Search

This article investigates the distributed secondary control of a dc microgrid, where the distributed generation units (DGUs) are connected through limited communication. In particular, the communication among the DGUs is restricted to transmitting quantized data at specific time instants, determined by a novel memory-based event-triggered mechanism (METM). Unlike existing memoryless event-triggered schemes, the proposed METM utilizes a series of the latest released signals to increase the probability of triggering samples at the peak or valley of the responses. Then, a memory-based secondary control is designed that fully utilizes the latest released dynamic information to achieve better control performance. The proposed method ensures accurate current sharing and voltage regulation, which is rigorously analyzed using the Lyapunov method. To validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results, numerical simulations and experimental work are conducted.

Thymic egress is a crucial process for thymocyte maturation, strictly regulated by sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (S1PL). Recently, cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), one of the enzymes producing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), has emerged as a vital immune process regulator. However, the molecular connection between CSE, H2S and thymic egress remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the regulatory function of CSE in the thymic egress of immune cells. We showed that genetic knockout of CSE or pharmacological inhibition by CSE enzyme inhibitor NSC4056 or D,L-propargylglycine (PAG) significantly enhanced the migration of mature lymphocytes and monocytes from the thymus to the peripheral blood, and this redistribution effect could be reversed by treatment with NaHS, an exogenous donor of H2S. In addition, the CSE-generated H2S significantly increased the levels of S1P in the peripheral blood, thymus and spleen of mice, suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines and rescued pathogen-induced sepsis in cells and in vivo. Notably, H2S or polysulfide inhibited S1PL activity in cells and an in vitro purified enzyme assay. We found that this inhibition relied on a newly identified C203XC205redox motif adjacent to the enzyme’s active site, shedding light on the biochemical mechanism of S1PL regulation. In conclusion, this study uncovers a new function and mechanism for CSE-derived H2S in thymic egress and provides a potential drug target for treating S1P-related immune diseases.

This article proposes a hierarchical cloud-supported control (HCSC) framework for space teleoperation systems, leveraging cloud-supported communication to enhance long-distance transmission and data processing capabilities. The HCSC framework enables cooperation and manipulability improvements for networked-follower robots, while simultaneously processing local and cloud data. Within the framework, we integrate the self-triggered fixed-time estimation, local fixed-time controller, and supertwisting-based observer components. By leveraging self-triggered and fixed-time control theories, we establish sufficient criteria for fixed-time estimation and stabilization in teleoperation systems with cloud-supported communication. These criteria ensure that teleoperation tasks can be accomplished within a user-defined fixed time, regardless of the initial conditions. Besides, the supertwisting-based observer is presented to improve the telepresence, namely, the ability of reconstructing the space interaction force for the human operator in the leader side. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the HCSC framework.

The high penetration of renewable energy in grid-connected microgrids creates the tie-line power fluctuations, which can increase operating costs and even pose security and stability risks. Yet, we continue to lack efficient tools to smooth the tie-line power fluctuations within the context of microgrids. In this article, a hierarchical regulation strategy is proposed for smoothing the fluctuations of tie-line power flow in grid-connected microgrids equipped with battery storage units (BSUs), where the BSUs are aggregated into several battery storage aggregators (BSAs) to facilitate the management. This strategy comprises two layers: an upper layer employs a multiple-horizon predictive optimization-based approach to compute the required power allocation for each BSA, ensuring smoothed power trajectories while adhering to system constraints. Subsequently, a lower layer employs a distributed fast tracking-based technique to distribute the allocated power among BSUs within each BSA using predefined-time control theory. Case studies validate the effectiveness of our approach.

