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The effectiveness of railway fault inspection has remained challenging. Conventional techniques are still functionally limited and unable to meet the increasing demand of railway diagnosis. To mitigate the variety of rail fault detection problems, this article proposes a dynamic railway inspection system based on multiphysical coupled electromagnetic and thermography sensing. It further shows the development and construction of a new inverted L-type magnet yoke abreast with volumetric coil array. The novel structure can not only significantly enhance the sensitivity and detectability of the region of interest (ROI), but also effectively detect the subsurface defects with the compensation of coils array due to the coupled electromagnetic field. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of the coupled physical fields has been derived and proved to be consistent with the numerical simulation results. A rail test sample with various defects is carried out to verify the feasibility of the proposed system. Additionally, a metric learning post-processing algorithm has been conducted for distilling eddy current signals and thermograms to improve the accuracy of the detection results. On-site experimental and contrast results with various levels of performance validation have demonstrated that the integrated system is well suited for dynamic rail inspection on near-surface cracks at speed of 1 km/h.

To resolve a large number of discrete distributed energy resources clusters in rural areas, the electricity retailer (ER) is set as the agent of the distributed energy resources clusters by the way of virtual power plant (VPP), namely the electricity retailer (ER) integrated with virtual power plant (VPP-ER). Then, the electricity–carbon collaborative transaction mode is discussed, and a bi-level purchase–sale transaction optimal model. The upper-level model applies the conditional value-at-risk method (CVaR) to establish an electricity–carbon coordinated transaction model for rural VPP-ER. The lower-level model applies the robust optimization theory to measure the uncertainty risk of the power output of WPP, PV to establishes an optimal dispatching model for VPP. Thirdly, the model is converted into the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions to solve the bi-level purchase–sale transaction model. Finally, the Henan Lankao industrial cluster is taken as an example, the results show (1) the proposed bi-level model can establish an optimal electricity–carbon coordinated trading scheme. (2) when the confidence level βbelongs to [0.8, 0.9], the decision-maker is willing to bear risk to achieve excess trading returns. At this time, the equivalent carbon emissions of the total transaction electricity should be 1 ± 5% as the initial carbon emission quota and the risk weight λshould be 0.5. (3) When Γbelongs to [0.80, 0.90], the decision-makers are willing to measure the relationship between risks and returns and formulate a dispatching plan that conforms to their risk attitude. When the forecast error ρfluctuates between (0.05, 0.15), the amplification effect of the forecast error on the uncertainty risk can be minimized. Overall, the findings of this study could provide an effective decision-making tool for rural VPP-ER in China’s electricity market.

Based on the intermittent output and inverse peak regulation characteristics of wind power, a multisource peak regulation transaction optimization model that considers the feasibility of combining thermal power, energy storage, and demand response for both power generation and consumption is proposed in this paper. First, a multisource peak regulation transaction cost model is established by considering flexible load participation in peak regulation and price- and incentive-based demand responses. Subsequently, with the objective of minimizing both the peak regulation cost and wind curtailment rate, a reduced half gradient membership function is selected to transform the multiobjective model. Finally, by analyzing the roles of the different subjects in multisource peak regulation transactions, a compensation mechanism based on the Shapley method is designed, and a local power grid in northeast China is chosen as the simulation object. The results show the following: (1) When the thermal power generators (TPGs) transit from regular peak regulation to deep peak regulation, the wind curtailment rate decreases by 5.10%, and the peak regulation cost increases by $ 0.793 × 106. This indicates that the peak regulation cost of the TPGs and the income of the on-grid wind power need to be balanced. (2) When the energy storage and the demand response are combined for peak regulation, both the peak load regulation cost and wind curtailment rate reach the optimal values, decreasing by $ 0.642 × 106and 5.72%, respectively, showing cooperative optimization. However, the TPGs require a higher regulation cost, whereas the other subjects achieve incremental benefits. (3) The compensation mechanism assists each subject in obtaining incremental benefits depending on the contribution rate. With the strengthening of the peak regulation of the TPGs, more energy storage and demand response output are introduced to meet the urgent peak regulation requirement, which leads to increased regulation revenue and optimal dispatching. In summary, the proposed transaction and compensation mechanism of multisource peak regulation can be used to balance the peak regulation ability and contributions of different subjects and establish the optimal peak regulation scheme.

