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Oscillating neutron stars are sources of continuous gravitational waves. We study analytically the excitation of stellar oscillations by the mechanical impact on the stellar surface of 'clumps' of stochastically accreted matter. We calculate the waveform and spectrum of the gravitational wave signal emitted by the accretion-driven pulsations. Results are generated for an idealized model of a non-rotating, unmagnetized, one-component star with uniform polytropic index n poly assuming Newtonian gravity and the Cowling approximation. We find that the excited mode amplitudes grow with increasing n poly and mode order n. The gravitational wave signal forms a sequence of amplitude-modulated packets for n poly = 1, lasting ∼10−3 s after each impact. The gravitational wave strain increases with increasing n poly, but decreases with increasing n and increasing multipole order l for n poly = 1. In the observing band of current long-baseline interferometers, g modes emit higher, narrower peaks in the amplitude spectral density than f and p modes, with the highest peaks reaching ∼10−26 Hz−1/2 for modes with damping time τ nl ∼ 108 yr. The root-mean-square strain h rms, calculated by summing over modes with 2 ≤ l ≤ 4 and τ nl ≤ 108 yr, spans the range 10−33 ≤ h rms ≤ 10−32 for 1 ≤ n poly ≤ 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrathin inorganic nanowires are an emerging class of building blocks for creating functional materials and devices, but there remains challenging to fine‐tune the structure and property of the nanowires at the molecular level. Here, this work shows that ultrathin polymer‐grafted gold nanowires (PG‐AuNWs) can exhibit bottlebrush polymer‐like physical behaviors and macroscopic properties. The hybrid PG‐AuNWs in solutions show polymer‐like viscoelasticity which can be finely regulated by controlling the structural parameters (e.g., length of the AuNWs, molecular weight of grafted polymers) of the PG‐AuNWs, the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, solvent compositions), and the aging time. Furthermore, this work unravels at the molecular level that the conformational properties (e.g., contour length, persistence length, and mean‐squared radius of gyration) of the PG‐AuNWs can be correlated to their structural parameters following similar power‐law relations as molecular bottlebrush polymers. This work bridges the fundamental gap between polymer‐like inorganic nanowires and bottlebrush polymers, thus accelerating the development of new nanowire‐based functional hybrid materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diurnal cycle of precipitation and precipitation variances at different time scales are analyzed in this study based on multiple high-resolution 3-h precipitation datasets. The results are used to evaluate nine CMIP6 models and a series of GFDL-AM4.0 model simulations, with the goal of examining the impact of SST diurnal cycle, varying horizontal resolutions, and different microphysics schemes on these two precipitation features. It is found that although diurnal amplitudes are reasonably simulated, models generally generate too early diurnal peaks over land, with a diurnal phase peaking around noon instead of the observed late afternoon (or early evening) peak. As for precipitation variances, irregular subdaily fluctuations dominate the total variance, followed by variance of daily mean precipitation and variance associated with the mean diurnal cycle. While the spatial and zonal distributions of precipitation variances are generally captured by the models, significant biases are present in tropical regions, where large mean precipitation biases are observed. The comparisons based on AM4.0 model simulations demonstrate that the inclusion of ocean coupling, adoption of a new microphysics scheme, and increasing of horizontal resolution have limited impacts on these two simulated features, emphasizing the need for future investigation into these model deficiencies at the process level. Conducting routine examinations of these metrics would be a crucial first step toward better simulation of precipitation intermittence in future model development. Last, distinct differences in these two features are found among observational datasets, highlighting the urgent need for a detailed evaluation of precipitation observations, especially at subdaily time scales, as model evaluation heavily relies on high-quality observations. Significance Statement: High-frequency precipitation data, such as 3-hourly or finer resolution, provide detailed and precise information about the intensity, timing, and location of individual precipitation events. This information is essential for evaluating physically based numerical weather and climate models, which are important tools for understanding and predicting precipitation changes. We compared several global high-resolution observation datasets with nine CMIP6 GCMs and a series of GFDL-AM4.0 model simulations to evaluate the precipitation diurnal cycle and variance, with the goal of examining the impact of SST diurnal cycle, varying horizontal resolutions, and different microphysics schemes on these metrics. Despite the impact of these factors on the simulated precipitation diurnal cycle and variance being evident, our results also show that they are not consistently aligned with observed features. This highlights the need for further investigation into model deficiencies at the process level. Therefore, conducting routine examinations of these metrics could be a crucial first step toward improving the simulation of precipitation intermittency in future model development. Additionally, given the large uncertainties, there is an urgent need for a detailed evaluation of observational precipitation products, particularly at subdaily time scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate representation of mesoscale scale convective systems (MCSs) in climate models is of vital importance to understanding global energy, water cycles, and extreme weather. In this study, we evaluate the simulated MCS features over the United States from the newly developed GFDL global high-resolution (∼50 km) AM4 model by comparing them with the observations during spring to early summer (April–June) and late summer (July–August). The results show that the spatial distribution and seasonality of occurrence and genesis frequency of MCSs are reasonably simulated over the central United States in both seasons. The model reliably reproduces the observed features of MCS duration, translation speed, and size over the central United States, as well as the favorable large-scale circulation pattern associated with MCS development over the central United States during spring and early summer. However, the model misrepresents the amplitude and the phase of the diurnal cycle of MCSs during both seasons. In addition, the spatial distribution of occurrence and genesis frequency of MCSs over the eastern United States is substantially overestimated, with larger biases in early spring and summer. Furthermore, while large-scale circulation patterns are reasonably simulated in spring and early summer, they are misrepresented in the model during summer. Finally, we examine MCS-related precipitation, finding that the model overestimates MCS-related precipitation during spring and early summer, but this bias is insufficient to explain the significant dry bias observed in total precipitation over the central United States. Nonetheless, the dry biases in MCS-associated precipitation during late summer likely contribute to the overall precipitation deficit in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An event‐based assessment of the sea surface temperature (SST) threshold at the genesis of tropical mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) is performed in this study. We show that this threshold (SSTG) has undergone a significant warming trend at a rate of ∼0.2°C per decade. The SSTG shows a remarkable correspondence with the tropical mean SST and upper‐tropospheric temperature on interannual and longer timescales. Using a high‐resolution global climate model that permits realistic simulations of tropical MCSs, we find that the observed features of SSTG are well simulated. Both observation and model simulations demonstrate that the upward tendency in SSTG primarily results from the environmental SST warming over MCS genesis regions rather than the changes in MCS genesis location. A continuous increase in SSTG is projected in a warming simulation, but the relationship between SSTG and upper‐tropospheric temperature remains unchanged, suggesting that the tropical tropospheric temperature generally follows a moist‐adiabatic adjustment. Plain Language Summary: The development of tropical ocean showers and thunderstorms requires a warm ocean surface as an energy source fueling the storm. As a good example, a sea surface temperature (SST) threshold of 26.5°C has long been recognized as a necessary condition for tropical cyclone genesis. Here we examine the SST