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Given the rapid progress in flexible wearable electronics, fiber-shaped energy storage devices (FESDs) with the unique advantages of miniaturization, adaptability, and wearability are considered potential candidates. This review summarizes the research progress of FESDs in recent years, starting from device structures and fabrication strategies to performance evaluation. The pros and cons of each of the strategies and configurations are discussed. The development of FESDs, including fiber-shaped lithium-based batteries, fiber-shaped sodium-based batteries, fiber-shaped zinc-based batteries, and fiber-shaped supercapacitors, is comprehensively presented. In addition, the application scenarios of FESDs providing energy for smart textiles, wearable electronic devices, implanted medical devices, and flexible robots are introduced. Although significant progress has been made, there remain challenges to the commercialization of current FESDs, such as difficulties caused by small-sized and multi-component structures, unsatisfactory energy density and cycle life, and obstacles to integration and large-scale applications. Finally, the future research directions and prospective opportunities in the field are provided. [Display omitted] • The progress of fiber-shaped energy storage devices includes device structure, preparation strategies, and application. • The application of fiber-shaped energy storage devices in supplying power for wearable electronics and smart clothing. • The challenges and possible future research directions of fiber-shaped energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A simulation data generation platform designed to calculate light sources' color characteristics including color coordinate (x , y) of CIE 1931 color space, (u ′ , v ′ ) of CIE 1976 UCS, CCT and R a within 380 ∼ 780 nm quickly and accurately is established on colorimetry and Matlab software. The simulation platform offers three data formats (1 nm/data point, 2 nm/data point and 5 nm/data point) and six standard illuminants (A, D50, D55, D60 D65 and D75) for selection freely. Comparison analysis between reported color characteristics values of several WLEDs and their calculated values based on the simulation platform shows that the absolute error of Ra is less than 1, exhibiting high calculation accuracy. Besides, a pc-WLEDs based on YAG:Ce nanocrystals (x=0.045) is fabricated, and its calculated values (0.3179, 0.34915), 6135 K and 70.07 of (x , y), CCT and R a are almost exactly the same as tested value (0.318, 0.349), 6146 K and 70.4, which proves the high accuracy of the simulation platform again. Due to its simplicity, no cost, high accuracy and selectivity, the simulation platform will be an efficient tool on evaluating light sources' color characteristics, and as-prepared YAG:Ce nanocrystals (x=0.045) also shows high application value in WLED field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonlinear models previously reported for coherent optical fiber transmission have been used to explain the mechanism of nonlinear noise squeezing by phase-conjugated twin waves (PCTW) scheme, but the reduction of four-wave-mixing (FWM) noise by the nonlinearity mitigation method cannot be directly derived from these models for a quasi-symmetric dispersion map, especially when the effect of walk-off between channels is included. Semi-analytic models based on a statistical method are derived herein order to quantify the reduction of FWM noise for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) PCTW Nyquist-WDM systems. Our models derived here show that the variance of non-degenerate FWM noise is irrelevant to the number of signal points within a QAM constellation diagram, as is different from the degenerate FWM case. Numerical results by using our models show that even though the effect of walk-off is included, the PCTW scheme is still greatly effective to reduce the impact of FWM noise for a quasi-symmetric map. The performances of central channel for two cases of 16QAM PCTW Nyquist-WDM systems with same total spectral bandwidth and spectral efficiency, 16-channel 32-Gbaud/ch and 32-channel 16-Gbaud/ch, are numerically compared by using our models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overcomes a significant obstacle in train-induced environmental vibro-acoustic issue. • Proposes a novel environmental vibration analysis system with a series of advantages. • Example of its excellent application in cold HSR sites is given and validated. • Blanks in current research on WIB vibration isolation in cold regions are well filled. • A dynamic response prediction formula with reference value is given and validated. Environmental vibration caused by high-speed trains and environmental noise pollution induced by such vibrations is one of the most challenging problems for sustainable urban development. One of the