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The shape complexity of a particle confined in the circular quantum well with an external homogeneous perpendicular magnetic field is investigated. First, the Shannon entropy and the averaging electron probability density, as well as the shape complexities in the position and momentum spaces for several quantum states, are computed and discussed. The quantum confinement effect on the shape complexity of this system is extensively explored. Then, the influence of the magnetic field on the shape complexities of the particle confined in the circular quantum well is discussed. It is demonstrated that the shape complexity exhibits scaled invariance under the influence of the magnetic field. However, when the radius of the quantum well is fixed, the shape complexity of the given quantum state changes with the magnetic field strength. Results suggest that the shape complexity of a particle confined in the quantum well can be changed by varying both the strength of the magnetic field and the size of the well. This study has some practical applications in quantum information measurement of the confined particle and can guide future researches for the disorder characteristics of confined particle in semiconductor quantum dots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for crop growth and yield. Improving the N use efficiency (NUE) of crops is important to agriculture. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE regulation remain largely elusive. Here we report that the OsNLP3 (NIN‐like protein 3) regulates NUE and grain yield in rice under N sufficient conditions. OsNLP3 transcript level is significantly induced by N starvation and its protein nucleocytosolic shuttling is specifically regulated by nitrate. Loss‐of‐function of OsNLP3 reduces plant growth, grain yield, and NUE under sufficient nitrate conditions, whereas under low nitrate or different ammonium conditions, osnlp3 mutants show no clear difference from the wild type. Importantly, under sufficient N conditions in the field, OsNLP3 overexpression lines display improved grain yield and NUE compared with the wild type. OsNLP3 orchestrates the expression of multiple N uptake and assimilation genes by directly binding to the nitrate‐responsive cis‐elements in their promoters. Overall, our study demonstrates that OsNLP3, together with OsNLP1 and OsNLP4, plays overlapping and differential roles in N acquisition and NUE, and modulates NUE and the grain yield increase promoted by N fertilizer. Therefore, OsNLP3 is a promising candidate gene for the genetic improvement of grain yield and NUE in rice. Summary Statement: Crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is an important agronomic trait. But the molecular mechanisms underlying NUE regulation are not well understood. This study reveals that rice NIN‐like protein 3 (OsNLP3) regulates NUE and grain yield especially under N sufficient conditions and is a promising candidate gene for improving grain yield and NUE in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac fibrosis contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. Antifibrotic therapies are likely to be a crucial strategy in curbing many fibrosis-related cardiac diseases. In our previous study, an ethyl acetate extract of a traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis Franch. was found to have a therapeutic effect on myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact chemicals and their mechanisms responsible for the activity of the crude extract have not been illustrated yet. In the current study, 10 sesquiterpenoids (1-10) were isolated from the active extract, and their antifibrotic effects were systematically evaluated in transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts and NIH3T3 fibrosis models. (+)-Isobicyclogermacrenal (1) and spathulenol (2) were identified as the main active components, being more potent than the well-known natural antifibrotic agent oxymatrine. Compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit the TGFβ1-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and suppress the expression of the fibrosis biomarkers fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin via down-regulation of their mRNA levels. The mechanism study revealed that 1 and 2 could inhibit the phosphorylation of TGFβ type I receptor, leading to the decrease of the phosphorylation levels of downstream Smad2/3, then consequently blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 in the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 1 and 2 may serve as promising natural leads for the development of anticardiac fibrosis drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is on the research literature published in 2016 related to the physico-chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into granular and membrane filtration, sedimentation, coagulation/flocculation, flotation, oxidation, and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers reviewed herein provide a general overview of groundwater quality around the world in 2010. These include groundwater quality survey and assessment in urban and rural areas, the impacts of land uses on groundwater quality, with a focus on groundwater contamination, pollution prevention, and remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers reviewed herein present a general overview of groundwater quality around the world in 2007. These include groundwater quality survey and assessment in urban and rural