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We present a deep neural network‐based method that acquires high‐quality shape and spatially varying reflectance of 3D objects using smartphone multi‐lens imaging. Our method acquires two images simultaneously using a zoom lens and a wide angle lens of a smartphone under either natural illumination or phone flash conditions, effectively functioning like a single‐shot method. Unlike traditional multi‐view stereo methods which require sufficient differences in viewpoint and only estimate depth at a certain coarse scale, our method estimates fine‐scale depth by utilising an optical‐flow field extracted from subtle baseline and perspective due to different optics in the two images captured simultaneously. We further guide the SVBRDF estimation using the estimated depth, resulting in superior results compared to existing single‐shot methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. This study aimed to study the preventive and therapeutic effects of andrographolide (Andro) during Mycoplasma gallisepticum HS strain (MG) infection in ArborAcres (AA) broilers. 2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Andro against MG was measured. Broiler body weight, feed efficiency, morbidity, cure rate and mortality were recorded during the experiment. Air sac lesion scores and immune organ index were calculated. Expression of pMGA1.2 in lung tissue and serum biochemical indices were examined. Histopathological examinations of immune organs, liver, trachea and lung tissue were conducted by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. 3. MIC was 3.75 μg/mL and Andro significantly inhibited the expression of pMGA1.2 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro low-dose and high-dose prevention reduced the morbidity of chronic respiratory disease in 40.00% and 50.00%, respectively. Mortality of C, D and E group was 16.67%, 10.00% and 6.67%, respectively. Cure rate of E, F, G and H group was 92.00%, 92.86%, 93.33% and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro treatment significantly increased average weight gain (AWG), relative weight gain rate (RWG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 18 to 24 days (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control group, Andro alone treatment significantly increased AWG in broilers (P ≤ 0.05). 4. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly attenuated MG-induced air sac lesion, immune organs, liver, trachea and lung damage in broilers. Andro alone treatment did not induce abnormal morphological changes in these organs in healthy broilers. Serum biochemical analysis results showed, comparing with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly decreased the content of total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and increased the albumin/globulin ratio and content of alkaline phosphatase, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I in a dose-dependent manner (P ≤ 0.05). 5. Andro could act as a potential agent against MG infection in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edited by Weiping Wu and Qin Gao. As coeditors Weiping Wu and Qin Gao note, the book "captures the impact of China's sweeping urbanization" (1), but "it is also a book about China" and "the transitions underway" (2). Although the book was completed too early to include in-depth discussion of the pandemic's impacts, it is still among the most updated book-length publications on urbanization in China. [Extracted from the article]

This paper designs a field experiment in a real job environment, which incorporates differential observability in a job with multiple tasks (quality and quantity) to study the effect of peer pressure on outputs. The treatment group was informed of each individual's output quality information, whereas the control group only knew the group mean. The treatment group produced better output quality but lower output quantity, implying that workers adjusted their efforts between tasks. After switching off the treatment, results from the follow-up experiment show that the output quality produced by the treatment group rolled back to the baseline low level, whereas their output quantity continued to decrease. These results suggest that peer pressure, as a tool for promoting workers' productivity, should be adopted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaufmann focuses on what farmers are capable of, as skilled strategists and holistic thinkers, rather than what they lack. Kaufmann argues that farmers choose and adjust these strategies according to fluctuating demographic, economic, and household situations. Although some migrants have lost the farming skills that are acquired through long-term daily engagement in fields, Kaufmann is quick to point out that they have acquired other skills through urban exposure. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Cycloastragenol can be encapsulated in phospholipid vesicles. • Transethosomes could increase the loading capacity of cycloasttragenol in phospholipid vesicles. • Transethosomes could deliver cycloastrogenol across the stratum corneum. Cycloastragenol (CA) is a plant saponin that functions as a telomerase activator, and it has been made as an oral anti-aging supplement and use as active ingredient in topical cosmetic products. The anti-aging performance in cosmetic products have only been evaluated by description of skin appearance, while direct topical penetration of CA across the skin barrier still needs to be confirmed. The objective of this work was to design encapsulation vehicles to deliver CA across the skin barrier using commercially available ingredients through scalable processes, and to prove its topical penetration. Phospholipid vesicles including liposomes, ethosomes, and transethosomes were prepared using soy and sunflower phospholipids and different penetration enhancers, including ethanol and surfactants. The loading capacity of CA was analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography, and the topical penetration of CA was evaluated using Franz diffusion cells with pig skin. Transethosomes using Tween 80, Span 40, or dicetylphosphate as the penetration enhancer showed better CA delivery across the skin barrier than ethosomes or emulsifier α-gels. Results of this work provide evidence that CA encapsulated in phospholipid vesicles can be transported across the skin barrier. These encapsulation