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The postharvest lifespan of horticultural products is closely related to loss of nutritional quality, accompanied by a rapid decline in shelf life, commercial value, and marketability. Melatonin (MT) application not only maintains quality but also delays senescence in horticultural products. This paper reviews biosynthesis and metabolism of endogenous MT, summarizes significant effects of exogenous MT application on postharvest horticultural products, examines regulatory mechanisms of MT‐mediated effects, and provides an integrated review for understanding the positive role of MT in senescence delay and quality maintenance. As a multifunctional molecule, MT coordinates other signal molecules, such as ABA, ETH, JA, SA, NO, and Ca2+, to regulate postharvest ripening and senescence. Several metabolic pathways are involved in regulation of MT during postharvest senescence, including synthesis and signal transduction of plant hormones, redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and degradation of pigment and cell wall components. Moreover, MT regulates expression of genes related to plant hormones, antioxidant systems, energy generation, fruit firmness and colour, membrane integrity, and carbohydrate storage. Consequently, MT could become an emerging and eco‐friendly preservative to extend shelf life and maintain postharvest quality of horticultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Posterior fossa anomalies (PFAs) are associated with a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disabilities, with presentation ranging from no obvious clinical symptoms to severe neurodevelopmental delay. The differential diagnosis of fetal PFAs using imaging is crucial for prenatal counseling and prognostic evaluation. Imaging of the tentorium cerebelli (TC) is critical for the differential diagnosis of fetal PFAs; however, achieving this using prenatal grayscale ultrasound is challenging. This study aimed to establish a reference range for a new measurement, the angle between the vein of Galen and the straight sinus (AVGS), measured using microvascular flow imaging, and to evaluate prospectively the effectiveness of AVGS for assessment of the position of the fetal TC. Methods: This was a single‐center prospective validation study including singleton pregnancies examined between 16 and 38 gestational weeks at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, between January 2022 and July 2023. AVGS was measured in normal fetuses and used to establish a reference range. AVGS was then used to predict prospectively the position of the TC in 50 fetuses with one or more intracranial malformations, using cut‐offs of ≤ 5th centile or ≥ 95th centile to define abnormal AVGS. All intracranial malformations and the position of the TC in these fetuses were confirmed using fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios were calculated to assess the performance of AVGS in the prediction of abnormal position of the fetal TC. Results: The study group comprised 602 singleton pregnancies, including 522 normal fetuses and 50 fetuses with an intracranial anomaly. A reference range for fetal AVGS was established. Fetal AVGS decreased with advancing gestational age. Ten of the 50 fetuses with an intracranial anomaly had an abnormally positioned TC. The sensitivity and specificity of AVGS for the prediction of abnormal position of the TC in fetuses with an intracranial malformation were 90.0% (95% CI, 71.4–100.0%) and 95.0% (95% CI, 88.2–100.0%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 81.8% (95% CI, 47.8–96.8%) and 97.4% (95% CI, 84.9–99.9%), respectively, and the positive and negative likelihood ratios were 18.000 (95% CI, 4.590–70.592) and 0.105 (95% CI, 0.016–0.677), respectively. Conclusions: AVGS is a new and useful marker for the prenatal evaluation of fetal TC position. Increased AVGS (≥ 95th centile) suggests an abnormally elevated position of the TC, while decreased AVGS (≤ 5th centile) suggests an abnormally low TC. AVGS is helpful for differential diagnosis in fetuses with PFA and can inform appropriate prenatal counseling. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1T/2H‐MoS2/CdS composite was effectively prepared by a two‐step hydrothermal method, which greatly improved the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of tetracycline hydrochloride and photocatalytic cycle stability compared with pristine 1T/2H‐MoS2. The highest photodegradation efficiency of 70.8% is achieved when the molar ratio of 1T/2H‐MoS2 to cadmium sulfide is 1:4. The capture experiment indicates that hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) and superoxide radical (⋅O2−) play a role in the photocatalytic degradation process. A Z‐type heterojunction may be formed on the 1T/2H‐MoS2/CdS composite based on a series of analyses, which improves the photocatalytic performance effectively via expanding the range of light response and promoting the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. This work provides an alternative to constructing novel Z‐scheme photocatalysts with high performance in the absence of noble metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited research has looked at the present‐day sleep problems among Chinese children with Down syndrome (DS). This study aimed to investigate the situation of the sleep problems of school‐aged children with DS in northern China. Methods: Parents of children with DS were a convenience sample recruited through the special education schools of Shandong Province in China. The Chinese version of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied to assess the sleep problems of children with DS. Results: Parents of 334 children with DS reported the average sleep duration was 9.7 (9.3–10.2) hours per night, and 62.0% of children with DS were reported sleeping less than 10 h per night. Additionally, the total prevalence rate of sleep problems among children with DS was 69.8%. Sleep‐disordered breathing (59.2%), sleep duration (33.8%) and bedtime resistance (32.0%) were the three most commonly reported sleeping problems. Younger children with DS (age 6–8 years) had severe problems with bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety and parasomnias than older children with DS (age 9–12 years) (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Sleep problems are prominent among children with DS in northern China and are worthy of attention. Caregivers and health professionals should raise awareness of sleep problems in this group of children and implement targeted interventions to improve their sleep quality as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the association between adenomyosis volume, as a reflection of its severity, and the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Methods: This multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted at a comprehensive tertiary care institution and a tertiary maternal and child healthcare hospital, which are the main types of hospital providing maternal medical care in China. The study included pregnant women without adenomyosis (non‐AD cohort) who delivered between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021, and women with pregnancy complicated by adenomyosis (AD cohort) who delivered between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. Adenomyosis was diagnosed and measured using transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound up to 14 weeks of gestation. The adenomyosis volume (V) was calculated based on the sonographic measurement of three dimensions, using the formula V = (length × width × thickness) × 4/3π. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between adenomyosis and the risk of pregnancy complications. We also performed a sensitivity analysis among 226 pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis that had volume measurements available and 10 507 pregnancies without adenomyosis, using as a threshold for severe adenomyosis the 3rd quartile of adenomyosis volume. Results: The study group included 10 507 pregnant women in the non‐AD cohort and 321 in the AD cohort. Pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis had an increased risk of preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.39 (95% CI, 1.65–3.48)), spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (aOR, 2.57 (95% CI, 1.54–4.28)), placenta previa (aOR, 2.57 (95% CI, 1.41–4.67)), cervical incompetence (aOR, 9.70 (95% CI, 4.00–23.55)) and abnormal fetal presentation (aOR, 2.04 (95% CI, 1.39–3.00)), and there was also a non‐significant trend toward increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (aOR, 1.64 (95% CI, 0.94–2.85)). Sensitivity analysis revealed there was a greater risk in pregnancies with severe (≥ 757.5 cm3) vs mild adenomyosis of preterm birth < 37 weeks of gestation (aOR, 5.50 (95% CI, 2.80–10.82) vs aOR, 1.73 (95% CI, 0.98–3.05)), pre‐eclampsia (aOR, 4.94 (95% CI, 2.11–11.58) vs aOR, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.41–2.58)), placenta previa (aOR, 6.37 (95% CI, 2.39–17.04) vs aOR, 1.58 (95% CI, 0.60–4.19)) and cervical incompetence (aOR, 12.79 (95% CI, 2.87–56.93) vs aOR, 4.97 (95% CI, 1.25–19.77)) compared to pregnancies without adenomyosis. The risk of spontaneous preterm birth < 37 weeks and the risk of abnormal fetal presentation was similar between the two subgroups. Conclusion: Pregnancies complicated by adenomyosis, particularly those with severe adenomyosis, have an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, placenta previa, cervical incompetence and abnormal fetal presentation. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This article presents a one‐step nitrogen fixation (NF) process using ethanol solution and nitrogen as raw materials and a magnetic field stabilized glow discharge (MSGD) as a plasma reactor, in which the plasma is stabilized at a fixed position under the opposing forces of the Lorentz force and airflow. Compared to deionized water, the participation of ethanol promotes the generation of NH3 and NOx. This is because the addition of ethanol not only serves as a source of hydrogen but also facilitates the generation of OH, which further reacts to produce NO through N + OH → NO + H ${\rm{N}}+\text{OH}\to \text{NO}+{\rm{H}}$, thereby increasing NOx concentration and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, with an increase in ethanol volume fraction, the concentration of NF products also increases, reaching saturation when the ethanol volume fraction reaches 50%. At an ethanol volume fraction of 50%, the energy consumption for NF is lowest at a discharge current of 40 mA, at approximately 4.92 MJ/mol. The range of the reduced electric field strength of MSGD is calculated to be approximately 31.9 ~ 39.7 Td, at which about 90% of the electrical energy is converted into N2(v) vibrational states. At this point, NO is primarily formed by the Zeldovich mechanism (N 2 ( v ) + O → NO + N ${{\rm{N}}}_{2}({\rm{v}})+{\rm{O}}\to \text{NO}+{\rm{N}}$), which is the main reason for the lower energy consumption of NF in MSGD compared with the other two scenarios (opposite magnetic field and no magnetic field). Finally, the lower energy consumption of MSGD compared with the other two scenarios is discussed, highlighting that this is mainly due to its high gas utilization rate, high N2 vibrational energy, and high electrical energy utilization efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature can significantly (P < 0.05) affect plant growth by modifying water use strategies, which are determined by intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi). Red Heart Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is one of the most important ecological and economic plantation species in China. However, the C. lanceolata water use strategy in response to increased temperatures and uneven temporal distribution of precipitation during the growing season is rarely reported.In a 7‐year‐old C. lanceolata plantation, differences in WUEi and C and N concentrations in different organs were analysed by anova, and the δ13C stable isotope, C, and N concentrations in stems determined at different tree heights. Stepwise regression and variance inflation factor were used to remove autocorrelated factors, and structural equation modelling was then used to explore relationships between WUEi and climate and biological factors.WUEi differed significantly between leaf and branch at different standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices (SPEI). WUEi and N concentration decreased with age. The highest WUEi in branches and leaves were 92.7 and 88.4 μmol·mol−1 in 2020 (SPEI = 0.00), respectively. δ13C increased with relative tree height but N concentration and C/N ratio were not affected. Air temperatures has increased in between 2014 and 2020.WUEi and N concentration decreased with increasing branch and leaf age, but C concentration increased. SPEI significantly positively affected WUEi (P < 0.05), and WUEi was significantly negatively related to C concentration, which is consistent with the trade‐off between C and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The generation of cosmic ray particles with ultra‐relativistic energies is a crucial issue in astrophysical and space physics. Shocks have been acknowledged as efficient accelerators in the universe which can produce energetic particles through a variety of mechanisms, such as diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), shock surfing acceleration (SSA) and shock drift acceleration (SDA). Using the data set obtained by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, we report an unusually sharp enhancement of energetic electron flux in the upstream region of Earth's bow shock, associated with a bipolar variation of the interplanetary magnetic field. To explain these observations, we propose a two‐step acceleration scenario where electrons trapped in a flux rope (FR) first undergo head‐on collisions and are further accelerated by FR contraction as the FR crosses the shock. Such a scenario can well explain the spacecraft observations. This work can improve our understanding of particle acceleration processes at shocks. Plain Language Summary: The cosmic ray comprises ions and electrons with energies up to 1,020 eV and thus its generation mechanism is an important issue. A conventional theory known as diffusive shock acceleration is a promising candidate but it needs seed electrons with sufficient initial energies. How these electrons are generated is still unclear. In this study, we report an unusually sharp enhancement of energetic electron flux with a large variation of magnetic field direction in the upstream region of Earth's bow shock, and propose a two‐step acceleration scenario to explain the spacecraft measurements. Electrons first gain energies from the head‐on collisions with the bow shock, and then bounce between the two ends of a circular magnetic field of shrinkage, analogous to a ball reflecting between two converging walls. This scenario has been mathematically confirmed and shows good agreement with the spacecraft measurements. Key Points: Efficient electron acceleration is observed when a flux rope collides with the Earth's bow shockElectrons trapped in the flux rope are successively accelerated by the head‐on reflection at shock front and the flux rope contractionThis two‐step acceleration scenario is mathematically reproduced and fit the spacecraft observations well [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reverse calculation method termed soil and lining physics‐informed neural network (SL‐PINN) is proposed for the estimation of load for tunnel lining in elastic soil based on radial displacement measurements of the tunnel lining. To achieve efficient and accurate calculations, the framework of SL‐PINN is specially designed to consider the respective displacement characteristics of surrounding soil and tunnel lining. A multistep training method based on the meshless characteristics of SL‐PINN is established to promote calculation efficiency. The multistep training method involves increasing the number of collocation points in each calculation step while decreasing the learning rate after scaling of SL‐PINN. The feasibility of SL‐PINN is verified by numerical simulation data and field data. Compared to other inverse calculation methods, SL‐PINN has lower precision requirements for the measurement instrument with the same level of calculation accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports the first occurrence of Diaporthe eres causing leaf blight on vine tea in China. The disease was observed in multiple vine tea plantations in Zhangjiajie, resulting in significant economic losses. The symptoms included small, round, brown lesions on the leaves, which extended and merged as the disease progressed. The pathogen was identified through molecular analysis and Koch's postulates were carried out to confirm its pathogenicity. This is the first documented case of D. eres causing leaf blight on vine tea in China. [Extracted from the article]

Dipolarization fronts (DFs), characterized by sharp increases in the northward magnetic field and usually preceded by magnetic dips, are suggested to play an important role in energy conversion and transport in the magnetotail. It has been documented that strong energy conversion typically develops right at the fronts. Here we present spacecraft observations of electron‐scale energy conversion (EEC) developed inside the dip region ahead of a DF, by using high‐cadence data from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission. The EEC, with magnitude comparable to that at the front, is primarily driven by ion current and electron‐scale electric field. The electric field inside the dip is provided by electrostatic waves fed by lower hybrid drift instability, which experiences temporal decaying. Such decaying leads to nonhomogeneity of EEC along the dawn‐dusk direction. These results, uncovering a new channel for DF‐driven energy conversion, can provide important insights into understanding energy transport in the magnetotail. Plain Language Summary: Space weather is determined by earthward transport of energy and mass in the magnetosphere. In the magnetotail, such transport is usually associated with dipolarization fronts embedded inside high‐speed plasma jets, which are characterized by a sharp enhancement of the northward component of the magnetic field and serve as the leading boundaries of plasma jets. Statistical studies reveal that a small decrease in the magnetic field often occurs ahead of the fronts, which is dubbed as a magnetic dip. Dipolarization fronts have been suggested to play a key role in the energy conversion chain in the magnetotail, and the energy conversion typically happens right in the front region where strong currents and electric fields usually develop. In this research, we find that in addition to the front region, the dip preceding the fronts can also host strong energy conversion. Our results help further understand energy conversion in the terrestrial magnetotail. Key Points: Electron‐scale energy conversion (EEC) is observed for the first time in the magnetic dip ahead of a dipolarization frontThe EEC, with magnitude comparable to that at the front, is primarily driven by ion current and electron‐scale motional electric fieldThe EEC electric field is induced by a decaying lower hybrid drift instability which may cause temporal damping of the EEC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a nanosecond laser was used to etch the surface of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced ZK60 (GNPs/ZK60) matrix composites, and the effects of different scanning speeds, pulse repetition frequency and laser power on the etched morphology of the machined surface were investigated. The experimental results show that the etched groove width and heat affected zone width of GNPs/ZK60 composites are significantly increased compared with ZK60 material due to the influence of graphene, and the growth rate of the difference in heat affected zone width between GNPs/ZK60 composites and ZK60 materials is most significantly affected by the pulse repetition frequency. In addition, the dross height increases with the increase of laser power, while the scaly dross structure becomes increasingly clear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shergottites are mafic to ultramafic igneous rocks that represent the majority of known Martian meteorites. They are subdivided into gabbroic, poikilitic, basaltic, and olivine–phyric categories based on differences in mineralogy and textures. Their geologic contexts are unknown, so analyses of crystal sizes and preferred orientations have commonly been used to infer where shergottites solidified. Such environments range from subsurface cumulates to shallow intrusives to extrusive lava flows, which all have contrasting implications for interactions with crustal material, cooling histories, and potential in situ exposure at the surface. In this study, we present a novel three‐dimensional (3‐D) approach