threshold at the genesis of tropical mesoscale convective systems, which occur so frequently throughout the tropics that they play an important role in shaping the general circulation of the atmosphere as they redistribute moisture and energy in the atmosphere. Using satellite observations and a high‐resolution global climate model, we show that this threshold has undergone a significant warming trend during the past several decades and will continue to increase in the future. This warming trend is closely related to the changes in the tropical mean SST. A constant relationship between the SST threshold and upper‐tropospheric temperature is found in both the current climate and a warming climate, which corroborates the argument that tropospheric temperatures in the tropics approximately follow a moist adiabatic adjustment. Key Points: A significant warming trend in sea surface temperature at the genesis of tropical mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) sea surface temperature threshold (SSTG) has been observedA global climate model that can explicitly simulate MCSs captures the observed features of SSTG and projects a continuous increaseA constant relationship between SSTG and upper‐tropospheric temperature indicates the existence of a moist‐adiabatic adjustment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using abundant rainfall gauge measurements and Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) data, spatial patterns of rainfall diurnal cycles and their seasonality over high mountain Asia (HMA) were examined. Spatial distributions of rainfall diurnal cycles over the HMA have a prominent seasonality regulated by circulations at different spatiotemporal scales, within which large regional contrasts are embedded. Rainfall diurnal variability is relatively weak in the premonsoon season, with larger amplitude over the western HMA, the southeastern HMA, as well as southern periphery regions, characterized by a dominant late afternoon to morning rainfall preference. The pattern of rainfall spatial distributions is closely related to the midlatitude westerlies. Both the mean rainfall and amplitudes of diurnal cycles become more pronounced with the advance of monsoon season but weaken during postmonsoon. The widespread late afternoon to night pattern over HMA migrating with seasonal atmospheric circulation is consistent with the lifetime of convective systems, which become active from the afternoon due to radiative heating and decay during the night. Stationary terrain-dependent night-to-morning rainfall patterns are visible in those east–west-orientated valleys over HMA and the Qaidam basin throughout the seasons. This salient geographical dependence is associated with local circulation produced by the strong differential thermal conditions over mountains and valleys, which can lift the warm moist air at the mouth of the valley and trigger nocturnal convection. Significance Statement: The main purpose of this study is to explore how spatial patterns of rainfall diurnal cycles over high mountain Asia vary with the seasons. Our results show that the widespread late afternoon to night rainfall over high mountain Asia migrating with seasonal atmospheric circulation is consistent with the lifetime of convective systems. Stationary terrain-dependent night-to-morning rainfall patterns are visible in those east–west-orientated valleys over high mountain Asia and the Qaidam basin throughout the seasons. These results highlight the importance of large-scale atmospheric circulation and local circulation on precipitation, which is critical for water resources over high mountain Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patchy nanoparticles (NPs) show many important applications, especially for constructing structurally complex colloidal materials, but existing synthetic strategies generate patchy NPs with limited types of symmetry. This article describes a versatile copolymer ligand‐based strategy for the scalable synthesis of uniform Au‐(SiO2)x patchy NPs (x is the patch number and 1 ≤ x ≤ 5) with unusual symmetry at high yield. The hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate on block‐random copolymer ligands induces the segregation of copolymers on gold NPs (AuNPs) and hence governs the structure and distribution of silica patches formed on the AuNPs. The resulting patchy NPs possess unique configurations where the silica patches are symmetrically arranged at one side of the core NP, resembling the geometry of polar small molecules. The number, size, and morphology of silica patches, as well as the spacing between the patches and the AuNP can be precisely tuned by tailoring copolymer architectures, grafting density of copolymers, and the size of AuNPs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the Au‐(SiO2)x patchy NPs can assemble into more complex superstructures through directional interaction between the exposed Au surfaces. This work offers new opportunities of designing next‐generation complex patchy NPs for applications in such as biomedicines, self‐assembly, and catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the tunnel construction engineering is increasingly transferring to southwest mountainous areas with complex terrain and geological conditions in China and presents a trend of "large buried depth, long tunnel line, high stress, strong karst, high water pressure, complex structure and frequent disasters." Taking water inrush disaster of karst tunnel fault zone as the research object, an evolutionary mechanical model of rock damage under the coupling action of stress-seepage is proposed in this paper. Besides, based on Comsol Multiphysics numerical software, the tunnel excavation is simulated, and the stress field, seepage field, and rock damage during the excavation are analyzed; thus, the mechanical mechanism of water inrush disaster from tunnel fault in karst area is obtained. The research results indicate that the tunnel excavation is a dynamic construction process, and the construction disturbance redistributes the original rock stress field and changes the state of seepage field. With the increase of excavation steps, the contour distribution of vertical stress ratio near the tunnel face is a circle shape, indicating that the rock mass is obviously disturbed by excavation, and the ratio of principal stress difference of rock mass at arch crown and bottom plate is large. Besides, the fault fissures expand and penetrate under the influence of tunnel excavation disturbance, increasing the permeability of fault zone in karst tunnel. In addition, the water seepage erosion takes away the granular rock mass, and the lithology becomes more weaker, which makes it possible for the occurrence of water inrush disaster in karst tunnel. Therefore, the advanced geological prediction is important in tunnel construction in karst area. The research results can be treated as an important theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment for water inrush disaster of fault zone in karst tunnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of tropical mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) simulated with a finer-resolution (~50 km) version of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) AM4 model are evaluated by comparing with a comprehensive long-term observational dataset. It is shown that the model can capture the various aspects of MCSs reasonably well. The simulated spatial distribution of MCSs is broadly in agreement with the observations. This is also true for seasonality and interannual variability over different land and oceanic regions. The simulated MCSs are generally longer-lived, weaker, and larger than observed. Despite these biases, an event-scale analysis suggests that their duration, intensity, and size are strongly correlated. Specifically, longer-lived and stronger events tend to be bigger, which is consistent with the observations. The same model is used to investigate the response of tropical MCSs to global warming using time-slice simulations forced by prescribed sea surface temperatures and sea ice. There is an overall decrease in occurrence frequency, and the reduction over land is more prominent than over ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable precipitation simulation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) remains a challenge, manifested by a prominent systematic wet bias in the warm season. Previous studies have generally neglected the potential linkage between surface radiation energy budget and precipitation bias. Prevalent scattered cumulus and thunderstorms over the TP in summer strongly influence surface radiation. A cloud fraction scheme considering subgrid temperature and humidity fluctuations is implemented in the WRF model and tested for a month‐long simulation. It is found that the scheme better reproduces the surface solar radiation compared to a default cloud fraction scheme in the WRF model. Using abundant surface observations, we find that overestimation of the downward surface shortwave radiation (DSSR) would lead to wet bias. DSSR overestimation contributes to higher surface temperature and larger evaporation and enhanced atmospheric instability, which favor more simulated convective precipitation. The study suggests that a better simulation of clouds and surface radiation would benefit precipitation simulation over the plateau. Plain Language Summary: Summer precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is generally overestimated in general circulation models as well as regional weather forecasts and climate models. The prevailing "popcorn‐like" clouds over the TP in summer would strongly impact surface radiation. Considering the potential linkage between surface radiation energy budget and precipitation bias, a statistical cloud fraction and subgrid condensation scheme (GS‐PDF scheme) is implemented in the WRF model and tested for a month‐long simulation. The GS‐PDF scheme better captures clouds over the TP with more mid‐low cloud water (ice) than the default Xu‐Randall scheme. Increased mid‐low cloud water in the GS‐PDF scheme reduced simulated downward surface shortwave radiation, reduced simulated surface temperatures, atmospheric instabilities and convective precipitation, leading to alleviated wet bias over the TP. This study suggests that better simulations of cloud and surface radiation would be beneficial for simulations of hydrological cycles over the TP. Key Points: A new cloud macrophysics scheme considering subgrid temperature and humidity fluctuations is implemented in the WRF modelThe new macrophysics scheme reduced simulated downward surface shortwave radiation, surface temperatures and atmospheric instabilitiesA better simulation of clouds and surface radiation would benefit precipitation simulation over the Tibetan Plateau [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel hierarchical structure with nanofibers and nanowires were prepared at low cost. • High flux oil-water separation nanofibrous membrane were designed and fabricated. • The interface with superhydrophilicity and underwater oleophobicity was constructed. • It is suitable for various environments and large-scale industrialization. Nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) are frequently used in oil-water separation thanks to their high porosity, controllable pore size, and convenience in modification to obtain super wettability. However, the low production rate and dense structure of NFMs have limited the industrial applications. In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) seed loaded polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) NFMs with fluffy structure were prepared through solution blow spinning (SBS). Subsequently, ZnO nanowires (NWs) were synthesized based on the seeds through ultrasonic assisted hydrothermal reaction, constructing superhydrophilic surface with hierarchical structure. The u-ZnO-NWs/PVDF showed uniform morphology throughout the entire membrane with an average fiber diameter of 517.35 ± 158.72 nm and an average nanowire diameter of 72.55 ± 20.52 nm, which resulted in a low average pore size (4024.68 ± 393.40 nm), superhydrophilicity, and underwater oleophobicity. The nanowire equipped membrane revealed super high water flux (12960.77 ± 325.04 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1), which could be applied in the separation of oil-in-water emulsions with high separation efficiency (>97 %) and high flux (about 8000 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1) under gravity. Results indicated the potential of SBS u-ZnO-NWs/PVDF in the fields of oil-water separation, sewage treatment, as well as catalytic degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A confined m-PyC/FeOCl catalyst was prepared from pyrite cinder (PyC). • The residual m-PyC was used as the structure regulator for FeOCl formation. • M−PyC/FeOCl had good photo-Fenton catalytic activity reusability, and separability. • The combination of FeOCl and m-PyC caused a significantly synergistic effect. • The active species included h+ and OH, with h+ as the predominant active species. A series of novel confined photo-Fenton catalytic materials of pyrite cinder (PyC)-based FeOCl (m-PyC/FeOCl- φ) was successfully fabricated via a facile leaching–sorption–calcination method by using PyC as the iron source for FeOCl and the residue after iron extraction as the template and structure regulator for FeOCl generation. The resulting m-PyC/FeOCl-43% consists of relatively uniform square columnar or flake particles that are loaded in the channels of porous m-PyC matrix and interstitial space between particles, with a specific surface area of 4.90 m2/g, pore size of 8.10 nm, and band gap energy (E g) of 1.798 eV. It had significantly higher degradation activity than that of pure FeOCl and m-PyC in the photo-Fenton catalytic reaction system, a wide pH range of 3–7, and excellent reusability, separability, and thermal stability below 350 °C. The degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) catalyzed by m-PyC/FeOC-43% was mostly completed within 15 min under favorable conditions, and the corresponding k app value was 0.1532 min−1, which is 35.6 times and 9.6 times higher than those of m-PyC and FeOCl, respectively. An appropriate amount of m-PyC can effectively template and regulate the structure and morphology of FeOCl on it and efficiently expand the response range of irradiated light and promote the separation of photogenic e−/h+ pairs and the generation of OH and h+. FeOCl and m-PyC in m-PyC/FeOC-43% synergistically degraded CIP to enhance the photo-Fenton catalytic degradation efficiency under H 2 O 2 and visible light irradiation. The active species produced during photo-Fenton catalytic process included h+ and OH, and h+ was the predominant degradable active species. This work introduces a new approach for the resource utilization of PyC and provides a promising efficient and economical photo-Fenton catalysts for removing fluoroquinolones antibiotics from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A portable smartphone application for stem-base width and plant height measurement. • An easy-to-attain reference object for scale factor determination. • Combing an application and a reference object to measure actual morphological traits. The measurements of stem-base width and plant height in rice seedlings are significantly associated with the assessment of in-field seedling growth quality, the determination of optimal seedling transplanting time, and the decision-making of later fertilization use. At present, the measurements of such two morphological traits heavily rely on the inefficient manual measurement method. Herein, we develop a smartphone application to accomplish these tedious and repetitive measurement tasks. Using the developed smartphone application, the reference object and rice seedling were taken into an entire image and then were performed image pre-processing, thereby segmenting the foreground from the background. The reference object image and rice seedling image in the foreground were respectively separated via a comparison in heights of the foreground contours. The reference object image was used for obtaining a scale factor, while the rice seedling image was used for measuring actual stem-base width and plant height by employing the obtained scale factor. The results of automatic measurements resulted from different conditions were compared with those of manual measurements, accomplishing the assessment of measurement accuracy. Collectively, the smartphone application achieved R2 values of 0.9832 and 0.9796 in measuring stem-base width and plant height respectively, and corresponding RMSE values were 0.0307 mm and 1.2311 mm respectively, when tests were performed in various conditions including three camera resolutions, three photographing heights, and three sunlight conditions. The mean runtime for processing an individual image was about 1796.164 ms when a total of 350 rice seedlings were measured under various conditions. This work not only demonstrates that the smartphone application allows low-cost, fast, and accurate measurements of stem-base width and plant height in rice seedling, which can be used as a reasonable alternative to the traditional manual measurement method; but also offers a valuable reference for farmers or researchers in terms of evaluating in-field seedling growth quality, determining optimal seedling transplanting time, as well as guiding follow-up in-field fertilizer expenditures; and further provides methodological support for relevant researches in other crops or domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) support membranes containing varies functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) were prepared via phase inversion. Polyamide (PA) films were formed upon the support membranes by interfacial polymerization. The characteristics (include wettability, pore size, surface roughness, and porosity) of PVDF support membranes were improved by embedding F-MWCNTs into the polymer solution. PA films formed on the different support layers exhibited different morphology, separation performance, and formation mechanism. The results revealed that, as two key parameters, pore size and surface wettability showed dominant influence on the properties of the selective layer. Herein, we proposed a speculative conceptual model to explain the synergistic effect of pore size and surface wettability of F-MWCNTs/PVDF support membrane on interfacial polymerization mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a multiscale assessment of the springtime U.S. Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) in the NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL)'s Atmosphere Model version 4 (AM4). In AM4, MCSs exhibit lower intensity but longer duration, producing more precipitation compared to observation. The overall MCS activity demonstrates a "location bias" with its peak shifting from the Southern Great Plains to the Midwest in AM4, causing an eastward shift in associated precipitation. However, the dry bias of MCS precipitation over the Great Plains due to this shift is compensated by additional precipitation from amplified extratropical cyclone activities. Further analysis reveals that AM4 effectively reproduces the spatiotemporal distribution and relative frequency contribution of large-scale forcing patterns driving MCS genesis. The MCS location bias emerges under all forms of large-scale forcing patterns and is further attributed to local dynamic and thermodynamic factors including weaker surface lows, eastward-shifted fronts, and suppressed low-level jets (LLJs). Here we argue that the MCS location bias results from AM4 biases in both synoptic-mesoscale anomalies (i.e., fronts and LLJs) and seasonal mean circulations. The lack of two-way air-sea interaction in AM4 creates a hemispheric-scale sea level pressure bias, which is ultimately responsible for a seasonal mean northerly bias in lower-tropospheric winds and the subsequent weakening of LLJs. The existence of such biases in prescribed sea surface temperature (SST) experiments implies the need for extra caution when utilizing extended-range forecasts for MCSs over the continental U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the development of a resource-efficient FPGA-based neural network regression model for potential applications in the future hardware muon trigger system of the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Effective real-time selection of muon candidates is the cornerstone of the ATLAS physics programme. With the planned ATLAS upgrades for the High Luminosity LHC, an entirely new FPGA-based hardware muon trigger system will be installed that will process full muon detector data within a 10 μ s latency window. The large FPGA devices planned for this upgrade should have sufficient spare resources to allow deployment of machine learning methods for improving identification of muon candidates and searching for new exotic particles. Our neural network regression model promises to improve rejection of the dominant source of background trigger events in the central detector region, which are due to muon candidates with low transverse momenta. This model was implemented in FPGA using 157 digital signal processors and about 5000 lookup tables. The simulated network latency and deadtime are 122 and 25 ns, respectively, when implemented in the FPGA device using a 320 MHz clock frequency. Two other FPGA implementations were also developed to study the impact of design choices on resource utilisation and latency. The performance parameters of our FPGA implementation are well within the requirements of the future muon trigger system, therefore opening a possibility for deploying machine learning methods for future data taking by the ATLAS experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasmall silica‐based nanoparticles (SNPs) are attractive for application in many fields, but existing synthetic approaches show limited control over the size and morphology of these SNPs. This study describes a general single copolymer chain‐mediated strategy for the scalable synthesis of highly monodispersed symmetric and asymmetric SNPs with sub‐50 nm diameter. Random copolymers of poly(acrylic acid‐r‐styrene) intramolecularly collapse into ultrasmall single‐chain nanoparticles and serve as seeds to template the hydrolysis of silica precursors to produce uniform SNPs. It is shown in experiments and simulations that the composition and random architecture of the copolymers are crucial to the formation of ultrasmall seeds and the uniform deposition of silica. Furthermore, tailoring the architecture of copolymers can be used to produce ultrasmall asymmetric Janus‐like and dumbbell‐like SNPs with well‐defined polymer and silica domains. This study paves a new route to the scalable production of ultrasmall SNPs with tailored morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a deep reinforcement learning-based energy optimization management method for hydrogen-electric coupling system is proposed for the conversion and utilization and joint optimization operation of hydrogen, wind and solar energy forms considering information uncertainty on the demand side of smart grid. Based on the wind energy, photovoltaic energy generation and load forecast information, the method uses deep Q network to simulate the energy management strategy set of the hydrogen-electric coupling system, and obtains the optimal strategy through reinforcement learning to finally realize the optimal operation of the hydrogen-electric coupling system based on the demand response. Firstly, based on the energy management model, a research framework and equipment model for integrated energy systems is established. On the basis of fundamental theories of reinforcement learning framework, Q-learning algorithm and DQN algorithm, the empirical replay mechanism and freezing parameter mechanism to improve the performance of DQN are analyzed, and the energy management and optimization of integrated energy system is completed with the objective of economy. By comparing the performance of DQN algorithms with different parameters in integrated energy system energy management, the simulation results demonstrate the improvement of algorithm performance after inheriting the set of strategies, and verify the feasibility and superiority of deep reinforcement learning compared to genetic algorithm in integrated energy system energy management applications. • A hydrogen-electric coupling regional comprehensive energy system was established. • Deep reinforcement learning algorithm is used to manage energy system. • Hydrogen energy as the main energy storage mode was investigated. • The hydrogen-electric coupling integrated energy system was optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In on-pump cardiac surgery, the albumin priming strategy could maintain colloid osmotic pressure better than crystalloid solutions and reduce excessive perioperative fluid balance. However, a high-quality meta-analysis is required to compare the safety of these approaches in perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Owing to limited direct evidence, we conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) to increase the pool of studies and provide indirect evidence. Methods: The pre-defined primary outcomes were intraoperative and the first 24 h postoperative RBC transfusion volume in units. The pre-defined secondary outcome was postoperative blood loss (the first 24 h). We reviewed all randomized controlled trials comparing albumin, crystalloid, and artificial colloid priming strategies. Studies that only displayed pre-defined outcomes could be included. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed on studies that directly compared the pre-defined outcomes between albumin and crystalloids. Additionally, a random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) model was employed to generate indirect evidence for the pre-defined outcomes between albumin and crystalloids. Results: The literature search identified 830 studies,10 of which were included in the final analysis. Direct meta-analysis indicated that crystalloid priming significantly decreased total perioperative RBC transfusions (MD: -0.68U; 95%CI: -1.26, -0.09U; P = 0.02) and intraoperative RBC transfusions (MD: -0.20U; 95%CI: -0.39, -0.01U; P = 0.03) compared to albumin. Postoperative RBC transfusions showed a decreasing trend in the crystalloid group; however, the difference was not statistically significant. (MD: -0.16U; 95%CI: -0.45, 0.14U; P = 0.30). After including indirect evidence, the NMA results continued to demonstrate a higher RBC receiving with the albumin priming strategy compared to crystalloids, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. For postoperative blood loss, direct evidence showed no significant differences between albumin and crystalloid priming strategies. However, NMA evidence displayed that albumin exist higher probability of reducing postoperative blood loss than crystalloid. Conclusion: Both direct and NMA evidence indicated that the albumin priming