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Although the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) has been increasing since the past decade, the proportion of AEG cases in two previous clinical trials (ACTS-GC and CLASSIC) that investigated the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy was relatively small. Therefore, whether AEG patients can benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear.Patients who were diagnosed with pathological stage II/III, Siewert II/III AEG, and underwent curative surgery at three high-volume institutions were assessed. Clinical outcomes were analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox regression model. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the selection bias.A total of 927 patients were included (the chemotherapy group: 696 patients; the surgery-only group: 231 patients). The median follow-up was 39.0 months. The 5-year overall survival was 63.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.0-67.6%) for the chemotherapy group and 50.2% in the surgery-only group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54-0.88; p = 0.003). The 5-year, disease-free survival was 35.4% for the chemotherapy group and 16.6% for the surgery-only group (HR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53-0.83; p0.001). After PSM, the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for AEG was maintained. Multivariate analysis for overall survival and disease-free survival further demonstrated the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy, with HRs of 0.63 (p0.001) and 0.52 (p0.001), respectively.Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with operable stage II or III AEG after D2 gastrectomy.

The decays of $B_{d,s}^0 \to \sigma\sigma, \sigma f_0, f_0 f_0$, with $\sigma$ and $f_0$ denoting the light scalar mesons $f_0(500)$ and $f_0(980)$ in the two-quark picture, are studied in the perturbative QCD approach based on $k_T$ factorization. With the referenced value of the mixing angle $|\varphi| \sim 25^\circ$ for the $\sigma-f_0$ mixing in the quark-flavor basis, it is of great interest to obtain that: (a) these neutral $B$-meson decays into $\sigma\sigma, \sigma f_0$, and $f_0 f_0$ have large branching ratios in the order of $10^{-6} \sim 10^{-4}$, which mean the possibly constructive interferences existed in the decays with different flavor states, and then are expected to be tested at the Large Hadron Collider beauty and/or Belle-II experiments in the (near) future; (b) the large direct CP violations could be easily found in the $B_d^0 \to \sigma\sigma, f_0 f_0$ and $B_{d,s}^0 \to \sigma f_0$ decays, which indicate the considerable interferences between the tree and the penguin decay amplitudes involved in these four modes, and would be confronted with the future measurements; (c) these neutral $B$-meson decays could be examined through the secondary decay chain $\sigma/f_0 \to \pi^+ \pi^-$, namely, the four-body decays of $B_{d,s}^0 \to (\pi^+ \pi^-)_{\sigma(f_0)} (\pi^+ \pi^-)_{\sigma(f_0)}$. On the other side, it seems that other 4 four-body decays of $B_d^0 \to (\pi^+ \pi^-)_{\sigma} (K^+ K^-)_{f_0}$, $B_s^0 \to (\pi^+ \pi^-)_{\sigma(f_0)} (K^+ K^-)_{f_0}$, and $B_s^0 \to (K^+ K^-)_{f_0} (K^+ K^-)_{f_0}$ could also be detected at the relevant experiments, if the $f_0 \to K^+ K^-$ could be identified from the $\phi \to K^+ K^-$ clearly., Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures, 3 tables, references updated, final version to appear in EPJC

In order to solve the shortcomings of the traditional chaotic encryption and problems of low security, the double chaotic image encryption algorithm based on fractional Fourier transform is proposed. In this algorithm, the optimization algorithm is obtained with the help of Henon mapping and fractional Fourier transforms, then the ciphertext image obtained by the optimization algorithm is taken as input, and according to the sequence of the optimal solution, the logistic chaos is synthesized to obtain the final ciphertext image. This algorithm combines chaotic systems and Fourier transforms, which allows the plaintext to be well hidden, and spatial and frequency domain scrambling is achieved. After experiments, the results show that the improved encryption algorithm achieves better encryption effect. It not only has strong sensitivity and large key space, but also can resist attacks effectively. It has certain application value in image information security.