areas, the effect of land use on groundwater quality, seawater intrusion, using GIS in groundwater management, with a focus on groundwater contamination and remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is on the research literature published in 2015 related to the physico-chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into six sections, including filtration, sedimentation, coagulation/flocculation, flotation, oxidation and adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is on the research literature published in 2014 related to the physico-chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into six sections, including coagulation/flocculation, filtration, sedimentation, oxidation, flotation, sorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is on the research literature published in 2013 related to the physico-chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into seven sections, including coagulation/flocculation, filtration, oxidation, sedimentation, flotation, sorption process: removal of inorganics, and sorption process: removal of organics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is on the research literature published in 2012 related to the physico-chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into seven sections, including coagulation/flocculation, sorption, filtration, sedimentation, flotation, oxidation, and air stripping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers reviewed herein present a general overview of groundwater quality around the world in 2011. These include groundwater quality survey and assessment in urban and rural areas, and the impacts of land uses on groundwater quality, with a focus on groundwater contamination, pollution prevention, and remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Papers reviewed herein present a general overview of groundwater quality around the world in 2009. These include groundwater quality survey and assessment in urban and rural areas, and the impacts of land uses on groundwater quality, with a focus on groundwater contamination, pollution prevention, and remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aza-Barbier reactions of chiral ketimines and allyl bromides afford the title amines with high diastereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent supramolecular polymers have garnered significant attention due to their successful integration of supramolecular polymers and fluorescence, offering vast potential for applications in sensing, imaging, optoelectronics, and photonics. In this study, we present a novel supramolecular polymer based on P5‐OH, derived from mono‐substituted pillararene macrocycles. Notably, these formed supramolecular polymeric aggregates exhibit a prominent blue emission, representing a rare instance of fluorescent polymers devoid of conventional chromophores. Furthermore, through the modification of alkyl chain ending groups attached to pillar[5]arenes, slight shifts in the emission peak could be observed. This research expands the scope of functional supramolecular polymeric systems utilizing pillararenes, providing valuable insights for the design of innovative luminescent materials and optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) offer promising paths for energy storage and conversion. Despite considerable achievements made, PCECs still face challenges such as physiochemical compatibility between componenets and suboptimal solid–solid contact at the interfaces between the electrolytes and electrodes. In this study, a novel approach is proposed that combines in situ electrochemical characterization of interfacial electrical sensor embedded PCECs and machine learning to quantify the contributions of different cell components to total degradation, as well as to predict the remaining useful life. The experimental results suggest that the overpotential induced by the oxygen electrode is 48% less than that of oxygen electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact for up to 1171 h. The data‐driven machine learning simulation predicts the RUL of up to 2132 h. The root cause of degradation is overpotential increase induced by oxygen electrode, which accounts for 82.9% of total cell degradation. The success of the failure diagnostic model is demonstrated by its consistency with degradation modes that do not manifest in electrolysis fade during early real operations. This synergistic approach provides valuable insights into practical failure diagnosis of PCECs and has the potential to revolutionize their development by enabling improved performance prediction and material selection for enhanced durability and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution networks have more frequent and fast voltage fluctuations with the large‐scale access of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles. Based on remote terminal unit (RTU) and distribution terminal unit (DTU), traditional hierarchical control methods are difficult to achieve rapid global coordinated voltage regulation due to static modeling. For this purpose, this paper proposes an integrated dynamic voltage control strategy which integrates the objectives of local voltage control and secondary voltage control. First, simplified dynamic models of controllable equipment in active distribution network are established instead of the static models. On this basis, the state‐space prediction model of the control system is established. Then, based on the improved model predictive control (IMPC), the