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In this work, we make a study of the τ− → ωπ−ντ decay in the framework of low-energy effective field theory. The J P G decompositions of the quark currents and the ωπ final state show that, besides the Standard Model vector interaction, only the non-standard tensor interaction can have a non-zero contribution to the decay. To discuss its effect, a reliable calculation of the ωπ tensor form factors is necessary. After constructing the Lagrangian of resonance chiral theory with external tensor sources, we calculate both the vector and tensor form factors with the relevant resonance couplings determined by combining the QCD short-distance constraints, the fit to the spectral function of τ− → ωπ−ντ decay, as well as the matching between the O p 4 odd-intrinsic-parity operators after integrating out the vector resonances and the O p 6 operators of chiral perturbation theory. The new physics effect is then investigated in the distributions of the spectral function and the forward-backward asymmetry of τ− → ωπ−ντ decay. We find that the spectral function is dominated by the Standard Model, and the non-standard tensor contribution is negligible. However, since the forward-backward asymmetry can be only generated with a non-zero tensor interaction, the observable is quite sensitive to this kind of new physics. A future measurement of the observable at the Belle II experiment as well as at the proposed Tera-Z and STCF facilities is, therefore, strongly called for to check the existence of such a non-standard tensor interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It has been suggested that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) alters the growth trajectory of a fetus and increases the risk of abnormal birth weight. In spite of this, there is still a significant debate regarding the mode and optimal timing of diagnosing this condition. Our aim was to determine fetal growth velocity and birth biometry in pregnant women with GDM at varying risk levels. Methods: We conducted a cohort study involving 1023 pregnant women at a maternity hospital in Ma'anshan, China. All women completed an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks' gestation. We measured fetal head circumference (HC), femoral length (FL), abdominal circumference (AC), biparietal diameter (BPD), and estimate fetal weight (EFW) by ultrasound at 17, 24, 31, and 35 weeks' gestation, respectively. Results: Overall, 5115 ultrasound scans were performed. Among both low-risk and medium–high-risk pregnant women at 17–24 weeks' gestation, GDM exposure was associated with an increase in fetal growth velocity. Neonates born to women with GDM at medium–high risk had significantly larger birth weights than those born to women without GDM, while this was not observed in women at low risk. Conclusion: In medium–high-risk pregnant women, exposure to GDM has a greater effect on the fetus, leading to abnormal fetal growth velocity that lasts beyond week 24. It is evident from our results that the effects of GDM on fetal growth differ between medium–high-risk pregnant women and low-risk pregnant women, and therefore a different screening program based on the risk factor for GDM is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the Belle II collaboration announced the first measurement of the branching ratio B B + → K + ν ν ¯ , which is found to be about 2.7σ higher than the Standard Model (SM) prediction. We decipher the data with two new physics scenarios: the underlying quark-level b → sν ν ¯ transition is, besides the SM contribution, further affected by heavy new mediators that are much heavier than the electroweak scale, or amended by an additional decay channel with undetected light final states like dark matter or axion-like particles. These two scenarios can be most conveniently analyzed in the SM effective field theory (SMEFT) and the dark SMEFT (DSMEFT) framework, respectively. We consider the flavour structures of the resulting effective operators to be either generic or satisfy the minimal flavour violation (MFV) hypothesis, both for the quark and lepton sectors. In the first scenario, once the MFV assumption is made, only one SM-like low-energy effective operator induced by the SMEFT dimension-six operators can account for the Belle II excess, whose parameter space is, however, excluded by the Belle upper bound of the branching ratio B B 0 → K ∗ 0 ν ν ¯ . In the second scenario, it is found that the Belle II excess can be accommodated by 22 of the DSMEFT operators involving one or two scalar, fermionic, or vector dark matters as well as axion-like particles. These operators also receive dominant constraints from the B0 → K*0 + inv and Bs → inv decays. Once the MFV hypothesis is assumed, the number of viable operators is reduced to 14, and the B+ → π+ + inv and K+ → π+ + inv decays start to put further constraints on them. Within the parameter space allowed by all the current experimental data, the q2 distributions of the B → K(*) + inv decays are then studied for each viable operator. We find that the resulting prediction of the operator Q qχ = q ¯ p γ μ q r χ ¯ γ μ χ with a fermionic dark matter mass mχ ≈ 700 MeV can closely match the Belle II event distribution in the bins 2 ≤ q2 ≤ 7 GeV2. In addition, we, for the first time, calculate systematically the longitudinal polarization fraction FL of K* in the B → K* + inv decays within the DLEFT. By combining the decay spectra and FL, almost all the DSMEFT operators are found to be distinguishable from each other. Finally, the future prospects at Belle II, CEPC and FCC-ee are also discussed for some of these FCNC processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an online study with Chinese and Euro-Canadian university students (N = 432) to examine their affective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how self-continuity and lay theories of change may play a role in predicting these responses. We found that, compared to Euro-Canadians, Chinese participants reported stronger positive affect and weaker negative affect, had a greater sense of self-continuity, stronger belief in change, and higher levels of optimism. Our analyses revealed that culture had an indirect effect on affective responses through self-continuity, and through lay theories of change and optimism sequentially. The results suggest that self-continuity and lay theories of change might have contributed to positive affective responses to the pandemic through different pathways. The findings have important implications for understanding cultural differences in affect regulation and for promoting psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In chloroplasts, insertion of proteins with multiple transmembrane domains (TMDs) into thylakoid membranes usually occurs in a co-translational manner. Here, we have characterized a thylakoid protein designated FPB1 (Facilitator of PsbB biogenesis1) which together with a previously reported factor PAM68 (Photosynthesis Affected Mutant68) is involved in assisting the biogenesis of CP47, a subunit of the Photosystem II (PSII) core. Analysis by ribosome profiling reveals increased ribosome stalling when the last TMD segment of CP47 emerges from the ribosomal tunnel in fpb1 and pam68. FPB1 interacts with PAM68 and both proteins coimmunoprecipitate with SecY/E and Alb3 as well as with some ribosomal components. Thus, our data indicate that, in coordination with the SecY/E translocon and the Alb3 integrase, FPB1 synergistically cooperates with PAM68 to facilitate the co-translational integration of the last two CP47 TMDs and the large loop between them into thylakoids and the PSII core complex.The assembly of the Photosystem II proximal antenna CP47 remains a challenging question. Here the authors show that FPB1 and PAM68 act coordinately with Alb3 and the SecY/E translocon to facilitate the co-translational integration of specific regions of CP47 into thylakoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of CD3+CD56+ natural killer T (NKT) cells and its co-signaling molecules in patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is unknown. In this prospective observational cohort study, we initially recruited 260 septic patients and eventually analyzed 90 patients, of whom 57 were in the SAE group and 37 were in the non-SAE group. Compared to the non-SAE group, 28-day mortality was significantly increased in the SAE group (33.3% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.026), while the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD86 in CD3+CD56+ NKT cells was significantly lower (2065.8 (1625.5 ~ 3198.8) vs. 3117.8 (2278.1 ~ 5349), p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis showed that MFI of CD86 in NKT cells, APACHE II score, and serum albumin were independent risk factors for SAE. Furthermore, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that the mortality rate was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (χ2 = 14.779, p < 0.001). This study showed that the decreased expression of CD86 in CD3+CD56+ NKT cells is an independent risk factor of SAE; thus, a prediction model including MFI of CD86 in NKT cells, APACHE II score, and serum albumin can be constructed for diagnosing SAE and predicting prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to characterize the association between air pollutants exposure and periodontal diseases outpatient visits and to explore the interactions between ambient air pollutants and meteorological factors. The outpatient visits data of several large stomatological and general hospitals in Hefei during 2015–2020 were collected to explore the relationship between daily air pollutants exposure and periodontal diseases by combining Poisson's generalized linear model (GLMs) and distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNMs). Subgroup analysis was performed to identify the vulnerability of different populations to air pollutants exposure. The interaction between air pollutants and meteorological factors was verified in both multiplicative and additive interaction models. An interquartile range (IQR) increased in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration was associated with the greatest lag-specific relative risk (RR) of gingivitis at lag 3 days (RR = 1.087, 95% CI 1.008–1.173). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure also increased the risk of periodontitis at the day of exposure (RR = 1.049, 95% CI 1.004–1.096). Elderly patients with gingivitis and periodontitis were both vulnerable to PM2.5 exposure. The interaction analyses showed that exposure to high levels of NO2 at low temperatures was related to an increased risk of gingivitis, while exposure to high levels of NO2 and PM2.5 may also increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis in the high-humidity environment, respectively. This study supported that NO2 and PM2.5 exposure increased the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis outpatient visits, respectively. Besides, the adverse effects of air pollutants exposure on periodontal diseases may vary depending on ambient temperature and humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies addressing the impact of environmental factors on TB prognosis are scarce, with only some studies examining the effect of particulate pollutants on TB mortality. Moreover, few studies have evaluated the effects of multiple gaseous pollutants and greenness exposures on newly treated TB patients on a large population scale. Methods: Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, data were collected from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 for newly treated TB patients in Anhui Province, China. Data on gaseous pollutants sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone were collected through the National Earth System Science Data Center of China. Normalized vegetation index data were obtained through NASA. The Cox proportional risk model was also applied to calculate the hazard ratios of SO2, NO2, CO, O3, and NDVI with 95% confidence intervals for mortality among newly treated TB patients. Results: Multifactorial Cox regression analysis showed that for every 0.10 μg/m3 increase in SO2, the risk of death among newly treated TB patients increased by 13.2% (HR = 1.132, 95% CI: 1.045–1.1.225), for every 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2, the risk of death among newly treated TB patients increased by 11.4%, and for each 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO, the risk of death among newly treated TB patients increased by 5.8%. For each 0.1 increase in NDVI 250m-buffer and 500m-buffer, the risk of death among newly treated TB patients decreased by 8.5% and 6.4%, respectively. The effect of gaseous pollutants on mortality decreased progressively with elevated greenness exposure when greenness exposure was grouped from low to high. Conclusion: Gaseous pollutants are a risk factor during the treatment of newly treated TB patients and greenness exposure is a protective factor. Higher greenness exposure reduces the risk of death due to exposure to gaseous pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) is the main active ingredient of licorice, which is widely used as a traditional medicine in many countries, especially in the East Asia region (China, Japan). Many studies have shown that GL has a wide range of anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. The GA aglycone and the glucuronate fraction of its structure play an important role in the design of derivatives with the target molecules during the activation process. In the present study, the amine derivatives of GL were designed and synthesized as promising derivatives with high efficacy and important physicochemical properties. GL was treated with HCl-CH3OH solution to obtain dimethyl glycyrrhizate. In the activation process, the carboxyl groups in glucuronic acid exhibited higher reactivity than those in C30. Second, in the presence of coupling agents HOBt/EDCI and organic bases, GL reacted with various amino acids in solvents such as DMF or dioxane to obtain seven glycyrrhizate diamide derivatives, which were characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Sunitinib is one the therapies approved for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Here, we undertake proteogenomic profiling of 115 tumors from patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) undergoing Sunitinib treatment and reveal the molecular basis of differential clinical outcomes with TKI therapy. We find that chromosome 7q gain-induced mTOR signaling activation is associated with poor therapeutic outcomes with Sunitinib treatment, whereas the aristolochic acid signature and VHL mutation synergistically caused enhanced glycolysis is correlated with better prognosis. The proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis further highlights the responsibility of mTOR signaling for non-response to Sunitinib. Immune landscape characterization reveals diverse tumor microenvironment subsets in ccRCC. Finally, we construct a multi-omics classifier that can detect responder and non-responder patients (receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve, 0.98). Our study highlights associations between ccRCC molecular characteristics and the response to TKI, which can facilitate future improvement of therapeutic responses. Many clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients do not respond or develop resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as Sunitinib. Here, the authors perform a proteogenomics analysis of Chinese ccRCC patients treated with Sunitinib and develop a multi-omics classifier to distinguish responders from non-responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the Academic Encouragement Scale (AES) was revised in Chinese. A total of 645 Chinese undergraduates and graduate students participated in