method was used to detect the expression of related proteins and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the messenger ribonucleic acid levels of related genes. Compared with the control group, the brain tissue cell apoptosis increased and the expression of inflammatory factors increased in the model group; compared with the model group, the brain tissue apoptosis of the baicalin treatment group decreased, the expression of Ki67 positive cells increased and the inflammation-related factor interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta levels were significantly decreased, N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B, phosphorylated-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphorylated-cAMP response element-binding protein expressions were significantly increased. Baicalin can improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction and nerve injury in aged rats after splenectomy by improving the pathological state of brain tissue, attenuating the inflammatory response and promoting apoptosis of brain tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-peaked distribution (DPD) of particle flux has only been observed on the outer divertor target in electron cyclotron resonance heating deuterium plasmas with B × ∇ B toward the X-point in the HL-2A tokamak using high spatiotemporal Langmuir probe arrays. The experimental results demonstrate that the formation of the DPD is mainly due to the enhanced poloidal E × B drift flow stimulated in the divertor region, which is dependent on the plasma density, heating power, and divertor structure. The experimental results are qualitatively consistent with the SOLPS simulation. The experiment also shows that the formation of the DPD might be related to the enhanced cross field transport in the far scrape-off layer. This experimental findings presented here reveal the crucial role played by the synergistic effect of poloidal E × B drift flow and the closed divertor structure in the redistribution of the particle flux, which provides a potential way for the control of high heat flux in future fusion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huge and critical structures, such as fuel storage tanks and nuclear power plants, are often built on dense sandy grounds, which may cause excessive plastic deformations under multidirectional cyclic shearing conditions caused by earthquakes. The lack of investigation of sand behavior under multidirectional loading may lead to unsafe designs, and thus significantly increase the maintenance cost for infrastructures during their long operational time, which might be longer than 100 years. This study presents a numerical investigation on the liquefaction behavior of dense sand under bidirectional cyclic simple shear using the discrete element method. The bidirectional cyclic simple shear tests with varying stress trajectories on the deviatoric stress plane, including figure-8, circular, and straight lines, were conducted. Additionally, a series of unidirectional loading tests was conducted in the simulation scheme for comparison purposes. The effect of the initial static shear on the cyclic behavior and liquefaction resistance of granular materials was examined. Four loading categories, including full reversal, partial reversal, intermediate reversal, and no reversal, were implemented in the numerical simulations. Although the presence of the initial static shear may enhance the cyclic resistance of granular samples under unidirectional loading, it mitigates the liquefaction resistance and promotes the failure of specimens under bidirectional shearing conditions. The microscopic analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between the fabric evolution and external loading, which can provide profound insights into the underlying mechanism of the cyclic behavior and liquefaction susceptibility of granular material when both the bidirectional shearing and initial static shear effects are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new broad-energy, high-resolution gamma ray spectrometer (GRS) with Compton suppression function has been developed recently in the HL-2A tokamak to obtain the gamma ray information in the energy range of 0.1–10 MeV. This is the first time to develop an anti-Compton GRS for a magnetic confinement fusion device. The anticoincidence detector consists of a large-volume high purity germanium (HPGe) crystal (Φ63 × 63 mm2) as the primary detector and eight trapezoidal bismuth germinate (BGO) scintillators (trapezoid crystal with 30 mm thickness) as the secondary detector. The anti-coincidence data processing is implemented by a digital-based data acquisition system with fast digitization and software signal processing technology. Using radioisotope gamma ray sources and Monte Carlo N-Particle code, the energy and efficiency of the spectrometer have been calibrated and quantitatively tested. The Compton continuum suppression factor reaches 4.2, and the energy resolution (Full Width at Half Maximum) of the 1.332 MeV full energy peak for 60Co is 2.1 keV. Measurements of gamma ray spectra with Compton suppression using the spectrometer have been successfully performed during HL-2A discharges with different conditions. The performance of the spectrometer and