systems could be used for the design of CA-containing anti-aging cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With large-scale non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations and in situ x-ray diffraction analysis, we conducted a systematic investigation into the effects of pre-existing shear strain (γ x y ) on the shock response of single crystal iron. Our findings reveal significant effects of γ x y on the deformation of the crystal structure during shock loading, leading to noticeable alterations in the propagation of shock waves. Specifically, during the elastic stage, the presence of γ x y results in a reduction of shock strength, consequently diminishing the magnitude of elastic lattice strain (ε e ). In the plastic stage, γ x y stimulates the α – ε phase transformation, and structure deformation undergoes a transition from the sequential activity of dislocation-to-transformation to the synchronous activity of dislocation and transformation. This transition inhibits the propagation of plastic waves and consequently broadens the elastic regime. Additionally, the introduction of γ x y activates different slip systems, as it alters the corresponding resolved shear stress. Concurrently, the presence of γ x y triggers the activation of different high-pressure phase variants. Our investigation sheds light on the fundamental physics of iron under shock compression and the influence of pre-existing shear strain on its behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemisorption and dissociation of CO on Ru(11&2sline;1) were investigated by using high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Three different adsorption states of CO can be distinguished. The most strongly bound β-state, characterized by a C-O stretch frequency of 166 meV, is attributed to CO adsorbed in a fourfold hollow site of the Ru(11&2sline;1) unit cell. This state occurs only at low total coverage and dissociates at T>300 K. A more weakly bound state is α[SUB1]-CO with a stretch frequency of 240-255 meV, attributed to CO on-top bonded to first and second layer Ru atoms. This species converts to β-CO at moderate total coverage and T.360 K, increasing the amount of dissociated CO. The α[SUB1]-CO species dominates the coverage regime up to 1.5 ML. The α[SUB2]-CO species is most weakly bound in the coverage range up to 2 ML and is characterized by a stretch frequency of 220 meV. It is proposed to be located in twofold bridge sites. The ratio of on-top to bridge bonded CO is equal to three at saturation. The finite existence range for β-CO is rationalized by a bond competition effect, due to neighboring &a[SUB1]-CO species destabilizing the β-state at increasing coverage. Consequently β-CO converts to &a[SUB1]-CO under these conditions. A decrease of the β-state coverage via dissociation of CO may initiate the reverse process of α[SUB1]- to β-CO conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical breakdown by ultrashort laser pulses in dielectrics presents an efficient method to deposit laser energy into materials that otherwise exhibit minimal absorption at low laser intensities. During optical breakdown, a high density of free electrons is formed in the material, which dominates energy absorption, and, in turn, the material removal rate during ultrafast laser-material processing. Classical models assume a spatially uniform electron population and constant laser intensity in the focal region, which results in time-dependent expressions only, i.e., the rate equations, to predict electron evolution induced by nanosecond and picosecond pulses. For femtosecond pulses, however, the small spatial extent of the pulse requires that the pulse propagation be considered, which results in an inhomogeneous plasma and localized electron formation during optical breakdown. In this work, a femtosecond breakdown model is combined with the classical rate equations to determine both time- and position-dependent electron density during femtosecond optical breakdown in water. The model exhibits good agreement when compared with experimental results. For other transparent or moderately absorbing dielectric media, the model also shows promise for determining the time- and position-dependent electron evolution induced by ultrashort laser pulses. Another interesting result is that the maximum electron density formed during femtosecond-laser-induced optical breakdown may exceed the conventional limit imposed by the plasma frequency. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies of migrant family separation and reunification concern migration to Europe or North America, where many migrants settle permanently and some institutions facilitate their integration. Among migrants to China, permanent residency and naturalization are rare and integration is limited. How can we understand migrant family separation and coresidence in this kind of destination? Through a survey of 367 international residents and in-depth interviews, we investigate characteristics of migrants in single, sole, couple, and family arrangements in Yiwu, a trading hub and host city to more than 13,000 international migrants. We find that when a male migrant lives with a fellow-migrant wife, the wife is rarely employed, and the employment rate among fellow-migrant wives in Yiwu is lower than the employment rate among wives who remain in the origin. This suggests maximizing household income is not the purpose of the wife’s migration to China. We use logistic regression to identify factors associated with family coresidence among male migrants who have at least one dependent child and a wife who is not a Chinese national. High income, professional occupation, having preschool-aged children, years in the destination, and being from a country at war are associated with family coresidence, while the more children the migrant has, the less likely he is to live with his wife and children. This study offers evidence that where settlement is restricted and integration of migrants is limited, some migrants still pursue family coresidence, but affordability is a major constraint on this arrangement, especially in connection with the cost of children’s education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's rural–urban migrants have for the past decades left-behind family members in the countryside, splitting the household into two or more locations, due to the hukou system and migrants' household