to better understand the solidification environments of these samples and improve our knowledge of shergottites' geologic contexts. Shape preferred orientations of most phases and crystal size distributions of late‐forming minerals were measured in 3‐D using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) on eight shergottites representing the gabbroic, poikilitic, basaltic, and olivine–phyric categories. Our analyses show that highly anisotropic, rod‐like pyroxene crystals are strongly foliated in the gabbroic samples but have a weaker foliation and a mild lineation in the basaltic sample, indicating a directional flow component in the latter. Star volume distribution analyses revealed that most phases (maskelynite, pyroxene, olivine, and oxides/sulfides) preserve a foliated texture with variable strengths, and that the phases within individual samples are strongly to moderately aligned with respect to one another. In combination with relative cooling rates during the final stages of crystallization determined from interstitial oxide/sulfide crystal size distribution analyses, these results indicate that the olivine–phyric samples were emplaced as shallow intrusives (e.g., dikes/sills) and that the gabbroic, poikilitic, and basaltic samples were emplaced in deeper subsurface environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transfer and transport in the terrestrial magnetotails are primarily driven by dipolarization fronts (DFs) embedded inside plasma jets. The DF‐driven energy transfer has hitherto been believed to occur locally at the fronts. Different from the traditional knowledge, here we present the first observation of persistent energy conversion extended far behind a DF. The persistent energy conversion, which was dominated by energy loads and mainly contributed by electron currents, developed inside a turbulent, decaying flux pileup region (FPR), nearly 10 dDF (DF's thickness) behind the DF. The energy transfer chain may be initiated by interaction between the ion flow and ambient plasmas and closed by electron dynamics, leading to electron acceleration perpendicular to magnetic field. These results highlight that electron physics in turbulent FPRs plays a crucial role in the energy transport in the planetary magnetospheres. Key Points: Persistent energy conversion extended far (∼10 dDF) behind a dipolarization front is presentedThe persistent energy conversion was developed inside a decaying flux pileup region and driven by electron currentsThe persistent energy conversion was related to electron acceleration perpendicular to local magnetic field [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomass composites were prepared by hot molding with a pressure of 10 MPa, a temperature of 125 °C, a time of 15 minutes using soybean straw powder, poplar wood fibers, and soy protein as raw materials. The effects of different straw species, the ratio of soybean straw powder to poplar wood fibers, the particle size of soybean straw powder, and the theoretical density on the performance of biomass composites were investigated. The experimental results show that under the condition that the ratio of soybean straw powder and poplar wood fibers is 1 : 1, 20 mesh to 40 mesh soybean straw powder and 20 mesh to 60 mesh wood fibers are selected to copolymerize and strengthen the soy protein biomass composites when the theoretical density is 0.80 g/cm3, the actual density of the biomass composites is 0.90 g/cm3, the tensile strength was up to 22.04 MPa, and the bending strength was up to 44.92 MPa. Biomass composites have good water resistance while obtaining excellent mechanical properties. The above figures not only meet the relevant technical requirements of automotive interior parts but also enable the lightweight design of automobiles and the sustainable development concept of green, low carbon, and environmental protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land surface temperature anomalies can be linked to changes in local surface energy balance, although the relationship between surface temperature variability and individual radiative processes remains unclear. In this paper, we quantify the contributions of surface radiative effects and non‐radiative heat fluxes to the variance of monthly land surface temperature using European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 data and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 simulations. The surface energy budget equation is used to link changes in surface radiation, surface heat fluxes and land surface temperature. Subsequently, surface radiation is decomposed into the radiative effects of clouds, air temperature, surface albedo and relative humidity using radiative kernels. The contributions of these radiative processes, including their coupling effects, are quantified using covariance matrices. The results reveal the air temperature radiative effect to be the most significant contributor to the variability of land surface temperature. In addition, the covariance terms reveal important coupling effects. For example, the contribution from the cloud radiative effect is found to be substantially dampened by its coupling with surface heat fluxes. The air temperature radiative effect is further decomposed into a forcing component and a feedback component using different regression methods, in an attempt to separate the air temperature radiative effect as the driver of the surface temperature variability. The cloud radiative effect becomes the primary contributor to the variance of surface temperature after separating the air temperature feedback, while the contribution of the air temperature radiative forcing remains important. Plain Language Summary: Land surface temperature is critical environmental variable. Through a statistical analysis of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5 data and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 multi‐model simulations, we have explained the land surface temperature variability in relation to the surface energy fluxes. Specifically, we have attributed the variability of monthly surface radiation to the effects of different meteorological variables such as clouds, air temperature, surface albedo and relative humidity. Our findings suggest that the radiative effect of air temperature is the primary contributor to the variance of land surface temperature in most regions, although this effect includes a strong feedback effect of air temperature to surface temperature changes. After separating this feedback effect, the cloud radiative effect becomes the primary contributor. On the other hand, the contribution from cloud radiative effect is significantly counteracted by its coupling with surface heat fluxes. Key Points: The variance of land surface temperature is decomposed to contributions from surface radiative effects and heat fluxesThe radiative effect of air temperature is found to contribute the most to surface temperature variabilityThe cloud radiative effect is found to be the primary contributor after decoupling the air and surface temperature variations [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics pollution of agricultural soil is a global environmental concern because of its potential risk to food security and human health. Although many studies have tested the direct effects of microplastics on growth of Eruca sativa Mill., little is known about whether these effects are regulated by fertilization and weed competition in field management practices.Here, we performed a greenhouse experiment growing E. sativa as target species in a three‐factorial design with two levels of fertilization (low versus. high), two levels of weed competition treatments (weed competition versus no weed competition) and five levels of microplastic treatments (no microplastics, Polybutylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate [PBAT], Polybutylene succinate [PBS], Polycaprolactone [PCL] or Polypropylene [PP]).Compared to the soil without microplastics, PBS and PCL reduced aboveground biomass and leaf number of the E. sativa. PBS also resulted in increased root allocation and thicker roots in E. sativa. In addition, fertilization significantly mitigated the negative effects of PBS and PCL on aboveground biomass of E. sativa, but weed competition significantly promoted these effects. Although fertilization alleviated the negative effect of PBS on aboveground biomass, such alleviation became weaker under weed competition than when E. sativa grew alone.The results indicate that the effects of specific polymer types on E. sativa growth could be regulated by fertilization, weed management, and even their interactions. Therefore, reasonable on‐farm management practices may help in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics pollution on E. sativa growth in agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth's magnetopause is an ion‐scale boundary that separates the magnetosphere from the shocked solar wind. At such boundary, energy‐conversion processes frequently occur. Previous studies suggested that such energy conversions are related to the magnetic reconnection process. Here, we report a new mechanism that the coaction between the twisted magnetic structure and lower‐hybrid waves can also drive energy conversion (J⋅ E, J is current density and E is electric field) at the magnetopause boundary layer, by using high‐resolution measurements of the four Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft. We find that such energy conversion is efficient (with magnitude up to 20 nW/m3) and is attributed to an intense current filament (j ≈ 3,800 nA/m2) and a fluctuating electric field driven by lower‐hybrid waves. With the help of the First‐Order Taylor Expansion method, we find that the intense current filament is driven by a twisted magnetic structure at electron scale. Our study improves the understanding of energy‐conversion processes at the Earth's magnetopause. Plain Language Summary: Solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling is a key process during the solar‐terrestrial energy chain and the space weather forecast. A significant amount of the solar wind energy is converted at the Earth's magnetopause, and thus, uncovering the mechanism of energy‐conversion processes is of key importance in understanding such a coupling process between solar wind and magnetosphere. Here, we report a new mechanism that the coaction between the twisted magnetic structure and fluctuating electric field can also drive energy conversion. It's found that the energy