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In long baseline (LBL)/inertial navigation system (INS) round-trip tightly coupled navigation, the traditional tightly coupled method exhibits the function model mismatch and the observation distance error. To address this issue, we proposed a high-precision LBL/INS round-trip tightly coupled navigation based on constrained acoustic ray-tracking and Rauch-Tung-Streibel (RTS) smoothing. Specifically, the method develops the system and measurement models tailored for LBL/INS round-trip tightly coupled navigation to improve the state estimation accuracy of the filter. A novel round-trip acoustic ray-tracking based on the depth constraint is then introduced to reduce the distance observation errors. Additionally, the measurement model is transformed into the local Cartesian coordinate system to facilitate acoustic round-trip ray-tracking. Finally, RTS smoother is utilized to enhance the smoothness of the navigation results. The simulation test results demonstrate that the proposed methods outperform the traditional method, with a reduction of 35.6$\%$ and 67.0$\%$ in the three-dimensional root mean square (3D-RMS) value of the navigation errors, respectively. In the field experiment, the proposed methods display a decrease of 11.7$\%$ and 38.8$\%$ in the 3D-RMS value in contrast to the traditional method, respectively. These findings indicate that the proposed methods exhibit superior accuracy, stability and availability compared to the traditional method.

The large-scale fabrication of three-terminal magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with high yield is becoming increasingly crucial, especially with the growing interest in spin-orbit torque (SOT) magnetic random access memory (MRAM) as the next generation of MRAM technology. To achieve high yield and consistent device performance in MTJs with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, an integration flow has been developed that incorporates special MTJ etching technique and other CMOS-compatible processes on a 300 mm wafer manufacturing platform. Systematic studies have been conducted on device performance and statistical uniformity, encompassing magnetic properties, electrical switching behavior, and reliability. Achievements include a switching current of $680~\mu $ A at 2 ns, a TMR as high as 119%, ultra-high endurance (over $10^{{12}}$ cycles), and excellent uniformity in the fabricated SOT-MTJ devices, with a yield of up to 99.6%. The proposed integration process, featuring high yield, is anticipated to streamline the mass production of SOT-MRAM.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prevalent chronic condition causing spinal pain and functional impairment. This study investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in regulating IVDD. Using RNA-seq, we analyzed differential expressions of lncRNA and miRNA in nucleus pulposus tissues from various mouse groups. We identified key regulatory molecules, MALAT1 and miRNA-138-5p, which contribute to IVDD. Further experiments demonstrated that MALAT1 can up-regulate SLC7A11 expression by competitively binding to miR-138-5p, forming a MALAT1/miR-138-5p/SLC7A11 coexpression regulatory network. This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which hUCMSC-derived EVs regulate IVDD and could help develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating this condition. Our findings demonstrate that hUCMSCs-EVs inhibit ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells, thereby improving IVDD. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of hUCMSCs-EVs in ameliorating the development of IVDD, offering significant scientific and clinical implications for new treatments.

This work presents a straightforward method for synthesizing a series of phosphorus-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (P-PAHs) featuring an internal ylidic bond. The method involves anion exchange, alkyne annulation, and deprotonation reactions, enabling the efficient production of cyclic phosphonium salts, which serve as pivotal intermediates in the synthesis of P-PAHs. The alkyne annulation reaction exhibits high regioselectivity, ensuring the successful synthesis of λ5-phosphaphenanthrene isomers. Additionally, the incorporation of electron-withdrawing groups effectively stabilizes the internal ylidic bond of P-PAHs.

An improved semi-physical model for a SiC MOSFET incorporated with relevant physical effects and temperature characteristics is proposed based on the EKV model. A simulation analysis of the Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET) effect, Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL) effect, channel length modulation effect, velocity saturation effect, and interface trap charge effect in SiC MOSFET devices is performed using Sentaurus TCAD. Based on the influence of physical effects on the characteristics of SiC MOSFET devices, mathematical corrections r(Vgs) and r(Vds), which can describe the relevant physical effects, are introduced into the original EKV model. The capacitance is accurately modelled to achieve the required match between the transient characteristics of the devices. The accuracy of the model is verified by static tests and double-pulse experiments. Results show that the improved model can do a better job of simulating the actual operating conditions of the device. In addition, its accuracy and applicability are greatly improved, providing a semi-physical model with a wider range of applicability for the simulation of SiC MOSFETs in power electronic systems.