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0.95(Li0.02Na0.50K0.48)(Nb0.95Sb0.05)O3-0.05AgTaO3(0.95LNKNS-0.05AT) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared by conventional ceramic processing via the two-step sintering process (abbreviated as TSS). The influences of sintering conditions in the first stage of the TSS process on densification, dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics prepared by the TSS were deeply studied. By introducing TSS for preparing the 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics, the volatilization of alkali metal elements can be decreased and all the 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics show high densification. By optimizing the T1sintering temperature and t1holding time in the first stage of the TSS, the relative permittivity of the 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics sintered at 1140 °C for 0.5 h and 1050 °C for 8 h is increased to 5957 at 1 kHz, while the relative permittivity of the 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics prepared by the conventional sintering method (abbreviated as CS) is only 5205. The d33, g33, and Kpvalues are increased from 134 pC/N, 14.6 × 10–3Vm/N, and 17.4% to 224 pC/N, 25.5 × 10–3Vm/N, and 31.9%, respectively. The 0.95LNKNS-0.05AT ceramics exhibit thermal activation relaxation behavior, and the high-temperature Cole–Cole impedance performance can be fitted well by the equivalent circuit (RQC) and equivalent circuit (RC) connected in series. The space charge effect conforms to the Arrhenius relationship, which presents a thermally activated hopping type process and relates to the oxygen vacancies generated by the evaporation of alkali metals during the TSS process.

Graphical abstract:

The endemic status of goose parvovirus (GPV), H5 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV), and goose astrovirus (GoAstV) infections continues to devastate the poultry industry in China. Despite this, there exists a notable gap in the application of molecular diagnostic techniques. This investigation described the development of a multiplex qualitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay capable of concurrently detecting GPV, H5 AIV, and GoAstV, with no cross-reactivity observed with other avian viral pathogens. The assay exhibited a detection threshold of 10 copies/μL for both GPV and GoAstV, and 1 copy/μL for H5 AIV. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were < 3.0%, signifying high repeatability within and across assay batches. Utilizing this multiplex qPCR assay, a batch of 60 clinical samples was analyzed to assess its practical utility. The detected prevalence rates for GoAstV, GPV, and H5 AIV were 35.0% (21/60), 21.7% (13/60), and 15.0% (9/60), respectively. Concurrent infections were also identified, with rates for GPV + GoAstV, GPV + H5 AIV, GoAstV + H5 AIV, and GPV + GoAstV + H5 AIV being 6.7% (4/60), 3.3% (2/60), 3.3% (2/60), and 3.3% (2/60), respectively. The developed multiplex qPCR assay exhibited a diagnostic concordance rate equivalent to that of traditional PCR techniques. This novel assay serves as a rapid, efficient, specific, and sensitive tool for the detection of prevalent goose viruses, thereby enhancing disease management strategies and epidemiological monitoring efforts.

0.92(Ba0.94Li0.02La0.04)(Mg0.04Ti0.96)O3-0.08Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3(0.92BLLaMT-0.08BiZT) ceramic thick films were fabricated through a stepwise sintering process, and the influence on phase structure, morphology and performance was studied. The stepwise sintering method facilitates the transition from the tetragonal phase to the pseudo-cubic phase and increases the coexistence of multiple phases. This process effectively restrains excessive grain growth while promoting the formation of polar nanoregions, consequently enhancing the breakdown field strength and energy storage performance. Under 550 kV/cm, the 0.92BLLaMT-0.08BiZT ceramic film sintered at 1220 °C–1050 °C exhibits a discharge energy density (Wdis) of 4.97 J/cm3, current density (CD) of 920.11 A/cm2, power density (PD) of 253.03 MW/cm3, and an ultrafast discharge time (t0.9) of 240 ns. Simultaneously, the sample presents satisfactory temperature stability with a low fluctuation of 19.08% in Wdisbetween room temperature and 170 °C. The stepwise sintering process effectively inhibits grain growth, fosters grain size uniformity, diminishes metal element volatilization, mitigates leakage current, and enhances the energy-storage performance of the BT-based ceramics, providing valuable insights into the development of lead-free dielectric ceramic capacitors for energy storage application.

