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In this study, we synthesized BaZnSi3O8‐based compounds with monoclinic structures (P21/a) using a solid‐state method. The crystal structure, phase composition, and microwave dielectric properties of BaZnSi3O8‐based ceramics were systematically investigated systematically. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images proved that the maximum solubility of BaZn1‐xMgxSi3O8 ranged between 0.3 and 0.4. Rietveld refinement and Phillips–Van Vechten–Levine complex chemical bond theory were used to illustrate the relationship between the microwave dielectric performance and lattice parameters. To further improve the properties, we substituted Ba2+ with Sr2+ in BaZn0.8Mg0.2Si3O8. Ba1‐ySryZn0.8Mg0.2Si3O8 remained in a single‐phase as y increased from 0 to 1.0. We achieved thermal stability of the resonance frequency of the BaZnSi3O8‐based ceramics by adjusting TiO2 to form composite ceramics. After sintering at 1020°C for 5 h, excellent microwave dielectric properties with εr = 7.44, Q×f = 57,400 GHz, and τf = − 0.2 ppm/°C were realized in the SrZn0.8Mg0.2Si3O8+8 wt %TiO2 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One crucial component of ghost imaging (GI) is the encoded mask. Higher-quality reconstruction at lower sampling rates is still a major challenge for GI. Inspired by deep learning, max-projection method is proposed in the paper to reorder the Hadamard masks for its efficient and rapid reconstruction. The simulations demonstrated that max-projection ordering with only 20 face training images yielded excellent reconstruction outcomes. In noise-free simulations, at an ultralow sampling rate of 5%, the PSNR of the max-projection ordering was 1.1 dB higher than that of the cake-cutting ordering with the best performance in the reference group. In noisy simulations, at ultralow sampling rates, the retrieved images remained almost identical to their noise-free counterparts. Irrespective of the presence or absence of noise, the max-projection ordering guaranteed the highest fidelity of image reconstruction at ultralow sampling rates. The reconstruction time was reduced to mere milliseconds, thereby enabling swift visualization of dynamic phenomena. Accordingly, the max-projection ordering Hadamard matrix offers a promising solution for real-time GI due to its higher reconstruction quality, stronger noise immunity and millisecond reconstruction time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 -based ceramics were prepared using the traditional solid-phase reaction method, and this paper presents the fabrication procedure, crystal structure, microstructure, microwave dielectric properties and temperature coefficient of thermal expansion of BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 -based ceramics. BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 -based ceramics were found to possess a hexagonal crystal structure with the P 6/ mcc space group. The BaAl 2 Si 2 O 8 and BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 phases coexisted in BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 ceramic given that raw MgO material reacted easily with water vapour in the air, and the BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 single-phase ceramic could be synthesized with calcined raw MgO material. The BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 single-phase ceramic exhibited ultralow ε r (5.68 at 14.05 GHz), moderate Q × f value (28534 GHz at 14.05 GHz), a self near-zero τ f value (7.35 ppm/°C), a near-zero average temperature coefficient of thermal expansion (+1.89 ppm/°C) at 30 °C 1000 °C and a rare negative temperature coefficient of thermal expansion (9.43 ppm/°C) at 655 °C 710 °C. The rare near-zero and negative thermal expansions of the BaMg 2 Al 6 Si 9 O 30 single-phase ceramic were mainly related to the strong Si/Al-O bonds with high relative covalency and 2 coordinate O(1) allowing longitudinal vibrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microwave dielectric ceramic of SrGa 2 Si 2 O 8 was synthesized using the traditional solid-state method. Its phase composition, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and network analyzer. XRD results indicated that the space group of the ceramic transformed from I 2 /c to P 21 /a at 700 °C. A combination of good microwave dielectric properties was obtained at 1260 °C with ε r = 6.3, Q × f= 96,600 GHz and τ f = −45.2 ppm/°C at 16.5 GHz. The negative τ f can be tuned to near zero by adding 15 mol% CaTiO 3. The densification temperature can be reduced to 940 °C by adding 4 wt% LiF. Moreover, the SrGa 2 Si 2 O 8 ceramic had good chemical compatibility with the Ag electrode. A patch antenna was designed using the 0.85SrGa 2 Si 2 O 8 + 0.15CaTiO 3 + 4 wt% LiF ceramic. The antenna had a high radiation efficiency of 99.2 % and a gain of 2.988 dBi at the center frequency of 4.261 GHz. All results indicated that the SrGa 2 Si 2 O 8 ceramic has promising potential for applications in 5 G wireless communication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of promoting cooperation in the public goods game has always been concerned by scholars. However, most of the existing studies are based on the premise that participants are self-interested. In order to explore why some sellers on e-commerce platforms voluntarily maintain the platform's reputation, we incorporate heterogeneous social preferences of sellers into the spatial public goods game. We find that heterogeneous social preferences can enhance cooperation by improving collective rationality. Specifically, the altruistic preference of sellers can greatly reduce free-riding behavior, while the inequality aversion preference has a little inhibitory effect. Interestingly, when the benefit of maintaining the platform's reputation is relatively high, the reciprocal preference can inhibit cooperation, but it can promote cooperation when the benefit is relatively small. This is due to the existence of some loosely connected but stable cooperative or defective clusters of sellers in e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, we propose a dynamic punishment mechanism to punish free riders. We observe that the dynamic punishment mechanism is more effective than the static punishment mechanism in solving the second-order free-riding problem faced by punishers. Increasing the enhancement factor of public goods is identified as a fundamental approach to mitigating this problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational fabrication of composite structures made of mixed components has shown great potential for boosting the energy density of supercapacitors. Herein, an elaborate hierarchical MOF-derived NiCo2S4@Mo-doped Co-LDH arrays hybrid electrode was fabricated through a step-wise method. By leveraging the synergistic effects of a uniform array of NiCo2S4 nanowires as the core and an MOF-derived porous shell, the NiCo2S4@Mo-doped Co-LDH hybrid electrode demonstrates an exceptional specific capacitance of 3049.3 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Even at a higher current density of 20 A g−1, the capacitance remains high at 2458.8 F g−1. Moreover, the electrode exhibits remarkable cycling stability, with 91% of the initial capacitance maintained after 10,000 cycles at 10 A g−1. Additionally, the as-fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) based on the NiCo2S4@Mo-doped Co-LDH electrode achieves an impressive energy density of 97.5 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 835.6 W kg−1. These findings provide a promising approach for the development of hybrid-structured electrodes, enabling the realization of high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel BaCa2M3O9 (M = Si, Ge) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared via solid‐state reaction with sintering at 1125°C–1275°C for 5 h. Single‐phase BaCa2M3O9 (M = Si, Ge) ceramics were obtained according to stoichiometry. The single‐phase BaCa2Ge3O9 ceramic was confirmed through Rietveld refinement and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy/selected area electron diffraction and synthesized for the first time. The BaCa2M3O9 (M = Si, Ge) exhibited a triclinic structure with a P1¯$\bar 1$ space group and good microwave dielectric properties. The εr, Q × f, and τf values of BaCa2M3O9 (M = Si, Ge) ceramics are mostly dominated by the relative density, ionic polarizability, relative covalence, and bond energy of M–O bond, respectively. A high Q × f value (61 800 GHz at 16.3 GHz) was obtained in BaCa2Ge3O9 ceramic due to its high rc (Ge–O) and low intrinsic dielectric loss. The BaCa2Si3O9 ceramic exhibited small |τf| value (‒36.4 ppm/°C) due to its large ESi‐O. Excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 8.31, Q × f = 61 800 GHz, and τf = ‒58.7 ppm/°C) were obtained for the BaCa2Ge3O9 ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In maize, young kernels that are less competitive and