Two ruthenium complexes [Ru(MeIm)4(bpy)]2+ (Ru1, MeIm = 1-methylimidazole, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(Im)4(bpy)]2+ (Ru2, Im = imidazole) with the same PF 6 − counter-ion but different lipophilicities were synthesized and characterized and as potent anticancer agents. The relationships between cellular uptake, localization and molecular action mechanisms of these complexes were elucidated. The results showed that Ru1 with higher logPo/w exhibited faster cellular uptake rates, but lower anticancer activity than Ru2. In addition, Ru1 predominantly accumulated in the mitochondria and cytoplasm, and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, whereas the more hydrophilic Ru2 tended to localize and accumulate in the cell nucleus and mitochondria. Further mechanism studies indicated that Ru2 caused cell cycle arrest at S phase by regulating cell cycle related proteins and induced apoptosis in A549 cells through DNA damage, cellular ROS accumulation, activation of the caspase pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction.

This paper researches constructive generalized synchronization (GS) for bidirectional continuous array of differential systems (BCADS). The results give general representations of GS in BCADS. The effectiveness of the theoretical results has been shown according numerical simulations.

Highly active and durable catalysts are imperative for the development of alcohol oxidation research. Herein, a Ni/NiO-C catalyst with hollow NiO crystal can be used in ethanol oxidation. The hollow NiO nanoparticles are absolutely coated in the amorphous carbon and the generated NiO crystal remarkably raises the electrocatalytic performances of catalysts. Among all samples, the Ni/NiO-C3 catalyst shows the highest current density in 0.5 M ethanol solution. This is mainly derived from the synergistic effect of the crystallographic form, carbon coating, and hollow structure. Besides, the reaction mechanism of Ni/NiO-C3 electrode is controlled by charge transfer in high-concentration ethanol. With the concentration of ethanol decreased, a diffusion control mechanism is observed on Ni/NiO-C3 electrode. The attenuation rate of current density is only 0.1% after 3600 s by chronoamperometry in 0.1 M ethanol aqueous solution, indicating that the Ni/NiO-C3 electrode has a superior stability. Moreover, Ni/NiO-C3 electrode exhibits an rapid current response in 0.1 mM ethanol solution and a linear relationship between 0.69 and 40.17 mM, which provides a new idea for the research of fuel cell type ethanol sensor.

Porous LiMn2O4 microsheets with micro-nanostructure have been successfully prepared through a simple carbon gel-combustion process with a microporous membrane as hard template. The crystal structure, morphology, chemical composition, and surface analysis of the as-obtained LiMn2O4 microsheets are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS). It can be found that the as-prepared LiMn2O4 sample presents the two-dimensional (2-D) sheet structure with porous structure comprised with nano-scaled particles. As cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the obtained LiMn2O4 microsheets show superior rate capacities and cycling performance at various charge/discharge rates. The LiMn2O4 microsheets exhibit a higher charge and discharge capacity of 137.0 and 134.7 mAh g−1 in the first cycle at 0.5 C, and it remains 127.6 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, which accounts for 94.7% discharge capacity retention. Even at 10 C rate, the electrode also delivers the discharge capacity of 91.0 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles (93.5% capacity retention). The superior electrochemical properties of the LiMn2O4 microsheets could be attributed to the unique microsheets with porous micro-nanostructure, more active sites of the Li-ions insertion/deinsertion for the higher contact area between the LiMn2O4 nano-scaled particles and the electrolyte, and better kinetic properties, suggesting the applications of the sample in high-power lithium-ion batteries.

This paper attempts to investigate the effects of fluid viscosity on cavitation generation. Different from the traditional cavitation models in which the Rayleigh–Plesset equation is simplified neglecting the second-order term and the surface tension force term, the primitive R–P equations with different dynamic viscosity values are solved by mathematical software and numerical solutions are obtained. Then, the method of curve fitting is selected to get the approximate expressions of bubble radius about time. Based on the expressions, the rate of change of bubble radius about time under different viscous conditions can be approximately obtained which will be written as in-house code to enhance the traditional cavitation models by UDFs. Numerical simulations of high-speed water jets issuing from a nozzle are carried out. The simulated cavitation characteristics match the supercavity experiments very well. The result shows a more homogenous distribution of vapor volume fraction while the viscosity of fluid increases. The pressure and velocity also change more slowly and smoothly along the nozzle under more viscous conditions. Simulations of external flow fields are also made based on the modified model to show the cavitation characteristics under submerged condition.