• The (CrNbTiAlV)N x high-entropy nitride films were fabricated by magnetron sputtering. • The films transformed from amorphous to nanocrystalline structures with the increment of nitrogen. • The tribocorrosion mechanism of the high-entropy nitride films was discussed. • The film deposited at nitrogen flow of 38 sccm exhibits the best comprehensive mechanical and tribocorrosion performance. The (CrNbTiAlV)N x high-entropy nitride films were fabricated by adjusting nitrogen flow via magnetron sputtering. The microstructure, mechanical, electrochemical and tribocorrosion performances of the films were studied. The results show that the films transform from amorphous to nanocrystalline structure as nitrogen flow increased. The nanocrystalline films show super hardness (> 40 GPa) and adhesion strength (> 50 N). The amorphous film has a pretty anti-corrosion in static corrosion, while not in tribocorrosion condition. The film deposited at nitrogen flow of 38 sccm exhibits the optimal tribocorrosion performance in artificial seawater, with the highest open circuit potential (∼ − 0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl), the lowest friction coefficient (∼ 0.162) and wear rate (∼ 7.48 × 10−7 mm3 N−1 m−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with highly subjective manual sensory quality evaluation, the application of computer vision techniques in black tea appearance quality evaluation helps to establish an objective and efficient black tea quality evaluation system. In this study, Yinghong No. 9 black tea was taken as the research object, and the gold pekoe, color and strips were adopted as the appearance evaluation characteristics for black tea. An image segmentation method based on the improved K-means clustering algorithm was proposed to realize the segmentation of the dark background area, tea area and golden pekoe area. The CIELAB color model was used to extract color features of the tea area. The texture features extracted by GLRLM were applied to evaluate the strips. The RF, SVR and BPNN were selected to construct prediction models for evaluating tea appearance quality. The prediction accuracy and generalization ability of the RF model are superior to those of the SVR model and BP model, with Rp2, RMSEP and RPD values of 0.898, 1.548 and 3.207, respectively. The proposed feature extraction method based on regional segmentation intuitively described the key evaluation characteristics of black tea appearance, and the predicted results were highly consistent with the manual sensory evaluation.

The effects of sandwich heterostructure on the energy-storage property are still existing some “mess”, detailed and systematic investigation should be carried out. In this work, novel sandwich heterostructure ceramics composed of (Ba0.94Li0.02La0.04)(Mg0.04Ti0.96)O3and 0.85(Ba0.94Li0.02La0.04)(Mg0.04Ti0.96)O3–0.15NaNbO3were prepared by film stacking and laminating technology and traditional solid-state sintering, to reveal the relationship between sandwich heterostructure and energy-storage performance. Sandwich heterojunction significantly affects electron-injection, space-charge, build-in electric field (Ei) direction, interlayer-coupling, interface-blocking and clamping effect. Eidirection is adjusted and electric tree growth is restrained. Interface blocking effect mainly occurs when Eidirection is opposite to applied electric field. Comparatively high polarization and tilted polarization-electric field hysteresis loops are obtained. Outstanding recoverable energy-storage density of 5.81 J/cm3and discharge energy density of 3.99 J/cm3are gained with current density of 1016.71 A/cm2and power density of 305.01 MW/cm3. Satisfactory frequency stability, temperature stability and anti-fatigue feature are also achieved. Such sandwich heterostructure design develops a convenient and effective method to enhance energy-storage performance, and related research guides the study of energy-storage performance in multilayer heterostructure.

The controllable synthesis and customized design of micro/nanomotors represents a highly desired paradigm in the field of intelligent nanovehicles. Exploiting asymmetrical structures and geometry-dependent propulsion are the two main strategies for achieving light-driven micro/nanomotors. However, inherent crystal-structure differences in a single colloidal motor have rarely been explored. Here, we propose the first surface-heterojunction-induced propulsion methodology for cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanomotors, by tailoring the crystal morphology of a Cu2O crystalloid from a sphere into a truncated octahedron and preserving the controllable-index crystal facets of {100} and {111} in a single colloid. Due to the high crystallinity and distinct activity of the exposed crystal facets, a surface heterojunction between the {100} and {111} facets is formed to enhance electron–hole separation, as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, thus endowing the truncated octahedral Cu2O nanomotors with autonomous and vigorous movement in biocompatible fuels under visible light. These Cu2O nanomotors can reach a propulsion speed in water of over two times faster than that of polycrystalline spherical motors with low crystallinity. The efficient Cu2O nanomotors offer a promising guideline not only for the synthesis of novel light-driven motors with desired structures, but also for potential applications in biocompatible environments.

(Ba0.85Ca0.15) (Hf0.10Ti0.90)O3(BCHT) ceramics were prepared via the powder injection molding process using paraffin as simple injection binder. Rather pure perovskite BCHT ceramics are obtained sintered at different temperatures, and complex multi-ferroelectric phases coexistence is confirmed by XRD measurement. Although the relative density is around 90%, well densified microstructural morphology is obtained without detectable gas pores. Curie temperature (TC) and dielectric constant maximum (εm) change irregularly with sintering temperature, and the BCHT ceramics present complex ferroelectric nature. All the ceramics show easy polarization characteristic, and the 1540 °C sintered BCHT ceramics present the largest piezoelectric constant d33 = 554.6 pC/N. Thickness mode ultrasonic transducer was fabricated based on the 1450 °C sintered BCHT ceramics, where the bandwidth @-6 dB (BW-6 dB) is 56.25% and sensitivity is −31.867 dB. PiezoCAD software simulation data present good agreement with the experimental results, showing promising applications for non-destructive testing using the BCHT lead-free ceramics.