have poor sink activity often abort. Studies have indicated that such poor competitiveness depends, in part, on the regulation by auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. We used pollination‐blocking and hand‐pollination treatments accompanied by multi‐omics and physiological tests, to identify underlying mechanism by which IAA and ABA, along with sugar signaling affect kernel development. Results showed that preventing pollination of the primary ears reactivated kernels in the secondary ears and altered both sugar metabolism and hormone signaling pathways. This was accompanied by increased enzyme activities in carbon metabolism and concentrations of glucose and starch, as well as increased levels of IAA and decreased levels of ABA in the reactivated kernels. Positive and negative correlations were observed between IAA, ABA contents and cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity, and glucose contents, respectively. In vitro culture revealed that the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization was upregulated by IAA, but downregulated by ABA. IAA could promote the expression of ABA signaling genes ZmPP2C9 and ZmPP2C13 but downregulated the expression of Zmnced5, an ABA biosynthesis gene, and ZmSnRK2.10, which is involved in ABA signal transduction. However, these genes showed opposite trends when IAA transport was inhibited. To summarize, we suggest a regulatory model for how IAA inhibits ABA metabolism by promoting the smooth utilization of glucose in reactivated young kernels. Our findings highlight the importance of IAA in ABA signaling by regulating glucose production and transport in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In maize, young kernels that are less competitive and have poor sink activity often abort. Studies have indicated that such poor competitiveness depends, in part, on the regulation by auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. We used pollination‐blocking and hand‐pollination treatments accompanied by multi‐omics and physiological tests, to identify underlying mechanism by which IAA and ABA, along with sugar signaling affect kernel development. Results showed that preventing pollination of the primary ears reactivated kernels in the secondary ears and altered both sugar metabolism and hormone signaling pathways. This was accompanied by increased enzyme activities in carbon metabolism and concentrations of glucose and starch, as well as increased levels of IAA and decreased levels of ABA in the reactivated kernels. Positive and negative correlations were observed between IAA, ABA contents and cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity, and glucose contents, respectively. In vitro culture revealed that the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization was upregulated by IAA, but downregulated by ABA. IAA could promote the expression of ABA signaling genes ZmPP2C9 and ZmPP2C13 but downregulated the expression of Zmnced5, an ABA biosynthesis gene, and ZmSnRK2.10, which is involved in ABA signal transduction. However, these genes showed opposite trends when IAA transport was inhibited. To summarize, we suggest a regulatory model for how IAA inhibits ABA metabolism by promoting the smooth utilization of glucose in reactivated young kernels. Our findings highlight the importance of IAA in ABA signaling by regulating glucose production and transport in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium metal (LM) is a promising anode material for next generation lithium ion based electrochemical energy storage devices. Critical issues of unstable solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) and dendrite growth however still impede its practical applications. Herein, a composite gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), formed through in situ polymerization of pentaerythritol tetraacrylate with fumed silica fillers, is developed to achieve high performance lithium metal batteries (LMBs). As evidenced theoretically and experimentally, the presence of SiO2 not only accelerates Li+ transport but also regulates Li+ solvation sheath structures, thus facilitating fast kinetics and formation of stable LiF‐rich interphase and achieving uniform Li depositions to suppress Li dendrite growth. The composite GPE‐based Li||Cu half‐cells and Li||Li symmetrical cells display high Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 90.3% after 450 cycles and maintain stability over 960 h at 3 mA cm−2 and 3 mAh cm−2, respectively. In addition, Li||LiFePO4 full‐cells with a LM anode of limited Li supply of 4 mAh cm−2 achieve capacity retention of 68.5% after 700 cycles at 0.5 C (1 C = 170 mA g−1). Especially, when further applied in anode‐free LMBs, the carbon cloth||LiFePO4 full‐cell exhibits excellent cycling stability with an average CE of 99.94% and capacity retention of 90.3% at the 160th cycle at 0.5 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dielectric properties of a Ga‐based melilite type ceramic Sr2Ga2SiO7 via theoretical prediction based on far‐infrared spectroscopy and experimental measurement by the Hakki–Coleman method were studied in this work. Dense and single‐phase ceramics were fabricated via solid‐state reaction at 1330°C and exhibited comprehensive microwave dielectric properties (εr ∼ 7.6, Q × f ∼ 23 600 GHz, and τf ∼ −35.2 ppm/°C) at 14.3 GHz. Chemical modifications were proposed to adjust the thermal stability and reduce the densification temperature. By adding 10 mol% CaTiO3, the negative τf can be compensated to a near‐zero value of −3.8 ppm/°C. The densification temperature was reduced to 940°C by adding 3 wt.% LiF. A patch antenna was designed using Sr2Ga2SiO7 ceramic with a high radiation efficiency of 99.1% and a gain of 2.788 dBi at the center frequency of 4.371 GHz. All results indicate that the Sr2Ga2SiO7 ceramic has promising application potential for 5G wireless communication technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, is a model for sex chromosome organization and evolution of female heterogamety. We previously identified a G. affinis female-specific marker, orthologous to the aminomethyl transferase (amt) gene of the related platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus). Here, we have analyzed the structure and differentiation of the G. affinis W-chromosome, using a cytogenomics and bioinformatics approach. Results: The long arm of the G. affinis W-chromosome (Wq) is highly enriched in dispersed repetitive sequences, but neither heterochromatic nor epigenetically silenced by hypermethylation. In line with this, Wq sequences are highly transcribed, including an active nucleolus organizing region (NOR). Female-specific SNPs and evolutionary young transposable elements were highly enriched and dispersed along the W-chromosome long arm, suggesting constrained recombination. Wq copy number expanded elements also include female-specific transcribed sequences from the amt locus with homology to TE. Collectively, the G. affinis W-chromosome is actively differentiating by sex-specific copy number expansion of transcribed TE-related elements, but not (yet) by extensive sequence divergence or gene decay. Conclusions: The G. affinis W-chromosome exhibits characteristic genomic properties of an evolutionary young sex chromosome. Strikingly, the observed sex-specific changes in the genomic landscape are confined to the W long arm, which is separated from the rest of the W-chromosome by a neocentromere acquired during sex chromosome evolution and may thus have become functionally insulated. In contrast, W short arm sequences were apparently shielded from repeat-driven differentiation, retained Z-chromosome like genomic features, and may have preserved pseudo-autosomal properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional solid‐state reaction method was used to prepare Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 (M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) ceramics. Then, the impact of an M4+ substitution of Sn4+ on the phase transition, crystal structural parameter, and microwave dielectric properties of Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics were investigated. Ti4+ could not replace the Sn4+ of Ca2Sn2Al2O9 due to its small ionic radius, and the Al‐based second phases of Ca2Sn2−xTixAl2O9 ceramics were confirmed by the X‐ray diffractometer and EDS map scanning results. With the Zr4+ and Hf4+ substitutions of Sn4+, the SnO2 and CaSnO3 second phases of Ca2Sn2Al2O9 ceramic were inhibited, and the Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 (M = Zr and Hf) (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) single‐phase ceramics with orthorhombic structure (Pbcn space group) were obtained. New MO2 (M = Zr and Hf) and CaAl2O4 second phases appeared in the Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 (M = Zr and Hf) (0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics, and their contents increased gradually with the