significant obstacles in analysis methods of vibration propagation path control is the inaccuracy caused by either over simplification of the interaction between train load and track above soil layers, or inappropriate expression of constitutive relationship and dynamic performance of soil below the track, especially in frozen soil, as difficulties and uncommonness exists in cross-application of multiple other disciplines into field of vibration and acoustics. A novel analysis system established in this paper, which is rare but very suitable for analysis of train induced environmental vibration and vibration isolation, builds a bridge for joint application of UM, ABAQUS, Python programming language and a series of derivation and calculation process, and manages to overcome the above obstacle to obtain a satisfactory solution. Field monitoring tests and accompanied numerical analysis based on parameters and properties determined by site investigation are carried out on soil vibration caused by CRH380B Harmony EMU train and its isolation at Harbin-Mudanjiang high-speed railway in China. Validations of the analysis system runs through the whole analysis process, including important processes and result data such as vertical wheel-rail force, velocity, vertical acceleration, characteristic frequency, and acceleration attenuation coefficient, etc. The results show that the established analysis system has high precision and wide application range, and vibration isolation effect with wave impeding barrier, who has better structural stability compared with other ones in cold regions under strong influence of seasonal and temperature physical effects, is excellent (vertical acceleration vibration level almost drop by more than 10 dB to below 72 dB, acceleration attenuation coefficient all below half and even a quarter in relatively close position). Blank in current research on wave impeding barrier vibration isolation of frozen soil sites in cold regions is well filled, and a dynamic response prediction formula is given and verified for the first time, which may have certain significance and reference value for other in-depth research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pregnancy increased expression of PI3K, AKT1, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in maternal liver. • Pregnancy increased expression of p-mTOR in maternal liver on days 16 and 25. • Pregnancy increased expression of PPARα in maternal liver, and PI3K in maternal duodenum on day 13. • Pregnancy decreased expression of FXR in maternal liver and duodenum on days 13 and 16, and FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in maternal duodenum. • Pregnancy increased expression of AKT1 and p-mTOR on day 16, and PPARα in maternal duodenum on day 25. The liver and intestine play a critical role in nutrient absorption, storage, and metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway that included PI3K, AKT1, mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1, PPARα, PTEN and FXR in the maternal liver and duodenum. Ovine livers and duodenums were sampled at day 16 of the estrous cycle, and at days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation, and RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to detect mRNA and protein expression. The results showed that expression of PI3K, AKT1, p-mTOR, FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN upregulated in the maternal liver, and PPARα upregulated in the duodenum. However, expression of FoxO1, SREBP-1 and PTEN in the duodenum downregulated during early pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of SREBP-1, PTEN and PPARα in the maternal liver, and PI3K in the duodenum peaked at day 13 of pregnancy. In addition, expression levels of PI3K, p-mTOR and FoxO1 in the liver, and AKT1 and p-mTOR in the duodenum peaked at day 16 of pregnancy. Nevertheless, expression levels of FXR both in the maternal liver duodenum downregulated at days 13 and 16 of pregnancy. In conclusion, early pregnancy regulated expression pattern of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the ovine liver and duodenum in a pregnancy stage-specific and tissue-specific manner, which may be necessary for the adaptations in maternal hepatic nutrient metabolism and intestinal nutrient absorption early pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic/resin composite is an important thermal management material for electronic packaging. The formation of a thermally conductive network of ceramic fillers in the composite is the key to improving thermal conduction performance. We design a method of ice-templated self-assembly followed by hot pressing to prepare oriented boron nitride/polyvinyl alcohol (BN/PVA) composites. First, the BN/PVA aerogel is made by freezing and then freeze-drying. BN flakes are squeezed by ice crystals to form a 3D network at the ice interfaces. After further removing the gaps between the BN flakes by hot pressing, a dense BN/PVA composite material is obtained. The resulting polymer composite has a thermal conductivity up to 10.04 W m−1 K−1 at h-BN content of 68 wt%. Theoretical analysis shows a low interfacial thermal resistance between BN flakes. This approach can potentially be used in advanced electronic packaging technology, especially in the design of thermal interface materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity negatively affects microbial communities, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity and has become a major agricultural problem worldwide. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with salt tolerance can benefit plant growth under saline conditions and diminish the negative effects of salt stress on plants. In this study, we aimed to understand the salt-tolerance mechanism of Paenibacillus polymyxa at the genetic and metabolic levels and elucidate the mechanism of strain SC2 in promoting maize growth under saline conditions. Under salt stress, we found that strain SC2 promoted maize seedling growth, which was accompanied by a significant upregulation of genes encoding for the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, polysaccharide, and fatty acid, the metabolism of purine and pyrimidine, and the transport of osmoprotectants such as trehalose, glycine betaine, and K+ in strain SC2. To further enhance the salt resistance of strain SC2, three mutants (SC2–11, SC2–13, and SC2–14) with higher capacities for salt resistance and exopolysaccharide synthesis were obtained via atmospheric and room-temperature plasma mutagenesis. In saline–alkaline soil, the mutants showed better promoting effect on maize seedlings than wild-type SC2. The fresh weight of maize seedlings was increased by 68.10% after treatment with SC2–11 compared with that of the control group. The transcriptome analysis of maize roots demonstrated that SC2 and SC2–11 could induce the upregulation of genes related to the plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and auxin and ethylene signaling under saline–alkaline stress. In addition, various transcription factors, such as zinc finger proteins, ethylene-responsive-element-binding protein, WRKY, myeloblastosis proteins, basic helix-loop-helix proteins, and NAC proteins, were up-regulated in response to abiotic stress. Moreover, the microbial community composition of maize rhizosphere soil after inoculating with strain SC2 was varied from the one after inoculating with mutant SC2–11. Our results provide new insights into the various genes involved in the salt resistance of strain SC2 and a theoretical basis for utilizing P. polymyxa in saline–alkaline environments. • Paenibacillus polymyxa SC2 responds to salt stress by synthesizing peptidoglycans and up-regulating the genes related to the transport of osmoprotectants. • Three mutants with higher capacities for salt resistance were obtained via atmospheric and room temperature plasma mutagenesis. • Strain SC2 and its mutants promoted maize growth under salt-alkali stress. • The microbial community composition of maize rhizosphere soil showed variation after inoculating strains SC2 or SC2-11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Two-dimensional (2D) materials have many promising applications, but their scalable production remains challenging. Herein, we develop a glue-assisted grinding exfoliation (GAGE) method in which the adhesive polymer acts as a glue to massively produce 2D materials with large lateral sizes, high quality, and high yield. Density functional theory simulation shows that the exfoliation mechanism involves the competition between the binding energy of selected polymers and the 2D materials which is larger than the exfoliation energy of the layered materials. Taking h-BN as an example, the GAGE produces 2D h-BN with an average lateral size of 2.18 μm and thickness of 3.91 nm. The method is also extended to produce various other 2D materials, including graphene, MoS 2 , WS 2 , Bi 2 O 2 Se, mica, vermiculite, and montmorillonite. Two representative applications of thus-produced 2D materials have been demonstrated, including 2D h-BN/polymer composites for insulating thermal conduction and 2D MoS 2 -based electrocatalysts for large-current-density hydrogen evolution, indicating the great potential of massively produced 2D materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The 2,3-BD pathway was analyzed by transcriptome and metabolome in P. polymyxa. • Genetic modifications of 2,3-BD related genes were stably operated in the genome. • The raw hydrolysate of poplar wood was used to produce 2,3-BD by P. polymyxa. • The moderate ability of spore formation was conducive to the production of 2,3-BD. 2,3-Butanediol is an essential renewable fuel. The synthesis of 2,3-butanediol using Paenibacillus polymyxa has attracted increasing attention. In this study, the glucose-derived 