Solid strong base catalysts are highly attractive for diverse reactions owing to their advantages of neglectable corrosion, facile separation, and environmental friendliness. However, their widespread applications are impeded by basic components aggregation and low stability. In this work, we fabricate single calcium atoms on graphene (denoted as Ca1/G) by use of a redox strategy for the first time, producing solid strong base catalyst with high activity and stability. The precursor Ca(NO3)2is first reduced to CaO at 400 °C by the support graphene, forming CaO/G with conventional basic sites, and the subsequent reduction at 850 °C results in the generation of Ca1/G with atomically dispersed Ca. Various characterizations reveal that Ca single atoms are anchored on graphene in tetra-coordination (Ca–C2–N2) where N is in situ doped from Ca(NO3)2. The atomically dispersed Ca, along with their anchoring on the support, endow Ca1/G with high activity and stability toward the transesterification reaction of ethylene carbonate with methanol. The turnover frequency value reaches 128.0 h−1on Ca1/G, which is much higher than the traditional counterpart CaO/G and various reported solid strong bases (2.9–46.2 h−1). Moreover, the activity of Ca1/G is well maintained during 5 cycles, while 60% of activity is lost for the conventional analogue CaO/G due to the leaching of Ca.

• A large number (10.0 vol.%) of galvanic couples were formed ((α-Mg-Li)-Mg 2 (Ni, Cu) in designed Mg-Li-Ni-Cu alloy, with a potential difference of ∼500 mV, which is significantly higher than that of most couples formed in comparative Mg alloys. • A superb degradation rate of 2404.3 ± 24.0 mm/y was obtained, 2.3 times higher than the reported highest degradation rate of comparative Mg alloys. • Adding Ni and Cu and the formation of the Mg 2 (Ni, Cu) phase can refine the grains (1.5 μm), leading to high strength and plasticity. • The designed alloy exhibits a combined superb degradation rate (2404.3 mm/y) high compressive strength (484.9 MPa), lower density (1.70 g/cm3) and high compressive strain (16.1%). Lightweight Mg alloys with high degradation rates and high strength are attractive for fracturing tools used in unconventional oil/gas extraction. The common design strategy for such alloys is to directly add Ni/Cu into existing high-strength Mg alloys, which meets the high-strength demand but the degradation rates are still insufficient for some extreme downhole environments, especially those with low temperature and low chloride ion concentrations. Here we designed an extruded lightweight Mg-Li-Ni-Cu alloy with superb degradation rate and high strength. The high degradation rate is attributed mainly to the formation of highly effective galvanic couples, Ni/Cu-containing second phases (cathode) and Mg-Li matrix (anode) with ultrahigh potential difference. The degradation rate achieved 2404.3 mm/y, ∼2.3 times higher than the reported highest rate of extruded Mg alloys for fracturing tools. The alloy also has a high compressive strength of 484.9 MPa, which can be attributed largely to grain refinement strengthening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective CO2transformations hold essential significance for carbon neutrality and sustainable energy development. Carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2serves as an atom-economic reaction to afford oxazolidinones, showing broad applications in organic synthesis and pharmaceutical fields. However, most catalysts involved noble metals, exhibited low efficiency, or required large amounts of base. Hence, it is imperative to explore alternative noble-metal-free catalysts in order to achieve efficient conversion while minimizing the use of additives. Herein, a novel nanopore-based Cu(II)–organic framework (1) based on a new imidazole carboxylic ligand was successfully constructed and exhibited excellent stability. Catalytic investigations revealed that the combination of 1with 1,4-diaza[2.2.2]bicyclooctane (DABCO) efficiently catalyzed the carboxylative cyclization of propargylic amines with CO2, achieving turnover numbers of 142 based on the catalyst and 7.1 based on DABCO. 1as a heterogeneous catalyst maintained high catalytic performance even after being reused at least 5 cycles, with its structure remaining stable. The strong activation of Cu(II) cluster nodes of catalyst 1toward −NH– groups within organic substrates, as demonstrated by mechanism experiments, along with excellent CO2adsorption performance and the presence of regular 1D channels, synergistically facilitates the reaction rate. This research presents the first instance of a Cu(II)–organic framework achieving this cyclization reaction, offering wide prospects for novel catalyst design and CO2utilization.