strategy. By analyzing two nationally representative floating population surveys conducted in 2011 and 2015, this paper examines whether family migration and family reunification have increased over time and whether household arrangements differ between migrant cohorts and between decades. The findings show that the nuclear-family arrangement, where the spouse and children join the pioneer migrant at the host location, is fast replacing the sole and couple-migration models that were prevalent among earlier, older migrants and cohorts. Over time, migrant families require fewer batches to reunite; their batch intervals become shorter; and more family members undertake the first move together. These findings underscore the importance of considering the family rather than the migrant as the basic unit of migration policy-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation induced void swelling is widely observed in a variety of metallic materials. Here, by using sputtering deposition technique, we have introduced faceted nanovoids into Cu films. In-situ Kr ion irradiation was subsequently performed at room temperature to investigate the evolution of nanovoids. Most nanovoids found to shrink gradually with increasing dose. Irradiation induced high-density vacancy clusters exist mostly in the form of stacking fault tetrahedrons. Phase field modeling reveales that void shrinkage arises from biased absorption of interstitials. These findings provide insights to the physical mechanisms of radiation response of nanovoids in metallic materials. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on the onset of circularity, this paper examines the first outward-moves and first inward-moves of rural–urban migrants in China. Using event-history analysis, we investigate the impacts of time-varying individual and household characteristics on the mobility of 787 rural workers from six villages in Anhui Province, based on a longitudinal study of 150 households for the period 1980 to 2009. The findings show that the probability of initiating the first outward-move and first inward-move is affected by age, gender, education, decade, and life-cycle and household-arrangement factors such as the location of dependent children, spouse, and elderly parents. New-generation migrants are more likely to move outward and spend longer time outside the home location than their predecessors. Gender differences persist; women continue to be less likely to move outward and more likely to return, and their mobility patterns are much more sensitive to caregiving needs than men. These results suggest that migrants’ circularity will persist and that China’s urbanization policy should consider multi-locality as a central component of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casuarina equisetifolia is widely planted in coastal areas of tropical and subtropical regions as windbreaks or to stabilize dunes against wind erosion due to its high salt tolerance and nitrogen-fixing ability. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for its salt tolerance, we examined growth, mineral composition, expression of genes for sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) transport proteins, and antioxidant responses under NaCl treatments. Increasing NaCl concentrations inhibited lateral root elongation and decreased plant height, length of internodes, and numbers of branches and twigs. The Na+ content significantly increased whereas the K+ content significantly decreased in both shoots and roots with increasing external NaCl concentration, resulting in a significant increase in Na+/K+ ratio. Most of the Na+/H+ antiporter genes (NHXs) were obviously upregulated in roots after 24 and 168 h of salt stress, and NHX7 was especially induced after 168 h. Almost all salt overly sensitive (SOS) genes were induced after 168-h treatment. Additionally, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were significantly changed in shoots and roots under salt stress. Hence, we conclude that salinity tolerance of C. equisetifolia mainly relied on sequestering excess Na+ into vacuoles and on induced expression of NHX and SOS genes in roots and thus the maintenance of sufficient K+ content in shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal morphology often represents a critically important property for the reason that different morphological characteristics such as crystal shape and size distribution will directly affect crystal growth and the quality of final products. However, minor changes in reaction conditions can have a significant impact on crystal morphology. As a consequence, crystallization processes demand an on-line technique for real-time monitoring of crystal morphology. Image-based monitoring methods show a great potential for real-time monitoring, and performing particle segmentation accurately becomes a key issue in the particle image analysis. To avoid the influences of droplets and to eliminate the particle shadow of particle images obtained by invasive imaging system, an effective approach is proposed for particle segmentation based on combing the background difference method and the graph-cut based local threshold method. Through building the background model and performing subtraction between particle image and background model, droplets could be eliminated effectively. Then the local threshold method is performed further to eliminate the influences of particle shadow. Several particle images are used to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. In order to further evaluate the real-time performance of the proposed method, comparison experiments between the proposed method and other advanced or classic algorithms are presented. Experimental results show that the proposed method is efficient and has an impressive real-time performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We theoretically exploit a class of one-dimensional double-layer photonic crystals based on colloidal ferrofluids, which are made of ferromagnetic nanoparticles suspended in a carrier liquid. Depending on the magnetic-field-induced anisotropic property of the ferrofluid, precise controllability of the band gaps is demonstrated to be possible by applying an appropriate external magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low speed, high torque density compound permanent magnet (PM) motor is developed for oil pumping unit to reduce energy consumption. It consists of