The trade-off between the energy efficiency (i.e., gained output ratio) and permeate flux presented in two-stages of similar air gap membrane distillation (AG-AG)MD arrangement was eliminated by establishing two-stages of new air gap water gap membrane distillation (AG-WG)MD arrangement. The (AG-WG)MD performance was assessed by comparing with (AG-AG)MD under various feed temperatures and flow rates using tap water as feed. Data were subjected to the analyses of the variance and multivariate analysis to test the significant effect of different feed and designs at p < 0.05. Results revealed that the feed temperature and flow rate induced highly significant differences (p < 0.001***) in permeate flux (Pf), gained output ratio (GOR), waste heat input (QH.I), and specific thermal energy consumption (STEC). Additionally, the (AG-WG)MD could enhance the Pfand GOR, diminish the QH.Iand STEC compared to (AG-AG)MD. It was observed under optimal operating conditions of feed temperature of 50°C, flow rate of 26 L/h, and cooling water temperature of 20°C, the Pfand GOR could be improved by about 31.47% and 14.44%, the STEC, and QHIcould be reduced by around 33.88% and 12.40%, respectively, from (AG-AG)MD to (AG-WG)MD. He.nce, the (AG-WG) MD was found an effective arrangement than the traditional (AG-AG)MD.

(1-x)(Ba0.75Sr0.1Bi0.1)(Ti0.9Zr0.1)O3-x(Sb0.5Li0.5)TiO3(BSBiTZ-xSLT, x = 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1) ceramic thick films were prepared via film scaping process. The decrease of tetragonal, rhombohedral and orthogonal phases and the appearance of cubic phase in the BSBiTZ-xSLT ceramic thick films strengthen the ferroelectricity and weaken the relaxation characteristic with the increase of SLT doping amount. For the BSBiTZ-0.025SLT ceramic thick film, fine grain size of 0.86 μm, excellent uniformity of grain distribution, low porosity, larger bandgap of 2.44 eV and grain boundary resistance of 153 kΩ reinforce the breakdown field up to 350 kV/cm. Doping SLT, domain engineering and defect engineering successfully reduce the remnant polarization and improve the relaxation ferroelectric characteristic with the obvious frequency dispersion, wide peak of the dielectric constant extending to ~120 °C with fluctuation <10 %, and low dielectric loss of <0.1. In the BSBiTZ-0.025SLT ceramic thick film, the highest recoverable energy storage density (Wrec = 1.92 J/cm3), larger energy storage efficiency (η = 88.32 %), pulse energy storage performance (Wd = 1.48 J/cm3), current density (CD = 743.09 A/cm2) and power density (PD = 130.04 MW/cm3) are achieved under 350 kV/cm. The excellent energy storage performance combined with the excellent temperature stability and fatigue resistance provide the good development prospect as a lead-free BT-based ceramic dielectric capacitor in high-power pulse energy storage system.

H9N2 avian influenza virus is a significant poultry pathogen that provides internal genes for multiple zoonotic subtypes of avian influenza, presenting a severe threat to public health. The isolation rate of H9N2 in poultry has increased annually in recent years. In this study, a recombinant Herpesvirus of Turkeys (HVT) vaccine expressing H9-HA was constructed using Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology. In the construction of HVT-EGFP-HA recombinant virus, nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is a much more efficient strategy compare to Homology-directed recombination (HDR). HVT-HA demonstrated stability and consistent replication with the parent strain. Subcutaneous injection and in-ovo injection of HVT-HA induced different levels of immune response. Compared to in-ovo injection of HVT-HA, subcutaneous injection induced significantly higher neutralizing serum antibodies. This finding is supported by the significantly higher CD4+T cell response in Peripheral blood mononuclear cell Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) in the subcutaneous injection group. However, in-ovo injection of HVT-HA resulted in significantly higher neutralizing antibodies in the Harderian glands. In addition, it significantly inhibited viral shedding after intranasal exposure to H9N2. This phenomenon could be attributed to the mucosal immunity present in the Hadrian gland. Thus, our findings indicate that the in-ovo injection of the HVT-HA recombinant vaccine is a promising method to inhibit the transmission of H9N2 via the upper respiratory tract in chickens.

Precise and reproducible manipulation of synthetic and biological microscale objects in complex environments is essential for many practical biochip and microfluidic applications. Here, we present an attractive acoustic topographical manipulation (ATM) method to achieve efficient and reproducible manipulation of diverse microscale objects. This new guidance method relies on the acoustically induced localized microstreaming forces generated around microstructures, which are capable of trapping nearby microobjects and manipulating them along a determined trajectory based on local topographic features. This unique phenomenon is investigated by numerical simulations examining the local microstreaming in the presence of microscale boundaries under the standing acoustic wave. This method can be used to manipulate a single microobject around a complex structure as well as collectively manipulate multiple objects moving synchronously along complicated shapes. Furthermore, the ATM can serve for automated maze solving by autonomously manipulating microparticles with diverse geometries and densities, including live cells, through complex maze-like topographical features without external feedback, particle modification, or adjustment of operational parameters.