Li1.5Ga0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3(LGTP) is recognized as a promising solid electrolyte material for lithium ions. In this work, LGTP solid electrolyte materials were prepared under different process conditions to explore the effects of sintering temperature and holding time on relative density, phase composition, microstructure, bulk conductivity, and total conductivity. In the impedance test under frequency of 1−106Hz, the bulk conductivity of the samples increased with increasing sintering temperature, and the total conductivity first increased and then decreased. SEM results showed that the average grain size in the ceramics was controlled by the sintering temperature, which increased from (0.54±0.01) μm to (1.21±0.01) μm when the temperature changed from 750 to 950 °C. The relative density of the ceramics increased and then decreased with increasing temperature as the porosity increased. The holding time had little effect on the grain size growth or sample density, but an extended holding time resulted in crack generation that served to reduce the conductivity of the solid electrolyte.

Here, we demonstrate palladium-catalyzed Hiyama-type cross-coupling reactions of aryl thianthrenium or phenoxathiinium salts. By employing stable and inexpensive organosilanes, the arylation, alkenylation, and alkynylation were realized in high efficiency using commercially available Pd(tBu3P)2as the catalyst, thus providing a reliable method for preparation of biaryls, styrenes, and aryl acetylenes with a broad functional group tolerance under mild conditions. Given the accessibility of aryl thianthrenium or phenoxathiinium salts from simple arenes in a remarkable regioselective fashion, this protocol also provides an attractive approach for the late-stage modification of complex bioactive scaffolds.

Artificial intelligence (AI) use in diabetes care is increasingly being explored to personalise care for people with diabetes and adapt treatments for complex presentations. However, the rapid advancement of AI also introduces challenges such as potential biases, ethical considerations, and implementation challenges in ensuring that its deployment is equitable. Ensuring inclusive and ethical developments of AI technology can empower both health-care providers and people with diabetes in managing the condition. In this Review, we explore and summarise the current and future prospects of AI across the diabetes care continuum, from enhancing screening and diagnosis to optimising treatment and predicting and managing complications.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most prevalent clinical hair loss, lacks safe and effective treatments due to downregulated angiogenic genes and insufficient vascularization in the perifollicular microenvironment of the bald scalp in AGA patients. In this study, a hyaluronic acid (HA) based hydrogel-formed microneedle (MN) was designed, referred to as V-R-MNs, which was simultaneously loaded with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the novel hair loss drug Ritlecitinib, the latter is encapsulated in slowly biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) nanoparticles (R-PHA NPs) for minimally invasive AGA treatment. The integration of HA based hydrogel alongside PHA nanoparticles significantly bolstered the mechanical characteristics of microneedles and enhanced skin penetration efficiency. Due to the biosafety, mechanical strength, and controlled degradation properties of HA hydrogel formed microneedles, V-R-MNs can effectively penetrate the skin's stratum corneum, facilitating the direct delivery of VEGF and Ritlecitinib in a minimally invasive, painless and long-term sustained release manner. V-R-MNs not only promoted angiogenesis and improve the immune microenvironment around the hair follicle to promote the proliferation and development of hair follicle cells, but also the application of MNs to the skin to produce certain mechanical stimulation could also promote angiogenesis. In comparison to the clinical drug minoxidil for AGA treatment, the hair regeneration effect of V-R-MN in AGA model mice is characterized by a rapid onset of the anagen phase, improved hair quality, and greater coverage. This introduces a new, clinically safer, and more efficient strategy for AGA treatment, and serving as a reference for the treatment of other related diseases.

In nature, certain hosts are attacked by multiple species of parasitoid wasps. Despite sharing a common host, parasitoid wasps adopt different parasitic strategies and regulatory systems to manage the host. With the invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda in China, many native parasitoid wasps have been investigated. Two larval endoparasitoid wasps, Microplitis manilae and Meteorus pulchricornis, are important natural enemies of the invasive pest FAW. However, the interactions of these two parasitoid wasps with FAWs are still largely unknown. In this study, we analysed the transcriptome data of FAW after parasitization by Mi. manilae or Me. pulchricornis. Our analyses showed that the critical regulatory periods for the two parasitoid wasps were at 1, 3 and 7 days post parasitization (dpp) for Mi. manilae and 5 and 7 dpp for Me. pulchricornis. Besides the suppression of the host’s innate immune system, the two parasitic wasps have different effects on host metabolism and development. Mi. manilae influences the host’s growth and physiological conditions by inhibiting cuticle development and lipid metabolism, and facilitating carbohydrate metabolism. Alternatively, Me. pulchricornis has minimal impact on the host until the final stage. In conclusion, Mi. manilae has a sophisticated ‘regulatory’ strategy with considerable alterations in the host at each time point, while Me. pulchricornis likely adopts a ‘conformer’ approach, especially at the early parasitism stage. Our study lays a groundwork for future research and applications of these parasitoids in the biological control of FAW.