conversion is efficient and is attributed to an intense current filament driven by the twisted magnetic structure and a fluctuating electric field provided by lower‐hybrid waves. Key Points: An intense current filament (up to 3,800 nA/m2) accompanied by energy conversion (up to 20 nW/m3) are observed at the magnetopause boundary layerThe intense current filament is driven by an electron‐scale twisted magnetic structureThe energy conversion at the current filament is driven by the coaction between the twisted magnetic structure and the lower‐hybrid waves [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the known field of topological photonics, what remains less so is the breakdown effect of topological phases deteriorated by perturbation. In this study, the authors investigate the variance on topological invariants for a periodic Kekulé medium perturbed in unit cells, which was a gyromagnetic photonic crystal holding topological phases induced by synchronised rotation of unit cells. Two parameters for geometric and material perturbation are respectively benchmarked to characterise the topological degradation. Our calculation demonstrates that such a periodic perturbation easily destructs the topological phase and thus calls for further checkups on robustness under such unit‐cell‐perturbation in realisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor high‐temperature oxidation properties of Ti‐6Al‐4 V (titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium) alloy limit its applications under high‐temperature components of aero‐engines. In this study, the aluminum‐silicon coatings with different silicon content were fabricated on titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium alloy via the hot dipping route. A metallurgical bond was established at the interface between aluminum‐silicon coatings and substrates following the hot dipping. The results showed that three different coatings were formed: titanium(aluminum, silicon)3+ liquid‐(aluminum, silicon), titanium(aluminum, silicon)3+ τ2+ liquid‐(aluminum, silicon) and τ1+ τ2+ liquid‐(aluminum, silicon). Furthermore, the formation of aluminum‐silicon coatings was analyzed by diffusion path theory. The coated alloy was subjected to a high‐temperature oxidation test at 850 °C, and the weight gains were only 5.1 % to 22.4 % of the bare alloy. The coatings improved the high‐temperature oxidation resistance of titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium alloy. The most favorable oxidation behavior was noticed for the titanium(aluminum, silicon)3+liquid‐(aluminum, silicon) coatings. The higher the silicon content in titanium(aluminum, silicon)3+liquid‐(aluminum, silicon) coatings, the more excellent high‐temperature oxidation resistance was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an application of multiway partial least squares (MPLS) methods to develop interpretative correlation models to monitor the foaming occurrence and improve batch fermentation. We choose the exhaust differential pressure as a quality variable to quantify the foaming occurrence and consider three‐dimensional datasets of different batches, process variables, and measurements. We integrate batch‐wise unfolding (BWU) and observation‐wise unfolding (OWU) of plant datasets with standard, dynamic, and kernel PLS methods. We find that dynamic PLS (DPLS) with OWU and time‐lagged quality variables to be the most efficient, accurate, and easy to implement. The BWU approach is useful for analyzing the differences between batches and identifying abnormalities and outliers, while the OWU quantifies the variation within a given batch. With OWU, the DPLS method with one unit of time lag in the quality variable is the most effective, accurate, and easy to implement. With both BWU and OWU, we identify the quantitative effects of process variables on the quality variable and providence guidance to improve fermentation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrate has become the primary inorganic compound in urban aerosol particles, but its effects on particle phase state, which is crucial in multiphase chemistry, remains largely unknown. Herein, particle rebound measurements were conducted to explore the relationship between the liquid–phase–transition threshold relative humidity (RHthreshold) and the inorganic compounds mass fraction in dry particles (Finorg). Results revealed negative correlations between RHthreshold and Finorg, with more nitrate leading to lower RHthreshold. Even with RH < 20%, particles with ∼50% nitrate mass fraction remained in non‐solid state. Taking Beijing as an example, decreases were observed in RHthreshold from 64% in 2015 to below 53% nowadays during the moderate‐pollution periods (PM2.5 = 35–75 μg/m3) due to an enhanced nitrate fraction. This allowed urban aerosol particles to exist in liquid state at lower RH, and consequently, kinetic limitation by bulk diffusion in nitrate‐dominated particles might be negligible, making them key seeds for secondary aerosol formation through multiphase reactions. Plain Language Summary: The phase state of aerosol particles plays a crucial role in the mass‐transfer processes between gas and particles, which is essential for determining particle mass concentration. Investigating the characteristics of the aerosol phase state is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms behind secondary particle formation and improving air quality. Currently, the chemical composition of urban aerosol particles has shown notable changes. The mass fraction of inorganic components has increased, with nitrate emerging as the dominant inorganic component. However, the impacts of these changes on the phase state of urban aerosol particles remain largely unknown. This study demonstrates that particles with a higher mass fraction of inorganic compounds, particularly nitrate, tend to exist in a liquid state. Consequently, an increased nitrate fraction allows urban aerosol particles to exist in a liquid state at lower relative humidity levels. These findings suggest that changes in the phase state of particles due to changes in chemical properties in urban aerosol particles should be considered to accurately gauge the mass‐transfer processes and promote the air quality improvements in urban cities. Key Points: Particles with more inorganic compounds, particularly nitrate, can exist in a liquid state at lower relative humidity levelsParticles with normalized aerosol liquid water content larger than 0.3 exist in a liquid stateNitrate‐dominated particles can serve as key seeds where secondary aerosol formation can occur via multiphase reactions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Blood‐flow pattern is an essential factor in cardiovascular development. Recently, blood speckle‐tracking echocardiography (BST) based on high‐frame‐rate ultrasound has emerged as a promising technique for the assessment of blood‐flow patterns and properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of BST in the fetus and to assess intracardiac blood‐flow patterns of fetuses with a congenital heart defect (CHD) using this technique. Methods: This was a prospective study consisting of 35 normal fetuses, 35 fetuses with left‐sided obstructive lesion (LSOL) and 35 fetuses with right‐sided obstructive lesion (RSOL). BST images of fetal intracardiac regions of interest (ROIs), including the left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), ascending aorta (AAo), aortic arch (AA), descending aorta (DAo) and pulmonary artery (PA), were obtained and analyzed. The feasibility of BST was assessed, and blood‐flow pattern and number of vortices in the ROIs were recorded. Results: The median gestational age of the fetuses was 24.7 weeks (range, 19.6–34.3 weeks). BST was feasible in 81.6% of cases, and the cut‐off value of depth for an adequate BST image was ≤ 7.9 cm. There were no differences in the presence of vortex/turbulent blood flow in the LV or RV among the three groups. Vortex/turbulent blood flow in the AAo was detected in 0% (0/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 57.1% (20/35) of cases in the control, LSOL and RSOL groups, respectively. The respective values were 5.7% (2/35), 14.3% (5/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the AA; 0% (0/35), 48.6% (17/35) and 0% (0/35) for the DAo; and 0% (0/35), 40.0% (14/35) and 51.4% (18/35) for the PA. With the exception of the DAo in the RSOL group, vortex/turbulent flow in the great artery ROIs was significantly more common in the LSOL and RSOL groups than in controls (P < 0.01). In the LSOL group, the number of vortices in the AAo, AA, DAo and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). In the RSOL group, the number of vortices in the LV, AAo, AA and PA was significantly greater compared with that in controls (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Fetuses with CHD were more likely to exhibit vortex/turbulent blood flow and increased number of vortices in the great arteries compared with healthy controls. Further research is needed to determine the biomechanical effect of blood‐flow patterns, especially vortex flow, on fetal cardiovascular structure and function. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) who live a sedentary lifestyle may lead to an increased risk of chronic cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of 8‐week progressive rope skipping training on physical, cardiovascular fitness and exercise tolerance of high school students with moderate ID. Methods: Thirty‐four senior high school with ID (aged 15–18 years old) were randomised into experimental group received progressive skipping rope exercise (RS, n = 17) and control group no rope skipping exercise intervention group (CON, n = 17). The RS group were received progressive rope skipping exercise for 50 min each time, three times a week, for 8 weeks. The control group was not allowed to participate in intervention activities during the study period. The physical fitness, body composition, arterial stiffness index (ASI) and blood pressure were measured before and after the 8‐week intervention. Results: After the 8‐week progressive skipping rope exercise intervention, the participants from the RS group increased in the 3‐min step test, sit‐up test, grip strength and sit and reach test, when compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). The RS group exhibited lower the area under curve of heart rate (HR) during post‐exercise recovery (P < 0.05). The participants in the RS group showed significant decreases in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR when compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). Change SBP has moderate positive correlation with change ASI. Conclusions: The results of this experiment suggest that progressive rope skipping exercise might improve physical fitness and promote cardiovascular health, as well as enhance exercise tolerance for adolescent students with moderate ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are commonly occurring, heritable and polygenic disorders with etiological origins in the brain and the environment. To outline the causes and consequences of alcohol‐related milestones, including AUD, and their related psychiatric comorbidities, the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) was launched in 1989 with a gene‐brain‐behavior framework. COGA is a family based, diverse (~25% self‐identified African American, ~52% female) sample, including data on 17,878 individuals, ages 7–97 years, in 2246 families of which a proportion are densely affected for AUD. All participants responded to questionnaires (e.g., personality) and the Semi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA) which gathers information on psychiatric diagnoses, conditions and related behaviors (e.g., parental monitoring). In addition, 9871 individuals have brain function data from electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings while 12,009 individuals have been genotyped on genome‐wide association study (GWAS) arrays. A series of functional genomics studies examine the specific cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying AUD. This overview provides the framework for the development of COGA as a scientific resource in the past three decades, with individual reviews providing in‐depth descriptions of data on and discoveries from behavioral and clinical, brain function, genetic and functional genomics data. The value of COGA also resides in its data sharing policies, its efforts to communicate scientific findings to the broader community via a project website and its potential to nurture early career investigators and to generate independent research that has broadened the impact of gene‐brain‐behavior research into AUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism (COGA) is a multi‐site, multidisciplinary project with the goal of identifying how genes are involved in alcohol use disorder and related outcomes, and characterizing how genetic risk unfolds across development and in conjunction with the environment and brain function. COGA is a multi‐generational family‐based study in which probands were recruited through alcohol treatment centers, along with a set of community comparison families. Nearly 18,000 individuals from >2200 families have been assessed over a period of over 30 years with a rich phenotypic battery that includes semi‐structured psychiatric interviews and questionnaire measures, along with DNA collection and electrophysiological data on a large subset. Participants range in age from 7 to 97, with many having longitudinal assessments, providing a valuable opportunity to study alcohol use and problems across the lifespan. Here we provide an overview of data collection methods for the COGA sample, and details about sample characteristics and comorbidity. We also review key research findings that have emerged from analyses of the COGA data. COGA data are available broadly to researchers, and we hope this overview will encourage further collaboration and use of these data to advance the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes of corrosion failure of 20CrMnTi rusted gear were analyzed by quantitative analysis of the composition, observation of the microstructure, hardness test and electrochemical test. The microstructure characterization showed that the proportion of retained austenite in the rusted gear was slightly higher and the length‐width ratio of martensite on the surface of addendum of rusted gear was slightly larger than that of the normal gear. However, the corrosion resistance of the rusted gear surface was similar to that of the normal gear. The lubricating oil of the gear was detected to contain water molecules. Further investigation showed that continuous rainy days during the period from installation to disassembly led to a relatively high humidity environment and also the block cover was not installed at that time. Therefore, the corrosive medium continuously entered the gearbox through the block cover hole and destroyed the protection of lubricating oil film, resulting in serious erosion of the gear near the block cover hole. After securing the problem, the block cover was kept installed all the time and no such corrosion failure occurred again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying machine learning techniques to large datasets of in situ analyses has been proven to be a powerful tool in Earth Sciences. However, problems may arise when dealing with minerals such as chlorite, that exist as a solid solution rather than a single, stoichiometric ideal. It can be difficult to determine whether the variations in major element concentrations are due to compositional difference in the mineral of interest or due to sampling of the surrounding mineral phases in addition to the mineral of interest during the analyses. If the latter, interpretations of the results would be complicated, misled or even spurious. Here we present a method to identify chlorite based on the major and minor element content, from both LA‐ICPMS and EPMA data. Further we present a dataset of 3,317 analyses of chlorite and have shown that 7.4% of these analyses include significant quantities of non‐chlorite material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil heterogeneity has been shown to enhance plant diversity, but its effect on grassland productivity is less clear. Even less is known about the effect of plant clumping (intraspecific aggregation) and its potential interaction with soil heterogeneity. The combined effects of soil 3D spatial heterogeneity and species clumping were experimentally studied in grassland mesocosms consisting of four grassland species. These species were planted in three patterns (i.e. completely mixed, clumped by 9 or 36 individuals of the same species) on soils with heterogeneous cells of alternating nutrient‐poor and rich soil differing in size from 0 (mixed soil) to 12, 24, and 48 cm (complete poor or rich mesocosm). Moderate soil cell sizes (12–24 cm) consistently increased whole‐mesocosm aboveground productivity by more than 20%, which mainly originated from the increased growth of the plants growing on the poor soil cells. In contrast, total mesocosm productivity was not affected by species clumping although there were some species‐specific effects, both of clumping and of the interaction of clumping with soil heterogeneity. Our results show that intermediate soil heterogeneity promotes productivity. Clumping can improve the growth of inferior species, thus promoting coexistence, without affecting overall productivity. We found no interaction effect of clumping and soil heterogeneity on productivity at the community level and some minor species‐specific effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a heterogeneous inflammatory skin disease with different clinical phenotypes based on factors such as age, race, comorbidities, and clinical signs and symptoms. The effect of these factors on therapeutic responses in AD has only been scarcely studied and not for upadacitinib. Currently, there is no biomarker predicting response to upadacitinib. Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of the oral Janus kinase inhibitor upadacitinib across patient subgroups (baseline demographics, disease characteristics and prior treatment) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD. Methods: Data from phase 3 studies (Measure Up 1, Measure Up 2 and AD Up) were utilized for this post hoc analysis. Adults and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD were randomized to receive once daily oral upadacitinib 15 mg, upadacitinib 30 mg or placebo; patients enrolled in the AD Up study received concomitant topical corticosteroids. Data from the Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2 studies were integrated. Results: A total of 2584 patients were randomized. A consistently greater proportion of patients achieved at least 75% improvement in the Eczema Area and Severity Index, a 0 or 1 on the validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis, and improvement in itch (including an achievement of a reduction of ≥4; and score of 0/1 in Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale) with upadacitinib compared with placebo at Week 16, regardless of age, sex, race, body mass index, AD severity, body surface area involvement, history of atopic comorbidities or asthma, or previous exposure to systemic therapy or cyclosporin. Conclusions: Upadacitinib had consistently high skin clearance rates and itch efficacy across subgroups of patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD through Week 16. These results support upadacitinib as a suitable treatment option in a variety of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03569293 (Measure Up 1), NCT03607422 (Measure Up 2) and NCT03568318 (AD Up). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Séítah is the stratigraphically lowest formation visited by Perseverance in the Jezero crater floor. We present the data obtained by SuperCam: texture by imagery, chemistry by Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, and mineralogy by Supercam Visible and Infrared reflectance and Raman spectroscopy. The Séítah formation consists of igneous, weakly altered rocks dominated by millimeter‐sized grains of olivine with the presence of low‐Ca and high‐Ca pyroxenes, and other primary minerals (e.g., plagioclase, Cr‐Fe‐Ti oxides, phosphates). Along a ∼140 m long section in Séítah, SuperCam analyses showed evidence of geochemical and mineralogical variations, from the contact with the overlying Máaz formation, going deeper in the formation. Bulk rock and olivine Mg#, grain size, olivine content increase gradually further from the contact. Along the section, olivine Mg# is not in equilibrium with the bulk rock Mg#, indicating local olivine accumulation. These observations are consistent with Séítah being the deep ultramafic member of a cumulate series derived from the fractional crystallization and slow cooling of the parent magma at depth. Possible magmatic processes and exhumation mechanisms of Séítah are discussed. Séítah rocks show some affinity with some rocks at Gusev crater, and with some Martian meteorites suggesting that such rocks are not rare on the surface of Mars. Séítah is part of the Nili Fossae regional olivine‐carbonate unit observed from orbit. Future exploration of Perseverance on the rim and outside of the crater will help determine if the observations from the crater floor can be extrapolated to the whole unit or if this unit is composed of distinct sub‐units with various origins. Plain Language Summary: The Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landed on Mars in the Jezero crater on 18 February 2021. An important goal of this mission is to constrain the geology of the Jezero crater and its delta, and to sample rocks to return to Earth. Here, we study the deepest rock formation observed close to the landing site on the crater floor, named the Séitah formation. We conclude that this formation is igneous with rocks consisting in the accumulation of dominant millimeter‐sized olivine crystals with pyroxenes and other minerals. Such rocks form at depth by slow cooling of the magma, and the first mineral to crystallize (olivine) settles down by gravity in the magma. Such rocks bear similarity to other Martian rocks found in the Gusev crater by the Opportunity rover, and also to some Martian meteorites. These rocks will be studied in Earth‐based laboratories and will allow us to better understand magmatic processes on Mars. Key Points: The Séítah formation consists of an olivine cumulate series, weakly altered, preserving the igneous texture and mineralogyEmplacement of the Séítah formation required fractional crystallization and slow cooling of the parent magma at depth and erosionThe Séítah formation could be a particular member of the Nili Fossae regional olivine‐carbonate unit observed from orbit [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under northward interplanetary magnetic field, periodical fluctuations with the period of 85 s have been observed by one of the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms spacecraft at the dayside magnetopause when the solar wind dynamic pressure suddenly dropped. The observed magnetic field distortions, characterized by the compression of the main component as well as the flapping of the perpendicular components, are in line with the theoretical predictions of the Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability excited at the magnetopause. With the convective electric field and the mean electric field removed, the perturbations in the electric field are identified as typical two sinusoidal signals with a 90° phase difference, consistent with previous prediction of the attendant electrostatic field arising from the R‐T instability. The transverse motions of the plasmas resulting from the electric drifting driven by the electrostatic field are observed both in pitch‐angle distributions and in distribution functions. The growth rate of the R‐T instability is about 43 s, implying that the instability has time to grow during the disturbances. Using the Gauss theorem, the calculated net charge density based on the electric field observation is one part of 27 compared to the totally observed plasma density, indicating that only a tiny fraction of the charge separates to set up the electrostatic field, which is due to a collective effect in the plasma. Plain Language Summary: The magnetopause, the outmost edge that our planet's intrinsic magnetic field reaches, is always in motion. The macroscopic acceleration at the magnetopause is sometimes as large as a few km/s2. Theoretically, such an acceleration of the boundary can facilitate an instability in the motion of the interface, the R‐T instability. Such an instability can, in turn, cause a transfer of plasma across the magnetopause, from solar wind into the near‐Earth space. If the resulting particles are sufficiently energetic, operations of many satellites in space can be threatened. However, details of how the instability operates at the magnetopause have been neither verified nor observed in spacecraft observations. Recent measurements from NASA's Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission indicate that the R‐T instability can be excited at the magnetopause, and many details of the instability, including those of its electric field and plasma transport across the magnetopause appear to be verified in those observations. Key Points: 85‐s periodic fluctuations with plasma transport are observed at the magnetopause when solar wind dynamic pressure decreases abruptlyMagnetic field is found fluted along the mean field direction and meandering along the perpendicular directionThe attendant electric field of the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, as well as the resultant cross‐field drift of the plasma, are also identified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of lightning has long been recognized from the point of view of climate‐related phenomena. However, the detailed investigation of lightning on global scales is currently hindered by the incomplete and spatially uneven detection efficiency of ground‐based global lightning detection networks and by the restricted spatio‐temporal coverage of satellite observations. We are developing different methods for investigating global lightning activity based on Schumann resonance (SR) measurements. SRs are global electromagnetic resonances of the Earth‐ionosphere cavity maintained by the vertical component of lightning. Since charge separation in thunderstorms is gravity‐driven, charge is typically separated vertically in thunderclouds, so every lightning flash contributes to the measured SR field. This circumstance makes SR measurements very suitable for climate‐related investigations. In this study, 19 days of global lightning activity in January 2019 are analyzed based on SR intensity records from 18 SR stations and the results are compared with independent lightning observations provided by ground‐based (WWLLN, GLD360, and ENTLN) and satellite‐based (GLM, LIS/OTD) global lightning detection. Daily average SR intensity records from different stations exhibit strong similarity in the investigated time interval. The inferred intensity of global lightning activity varies by a factor of 2–3 on the time scale of 3–5 days which we attribute to continental‐scale temperature changes related to cold air outbreaks from polar regions. While our results demonstrate that the SR phenomenon is a powerful tool to investigate global lightning, it is also clear that currently available technology limits the detailed quantitative evaluation of lightning activity on continental scales. Plain Language Summary: Lightning is recognized as a climate variable indicating the changing climate of the Earth. Surface temperature changes on the order of 1°C can result in a significant change in lightning frequency. Lightning activity is monitored on a global scale by satellites and by ground‐based global lightning detection networks. However, the detection efficiency of these available technologies is limited which restricts the investigation of global lightning activity especially on the day‐to‐day time scale. In this study, we propose an alternative method to monitor day‐to‐day changes in global lightning activity based on Schumann resonance measurements and thus we compare SR‐based observations with available global lightning monitoring techniques. We show that the overall intensity of global lightning activity can vary considerably (by a factor of 2–3) within a few days, further motivating our efforts to monitor such changes and understand their causes. It is also clear from our study that new methods are needed to quantitatively characterize continental‐scale lightning activity. Key Points: Daily average Schumann resonance intensity is a quasi‐global invariant quantity that shows good agreement with global daily stroke rates and thunder hoursGlobal lightning activity can vary by a factor of 2–3 on a 3–5 day timescale which could be attributed to cold air outbreaksCurrently available technology does not allow the detailed quantitative evaluation of lightning activity on continental scales [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising solvents for the aromatic extraction process. An attractive characteristic is the existence of hundreds of ILs that exhibit different properties. To identify key properties of IL solvents for an energy‐optimum aromatic extraction, we use process simulation to generate the process datasets for multivariate data analytics with partial least squares, and use science‐guided fundamentals to develop an IL heat load variable (HLV). We consider 16 well‐studied ILs and correlate process steam duty and process variables affecting equipment size to the HLV for ethylene cracker feeds of low aromatic content. For such feeds in an IL aromatic extraction process, 11 of 16 ILs show energy advantage compared with sulfolane solvent with the lowest energy IL process requiring 57% of total energy required for an equivalent sulfolane process. Our results facilitate the IL solvent selection for pilot tests and subsequent commercialization of an IL aromatic extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the growth, development, morphogenesis, signal transduction, and stress response in plants. The ICE (Inducer of CBF expression)‐CBF (C‐repeat binding factor)‐COR (Cold‐regulated gene) regulatory cascade is an important signalling pathway in plant response to low temperature stress, and it remains unknown whether this pathway is regulated by miRNAs.In this study, high‐throughput sequencing was employed for predicting and identifying the miRNAs that were likely to target the ICE‐CBF‐COR pathway in Eucalyptus camaldulensis. A novel ICE1‐targeting miRNA, eca‐novel‐miR‐259‐5p (nov‐miR259), was further analysed.A total of 392 conserved miRNAs and 97 novel miRNAs were predicted, including 80 differentially expressed miRNAs. Of these, 30 miRNAs were predicted to be associated with the ICE‐CBF‐COR pathway. The full‐length of mature nov‐miR259 was 22 bp and its precursor gene was 60 bp in length, with a typical hairpin structure. The RNA ligase‐mediated 5′ amplification of cDNA ends (5′‐RLM‐RACE) and Agrobacterium‐mediated tobacco transient expression assays demonstrated that nov‐miR259 could cleave EcaICE1 in vivo. Moreover, qRT‐PCR and Pearson's correlation analysis further revealed that the expression levels of nov‐miR259 were almost significantly negatively correlated with those of its target gene, EcaICE1, and the other genes in the