strategy resulted in more perioperative RBC transfusions than crystalloids. Considering the additional blood management burden, the application of an albumin-priming strategy in on-pump cardiac surgery still needs more consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal molecules (CMs) are precisely defined assemblies of nanoparticles (NPs) that mimic the structure of real molecules, but externally programming the precise self‐assembly of CMs is still challenging. In this work, we show that the photo‐induced self‐assembly of complementary copolymer‐capped binary NPs can be precisely controlled to form clustered ABx or linear (AB)y CMs at high yield (x is the coordination number of NP‐Bs, and y is the repeating unit number of AB clusters). Under UV light irradiation, photolabile p‐methoxyphenacyl groups of copolymers on NP‐A*s are converted to carboxyl groups (NP‐A), which react with tertiary amines of copolymers on NP‐B to trigger the directional NP bonding. The x value of ABx can be precisely controlled between 1 and 3 by varying the irradiation duration and hence the amount of carboxyl groups generated on NP‐As. Moreover, when NP‐A* and NP‐B are irradiated after mixing, the assembly process generates AB clusters or linear (AB)y structures with alternating sequence of the binary NPs. This assembly approach offers a simple yet non‐invasive way to externally regulate the formation of various CMs on demand without the need of redesigning the surface chemistry of NPs for use in drug delivery, diagnostics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal molecules (CMs) are precisely defined assemblies of nanoparticles (NPs) that mimic the structure of real molecules, but externally programming the precise self‐assembly of CMs is still challenging. In this work, we show that the photo‐induced self‐assembly of complementary copolymer‐capped binary NPs can be precisely controlled to form clustered ABx or linear (AB)y CMs at high yield (x is the coordination number of NP‐Bs, and y is the repeating unit number of AB clusters). Under UV light irradiation, photolabile p‐methoxyphenacyl groups of copolymers on NP‐A*s are converted to carboxyl groups (NP‐A), which react with tertiary amines of copolymers on NP‐B to trigger the directional NP bonding. The x value of ABx can be precisely controlled between 1 and 3 by varying the irradiation duration and hence the amount of carboxyl groups generated on NP‐As. Moreover, when NP‐A* and NP‐B are irradiated after mixing, the assembly process generates AB clusters or linear (AB)y structures with alternating sequence of the binary NPs. This assembly approach offers a simple yet non‐invasive way to externally regulate the formation of various CMs on demand without the need of redesigning the surface chemistry of NPs for use in drug delivery, diagnostics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) on the low-temperature creep properties of styrene–butadiene-styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR)-modified asphalt binder. PPA-SBS and PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt with different PPA contents were prepared by a high-speed shear method. The low-temperature properties of composite-modified asphalt were studied by bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, and the test results were fitted by the Burgers model to assess the creep property of the asphalt. From the test results, it is demonstrated that the low-temperature properties of polymer-modified asphalt were weakened after PPA was added. At low temperatures, the stiffness modulus (S) of PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt was half that of PPA-SBS, and the creep rate (m) was more than 9.4% higher. The results of relaxation time ($\lambda$ λ), dissipated energy ratio (DER), and the derivative of creep compliance (J'(t)) showed that the creep property of PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt is better than that of PPA-SBS and SBS-modified asphalt at low temperatures. Moreover, the antiaging ability of polymer-modified asphalt was also ameliorated by incorporating PPA, regardless of SBS or CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to explore the effect of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) on the low-temperature creep properties of styrene–butadiene-styrene (SBS) and crumb rubber (CR)-modified asphalt binder. PPA-SBS and PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt with different PPA contents were prepared by a high-speed shear method. The low-temperature properties of composite-modified asphalt were studied by bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, and the test results were fitted by the Burgers model to assess the creep property of the asphalt. From the test results, it is demonstrated that the low-temperature properties of polymer-modified asphalt were weakened after PPA was added. At low temperatures, the stiffness modulus (S) of PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt was half that of PPA-SBS, and the creep rate (m) was more than 9.4% higher. The results of relaxation time ($\lambda$ λ), dissipated energy ratio (DER), and the derivative of creep compliance (J'(t)) showed that the creep property of PPA-CR composite-modified asphalt is better than that of PPA-SBS and SBS-modified asphalt at low temperatures. Moreover, the antiaging ability of polymer-modified asphalt was also ameliorated by incorporating PPA, regardless of SBS or CR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The topography of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) has shaped the paleoclimatic evolution of the Asian monsoon. However, the influence of the TP on the global climate, beyond the domain of the Asian monsoon, remains unclear. Here we show that the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans act as efficient repeaters that boost the global climatic impact of the TP. The simulations demonstrate that oceanic repeaters enable TP heating to induce a wide-ranging climate response across the globe. A 1 °C TP warming can result in a 0.73 °C temperature increase over North America. Oceanic repeaters exert their influence by enhancing the air-sea interaction-mediated horizontal heat and moisture transport, as well as relevant atmospheric circulation pathways including westerlies, stationary waves, and zonal-vertical cells. Air-sea interactions were further tied to local feedbacks, mainly the decreased air-sea latent heat flux from the weakening air-sea humidity difference and the increased shortwave radiation from sinking motion-induced cloud reduction over the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our findings highlight the crucial influence of TP heating variation on the current climate under a quasi-fixed topography, in contrast to topography change previously studied in paleoclimate evolution. Therefore, TP heating should be considered in research on global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process-oriented diagnostics (PODs) aim to provide feedback for model developers through model analysis based on physical hypotheses. However, the step from a diagnostic based on relationships among variables, even when hypothesis driven, to specific guidance for revising model formulation or parameterizations can be substantial. The POD may provide more information than a purely performance-based metric, but a gap between POD principles and providing actionable information for specific model revisions can remain. Furthermore, in coordinating diagnostics development, there is a trade-off between freedom for the developer, aiming to capture innovation, and near-term utility to the modeling center. Best practices that allow for the former, while conforming to specifications that aid the latter, are important for community diagnostics development that leads to tangible model improvements. Promising directions to close the gap between principles and practice include the interaction of PODs with perturbed physics experiments and with more quantitative process models as well as the inclusion of personnel from modeling centers in diagnostics development groups for immediate feedback during climate model revisions. Examples are provided, along with best-practice recommendations, based on practical experience from the NOAA Model Diagnostics Task Force (MDTF). Common standards for metrics and diagnostics that have arisen from a collaboration between the MDTF and the Department of Energy's Coordinated Model Evaluation Capability are advocated as a means of uniting community diagnostics efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) is a meta-heuristic algorithm inspired by mathematical operators, which may stagnate in the face of complex optimization issues. Therefore, the convergence and accuracy are reduced. In this paper, an AOA variant called ASFAOA is proposed by integrating a double-opposite learning mechanism, an adaptive spiral search strategy, an offset distribution estimation strategy, and a modified cosine acceleration function formula into the original AOA, aiming to improve