the first experimental results are presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of sheared E  ×  B flow on the blob dynamics in the scrape-off layer (SOL) of HL-2A tokamak has been studied during the plasma current ramp-up in ohmically heated deuterium plasmas by the combination of poloidal and radial Langmuir probe arrays. The experimental results indicate that the SOL sheared E  ×  B flow is substantially enhanced as the plasma current exceeds a certain value and the strong sheared E  ×  B flow has the ability to slow the blob radial motion via stretching its poloidal correlation length. The locally accumulated blobs are suggested to be responsible for the increase of plasma density just outside the Last Closed Flux Surface (LCFS) observed in this experiment. The results presented here reveal the significant role played by the strong sheared E  ×  B flow on the blob dynamics, which provides a potential method to control the SOL width by modifying the sheared E  ×  B flow in future tokamak plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between electrons and antiferromagnetic magnons (AFMMs) are important for a large class of correlated materials. For example, they are the most plausible pairing glues in high-temperature superconductors, such as cuprates and iron-based superconductors. However, unlike electron-phonon interactions (EPIs), clear-cut observations regarding how electron-AFMM interactions (EAIs) affect the band structure are still lacking. Consequently, critical information on the EAIs, such as its strength and doping dependence, remains elusive. Here we directly observe that EAIs induce a kink structure in the band dispersion of Ba1−xKxMn2As2, and subsequently unveil several key characteristics of EAIs. We found that the coupling constant of EAIs can be as large as 5.4, and it shows strong doping dependence and temperature dependence, all in stark contrast to the behaviors of EPIs. The colossal renormalization of electron bands by EAIs enhances the density of states at Fermi energy, which is likely driving the emergent ferromagnetic state in Ba1−xKxMn2As2 through a Stoner-like mechanism with mixed itinerant-local character. Our results expand the current knowledge of EAIs, which may facilitate the further understanding of many correlated materials where EAIs play a critical role. The interaction between antiferromagnetic magnons and electrons sits at the heart of many strongly correlated systems, however, investigation has been hampered by a lack of clear-cut examples. Here, Yu et al directly observe a kink in the dispersion, a result of renormalization due to the electron-antiferromagnetic magnon interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carry out several numerical simulations to illustrate how the radial electric field (Er) impacts the edge magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities. The analyses reveal that Er-shear ( E r ′ , here the prime denotes the derivative with respect to the radial direction) tends to stabilize the kink / Peeling–Ballooning modes by dephasing the perturbed radial velocity ( v ̃ r ) and displacement ( ξ ̃ r ). However, Er-curvature ( E r ″ ) tends to destabilize the kink/peeling modes by inducing a phase lock between v ̃ r and ξ ̃ r . More specifically, the ratio between them could be measured to quantify their relative competition strength. Consequently, the shape of Er is crucial to the shape of linear growth rate spectrum γ (n) (here n is the toroidal mode number), which further determines the nonlinear dynamics. On the one hand, relatively larger Er-curvature causes narrower γ (n) , leading to larger nonlinear energy loss fraction. On the other hand, relatively larger Er-shear has the opposite effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

. Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable due to its high nutritional value. Different growth regulators were used for the better yield of bitter gourd but the application of gibberellic acid as foliar spray is less addressed. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the yield and growth stages of bitter gourd at Horticulture Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan during summer 2016. Gibberellic acid concentrations (GA3) 0 ppm, 30 ppm, 60 ppm, and 90 ppm were applied at different leaf stages i.e., 2-4 leaves, 5-7 leaves, and 8-10 leaves. Results revealed that both the growth and yield were significantly influenced by the application of GA3 concentrations at different growth stages. Furthermore, the use of 90 ppm GA3 concentration improved the minimum male to female ratio (2.19), maximum number of fruits plant-1 (20.22), fruit length (15.64 cm), fruit diameter (3.51 cm), fruit weight plant-1 (137.82 g), fruit yield kg plot-1 (13.98 kg), and total yield tons ha-1 (38.83 t) respectively. While 30 ppm GA3 improved the minimum days to first flower (31.22) and minimum days to first harvest (48.56). However, regarding the growth stages 8-10 leaf stage improved minimum days to first flower (33.33), minimum days to first harvest (50.33), minimum male to female ratio (2.81), and maximum number of fruits plant-1 (18.50), number of branches plant-1 (4.67), fruit length (15.00 cm), fruit diameter (3.29 cm), fruit weight plant-1 (137.19 g), fruit yield kg