increase in x. The Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 (M = Zr and Hf) (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) ceramics exhibited high Q × f because of their pure phase compositions, and the Q × f of Ca2Sn2Al2O9 ceramic was improved to 77 800 GHz (12.6 GHz) in the Ca2Sn1.9Zr0.1Al2O9 ceramic. The Q × f values of Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 single‐phase ceramics were mainly controlled by rc (Sn/M–O) and rc (Al–O). The τf values of single‐phase Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 ceramics were related to octahedral distortions. The Zr4+ and Hf4+ substitution of Sn4+ optimized the phase compositions and microwave dielectric properties of the Ca2Sn2−xMxAl2O9 ceramics, and the Ca2Sn1.9Zr0.1Al2O9 ceramic sintered at optimal temperature exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 8.67, Q × f = 77 800 GHz at 12.6 GHz and τf = −69.8 ppm/°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of controlled release system promises a huge impact on the pesticide delivery, which has raised attentions in improving efficacy of pesticides. Herein, the emerging photoremovable protecting group (PRPG), used in spatiotemporal delivery of drug by light, was introduced into agriculture. We obtained three TNB-insecticides and two of them exhibited excellent photophysicochemical properties. Our dual photo-controlled release system displayed more than sixfold insecticidal activity differences upon irradiation with UV light or sunlight. The dual release of DIN-TNB-DIN showed synergistic effect on mosquito larvae and armyworm larvae. Distribution of the fluorescence in body of dead/alive wigglers clearly illustrated the action mode, and visually demonstrated the precise and spatiotemporal delivery of insecticides in the living mosquito larvae. The new developed dual photo-controlled release system might widen the diversity in pesticide delivery, promoting the development in improving pesticide efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the factors determining spectacle-wear compliance and reasons for non-wear among students in rural China. This study was based on a spectacle intervention trial among 162 schools in rural China. Students with refractive errors were randomly assigned to either a free or voucher group to receive spectacles at baseline. Spectacle-wear compliance was assessed through an unannounced follow-up 7 months after spectacles were distributed. Students not wearing spectacles were also asked their reasons for non-wear. The collected data underwent descriptive, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses. A total of 1904 students received spectacles at baseline, 1826 (95.9%) of whom were present at the 7-month follow-up. Among those students, 41.7% wore their spectacles. There was no significant difference in compliance rates between the free and voucher groups. Predictors of wearing spectacles at follow-up included older age (Odds ratio = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12–2.19), the severity of refractive error (3.68, 2.23–6.07), wearing spectacles before baseline (3.91, 2.53–6.04) and having friends who wore spectacles (1.87, 1.32–2.63). When students could see the blackboard from their seats (0.68, 0.51–0.89) and thought that wearing spectacles was bad looking (0.76, 0.57–1.00), they were reluctant to wear spectacles. The two main reasons for non-wear were the widespread perception that wearing spectacles would weaken eyesight (32.8%) and the inconvenience of wearing spectacles during activities (23.6%). The main reason that accounts for the low compliance of spectacle wear was misconceptions around spectacle. School-based spectacle programs should consider enhancing the compliance rates to maximize the benefits of spectacle wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental migration is an important factor affecting left-behind children's health. However, few studies have addressed the effect of parental migration on children's vision health in China. To fill the gap, this study aimed to assess the impact of parental migration on left-behind children's vision health and to explore the possible mechanisms of the effect. Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline survey of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), which included over 10,000 junior high school students. This study used myopia, the most common vision problem among junior high school students, and tried to analyze whether myopia was corrected with eyeglasses as indicator variables of vision health. The impact of parental migration on vision health was assessed using an instrumental variables approach. Results: The results show that parental migration reduced the likelihood of myopia in left-behind children and decreased the possibility of myopic left-behind children being corrected. This result passed a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis indicated that compared to non-left-behind children, left-behind children spent more time on outdoor activities and less time on after-school classes, reducing their risk of being myopic. Further, because left-behind children live apart from their parents, their myopia problem is more difficult for parents to notice, and left-behind children are less likely to inform their parents of their myopia than non-left-behind children actively. This helps to explain why left-behind children have a lower correction rate with eyeglasses. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration, while not increasing the prevalence of myopia in left-behind children, has led to inequity in myopic left-behind children's correction. Given the severe consequences of uncorrected myopia, action is required to enhance the correction rate of myopic left-behind children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase compositions and microwave dielectric properties of Sn-deficient Ca 2 Sn 2 Al 2 O 9 ceramics in this study were explored. The CaSnO 3 and SnO 2 second phases existed at Ca 2 Sn 2- x Al 2 O 9-2 x (x = 0) ceramic. Single-phase Ca 2 Sn 2 Al 2 O 9 ceramics were obtained at 0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.1, and the orthorhombic structure with the Pbcn space group of Ca 2 Sn 2 Al 2 O 9 was verified. For multi-phase Ca 2 Sn 2- x Al 2 O 9-2 x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.06) ceramics, their microwave dielectric properties were mainly affected by second phase contents, and their Q × f values increased gradually with the rise in x. High Q × f (105,700 GHz at 12.99 GHz) was obtained by the Ca 2 Sn 2- x Al 2 O 9-2 x (x = 0.08) ceramic with high intrinsic Q × f (175,000 GHz). The large deviation between measured Q × f values and fitted intrinsic Q × f values could be ascribed to the Sn4+ vacancies of the Sn-deficient Ca 2 Sn 2 Al 2 O 9 ceramics. The Ca 2 Sn 2- x Al 2 O 9-2 x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) ceramics presented large negative τ f values, and this τ f was mainly affected by τ ε. Meanwhile, the Ca 2 Sn 2- x Al 2 O 9-2 x (x = 0.08) ceramic achieved optimal microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 8.3, Q × f = 105,700 GHz at 12.99 GHz and τ f = −63.7 ppm/°C), indicating the good feature of this material for millimetre-wave applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental migration is an important factor affecting left-behind children's health. However, few studies have addressed the effect of parental migration on children's vision health in China. To fill the gap, this study aimed to assess the impact of parental migration on left-behind children's vision health and to explore the possible mechanisms of the effect. Methods: Data were obtained from the baseline survey of the China Education Panel Survey (CEPS), which included over 10,000 junior high school students. This study used myopia, the most common vision problem among junior high school students, and tried to analyze whether myopia was corrected with eyeglasses as indicator variables of vision health. The impact of parental migration on vision health was assessed using an instrumental variables approach. Results: The results show that parental migration reduced the likelihood of myopia in left-behind children and decreased the possibility of myopic left-behind children being corrected. This result passed a series of robustness tests. The mechanism analysis indicated that compared to non-left-behind children, left-behind children spent more time on outdoor activities and less time on after-school classes, reducing their risk of being myopic. Further, because left-behind children live apart from their parents, their myopia problem is more difficult for parents to notice, and left-behind children are less likely to inform their parents of their myopia than non-left-behind children actively. This helps to explain why left-behind children have a lower correction rate with eyeglasses. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that parental migration, while not increasing the prevalence of myopia in left-behind children, has led to inequity in myopic left-behind children's correction. Given the severe consequences of uncorrected myopia, action is required to enhance the correction rate of myopic left-behind children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave dielectric ceramics with simple composition, a low permittivity (ε r), high quality factor (Q × f) and temperature stability, specifically in the ultrawide temperature range, are vital for millimetre-wave communication. Hence, in this study, the improvements in sintering behavior and microwave dielectric properties of the SnO 2 ceramic with a porous microstructure were investigated. The relative density of the Sn 1- x Ti x O 2 ceramic (65.1%) was improved to 98.8%, and the optimal sintering temperature of Sn 1- x Ti x O 2 ceramics reduced from 1525 °C to 1325 °C when Sn4+ was substituted with Ti4+. Furthermore, the ε r of Sn 1- x Ti x O 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics increased gradually with the rise in x , which can be ascribed to the increase in ionic polarisability and rattling effects of (Sn 1- x Ti x)4+. The intrinsic dielectric loss was mainly controlled by r c (Sn/Ti–O), and the negative τ f of the SnO 2 ceramic was optimised to near zero (x = 0.1) by the Ti4+ substitution for Sn4+. This study also explored the ideal microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 13.7, Q × f = 40,700 GHz at 9.9 GHz, and τ f = −7.2 ppm/°C) of the Sn 0.9 Ti 0.1 O 2 ceramic. Its optimal sintering temperature was decreased to 950 °C when the sintering aids (ZnO–B 2 O 3 glass and LiF) were introduced. The Sn 0.9 Ti 0.1 O 2 -5 wt% LiF ceramic also exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 12.8, Q × f = 23,000 GHz at 10.5 GHz, and τ f = −17.1 ppm/°C). At the ultrawide temperature range (−150 °C to +125 °C), the τ ε of the Sn 0.9 Ti 0.1 O 2 -5 wt% LiF ceramic was +13.3 ppm/°C, indicating excellent temperature stability. The good chemical compatibility of the Sn 0.9 Ti 0.1 O 2 -5 wt% LiF ceramic and the Ag electrode demonstrates their potential application for millimetre-wave communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel titanite-type Ca M GeO 5 (M = Ge, Hf, Zr) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared using solid-state reaction. A CaGe 2 O 5 single-phase ceramic with a triclinic structure was obtained, and the main phase compositions and crystal structure of Ca M GeO 5 (M = Hf, Zr) ceramics were confirmed. The CaGe 2 O 5 single-phase ceramic exhibited a high Q × f value (92,400 GHz), and its Q × f values were controlled by the r c (Ge-O) and the packing fraction. For Ca M GeO 5 (M = Hf, Zr) multi-phase ceramics, the Q × f values were deteriorated by the second phase. The τ f and τ ε values of the Ca M GeO 5 ceramics were directly controlled by the ε r anomaly peaks, and the phase transitions were controlled by − δ. The τ f values of the Ca M GeO 5 (M = Ge, Hf, Zr) ceramics were mainly related to − δ , and the small − δ corresponded to the nearer-zero τ f values for the titanite-type Ca M GeO 5 ceramic with negative τ f values. The optimal microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 10.57, Q × f = 92,400 GHz at 13.22 GHz, and τ f = 68.3 ppm/°C) were obtained by the CaGe 2 O 5 ceramic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poplar is an important fast-growing tree, and its photosynthetic capacity directly affects its vegetative growth. Stomatal density is closely related to photosynthetic capacity and growth characteristics in plants. Here, we isolated PagSTOMAGEN from the hybrid poplar (Populus alba × Populus glandulosa) clone 84K and investigated its biological function in vegetative growth. PagSTOMAGEN was expressed predominantly in young tissues and localized in the plasma membrane. Compared with wild-type 84K poplars, PagSTOMAGEN-overexpressing plants displayed an increased plant height, leaf area, internode number, basal diameter, biomass, IAA content, IPR content, and stomatal density. Higher stomatal density improved the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration rate in transgenic poplar. The differential expression of genes related to stomatal development showed a diverged influence of PagSTOMAGEN at different stages of stomatal development. Finally, transcriptomic analysis showed that PagSTOMAGEN affected vegetative growth by affecting the expression of photosynthesis and plant hormone-related genes (such as SAUR75, PQL2, PSBX, ERF1, GNC, GRF5, and ARF11). Taken together, our data indicate that PagSTOMAGEN could positively regulate stomatal density and increase the photosynthetic rate and plant hormone content, thereby promoting vegetative growth in poplar. Our study is of great significance for understanding the relationship between stoma, photosynthesis, and yield breeding in poplar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cycloruthenated complex Ru1 with a ditopic thienyl–NHC ligand has been designed to recognize Hg2+ by a blue shift in absorption and evident solution color change in aqueous system. However, the time‐dependent absorption spectral changes of Ru1 with Hg2+ and H+ as well as MS and 1H NMR spectra demonstrated a possible Hg2+‐promoted coordination switch from Ru‐C to Ru‐S. Moreover, it should be noted that different color and absorption spectral changes were also observed in the presence of Cu2+. The reversible behavior between Ru1‐Cu2+ and HS− indicated a simple coordination between Ru1 and Cu2+. As a result, the different interactions between Ru1 and the two metal ions demonstrated a possible way for Ru1 to detect Hg2+ and Cu2+, respectively. Furthermore, Ru1 was also used to determine Hg2+ and Cu2+ in some spiked water samples, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stimulating maize ear development is an effective way of improving yield. However, limited information is available regarding the regulation of sink strength change from weak to strong at the same position of maize plants. Here, a novel method for stimulating development combined with physiological assays and proteomics was applied to explore the regulation of ear strengthened development. RESULTS: By blocking pollination of the upper ear of maize hybrid Suyu 41, the adjacent lower ear was dramatically stimulated at 4 days after pollination (DAP). Tandem mass tag (TMT)‐based proteomics identified 173 differentially expressed proteins (fold change >1.2 or <0.83, P < 0.05) from 7793 total proteins. Gene ontology annotations indicated that several pathways showed noticeable changes, with a preferential distribution to cell wall remodeling, hormone signals and lipid metabolism in the stimulated kernels. Cell wall remodeling was highly mediated by chitinase, exhydrolase II and xyloglucan enotransglucosylase/hydrolase, and accompanied by increased sucrose and glucose content. A series of lipoxygenase proteins were significantly upregulated, causing a significant alteration in lipid metabolism. Hormone signals were influenced by the expression of the proteins involved in indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) transport, zeatin (ZT) biosynthesis and abscisic acid (ABA) signal response, and increased IAA, ZT and ABA content. CONCLUSION: The critical time for understanding the mechanism by which ear growth is stimulated is 4 DAP. Comparative proteomics and physiological analysis revealed that lipid metabolism enhancement, cell wall remodeling and changes in hormone signaling (IAA, ZT and ABA) were all important in stimulating early ear development. Proper regulation of these pathways may improve ear development, resulting in increased maize yield. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed signal propagation systems require dielectric ceramics with low relative permittivity (ε r) and a high-quality factor (Qxf). In this paper, a novel low-permittivity borate ceramic (LiBO 2) was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method. Based on the X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement, the LiBO 2 crystallized into a monoclinic structure with a space group of P21/c. Dense and single-phase ceramic was obtained at 640 °C with comprehensive microwave dielectric properties: a low relative permittivity (ε r) of 5.3, a moderate quality factor (Q × f) of 18,200 GHz at 16.3 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ f) of − 66.2 ppm/°C. Good chemical compatibility with Ag electrode and thermal expansion coefficient of 25.4 ppm/°C was achieved demonstrating the potential applications as dielectric resonances in wireless communications and substrates in low-temperature cofired ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study was intended to analyze the characteristics of myelinated nerve fibers density (MFD) of transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy (ATTR‐PN) and other similar neuropathies. Methods: A total of 41 patients with ATTR‐PN, 58 patients of other common peripheral neuropathies, and 17 age‐and gender‐matched controls who visited the First Hospital of Peking University and performed sural nerve biopsy between June 2007 and August 2021 were included for analysis of MFD. Results: Except the vasculitic neuropathy group, the total and small MFD of patients in the ATTR‐PN group were significantly lower than those of other disease groups. There was an obvious negative correlation between the total MFD and the disease course in the ATTR‐PN group. The disease course of early‐onset and late‐onset symptoms was similar, but the loss of large myelinated nerve fibers (MF) was more severe for the latter. In addition, all late‐onset and most early‐onset patients had severely reduced MFD after a 2 years' disease course. The MFD in ATTR‐PN patients was negatively correlated with Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS) and Norfolk Quality of life‐diabetic neuropathy (Norfolk QOL‐DN) score. Conclusion: MF is lost differently in ATTR‐PN and in other common peripheral neuropathies. The late‐onset and early‐onset ATTR‐PN patients have different patterns of loss of large and small MF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GATA transcription factors have been demonstrated to play key regulatory roles in plant growth, development, and hormonal response. However, the knowledge concerning the evolution of GATA genes in Eucalyptus urophylla and their trans-regulatory interaction is indistinct. Phylogenetic analysis and study of conserved motifs, exon structures, and expression patterns resolved the evolutionary relationships of these GATA proteins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that EgrGATAs are broadly distributed in four subfamilies. Cis-element analysis of promoters revealed that EgrGATA genes respond to light and are influenced by multiple hormones and abiotic stresses. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns of EgrGATA genes in various tissues of E. urophylla S.T.Blake, which was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Further research revealed that EurGNC and EurCGA1 were localized in the nucleus, and EurGNC directly binds to the cis-element of the EurGUN5 promoter, implying its potential roles in the regulation of chlorophyll synthesis. This comprehensive study provides new insights into the evolution of GATAs and could help to improve the photosynthetic assimilation and vegetative growth of E. urophylla at the genetic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Autonomic dysfunction is common in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR‐FAP). Because ultrasonography is a powerful tool to study peripheral neuropathy, vagus nerve (VN) ultrasonography was used in our study to investigate the possible changes of the dimension of VN in TTR‐FAP. Methods: Eighteen patients with TTR‐FAP and 17 age‐ and gender‐matched individuals without any neuropathies were enrolled in a pilot study. The cross‐sectional areas (CSAs) were measured bilaterally on transverse scans of vagus, median, and ulnar nerves. Clinical data were collected to explore the correlations with CSAs of VN. Results: The median CSAs of VN in TTR‐FAP were 3.5 (2.0‐6.0) mm2 on the right side and 2.5 (1.0‐6.0) mm2 on the left side, compared with 2.0 (1.0‐3.0) mm2 and 1.0 (1.0‐2.0) mm2 for healthy controls (HCs). There was a significant difference between the two groups on both sides (p <.001). The mean VN CSAs were correlated positively with the course of disease (r =.7203, p =.0016)（not including the patient with the longest disease course), the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (r =.5252, p =.0252), the left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r =.5426, p =.0200), and the interventricular septum thickness (r =.5103, p =.0305). The cutoff values of right and left VN CSAs to identify TTR‐FAP from HCs were 2.5 and 1.5 mm2 and the areas under the curve were.9395 and.8856, with a high sensitivity (.889 and.889) and specificity (.941 and.765), respectively. Conclusion: VN enlargement is prevalent among TTR‐FAP patients. VN ultrasonography may be an important clinical tool for assessing the severity of autonomic dysfunction in TTR‐FAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction sintering at 1200–1450 °C for 5 h Ge4+ ions occupied the Si4+ positions, and BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 solid solutions were obtained. The BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics exhibited hexagonal structures with P -6 c 2 space groups and octahedral layers and [Si/Ge 3 O 9 ]6- rings. Owing to these structural characteristics, the ceramics exhibited low permittivity. With an increase in x , the relative permittivity (ε r) values of the BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics increased from 7.68 (x = 0) to 9.45 (x = 1.0), while their quality factor (Q × f) values first increased and then decreased. The Q × f value (10,300 GHz at 13.43 GHz) of the BaZrSi 3 O 9 (x = 0) ceramic improved with the substitution of Si4+ by Ge4+. A high Q × f value (36,100 GHz at 13.81 GHz) was obtained for the BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 (x = 0.2) ceramic, and the Q × f values of the BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 ceramics could be controlled by varying the Si/Ge-site bond valence. The temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τ f) values of the BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 ceramics were mainly affected by the O2-site bond valence, and the optimum τ f value (−22.8 ppm/°C) was achieved for the BaZrSi 3 O 9 ceramic. The BaZr(Si 1- x Ge x) 3 O 9 (x = 0.2) ceramic showed the optimum microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 8.36, Q × f = 36,100 GHz at 13.81 GHz, and τ f = −34.5 ppm/°C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca3SnSi2‐xGexO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) and (1–y) Ca3SnSi1.6Ge0.4O9 – y CaSnSiO5 – 2 wt% LiF (y = 0.4 and 0.5) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared by traditional solid‐state reaction through sintering at 1250°C–1425°C for 5 h and at 875°C for 2 h, respectively. Ge4+ replaced Si4+, and Ca3SnSi2‐xGexO9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) solid solutions were obtained. At 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, the Ge4+ substitution for Si4+ decreased the sintering temperature of Ca3SnSi2‐xGexO9 from 1425 to 1300°C, the SnO6 octahedral distortions, and the average CaO7 decahedral distortions, which affected the τf value. The large average decahedral distortions corresponded with nearer‐zero τf values at Ca3SnSi2‐xGexO9 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics. The τf value and sintering temperature of Ca3SnSi2‐xGexO9 (x = 0.4) ceramic were adjusted to near‐zero by CaSnSiO5 and decreased to 875°C upon the addition of 2 wt% LiF. The (1 – y) Ca3SnSi1.6Ge0.4O9 – y CaSnSiO5 – 2 wt% LiF (y = 0.5) ceramic sintered at 875°C for 2 h exhibited good microwave dielectric properties: εr = 10.3, Q × f = 14 300 GHz (at 12.2 GHz), and τf = ‒5.8 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen fertilization affects maize grain yield through regulating ear leaf senescence and nitrogen remobilization (RemN), yet few studies focus on how nitrogen alters the onset of leaf senescence and then affects leaf RemN to regulate grain-filling. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the onset of ear leaf senescence, ear leaf RemN, and grain-filling. A field experiment in Yancheng, China,with six nitrogen rates (0, 67.5, 136.5, 205.5, 274.5, and 343.5 kg N ha−1) were conducted and ear leaf senescence and grain-filling were analyzed in response to different N fertilizations. Optimal nitrogen fertilization (around 205.5 kg N ha−1) significantly increased grain yield (average 10359.2 kg ha−1) and harvest index (HI, average 0.58). Additionally, nitrogen application increased the nitrogen concentration of ear leaves and delayed senescence. The maximum delay was 3.4 days compared to the control. At the time of maximum grain yield, the onset of senescence could be delayed by 1.6–1.9 days. However, delayed senescence of ear leaves negatively impacted leaf RemN contribution to grain nitrogen, with a maximum limit of 16.0 observed at 205.5 kg N ha−1. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilization could reduce the maximum grain-filling rate (G max), the maximum grain weight (W max), and the time to reach the maximum grain-filling rate (T max). Higher grain yield and its response to nitrogen relied on a shorter time interval between the onset of senescence and T max. At a nitrogen fertilization rate of 196.85 kg N ha−1 (close to the optimal rate of 205.5 kg N ha−1), the minimum time interval could be reduced to about 2.4 days, resulting in a maximum relative yield response to nitrogen of 39.98%. Optimal nitrogen fertilization improved grain yield by delaying the onset of senescence of ear leaves and altering its RemN, thus impacting grain filling. It provided valuable insights for achieving higher yields under the optimal nitrogen fertilization by considering the onset of ear leaf senescence, the ability of RemN in relation to grain filling. • Nitrogen improved maize yield by delaying onset of senescence and changing leaf RemN. • Delayed onset of senescence negatively affected the ability of leaf N remobilization. • The delayed senescence onset and RemN of ear leaves were quantified by N fertilizer. • The time to reach the maximum grain-filling rate (T max) is influenced by nitrogen. • A shorter time interval between the onset of senescence and T max can increase yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce a fire-retarding phosphate-based electrolyte, 1 M NaBF4 in triethyl phosphate with 3% vinylene carbonate as an SEI-forming additive, for sodium-ion batteries. With this electrolyte formulation, we achieved stable cycling performance with a capacity of 80.5 mA h g−1 and a retention of 77.8% after 200 cycles in the Na-ion full cell of Na3.2V1.8Zn0.2(PO4)3vs. hard carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaSn 1- x Ti x GeO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics were prepared using traditional solid-state reaction with sintering at 1275 °C – 1500 °C for 5 h. The Ti4+ substitution for Sn4+ inhibited the CaSnO 3 second phase of CaSnGeO 5 ceramic, and phase transition from triclinic with A 1 ¯ space group to monoclinic with A 2/ a space group and then to monoclinic with P 2 1 /a space group occurred in CaSn 1- x Ti x GeO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics. Evident changes in Sn/TiO 6 octahedron and Sn/TiO 6 octahedral chains were observed. A change in τ f from negative (‒62.9 ppm/°C) to positive (+18.7 ppm/°C) was achieved by controlling octahedral distortion. The large octahedral distortion contributed to near-zero τ ε for CaSn 1- x Ti x GeO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) ceramics. The broadening and shifting of ε r anomaly peaks for CaSn 1- x Ti x GeO 5 (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics greatly influenced τ ε , and the sudden increase in τ ε was attributed to the shift of ε r anomaly peaks to high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of data preprocessing on a calibration model based on attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was investigated for in situ measurements of the solution concentration during cooling crystallization. L‐Glutamic acid cooling crystallization was taken as a case study. It was found that smoothing and derivative is a superior preprocessing method for model calibration, which can effectively remove spectral nonlinearity, improve the prediction accuracy of the calibration model, and enhance model robustness in detecting faults. Verification experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the established calibration models. These models also show better performance in detecting the generation of crystal nuclei in the probe window, which is of great significance to eliminate the fatal probe fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water erosion can deteriorate cement-treated bricks. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of multiple biological surface treatments (BSTs) on cement-treated bricks to enhance their resistance to water erosion. Calcite crystals were precipitated on the surface of cement-treated sand bricks by the microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) technique. Multiple BSTs with MICP were used to enhance the properties of the cement-treated bricks further. The experimental results showed that, after a single BST, the flexural strength of the cement-treated bricks increased from 500 kPa to 750 kPa and the compressive strength increased from 3000 kPa to 4000 kPa. Erosion and water absorption were reduced by 71.2% and 16.3%, respectively. Compared with cement-treated bricks without any BST, the cement-treated bricks with triple MICP BSTs showed increases of nearly 140% and 100% in peak flexural and compressive strength, respectively. In addition, the triple BSTs resulted in 32% less water absorption compared with cement-treated samples without any BST. The surface of cement-treated bricks with triple BSTs was found to resist accelerated erosion over a 60 min time period. Overall, the results showed that BST can strengthen the erosion resistance of cement-treated bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arapaima gigas is one of the largest freshwater fish species of high ecological and economic importance. Overfishing and habitat destruction are severe threats to the remaining wild populations. By incorporating a chromosomal Hi-C contact map, we improved the arapaima genome assembly to chromosome-level, revealing an unexpected high degree of chromosome rearrangements during evolution of the bonytongues (Osteoglossiformes). Combining this new assembly with pool-sequencing of male and female genomes, we identified id2bbY, a duplicated copy of the inhibitor of DNA binding 2b (id2b) gene on the Y chromosome as candidate male sex-determining gene. A PCR-test for id2bbY was developed, demonstrating that this gene is a reliable male-specific marker for genotyping. Expression analyses showed that this gene is expressed in juvenile male gonads. Its paralog, id2ba, exhibits a male-biased expression in immature gonads. Transcriptome analyses and protein structure predictions confirm id2bbY as a prime candidate for the master sex-determiner. Acting through the TGFβ signaling pathway, id2bbY from arapaima would provide the first evidence for a link of this family of transcriptional regulators to sex determination. Our study broadens our current understanding about the evolution of sex determination genetic networks and provide a tool for improving arapaima aquaculture for commercial and conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum speed limit time for quantum system under squeezed environment is studied. We consider two typical models, the damped Jaynes–Cummings model and the dephasing model. For the damped Jaynes–Cummings model under squeezed environment, we find that the quantum speed limit time becomes larger with the squeezed parameter r increasing and indicates symmetry about the phase parameter value θ = π. Meanwhile, the quantum speed limit time can also be influenced by the coupling strength between the system and environment. However, the quantum speed limit time for the dephasing model is determined by the dephasing rate and the boundary of acceleration region that interacting with vacuum reservoir can be broken when the squeezed environment parameters are appropriately chosen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CaSnSi 1- x Ge x O 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared using traditional solid reaction sintered at 1450 °C-1500 °C for 5 h, and the substitution of Ge4+ for Si4+ formed the CaSnSi 1- x Ge x O 5 solid solution at 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0. The phase transition from monoclinic with A 2/ a space group to triclinic with A 1 ‾ space group at CaSnSi 1- x Ge x O 5 ceramics was clarified by Rietveld refinement and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy/selected area diffraction. The crystal structure, X-ray diffraction patterns, and microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 11.28, Q × f = 72,900 GHz at 11.62 GHz, and τ f = −62.9 ppm/°C) of novel single-phase CaSnGeO 5 ceramic were initially reported. In single-phase area, the increase in SnO 6 octahedral distortion could reduce the τ f value of CaSnSi 1- x Ge x O 5 ceramics (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) to near zero. In multiphase area, the near-zero τ f value (τ f = +5.2 ppm/°C) was obtained at x = 0.7. The remarkable change between +5.2 ppm/°C (x = 0.7) and −77.8 ppm/°C (x = 0.8) of τ f value was attributed to the appearance of ε r anomaly peak (T 1 = 125 °C). The optimal microwave dielectric properties (ε r = 11.70, Q × f = 37,900 GHz at 12.6 GHz, and τ f = +5.2 ppm/°C) of CaSnSi 1- x Ge x O 5 ceramics were obtained at x = 0.