integrated dynamic voltage control strategy realizes rapid and global coordinated control through state prediction, rolling optimization and real‐time feedback correction. Numerical results show that the proposed strategy can achieve fast global coordinated voltage control in the time scale of seconds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liposomes and polymersomes, typical vesicular drug delivery systems (DDSs), have faced some limitations in cancer theranostics. Suprasomes, supramolecular vesicles assembled from amphiphiles linked by noncovalent interactions, show potential as new generation of vesicular DDSs. We construct suprasomes based on host–guest recognition, by which the desired functions can be integrated into carriers without tedious synthesis. Photothermally active host–guest complex is formed between a functional guest and pillar[5]arene, which further self‐assembles into hollow suprasomes. A supramolecular nanomedicine is developed by encapsulating cisplatin in the suprasomes. The obtained cisplatin@Suprasomes achieve excellent anticancer efficacy and anti‐metastasis combining chemotherapy and photothermal therapy, which ablate the tumors without relapse and metastasis. This work demonstrates the facile functionalization of suprasomes, holding promise as alternatives to liposomes and polymersomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. With the accelerated pace of life in modern society, changes in work style, and the popularity of computers, the prevalence of cervical spondylosis (CSR) is increasing, and the age of onset is advancing. Once suffering from this disease, it is often difficult to cure and recurring, with complex clinical symptoms, causing a serious impact on human health. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of manipulation and cervical traction in the treatment of radical cervical spondylosis. Methods. The PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for literature. The literature related to this study was included according to selective criteria and inhibitory elimination criteria, and valuable information was selected for statistical analysis, resulting in a total of 11 randomized controlled trials with 994 subjects. Results. The short-term efficacy of manual treatment for CSR was superior to that of cervical traction alone (P < 0.05); subgroup analysis showed that the short-term efficacy of pulling or rotational manipulation was superior to that of cervical traction (P < 0.05). The mean difference between symptoms and manipulation VAS scores was higher before and after treatment when compared with cervical traction for CSR (P < 0.05); the subgroup analysis showed that VAS scores, upper extremity anesthesia scores, and survivorship scores were lower for pulling or rotating manipulation than for cervical traction (P < 0.05). Conclusion. The advantages of manual therapy in terms of short-term efficacy, VAS pain scores, neck pain, upper extremity anesthesia, and survivorship improvement provide a theoretical basis for its clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of the metaverse age has gradually transformed digital survival from a fantasy in science fiction to a reality. Especially in recent years, the college students, as the objects of ideological and political education in universities, have been deeply embedded in their learning, social interaction, entertainment, and consumption behaviors, presenting new characteristics of the times. From the aspects of the background of intelligent technology on College Students' network behavior, the types of College Students' network behavior, the multiple effects of intelligent technology, the nature of College Students' network behavior, etc., provide some basis for ideological and political education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZTM ceramics comprising of 0.75ZnAl2O4–0.25TiO2 and MgTiO3 at a ratio of 90:10 wt.% are widely used in the field of communication as filters and resonators owing to their excellent microwave dielectric properties. However, the development of such dielectrics with complex structures, as required by microwave devices, is difficult using traditional fabrication methods. In this study, ZTM microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared using the digital light processing (DLP) technology. The influence of the sintering temperature on the phase composition, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of ZTM ceramics was investigated. Results showed that with an increase in the sintering temperature, the dielectric constant (εr) and quality factor (Q × f) of ZTM ceramics initially increased owing to the increase in the density and diffusion of ions. However, when the sintering temperature was excessively high, the abnormal growth of crystal grains and micropores led to a decrease in εr and Q × f. The ZTM ceramics sintered at 1450°C exhibited the optimum microwave dielectric properties (εr = 12.99, Q × f = 69 245 GHz, τf = −9.50 ppm/°C) owing to the uniform microstructure and a high relative density of 95.02%. These results indicate that DLP is a promising method for preparing high‐performance microwave dielectric ceramics with complex structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to promote the development of photodynamic therapy (PDT), undesired side effects like low tumor specificity and the "always‐on" phenomenon should be avoided. An effective solution is to construct an adaptive photosensitizer that can be activated to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we