Background:Gut microbiota is pivotal in tumor occurrence and development, and there is a close relationship between Akkermansia muciniphila(AKK) and cancer immunotherapy. Methods:The effects of AKK and its outer membrane proteins on gastric cancer (GC) were evaluated in vitroand in vivousing cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results:AKK outer membrane protein facilitated apoptosis of GC cells and exerted an immunostimulatory effect (by promoting M1 polarization of macrophages, enhancing expression of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-related cytokines and suppressing that of Treg-related cytokines). Additionally, AKK and its formulation could inhibit tumor growth of GC and enhance the infiltration of immune cells in tumor tissues. Conclusion:AKK could improve GC treatment by modulating the immune microenvironment.

As the global population ages, osteoporotic bone fractures leading to bone defects are increasingly becoming a significant challenge in the field of public health. Treating this disease faces many challenges, especially in the context of an imbalance between osteoblast and osteoclast activities. Therefore, the development of new biomaterials has become the key. This article reviews various design strategies and their advantages and disadvantages for biomaterials aimed at osteoporotic bone defects. Overall, current research progress indicates that innovative design, functionalization, and targeting of materials can significantly enhance bone regeneration under osteoporotic conditions. By comprehensively considering biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and bioactivity, these biomaterials can be further optimized, offering a range of choices and strategies for the repair of osteoporotic bone defects.

Micro/nanorobotic systems capable of targeted transporting and releasing hold considerable promise for drug delivery, cellular surgery, biosensing, nano assembling, etc. However, on-demand precise control of the micro/nanorobot movement remains a major challenge. In particular, a practical interface to realize instant and customized interactions between human and micro/nanorobots, which is quite essential for developing next generation intelligent micro/nanorobots, has seldom been explored. Here, we present a human–microrobot user interface to perform direct and agile recognition of user commands and signal conversion for driving the microrobot. The microrobot platform is built based on locally enhanced acoustic streaming which could precisely transport microparticles and cells along a given pathway, while the interface is enabled by tuning the actuation frequency and time with different instructions and inputs. Our numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations illustrate that microparticles can be readily transported along the path by the acoustic robotic system, due to the vibration-induced locally enhanced acoustic streaming and resultant propulsion force. The acoustic robotic platform allows large-scale parallel transportation for microparticles and cells along given paths. The human microrobot interface enables the micromanipulator to response promptly to the users’ commands input by typing or music playing for accurate transport. For example, the music tone of a playing melody is used for manipulating a cancer cell to a targeted position. The interface offers several attractive capabilities, including tunable speed and orientation, quick response, considerable delivery capacities, high precision and favorable controllability. We expect that such interface will work as a compelling and versatile platform for myriad potential scenarios in transportation units of microrobots, single cell analysis instruments, lab-on-chip systems, microfactories, etc.

For a long time, ilmenite floatability in strongly acidic pulp has not received enough attention, which violates compliance requirements for the industrial production of ilmenite concentrate. In this present study, decanoic acid was found to be an effective collector, to float ilmenite in strongly acidic pulp (especially for the pH range from 3 to 6). The combination of decanoic acid and oleate proved to be significant in improving ilmenite floatability within a broad pH range, and especially at a pH around 4. The most synergistic and effective result occurred when the ratio of decanoic acid and oleate was 1:2, and the difference in flotation recovery of ilmenite and titanaugite was also increased at a pH around 4. Therefore, the collector scheme with a 1:2 ratio of decanoic acid and oleate was significant in strengthening ilmenite flotation behavior and its selective separation.

Micropump systems show great potential on the micropatterning process as a result of remarkable performance and functionality. However, existing micropumps cannot be employed as direct writing tools to perform the complex micropatterning process because of their lacking motility and controllability. Here, we propose a motile micropump system based on the combination of a water-driven ZnO/Ni/polystyrene Janus micromotor with a traditional immobilized micropump. This novel motile micropump system can translate the trajectory of Janus micromotors into predefined micropatterns by pumping away passive silica particles around the micromotor under the effect of diffusiophoresis. The resolution and efficiency of the micropatterning process can be regulated by controlling the diameters of Janus micromotors. Diverse surface micropatterns can be fabricated though remote magnetic control of the motile micropump system. Such ability to transform the versatile motile micropump into predetermined surface micropatterns creates new opportunities for mask-free micropatterning.