the test.The results show that there are 10 items in the Simplified Chinese Language Version of the Academic Encouragement Scale(AES-SC),both exploratory factor analysis(EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) support the two factor model structure of challenge centered encouragement(AES-Challenge) and potential centered encouragement(AES-Potential), and the model has measurement equivalence across genders (male / female) and across stages of learning (undergraduate / postgraduate). The AES-SC was shown to have good psychometric properties for its use with Chinese undergraduates and postgraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semitauonic B c − → J / ψ τ − ν ¯ τ decay provides an ideal and clean mode to scrutinize possible new physics effects in b → c τ − ν ¯ τ transitions as indicated by the current data on R(D(*)) anomalies. In this work, we use the spin density matrix method to obtain the maximum information on the underlying physics of B c − → J / ψ τ − ν ¯ τ decay with both polarized τ lepton and J/ψ meson. Their subsequent decays, with J/ψ → μ+μ− as well as τ− → π−ντ, τ− → ρ−ντ and τ − → ℓ − ν ¯ ℓ ν τ , are exploited to extract the energy and angular distributions of the charged final-state particles in the processes. Starting with the most general effective Hamiltonian relevant for the b → c τ − ν ¯ τ transitions, including all possible Lorentz structures of the dimension-six operators with both left- and right-handed neutrinos, we first derive the five-fold differential decay rate in terms of the visible final-state kinematics. From this distribution, we then construct in total 34 normalized observables, among which nine refer to the CP-violating triple product asymmetries that vanish within the Standard Model. We also construct five new observables based on the combinations of these normalized observables that can only be attributed to the right-handed neutrinos. On the other hand, considering the low statistics of the fully differential distribution, we introduce some integrated observables with only one kinematic variable left, which are more promising to be measured due to the largely increased statistics. The sensitivities of all these observables to the different new physics scenarios are investigated in detail. Finally, assuming an ideal circumstance, we give an estimate of the statistical uncertainties of the nine CP-conserving observables at LHCb and found that τ− → π−ντ has the highest analyzing power among the three τ decay channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some previous studies had linked air pollutants and greenness to the risk of death from tuberculosis (TB). Only a few studies had examined the effect of particulate matter (PM2.5) on the mortality of TB, and few studies had assessed the impact and interaction of multiple air pollutants and greenness on the mortality of newly treated TB patients. The study included 29,519 newly treated TB patients from three cities in Anhui province. We collected meteorological data and five pollutants data from The National Meteorological Science Center and air quality monitoring stations. Greenness data were generated by remote sensing inversion of medium-resolution satellite images. We geocoded each patient based on the residential address to calculate the average exposure to air pollutants and the average greenness exposure for each patient during treatment. The Cox proportional risk regression model was used to evaluate the effects of air pollutants and greenness on mortality in newly treated tuberculosis patients. Our results found that the higher the concentration of air pollutants in the living environment of newly treated TB patients, the greater the risk of death: HR 1.135 (95% CI: 1.123–1.147) and HR 1.333 (95% CI: 1.296–1.370) per 10 μg/m3 of PM2.5 and SO2, respectively. Greenness reduced the mortality among newly treated TB patients: HR for NDVI exposure 0.936 (95% CI: 0.925–0.947), HR for NDVI_250m exposure 0.927 (95% CI: 0.916–0.938), and HR for NDVI_500m exposure 0.919 (95% CI: 0.908–0.931). Stratifying the cohort by median greenness exposure, HRs for air pollutants were lower in the high greenness exposure group. Mortality in newly treated TB patients is influenced by air pollutants and greenness. Higher green exposure can mitigate the effects of air pollution. Improving air quality may help reduce mortality among newly treated TB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the leptoquarks proposed to account for the intriguing anomalies observed in the semileptonic B-meson decays, R D (∗) and R K (∗) , as well as in the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, (g - 2) μ , can be embedded into the scotogenic Dirac neutrino mass models, all these flavor anomalies, together with the origin of neutrino masses and the nature of dark matter, could be potentially addressed in a unified picture. Among the minimal seesaw, one-loop, and two-loop realizations of the dimension-4 effective operator L 4 for the Dirac neutrino masses, we show that plenty of diagrams associated with the two-loop realizations of L 4 can support the coexistence of leptoquarks and dark matter candidates. After a simple match of these leptoquarks with the ones introduced to accommodate all the flavor anomalies, we establish the scotogenic Dirac neutrino mass models embedded with leptoquarks, which could address all the problems mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We update the Standard Model (SM) predictions for the branching ratios of the rare top-quark decays t → c g (g) , and evaluate the maximum rates that can be reached in the aligned as well as in the four conventional two-Higgs-doublet models (2HDMs) with Z 2 symmetries. Taking into account the relevant constraints on the model parameters resulting from a global fit obtained at the 95.5 % confidence level, we find that the branching ratios of t → c g and t → c g g decays can reach up to 3.36 × 10 - 9 and 2.95 × 10 - 9 respectively, being therefore of the same order, in the aligned 2HDM (A2HDM). This is obviously different from the SM case, where the predicted branching ratio of the three-body decay t → c g g is about two orders of magnitude larger than that of the two-body decay t → c g . On the other hand, compared with the SM predictions, no significant enhancements are observed in the four conventional 2HDMs with Z 2 symmetries for the branching ratios of these two decays. Nevertheless, the predicted branching ratios of t → c g and t → c g g decays in the A2HDM are still out of the expected sensitivities of the future high-luminosity Large Hadron Collider and the Future Circular Collider in hadron-hadron mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Gentiana albomarginata C.Marquand was proposed as a replacement name for G. albescens (Franch.) Franch. ex Kusn., which was long considered as a later homonym of G. albescens Favre. However, G. albescens Favre was actually not validly published. Therefore, G. albescens (Franch.) Franch. ex Kusn. is the correct name for the species, and G. albomarginata is nomenclaturally superfluous and illegitimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of biological studies suggest that exogenous sulfur dioxide (SO2) at a certain concentration may promote human resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, the results of most relevant studies are inconsistent, and few studies have explored the relationship between SO2 exposure and tuberculosis risk at provincial level. In addition, occupational exposure has long been considered to have a certain impact on the human body, so for the first time, we discussed the differences between different occupations in the study on the relationship between air pollutant exposure and tuberculosis risk, and evaluated the impact of occupational exposure. This study aimed to explore the association between short-term SO2 exposure and the risk of outpatient visits to tuberculosis in Anhui province and 