This paper investigates the problems of prescribed-time stabilization and optimization for microgrids with event-triggered interactions employing the cyber-physical system (CPS) framework. The main objective is to concurrently achieve the distributed secondary regulation and optimal power allocation of the microgrids within a prescribed time in the manner of aperiodic intermittent interactions. To this end, we adopt a cyber-physical framework for designing a new distributed prescribed-time control and optimization algorithm. In the proposed algorithm, the convergence time can be arbitrarily prescribed within the physical limits regardless of the prior knowledge of the initial values. Besides, the update of the presented algorithm is based on intermittent interactions with aperiodic event-triggered mechanism, significantly reducing the cost of information exchange. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the prescribed-time stabilization and the exclusion of the possible Zeno behaviors for the presented event-triggered interactions. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is demonstrated by several simulation results.

Efficient and multiple CO2utilization into high-value-added chemicals holds significant importance in carbon neutrality and industry production. However, most catalysis systems generally exhibit only one type of CO2transformation with the efficiency to be improved. The restricted abundance of active catalytic sites or an inefficient utilization rate of these sites results in the constraint. Consequently, we designed and constructed two metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (M-HOFs) {[M3(L3–)2(H2O)10]·2H2O}n(M = Co (1), Ni (2); L = 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic acid) in this research. 1and 2are well-characterized, and both show excellent stability. The networks connected by multiple hydrogen bonds enhance the structural flexibility and create accessible Lewis acidic sites, promoting interactions between the substrates and catalytic centers. This enhancement facilitates efficient catalysis for two types of CO2transformations, encompassing both cycloaddition reactions with epoxides and aziridines to afford cyclic carbonates and oxazolidinones. The catalytic activities (TON/TOF) are superior compared with those of most other catalysts. These heterogeneous catalysts still exhibited high performance after being reused several times. Mechanistic studies indicated intense interactions between the metal sites and substrates, demonstrating the reason for efficient catalysis. This marks the first instance on M-HOFs efficiently catalyzing two types of CO2conversions, finding important significance for catalyst design and CO2utilization.

Cross-linked β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymers are promising adsorbents for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated water sources, including contaminated groundwater, drinking water, and wastewater. We previously reported porous, styrene-functionalized β-cyclodextrin (StyDex) polymers derived from radical polymerization with vinyl comonomers. Because of the versatility of these polymerizations, StyDex polymer compositions are tunable, which facilitates efforts to establish structure–adsorption relationships and to discover improved materials. Here, we evaluate the material properties and PFAS adsorption of 20 StyDex derivatives with varied comonomer structure and loading, regiochemistry of styrene placement on the CD monomer, and CD size. A StyDex polymer containing N,N′-dimethylbutyl ammonium ions exhibited the most effective PFAS adsorption in batch experiments. Furthermore, a StyDex polymer containing β-CD exhibited size-selective host–guest interactions with perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and neutral contaminants in aqueous electrolyte when compared to similar polymers containing either α-CD or γ-CD. Polymers based on β-CD monomers with an average of seven styrene groups randomly positioned over the 21 available hydroxyl groups performed similarly to those based on a β-CD monomer functionalized regiospecifically at each of the seven 6′ positions. The former β-CD monomer is prepared in a single step from unmodified β-CD, so the ability to use it without compromising performance demonstrates promise for developing economically competitive adsorbents. These results offered important insights into structure–adsorption properties of StyDex polymers and will inform the design of improved StyDex formulations.