With compelling virtues of a large specific surface area, abundant active sites, and fast interfacial transport, nanomaterials have been demonstrated to be indispensable tools for water remediation applications. Accordingly, micro/nanomotors made by nanomaterials would also benefit from these properties. Though tuning the surface architecture on demand becomes a hot topic in the field of nanomaterials, there are still limited reports on the design of active surface architectures in chemically driven tubular micro/nanomachines. Here, a unique architecture composed of a fish-scale-like intercalated (FSI) surface structure and an active layer with 5 nm nanoparticles is constructed, which composes of Fe2O3and ramsdellite MnO2, Mn2O3, in the tubular micromotor using a versatile electrodeposition protocol. Tailoring the electrodeposition parameters enables us to modulate the active MnO2surface structure on demand, giving rise to a pronounced propulsion performance and catalytic activity. Upon exposure to the azo-dye waste solution, the degradation efficacy greatly raises by around 22.5% with FSI micromotor treatment when compared to the normal compact motors, owing to the synergistic effect between the Fe-related Fenton reaction and a large catalytic area offered by the hierarchically rough inner surface. Such unique micromachines with a large active surface area have great potential for environmental and biomedical applications.

By using the hard template method, CMK-3 can be synthesized. The large Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and total pore volume of CMK-3 were 1134 m2/g and 1.128 cm3/g, respectively. The sorption isotherms of CO2on CMK-3 in the presence of MDEA solutions were measured. It was shown that the CO2sorption capacity at low pressure was enhanced by chemical absorption and was higher than that of CMK-3 in the presence of water. However, the formation of the CO2hydrate was inhibited. When the concentration of the MDEA solution exceeded 1.4 mol/L, no hydrate was formed, and the sorption capacity was only 13 mmol/g at approximately 3.5 MPa, which was significantly lower than that of the water under the same pressure. The inhibitory effect of MDEA on hydrate formation was reduced at a low solution concentration. When the concentration of the MDEA solution was 0.52 mol/L, the gas hydrate was formed at approximately 1.88 MPa; the sorption capacity was approximately 28.7 mmol/g at 3.58 MPa, which was close to the highest CO2sorption capacity of CMK-3 in pure water. The enthalpy change was −74.82 kJ/mol, which was higher than the enthalpy change of CMK-3 in pure water.

The development of economical, efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with non-precious metals remains challenging. In this work, we have prepared Cu-doped NiCo2S4nanosheets grown on nickel foam that can serve as excellent electrocatalysts for HER in alkaline solutions (Cu-NiCo2S4/NF). The good electrocatalytic properties and excellent stability of the pristine NiCo2S4were achieved by changing its morphology through a simple Cu doping strategy. The optimum doping ratio for the Cu-NiCo2S4/NF catalyst in the HER requires an overpotential of only 155 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2and can operate stably for at least 12 h. This is mainly due to the fact that the doping of copper optimizes the electronic structure of the NiCo2S4/NF surface, providing more catalytically active sites and thus facilitating the effective release of hydrogen. In addition, the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu-NiCo2S4/NF material exceeds that of most reported noble metal-free catalysts, which also provides a new strategy for the preparation of NiCo2S4-based hydrolysis catalysts.

This article reports about the design of the beam chopper for building up an intense nanosecond pulsed neutron generator, and the scheme of the accelerator and the features of its basic systems are presented. The effects of the fringing electric field of the sweeping plates and the space charge effect of the beam on the pulse duration and the emittance of the deuteron beam are studied. The chopper with an operating angular frequency of 60 MHz and the amplitude of the RF voltage is 1 kV, and it will transport deuteron beam with current of 5 mA and energy of 400 keV. The simulation results show that the full width of maximum height is about 12 ns when considering the space charge effect of the beam. However, the full width of maximum height is about 6 ns when the beam without the space charge effect. Compare to the calculated values and the simulation results, it is illustrated that the space charge effect plays an important role in the pulse width which produced by the chopper for the beam of current of several mA.

A hollow fiber nanofiltration (NF) membrane fabricated on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) substrate was studied for the removal of chemicals of concern (CoCs). The functional layer of the hollow fiber NF membrane was fabricated via interfacial polymerization of piperazine (PIP) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC) on the lumen side of the PVC ultrafiltration membrane. A gas sweeping method was employed during the fabrication of the NF functional layer and was assessed based on the separation performance of the NF membrane. It was found that the sweeping gas could increase the performance of the NF membrane, which is also affected by the concentration of PIP and TMC solutions. NF membranes prepared under optimized gas sweeping conditions had a Pb(NO3)2rejection of 93% and a flux of about 24 L·m–2·h–1. The rejections to Na2SO4, MgSO4, NaCl, glucose, and sucrose were 96.5, 95.3, 53.7, 91.7, and 98.2%, respectively. Moreover, the results of spike tests show that the NF membrane could effectively reject the incident CoCs up to eight times the regulated values.