16 prefecture-level cities from 2015 to 2020. We used several models for multi-stage analysis, including distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM), Poisson generalized linear regression model, and random-effects model. The association was assessed using the 28-day cumulative lag effect RR and 95%CI for each 10-unit increase in SO2 concentration. We divided all patients into the following six occupations: Worker, Farmer, Retired people, Children and Students, Cadre and Office clerk, and Service staff (catering, business, etc.). Sex, age, and season were analyzed by subgroup. Finally, the robustness of the multi-pollutant model was tested. At provincial level, the overall effect value of SO2 was RR=0.8191 (95%CI: 07702~0.8712); after grouping all patients by occupation, the association found only among Farmers (RR = 0.7150, 95%CI: 0.6699–0.7632, lag 0–28 days) and Workers (RR = 0.8566, 95%CI: 0.7930–0.9930, lag 0–4 days) was still statistically significant. Estimates for individual cities and using random-effects models to estimate average associations showed that SO2 exposure was associated with a reduced risk of outpatient TB visits in 14 municipalities, which remained significant when aggregated (RR = 0.9030, 95%CI: 0.8730–0.9340). Analysis of patients grouped by occupation in each municipality showed that statistical significance was again observed only in the Farmer (RR = 0.8880, 95%CI: 0.8610–0.9160) and Worker (RR = 0.8250, 95%CI: 0.7290–0.9340) groups. Stratified analysis of age, sex, and season showed that the effect of SO2 exposure was greater for middle-aged people (18–64 years old) and males, and less for seasonal changes. In summary, we found that exposure to SO2 reduces the risk of outpatient visits to tuberculosis, with farmers and workers more susceptible to SO2. Gender and age had a greater impact on the risk of TB outpatient visits than seasonal variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inductively coupled atmospheric pressure plasma processing (IC-APPP) is a promising technique of generating freeform surfaces of silicon-based optics. A constant removal function related to the plasma jet morphology is important for ensuring fabrication efficiency and accuracy. However, the removal function of IC-APPP is variable due to the instability of the plasma jet morphology, thereby the need for real-time re-acquisition through multiple pre-experiments. In this study, a prediction method for the removal function of IC-APPP based on jet morphology monitoring and diagnosis is proposed to simplify the acquisition process of the removal function. According to the basic model of the Gaussian-shaped removal function, the peak removal rate (A) and the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) are fitted as the function of the scanning velocity and jet diagnosis indexes based on the set of experimental data. A specific calculation equation can be used to rapidly predict the removal function of the current plasma jet. The revised prediction model can address dynamic changes in the plasma jet morphology by correcting the removal functions in real time. The set of processing experiments with a variable jet morphology confirms that the predicted peak removal rate (A) and FWHM are always off by less than 10% and 6% from the actual results, respectively. We believe that this prediction method is suitable for any IC-APPP process requiring a quantification of the plasma jet morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence that air pollution plays a role in TB, and most studies have been conducted in the core countries with inconsistent results. Few studies have comprehensively included the six common air pollutants, so they cannot consider whether various pollutants interact with each other. Our objectives were to investigate the association between short-term exposure to six common air pollutants and the risk of tuberculosis outpatient visits in Fuyang, China, 2015–2020. We combined the two models to explore the effects of exposure to six air pollutants on the risk of tuberculosis outpatient visits, including the Poisson generalized linear regression model and distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). We performed stratified analyses for the season, type of cases, gender, and age. We used the lag-specific relative risks and cumulative relative risk obtained by increasing pollutant concentration by per 10 units to evaluate the connection between six air pollutants and TB; PM2.5 (RR = 1.0018, 95% CI: 1.0004–1.0032, delay of 12 days) and SO2 (RR = 1.0169, 95% CI: 1.0007–1.0333, lag 0–16 days) were 0.9549 (95% CI: 0.9389–0.9712, lag 0 day) and 0.8212 (95% CI: 0.7351–0.9173, 0–20-day lag). Stratified analyses showed that seasonal differences had a greater impact on TB, males were more likely to develop TB than females, older people were more likely to develop TB than younger people, and air pollution had a great impact on new cases. Exposure to O3, CO, PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 increases the risk of TB outpatient visits, except SO2 which reduces the risk. The incidence of TB has seasonal fluctuations. It is necessary for the government to establish a sound environmental monitoring and early warning system to strengthen the monitoring and emission management of pollutants in the atmosphere. Management, prevention, and treatment measures should be developed for high-risk groups (males and older people), reducing the risk of TB by reducing their specific behaviors and changing their lifestyle. We need to pay more attention to the impact of seasonal effects on TB to protect TB patients and avoid a shortage of medical resources, and it is necessary for the government to develop some seasonal preventive measures in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The lectotype sheet of the Linnaean name Artemisia dracunculus (Asteraceae-Anthemideae) was found to be mixed, containing two different taxa, A. dracunculus and A. glauca. Therefore, a second-step lectotypification is proposed for this name herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has the effect to protect skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) induced damages, but it is unstable under ambient conditions, being susceptible to become brown in color. Gallocatechin gallate (GCG), an epimer counterpart of EGCG, is more stable chemically than EGCG. The potential effects of GCG against UVB-induced skin damages has not been available. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of GCG against UVB-induced skin photodamages. GCG was topically applied on the skin of hairless mice at three dosage levels (LL, 12.5 mg/mL; ML 25 mg/mL; HL, 50 mg/mL), with EGCG and a commercially available baby sunscreen lotion SPF50 PA+++ as control. The mice were then irradiated by UVB (fluence rate 1.7 µmol/m2 s) for 45 min. The treatments were carried out once a day for 6 consecutive days. Skin measurements and histological studies were performed at the end of experiment. The results show that GCG treatments at ML and HL levels inhibited the increase in levels of skin oil and pigmentation induced by UVB irradiation, and improved the skin elasticity and collagen fibers. GCG at ML and HL levels inhibited the formation of melanosomes and aberrations in mitochondria of UVB-irradiated skin in hairless mice. It is concluded that GCG protected skin from UVB-induced photodamages by improving skin elasticity and collagen fibers, and inhibiting aberrations in mitochondria and formation of melanosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With updated experimental data and improved theoretical calculations, several significant deviations are being observed between the Standard Model predictions and the experimental measurements of the branching ratios of B ¯ s 0 → D s ∗ + L − decays, where L is a light meson from the set {π, ρ, K(∗)}. Especially for the two channels B ¯ 0 → D + K − and B ¯ s 0 → D s + π − , both of which are