ICE‐CBF‐COR pathway.We first identified the nov‐miR259 as a novel ICE1‐targeting miRNA, and the nov‐miR259‐ICE1 module may be involved in regulating the cold stress response in E. camaldulensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover is equipped with the RIMFAX ground penetrating radar instrument which has been continuously surveying the shallow subsurface during the rover's journey. Within the first 379 mission days, we identify hyperbolic patterns in the data, which are thought to be caused by objects such as buried boulders or cavities located in the upper 5 m of the subsurface. To obtain the first detailed estimates of radar wave propagation velocity, we match these scatterer‐generated patterns with theoretical traveltime hyperbolas, which take into account the refraction at the surface. We employ these estimates to derive the average dielectric permittivity and bulk rock density of the volume above the scatterer source. The parameters compare well with those obtained through orbital radar measurements and those measured by other instruments onboard the Perseverance Rover. Our findings are consistent with a subsurface dominated by solid rock and mafic material. Plain Language Summary: The Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover carries the RIMFAX instrument, the first ground‐penetrating radar on a NASA Mars rover. It continuously transmits radar waves into the subsurface while the Rover moves and records the reflected echoes to create images of the subsurface and determine material properties. Here, we use arch‐shaped patterns in the data to find out about the dielectric permittivity and rock density. Both properties match well with estimates from other instruments onboard the Perseverance Rover and from Mars orbiters. Our findings indicate a solid‐rock subsurface composed of volcanic material. Key Points: First detailed dielectric permittivity and bulk rock density measurements of the shallow Martian subsurface with ground penetrating radar are presentedPermittivities and densities are consistent with a solid‐rock, mafic subsurfacePermittivities are in the range of Mars orbital radar results; densities compare with surficial densities from other Rover instruments [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high mobility emissive organic semiconductors is of great significance for the fabrication of miniaturized optoelectronic devices, such as organic light emitting transistors. However, great challenge exists in designing key materials, especially those who integrates triplet exciton utilization ability. Herein, dinaphthylanthracene diimides (DNADIs), with 2,6‐extended anthracene donor, and 3′‐ or 4′‐substituted naphthalene monoimide acceptors were designed and synthesized. By introducing acceptor‐donor‐acceptor structure, both materials show high electron mobility. Moreover, by fine‐tuning of substitution sites, good integration with high solid state photoluminescence quantum yield of 26 %, high electron mobility of 0.02 cm2 V−1 s−1, and the feature of hot‐exciton induced delayed fluorescence were obtained in 4′‐DNADI. This work opens a new avenue for developing high electron mobility emissive organic semiconductors with efficient utilization of triplet excitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude of global surface temperature change in response to unit radiative forcing depends on the type and magnitude of forcing agent—a concept known as a "forcing efficacy." However, the mechanisms behind the forcing efficacy are still unclear. In this study, we perform a set of simulations using CESM1 to calculate the efficacy of 10 different forcing agents defined in terms of fixed‐SST effective radiative forcing, and then use a Green's function approach to show that each forcing efficacy can be largely understood in terms of the radiative feedbacks associated with the different surface temperature patterns induced by the forcing agents (a pattern effect). We also quantify how the state dependence of feedbacks on global mean surface temperature anomalies impacts forcing efficacies. The results show that the forcing efficacy can be well reconstructed with a combination of pattern effect and state dependence. Plain Language Summary: The magnitude of global warming in response to unit forcing induced by carbon dioxide is different to that induced by methane or solar radiation, and the efficacy of a specific climate forcing agent depends on its type and magnitude. Our results show that the forcing efficacy can be explained with a combination of pattern effect and state dependence. When there is relatively stronger forcing over the tropical western Pacific Ocean, where feedbacks are more negative, the corresponding sea surface warming pattern favors a lower efficacy. When the forcing induces a larger global surface warming, less‐stabilizing feedbacks are induced and the corresponding efficacy tends to be higher. Key Points: Forcing efficacy can be explained with a combination of pattern effect and state dependence of feedbacksEfficacy is lower when there is relatively stronger forcing over the tropical western Pacific OceanEfficacy is higher when the forcing is more positive, inducing less‐stabilizing feedbacks at higher warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated assembly accelerates the building construction process. A primary concern related to prefabricated assembly is the increased fragility of the connection between precast members compared to cast‐in‐situ members. On the other hand, core steel tube reinforced concrete (CSTRC) columns are increasingly being used in high‐rise structures to provide effective axial and lateral force resistance. This study proposes a prefabricated core steel tube reinforced concrete (PCSTRC) column which capitalizes on both the strength of the CSTRC column and the advantages of precast manufacturing, as shown in Fig. 1. The connection is designed to guarantee the integrity of the whole column. Two full‐scale PCSTRC columns with varying axial loads and two controlled specimens, namely a monolithic CSTRC column and a conventional reinforced concrete (RC) column, were fabricated and tested under quasi‐static cyclic loading in order to investigate their seismic performance. The test results demonstrate that all the columns experienced typical flexure‐controlled failure, while the PCSTRC columns suffered less visual damage than the monolithic controlled specimens. The PCSTRC column performed satisfactorily in terms of strength, stiffness, ductility, and general hysteretic behavior and had significantly greater load‐carrying and energy dissipation capacities than the conventional RC column. In addition, there were no apparent differences between the capacities of the CSTRC and PCSTRC columns. As axial load increased, the deformation capacity of the PCSTRC column decreased. Overall, the proposed prefabricated composite column demonstrates good seismic performance and can be considered for use in building construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising alternatives to conventional solvents for selective separation of aromatics from hydrocarbon mixtures, and their implementations depend on economic feasibility demonstrated by process simulation. Prior process modeling studies typically assume simplified hydrocarbon feeds or use the COSMO‐SAC predictive model. Our goal is to evaluate how feed simplifications and COSMO‐SAC predictions impact process modeling. We collect experimental data for 1‐Ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]) from the ILThermo database to regress UNIQUAC model binary interaction parameters for 17 hydrocarbons. We find that feed simplifications tend to significantly underpredict process energy requirements and fail to reveal important details in the extractive distillation section of the process. COSMO‐SAC predictions underpredict activity coefficient of aliphatics in [EMIM][NTf2] by a large margin, which leads to lower aromatic‐aliphatic selectivities and overprediction of process energy requirements. It is significant enough to lead to the conclusion of process infeasibility in the case of [EMIM][NTf2]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is industrial incentive to extract aromatics from ethylene cracker feeds, but the conventional sulfolane solvent was found not economical by Meindersma and coworkers. Ionic liquids (ILs) have long been considered alternative aromatic extraction solvents. This work develops energy‐optimum aromatic extraction processes for an ethylene cracker feed using IL solvents. We avoid pitfalls of using simplified feeds and a priori thermodynamic property estimates, with the largest set of experimentally regressed UNIQUAC binary parameters for the IL, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis([trifluoromethyl]sulfonyl)imide ([EMIM][NTf2]). We screen process energy and operating conditions for [EMIM][NTf2] and sulfolane at varying aromatic feed contents and find [EMIM][NTf2] favorable at low aromatic feed contents. Adding light and heavy components of the ethylene cracker feed necessitates process modifications. Our novel steam‐assisted extractive distillation developed for [EMIM][NTf2] is also suitable for sulfolane. We show that the [EMIM][NTf2] solvent can reduce 10.7% of energy consumption compared to sulfolane using the same novel process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high‐resolution Solar Wind Electron Analyzer data from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN spacecraft, we report two new types of electron pitch angle distributions (PADs) in the Martian plasma environment. The first type of electron PADs, showing pitch angle primally around 45° $45{}^{\circ}$, is termed funnel distribution, which was observed near the terminator and at about 1,200 km altitude. The second type of electron PADs, showing pitch angle primally around 135° $135{}^{\circ}$, is termed skirt distribution, which was detected on the nightside and at about 1,250 km altitude. The electrons of funnel and skirt distributions do not exhibit any photoelectron signatures and are shown to originate from the solar wind. Through the fitting analysis, we find that the electrons showing both funnel and skirt PADs are thermal electron populations and suprathermal electron populations. In addition, the possibilities that such two types of electron pitch angle distributions corresponding to magnetic field configurations are also discussed. Plain Language Summary: Electron pitch angle distribution (PAD) plays an important role in studying electron dynamics