the local exploitation and global exploration capability of the original AOA. In the proposed ASFAOA, a dual-opposite learning strategy is utilized to enhance population diversity by searching the problem space a lot better. The spiral search strategy of the tuna swarm optimization is introduced into the addition and subtraction strategy of AOA to enhance the AOA's ability to jump out of the local optimum. An offset distribution estimation strategy is employed to effectively utilize the dominant population information for guiding the correct individual evolution. In addition, an adaptive cosine acceleration function is proposed to perform a better balance between the exploitation and exploration capabilities of the AOA. To demonstrate the superiority of the proposed ASFAOA, two experiments are conducted using existing state-of-the-art algorithms. First, The CEC 2017 benchmark function was applied with the aim of evaluating the performance of ASFAOA on the test function through mean analysis, convergence analysis, stability analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Friedman's test. The proposed ASFAOA is then utilized to solve the wireless sensor coverage problem and its performance is illustrated by two sets of coverage problems with different dimensions. The results and discussion show that ASFAOA outperforms the original AOA and other comparison algorithms. Therefore, ASFAOA is considered as a useful technique for practical optimization problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic abuse has posed enormous burdens on patients and healthcare systems. Hence, the design and development of non-antibiotic wound dressings to meet clinical demand are urgently desired. However, there remains one of the impediments to hydrogel wound dressings that integrated with good recoverability, toughness, and excellent antibacterial properties. Herein, a series of semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels with exceptional mechanical performance and remarkable antibacterial activity based on quaternized chitosan (QCS) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were developed using a one-pot method. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of semi-IPN hydrogel against S. aureus and E. coli was enhanced by integrating it with quercetin (QT). The semi-IPN hydrogels also exhibited high recoverability and toughness, outstanding liquid absorbability (the swelling ratio reached 565 ± 12 %), and a satisfying water vapor transmission rate. Moreover, the semi-IPN hydrogels presented ideal hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. These high-elastic hydrogels are promising candidates for potential applications in wound dressing, tissue repair, chronic wound care, as well as other biomedical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing the structure and function of left atrium (LA) is crucial in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) because LA remodeling correlates with atrial fibrillation. However, few studies have investigated the potential effect of myomectomy on LA phasic remodeling in HOCM after myectomy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT). This study aims to evaluate the LA structural and functional remodeling with HOCM after myectomy by CMR-FT and to further investigate the determinants of LA reverse remodeling. Methods: In this single-center study, we retrospectively studied 88 patients with HOCM who received CMR before and after myectomy between January 2011 and June 2021. Preoperative and postoperative LA parameters derived from CMR-FT were compared, including LA reservoir function (total ejection fraction [EF], total strain [εs], peak positive strain rate [SRs]), conduit function (passive EF, passive strain [εe], peak early negative strain rate [SRe]) and booster function (booster EF, active strain [εa], late peak negative strain rate [SRa]). Eighty-six healthy participants were collected for comparison. Univariate and multivariate linear regression identified variables associated with the rate of change of εa. Results: Compared with preoperative parameters, LA reservoir function (total EF, εs, SRs), booster function (booster EF, εa, SRa), and SRe were significantly improved after myectomy (all P < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in passive EF and εe. Postoperative patients with HOCM still had larger LA and worse LA function than healthy controls (all P < 0.05). After analyzing the rates of change in LA parameters, LA boost function, especially εa, showed the most dramatic improvement beyond the improvements in reservoir function, conduit function, and volume. In multivariable regression analysis, minimum LA volume index (adjusted β = − 0.39, P < 0.001) and Δleft ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) pressure gradient (adjusted β = − 0.29, P = 0.003) were significantly related to the rate of change of εa. Conclusions: Patients with HOCM after septal myectomy showed LA reverse remodeling with a reduction in LA size and restoration in LA reservoir and booster function but unchanged LA conduit function. Among volumetric and functional changes, booster function had the greatest improvement postoperatively. Besides, preoperative LAVmin index and ΔLVOT might be potential factors associated with the degree of improvement in εa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae have attracted significant attention for biofuel production and transcription factors that can effectively regulate lipid accumulation in higher plants. In this study we expressed the transcription factor LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 from Arabidopsis thaliana in Chlorella sorokiniana. The relative electron transport rate (rel.ETR) of C. sorokiniana-AtLEC2 improved significantly under high-intensity light. As a result, the total lipid content and main fatty acid composition (C16, C18) increased by more than onefold. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed using a label-free strategy to elucidate the regulation mechanism of AtLEC2. The results showed upregulation of TAG biosynthesis (G3PDH) and photosynthesis-related proteins (e.g., ATP synthase F0, Photosystem II, Photosystem I P700, cytochrome b6, cytochrome b6f, chlorophyll a-b binding protein, Photosystem I assembly protein). Furthermore, AtLEC2 expression in C. sorokiniana led to fixed carbon flow in photosynthesis to TAG through G3PDH upregulation. The current study will provide a new direction for the cultivation of high-yield oil algae and will reveal the mechanism of regulation of AtLEC2 on TAG accumulation in C. sorokiniana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Co-MOF-74-derived DS-CoSe 2 @C-600 hybrid was designed to unite the merits of both hollow double-shell structure and plum pudding-like structure for optimized electrochemical Na+ storage performance. [Display omitted] • The formation mechanism of hollow doubel-shell MOF-74 is elaborated. • Hollow doubel-shell CoSe 2 @C hybrid shows superior Na+ storage performance. • Electrochemical Na+ storage performance is discussed in detail. Designing an intelligent metal selenides/carbon hybrid assembly is considered to be a very feasible strategy to maximize the potential of metal selenides and carbon materials for electrochemical Na+ storage. Herein, we prepare a hollow double-shell Co-MOF-74-derived CoSe 2 @carbon hybrid in which plenty of ultrafine CoSe 2 nanoparticles are encapsulated within carbon matrix, and such a unique CoSe 2 @carbon hybrid is able to take advantages of both hollow double-shell structure and plum pudding-like structure, which facilitate fast electrochemical kinetics and high tolerance to volumetric strain. As a result, the prepared hollow double-shell CoSe 2 @carbon hybrid exhibits a reversible capacity of 223.4 mAh/g at a very high current density of 10 A/g for Na+ storage, and also holds 92.3 % of capacity retention after 5000 cycles at 2 A/g. This work has provided a useful enlightenment for developing high-efficiency electrode materials in the electrochemical Na+ storage field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer‐grafted hairy nanoparticles (HNPs) that combine the unique properties of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and polymers are attractive building blocks for the layer‐by‐layer assembly of functional hybrid materials, but the adsorption behaviors of HNPs on substrates remain unclear. This article describes a systematic study on the adsorption behaviors of charged polymer‐grafted HNPs on oppositely charged substrates in different solvent media via a combination of experiments and simulations. It is shown in simulations that the adsorption process of HNPs is associated with the release of counterions around charged polymers on HNPs, thus resulting in a higher energy barrier of NP adsorption than bare NPs without charged polymer tethers. This energy barrier decreases with decreasing the dielectricity of solvents or ionization degree of grafted polymers or increasing ionic strength of the solution. Furthermore, the theoretical