free of the weak annihilation contribution, the deviations observed can even reach 4–5σ. Here we exploit possible new-physics effects in these class-I non-leptonic B-meson decays within the framework of QCD factorization. Firstly, we perform a model-independent analysis of the effects from twenty linearly independent four-quark operators that can contribute, either directly or through operator mixing, to the quark-level b → c u ¯ d s transitions. It is found that, under the combined constraints from the current experimental data, the deviations observed could be well explained at the 1σ level by the new-physics four-quark operators with γμ(1 − γ5) ⨂ γμ(1 − γ5) structure, and also at the 2σ level by the operators with (1 + γ5) ⨂ (1 − γ5) and (1 + γ5) ⨂ (1 + γ5) structures. However, the new-physics four-quark operators with other Dirac structures fail to provide a consistent interpretation, even at the 2σ level. Then, as two specific examples of model-dependent considerations, we discuss the case where the new-physics four-quark operators are generated by either a colorless charged gauge boson or a colorless charged scalar, with their masses fixed both at the 1 TeV. Constraints on the effective coefficients describing the couplings of these mediators to the relevant quarks are obtained by fitting to the current experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In B c − → J/ψ(→ μ+μ−)τ− ν ¯ τ decay, the three-momentum p τ − cannot be determined accurately due to the decay products of τ− inevitably include an undetected ντ. As a consequence, the angular distribution of this decay cannot be measured. In this work, we construct a measurable angular distribution by considering the subsequent decay τ− → π−ντ. The full cascade decay is B c − → J/ψ(→ μ+μ−)τ−(→ π−ντ) ν ¯ τ , in which the three-momenta p μ + , p μ − , and p π − can be measured. The five-fold differential angular distribution containing all Lorentz structures of the new physics (NP) effective operators can be written in terms of twelve angular observables ℐi(q2, Eπ). Integrating over the energy of pion Eπ, we construct twelve normalized angular observables ℐ ̂ i (q2) and two lepton-flavor-universality ratios R P L , T J / ψ (q2). Based on the Bc → J/ψ form factors calculated by the latest lattice QCD and sum rule, we predict the q2 distribution of all ℐ ̂ i and R P L , T J / ψ both within the Standard Model and in eight NP benchmark points. We find that the benchmark BP2 (corresponding to the hypothesis of tensor operator) has the greatest effect on all ℐi and R P L , T J / ψ , except ℐ ̂ 5 . The ratios R P L , T J / ψ are more sensitive to the NP with pseudo-scalar operators than the ℐi. Finally, we discuss the symmetries in the angular observables and present a model-independent method to determine the existence of tensor operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Λ b 0 → Λ c + → Λ 0 π + τ − v ¯ τ decay, the solid angle of the final-state particle τ− cannot be determined precisely since the decay products of the τ− include an undetected ντ. Therefore, the angular distribution of this decay cannot be measured. In this work, we construct a measurable angular distribution by considering the subsequent decay τ−→ π−ντ. The full cascade decay is Λ b 0 → Λ c + → Λ 0 π + τ − → π − v τ v ¯ τ . The three-momenta of the final-state particles Λ0, π+, and π− can be measured. Considering all Lorentz structures of the new physics (NP) effective operators and an unpolarized initial Λb state, the five-fold differential angular distribution can be expressed in terms of ten angular observables K i q 2 E π . By integrating over some of the five kinematic parameters, we define a number of observables, such as the Λc spin polarization P Λ c q 2 and the forward-backward asymmetry of π− meson AFB(q2), both of which can be represented by the angular observables K ̂ i q 2 . We provide numerical results for the entire set of the angular observables K ̂ i q 2 and K ̂ i both within the Standard Model and in some NP scenarios, which are a variety of best-fit solutions in seven different NP hypotheses. We find that the NP which can resolve the anomalies in B ¯ → D ∗ τ − v ¯ τ decays has obvious effects on the angular observables K ̂ i q 2 , except K ̂ 1 ss q 2 and K ̂ 1 cc q 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: BnPGIPs interacted with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum PGs to improve rapeseed SSR resistance at different levels; the BnPGIP-overexpression lines did not affect plant morphology or seed quality traits. Plant polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) play a crucial role in plant defence against phytopathogenic fungi by inhibiting fungal polygalacturonase (PG) activity. We overexpressed BnPGIP2, BnPGIP5, and BnPGIP10 genes in an inbred line 7492 of rapeseed (Brassica napus). Compared with 7492WT, the overexpression of BnPGIP2 lines significantly increased Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in both seedlings and adult plants. BnPGIP5 overexpression lines exhibited decreased S. sclerotiorum disease symptoms in seedlings only, whereas BnPGIP10 overexpression lines did not improve Sclerotinia resistance for seedlings or adult plants. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of S. sclerotiorum PG1, SsPG3, SsPG5, and SsPG6 genes in overexpressing BnPGIP lines showed that these pathogenic genes in the Sclerotinia resistance transgenic lines exhibited low expression in stem tissues. Split-luciferase complementation experiments confirmed the following: BnPGIP2 interacts with SsPG1 and SsPG6 but not with SsPG3 or SsPG5; BnPGIP5 interacts with SsPG3 and SsPG6 but not with SsPG1 or SsPG5; and BnPGIP10 interacts with SsPG1 but not SsPG3, SsPG5, or SsPG6. Leaf crude protein extracts from BnPGIP2 and BnPGIP5 transgenic lines displayed high inhibitory activity against the SsPG crude protein. BnPGIP-overexpression lines with Sclerotinia resistance displayed a lower accumulation of H2O2 and higher expression of the H2O2-removing gene BnAPX (ascorbate peroxidase) than 7492WT, as well as elevated expression of defence response genes including jasmonic acid/ethylene and salicylic acid pathways after S. sclerotiorum infection. The plants overexpressing BnPGIP exhibited no difference in either agronomic traits or grain yield from 7492WT. This study provides potential target genes for developing S. sclerotiorum resistance in rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the hypothesis of minimal flavor violation, we find that there exists a power-aligned relation between the Yukawa couplings of the two scalar doublets in the two-Higgs-doublet model with Hermitian Yukawa matrices. Within such a power-aligned framework, it is found that a simultaneous explanation of the anomalies observed in the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments can be reached with TeV-scale quasi-degenerate Higgs masses, and the resulting parameter space is also phenomenologically safer under the B-physics, Z and τ decay data, as well as the current LHC bounds. Furthermore, the flavor-universal power that enhances the charged-lepton Yukawa couplings prompts an interesting correlation between the two anomalies, which makes the model distinguishable from the (generalized) linearly aligned and the lepton-specific two-Higgs-doublet models that address the same anomalies but in a non-correlative manner, and hence testable by future precise measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the hypothesis of minimal flavor violation, we find that there exists a power-aligned relation between the Yukawa couplings of the two scalar doublets in the two-Higgs-doublet model with Hermitian Yukawa matrices. Within such a power-aligned framework, it is found that a simultaneous explanation of the anomalies observed in the electron and muon anomalous magnetic moments can be reached with TeV-scale quasi-degenerate Higgs masses, and the resulting parameter space is also