plot-1 (12.79 kg), and total yield tons ha-1 (35.53 t). Overall gibberellic acid at 90 ppm concentration at 8-10 leaf stages was found beneficial for better growth and yield of bitter gourd under the semi-arid climatic condition of Peshawar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Two newly developed, eight-channel, integrated Beam Emission Spectroscopy (BES) detectors have been installed at Huan-Liuqi-2A tokamak, which extends the existing 16 single-channel modular BES system with additional 16 spatial channels. The BES collects the Doppler-shifted Balmer Dα emission with a spatial resolution of 1 cm (radial) × 1.5 cm (poloidal) and a temporal resolution of 0.5 µs to measure long-wavelength (k⊥ρi < 1) density fluctuations. Compared to the modular BES, the dark noise of the integrated BES is reduced by 50%–60% on average. The signal-to-noise ratio of the integrated BES system is optimized by the high light throughput front-end optics, high quantum efficiency photodiodes, high-gain, low-noise preamplifiers, and sufficient cooling capacity provided by the thermoelectric cooling (TEC) units that maintain the detectors at −20 °C. Crosstalk between channels that share the same optical system is found to be negligible. High-quality density fluctuation data enables 2D (radial–poloidal) imaging of turbulence, which allows for multi-channel spectral analysis, multi-channel cross-correlation analysis and velocimetry analysis. Preliminary results show that BES successfully captures the spatiotemporal features of the local turbulence and obtains statistically consistent turbulence characterization results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GeoSoilEnviroCARS (GSECARS) is a comprehensive analytical laboratory for Earth and environmental science research using X-ray beams from the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. State-of-the-art instruments are available for (1) high-pressure/high- or low-temperature diffraction, total scattering, and spectroscopy (Brillouin, Raman, and VIS-IR) using the laser heated diamond anvil cell (DAC); (2) high-pressure/high-temperature diffraction, scattering, and imaging as well as acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasonics using the large-volume press (LVP); (3) powder, single crystal, and surface/interface diffraction; (4) X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy; (5) X-ray fluorescence microprobe analysis; and (6) microtomography. Experiments are facilitated by senior level staff who collaborate on all aspects of the analytical work including experiment design, sample preparation, data collection, data interpretation, and publication preparation. Both technical and scientific synergies occur as a result of the intimate association of the various techniques and scientists experienced in the applications of synchrotron radiation to Earth, environmental, and planetary science problems. The facility includes state-of-the-art instrumentation designed and built in-house, including custom X-ray optics, online and offline laser-based systems, specialized sample environments and positioning systems, as well as pixel-array and multi-crystal energy dispersive X-ray detectors, which are available to be shared among the experimental stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) has a short growth period, long suitable sowing period, drought and barren tolerance, wide adaptability, nitrogen fixation and other characteristics. China is one of the original centers of mung bean, with a cultivation history of more than 2000 years. The current study aimed to assess the present mung bean germplasm in Liaoning Province scientifically, to provide a theoretical basis for collection, preservation, innovative and usage of mung bean germplasm resources. Methods: This study was conducted during 2011-2015 and 170 mung bean germplasm collections were selected from the germplasm resource bank of Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Forty six agronomic traits, including 34 quality traits and 12 quantitative traits, were observed and recorded. Data were comprehensively evaluated by multivariate analysis, i.e., diversity analysis, principal component analysis, correlation analysis, grey relational analysis and cluster analysis. Result: It was observed that mung bean resources have abundant diversity for exploitation in breeding programs. The traits pod-bearing capacity and vegetative growth capacity of plants were found closely related to yield. Germplasm lines with superior performance for yield characteristics, growth period, plant height and grain size were selected which included one high-yield and one early-matured and high-yield resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied an amorphous solid dispersion of berberine with absorption enhancer sodium caprate (Huang-Gui solid dispersion preparations, HGSD). A therapeutic effect of HGSD was revealed in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus and palmitate-induced injury to MIN6 β-cells. HGSD treatment (150 mg/kg) improved glucose metabolism and decreased β-cell apoptosis in diabetic mice. Furthermore, the effective component of HGSD berberine significantly attenuated the palmitate-induced decrease in MIN6 β-cells viability and insulin secretion. Moreover, molecular