A visible-light-enabled photoredox radical cascade cyclization of 2-vinyl benzimidazole derivatives is developed. This chemistry is applicable to a wide range of N-aroyl 2-vinyl benzimidazoles as acceptors, and halo compounds, including alkyl halides, acyl chlorides and sulfonyl chlorides, as radical precursors. The Langlois reagent also serves as an effective partner in this photocatalytic oxidative cascade process. This protocol provides a robust alternative for rendering highly functionalized benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-b]isoquinolin-11(6H)-ones

Solid contact (SC) calcium ion-selective electrodes (Ca2+-ISEs) have been widely applied in the analysis of water quality and body fluids by virtue of the unique advantages of easy operation and rapid response. However, the potential drift during the long-term stability test hinders their further practical applications. Designing novel redox SC layers with large capacitance and high hydrophobicity is a promising approach to stabilize the potential stability, meanwhile, exploring the transduction mechanism is also of great guiding significance for the precise design of SC layer materials. Herein, flower-like copper sulfide (CunS-50) composed of nanosheets is meticulously designed as the redox SC layer by modification with the surfactant (CTAB). The CunS-50-based Ca2+-ISE (CunS-50/Ca2+-ISE) demonstrates a near-Nernstian slope of 28.23 mV/dec for Ca2+in a wide activity linear range of 10–7to 10–1M, with a low detection limit of 3.16 × 10–8M. CunS-50/Ca2+-ISE possesses an extremely low potential drift of only 1.23 ± 0.13 μV/h in the long-term potential stability test. Notably, X-ray absorption fine-structure (XAFS) spectra and electrochemical experiments are adopted to elucidate the transduction mechanism that the lipophilic anion (TFPB–) participates in the redox reaction of CunS-50 at the solid–solid interface of ion-selective membrane (ISM) and redox inorganic SC layer (CunS-50), thereby promoting the generation of free electrons to accelerate ion-electron transduction. This work provides an in-depth comprehension of the transduction mechanism of the potentiometric response and an effective strategy for designing redox materials of ion–electron transduction triggered by lipophilic anions.

This cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID‐19 in China. This study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade‐A hospitals in China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID‐19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders. Complete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self‐reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms. The incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is high in China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination, history of head‐facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

The corrosion behavior of WE43 alloy with different rolling reductions (0%, 25%, 45%, and 80%) at 500 °C was investigated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The microstructure evolution of the rolled WE43 alloy was characterized in detail by means of optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The results show that with increasing reductions, basal texture is gradually enhanced and grain size gradually decreases. Only the alloy with 45% reduction exhibits dispersed dynamic precipitates. Immersion and electrochemical measurements demonstrate the decreasing order of the corrosion resistance of the rolled WE43 alloy: 45% reduction > 80% reduction > 25% reduction > 0 reduction. The best corrosion resistance of the WE43 alloy with 45% reduction is mainly related to a large number of finely dispersed precipitates, which are capable of promoting the formation of a compact corrosion product layer. The increased corrosion rate of the sample with 80% reduction is induced by the re-solution of the majority of precipitates into the matrix. The grain size, basal texture and deformation twins have a limited effect on the corrosion resistance of rolled WE43 alloy compared with the precipitates.

The sodium smelting of vanadium–titanium magnetite can achieve the comprehensive utilization of Fe, V, and Ti. However, the generation of alkaline slag during this process may cause damage to refractory materials. The wettability and corrosion behavior of alkaline slag on three types of refractory (MgO–C, SiC, and high alumina refractory) substrates were investigated at temperatures up to 1200 °C. The effects of duration on the wettability of molten slag on SiC substrates were also investigated. Results showed that the high alumina refractory exhibited better wettability with the molten slag than the others, and thus, it is easier to be corroded. The results of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that MgO–C and high alumina refractory substrates were severely eroded. There was a visible and regular interfacial reaction layer between the slag and SiC refractory substrate, which was produced by the redox reaction between the metal oxides in the slag and the SiC refractory substrate. With the increase in holding time, the interface layer expands and silico-ferrite phases are generated at the interface. The redox reaction between Fe2O3and SiC substrate is the main reason for the corrosion. By comparing the differences in wettability and corrosion behavior between the alkaline slag from sodium smelting of vanadium–titanium magnetite and MgO–C, SiC and high alumina refractories, it is concluded that SiC refractory has good corrosion resistance to the slag. Iron oxides in the slag accelerate the oxidation rate of SiC refractory.