dual axial-field PM motors and an outer rotor PM motor. In order to account for the influence of skew, a multislice two-dimensional finite element method is employed to analyze the air gap field distribution, back-emf, cogging torque, and electromagnetic torque. Predicted results are validated experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the oil-binding behavior of cosmetic paraffin wax-mineral oil systems using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance (pNMR). Neat paraffin wax crystals and paraffin wax oleogels crystallized into the same polymorphic forms; however, the oleogels had a larger lamellar thickness and crystal domain size. This increase in lamellar size could indicate that the oil was structured in between individual wax crystalline lamellae (i.e., nanostructured oil). The amount of crystalline material determined by pNMR of wax oleogels increased with temperature below their melting point, because interlamellar nanostructured oil lost some mobility and displayed solid-like behavior. These results provide experimental evidence for the existence of nanostructured oil, in support of simulation studies in the literature, and shed light into the oil-binding mechanism of some materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous materials have great potentials to alleviate irradiation-induced damage due to their giant surface-to-volume ratio. Previous in situ irradiation study on nanoporous Au at room temperature has shown the shrinkage of nanopores due to the absorption of irradiation-induced defects, and the shrinkage rate is pore-size-dependent. In this follow-up temperature-dependent study, we show that both defect density and nanopores evolve with irradiation temperature. Higher temperature results in lower defect density and reduced shrinkage rate of nanopores. The sink strength of nanopores as a function of temperature is estimated. Moreover, nanoporous Au exhibits significantly enhanced swelling resistance compared to coarse-grained Au. Potential mechanisms for temperature dependent irradiation resistance of nanoporous metals are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial nanotwinned Cu film with abundant nanovoids surrounding domain boundaries was subjected to Kr ++ ion irradiation inside a transmission electron microscope at various dose rates. Irradiation-induced defect clusters distributed preferentially near domain boundaries during the early stage of radiation. Meanwhile, the pre-existing nanovoids continuously shrank. This study suggests that the defect network enabled by the unique combination of nanotwins and nanovoids may significantly enhance the radiation tolerance of metallic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Limited data describe the long-term efficacy of dietary elimination in eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE). Aim To assess the long-term outcomes of food elimination diets for treatment of adults with EoE. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our centre analysing all EoE patients receiving a food elimination diet without concomitant steroids. Baseline data were abstracted using standardised collection forms. Follow-up data from a mean 24.9-month period were collected for patients with a histological response to a food elimination diet during and after food reintroduction. The main outcomes were symptomatic, endoscopic and histological responses. Results Of 52 patients, 18 received a 6-food food elimination diet, 32 received targeted diet, and two received a 6-food food elimination diet with targeted elimination. There were 21 (40%) patients with an initial histological response. Responders reported less dysphagia after treatment (95% baseline vs 11%; P = .001) and at the end of follow-up (95% baseline vs 33%; P = .008). Significant and durable endoscopic improvements were recorded at the same time points: Endoscopic reference score: 3.2 vs 0.7; P = .001; and 3.2 vs 1.7; P = .06. Histological findings improved after the most restrictive diet in responders (49.8 vs 4.1 eosinophils per high-power field; P = .001) and remained suppressed in the 10 initial responders maintaining compliance at the end of follow-up (5.2 eosinophils per high-power field). Conclusions Among EoE patients responding to a food elimination diet and remaining adherent, maintenance dietary therapy produced durable long-term symptomatic, endoscopic and histological disease control. These long-term data confirm that a food elimination diet is an effective maintenance treatment option in select adults with EoE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is widely used in gene expression analysis for its accuracy and sensitivity. Reference genes serving as endogenous controls are necessary for gene normalization. In order to select an appropriate reference gene to normalize gene expression in Casuarina equisetifolia under salt stress, 10 potential reference genes were evaluated using real time qPCR in the leaves and roots of plants grown under different NaCl concentrations and treatment durations. GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper analyses reveal that elongation factor 1-alpha ( EF1α) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 ( UBC) were the most appropriate reference genes for real time qPCR under salt stress. However, β-tubulin ( βTUB) and actin 7, which were widely used as reference genes in other plant species, were not always stably expressed. The combination of EF1α, UBC, uncharacterized protein 2, DNAJ homolog subfamily A member 2, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase should be ideal reference genes for normalizing gene expression data in all samples under salt stress. It indicates the need for reference gene selection for normalizing gene expression in C. equisetifolia. In addition, the suitability of reference genes selected was confirmed by validating the expression of WRKY29-like and expansin-like B1. The results enable analysis of salt response mechanism and gene expression in C. equisetifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis ( HyperPP) is a dominantly inherited muscle disease caused by mutations in SCN4A gene encoding skeletal muscle voltage gated Na v1.4 channels. We identified a novel Na v1.4 mutation I692M in 14 families out of the 104 genetically identified HyperPP families in the Neuromuscular Centre Ulm and is therefore as frequent as I693T (13 families out of 14 HyperPP