design and synthesize a supramolecular switch based on a host–guest complex containing a water‐soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and an AIEgen photosensitizer (G). The formation of the host–guest complex WP5⊃G quenches the fluorescence and inhibits ROS generation of G. Benefitting from the pH‐responsiveness of WP5, the binding site between G and WP5 changes in an acidic environment through a shuttle movement. Consequently, fluorescence and ROS generation of the host–guest complex can be switched on at pH 5.0. This work offers a new paradigm for the construction of adaptive photosensitizers by using a supramolecular method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) is a versatile method that is capable of simultaneously reduce CO2 emission and produce valuable fuels and chemicals. However, its application is hindered by the lack of cost‐effective catalysts and significant overpotential requirement. In this work, we report a low‐cost and surfactant/capping agent free method to synthesize cubic Cu2O−SnO2 core‐shell electrocatalyst, whose thickness can be easily controlled by the content of tin precursor. The optimized Cu2O−SnO2 catalyst with a 5 nm‐thick shell achieved over 90 % faradaic efficiency towards CO at a low overpotential of 390 mV, which is comparable to some of the noble metal catalysts. The catalyst also exhibited good stability over 18 hours of test at −0.6 V vs. RHE in 0.5 M KHCO3 electrolyte. This work provides a widely applicable strategy for developing a low‐cost electrocatalyst for CO2 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Carotenoids play important roles in many biological processes, such as light harvesting, photoprotection and visual attraction in plants. However, the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis is still not fully understood.Here, we demonstrate that SlBBX20, a B‐box (BBX) zinc‐finger transcription factor, is a positive regulator of carotenoid accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Overexpression of SlBBX20 leads to dark green fruits and leaves and higher levels of carotenoids relative to the wild‐type. Interactions between SlBBX20 and DE‐ETIOLATED 1 (SlDET1) lead to the ubiquitination and 26S proteasome‐mediated degradation of SlBBX20. Moreover, deficiencies in the components of the CUL4‐DDB1‐DET1 complex enhanced the stability of the SlBBX20 protein. Thus, we conclude that SlBBX20 is a substrate of the CUL4‐DDB1‐DET1 E3 ligase.SlBBX20 can activate the expression of PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1, encoding a key enzyme in carotenoid biosynthesis, by directly binding to a G‐box motif in its promoter, which results in the elevated levels of carotenoids in SlBBX20 overexpression lines.We identified a key regulator of carotenoid biosynthesis and demonstrated that the stability of SlBBX20 is regulated by ubiquitination. These findings provide us a new target for the genetic improvement of the nutritional quality of tomato fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional water electrolyzer consists of two electrodes, each of which is embedded with a costly and rare electrocatalyst, typically IrO2/C for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and Pt/C for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), respectively. HER and OER electrocatalysts usually require very different pH values to keep them stable and active. Thus, the development of earth-abundant nonprecious metal catalysts for both HER and OER is of great importance to practical applications. This work reports the results of integrated water electrolysis using the hybrids of electrospun La0.5(Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2)0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3- δ (L-0.5) perovskite nanorods attached to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets as bifunctional electrodes. Via rationalizing the composition and morphology of L-0.5/rGO nanohybrids, excellent catalytic performance and stability toward OER and HER are achieved in alkaline media. The operating voltage of integrated L-0.5/rGO electrolyzer is tested to be 1.76 V at 50 mA cm-2, which is close to that of the commercially available IrO2/C-Pt/C couple (1.76 V @ 50 mA cm-2). Such a bifunctional electrocatalyst could be extended toward practical electrolysis use with low expanse and high efficiency. More generally, the protocol described here broadens our horizons in terms of the designs and the diverse functionalities of catalysts for use in various applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite oxides have received a great deal of attention as promising electrodes in both solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs) because of their reasonable reactivity, impurity tolerance, and tunable properties. In particular, exploration is still required for improving perovskite electrodes, which normally suffer from slow kinetics in electrocatalysis. Experimental studies have led to the development of new classes of perovskites with advanced characteristics and electrode kinetics at technical levels. In parallel with those developments, achievements in theoretical and computational studies have led to substantial understanding, at the atomic level, of their physicochemical properties and electrocatalytic behaviors. Their chemical and structural flexibilities enable perovskites to accommodate most metallic elements without destroying their complex matrix structures, thereby delivering a pathway