Background: The role of minimally invasive surgery using robotics versus laparoscopy in resectable gastric cancer patients with a high body mass index (BMI) remains controversial. Methods: A total of 482 gastric adenocarcinoma patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2who underwent minimally invasive radical gastrectomy between August 2016 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 109 cases in the robotic gastrectomy (RG) group and 321 cases in the laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) group. Propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1:1 ratio was performed, and the perioperative outcomes, lymph node dissection, and 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were compared. Results: After PSM, 109 patients were included in each of the RG and LG groups, with balanced baseline characteristics. Compared with the LG group, the RG group had similar intraoperative estimated blood loss [median (IQR) 30 (20–50) vs. 35 (30–59) mL, median difference (95%CI) − 5 (− 10 to 0)], postoperative complications [13.8% vs. 18.3%, OR (95%CI) 0.71 (0.342 to 1.473)], postoperative recovery, total harvested lymph nodes [(34.25 ± 13.43 vs. 35.44 ± 14.12, mean difference (95%CI) − 1.19 (− 4.871 to 2.485)] and textbook outcomes [(81.7% vs. 76.1%, OR (95%CI) 1.39 (0.724 to 2.684)]. Among pathological stage II–III patients receiving chemotherapy, the initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy in the RG group was similar to that in the LG group [median (IQR): 28 (25.5–32.5) vs. 32 (27–38.5) days, median difference (95%CI) − 3 (− 6 to 0)]. The 3-year OS (RG vs. LG: 80.7% vs. 81.7%, HR = 1.048, 95%CI 0.591 to 1.857) and DFS (78% vs. 76.1%, HR = 0.996, 95%CI 0.584 to 1.698) were comparable between the two groups. Conclusion: RG conferred comparable lymph node dissection, postoperative recovery, and oncologic outcomes in a selected cohort of patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.

The layout of public fast charging stations (CSs) often fails to meet the charging demand of electric vehicle (EV) users, resulting in charging anxiety. To address this issue and promote the widespread use of EVs in urban areas, this paper presents a multi-period locating and sizing optimization model under dynamic demand. The model incorporates GPS trajectory extraction data to identify potential charging demand points and considers the mobile load characteristics of EVs for fusion modeling. A multi-period change formula is proposed to reflect the interaction between public fast CSs and EV market penetration, incorporating charging opportunity and waiting time satisfaction as measures of charging service quality. To solve the model, a heuristic algorithm combining genetic algorithm (GA) and k-medoids clustering algorithm is designed. We apply the model to an actual case of Shenzhen and find that increasing investment in charging infrastructure can boost EV market penetration in the later planning period. Moreover, the gap between charging opportunity and waiting time satisfaction tends to narrow as the planning progresses. Our findings highlight the importance of optimizing the location and size of public fast CSs to improve the charging service quality and promote the adoption of EVs.