families) in Germany. Surprisingly, in 13 families, a known polymorphism S906T was also present. It was on the affected allele in at least 10 families compatible with a possible founder effect in central Europe. All affected members suffered from episodic weakness; myotonia was also common. Compared with I692M patients, I692M-S906T patients had longer weakness episodes, more affected muscles, CK elevation and presence of permanent weakness. Electrophysiological investigation showed that both mutants had incomplete slow inactivation and a hyperpolarizing shift of activation which contribute to membrane depolarization and weakness. Additionally, I692M-S906T significantly enhanced close-state fast inactivation compared with I692M alone, suggesting a higher proportion of inactivated I692M-S906T channels upon membrane depolarization which may facilitate the initiation of weakness episodes and therefore clinical manifestation. Our results suggest that polymorphism S906T has effects on the clinical phenotypic and electrophysiological severity of a novel borderline Na v1.4 mutation I692M, making the borderline mutation fully penetrant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relative importance of soft skills versus hard skills across occupations and its impact on the observed wage gap between Blacks and Whites in the United States. It posits that the Black/White pay gap may vary across occupations that require the use of different types of skills. We classify occupations into hard-skill intensive versus soft-skill intensive jobs using the skill content measures of different occupations from the Occupational Information Network (O*Net). We then use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth ( NLSY) and Current Population Survey ( CPS) to investigate the impact of job skill type on the wage gap. Consistent with our theoretical predictions, we show that this wage gap in white-collar jobs is smaller for hard-skills jobs than it is for soft-skills jobs. Moreover, we demonstrate that, in response to variations in the wage gap across different occupations, Blacks are more likely to self-select themselves into hard-skills jobs, ceteris paribus. This shows not only that discrimination against Blacks varies across occupations, but also that such discrimination induces the self-selection of Blacks into certain occupations. Moreover, this finding highlights the role played by co-worker/customer discrimination in explaining the racial wage gap in the U.S. labor market. ( JEL J15, J31) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Few studies have been conducted in people of Asian descent that have reported to demonstrate the distinct developmental trends in good self-control and poor control. To fill this gap, we conducted a national cross-sectional survey among adolescents and young adults in China to further clarify the age and gender differences in self-control from a dual-systems perspective. Methods A total of 2910 adolescents (female, n = 1698) and their parents from five different provinces in China were surveyed using the Dual-Modes of Self-Control Scale (DMSC-S) and the Parents' Perceived Self-Control Scale. The mean age of the adolescent sample was 17.47 years (ranging from 12.50 to 25.42 years). Results Boys exhibited greater good self-control than girls. Poor control increased between 12 and 17 years of age and declined thereafter; however, good self-control increased over the entire study period. Both good self-control and poor control in student participants were significantly associated with parents' perceived self-control; moreover, the association between good self-control and parental self-control was mediated by SES. Conclusion The roles of age, gender, parental self-control and SES varied in a dual-systems model of self-control: good self-control and poor control. Implications of these results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsifiers form complex structures in colloidal systems. One of these structures, the α-gel phase, has drawn much research interest. α-gel phases are formed by emulsifiers that are stable in the α-crystalline structure in the presence of water. The α-gel phase has shown superior functionality in a variety of applications because it has a water-rich lamellar structure. Even though studies on emulsifier α-gel phases emerged over half a century ago, there is still a knowledge gap on fundamental properties of α-gel phases formed by a variety of emulsifiers. This article summarizes recent studies on the physical and chemical properties of α-gel phases formed by several food emulsifiers, specifically saturated monoglycerides, polyglycerol monoester and diesters of fatty acid, and sodium stearoyl lactylate. Recent research has advanced the understanding of factors affecting the stability and foamability of the α-gel phases. Current and potential applications of α-gel phases in baked food products and in personal care products are also reviewed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2219-Al thin-walled component was produced by gas tungsten arc (GTA)-additive manufacturing, and the microstructures were observed. The thin wall can be divided into two regions: a top region and a bottom region. In the top region, dendritic structures dominate and the eutectics are discontinuous. In the bottom region, there are many light strips dividing the region into parallel layers. In this region, dendritic structures are absent and eutectics are continuous. During the GTA-additive manufacturing process, deposited materials are heated many times by thermal cycles. According to consequences and time sequences, thermal cycles can be classified into three categories: melting heat, partial-melting heat, and post-heat. The top region is the melting-heat-affected zone, whose microstructures are the consequences of the melting heat. The line between the top region and bottom region is the partial-melting-affected zone, whose microstructures are affected by melting heat and by partial-melting heat. As for the post-heat-affected zone, namely the bottom region, melting heat and post-heat contribute to the inner-layer parts' microstructures, while melting heat, partial-melting heat, and post-heat contribute to the inter-layer line microstructures together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tandem gas metal arc welding system was utilized for narrow gap welding in three welding positions: flat, vertical