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sb2S3 has great potential to become a good phase‐change material for visible and near‐infrared wavebands due to its low loss and high refractive index contrast, so great interest lies in the technology development. This work investigates the intermediate phase‐change states and their cycling durabilities by employing a continuous‐wave laser for crystallization and a femtosecond laser for amorphization. By considering stratified partial amorphization due to non‐uniform intensity distribution along propagation in a film, a double‐layer model is proposed to describe intermediate states, which fits experimental data better than the mixture models in effective medium approximation. The phase‐change degree is then defined as the ratio of the amorphization depth to the total film thickness, which can be controlled by combination of the pulse energy and the number of pulses in multi‐pulse femtosecond laser irradiation for amorphization. The cycling durability is improved by reducing pulse energy and increasing the number of pulses. The experimentally achieved maximum cycling durabilities are 30, 1000, and 7000 cycles for 90%, 60%, and 20% phase‐change degrees. The implementation of intermediate states with improved cycling durability may promote the development of Sb2S3‐based reconfigurable photonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll (Chl) is essential for plants to carry out photosynthesis, growth and development processes. Growth‐regulating factors (GRFs) play a vital role in regulating Chl degradation in plants. However, the molecular mechanism by which GRF5 regulates Chl degradation in poplar remains unknown. Here we found that overexpression of PpnGRF5‐1 increased Chl content in leaves and promoted chloroplast development in poplar. Overexpression of PpnGRF5‐1 in poplar delayed Chl degradation induced by external factors, such as hormones, darkness and salt stress. PpnGRF5‐1 responded to brassinosteroid (BR) signalling during BR‐induced Chl degradation and reduced the expression levels of Chl degradation and senescence‐related genes. PpnGRF5‐1 inhibited the expression of Chl b reductases PagNYC1 and PagNOL. PpnGRF5‐1 could interact with PagBZR1 in the nucleus. PagBZR1 also inhibited the expression of PagNYC1. In addition, we found that the protein–protein interaction between PagBZR1 and PpnGRF5‐1 enhanced the inhibitory effect of PpnGRF5‐1 on the Chl b reductases PagNYC1 and PagNOL. BZR1 and GRF5‐1 were upregulated, and NOL and NYC1 were downregulated in triploid poplars compared to diploids. This study revealed a new mechanism by which PpnGRF5‐1 regulates Chl degradation in poplars and lays the foundation for comprehensively analysing the molecular mechanism of Chl metabolism in triploid poplars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dense (1 − x) La[Al 0.9 (Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5) 0.1 ]O 3 – x CaTiO 3 ceramics were synthesized via solid-state reaction. The crystal structure and microwave dielectric properties of the ceramics were systematically investigated. Rietveld refinement revealed that when x ≤ 0.2, the ceramics had a rhombohedral structure with an R-3c space group. When x ≥ 0.5, the ceramics had an orthorhombic structure with a Pbnm space group. Selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses proved that the microwave dielectric ceramics had a B-site order, which accounted for the great improvement in microwave dielectric properties. The content of oxygen vacancies was identified through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the change rule of Q × f was closely related to oxygen vacancy content. The perturbation of A-site cations had an important influence on dielectric constant. Specifically, with the increase in Ti4+ content, the perturbation effect of the A-site cations was enhanced and dielectric constant increased. When x = 0.65, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of the (1 − x) La[Al 0.9 (Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5) 0.1 ]O 3 – x CaTiO 3 microwave dielectric ceramics was near zero. The optimal microwave dielectric properties of 0.35LaAl 0.9 (Mg 0.5 Ti 0.5) 0.1 O 3 –0.65CaTiO 3 were ε r = 44.6, Q × f = 32,057 GHz, and τ f = +2 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to report the genotypes and phenotypes of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in a large Chinese cohort, yet the clinical and genetic profiles of ATTR remain elusive in mainland China. Methods: Fifty‐four patients with molecularly confirmed ATTR from 39 unrelated families were identified by sequencing the TTR gene. Sural nerve biopsies were performed in 40 of these cases. The clinical and electrophysiological data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Results: The male/female ratio was 42:12. The average age of patients at the onset of the disease was 47.8 ± 13.0 years. The late‐onset type occurred in 29 cases (53.7%). Twenty‐two probands (56.4%) had a family history with ATTR. The initial symptoms were limb paresthesia in 33 cases (61.1%), autonomic dysfunction in 15 cases (27.8%), and blurred vision in 6 cases (11.1%). A total of 22 different TTR mutations were identified, including Val30Met (25.6%) in 10 families in North China and Ala97Ser in 4 families (10.3%) in South China. Electrophysiological studies revealed general sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy in 33/44 cases (75.0%), mixed neuropathy with axonal and demyelinating impairment features in 9/44 cases (20.5%) and isolated carpal tunnel syndrome in two cases. Sural nerve biopsies revealed positive Congo red staining in 16/40 cases (40.0%). Conclusion: Chinese patients with ATTR exhibited heterogeneous TTR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. Val30Met remains the most common mutation type in mainland China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure and dielectric properties of Ti4+-substituted CaSnSiO 5 ceramic were investigated. Ti4+ entirely substituted Sn4+ of CaSnSiO 5 , and the solid solutions were formed at Ca(Sn 1- x Ti x)SiO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics. The evolutions of crystal structure were analysed through Rietveld refinement and transmission electron microscopy, and the phase transition from A 2/ a to P 2 1 / a space groups at Ca(Sn 1- x Ti x)SiO 5 (0.9 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics was clarified. The change in dielectric properties was related to the structural evolution of Ca(Sn 1- x Ti x)SiO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0). The τ f values of Ca(Sn 1- x Ti x)SiO 5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) ceramics initially decreased to +49.8 ppm/°C and then increased to +98.3 ppm/°C because of Sn/TiO 6 octahedral distortion. The temperature coefficient of capacitance and ε r anomaly peak were controlled by Ti4+ substitution for Sn4+ at Ca(Sn 1- x Ti x)SiO 5 (0.4 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) ceramics. The results provided a way to control the τ f value of microwave dielectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical chirality enhancement is highly demanded for enantioselective interaction of circularly polarized light with chiral molecules. The chirality enhancement in the coaxial air hole of a hollow silicon disk depends on three aspects, namely, the enhancements of electric and magnetic fields and a factor determined by the phases of their field components. In the spectral regime of dipole resonances, maximum chirality enhancement with sign consistency and uniform spatial distribution in the air hole can be obtained in association with both magnetic dipole resonance and anapole. Due to dipolar interference, the chirality is nulled at their coincidence, around which the sign of chirality is reversed. Maximum chirality with both positive and negative signs can be found between magnetic dipole resonance and anapole in the vicinity of their coincidence. This situation is maintained under size scaling so that the operation wavelength can be broadly tuned. The optical chirality can be further improved by merely adjusting the hole radius, by which the optimal spatially averaged optical chirality enhancement factor can reach 39 and −23. The simple strategy for optimizing Mie resonators presented in this work may benefit the design of Mie resonator‐based achiral metasurfaces for chirality detection application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca1+2xSnSi2x+yO3+6x+2y (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared through traditional solid‐state reaction sintered at 1450°C–1500°C for 5 hours. The Ca3SnSi2O9 second phase replaced the SnO2 second phase of the Ca1+2xSnSi2xO3+6x (x = 0, y = 0) ceramics by controlling the ratio of Ca:Sn:Si. The cracks of CaSnO3 (x = 0, y = 0) ceramic were inhibited, the microwave dielectric properties were optimized by introducing the Ca3SnSi2O9 second phase, and the CaSnO3‐Ca3SnSi2O9 mixture system existed at (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.9, y = 0). The CaSnSiO5 phase with positive τf value was related to the Si‐rich in CaSnSiyO3+2y (x = 0; 0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9), and the coexistence of three and four phases was obtained at CaSnSiyO3+2y (0.1 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) ceramics. The CaSnSiO5 phase appeared at CaSnSiyO3+2y (0.3 ≤ y ≤ 0.9) ceramics. The CaSnSiyO3+2y (y = 0.8) ceramic with 49.2 wt% CaSnSiO5 phase exhibited excellent microwave dielectric properties: εr = 11.06, Q × f = 57,500 GHz (at 11.5 GHz), and τf = +8.1 ppm/°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the evolution of microstructure in Fe–Ni–Co–Al polycrystalline alloys and its effects on mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The results