A noble-metal-free reduced graphene oxide composite, copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) loaded reduced graphene oxide (Cu/RGO), was prepared via a one-step in-situ reduction method. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the composite for reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was investigated. The results showed that the composite was a highly efficient, stable and low-cost catalyst for transformation of 4-NP. In the composite, Cu NPs acted as the cocatalyst and the RGO acted as the substance of electron transfer. The catalytic mechanism was also suggested. Copper nanoparticles loaded reduced graphene oxide (Cu/RGO) was prepared via a one-step in-situ reduction method. The Cu/RGO composite exhibited high catalytic activity and good recycle stability for treatment and transformation of 4-nitrophenol. Compared with the similar catalysts, the Cu/RGO composite is a cheaper, stable and highly efficient in practical application.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques in the brain was considered one of the main neuropathological hallmarks of AD. As the loss of synapses always occurs during AD progression, AD has been gradually regarded as a "synaptopathy." The activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) was recently identified as a key factor for AD due to its active roles in synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and Aβ generation. However, there is little evidence to support the association of the Arc gene with AD. In this study, a two-stage case-control study of 1471 Han Chinese was conducted to investigate the genetic association between the Arc gene and AD. Variant rs10097505 in the 3'UTR region was significantly associated with AD. The whole exons of the Arc gene were also screened in 99 AD patients with a high heritability (familial and/or onset age55 years old). One missense variant (c.20GA, p.T7I) was identified in two AD patients but was absent in the controls from the general populations. Both rs10097505 and c.20GA were predicted to be potentially pathogenic. Further luciferase assay, data mining, and integrative analyses revealed that the AD-risk genotype AA of rs10097505 was associated with an increased Arc mRNA expression and an elevated Aβ level. Our results indicated that the Arc gene would confer susceptibility to AD in Han Chinese, probably through changing the protein structure or affecting the Arc expression in brain tissues, which would finally contribute to the pathogenesis and development of AD.

Amorphous Ni-Mn bimetallic hydroxide film on the three-dimensional nickle foam (NF)-supported conductive Ni3S2 nanosheets (denoted as Ni-Mn-OH@Ni3S2/NF) is successfully synthesized by an ultrafast process (5 s). The fascinating structural characteristic endows Ni-Mn-OH@Ni3S2/NF electrodes better electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance of 2233.3 F g−1 at a current density of 15 A g−1 can achieve high current density charge and discharge at 20/30 A g−1 that the corresponding capacitance is 1529.16 and 1350 F g−1, respectively. As well as good cycling performance after 1000 cycles can maintain 72% at 15 A g−1. The excellent performance can be attributed to unique surface modification nanostructures and the synergistic effect of the bimetallic hydroxide film. The impressive results provide new opportunity to produce advanced electrode materials by simple and green route and this material is expected to apply in high energy density storage systems.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with increasing incidence all over the world. Amyloid-β (Aβ) was considered to be the original cause to AD, and many reported pathogenic or risk genes for AD were located in the Aβ generation and degradation pathways. Neprilysin (NEP), insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) are the most important Aβ-degrading proteases. Accumulating genetic evidence suggested that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of these genes confer susceptibility to AD in Caucasian populations. In this study, we screened eight SNPs within these three Aβ-degrading protease genes in 1475 individuals of two independent Han Chinese case-control cohorts. SNP rs1816558 of NEP was found to be significantly associated with AD after adjustment for ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOEε4) and the Bonferroni correction. The remaining variants were not associated with risk of AD in Han Chinese sample set. Further data mining revealed that messenger RNA (mRNA) level of NEP substantially increased during the development of AD and was positively correlated with APP expression. The combined results indicated that NEP confers genetic susceptibility to AD in Han Chinese populations.

Objective To observe the effect of ginger-partitioned moxibustion on immunocytokines in patients with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP).