to engineer their catalytic properties. In this Minireview, recent advances in perovskite electrodes are introduced, and perovskites with exsolved nanoparticles are discussed as enhanced electrocatalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The host-guest complexation between a porphyrin-based 3D tetragonal prism ( H) and electron-rich pyrene is investigated. This host-guest molecular recognition is further utilized to suppress the liquid-crystalline behavior of a nematic molecule ( G) containing cyanobiphenyl mesogens functionalized with a pyrenyl unit. Furthermore, coronene, with an increased number of π-electrons, is used as a competitive guest to recover the liquid-crystalline behavior of G. This supramolecular approach provides a glimpse of the new possibilities to modulate the structures of the mesophases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiencies of a number of electrochemical devices (e.g., fuel cells and metal-air batteries) are mainly governed by the kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Among all the good ORR catalysts, the partially substituted double perovskite oxide (AA′B2O5+δ) has the unique layered structure, providing a great flexibility regarding the optimization of its electronic structures and physicochemical properties. Here, it is demonstrated that the double perovskite oxide, i.e., NdBa0.75Ca0.25Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ, is a good ORR catalyst at both room and elevated temperatures. Under ambient condition, its half-wave potential of ORR in alkaline media is as low as 0.74 V versus RHE; at 650 °C, the cathodic polarization resistance is merely 0.0276 Ω cm2 according to a symmetric cell measurement, whereas the solid oxide fuel cells using this cathode exhibit a maximum power density of 1982 mW cm−2. From various materials characterizations, it is hypothesized that its excellent ORR activity is strongly correlated with the crystallographic, electronic, and defect structures of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy for high hip dislocation. Methods In this retrospective study, the results of 24 primary THAs with acetabular reconstruction and subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy in 21 patients with high hip dislocation were evaluated. The acetabula were reconstructed with cemented or uncemented cups and bone grafting. Transverse subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomies were applied and the osteotomy sites treated by bone grafting and cable fixation. Assessment was by Hip Harris scores and radiographic evaluation. Results The mean follow-up time was 42 months (18-108 months), three cases being lost to follow-up 18-27 months postoperatively. The HHS improved from 47.5 ± 8.7 to 88.5 ± 3.1. The mean length of femoral segments removed was 2.5 ± 0.8 cm (range, 1.0-4.5 cm) and mean acetabular inclination 43° ± 5° (range, 31°-54°). Caudalization of the femoral head center was 3.2 ± 3.0 mm (range, −3 to 12 mm) and lateralization 4.0 ± 4.0 mm (range, −9 to 11 mm). Mean greater trochanter height relative to theoretical hip center was 5.2 ± 1.0 cm (range, 3.5-7.1 cm) preoperatively and 0.2 ± 0.6 cm (range, −0.9 to 1.2 cm) postoperatively. Intraoperative trochanteric fractures occurred in three cases and sciatic nerve palsy in one. Conclusion THA with subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy is an effective technique for treating high hip dislocation. Its advantages include improvement in limb imbalance and decreased risk of sciatic nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses management solutions for the final disposal of low and high level radioactive wastes, interim storage and final disposal options for spent fuel (SF) and tritiated wastes, with a focus on environmental impacts due to the mobility of radionuclides in water.

Supramolecular hyperbranched polymers not only possess the polymeric properties of hyperbranched polymers but also obtain additional stimuli‐responsiveness due to the dynamic properties of non‐covalent interactions. Herein, a novel supramolecular hyperbranched polymer constructed by an AB2‐type copillar[5]arene is reported. NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and viscosity experiments are utilized to characterize the self‐aggregate process of the AB2 monomers. Interestingly, the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer exhibits pH‐responsiveness. After protonation of the AB2 monomers by trifluoroacetic acid, the binding ability among the monomers becomes stronger, leading to the formation of supramolecular hyperbranched polymers with viscosity change. Additionally, although no conventional chromophores are doped, the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer shows a blue emission under irradiation. The fluorescence can be quenched upon addition of trifluoroacetic acid. This study enriches the field of supramolecular polymers with new building blocks and architectures and provided a new effective method for the fabrication of smart polymer materials with stimuli‐responsiveness and special functions. Here, a novel supramolecular hyperbranched polymer constructed by an AB2‐type copillar[5]arene is reported. The supramolecular hyperbranched polymer exhibits unique pH‐responsiveness and emits a strong blue fluorescence upon irradiation, although no conventional chromophores are doped. This interesting discovery may pave a new way towards the design of functional hyperbranched polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]