phenomenologically safer under the B-physics, Z and τ decay data, as well as the current LHC bounds. Furthermore, the flavor-universal power that enhances the charged-lepton Yukawa couplings prompts an interesting correlation between the two anomalies, which makes the model distinguishable from the (generalized) linearly aligned and the lepton-specific two-Higgs-doublet models that address the same anomalies but in a non-correlative manner, and hence testable by future precise measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a freeze-in realization of the Dirac neutrinogenesis in which the decaying particle that generates the lepton-number asymmetry is in thermal equilibrium. As the right-handed Dirac neutrinos are produced non-thermally, the lepton-number asymmetry is accumulated and partially converted to the baryon-number asymmetry via the rapid sphaleron transitions. The necessary CP-violating condition can be fulfilled by a purely thermal kinetic phase from the wavefunction correction in the lepton-doublet sector, which has been neglected in most leptogenesis-based setup. Furthermore, this condition necessitates a preferred flavor basis in which both the charged-lepton and neutrino Yukawa matrices are non-diagonal. To protect such a proper Yukawa structure from the basis transformations in flavor space prior to the electroweak gauge symmetry breaking, we can resort to a plethora of model buildings aimed at deciphering the non-trivial Yukawa structures. Interestingly, based on the well-known tri-bimaximal mixing with a minimal correction from the charged-lepton or neutrino sector, we find that a simultaneous explanation of the baryon-number asymmetry in the Universe and the low-energy neutrino oscillation observables can be attributed to the mixing angle and the CP-violating phase introduced in the minimal correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the C P asymmetry in the angular distribution of τ → KSπντ decays, taking into account the known C P violation in K 0 − K ¯ 0 mixing. It is pointed out for the first time that, once the well-measured C P violation in the neutral kaon system is invoked, a non-zero C P asymmetry would appear in the angular observable of the decays considered, even within the Standard Model. By employing the reciprocal basis, which is most convenient when a KS(L) is involved in the final state, the C P -violating angular observable is derived to be two times the product of the time-dependent C P asymmetry in K → π+π− and the mean value of the angular distribution in τ ± → K 0 K ¯ 0 π ± ν ¯ τ ν τ decays. Compared with the Belle results measured in four different bins of the K π invariant mass, our predictions lie within the margins of these measurements, except for a 1.7 σ deviation for the lowest mass bin. While being below the current Belle detection sensitivity that is of O (10−3), our predictions are expected to be detectable at the Belle II experiment, where 70 times more sensitive results will be obtained with a 50 ab−1 data sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: cqSW.A03-2, one of the six identified quantitative trait loci associated with thousand-seed weight in rapeseed, is mapped to a 61.6-kb region on chromosome A03 and corresponds to the candidate gene BnaA03G37960D. Seed weight is an important factor that determines the seed yield of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). To elucidate the genetic mechanism of thousand-seed weight (TSW), quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted using a double haploid population derived from the cross between an elite line ZY50 and a pol cytoplasmic male sterility restorer line 7-5. The genetic basis of TSW was dissected into six major QTLs. One major QTL denoted as cqSW.A03-2, which explained 8.46–13.70% of the phenotypic variation, was detected across multiple environments. To uncover the genetic basis of cqSW.A03-2, a set of near-isogenic lines were developed. Based on the test of self-pollinated progenies, cqSW.A03-2 was identified as a single Mendelian factor and the ZY50 allele at cqSW.A03-2 showed a positive effect on TSW. Fine mapping delimited the cqSW.A03-2 locus into a 61.6-kb region, and 18 genes within this region were predicted. Candidate gene association analysis and expression analysis indicated that a histidine kinase gene (BnaA03G37960D) is likely to be the candidate gene for the cqSW.A03-2 locus. Our results may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of seed weight regulation and promote the breeding program for yield improvement in rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We implement a symmetry violation guideline into a two-Higgs-doublet model embedded with three right-handed neutrinos, and exploit the generic Yukawa structures of the model via a hypothetical symmetry restoration of a global U Q (1) 3 × U L (1) 3 symmetry. We then apply a mass-powered parametrization to construct the phenomenologically motivated Yukawa interactions, which enables us to incorporate correlatively the neutrino mass, dark matter, as well as the lepton-flavor universality violations in R K (∗) and R D (∗) . Specifically, two atmospheric-scale neutrino masses are generated by a low-scale seesaw mechanism, while the much lighter one, being of O (10 - 6) eV , is fixed by a 7.1 keV sterile neutrino dark matter produced primordially by the freeze-in mechanism. On the other hand, the neutrino and the charged-lepton mass hierarchies encoded in the mass-powered textures can naturally account for the R K (∗) and the R D (∗) anomalies, respectively. As a further application, a milder discrepancy of the muon g - 2 is observed, which has also been implied by the recently refined lattice results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis indicate that allelic variations in BnaC2.MYB28 resulted from homeologous exchange and determine difference in seed glucosinolate content. A low seed glucosinolate content has long been an important breeding objective in rapeseed improvement. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying seed GSL content variations remain to be elucidated in allotetraploid Brassica napus. Here, we developed a double haploid population from a cross between two B. napus accessions that possess relatively low, but significantly different seed GSL contents and identified a major QTL, qGSL-C2, on chromosome C02 that explains 30.88–72.87% of the phenotypic variation observed in five environments. Using near-isogenic lines, we further delimited qGSL-C2 to a physical region of 49 kb on the B. rapa chromosome A02 which is highly homologous to the target C02 interval. Among five candidate genes, BnaC2.MYB28, a homologue of the Arabidopsis MYB28 encoding a putative R2R3-MYB-type transcription factor functioning in aliphatic methionine-derived GSL synthesis, was most likely to be the target gene underlying the QTL. Sequence analysis revealed multiple insertion/deletion and SNP variations in the genomic region between the alleles of the NILs. Furthermore, the allelic variations in BnaC2.MYB28 in the natural B. napus population were significantly associated with seed GSL content. Remarkably, the phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison suggested that while the BnaC2.MYB28 allele from the parental line G120 was inherited from B. oleracea BolC2.MYB28, its counterpart from the other parent, 9172, most likely evolved from B. rapa BraA2.MYB28 via possible homeologous exchange. Our study promotes greater understanding of the molecular regulation of seed GSL content and provides useful molecular markers for seed GSL improvement in B. napus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) photocatalysts were synthesized in the presence of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) at the different volume fractions of ethanol/water and named as BiOBr0, BiOBr20, BiOBr50, BiOBr80 and BiOBr100, respectively. The samples were characterized and applied to