• Different deformation twinning behavior in CrCoNi and Ag with similar low SFEs. • The high propensity for nanotwins in CrCoNi cannot be attributed to low SFE. • Unveiling the origin of high propensity for nanoscale deformation twins in H/MEAs. • Broadened distributions of energy barriers for twin nucleation and thickening in MEA. • Overlap barriers render the preferred thickening of existing twins in fcc metals. Single-phase face-centered cubic (fcc) high/medium-entropy alloys (H/MEAs) exhibit a much higher tendency to form nanoscale deformation twins than conventional fcc metals with similar low stacking fault energies (SFEs). This extraordinary propensity for nanotwin formation in H/MEAs cannot therefore be explained by their low SFEs alone. Here, using in situ compression tests of CrCoNi in comparison with Ag nanopillars inside a transmission electron microscope, we found that in the CrCoNi MEA, a high density of nanoscale twins continuously formed with an average thickness of 4.6 nm. In contrast, for similar experiments on Ag with almost identical SFE, following the nucleation of a few twins, they could further thicken to above one hundred nanometers by twin boundary migration. Molecular dynamics calculations indicated that in the highly-concentrated CrCoNi solid solution, the magnitude of the energy barriers for nucleating a stacking fault as a twin precursor in the pristine lattice and for the thickening of an existing twin both span a wide range and largely overlap with each other. Therefore, twin thickening through successive addition of atomic layers is prone to discontinuation, giving way to the nucleation of new twins at other sites where a lower energy barrier is encountered for partial-dislocation mediated fault formation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel distributed predefined-time optimization scheme consisting of the distributed optimization estimator and the local controller for the networked marine surface vehicles. Concretely, the distributed optimization estimator is developed to estimate the optimal solution on to the set constraints. In the local control layer, a sliding mode scheme is built to guarantee that the sailing states of networked marine surface vehicles can track the optimal signals obtained by the distributed optimization estimator. Besides, the regulating time of both the estimation and the local tracking process is independent of the initial system states and can be artificially determined by directly adjusting the sum of serval control parameters. Later, a singularity avoidance scheme is further designed to avoid the possible singularity problems of the local control layer. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the efficacy of the proposed distributed predefined-time optimization algorithm.

Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) with 3d orbitals have been intensively studied for use as cathodes in magnesium-ion batteries. However, their poor electronic conductivities and sluggish electrochemical kinetics severely restrict their electrochemical performance, preventing wide applicability for these materials. Here, we propose a heterointerface structure of cobalt sulfide (Co3S4/CoS2) hollow nanospheres to enable built-in electric fields generated in heterointerfaces, as verified in density functional theory, finite-element simulations, and ab initiomolecular dynamics results. Compared to other TMCs, our cathode exhibited a substantial capacity of 597 mAh g−1after 120 cycles at 50 mA g−1. When evaluated in a pouch cell, the electrode can sustain 100 deep cycles at 40 mA g−1with an energy density of 203 Wh kg−1that displays potential for practical applications. Finally, rational heterostructure engineering of transition-metal-based sulfides provides insights into developing cathodes for high-performance sustainable Mg batteries.

In the context of automotive lightweighting strategy, steel/aluminum hybrid structures are widely used in the automotive industry. To address the reliability of steel/aluminum dissimilar metal joints, this study conducted steel/aluminum dissimilar metal laser welding tests by Taguchi’s design of experiments method and obtained relevant data. Based on the test results, a Kriging model with laser power, welding speed, and defocusing amount as inputs, and base material deformation and welded joint tensile strength as outputs was established. In this paper, with the amount of deformation of base material and tensile strength of welded joints after welding as the optimization objectives, the optimization analysis is carried out by combining the Kriging model and the multi-objective bottled sea-sheath swarm optimization algorithm (MSSA). The results show that under the conditions of laser power of 450 W, welding speed of 11.88 mm/s, and defocusing amount of 5.3 mm, the optimization objective reaches the optimal level, the base material warpage deformation is reduced by 22.33% compared with the pre-optimization, and the tensile strength of the welded joints is improved by 18.01%.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly malignancy with notable metabolic reprogramming, yet the pivotal metabolic feature driving ESCC progression remains elusive. Here, we show that methionine cycle exhibits robust activation in ESCC and is reversely associated with patient survival. ESCC cells readily harness exogenous methionine to generate S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM), thus promoting cell proliferation. Mechanistically, methionine augments METTL3-mediated RNA m6A methylation through SAM and revises gene expression. Integrative omics analysis highlights the potent influence of methionine/SAM on NR4A2 expression in a tumor-specific manner, mediated by the IGF2BP2-dependent stabilization of methylated NR4A2mRNA. We demonstrate that NR4A2 facilitates ESCC growth and negatively impacts patient survival. We further identify celecoxib as an effective inhibitor of NR4A2, offering promise as a new anti-ESCC agent. In summary, our findings underscore the active methionine cycle as a critical metabolic characteristic in ESCC, and pinpoint NR4A2as a novel methionine-responsive oncogene, thereby presenting a compelling target potentially superior to methionine restriction.