A highly sensitive optical fiber sensor based on Mach–Zehnder was designed, which can achieve bidirectional as well as wide-range curvature measurements by combining with long short-term memory (LSTM). The curvature experimental results show that the highest sensitivity is −40.2971 nm/ $\text{m}^{-{1}}$ in the range of 0–10.3580 $\text{m}^{-{1}}$ . The creative introduction of LSTM gets rid of the constraint from the free spectral range (FSR); the demodulation range is significantly increased. This method can reduce the requirement for hardware equipment; the accuracy can still be guaranteed with fewer sampling points. Furthermore, the sensor can be used for curvature measurement in bidirectionality. The proposed method is highly generalizable and can be extended to sense the measured in more complex environments.

A low-cost biosensor with multifunctionality, wide detection range, and enhanced sensitivity was highly desirable. In this work, we demonstrated the desirable application of Cu2O@Au in nitrite, glucose, and formaldehyde detection. The surfactant-free synthesis of Cu2O@Au nanocrystals with a hexapod morphology and controllable Au loading rates has been achieved. The surfactant-free surface maximized the active sites and the decoration by Au accelerated electron transfer, resulting in an enhanced biosensor performance. The correlation between the atomic rate and biosensor performance for obtained Cu2O@Au nanocrystals has been investigated systematically. It is indicated that an optimal Au loading rate would not only enhance the sensitivity but also rationalize the sensor cost. In the detection of nitrite, the sensitivity of the sensor constructed by Cu2O@Au-20% was $368.77 ~\mu \text{A}$ /mM $\cdot $ cm2, which exhibited 6.8 folds higher than that by pure Cu2O. The superior biosensor sensitivity of Cu2O@Au could also be extended to the glucose and formaldehyde detection, the enhanced factors could reach 1.26 and 1.88, respectively. Meanwhile, the surface decoration by Au elevated enabled Cu2O an effective photocatalyst. This work optimized the performances of Cu2O by a green approach, which opened up new avenues for designing a nontoxic biosensor with multifunctionality and enhanced performance.

[Display omitted] • The CuBr@Pt with high surface area and controllable Pt loading rates have been synthesized. • The obtained CuBr@Pt with abundant active sites showed a superior sensor performance. • An optimized Pt loading rate is vital to sensor performance of CuBr@Pt. • Sensor by CuBr@Pt-15% could achieve the detection of high concentration glucose and nitrite. The high cost and narrow detection range of electrocatalyst are the two major challenges for the electrochemical biosensors. This work provided a surfactant-free synthesis of CuBr@Pt nanoparticles (CuBr@Pt NPs) with controllable Pt loading rates. The introduction of chloroplatinic acid (H 2 PtCl 6) and an elevated synthesis temperature resulted in a high surface area for CuBr@Pt NPs. The abundant active sites enabled the CuBr@Pt NPs a superior performance as applied in glucose and nitrite detection. Moreover, an optimal Pt loading would be conducive to optimize sensor performances of CuBr@Pt NPs. In the glucose detection, the sensor by CuBr@Pt-15% could reach the detection concentration up to 68.0 mM, which was 1.9 times higher than that by pure CuBr. And the corresponding sensitivity by CuBr@Pt-15% was calculated to be 382.73 µA/mM·cm2. In the detection of sodium nitrite, CuBr@Pt-15% also revealed a superior behavior than previous work. And the detection concentration (by the linear sweep voltammetry) was form 0 to 80.0 mM. This work demonstrated the superior biosensor performance of CuBr@Pt-15%, which offered a promising material for sensor with wider detection range and rationalized cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic is a widely utilized condiment and health product. However, garlic bulbs are prone to quality deterioration resulting in decrease of economic value during postharvest. In this study, the storability of 501 garlic accessions worldwide was evaluated based on the examination of decay index (DI), decay rate, sprouting rate, and bud-to-clove ratio in two consecutive years. The DI was employed as a primary index for evaluating the storability of garlic. Among these garlic, 43 accessions exhibited strong storability with DI of 0%–5%. Phenotypic and cytological observations revealed that strong storability accessions displayed delayed sprouting and decay, a slow rate of nutrient transfer to vascular bundles. Through genome-wide association study (GWAS), 234 single-nucleotide polymorphism loci (SNPs) were associated with the storability, which were located in or near 401 genes, which were annotated the functions of resistance, storage substances transport, etc. A total of 44 genes were screened using selective sweep analysis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed at four periods after storage in the 8N035 accession with strong storability and 8N258 accession with weak storability. Compared with 8N035, the upregulated genes in the 8N258 were enriched in photosynthesis and stress response, whereas the downregulated genes were enriched in response of biotic and abiotic stress and defense response. A co-expression network and GWAS identified three hub genes as key regulatory genes. Conjoint analysis of GWAS, selective sweep, and transcriptomic analysis identified 21 important candidate genes. These findings provided excellent resources with storability and vital candidate genes regulating storability for biological breeding of garlic.