down, and overhead welding position. The two arcs worked in two independent molten pools respectively. The molten pool behaviors were investigated and the weld forming characteristics were revealed. The results suggest the molten pool behaviors in different welding positions are different due to the action of gravity. In flat welding position, the molten pool surface is concave. In vertical down welding position, more fusion metal flow to the head of molten pool, and the molten pool is asymmetric, and the molten pool surface is more concave than that in flat welding position. In overhead welding position, more fusion metal flow to the tail of the molten pool, and the surface of the pool is convex. High quality welds for various welding positions can be acquired with an appropriate ratio of welding speed to wire feed speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure and Mo doped ZrW2O8compounds have been synthesised by a sol–gel process. The structure, morphology and properties of as synthesised samples have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrometer and photoluminescence. The analysis results reveal that the crystal structure, morphology, band gap and photocatalytic activity of ZrW2 − xMoxO8compounds can be tuned by changing the Mo doping content. When compared with pure ZrW2O8, the substitution of Mo in different doping ratios narrows the band gap energy. The photocatalytic activity of the samples is evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B, indicating that the photocatalytic activities of ZrW2 − xMoxO8compounds depend on the Mo doping content. The incorporation of Mo dopants can modify the electronic structure of ZrW2O8and prohibit the recombination of photo-induced charge carriers. ZrWMoO8has the greatest photocatalytic activity, and it displays good stability during the photocatalytic and recycling processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoglyceride (MG) structured oil-in-water emulsions have been developed as low fat shortening alternatives. In this work, the effect of the addition of palm stearin (PS) and storage at different temperatures on the thermal properties of glycerol monostearate (GMS)-structured emulsions were characterized. The melting profile and the dropping point of GMS-structured emulsions were investigated during five weeks of storage at 8 °C and 22 °C. Results showed that the addition of PS changed the melting profiles of GMS-structured emulsions that were stored under refrigeration temperatures, possibly by reducing phase separation between GMS and co-emulsifiers. Storage at refrigeration temperatures increased the stability of the α-gel phase while storing at room temperatures accelerated emulsion destabilization. Even though samples stored at refrigeration temperatures had lower dropping points, they were in the α-gel phase, making refrigeration temperatures the desirable storage condition to achieve maximal stability of MG-structured emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an effective design of a 2-mm-thick tungsten anti-scattering grid for medium-energy X-ray imaging. First, the Monte Carlo simulation is carried out firstly, which indicates that the ratio of direct to scattered radiation can reach as high as 1.54. The grid for the testing is produced using precision mechanical drilling technology, with the typical size of 52.1×52.1 mm 2 . Clear edge of the sample can be visualized in the image when the designed grid is used and the quality of the image is substantively improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Ocean Atlas-2013 ( WOAV13) dataset comprises 3D global gridded climatological fields of absolute geostrophic velocity inverted from WOA13 temperature and salinity fields using the P-vector method. It provides a climatological velocity field that is dynamically compatible to the WOA13 ( T, S) fields. The WOAV13 has the same spatial resolution and temporal variation (annual, monthly, seasonal) as WOA13 ( T, S) fields, but does not cover the equatorial zone (5°S-5°N) due to the geostrophic balance being the theoretical basis for the P-vector inverse method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thymic carcinoma is a rare but lethal mediastinal cancer. The optimal treatment for advanced thymic carcinoma is not yet established. This report is the first known of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (sabr) with CyberKnife (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA, U.S.A.) as definitive therapy for thymic carcinoma. The patient, a 70-year-old woman with thymic carcinoma, invasion into neighboring organs, and pleural metastases--underwent CyberKnife sabr at 40 Gy in 5 fractions for two lesions, one in the thymus and one in the right paraspinal pleura. After 61 months of observation, a partial response was observed in the irradiated fields. However, disease progression in the non-irradiated pleura was noted. The patient underwent salvage CyberKnife sabr for the four initially nonirradiated pleural lesions. Computed tomography images obtained 10 months after the salvage therapy revealed a partial response. The patient is living, with progression-free irradiated lesions and no radiation-related toxicity. CyberKnife sabr is feasible for patients who are unable to undergo either surgery or conventionally fractionated radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation forecast verification is essential to the quality of a forecast. The Gaussian mixture model (GMM) can be used to approximate the precipitation of several rain bands and provide a concise view of the data, which is especially useful for comparing forecast and observation data. The robustness of such comparison mainly depends on the consistency of and the correspondence between the extracted rain bands in the forecast and observation data. We propose a novel co-estimation approach based onGMMin which forecast and observation data are analysed simultaneously. This approach naturally increases the consistency of and correspondence between the extracted rain bands by exploiting the similarity between both forecast and observation data. Moreover, a novel visualization and exploration framework is implemented to help the meteorologists gain insight from the forecast. The proposed approach was applied to the forecast and observation data provided by the China Meteorological Administration. The results are evaluated by meteorologists and novel