2,3-butanediol pathway and its related genes were identified in P. polymyxa using combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses. The functions of two distinct genes ldh1 and ldh3 encoding lactate dehydrogenase, the gene bdh encoding butanediol dehydrogenase, and the spore-forming genes spo0A and spoIIE were studied and directly knocked out or overexpressed in the genome sequence to improve the production of 2,3-butanediol. A raw hydrolysate of poplar wood containing 27 g/L glucose and 15 g/L xylose was used to produce 2,3-butanediol with a maximum yield of 0.465 g/g and 93 % of the maximum theoretical value, and the total production of 2,3-butanediol and ethanol reached 21.7 g/L. This study provides a new scheme for engineered P. polymyxa to produce renewable fuels using raw poplar wood hydrolysates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon coatings hold great promise for next-generation non-conductive energy storage nanomaterials. However, simplicity, stable, uniformity and high-performance remain unresolved issues. Here, unique synergy of the fluidized bed reactor with plasmas enables highly-effective, single-step fluidized-bed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (FB-PECVD) of uniform, low-temperature carbon coatings on TiO 2 nano-powder (TiO 2 @C). Plasma-specific effects induce the formation of new phases that are beneficial for energy storage. The 6 nm carbon layer is grown within only 10 min, while the TiO 2 maintains its anatase phase. The unique plasma conditions make it possible to form Ti–C bonds at the Ti/C interface at much lower temperatures than achievable otherwise. The electronic transport at the interface and structural stability are thus greatly improved. Consequently, TiO 2 @C shows excellent electrochemical performances as a negative electrode of sodium ion battery, such as specific discharge capacity of 290.2 mA h g−1 at 50 mA g−1 and very stable long-term cyclability (101.2% capacity retention over 300 cycles at 4000 mA g−1). Our results show that FB-PECVD is not only a versatile method for bond-reinforced interface nanoparticle coating with carbon, but also provide a new strategy for designing hybrid-phase electrochemically active nanocomposite materials. Image 1 • A fluidized-bed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (FB-PECVD) is proposed. • Uniform carbon layer is coated on TiO 2 nanoparticles through a one-step reaction. • Ti–C bonds are formed at the Ti/C interface. • C@TiO 2 as a negative electrode of SIB shows excellent electrochemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When buried pipes are subjected to seismic waves, the leading cause of the failure of pipes is not inertial forces due to the deformation of foundation. If the pipe-soil dynamic contact could not be effectively simulated, it is difficult to properly achieve the large deformations of pipes under seismic action. This article examines the capabilities of three pipe-soil contact models to identify the best model. Firstly, the peak strains and displacements of theoretical calculations are compared with the results obtained from experimental tests, which confirmed the accuracy of test data. Goodman contact model, friction contact model, and spring-damping contact model are adopted and their simulation results are compared with the test results. Subsequently, it is proved that Goodman contact model is in good agreement with reality. By conducting comprehensive parametric studies, the interactional rules of soil pressure, frictional stress, strain, and relative displacement with depth and pipe diameter are investigated at interface of pipe and soil according to Goodman contact model. The direct curve representation of data for pipe-soil interactions is then obtained, which provides the basis for the data collection of pipe-soil interactions. • The accuracy of shaking table test was investigated by using elastic foundation beam theory. • Goodman, friction and spring-damping contact model were used in the study of pipe seismic response. • It is concluded that Goodman model is suitable for the simulation of pipe-soil contact by comparison. • The interaction regularity of pipe-soil under seismic is obtained by using Goodman contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to heal defects in reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is reported, accomplished by using methane + hydrogen plasma. The addition of hydrogen notably shifts the equilibrium between etching and growth of graphene, and suppresses the nucleation of carbon nanoparticles. The best recovery of RGO is observed at 800 °C, resulting in largest integrated Raman 2D/G peak area ratio (0.56) and highest Hall mobility (52 cm 2 V −1 s −1 ). A density functional theory calculation reveals that the repair process is dominated by reaction between the dangling bonds and CH 2 and CH radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pestalotiopsis -like fungi are an important plant pathogenic genus causing postharvest fruit rot and trunk diseases in grapevine in many countries. Pestalotiopsis -like fungi diseases were studied in vineyards in nine provinces across China. Multi-gene (ITS, β-tubulin and tef1 ) analysis coupled with morphology showed that a Neopestalotiopsis sp. and Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola are associated in causing grapevine fruit rot and trunk diseases in China. Pestalotiopsis trachicarpicola is reported as the causative agent of grapevine diseases in the world for the first time. Neopestalotiopsis sp. caused significantly longer lesions than the other taxon present. This study represents the first attempt to identify and characterize the Pestalotiopsis -like fungi causing grapevine diseases in China using both morphological and molecular approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An improved SPH (ISPH) method is proposed to simulate brittle fracture of rock. • The prefabricated node segment (PNS) method can generate arbitrarily complex flaws. • The open flaw prefabricated by the PNS method does not cause kernel truncation. • Coupled dynamic buffer SBT algorithm can effectively suppress the end effect. • Coupled dynamic buffered SBT algorithm is convenient to apply mechanical boundaries. A new meshless numerical method, namely the improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) method, is proposed to simulate the fracture process of rock samples with pre-existing flaws under uniaxial compression. By improving the kernel function of SPH method, the brittle fracture characteristics of materials are presented. In ISPH, a prefabricated node segment (PNS) method is used to generate arbitrarily complex flaws, which avoids the division and distortion of traditional particles. In order to further improve the numerical accuracy, a new solid boundary treatment method called coupled dynamic buffer SBT algorithm is applied to ISPH, which is verified to be effective and robust via two benchmark samples. The effect of the length of a pre-existing flaw on the fracture mode and compressive strength of the rock sample is studied by using the elastic-brittle constitutive model. The numerical prediction results are in good agreement with the experimental observations. In addition, the effect of the unconnected rate on the crack propagation and coalescence mode of a rock sample with two pre-existing flaws under uniaxial compression is also studied. The numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results, which further verify the accuracy and superiority of the ISPH method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] LaF3:Nd/TOPO nanorods without OH groups were synthesized by thermolysis method. [•] The solubility and luminescence intensity of nanorods were effectively enhanced. [•] The nanorods grow along the <0001> direction due to the special absorption of TOPO. [•] The nanorods exhibit higher emission cross-section (3.22×10−20 cm2). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: The Chinese herbal intravenous injections (CHI) which are extracted from herb(s) are used clinically in China as putative therapies for a variety of diseases. Aim of the study: The mechanism(s) which underline findings of severe adverse drug reactions (ADR) noted in more than a thousand published articles on CHIs, are still poorly understood. With 109 CHIs currently in clinical use, we investigated the proarrhythmic effects of three specific CHIs, Shuanghuanglian (SHL), Qingkailing (QKL) and Yinzhihuang (YZH), using in vivo and in vitro ion channel models. Materials and methods: In vivo and in vitro guinea pig electrocardiogram, intracellular action potential and patch clamp recording techniques were carried out. Results: Both SHL and QKL (both in one, five and ten times clinically relevant doses (CRD) for in vivo and clinically relevant concentrations (CRC) for in vitro) prolonged P–R intervals in a dose or concentration-dependent manner and SHL also prolonged QTc. YZH (ten and 20 times CRD and CRC) prolonged P–R intervals without changing QTc. Intracellular action potential recordings from guinea pig papillary muscle indicated SHL and QKL abolished the firing of action potentials at ten and 30 times CRC respectively. SHL significantly suppressed L-type Ca2+ current from left ventricular myocytes of guinea pig, hNav1.5 current and hERG current with 50% inhibiting concentrations (IC50) of 6.0, 3.0 and 10.7 times CRC, respectively. Also, QKL significantly suppressed L-type Ca2+ and hNav1.5 currents with IC50s of 10.7 and 13.8 times CRC. YZH significantly suppressed L-type Ca2+, hNav1.5 and hERG currents with IC50s of 12.1, 32.9 and 141.7 times CRC, respectively. Conclusions: The three CHIs studied caused bradyarrhythmia mainly by inhibiting Na+ current and L-type Ca2+ current. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]