Chiral organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides have a strong structure–property relationship, such as that the modification of their structural dimensionality can adjust their chiroptical properties. Here, based on chiral organic molecules R/S-methylbenzylamine (R/S-MBA), we synthesized new chiral antimony halides with structures from zero-dimensional (0D) (R/S-MBA)2SbI5to one-dimensional (1D) (R/S-MBA)SbI4. The chirality transfer from chiral ligands to the inorganic framework was analyzed based on the electrical dipole moment of R/S-MBA. The anisotropy factor of circular dichroism (gCD) of this 1D chiral (R/S-MBA)SbI4is determined to be about ∼0.02, which is about 1 order of magnitude larger than that of the 0D (R/S-MBA)2SbI5.

•Inserting gradient pore density foam metal in thermoelectric generators.•Positive gradient foam metal enhances output power and efficiency.•Average pressure drop reduced by 27.29%.•Experimental validation of the accuracy of the numerical model.

Piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) with these advantages of low cost, small volume and stable output in extreme environment is constantly required to develop self-powered sensing system in Internet of Things (IoT), which can relieve energy crisis and reduce labor maintenance costs. However, low electrical output of PENG severely restricts its application and has been a key challenge in the development of PENG. To attain high output performance, a new PENG based on core-shell heterostructure of barium titanate(BT)/polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF) composite fibers coated with BT@Ag was designed for energy harvesting and wireless sensing application. The outputs of PENG with this special structure are enhanced near 3 times than that of PENG based on traditional fibers, benefiting from the enhanced induced-polarization and stress transfer mechanism in PENG, which is confirmed by experimental results and explained by multi-physics simulations. Moreover, the PENG can effectively harvest wind and acoustic energy, which can deliver the high outputs of 107.5 V and 16.18 µA under 12 m/s wind speed, 45.4 V and 6.5 µA under 110 dB sound pressure, respectively. To verify the practicability of the PENG, a whole self-powered wireless sensing system based on the PENG to harvest energy in environment was demonstrated, where the signal of humidity condition of soil can be sensed periodically and transmitted to mobile phone for further analysis. This work provides an effective strategy to boost performance of PENG and further paves a route about advanced self-powered wireless sensing technology in IoT.

[Display omitted] • The morphology of Cu was tailored by controlling the ripening time of Cu seeds. • Biosensors by the Cu NPs showed a superior thermostability and sensitivity. • The 2D nanostructure enabled Cu to exhibit a wide detection range toward glucose. • This work would open up a new avenue for utilizing non-noble metals. In this study, we demonstrated a one-pot synthesis of Cu nanoplates (Cu NPs) with high purity and "clean surface". Different from surfactant-assisted method, we tailored the architecture by controlling the ripening time of Cu seeds. Citrate is introduced as a structure-directing agent. Since the "clean surface" provide more available active sites, the as-prepared Cu NPs show a superior performance when utilized in the non-enzymatic biosensors. In the detection of nitrite, the sensor constructed by Cu NPs exhibited a superior sensitivity (303.1 ± 10.18 µA·mM−1·cm−2), and the detection range is 5.0 mM. On the contrary, sensitivity for the Cu NPs by surfactant-assisted method is negligible. As applied in the glucose sensors, detection range by Cu NPs could reach 36.0 mM. And the sensitivity under ambient condition (298 K) is 561.93 ± 3.72 µA·mM−1·cm−2, which is ca. 2.11-folds higher than that for Cu NPs by surfactant-assisted method. In the detection of H 2 O 2 , detection range is 10.0 mM, and the enhancement factor for detection range is up to 2.0-folds. The superior performance can also be extended to the catalysis for the reduction of 4-nitro-phenol. Since no additional noble metals was applied, this strategy would open up a new avenue for utilizing non-noble metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic conduction mechanism and optimal sintering atmosphere of (Ba0.85Ca0.15)(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3(BCZT) ceramics were regulated by Mn-doping element in this work. By Hall and impedance analysis, the undoped BCZT ceramics exhibit a typical n-type conduction mechanism, and the electron concentration decreases with the increasing oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, the undoped ceramics exhibit best electrical properties (piezoelectrical constant d33= 585 pC·N−1, electro-mechanical coupling factor kp= 56%) in O2. A handful of Mn-doping element would transfer the conduction mechanism from n-type into p-type. And the hole concentration reduces with the decreasing oxygen partial pressure for Mn-doped BCZT ceramics. Therefore, the Mn-doped ceramics sintered in N2 have the highest insulation resistance and best piezoelectric properties (d33= 505 pC·N−1, kp= 50%). The experimental results demonstrate that the Mn-doping element can effectively adjust the intrinsic conduction mechanism and then predict the optimal atmosphere.