insight has been gained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of porous carbon for its pore size distribution is traditionally carried out with simple pore models of well-defined geometry (slit or cylinder) with both ends opened to the gas surroundings. These idealised models do not adequately describe the inherently complex structure of porous carbons. An improved model should be sufficiently simple, not only for characterization, but also for the design of separation and purification processes. The following factors should be included: (1) energetic variation along the pore axis due to constrictions or strong energy sites, (2) connectivity between adjacent pores and (3) the presence of functional groups. In this work, we report results from computer simulations, using argon and nitrogen as non–polar or weakly polar adsorbates and water and methanol as examples of associating fluids. The new model is able to produce all hysteresis loops classified by the IUPAC as well as loop types reported earlier by de Boer [1]. Experimental isotherms are commonly measured at 77 K and 87 K (nitrogen and argon boiling points, respectively), but in recent years cryostats have become increasingly available in characterization laboratories and our simulations show that by measuring isotherms at different temperatures new insights about the porous structure can be gained from the variation of the hysteresis loop with respect to temperature which may change, for example, from a single-loop to a double-loop via a fused-loop as the temperature is varied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the strength of resistance spot welds (RSW) of QP 980CR steel under shock loading conditions by using a projectile plate of DC53DZ steel driven by a one-stage gas gun which impacts the welded plate at a velocity V. The velocity histories of the free surfaces of the spot weld and the free part of the welded plate are measured with the Laser Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector (VISAR). We evaluate the tensile stresses in the spot weld and the free part of the welded plate from the measured velocity histories by using the characteristic theory. The welded plates opened purely under certain plane tensile pulses induced by the interactions of the release waves. We find that the RSW does not fail until the impact velocity V is greater than 0.2 mm/μs. Depending on the impact velocity a partial interfacial failure (PIF) mode or an interfacial failure (IF) mode of the spot welds may initiate under the combined tensile stresses in the free parts and the spot weld of the welded plate. The results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation of the evolution of microdamage in the recovered specimens of PIF mode show microvoid coalescence mechanisms, while that in the recovered specimen of the IF mode show the evolution of the microcracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mdm2 is a critical negative regulator of the tumor suppressor protein p53. Mdm2 is an E3 ligase whose overexpression leads to functional inactivation of p53. Mdm2 protein stability is regulated by several mechanisms including RING (Really Interesting New Gene) domain-mediated autoubiquitination. Here we report biochemical identification of NEDD4-1 as an E3 ligase for Mdm2 that contributes to the regulation of Mdm2 protein stability in cells. NEDD4-1 was identified from Jurkat cytosolic fractions using an enzyme-dead Mdm2 mutant protein as a substrate for in vitro E3 ligase assays. We show that lysates from Nedd4-1 knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) have significantly diminished E3 ligase activity toward Mdm2 compared with lysates from wild-type (WT) MEFs. Recombinant NEDD4-1 promotes Mdm2 ubiquitination in vitro in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. In cells, NEDD4-1 physically interacts with Mdm2 via the RING domain of Mdm2. Overexpression of NEDD4-1, but not an enzyme-dead NEDD4-1CS mutant, increases ubiquitination of Mdm2. NEDD4-1 catalyzes the formation of K63-type polyubiquitin chains on Mdm2 that are distinct from K48-type polyubiquitination chains mediated by the Mdm2/MdmX complex. Importantly, K63-type polyubiquitination by NEDD4-1 competes with K48-type polyubiquitination on Mdm2 in cells. As a result, NEDD4-1-mediated ubiquitination stabilizes Mdm2. NEDD4-1 knockdown reduces the t1/2 (half-life) of endogenous Mdm2 from 20 to 12 min in U2OS cells. Nedd4-1 KO MEFs manifest increased p53 levels and activity, a more robust DNA damage response and increased G1 arrest compared with WT MEFs. Similarly, NEDD4-1 knockdown in WT-p53-bearing cells increases basal p53 levels and activity in an Mdm2-dependent manner, causes stronger p53 responses to DNA damage and results in p53-dependent growth inhibition compared with corresponding NEDD4-1-proficient control cells. This study identifies NEDD4-1 as a novel component of the p53/Mdm2 regulatory feedback loop that controls p53 activity during stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective electromagnetic properties of aramid honeycomb board coated with a layer of multi-wall carbon nanotube or iron flakes composites were measured with waveguide method from 4 to 12 GHz. It was proved that homogenization theory could predict the effective permittivity or permeability of the honeycomb composites with good accuracy. The coated honeycomb composites of relatively high permittivity and permeability could potentially be used to develop dielectric or magnetic substrate for shielding layer or absorbing structures working at microwave frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report a study on the crystal growth of the hexagonal manganites R MnO3 (R=Y, Lu, Ho, Er, and Tm) by using an optical floating-zone method. It was found that high-quality single crystals of R=Y, Lu, and Ho could be easily grown with essentially the same conditions as those reported in the literature, that is, with an atmosphere of normal pressure Ar and oxygen mixture and a growth rate of 2–4mm/h. However, these conditions were not feasible for growing good crystals of R=Er and Tm. The chemical analysis indicated that it was due to an off-stoichiometric phenomenon in the formed single crystals. We used an effective and simple way to resolve this problem by adjusting the nominal compositions of the polycrystal feed rods to be 1–2% rare-earth excess. The structures and physical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, resistivity, and dielectric constant measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a method based on kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) to determine the chemical potential, Helmholtz free energy and entropy of a fluid within the course of a simulation. The procedure requires no recourse to auxiliary methods to determine the chemical potential, such as the implementation of a Widom scheme in Metropolis Monte Carlo simulations, as it is determined within the course of the simulation. The equation for chemical potential is proved, for the first time in the literature, to have a direct connection with inverse Widom potential theory in using real molecules rather than ghost molecules. We illustrate this new procedure by several examples, including fluid argon and adsorption of argon as a non-uniform fluid on a graphite surface and in slit pores. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Extra-articular femoral deformity in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is realigned by either intra-articular correction or extra-articular osteotomy. The more distant the deformity is away from knee joint, the more likely it is corrected by the former method. No report described the use of antegrade cephalomedullary femoral nail to fix the osteotomy followed by computer-assisted navigation TKA. This report described the unusual use of this method tomanage a 64-year-old man with femoral subtrochanteric fracture malunion and osteoarthritis of knee. He demonstrated a satisfactory functional outcome and good lower limb alignment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ synchrotron X-ray measurements were performed on the isothermal annealed Zr48Cu36Al8Ag8 bulk metallic glass (BMG). The crystallisation behaviour and structural evolution during the isothermal annealing were investigated by pair distribution function (PDF) analyses. The results indicate that the crystallization behaviour of the samples annealing at 743 K can be well described by the PDF data. The crystallisation process starts from 12 min and finishes at 54 min, with a rapid transforming period within 24–42 min. Dramatic structural changes take place in short, medium and long atomic range during crystallization. It is found that atoms closely pack in short range, while loosely pack in medium range, indicating the short and medium range ordering in BMG. Furthermore, atoms pack more and more closely during crystallisation process, and finally form the closely packing shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thermo-physical behavior of some Zr-based metallic glasses prepared by different molten quenching temperatures was studied by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The characteristic thermo-physical properties are normally used for evaluating the glass-forming ability (GFA) of metallic glasses. Our results show that the glass transition temperature, crystallization temperature and supercooled liquid region of these metallic glasses increased with increasing the molten quenching temperature. Their glass-forming abilities were discussed in terms of the GFA criterion γ and the reduced glass transition temperature, T rg, using these thermo-physical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We study differential fertility and intergenerational mobility in an overlapping-generations framework with skilled and unskilled individuals. Assuming unskilled parents are less productive in educating children, we show that they choose higher fertility but less investment for child education than skilled parents. Public education reduces the fertility gap but may increase intergenerational mobility under certain conditions. We also find very different responses of fertility differential and intergenerational mobility to a variation in a preference or technology parameter. As the ratio of skilled to working population rises towards its steady state, average income rises, average fertility falls, but income inequality first rises and then falls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 70-year-old man presented to the emergency department with pain and swelling in his right periorbital region after a fall. Physical examination revealed ecchymosis and tenderness in the area, but no apparent fractures were seen on a plain radiograph. However, a crescent-shaped radiolucency known as the black eyebrow sign was present, indicating a suspicion of occult orbital wall fracture. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of nondisplaced fractures at the medial and inferior orbital wall. The patient was treated conservatively and followed up at the outpatient department. [Extracted from the article]

We study the low-temperature thermal conductivity (κ) of Dy2Ti2O7 along and perpendicular to the (111) plane and under the magnetic field along the [111] direction. Besides the steplike decreases of κ at the field-induced transitions from the spin-ice state to the kagomé-ice state and then to the polarized state, an abnormal phenomenon is that the κ(H) isotherms show a clear irreversibility at very low temperatures upon sweeping the magnetic field up and down. This phenomenon surprisingly has no correspondence with the well-known magnetization hysteresis. Possible origins for this irreversibility are discussed; in particular, a pinning effect of magnetic monopoles in a spin-ice compound by the weak disorders is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition of alloy composition, molten liquid temperatures influence the thermophysical properties – crystallization and glass transition temperatures – and thus influence the glass-forming ability (GFA). The effect of thermophysical properties on the GFA of nanoquasi-crystal-forming Zr70− X Cu25Pt5Al X metallic glasses with high-purity elements as well as admixed Y2O3 quenched from different molten liquid temperatures was studied. Calculations of different expressions using the characteristic temperatures of the metallic glasses were used to predict GFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the condition of rural-urban migrant workers in China. It informs that migrant workers face several social, economical and institutional barriers in the society. According to researchers, hukou system, a system of household registration in the country is the main barrier for migrants despite of several social and economical developments.