prediction is confirmed in experiments by using a model system of poly(acrylic acid)‐grafted silica NPs and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)‐modified wafers. The work provides guidance for the electrostatic assembly of HNPs into functional hybrid composites with applications in membranes, optical devices, and biomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the correlation between the extent of excessive trabeculation assessed by fractal dimension (FD) and myocardial contractility assessed by cardiac MRI feature tracking in patients with left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: Forty-one LVNC patients with normal LVEF (≥ 50%) and 41 healthy controls were retrospectively included. All patients fulfilled three available diagnostic criteria on MRI. Cardiac MRI feature tracking was performed on cine images to determine left ventricular (LV) peak strains in three directions: global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global longitudinal strain (GLS). The complexity of excessive trabeculation was quantified by fractal analysis on short-axis cine stacks. Results: Compared with controls, patients with LVNC had impaired GRS, GCS, and GLS (all p < 0.05). The global, maximal, and regional FD values of the LVNC population were all significantly higher than those of the controls (all p < 0.05). Global FD was positively correlated with the end-diastolic volume index, end-systolic volume index, and stroke volume index (r = 0.483, 0.505, and 0.335, respectively, all p < 0.05), but negatively correlated with GRS and GCS (r = − 0.458 and 0.508, respectively, both p < 0.001). Moreover, apical FD was also weakly associated with LVEF and GLS (r = − 0.249 and 0.252, respectively, both p < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with LVNC, LV systolic dysfunction was detected early by cardiac MRI feature tracking despite the presence of normal LVEF and was associated with excessive trabecular complexity assessed by FD. Key Points: • Left ventricular global strain was already impaired in patients with extremely prominent excessive trabeculation but normal left ventricular ejection fraction. • An increased fractal dimension was associated with impaired deformation in left ventricular noncompaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Venus clam, Cyclina sinensis , is one of the most popular and nutritious shellfish species facing several pathogenic microbial invasions that have caused severe economic losses in China. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in the innate immunity of molluscan species, but the available information of the C. sinensis hepatopancreas transcriptome and the results from a large-scale identification of TLRs remain limited. In this study, de novo transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression profiling of untreated (termed H) and Vibrio anguillarum -challenged (termed HV) groups of C. sinensis hepatopancreas were performed using the RNA-Seq platform. A total of 141,881,862 bp of high-quality clean reads were assembled into 163,129 unigenes from 206,495 transcripts with an N50 length of 1186 bp. All of these unigenes were then annotated and classified using the Swiss-Prot, Nr, Nt, KO, GO, KOG and KEGG databases. To understand and characterize the innate immune responses of C. sinensis challenged with V. anguillarum , a total of 4458 differentially expressed unigenes, including 2276 upregulated and 2182 downregulated genes, were identified, and some of these genes were associated with PRR signaling pathways in C. sinensis , including the TLR, the NOD-like receptor, the RIG-I-like receptor, NF-κB and the MAPK signaling pathways. From this transcriptome library, we then identified a total of 13 new TLRs that showed increased expression levels in the C. sinensis hepatopancreas at different time points after V. anguillarum infection, and these consisted of one P-TLR , one V-TLR , one Twin-TIR TLR , three Ls-TLRs and seven sP-TLRs. In summary, this study may significantly contribute to the knowledge of the innate immunity and defense mechanisms of C. sinensis in response to V. anguillarum stimulation and promote future research investigating the evolution and functions of TLRs in invertebrates. • The first transcriptome of Cyclina sinensis hepatopancreas challenged with Vibrio anguillarum were constructed. • A number of 4458 DEGs were calculated, of which were annotated in five PRR signaling pathways. • We selected obtained 13 TLRs that divided into five groups, but Ls-TLR2 could be similar to mccTLRs. • All TLRs of C. sinensis played significant roles in response to V. anguillarum infection by qRT-PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the fatigue and self-healing properties of aged and rejuvenated SBS-modified asphalt, soybean oil (SBO), epoxidized soybean oil (ESO), and commercial rejuvenators (LBS) were selected as asphalt rejuvenators. The fatigue performance of the asphalt was assessed through a time sweep procedure using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) instrument. Subsequently, a series of fatigue-healing-fatigue tests were conducted with varying healing times and damage degrees to analyze the self-healing characteristics of the asphalt. The rejuvenation and self-healing mechanisms were elucidated through a fluorescence microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thin-layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) tests. The results revealed that the fatigue life of aged SBS asphalt deteriorated by more than 17% compared to unaged asphalt, and the self-healing properties were also weakened. However, both the fatigue life and self-healing properties could be significantly restored through the addition of rejuvenators, with SBO exhibiting the most pronounced effect in their restoration, followed by LBS and ESO. Furthermore, the self-healing capacity of the asphalt was notably affected by both the healing time and damage degree. Microstructure test results showed that in aged SBS-modified asphalt, lighter components dissipated, and the polymer deteriorated, contributing to the decline in self-healing performance. The presence of a substantial quantity of lightweight components in SBO expedited wetting and molecular diffusion at the damaged interface within the asphalt, thereby restoring the self-healing properties of the aged asphalt. • The anti-fatigue and self-healing properties of SBS-modified asphalt decrease after aging. • SBO has the best recovery effect on the self-healing properties of aged asphalt. • After aging, the structure of SBS polymer is damaged and the light components are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an article published in Angewandte Chemie, researchers Zhihong Nie, Yutao Sang, and their team discuss the UV light-induced generation of colloidal molecules with controlled structures. They use photolabile copolymer ligands to control the self-assembly of complementary copolymer-capped binary nanoparticles, resulting in clustered ABx or linear (AB)y structures. This research provides insights into the potential applications of photo-induced polymers in the field of nanotechnology. [Extracted from the article]

Zhihong Nie, Yutao Sang, and their colleagues have published a research article in Angewandte Chemie International Edition on the photo-induced self-assembly of copolymer-capped nanoparticles into colloidal molecules. They use photolabile copolymer ligands to control the self-assembly of binary nanoparticles A and B into clustered ABx or linear (AB)y structures. This research demonstrates the ability to generate colloidal molecules with precise structures using UV light. [Extracted from the article]

Cold stress has been found to have a negative impact on cotton growth and annual production. To address this issue, the utilization of cold-tolerant gene resources from wild species of Gossypium is crucial for genetic improvements in cultivated cotton. ICE (inducer of CBF expression) are the key regulators of cold tolerance in plants, however, there is relatively little information on ICE genes in cotton. Herein, we performed comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of the ICE gene family in eight cotton species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 52 ICE genes were clustered into four subgroups. Cis -regulatory elements analysis suggests that the expression of ICE genes might be regulated by light, plant hormones, and various environment stresses. Higher expression of GthICE2 was observed in leaves as compared to roots and stems, in response to cold, drought, and exogenous hormone ABA. Furthermore, overexpression of GthICE2 in A. thaliana led to higher germination and survival rates, longer root length, lower ion leakage, and induction under cold and drought stress. Histochemical staining showed that oxidative damage in transgenic lines was much lower compared to wild-type plants. Lower MDA contents and higher SOD and POD activities were observed in overexpressed plants. Y1H and LUC assays revealed that GthICE2 might activate