docking analysis and Western blotting showed that berberine decreased cell apoptosis and expression of group VIA phospholipase A2 (iPLA2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and caspase-3. These data suggest that HGSD treatment protected β-cells via inhibiting the iPLA2/p38 MAPK pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning points for clinicians Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel non-thermal ablation modality and has unique advantages for the treatment of tumors adjacent to vital structures. (A-C) Before IRE treatment, the transverse T2-weighted MRI image (A) showed two lymph node metastases located tightly close to the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein(arrowheads). The MRI images of two lymph node metastases before and after IRE treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread pollutants and they can cause cancer, abnormality and mutation. Nine natural PAHs-degrading bacteria were obtained from polluted areas. These bacteria and the bacterial mixture can degrade phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. The bacterial mixture can increase the degradation rates of several PAHs compounds, such as phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene, during the repaired process, and the degradation rates of these compounds were over 83%. The efficient degradation of PAHs should be the cooperation of key enzymes, such as dioxygenase and dehydrogenase, in the bacterial mixture. The main accumulated metabolite of above four PAHs was dibutyl phthalate detected by gas chromatography mass spectrometry, indicating that the degradation process of PAHs mainly represented the phthalic acid pathway in this work. And the toxicity of PAHs could be decreased by biodegradation. The effects of cultural factors, such as culture time, temperature, metal ions and pH on PAHs degradation efficiency were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic impacts and climate change modify instream flow, altering ecosystem services and impacting on aquatic ecosystems. Alpine rivers and streams on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) are especially vulnerable to disturbance owing to limited taxonomic complexity. The effects of flow have been studied using specific taxa, yet the flow‐biota relationships of assemblages are poorly understood. A multi‐metric habitat suitability model (MM‐HSM) was developed using integrated measures of entire macroinvertebrate assemblages to substitute for habitat suitability indices derived from individual taxa. The MM‐HSM was trained using macroinvertebrates data from three alpine rivers on the QTP, including the Yarlung Tsangpo, the Nujiang, and the Bai rivers, and then validated using data from a forth alpine river (the Lanmucuo). The model produced predictions using the training data set (R2 = 0.587) and the validation data set (R2 = 0.489). By coupling the MM‐HSM with hydrodynamic simulations, the relationship between weighted usable area and flow (0.11–1.99 m3 s−1) for macroinvertebrate assemblages was established, whereby a unimodal response pattern was observed for the Lanmucuo River. This contrast with monotonically positive or negative relationships observed for individual indicator taxa further supported our hypothesis that the response pattern of entire macroinvertebrate assemblages to flow would differ from responses of individual indicator taxa. The MM‐HSM provides a novel framework to quantify flow‐biota relationships, which is a useful approach for integrated river management. Plain Language Summary: Anthropogenic impacts and climate change modify the flow of rivers. Aquatic ecosystems in alpine rivers, such as those on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP), are especially vulnerable to flow variations. Effects of flow on the fauna have been studied mostly in individual species, whereas the response of entire communities to flow is poorly understood. In this study, we collect macroinvertebrates and measure environmental conditions in four alpine rivers on the QTP. We propose an index to describe the integrated status of macroinvertebrate communities by using multivariate statistical and regression analyses, and couple this index with the hydrodynamic simulation to model how entire macroinvertebrate communities respond to flow in a representative alpine river. Our results show that macroinvertebrates respond first positively then negatively to flow, yielding a suitable flow condition for entire communities from integrated and holistic perspectives. We compare the response of entire macroinvertebrate communities to flow with responses of individual species, and detect very different patterns. These results provide a new perspective and strategy for future river management in pursuit of integrated ecosystem conservation. Key Points: The multi‐metric habitat suitability model uses integrated measures of entire assemblages to substitute for indices of individual taxaThere is a unimodal relationship between macroinvertebrates and summer flow variations (0.11–1.99 m3 s−1) in the Lanmucuo RiverThe response pattern of entire macroinvertebrate assemblages to flow differs dramatically from responses of individual taxa [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]