Objective: To shorten the preparation time of rabbit decellularized tracheal matrix through a modified detergent-enzymatic method with higher concentration of DNase (50 kU/mL), providing an experimental and theoretical basis for clinical decellularization technology.Methods: The control group was a natural trachea, and the experimental group was a tracheal matrix subjected to two and four decellularization cycles. The performance of each group of samples was evaluated by histology and immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, biomechanical property testing, inoculation and cytotoxicity tests, and allograft experiments.Results: The results showed that the nuclei of the nonchondral areas of the tracheal stroma were essentially completely removed and MHC-I and MHC-II antigens were removed after two decellularization cycles. Histological staining and scanning electron microscopy showed that the extracellular matrix was retained and the basement membrane was intact. Cell inoculation and proliferation tests confirmed that the acellular tracheal matrix had good biocompatibility, and the proliferation capacity of bone mesenchymal stem cells on the matrix was increased in the experimental group compared with the control group (p< 0.05). Histological staining and CD68 molecular marker analysis after the allograft experiment showed that the inflammatory response of the acellular tracheal matrix was weak and the infiltration of surrounding macrophages was reduced.Conclusion: A modified detergent-enzymatic method with an increased DNase (50 kU/mL) concentration requires only two cycles (4 days) to obtain a decellularized rabbit tracheal matrix with a short preparation time, good biocompatibility, suitable mechanical properties, and reduced preparation cost.

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy eventually leads to heart failure without adequate treatment. REG? is emerging as 11S proteasome activator of 20S proteasome to promote the degradation of cellular proteins in a ubiquitin- and ATP-independent manner. Here, we found that REG? was significantly upregulated in the transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced hypertrophic hearts and angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated cardiomyocytes. REG? deficiency ameliorated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy were associated with inhibition of cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and suppression of protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit a (PP2Aca) decay. Mechanistically, REG? interacted with and targeted PP2Aca for degradation directly, thereby leading to increase of phosphorylation levels and nuclear export of Forkhead box protein O (FoxO) 3a and subsequent of SOD2 decline, ROS accumulation, and cardiac hypertrophy. Introducing exogenous PP2Aca or SOD2 to human cardiomyocytes significantly rescued the REG?-mediated ROS accumulation of Ang II stimulation in vitro. Furthermore, treatment with superoxide dismutase mimetic, MnTBAP prevented cardiac ROS production and hypertrophy features that REG? caused in vivo, thereby establishing a REG?–PP2Aca–FoxO3a–SOD2 pathway in cardiac oxidative stress and hypertrophy, indicates modulating the REG?-proteasome activity may be a potential therapeutic approach in cardiac hypertrophy-associated disorders.

InGaZnO (IGZO) is currently the most prominent oxide semiconductor complement to low-temperature polysilicon for thin-film transistor (TFT) applications in flat panel displays. However, the compromised transport performance and bias stress instability are critical issues inhibiting its application in ultrahigh-resolution optoelectronic displays. Here, we report the fabrication of graded channel junctionless

A general and unified approach to synthesize Ag, Cu and Au nanoparticles (NPs) is developed at room temperature in air atmosphere under ultrasonication in poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) solutions with ascorbic acid and glucose as the reducing and nucleation agents, respectively. XRD, TEM, and HR-TEM analysis of the Ag, Cu, and Au NPs confirm purity and average diameters of 15.5 ± 2.0 nm, 50 ± 3.0 nm, and 10 ± 1.0 nm, respectively. An ultrasonic-assisted mechanism, wherein reduction occurs readily and produces anti-oxidation particles, is proposed and discussed. Fast infrared sintering was used to avoid damaging the substrate of conductive patterns whose resistivity at 10 W (∼50 °C) sintering power for less than 6 min reached up to 10 ± 0.5 μΩ cm, 40 ± 3.0 μΩ cm, and 280 ± 5 μΩ cm for Ag, Cu, and Au patterns, respectively. Paper-based electrodes were produced successfully and exhibited excellent flexibility and good conductivity. The potential of this method for large scale production is discussed.