the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm). The results indicated that both TBAB and ethanol significantly affected the crystal phase, morphology and surface charge distribution of BiOBr. The exposed (110) faces of BiOBr with Bi3+ sites contributed to its photocatalytic activity via the enhanced separation of electrons and photogenerated holes as well as the better photo-stability. BiOBr50 showed the optimal activity for the photodegradation of RhB. Superoxide radical (O2·−) as the dominant active species was responsible for the degradation of RhB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidation of the molecular mechanism related to the dedifferentiation and redifferentiation during tissue culture will be useful for optimizing regeneration system of tea plant. In this study, an integrated sRNAome and transcriptome analyses were carried out during phase changes of the stem explant culture. Among 198 miRNAs and 8001 predicted target genes, 178 differentially expressed miRNAs and 4264 potential targets were screened out from explants, primary calli, as well as regenerated roots and shoots. According to KEGG analysis of the potential targets, pathway of "aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis", "proteasome" and "glutathione metabolism" was of great significance during the dedifferentiation, and pathway of "porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism", "mRNA surveillance pathway", "nucleotide excision repair" was indispensable for redifferentiation of the calli. Expression pattern of 12 miRNAs, including csn-micR390e, csn-miR156b-5p, csn-miR157d-5p, csn-miR156, csn-miR166a-3p, csn-miR166e, csn-miR167d, csn-miR393c-3p, csn-miR394, csn-miR396a-3p, csn-miR396 and csn-miR396e-3p, was validated by qRT-PCR among 57 differentially expressed phase-specific miRNAs. Validation also confirmed that regulatory module of csn-miR167d/ERF3, csn-miR156/SPB1, csn-miR166a-3p/ATHB15, csn-miR396/AIP15A, csn-miR157d-5p/GST and csn-miR393c-3p/ATG18b might play important roles in regulating the phase changes during tissue culture of stem explants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is one of the most important events in epigenetics and significantly influences plant growth and development. In the present study, we established and optimized a high-performance liquid chromatography method for detecting the base composition in DNA in tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) tissues by using saline buffers-free mobile phases. The DNA methylation level varied with tea plant tissue, cultivar, and growth stage. A relatively higher DNA methylation level was observed in tender leaf (38.34%) and pistil (38.19%) tissues, while a relatively low level was detected in capillary root (19.45%), stamen (19.61%), and old leaf (20.70%) tissues. The pattern of the methylation level formed a saddle curve during the growth of dormant buds in spring; the lowest point appeared at the stage of one leaf and a bud. The methylation level in the adventitious buds regenerated from the branch after pruning seemed to decrease with an increase in the degree of pruning. These DNA methylation levels might be associated with the development of tea plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer films composed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and titania were developed by solution-casting method. Accordingly, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared by soaking the films in commercial liquid electrolytes for 8 h. The prepared GPEs could fix the liquid electrolytes inside and kept the shape stable. The hybrid GPEs exhibited a maximum ionic conductivity of 3.9 × 10−3 S‌‌‍ cm−1 at room temperature, with an electrochemical stability of up to 4.8 V versus Li+/Li. The compatibility test demonstrated that the introduction of PMMA and TiO2 improved the interfacial compatibility between lithium and GPEs. In battery test, the Li/GPE/LiFePO4 cell delivered the first discharge capacity of 169.2 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and stable cycle performance (the retention of capacity is nearly 92% after 60 cycles) with high coulombic efficiency. All results demonstrated that the hybrid GPE was promising to satisfy the application in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate the activation and transport of atrazine in the presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the surfactant (Triton X-100) and to understand interactions between DOM, Triton X-100, and atrazine.Materials and methods: Uncontaminated soils collected from Nanjing, China, along with DOM extracted from rice straw and Triton X-100 (TX-100), were used in the study. The sorption and desorption experiments were carried out using the standard batch equilibration analysis. Soil column leaching was conducted with soil samples packed into PVC columns. Soil thin-layer chromatography was performed using soil and water mixture spread on a 0.5-0.7-mm-thick layer over 20 × 10-cm glass plates. Atrazine accumulation in maize was determined by planting maize in plastic pots (1 L) containing 1 kg soil mixed with 1.0 mg kg−1 atrazine. Soils were watered with different solutions, with the relative water content of 60%.Results and discussion: Using batch experiment and soil thin-layer chromatography, application of DOM and surfactant reduced sorption and increased desorption of atrazine in soil. In column experiment, DOM and surfactant significantly promoted the mobility of atrazine in soil and the total concentration of atrazine in leachate of the soil column. Accumulation of atrazine in both maize roots and shoots increased with the elevated concentration of surfactant, whereas the content of atrazine declined with the increase of the DOM concentration.Conclusions: Dissolved organic matter and TX-100 affected the partitioning and transport of atrazine in soil-water and soil-plant ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yolk-shell nanocomposite particles (YSNPs) have been extensively investigated because of their great application potential and unique properties attributed to their distinct structures and multiple discrete functions. In this study, Fe3O4@Void@PMAA@Void@TiO2, a special YSNP with double shells and dual cavities (denoted as DDYSNPs), was prepared by conducting dispersion polymerization with a high production rate and by using a hydrothermal strategy. The synthesized DDYSNPs, which effectively integrate inorganic and organic functions, exhibit an outstanding photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet light irradiation for five experimental cycles and show an excellent adsorptive property for heavy metal ions. These comprehensive properties are mainly attributed to the novel structure of double-shelled and dual-cavity structures.ᅟ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition-metal oxides are highly sought as alternative anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacity. However, the large volume variation of active materials during cycling leads to poor cycle life, which hinders commercial applications. In this work, we prepared cobalt oxide/copper oxide/reduced graphene oxide (CoO/CuO/rGO) ternary nanocomposites through a facile and cost-effective synthesis method. The products were endowed with a nanoscale distribution of CoO and CuO nanoparticles on the surface of rGO nanosheets. As anode materials for LIBs, the CoO/CuO/rGO nanocomposites delivered an initial discharge capacity of 1732.4 mAh g−1 and a stabilized capacity of 1364.6 mAh g−1 at a current density of 200 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. With increased current density to 1000 mA g−1 and 2000 mA g−1, the nanocomposites retained highly reversible capacities of 602.7 mAh g−1 and 423.5 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles, respectively. These features revealed the potential applications of the CoO/CuO/rGO nanocomposites in anodes of LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical corrosion behavior of a thermal-sprayed Ni-Al-coated Q235 steel was investigated in the simulated soil solutions at different pH values using measurements of potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as surface analyses including x-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the Ni-Al-coated Q235 steel was dependent on the pH of the test solution. From pH = 3.53 to pH = 4.79, the corrosion resistance of the coated steel increased rapidly. In the pH range from 4.79 to 12.26, the corrosion resistance exhibited no significant change. At pH 13.25, the corrosion resistance of the sample was found to decrease. The calculated corrosion rate of Ni-Al-coated Q235 steel was lower than that of the uncoated Q235 steel and galvanized steel in all the test solutions. Over a wide range of pH values, the Ni-Al-coated Q235 steel exhibited extremely good corrosion resistance. The experimental data together with the potential-pH diagrams provided a basis for a detailed discussion of the related corrosion mechanisms of the coated steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising oil price has brought huge cost pressure for low grade highway construction, and it is urgent to find alternative resources. At the same time, there are nearly 50000-60000 tons of low temperature coal output in inner Mongolia region, China, which has high toxicity and high polluting. To make the low temperature coal be applicable for road constructions, the formaldehyde is used as cross linking agent, the concentrated sulfuric acid is used as catalyst, and the chemical modification of low temperature coal tar pitch in Inner Mongolia region is investigated. The road performance (softening point, penetration and ductility) of modified low temperature coal are tested. Results shown that the road performance of modified low temperature coal is increased significantly. Modification mechanism of low temperature coal is studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy and other analytical tools. Results show that, in the modified low temperature coal, resin content increases and the resin fiber diameter becomes larger with the increasing of formaldehyde content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The yolk-shell-structured FeO nanocomposite particles (FeO@Void@C -N NPs) with FeO as the yolk and N -doped carbon as the shell were prepared by using melamine formaldehyde resin as the N and C sources. When used as anode material for lithium ion battery, the yolk-shell structure could not only afford adequate void to accommodate the large volume change during charge/discharge process but also improve structural stability and electrical conductivity. The anode material demonstrated superior long-term and high-rate performance because of the novel structure and the N-doped carbon shell with mesopore. Thus, FeO@Void@C-N NPs exhibited a high reversible capacity of 1530 mAh g after 300 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g, which were approximately 1.5 and 6 times higher than FeO@C-N NPs and pure FeO particles, respectively. Even at the higher current density of 2000 mA g, the reversible capacity remained at 651 mAh g after 500 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of different contents of Cr, Mo, and rare earth element (RE) additives on the thermal conductivity of austenitic medium manganese steel was studied and discussed. The results show that the addition of Cr in medium manganese steel can improved the ordering of C-Mn atomic clusters, so as to improve the steel's thermal conductivity. However, Cr will lead to precipitation of a great deal of carbides in medium manganese steel when its content is greater than 4wt%. These carbides would aggregate around the grain boundary, and as a result, the thermal conductivity is decreased. By the addition of Mo whose content is about 2wt%, spherical carbides will be formed, thus improving the thermal conductivity of the medium manganese steel. The interaction between rare earth elements and alloying elements will raise both the thermal conductivity and the wear-resisting property of medium manganese steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to probe the spectator-scattering and weak annihilation contributions in charmless $$B_s\rightarrow VV$$ (where V stands for a light vector meson) decays, we perform the $$\chi ^2$$ -analyses for the endpoint parameters within the QCD factorization framework, under the constraints from the measured $$\bar{B}_{s}\rightarrow $$ $$\rho ^0\phi $$ , $$\phi K^{*0}$$ , $$\phi \phi $$ and $$K^{*0}\bar{K}^{*0}$$ decays. The fitted results indicate that the endpoint parameters in the factorizable and nonfactorizable annihilation topologies are non-universal, which is also favored by the charmless $$B\rightarrow PP$$ and PV (where P stands for a light pseudo-scalar meson) decays observed in previous work. Moreover, the abnormal polarization fractions $$f_{L,\bot }(\bar{B}_{s}\rightarrow K^{*0}\bar{K}^{*0})=(20.1\pm 7.0)\%,(58.4\pm 8.5)\%$$ measured by the LHCb collaboration can be reconciled through the weak annihilation corrections. However, the branching ratio of $$\bar{B}_{s}\rightarrow \phi K^{*0}$$ decay exhibits a tension between the data and theoretical result, which dominates the contributions to $$\chi _\mathrm{min}^2$$ in the fits. Using the fitted endpoint parameters, we update the theoretical results for the charmless $$B_s\rightarrow VV$$ decays, which will be further tested by the LHCb and Belle-II experiments in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare baryonic decay Λb → Λ(→pπ-)μ+μ- provides valuable complementary information compared to the corresponding mesonic b → sμ+μ- transition. In this paper, using the latest high-precision lattice QCD calculation of the Λb → Λ transition form factors, we study this interesting decay within the aligned two-Higgs-doublet model, paying particularly attention to the effects of the chirality-flipped operators generated by the charged scalars. In order to extract the full set of angular coefficients in this decay, we consider the following ten angular observables, which can be derived from the analysis of the subsequent parity-violating Λ → pπ- decay: the differential branching fraction dB/dq², the longitudinal polarization fraction FL, the lepton-, hadron- and combined lepton-hadron-side forward-backward asymmetries AFBℓ, AFBΛ and AFBℓΛ, as well as the other five asymmetry observables Yi(i = 2, 3s, 3sc, 4s, 4sc). Detailed numerical comparisons are made between the SM and NP values for these angular observables. It is found that, under the constraints from the inclusive B → Xsγ branching fraction and the latest global fit results of b → sℓℓ data, the contributions of right-handed semileptonic operators O′9,10, besides reconciling the P′5 anomaly observed in B0 → K∗0μ+μ- decay, could also enhance the values of dB/dq² and AFBℓ in the bin [15,20] GeV²[15,20] GeV2, leading to results consistent with the current LHCb measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The band alignment of HfO film on p-type (100) InP substrate grown by magnetron sputtering was investigated. The chemical states and bonding characteristics of the system were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that there is no existence of Hf-P or Hf-In and there are interfacial InO and InPO at the interface. Ultraviolet spectrophotometer (UVS) was employed to obtain the band gap value of HfO. In 3d and Hf 4f core-level spectra and valence spectra were employed to obtain the valence band offset of HfO/InP. Experimental results show that the (5.88 ± 0.05) eV band gap of HfO is aligned to the band gap of InP with a conduction band offset (∆ E ) of (2.74 ± 0.05) eV and a valence band offset (∆ E ) of (1.80 ± 0.05) eV. Compared with HfO on Si, HfO on InP exhibits a much larger conduction band offset (1.35 eV larger), which is beneficial to suppress the tunneling leakage current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]