show that the proportion of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) is 98.1 % with 51.2 % of Σ3 GBs during the solid solution (SS) process. The distribution of Σ3 GBs and other HAGBs (non-Σ3 HAGBs) are relatively dispersed, which prevents the formation of a specific orientation. In addition, there is no discernible anisotropy in GB migration during the SS process, ultimately resulting in the absence of texture. In contrast, during the directional recrystallization (DR) process, the directional migration of GBs is driven by the temperature gradient. Random high-angle grain boundaries (RHAGBs) with Σ values exceeding 29 possess higher GB energy and migration rate compared to low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and HAGBs, making them more susceptible to GB migration. In the grain incubation area, the proportion of RHAGBs between grains oriented {111}<214> (grain 2 and grain 5) and their surrounding grains are 90 % and 75 %. These grains have the growth advantage and eventually form the main orientation {111}<214>. While the proportion of RHAGBs between grains oriented {114}<214> (grain 11) and its surrounding grains is only 65 %, characterized by lower GB energy and migration rate. Therefore, these grains eventually form the minor orientation {114}<214>. The coherent L1 2 -Ni 3 Al (γ′) precipitates were observed in both the SS-AG (SS after aging) and DR-AG (DR after aging) treatments. The DR-AG alloy, characterized by {111}<214> and {114}<214> orientations and γ′ precipitates, exhibited a 3.6 % recoverable strain and a 1.2 % superelastic strain, whereas no evident superelastic behavior was found in the SS-AG alloy, which featured a random texture and γ′ precipitates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research on information propagation has primarily focused on either online social networks or offline social networks. Additionally, there remains a gap in understanding the propagation of competitive information in emergency scenarios. This paper introduces an SHI 1 I 2 R information spreading model to investigate the dynamics of competitive information dissemination and interactions in online and offline two-layer networks during emergencies. To enhance the accuracy of information propagation modeling, we depart from the conventional assumption of constant spreading and decay rates and instead propose nonlinear spreading and interest decay rates within the SHI 1 I 2 R model. Employing a microscopic Markov chain approach, we conduct theoretical analysis and derive the spreading threshold of information in two-layer networks. Subsequently, we perform numerical simulations to validate the effectiveness of the SHI 1 I 2 R model and explore the factors influencing information propagation. Our findings indicate that information spreads more rapidly and extensively in two-layer networks compared to one-layer networks. Furthermore, the final scale of information dissemination and the speed of propagation follow the order: random network > small-world network > scale-free network > regular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesized Si-doped TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) via hydrothermal method for improved photocatalysis. • The long shape with small diameter Si-doped TNTs from inorganic starting materials. • Si-doped TNTs exhibited enhanced anatase crystallinity, red-shifted absorption. • Appropriate Si-doping narrowed band gap, boosting photocatalytic activity. • Optimal Si content (<5%) yielded best photocatalytic performance. In this study, we present the synthesis and photocatalytic properties of Silicon (Si)-doped TiO 2 nanotubes (TNTs) using the hydrothermal method. The doping level of Silicon, expressed as the dopant (Si/(Si + Ti)) molar ratio, was varied within the range of 1–30 %. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of the nanocrystalline anatase phase in both pristine and Silicon-doped TNTs. Significantly, we observed an interesting enhancement in the crystallinity and purity of the anatase phase upon incorporating Silicon into TNTs, a finding that has not been previously reported. The light absorption spectra of the doped TNTs exhibited a Red Shift, with absorption edges shifting from 375 nm to 410 nm compared to undoped TNTs. The photodegradation experiments demonstrated the favorable photocatalytic activity of the Silicon-doped TNTs with a fast response to stimulus light. The red-shifted absorption spectra, coupled with the enhanced crystallinity of the anatase phase, contributed to improved performance in the degradation of target compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior investigations into the propagation of rumors have predominantly focused on either online or offline social networks, neglecting the concurrent dissemination of rumors and counter-rumors. Hence, to investigate how rumors and counter-rumors spread and interact in online and offline two-layer networks, and to devise an optimal control strategy for rumors, we propose a nonlinear SEIDR spreading model that incorporates the effects of social reinforcement and interest decay. By constructing mean-field equations, we present the mathematical expression of the SEIDR model and further define and compute the basic reproduction number of rumors. Subsequently, three theorems related to the final scale of rumors are introduced. Finally, we investigate the primary factors influencing rumor propagation via Monte Carlo simulations, yielding the following key findings: (i) The final scale of rumors exhibits a positive correlation with the social reinforcement effect and the second-order moment of the network, while displaying a negative correlation with the interest decay effect and the average degree of the network. (ii) The final scale of rumors ranks in the order of: random network > scale-free network > small-world network > regular network. (iii) Notably, the speed of rumor propagation aligns with the order: scale-free network > random network > small-world network > regular network. • R 0 is positively correlated with social reinforcement and second-order moment. • R 0 is negatively correlated with interest decay and average degree. • The final scale of rumors: random > scale-free > small-world > regular network. • The speed of rumor propagation: scale-free > random > small-world > regular network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐permittivity Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.45) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared via traditional state‐reaction at 1400°C‐1450°C for 5 hours. Moreover the microwave dielectric properties of SnO2 ceramic were obtained for the first time. SnO2 ceramic was difficult to densify, and SnO2 ceramic (ρrel = 65.1%) that was sintered at 1525°C exhibited the optimal microwave dielectric properties of εr = 5.27, Q × f = 89 300 GHz (at 14.5 GHz), and τf = −26.7 ppm/°C. For Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) ceramics, Sr2+ could be dissolved in the Ca2+ site of Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 to form a single phase, and the partial substitution of Ca2+ by Sr2+ could improve the microwave dielectric properties of CaSnSiO5 ceramic. Secondary phases (SnO2 and SrSiO3) appeared at 0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.45 and could adjust the abnormally positive τf value of CaSnSiO5 ceramic. The highest Q × f value (60 100 GHz at 10.4 GHz) and optimal microwave dielectric properties (εr = 9.42, Q × f = 47 500 GHz at 12.4 GHz, and τf = −1.2 ppm/°C) of Ca1−xSrxSnSiO5 ceramics were obtained at x = 0.05 and 0.45, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarification of the quality and biological effect equivalence of traditional Chinese medicines containing multi‐origin species is essential to improve their current quality standards, and also is the core problem to clarify the origins of single herbs with multi‐species in Chinese formulas that will guarantee their clinical application. Huangqin decoction is the typical one of multi‐origin formulas frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo medicine. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry was developed for chemical profiling and marker quantification of Huangqin decoction prepared with two different original types of peony root, white and red peony root. Forty‐seven main peaks in chemical profiling of Huangqin decoction prepared with white and red peony root were identified: nine were from peony root, 20 from baical skullcap root, 17 from licorice root, and one from jujubae fruit. The markers characteristics of the respective types of peony root in Huangqin decoction differ from that in single herbs, especially in terms of monoterpenoids and hydrolysable tannins. Subsequently, 17 representative markers in Huangqin decoction prepared with three types of peony root and their chemical characteristics and content distribution were carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]