A porous LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4/C composite was prepared via a simple carbon gel-combustion synthesis process. The obtained product possessed higher surface area, abundant mesopore structure, the improved kinetics and electronic conductivity by doping with Fe2+ and coating with carbon, respectively. As a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4/C composite showed outstanding rate capacities and cycling performances at high charge/discharge rates. The discharge capacity of LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4/C was as high as 121.1 mAh g−1 in the first cycle at 0.5 C and remained 103.8 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles. Even at higher rate of 10 C, the initial discharge capacity of the electrode exhibited 64.6 mAh g−1, and the sample electrode delivered capacity retention of 83.3 % after 1000 cycles. The improved electrochemical properties of the LiFe0.4Mn0.6PO4/C electrode materials suggest the applications of the sample in high power lithium-ion batteries.

In order to optimize the production process, improve the production efficiency and accelerate the development and application of the domestic dual-phase steel, the effects of heat treatment process parameters on micro-structure and mechanical properties of DP440 cold rolled strip were studied by the CAS-300 simulated continuous annealing equipment. When the heating rate increased from 5 to 100 °C/s, both the tensile strength and yield strength increased because of the decreased grain size. When the intercritical annealing temperature increased from 780 to 850 °C, the martensite content decreased so that the tensile strength decreased first, then increased, and the yield strength increased. When the rapid cooling rate increased from 25 to 100 °C/s, because the martensite content increased, the tensile strength increased, while the yield strength decreased. When the overaging temperature increased from 260 to 400 °C, the tensile strength decreased, while the yield strength increased. When the overaging time increased from 240 to 480 s, the tensile strength decreased a little, while the yield strength increased a little.

A novel compound [HMo 8 VI V 6 V AsVO42][Cu(2,2′-bpy)2]2[Cu(2,2′-bpy)]·2H2O (2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) 1 has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structure analysis reveals that compound 1 is a bi-capped As/Mo/V Keggin polyoxometalate tri-supported copper complexes, and exhibits an extended three-dimensional supramolecular network via hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The electrochemical and magnetic properties of compound 1 have been studied.

A binuclear Mn(II) complex [Mn2(HL)2(H2O)4], HL = 2-[(2-Hydroxy-benzylidene)-amino]-3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionic acid, has been prepared and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The results suggest that the amino acid Shiff base ligand is coordinated as a bivalent anion with a tridentate NO2 donor set involving the phenolic and carboxylic acid oxygens and azomethine nitrogen. A heterogenized binuclear manganese catalyst was synthesized by the covalent anchoring of [Mn2(HL)2(H2O)4] onto a modified silica gel surface, through the reactive (3-chloropropyl)-trimethoxysilane group. The surface properties of the functionalized catalyst were analyzed by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The silica-supported metal complex, ([Mn2L(HL)(H2O)4]/SiO2), catalyzes the oxidation of thioanisole with H2O2, to give the sulfoxide and sulfone. [Mn2L(HL) (H2O)4]/SiO2 shows lower catalytic activity and turnover number compared to the homogeneous catalyst [Mn 2 II –(HL)2(H2O)4]. However, the activity of the immobilized catalyst remains nearly unchanged after five cycles, indicating that it is truly heterogeneous.

Gray model GM(1, 1), a single variable first-order gray differential equation model, which is based on gray system theory, has been proposed as a prediction model to solve efficiently the prediction problems in manufacturing systems. However, the prediction accuracy of this model is unsatisfying when original data set shows great randomness. In this paper, in order to improve the prediction capability of GM(1, 1), the exponential smoothing method is integrated into GM(1, 1) through the preprocessing for original data set. Then the particle swarm optimization algorithm is employed so that the prediction power can be further enhanced. Finally, a residual compensation approach based on artificial neural network is proposed to acquire the best prediction performance.The real case of time series prediction in a product manufacturing process is used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious and neurological disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an unculturable pathogen with massive genomic decay and dependence on host metabolism. We hypothesized that mitochondrial genes PARL and PINK1 would confer risk to leprosy. Thirteen tag SNPs of PARL and PINK1 were analyzed in 3620 individuals with or without leprosy from China. We also sequenced the entire exons of PARL, PINK1 and PARK2 in 80 patients with a family history of leprosy by using the next generation sequencing technology (NGS). We found that PARL SNP rs12631031 conferred a risk to leprosy (Padjusted = 0.019) and multibacillary leprosy (MB, Padjusted = 0.020) at the allelic level. rs12631031 and rs7653061 in PARL were associated with leprosy and MB (dominant model, Padjusted PINK1 SNP rs4704 was associated with leprosy at the genotypic level (Padjusted = 0.004). We confirmed that common variants in PARL and PINK1 were associated with leprosy in patients underwent NGS. Furthermore, PARL and PINK1 could physically interact with each other and were involved in the highly connected network formed by reported leprosy susceptibility genes. Together, our results showed that PARL and PINK1 genetic variants are associated with leprosy.