The synthesis of pyreno[a]pyrene-based helicene hybrids was achieved in good yield via a four-fold alkyne benzannulation reaction that was promoted by Brønsted acid. The molecules are configurationally locked, allowing the enantiomers to be separated using chiral HPLC so that their photophysical and chiroptical properties, including circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence, could be studied.

Exercise has long been recognized as a beneficial living style for cardiovascular health. It has been applied to be a central component of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), coronary heart disease (CHD), post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), post cardiac surgery or transplantation. Although the effect of exercise is multifactorial, in this review, we focus on the specific contribution of regular exercise on the heart and vascular system. We will summarize the known result of clinical findings and possible mechanisms of chronic exercise on the cardiovascular system.

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries enable a promising high-energy-storage system while facing practical challenges regarding lithium dendrites and lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling. Herein, a fascinating SO3H-functionalized graphdiyne (SOGDY) was developed by grafting SO3H onto GDY to modify the separator in Li–S batteries. It realizes structure-retained material transformation, that is, SOGDY retains the crystalline all-carbon network and uniform subnanopores from the initial GDY. The abundant SO3H and uniform pores create a rapid Li+transport relay station, benefit rapid Li+transport and even lithium deposition, and prevent lithium dendrite growth. The spatial obstruction and strong polar adsorption sites from SO3H effectively inhibit LiPS shuttling. Additionally, SOGDY establishes a fast electron-transfer pathway to facilitate the LiPS conversion. The SOGDY/PP separator exhibited steady cycling at 1 mA cm–2over 3500 h in the Li∥Li symmetric battery and achieved outstanding low-temperature and high-rate performance in the Li–S battery with a high initial specific capacity of 804.5 mA h g–1and a final capacity of 504.9 mA h g–1after 500 cycles at 3 C and −10 °C. This work demonstrates that introducing a stable all-carbon network and uniform functionalized nanopores is an effective strategy to modify the Li–S battery separator.

To identify and screen serum biomarkers to determine pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases (PCH) from healthy control children (NC), a total of 614 clinically diagnosed subjects from three hospitals, including 491 PCH and 234 NC, were enrolled for nontargeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR)-based and targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC–MS/MS)-based metabolomics studies. Nineteen serum metabolites distinguishing PCH from NC were identified by 1H NMR-based metabolomic analysis. The amino acid and choline metabolic pathways were considered to be closely related to PCH. The serum levels of 13 metabolites in these two pathways were further determined by UPLC–MS/MS and observed to be altered significantly in PCH. Taurine, glutamine, and glutamate presented considerable diagnostic value for the diagnosis of PCH (AUROC > 0.80). Logistic regression analysis showed that a combination of four variables, namely, betaine, taurine, glutamine, and phenylalanine, yields a high diagnostic value (AUROC = 0.949) and prediction accuracy (89.1%) for differentiating PCH from the NC, and the sensitivity and specificity were 93.9 and 95.2%, respectively. Further double-blind sample prediction showed that the accuracy of the model was 83.8% for 80 unknown samples. Our results showed that the serum amino acid and choline metabolite levels in PCH were changed considerably. The combination of four metabolites, namely, betaine, taurine, glutamine, and phenylalanine, can be used as potential serum biomarkers in PCH diagnosis, which contributes to the early PCH screening.