the expression of GthCBF4 , a cold-responsive gene, by connecting with the MYC cis -element present in the promoter of GthCBF4. GthICE2 confers cold and drought stress tolerance in cotton. Our findings add significantly to the existing knowledge regarding cold stress tolerance and helps to elucidate cold response mechanisms in cotton. • ICE family genes are crucial for cold stress tolerance. • GthICE2 is highly up regulated under cold, drought, and exogenous ABA. • Overexpression of GthICE2 in Arabidopsis increased cold and drought stress tolerance. • Improved physiological and biochemical parameters in GthICE2, overexpressed plants. • GthICE2 combined with the MYC cis-acting element of GthCBF4 promoter and promoted its transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Better anti-ageing properties were obtained after composite modification. • The changes of functional groups before and after aging were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively based on FTIR. • The optimal content of natural rock asphalt is 6% in natural rock-modified asphalt. In this paper, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the microanalysis of base asphalt modified with natural rock asphalt as the asphalt modifier. A Pen 70 asphalt was selected and natural rock asphalt modifiers (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were added to prepare different asphalt samples. Macroscopically, the performance indexes of five kinds of asphalt before and after short-term ageing and the changes of each index with the content were tested. The changes in characteristic functional groups of natural rock modified asphalt before and after thermal ageing were analyzed by FTIR. The ageing degree of asphalt was judged by qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the ageing behavior and mechanism of asphalt were revealed from the microscopic point of view, establishing the relationship between macro and micro, combined with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test. The results showed that, with the increase of the content, the penetration and ductility decrease, and the softening point increases, indicating that the viscosity and thermal stability of asphalt increase after adding natural asphalt. The asphalt before and after short-term ageing follows this law. The short-term ageing process was mainly characterized by physical compatibility and volatilization of light components. A small amount of carbonyl group was formed, and a small number of components were dehydrogenated to olefin. In the long-term ageing process, the long-chain hydrocarbon decomposition of the polymer generated alkyl (CH 3), and the polar molecule reacted with oxygen to generate a large number of carbonyl groups (C=O) and sulfone groups (S=O). In addition, according to the carbonyl index CI and sulfoxide index SI, the ageing degree of the modified asphalt was less than that of the base asphalt. Meanwhile, it can be determined that the carbonyl index was the smallest and the ageing resistance was the best when the content of natural rock is 6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Crystalline SA/PA-PCM enhanced the rutting resistance of the asphalt. • SA/PA-PCM formed a stable layered structure system inside the binder. • The maximum temperature difference between the asphalt was 11.5 °C. • The temperature peak of the modified binders lagged behind 40 min. To achieve the practical application of the stearic acid/palmitic acid binary eutectic phase change material (SA/PA-PCM) as an asphalt additive for cooling asphalt pavements in the summer, this study aimed to explore the direct interaction of asphalt with SA/PA-PCM. A series of tests were implemented to analyze the chemical composition, microstructure, thermophysical and rheological behaviors and thermal regulating properties of the SA/PA-PCM-modified binders. The results showed that a binder with a higher content of crystalline SA/PA-PCM corresponded to greater elastic modulus, complex modulus, elastic recovery potential, and creep behaviors, suggesting a positive role for SA/PA-PCM in the high-temperature rutting resistance and low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt. These results are ascribable to the fact that incorporating SA/PA-PCM reconstructed the chemical composition of asphalt and formed a stable layered structure system inside the binder. However, the liquefied SA/PA-PCM destroyed the internal layered structure in the modified binders, resulting in a double loss of elasticity and viscosity. Furthermore, SA/PA-PCM improved the specific heat capacity of the binder by approximately 20%. The distinguished temperature regulating property was reflected by the obvious temperature difference (max 11.5 °C) and temperature hysteresis (approximately 40 min) between the modified binder and the base binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The secondary structure of peptide can be fine tuned by methods for self-assembly. • The nanomedicine substantially improves the binding affinity to NRP-1 protein. • The optimized nanomedicine shows good anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor effects. Currently, combination therapy has become a popular research topic in cancer therapy. However, the outcome of the current combination therapy strategy does not satisfy the demand for clinical applications because of factors such as their overlapping toxicities, poor drug payload, and inevitable therapy resistance. Supramolecular self-assembly of peptides holds great potential for solving relevant problems and achieving superior therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to propose supramolecular self-assemblies based on a combination therapy strategy, consisting of a heptapeptide A7R for the inhibition of angiogenesis, the chemotherapeutic drug HCPT for treating numerous tumors with high efficacy, and an efficient self-assembling molecular FFY to improve drug loading and cell permeability. We regulated the secondary structure of nanomaterials by optimizing the pathways of self-assembly and significantly improved the affinity of A7R peptide to NRP-1. Endothelial tube formation in Matrigel and a tumor mouse model (in vivo) were then performed to demonstrate the superior antitumor effects of our supramolecular self-assemblies both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this work not only provides a promising platform for the development of effective combination therapy, but also offers a useful strategy to prepare self-assembled nanomaterials with optimized performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A core-shell-type Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 -sepiolite was fabricated by hydrothermal method. • The photocatalyst showed remarkable visible-light catalytic activity for pollutants. • A synergistic effect was observed between BiFeO 3 and sepiolite in the photocatalyst. • The synergistic effect improved the photocatalyst's structure and catalytic activity. • The photocatalyst exhibited excellent magnetic separation and recyclable performance. Novel magnetic core-shell structured Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite microspheres were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method. The as-prepared microspheres comprised a Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 magnetic core with a strong response to external fields and a porous BiFeO 3 /sepiolite composite functional layer. The specific surface area, magnetization saturation value (M s), and band gap energy (E g) of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite (x = 0.4 g) were 126.68 m2/g, 18.2 emu/g, and 2.09 eV, respectively. A suitable amount of sepiolite in Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite could improve the microstructure of the photocatalyst through the interface effect between the sepiolite and the formed BiFeO 3 , which can enlarge the specific surface area and thus increase the absorption of light and the adsorption of pollutants, decrease the E g of the as-prepared photocatalyst, and improve the separation and inhibit the recombination of photogenic electron and hole (e−/h+) pairs, thereby expediting the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants. The as-obtained Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @BiFeO 3 –sepiolite (x = 0.4 g) exhibited a remarkable photocatalytic degradation performance for ciprofloxacin (CIP), tetracycline hydrochloride (TC-H), and methylene blue (MB) and an excellent decolorization for the mixed solution of methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (Rh B), and MB under visible-light irradiation. In addition, the as-obtained photocatalyst demonstrated excellent magnetic separation performance, recyclability, and stability. The active species produced during the photocatalysis included OH, O 2 −, and h+, with OH being the dominant active species. Such a well-structured core-shell photocatalyst has remarkable potential for numerous applications in treating organic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]