Four kinds of ZrC coatings with nearly the same thickness have been successfully prepared on graphite substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) through controlling the ratio of inlet reacting gases. From backscattered electron images, it can be inferred that ZrCIII coating has the best tightness of all coatings. Meanwhile, line energy spectrum curve shows that zirconium and carbon elements distribute uniformly along the normal direction of the ZrCIII coating. As for varied microstructures, the coatings show different mechanical properties and residue stress. The strength and elastic modulus of ZrCIII coating were up to 89.57 and 1 192.5GPa, respectively. Those make it near the level of diamond. Value of residue tensile stress of ZrC+C composite coating was only 7.729MPa and that of ZrCIII coatings was 349.632 MPa. The strong combination of small-size grains in ZrCIII coating plays a decisive role to the best mechanical properties. However, strong misfit of lattice between ZrCIII coating and substrate can induce high residue stress.

This study utilized the E. coli expression system to investigate the role of amino acid residues in toxin from the Chinese scorpion — Buthus martensii Karsch (BmKAS). To evaluate the extent to which residues of the toxin core contribute to its analgesic activity, ten mutants of BmKAS were obtained by PCR. Using site-directed mutagenesis, all of these residues were substituted with different amino acids. This study represents a thorough mapping and elucidation of the epitopes that form the molecular basis of the toxin’s analgesic activity. Our results showed large mutant-dependent differences that emphasize the important roles of the studied residues.

To improve the mechanical properties and oxidation-resistance properties, a C–TaC–C multi-interlayer structure was introduced in carbon/carbon (C/C) composites by chemical vapor infiltration. Compared with conventional C/C composites, a higher fracture toughness and strength have been achieved by using the C–TaC–C multi-interlayer. In addition, the composites also exhibit a higher preliminary oxidation temperature and a lower mass loss at high temperatures. The oxidation rate of the composites increases with temperature increasing in the range of 700–1300 °C, reaching a maximum value at 1300 °C, then decreases in 1300–1400 °C. A hexagonal structure of Ta2O5 phase is obtained when being oxidized at 700–800 °C, and it transforms to an orthorhombic phase at temperatures above 900 °C. The structures of C–TaC–C multi-interlayer are intact without cracks or porosities after being oxidized at 700–800 °C. In 900–1300 °C, the composites are oxidized uniformly with the formation of pores. At temperatures above 1300 °C, there are oxidation and non-oxidation regions with the oxidation process being controlled by diffusion.

The cumulative curve prediction has been widely used in many manufacturing systems to achieve the efficient control and management for production processes. In this paper, the grey model GM(1, 1), a single-variable first-order grey model, which is based on the grey system theory, is proposed to resolve the prediction problem of cumulative curve. To improve the prediction capability of GM(1, 1), the cubic spline function is integrated into GM(1, 1). The newly generated model is defined as 3spGM(1, 1). Then, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to 3spGM(1, 1) so that the prediction performance can be further improved. We refer to the optimal version as P-3spGM(1, 1). Finally, a residual compensation approach based on artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed to acquire the best prediction performance. The cumulative curve in the production process is used to validate the proposed models.

The machining accuracy prediction has been widely studied in many manufacturing processes to achieve efficient control for production process. In this paper, a dynamic analysis model is proposed to develop the prediction model of machining accuracy. The dynamic analysis model has the advantage of high predictable power of the GM(1,1) model while at the same time utilizing the prediction power of the Markov chain model from stochastic process theory. Furthermore, Taylor approximation method is employed to enhance the prediction accuracy. The effectiveness of the proposed model is validated with a real case.