and magnetic field topologies. Various types of electron PADs in the Martian space environment have been widely reported and studied, including pancake, one‐sided loss cone, isotropy, double field‐aligned beam, butterfly, and so on. In this study, we report two new types of electron PADs, funnel and skirt distributions. The funnel distribution shows pitch angle primally around 45°, and the skirt distributions shows pitch angle primally around 135°. Additionally, we also analyze the sources and populations of these electrons showing funnel and skirt distributions, and discuss the magnetic field configurations that correlate to these two distributions. Such electron PADs may be important for understanding the Martian plasma environment, especially electron precipitation and ion escape. Key Points: In Martian space environment, we report two new types of electron pitch angle distributions, funnel and skirt distributionsThe funnel distribution shows pitch angles primally around 45° $45{}^{\circ}$, and the skirt distribution shows pitch angles primally around 135° $135{}^{\circ}$The electrons of funnel and skirt distributions are identified as thermal and suprathermal electron populations originating from solar wind [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelets have toll-like receptors (TLRs); however, their function in thrombosis or hemostasis under flow conditions is not fully known. Thrombin-inhibited anticoagulated whole blood was treated with various TLR agonists and then perfused over fibrillar collagen using microfluidic assay at venous wall shear rate (100 s-1). Platelet deposition was imaged with fluorescent anti-CD61. For perfusion of whole blood without TLR agonist addition, platelets rapidly accumulated on collagen and eventually occluded the microchannels. Interestingly, most of the tested TLR agonists (Pam3CKS4, MALP-2, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid HMW, imiquimod, and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides) strongly reduced platelet deposition on collagen, while only the TLR4 agonist endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) enhanced deposition. Following 90 sec of deposition under flow of untreated blood, the addition of various TLR-7 agonists (imiquimod, vesatolimod, and GSK2245035) all caused immediate blockade of further platelet deposition. Since TLR signaling can activate nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), the IKK-inhibitor (IKK inhibitor VII) and NF- κ B inhibitor (Bay 11-7082) were tested. The IKK/NF-κB inhibitors strongly inhibited platelet deposition under flow. Furthermore, addition of Pam3CSK4 (TLR1/2 ligand), MALP-2 (TLR2/6 ligand), and Imquimod (TLR7 ligand) reduced phosphotidylserine (PS) exposure. Activation of TLR1/2, TLR2/6, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 in whole blood reduced platelet deposition under flow on collagen; however, LPS (major Gram negative bacterial pathogenic component) activation of LTR4 was clearly prothrombotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced composites have attracted lots of attention in many fields. However, on account of the poor infiltration of resin to carbon fiber, the weak interface performance between fiber and resin has been restricting the interface properties of composites. In recent progress, the review attaches more importance to the introduction of the third phase monomer, which mainly uses physical and chemical methods to assemble nanomaterials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, etc.) on the carbon fiber surface to modify the interface structure of the carbon fiber reinforced composites, and all of them have been demonstrated in this paper. Furthermore, the effects of introducing nanomaterials on the structure of the fiber/resin interface and the relationship between multi‐scale interface structure and properties have been investigated. It can be seen that the design idea of researchers mainly uses one or more theories to improve the interface properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites, such as transition layer, chemical bonding, mechanical interlocking, infiltration, diffusion, and adsorption. In brief, this work provides some novel insights for the preparation of carbon fiber reinforced composites with excellent interlaminar shear strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed carbonylative transformation is a well‐established and indispensable tool in organic chemistry, partially due to that CO is a cheap and readily available C1‐building block. The β‐lactone products via carbonylative ring expansion of epoxide are particularly attractive, because they feature broad utility in organic and polymer chemistry. One of the major challenges for this promising reaction is the usage of toxic, moderately air sensitive, unstable and pyrophoric low‐valent cobalt catalysts. Inorganic salts feature high abundance in nature, and the generation of catalytic species from in situ reduction of divalent cobalt(II) salt has received intense attention, which avoids the unnecessary storage and transport of sensitive low‐valent cobalt compounds. Herein, we have employed this strategy for the selectively carbonylative ring expansion of epoxides under an extremely mild condition, e. g. 40 °C and 1 atm CO pressure. This method eliminates the usage of extremely sensitive cobalt carbonyl catalyst. In addition, this reaction is tolerant to a variety of epoxides, and up to 15 examples of β‐lactones with excellent functionality have been isolated in moderate to excellent yields and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Herbal supplements containing curcumin and other ingredients are used for pain management in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Objectives: To test the effects of a herbal supplement containing curcumin and other ingredients in horses with lameness due to naturally occurring OA. Study design: Two‐period randomised crossover design. Methods: Ten Thoroughbreds with naturally occurring chronic OA were randomly assigned to the treatment (BLP; Buteless® Performance) or control (CTR, no supplement) groups and fed daily for 30 days. On Days −1 (before treatment), 15 and 30, lameness examination, range of motion, pain on palpation and force platform data were collected. Plasma curcumin concentration and its metabolites were measured on Days 1 and 14. Gastroscopy, a complete blood count and a serum biochemistry panel were performed on each horse before treatment Day −1 and Day 31. Gastric lesions (ulcers) were scored in real time by a masked investigator. Results: Mean peak vertical force (PVF), measured by the force platform, significantly increased in the lame limb of the BLP‐treated horses on Days 15 (0.40 ± 0.13 N/kg, (p = 0.0025) and 30 (0.63 ± 0.14 N/kg, p < 0.0001) compared to the CTR group. In addition, mean normalised PVF was higher in the BLP group on Day 15 (p = 0.0438) and on day 30 (p = 0.0003) when compared to CTR horses for the same days. The PVF significantly improved (≥5%; range, 5.2–33%) in six of nine individual BLP‐treated horses and did not improve (<5%; range, 0–3.4%) in three of nine BLP‐treated horses. Also, PVF improved (≥5%; range, 7.6–15.4%) in three of nine horses in the CRT group. Squamous gastric lesion scores significantly decreased in both groups by Day 31. Plasma curcumin‐O‐sulphate concentrations (1.2–3.3 ng/ml) were present in 9/10 BLP‐treated horses by Day 14. Main limitations: Small sample size and absence of a positive treatment (non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug) control. Conclusions: The BLP supplement containing curcumin achieved plasma concentrations and improved weight bearing in some treated horses with naturally occurring OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a novel second‐order explicit midpoint method to address the issue of energy loss and vorticity dissipation in Eulerian fluid simulation. The basic idea is to explicitly compute the pressure gradient at the middle time of each time step and apply it to the velocity field after advection. Theoretically, our solver can achieve higher accuracy than the first‐order solvers at similar computational cost. On the other hand, our method is twice and even faster than the implicit second‐order solvers at the cost of a small loss of accuracy. We have carried out a large number of 2D, 3D and numerical experiments to verify the effectiveness and availability of our algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic, preliminary research has reported a significant decline in physical activity (PA) and an increase in sedentary behaviour (SB) among typically developed children and adolescents. Limited research has looked at the current situation of PA and SB during this pandemic among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). This study investigated the situations about PA and SB among school‐aged children and adolescents with ID on China's mainland during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Methods: In total, 837 parents of children and adolescents (ages 6–18 years) with ID from 15 special education schools of Shandong Province in China were recruited through convenience sampling in the study. Parents reported PA and SB among children and adolescents with ID through the Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey‐Chinese version (CLASS‐C) online questionnaires. Results: From parents' reports, Chinese children and adolescents with ID during the COVID‐19 pandemic participated in approximately 10 min of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, and engaged in approximately 530 min of SB every day. Meanwhile, only 17.4% of children and adolescents with ID were able to achieve the recommendation of 60 min of daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and 76.1% of children and adolescents with ID spent more than 2 h on SB per day. Additionally, the problems of decrease PA and excessive SB were more prominent in older adolescents with ID compared with younger children with ID. Conclusion: In China, the low level of PA and high level of SB is particularly evident in children and adolescents with ID during the outbreak of COVID‐19. The great majority of children and adolescents with ID did not meet the recommended amount of PA while undergoing excessive SB under the long‐term home quarantine environment. Therefore, immediate attention and great effort should be made to deal with this severe situation among this vulnerable population in the mainland of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]