MAPKs play important roles in platelet activation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MAPKs are regulated in platelets remain largely unknown. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot data showed that MEKK3, a key MAP3K family member, was expressed in human and mouse platelets. Then, megakaryocyte/platelet-specific MEKK3-deletion (MEKK3-/-) mice were developed to elucidate the platelet-related function(s) of MEKK3. We found that agonist-induced aggregation and degranulation were reduced in MEKK3-/- platelets in vitro. MEKK3 deficiency significantly impaired integrin aIIbß3–mediated inside-out signaling but did not affect the outside-in signaling. At the molecular level, MEKK3 deficiency led to severely impaired activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 2 but not p38 or ERK5. In vivo, MEKK3-/- mice showed delayed thrombus formation following FeCl3-induced carotid artery injury. Interestingly, the tail bleeding time was normal in MEKK3-/- mice. Moreover, MEKK3-/- mice had fewer microthrombi, reduced myocardial infarction (MI) size, and improved post-MI heart function in a mouse model of MI. These results suggest that MEKK3 plays important roles in platelet MAPK activation and may be used as a new effective target for antithrombosis and prevention of MI expansion.

The propagation of cultivated garlic relies on vegetative cloves, thus flowers become non-essential for reproduction in this species, driving the evolution of reproductive feature-derived traits. To obtain insights into the evolutionary alteration of reproductive traits in the clonally propagated garlic, the evolutionary histories of two main reproduction-related traits, bolting and flower differentiation, were explored by genome analyses using 134 accessions displaying wide diversity in these two traits. Resequencing identified 272.8 million variations in the garlic genome, 198.0 million of which represent novel variants. Population analysis identified five garlic groups that have evolved into two clades. Gene expression, single-cell transcriptome sequencing, and genome-wide trait association analyses have identified numerous candidates that correlate with reproductive transition and flower development, some of which display distinct selection signatures. Selective forces acting on the B-box zinc finger protein-encoding Asa2G00291.1, the global transcription factor group E protein-encoding Asa5G01527.1, and VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3-like Asa3G03399.1appear to be representative of the evolution of garlic bolting. Plenty of novel genomic variations and trait-related candidates represent valuable resources for biological studies of garlic. Numerous selective signatures from genes associated with the two chosen reproductive traits provide important insights into the evolutionary history of reproduction in this clonally propagated crop.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

We reported a nano-Ag/liquid crystalline elastomer(LCE) nanocomposite by incorporating silver nanoparticles into a monodomain polysiloxane-based LCE matrix viaa novel experimental protocol. The photo-thermo-mechanical actuation of the LCE matrix was realized viathe surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles while converting light into heat. The photoresponsive properties of nano-Ag/LCE nanocomposites were investigated with varying illumination intensities and silver nanoparticle doping concentrations(0.04% to 0.2%, mass fraction). The nano-Ag/LCE nanocomposites show sensitive deformation under irradiation due to their excellent photo-thermal conversion efficiency, and this photostimulated muscle-like actuation is fully reversible viathe on-off behavior of light. Incorporating silver nanoparticles into the LCE matrix also improves the mechanical properties and enhances the load-actuation capability of the material.

The effects of KTN and KTN@Ag nanoparticles on dielectric behavior and temperature-dependent dielectric mechanisms of PVDF-based composites were studied. It was found that relatively high dielectric permittivity, low loss tangent, and outstanding dielectric stability were simultaneously achieved in the Nano-KTN@Ag/PVDF hybrid films. In this study, we found that the effect of interfacial polarization on the permittivity of Nano-KTN@Ag/PVDF hybrid film becomes more and more significant with the increase of temperature. The calculated conductivity activation energy (EA) proved that the migration of charge carriers requires more energy to overcome the potential barrier in the Nano-KTN@Ag/PVDF hybrid films than that in the Nano-KTN/PVDF hybrid films. A complete and systematic study of the dielectric mechanism is necessary, which can be a significant guide to the preparation of dielectric materials applied in the electronics industry.

Garlic, an asexually propagated crop, is the second important bulb crop after the onion and is used as a vegetable and medicinal plant. Abundant and diverse garlic resources have been formed over thousands of years of cultivation. However, genome variation, population structure and genetic architecture of garlic agronomic traits were still not well elucidated. Here, 1 100 258 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing in 606 garlic accessions collected from 43 countries. Population structure, principal component and phylogenetic analysis showed that these accessions were divided into five subpopulations. Twenty agronomic traits, including above-ground growth traits, bulb-related and bolt-related traits in two consecutive years were implemented in a genome-wide association study. In total, 542 SNPs were associated with these agronomic traits, among which 188 SNPs were repeatedly associated with more than two traits. One SNP (chr6: 1896135972) was repeatedly associated with ten traits. These associated SNPs were located within or near 858 genes, 56 of which were transcription factors. Interestingly, one non-synonymous SNP (Chr4: 166524085) in ribosomal protein S5was repeatedly associated with above-ground growth and bulb-related traits. Additionally, gene ontology enrichment analysis of candidate genes for genomic selection regions between complete-bolting and non-bolting accessions showed that these genes were significantly enriched in ‘vegetative to reproductive phase transition of meristem’, ‘shoot system development’, ‘reproductive process’, etc. These results provide valuable information for the reliable and efficient selection of candidate genes to achieve garlic genetic improvement and superior varieties.