Cardiopulmonary bypass has been speculated to elicit systemic inflammation to initiate acute lung injury (ALI), including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in patients after cardiac surgery. We previously found that post-operative patients showed an increase in endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (eEVs) with components of coagulation and acute inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism underlying the onset of ALI owing to the release of eEVs after cardiopulmonary bypass, remains unclear. Plasma plasminogen-activated inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and eEV levels were measured in patients with cardiopulmonary bypass. Endothelial cells and mice (C57BL/6, Toll-like receptor 4 knockout (TLR4−/−) and inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout (iNOS−/−)) were challenged with eEVs isolated from PAI-1-stimulated endothelial cells. Plasma PAI-1 and eEVs were remarkably enhanced after cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma PAI-1 elevation was positively correlated with the increase in eEVs. The increase in plasma PAI-1 and eEV levels was associated with post-operative ARDS. The eEVs derived from PAI-1-stimulated endothelial cells could recognize TLR4 to stimulate a downstream signaling cascade identified as the Janus kinase 2/3 (JAK2/3)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) pathway, along with iNOS induction, and cytokine/chemokine production in vascular endothelial cells and C57BL/6 mice, ultimately contributing to ALI. ALI could be attenuated by JAK2/3 or STAT3 inhibitors (AG490 or S3I-201, respectively), and was relieved in TLR4−/−and iNOS−/−mice. eEVs activate the TLR4/JAK3/STAT3/IRF-1 signaling pathway to induce ALI/ARDS by delivering follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), and FSTL1 knockdown in eEVs alleviates eEV-induced ALI/ARDS. Our data thus demonstrate that cardiopulmonary bypass may increase plasma PAI-1 levels to induce FSTL1-enriched eEVs, which target the TLR4-mediated JAK2/3/STAT3/IRF-1 signaling cascade and form a positive feedback loop, leading to ALI/ARDS after cardiac surgery. Our findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for ALI/ARDS after cardiac surgery.

Purpose: Vibration impact plays a key role in the process of aircraft damage and runway pavement deterioration. Procedure: Among the objectives of obtaining the variation trend of landing vibration along runway, a simplified aircraft response model (ARM) was established by considering the wing up-lift effect. Then, a third-aircraft vibration equation based on the classical D’Alembert principle was proposed and solved with the help of Duhamel integral. Results: Therefore, the dynamic characteristics of aircraft in different landing periods (touch-down period, deceleration period and taxiing period) were investigated both in time and frequency domains. The outcomes of theoretical analysis were validated by measuring the actual acceleration response of B737–800 aircrafts landing on both rigid and flexible runways. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to investigated the influences of several key parameters on aircraft dynamic behavior, namely, the damping coefficient (c) and stiffness coefficient (k) of the main landing gear, effective mass (m), vertical velocity (vv) and acceleration (av) of the aircraft prior to touch-down. Conclusions: The results show that, the proposed ARM is an effective tool in assessing dynamic vibration characteristics of the landing aircraft. Especially during the touch-down period, the calculated variation curve of acceleration is well-matched with the actual measured aircraft vibration data. The vibration impact of an aircraft on runway landing zone is proved to be severer than the other areas, which is agreed with the actual distributions of pavement deteriorations observed in runway management practice. Besides, both cand kare proved to be two key factors affecting aircraft vibration. In addition, ARM is proved to be an effective method for optimizing the landing gear design and a helpful tool for runway management agency to understand the mechanism of runway pavement deterioration.

C25H21CuN3O4, triclinic, P1‾$P\overline{1}$ (no. 2), a= 7.935(4) Å, b= 10.849(6) Å, c= 13.782(7) Å, α= 77.946(9)°, β= 78.917(9)°, γ= 82.223(10)°, V= 1133.0(10) Å3, Z= 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0703, wRref(F2) = 0.1781, T= 293 K.