In this paper, we propose a grey-based rough set approach to deal with the supplier selection in supply chain management. The proposed approach takes advantage of mathematical analysis power of grey system theory while at the same time utilizing data mining and knowledge discovery power of rough set theory. It is suitable to the decision-making under more uncertain environments. We also provide a viewpoint on the attribute values in rough set decision table under the condition that all alternatives are described by linguistic variables that can be expressed in grey number. The most suitable supplier can be determined by grey relational analysis based on grey number. A case of supplier selection was used to validate the proposed approach.

Due to large particle size, low specific surface area, and the high recombination rate of the photo-generated electron–hole pairs, micrometer-sized N-doped TiO2 plates (NTP) with {001} facets generally present lower visible-light photocatalytic activity. In order to solve these problems, the nanocomposite photocatalysts consisted of graphene nanosheets (GR) and N-doped TiO2 nanoplates (NTNP) with exposed {001} facets were synthesized by a sol–gel process for the first time. The physical and chemical properties of the resultant nanocomposites (NTNP/GR) were studied in detail, and their photocatalytic activities were investigated by the photocatalytic decoloration of methylene blue solution under visible-light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Owing to smaller particle size (about 25 nm) and higher specific surface area in comparison with micrometer-sized NTP, the photocatalytic activity of NTNP was improved effectively. Due to the effective charge anti-recombination of graphene, the photocatalytic activity of nanocomposite NTNP/GR was further improved. Due to the competition for light absorption between graphene and NTNP, there was an optimal ratio (1.0 %, the weight percentage of graphene to TiO2) between graphene and NTNP for the maximum of visible-light photocatalytic activity.

In this paper, we proposed a new GM(1, 1) dynamic model which is integrated with a nonlinear exponential smoothing (NES) model to improve the prediction accuracy. The proposed model is defined as the NESGM(1, 1) model and we developed the simulation prediction modeling of the weekly closing stock exchange index of Taiwan based on the proposed model. Furthermore, the original data are preprocessed by a standard normal distribution (SND) to enhance the predictive power of the NESGM(1, 1) model. We also discussed the predicted results compared with the ARIMA model. The experimental results show that the NESGM(1, 1) model has better predictive accuracy. However, as drawbacks, the training and testing times are increased.

The crystal structure, itinerant-electron metamagnetic transition (IEMT) and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) in the iron-based rare-earth intermetallic compound La0.8Ce0.2Fe11.4Si1.6 have been investigated. The powder X-ray diffraction revealed that the ingot of La0.8Ce0.2Fe11.4Si1.6 annealed at 1373 K in vaccuum for only 5 days could be crystallized in the cubic NaZn13-type structure. The La0.8Ce0.2Fe11.4Si1.6 compound exhibited giant values of the isothermal entropy change ΔSM around the Curie temperature Tc (about 186 K). And the maximum value |ΔSM|max is about 78.29 J/(kg·K) under a field change of 0–3 T, which can be calculated by the magnetization isotherms around Tc. Such a large MCE is attributed to the sharp change of magnetization and susceptibility around Tc and the first-order magnetic transition of field-induced IEMT above Tc.

A superheating YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO or Y123) thin film was applied as a seed layer to grow Pb[(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.91Ti0.09]O3 (PZNT) films by a liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) process. In the present work, the YBCO thin film underwent a growth temperature of 1050 °C, which was about 40 °C higher than its peritectic temperature. It is very interesting that the superheated YBCO seed film could be used to grow not only Nd1+xBa2-xCu3O7-δ (NBCO) films with similar compositions but also PZNT films with completely different compositions. The XRD analysis confirmed that the PZNT film grown on the YBCO seeded MgO substrate had a good epitaxial relationship of [100](001)PZNT//[100](001)YBCO//[100] (001)MgO. Compared with the PZNT films directly grown on MgO substrates, the LPE PZNT film on YBCO/MgO presented a better surface morphology. It was found that the superheating YBCO seed film plays a crucial role for the LPE growth of PZNT in the process. Furthermore, the superheating mechanism was discussed in terms of thermodynamic theories as well.