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a label-free chemical imaging technique. Two-color imaging is often necessary to determine the distribution of chemical species in SRS microscopy. Current multi-color SRS imaging methods involve complicated instrumentation or longer data acquisition time or are limited to transmission imaging. In this Letter, we show that by adding a simple fiber amplifier to a 2 ps laser source and optical-parametric-oscillator-based SRS setup, one can achieve simultaneous two-color or frequency modulation SRS microscopy. The fiber amplifier can generate a wavelength tunable laser of ±10  nm around the Stokes laser wavelength at 1031 nm with average power greater than 200 mW. In vivo and ex vivo lipid–protein imaging of mouse brain and skin is demonstrated. To further demonstrate the potential of this technique in high-speed in vivo imaging, white blood cells in a blood stream are imaged in a live mouse.

The effects of the morphology, interface, and dielectric constant of inorganic fillers on the dielectric properties of nanocomposites were systemically studied in this paper. It is found that two kinds of KTa0.5Nb0.5O3(KTN) nanoparticles, synthesized via solid-state reaction and hydrothermal method respectively, can bring different influences on the structure and electrical performance of the KTN/PVDF composites. This is caused by the OH groups on the surface of the H-KTN nanoparticles which were generated through the hydrothermal method. Theoretical models, including the Maxwell–Garnett model, logarithmic model, Jayasundere–Smith model, effective medium theory model, and Weibull distribution method, are employed to explain the dielectric behavior of the composite. Through the comparison between the experimental data and theoretical models, it is concluded that the geometric shape of fillers plays a more crucial role than the dielectric constant of fillers in enhancing the dielectric constant of KTN/PVDF composite films. Consequently, it is an effective way to fabricate the composites with excellent dielectric properties by modulating the geometric shape of inorganic fillers.

Binder-free electrodes offer a great opportunity for developing high-performance sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) aiming at the application in energy storage devices. Tin selenide (SnSe) is considered to be a promising anode material for SIBs owing to its high theoretical capacity (780 mA h g–1). In this work, a SnSe nanosheet array (SnSe NS) on a carbon cloth is prepared using a vacuum thermal evaporation method. The as-prepared SnSe NS electrode does not have metal current collectors, binders, or any conductive additives. In comparison with the electrode of SnSe blocky particles (SnSe BP), the SnSe NS electrode delivers a higher initial charge capacity of 713 mA h g–1at a current density of 0.1C and maintains a higher charge capacity of 410 mA h g–1after 50 cycles. Furthermore, the electrochemical behaviors of the SnSe NS electrode are determined via pseudocapacitance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, indicating a faster kinetic process of the SnSe NS electrode compared to that of the SnSe BP. OperandoX-ray diffraction measurements prove that the SnSe NS exhibits better phase reversibility than the SnSe BP. After the cycles, the SnSe NS electrode still maintains its particular structure. This work provides a feasible method to prepare SnSe nanostructures with high capacity and improved sodium ion diffusion ability.

Stimuli-controlled drug delivery and release is of great significance in cancer therapy, making a stimuli-responsive drug carrier highly demanded. Herein, a multistimuli-controlled drug carrier was developed by coating bovine serum albumin on Fe5C2nanoparticles (NPs). With a high loading of the anticancer drug doxorubicin, the nanoplatform provides a burst drug release when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light or acidic conditions. In vitroexperiment demonstrated a NIR-regulated cell inhibition that is ascribed from cellular uptake of the carrier and the combination of photothermal therapy and enhanced drug release. The carrier is also magnetic-field-responsive, which enables targeted drug delivery under the guidance of a magnetic field and monitors the theranostic effect by magnetic resonance imaging. In vivosynergistic effect demonstrates that the magnetic-driven accumulation of NPs can induce a complete tumor inhibition without appreciable side effects to the treated mice by NIR irradiation, due to the combined photochemotherapy. Our results highlight the great potential of Fe5C2NPs as a remote-controlled platform for photochemothermal cancer therapy.