MnO2was used as a sintering additive to reduce sintering temperature of the 0.92(Ba0.94Li0.02La0.04)(Mg0.04Ti0.96)O3-0.08Bi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3(0.92BLLMT-0.08BZT) ceramic thick film and promote sintering process. At the same time, MnO2doping is beneficial for reducing dielectric loss and leakage current, and improving insulation performance, thus, breakdown field strength (BDS) of ceramics is increased. In addition, MnO2doping introduces defect energy levels, and increases lattice distortion and polarization intensity, thereby changing the crystal structure and microstructure morphology, and improving energy storage density and thermal stability. The BDS reaches 650 kV/cm electric field with 0.5 mol% MnO2doping, where the ceramic thick film achieves a discharge density (Wdis) of 5.51 J/cm3, ultra-high power density (PD = 443.87 MW/cm3) and current density (CD = 1365.74 A/cm2). The ceramic thick film exhibits good thermal stability with Wdischange rate of only 16.47 % within room temperature to 170 °C under 200 kV/cm. Such excellent comprehensive performance can be attributed to the decrease of grain size, defect concentration, and leakage current, and the formation of polar nano regions in the BT-based ceramics caused by MnO2doping and cations substitution at A-site and B-site of the perovskite structure. This study provides valuable insights for the research of lead-free dielectric ceramic capacitors, and the 0.92BLLMT-0.08BZT-0.5 mol% Mn ceramic thick film presents good development prospect in high-power pulse energy storage system.

AbstractVacuum membrane distillation was applied in the treatment of high ammonia content wastewater for the recovery of ammonia. Hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) hollow fiber membranes were used as the separation media. The initial ammonia concentration and pH value of the feed solution were destined owing to the composition of the wastewater. The effects of feed temperature, velocity, and operation time on the ammonia removal efficiency, separation factor, and water content in produced ammonia vapor were studied. The results showed that feed temperature was the most important factor affecting ammonia removal efficiency, which was improved from 78 to 99% as the temperature enhanced from 30 to 60°C. The feed velocity and operation time also affected the ammonia removal efficiency and separation factor obviously. A pilot-scale experiment was carried out using a membrane module of 20 m2membrane area. Preliminary results showed that proper ammonia removal efficiency and product property were obtained.

AbstractPerlite particles were used as filter aid and added directly into the feed solution. A loose filter aid layer was formed on the membrane surface during ultrafiltration (UF) process. The layer could prevent contaminant from adhering onto membrane surface directly. The filter aid layer could be easily removed from membrane surface by oscillation of the membrane module and the membrane could be regenerated as a result. The effects of the size and dosage of perlite particles and UF operating conditions (including the transmembrane pressure and feed velocity) on the performance of the process were studied. The results showed that the addition of perlite particles could reduce the filtration resistance and the particles with the size of 100–150 μm could cause more resistance reduction than the smaller ones. When operated at 0.075 MPa with a feed velocity of 0.055 m/s, the filter aid efficiency and flux increase were balanced. The J/J0increased 7% and the flux recovery rate enhanced 25% compared with UF process without perlite.

Vacuum membrane distillation was applied in the treatment of high ammonia content wastewater for the recovery of ammonia. Hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) hollow fiber membranes were used as the separation media. The initial ammonia concentration and pH value of the feed solution were destined owing to the composition of the wastewater. The effects of feed temperature, velocity, and operation time on the ammonia removal efficiency, separation factor, and water content in produced ammonia vapor were studied. The results showed that feed temperature was the most important factor affecting ammonia removal efficiency, which was improved from 78 to 99% as the temperature enhanced from 30 to 60°C. The feed velocity and operation time also affected the ammonia removal efficiency and separation factor obviously. A pilot-scale experiment was carried out using a membrane module of 20 m2membrane area. Preliminary results showed that proper ammonia removal efficiency and product property were obtained.

Perlite particles were used as filter aid and added directly into the feed solution. A loose filter aid layer was formed on the membrane surface during ultrafiltration (UF) process. The layer could prevent contaminant from adhering onto membrane surface directly. The filter aid layer could be easily removed from membrane surface by oscillation of the membrane module and the membrane could be regenerated as a result. The effects of the size and dosage of perlite particles and UF operating conditions (including the transmembrane pressure and feed velocity) on the performance of the process were studied. The results showed that the addition of perlite particles could reduce the filtration resistance and the particles with the size of 100–150μm could cause more resistance reduction than the smaller ones. When operated at 0.075 MPa with a feed velocity of 0.055 m/s, the filter aid efficiency and flux increase were balanced. The J/J0increased 7% and the flux recovery rate enhanced 25% compared with UF process without perlite.

A series of Ca(PO3)2phosphors mono-doped with Eu3+were successfully synthesized by the conventional high-temperature solid-phase method. Rietveld correction of the X-ray diffraction shows that Eu3+ions occupy Ca2+positions in the Ca(PO3)2lattice and have no effect on the matrix structure. In this work, the self-reduction of Eu3+was observed and verified by photoluminescence (PL), excitation spectroscopy (PLE) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under excitation at 238 nm, Ca(PO3)2: Eu exhibits a broad blue Eu2+emission band in addition to the usual orange-red emission of Eu3+. The fact that europium ions exist in divalent and trivalent forms was further confirmed, and the corresponding mechanism of the anomalous reduction of Eu3+to Eu2+is discussed. On this basis, the effect of Eu concentration on the structure and luminescence properties of Ca(PO3)2phosphor was investigated in detail. The luminescence of the phosphor exhibited bright tunable emission in the blue region and the red region. These results indicate that the Ca(PO3)2: Eu phosphors have potential applications as a n-UV convertible phosphor for light-emitting diodes.

Existing rotary ultrasonic motors operating in extreme environments cannot meet the requirements of good environmental adaptability and compact structure at same time, and existing ultrasonic motors with Langevin transducers show better environmental adaptability, but size of these motors are usually big due to the radial arrangement of the Langevin transducers. A novel dual driving face rotary ultrasonic motor is proposed, and its working principle is experimentally verified. The working principle of the novel ultrasonic motor is firstly proposed. The 5th in-plane flexural vibration travelling wave, excited by the Langevin transducers around the stator ring, is used to drive the rotors. Then the finite element method is used in the determination of dimensions of the prototype motor, and the confirmation of its working principle. After that, a laser Doppler vibrometer system is used for measuring the resonance frequency and vibration amplitude of the stator. At last, output characteristics of the prototype motor are measured, environmental adaptability is tested and performance for driving a metal ball is also investigated. At room temperature and 200 V(zero to peak) driving voltage, the motor’s no-load speed is 80 r/min, the stalling torque is 0.35 N·m and the maximum output power is 0.85 W. The response time of this motor is 0.96 ms at the room temperature, and it decreases or increases little in cold environment. A metal ball driven by the motor can rotate at 210 r/min with the driving voltage 300 V(zero to peak). Results indicate that the prototype motor has a large output torque and good environmental adaptability. A rotary ultrasonic motor owning compact structure and good environmental adaptability is proposed, and lays the foundations of ultrasonic motors’ applications in extreme environments.

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and its blend films were prepared by melt‐blending the binary mixture of PVDF/dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and the ternary mixture of PVDF/CaCO3/DBP in combination of TIPS. Their morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscope depended on preparation condition, such as the diluent and CaCO3 weight fraction, and the cooling rate, and the crystallization information was also investigated by DSC. The results showed that CaCO3 influenced the morphology of PVDF in the TIPS process regardless of the cooling conditions, and the formation of the spherulitic morphology can be disturbed by CaCO3 at the quenching condition. The effect of CaCO3 weight fraction on the tensile strength of PVDF was measured, which indicated CaCO3 had a negative effect on PVDF tensile strength. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2944–2952, 2006

Surface modification of membranes of an acrylonitrile copolymer (PAN) containing 5.5% methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 4.0% sodium methylpropylenesulfonate by grafting acrylamide (AAm) with cetric ammonium nitrate as initiator in the aqueous medium has been studied. Results showed that the extent of grafting was varied with some parameters, such as dimethyl formamide and Tween-20 amount in the reaction solution, concentration of AAm, and reaction time. The grafted copolymer was verified by infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Both of these methods also showed that the ester group of MMA unit on the surface of PAN membranes may be partially hydrolyzed into carboxyl group in the copolymerization condition. Surface and pore structures of PAN membranes after grafting were viewed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). From SEM photos we know that AAm homopolymer branches were grafted onto the surface of the membrane and the morphology of membrane did not change. Results of contact angle of isooctane on the membrane under water showed that the wettability of the modified membrane was improved. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 66: 1521–1529, 1997

Management of retinoblastoma is highly individualized and depends heavily on grouping or staging. In view of evolving methods of imaging and treating retinoblastoma, we have developed and evaluated a revised staging scheme. We analyzed the survival data of 73 patients treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to compare the ability of the Reese‐Ellsworth grouping system, the original St. Jude, and the modified St. Jude staging schemes to predict progression‐free survival. None of the staging schemes significantly correlated with progression‐free survival. This modified staging scheme provides an instrument for assessing the natural history of retinoblastoma based on ophthalmologic, other clinical, and imaging findings. Because it can identify patients at higher risk, the modified St. Jude scheme may be useful in selecting appropriate therapy regimens for children with retinoblastoma.