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To investigate the independent impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Chinese adolescents, and to explore the potential moderating role of PCEs in the association between ACEs and HRQOL. This was a cross-sectional study. We surveyed 6982 students aged 11–20 in Guangzhou, China, from November to December 2021. Adolescents self-reported their ACEs, PCEs, and HRQOL by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0, respectively. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to examine the associations between ACEs, PCEs, and HRQOL controlled for adolescents' age, gender, single-child status, boarding school attendance, primary caregivers, as well as parental age and occupational status. Likelihood-ratio tests were further applied to explore the moderating role of PCEs. In the models that considered both ACEs and PCEs, ACEs were significantly associated with lower HRQOL scores in all dimensions, summary scales, and total scale (β = −13.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −14.82, −12.94 for total scale). Conversely, exposure to an above-average number of PCEs was associated with higher HRQOL scores in all measured aspects (β = 7.20, 95%CI: 6.57, 7.84 for total scale). PCEs significantly moderated the association between ACEs and all HRQOL dimensions, summary scales, and total scale, except school functioning. ACEs and PCEs exert independent and opposite impacts on adolescents' HRQOL. PCEs could mitigate the negative impacts of ACEs. Enhancing resilience, like PCEs, may contribute to improving the HRQOL among adolescents who have exposed to ACEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore novel terpenoid repellents, 22 candidate terpenoid derivatives were synthesized and tested for their electroantennogram (EAG) responses and repellent activities against Aedes albopictus. The results from the EAG experiments revealed that 5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-yl formate (compound 1) induced distinct EAG responses in female Aedes albopictus. At concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L, the EAG response values for compound 1 were 179.59, 183.99, 190.38, 193.80, and 196.66 mV, demonstrating comparable or superior effectiveness to DEET. Repellent activity analysis indicated significant repellent activity for compound 1, closest to the positive control DEET. The in silico assessment of the ADMET profile of compound 1 indicates that it successfully passed the ADMET evaluation. Molecular docking studies exhibited favourable binding of compound 1 to the active site of the odorant binding protein (OBP) of Aedes albopictus, involving hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bond interactions with residues in the OBP pocket. The QSAR model highlighted the influential role of hydrogen-bonding receptors, positively charged surface area of weighted atoms, polarity parameters of molecules, and maximum nuclear-nuclear repulsion force of carbon-carbon bonds on the relative EAG response values of the tested compounds. This study holds substantial significance for the advancement of new terpenoid repellents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tectonic setting of the Late Carboniferous Cameng Formation in the north of South Qiangtang terranes (SQT) remains controversial. Here, we report new geochemical results for clastic rocks from the Cameng Formation. Our results show that the Index of Compositional Variability (ICV) is greater than 1, indicating these sediments experienced limited recycling and were probably derived from acid to intermediate magmatic rocks. The extent of weathering, with the Index of CIA vary from 67 to 75 (mean = 71), ICV > 1 (mean = 1.25) and the Th/U ratios > 4, is moderate in the source area. These new findings show that the Cameng Formation was most likely deposited in an unstable environment (continental island arc or active continental margin). Combined with other evidence, we further infer that the Early Paleozoic rocks (206Pb/238U ages varying from 438 to 502 Ma) presently exposed in the South Qiangtang terrane are the potential source of the Late Carboniferous depositions in the northern SQT, and were most likely deposited in a forearc basin under the in situ suture model, that is, the southward subduction of the Longmu Co-Shuanghu Tethys Ocean beneath the SQT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing consumer concern in greenhouse-gas (GHG) contributions from cattle is pushing the livestock industry to continue to improve their sustainability goals. As populations increase, particularly in low-income countries, the demand for animal-sourced foods will place further pressure to reduce emission intensity. Enteric methane (CH4) production contributes to most of the GHG from livestock; therefore, it is key to mitigating such emissions. Feed additives have primarily been used to increase animal productivity, but advances in understanding the rumen has resulted in their development to mitigate CH4 emissions. The present study reviewed some of the main feed additives with a potential to reduce enteric CH4 emissions, focusing on in vivo studies. Feed additives work by either inhibiting methanogenesis or modifying the rumen environment, such that CH4 production (g/day) is reduced. Feed additives that inhibit methanogenesis or compete with substrate for methanogens include 3-nitroxypropanol (3NOP), nitrates, and halogenated compounds containing organisms such as macroalgae. Although 3NOP and macroalgae affect methyl-coenzyme M reductase enzyme that is necessary in CH4 biosynthesis, the former is more specific to methanogens. In contrast, nitrates reduce CH4 emissions by competing with methanogens for hydrogen. However, nitrite could accumulate in blood and be toxic to ruminants. Rumen modifiers do not act directly on methanogens but rather on the conditions that promote methanogenesis. These feed additives include lipids, plant secondary compounds and essential oils. The efficacy of lipids has been studied extensively, and although supplementation with mediumchain and polyunsaturated fatty acids has shown substantial reduction in enteric CH4 production, the results have been variable. Similarly, secondary plant compounds and essential oils have shown inconsistent results, ranging from substantial reduction to modest increase in enteric CH4 emissions. Due to continued interest in this area, research is expected to accelerate in developing feed additives that can provide options in mitigating enteric CH4 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New zinc complexes, [ZnBr2(HL)] (1), [ZnBr(HL)(NCS)]·0.5H2O (2), [Zn(HL)I2] (3), and [ZnL2] (4), where L is the monoanionic form of 2-amino-N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (HL), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-Vis spectra, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction. The Zn atoms in complexes 1-3 are in distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination, and that in complex 4 is in octahedral coordination. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the compounds were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the interfacial bonding between copper and graphite, copper was coated on the graphite by electroless plating. Copper/graphite composites with copper‐coated graphite were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The effects of copper‐coated graphite on the density, electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, friction and wear properties of copper/graphite composites were studied. The results show that: copper plating on the graphite surface can improve the wettability of graphite and copper, and the interface between them is well bonded. Compared with pure copper, the microstructure of the composites was significantly refined after adding copper‐coated graphite. The mechanical properties of the composites were significantly improved, with yield compressive strength and elastic modulus increasing by 220 % and 240 %, respectively. With the increase of copper‐coated graphite contents, the density and the conductivity of the composites gradually decreased. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites were significantly reduced. The friction and wear mechanisms of the composites are mainly oxidation wear, fatigue wear and adhesive wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the NiCrAlY coating is deposited on the surface of the NiCrAlY alloy substrate by the electrospark deposition method. The phase composition, morphology and element composition of the substrate and coating were characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS. The high-temperature oxidation resistance was tested. The results show that the weight gain of the coating is lower than that of the substrate alloy after high-temperature oxidation. The coating protects the substrate to some extent. And because of the formation of NiCrAlY columnar microcrystalline coating, rich grain boundaries, promoted the diffusion rate of metal ions, resulting in the formation of "pinning effect" of the film/metal interface, improve the anti-stripping performance of the coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 on the proliferation, apoptosis and radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells and its possible mechanism. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the expression of long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 and microRNA-361-5p in adjacent tissues, colorectal cancer tissues and human normal colorectal mucosal cell lines, fetal human cells and human colorectal cancer cell lines. The transplanted tumor experiment in nude mice was used to detect the influence of the expression changes of long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 and microRNA-361-5p on the transplanted tumor growth. The expression of long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines was increased, while the expression of microRNA-361-5p was decreased (p<0.05). After transfection of small interfering long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 or microRNA-361-5p mimics, cell viability and cell survival score were decreased, the number of cell clone formation was decreased and cell apoptosis rate was increased (p<0.05). Transfection of small interfering long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 could inhibit the growth of transplanted tumors in nude mice. Long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 could target the microRNA-361-5p expression. The expression of long non-coding RNA TRIM52 antisense RNA 1 could inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation and clone formation and promote cell apoptosis by targeted regulation of microRNA-361-5p expression and could enhance the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed and characterized 13 novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from Mongolian redfin Chanodichthys mongolicus by restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq). Variability was tested on 36 individuals randomly collected from Qiantang River, Zhejiang Province, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 (MGB_1990, MGB_3456, MGB_6007, MGB_6539, MGB_7273, MGB_8632) to 9 (MGB_8632). Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 (MGB_7273) to 0.972 (MGB_5057), whereas the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.028 (MGB_6007) to 0.795 (MGB_4875). Polymorphism Information Content ranged from 0.027 (MGB_6007) to 0.755 (MGB_4875). Moreover, seven microsatellites were in agreement with Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. Four pairwise tests in seven microsatellite loci (MGB_1498, MGB_1990, MGB_4875, MGB_5057, MGB_6539, MGB_7273, MGB_8632) indicated linkage disequilibrium among loci. These microsatellites can evaluate Mongolian redfin populations' genetic parameters to provide precious information for a conservation management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-path (or multi-mode) entanglement has been proved to be a useful resource for sub-shot-noise sensitivity of phase estimation, which has aroused much research interest inquantum metrology recently. Various schemes of multi-path interferometers based on optical systems have been put forward. Here, we study a multi-state interferometer with multi-level atoms by projective measurements. Specifically, we investigate its ultimate sensitivity described by quantum Fisher information theory and find that the Cramerâ€"Rao bound can be achieved. In particular, we investigate a specific scheme to improve the sensitivityof magnetometery with a three-state interferometry delivered by a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center of diamond with tailor pulses. The impacts of imperfections of the atomic beam-splitter, described by the three-level quantum Fourier transform, on the sensitivity of phase estimation is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Divertor detachment and alternative divertor magnetic geometries are predicted to be promising approaches to handle the power exhaust of future fusion devices. In order to understand the detachment process caused by volumetric losses in alternative divertor magnetic geometries, a Multi-Wavelength Imaging (MWI) diagnostic has recently been designed and built for the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade. The MWI diagnostic will simultaneously capture 11 spectrally filtered images of the visible light emitted from divertor plasmas and provide crucial knowledge for the interpretation of observations and modeling efforts. This paper presents the optical design, mechanical design, hardware, and test results of an 11-channel MWI system with a field of view of 40°. The optical design shows better than 5 mm FWHM spatial resolution at the plasma on all 11 channels across the whole field of view. The spread of angle of incidence on the surface of each filter is also analyzed to inform the bandwidth specification of the interference filters. The results of the initial laboratory tests demonstrate that a spatial resolution of better than 5 mm FWHM is achieved for all 11 channels, meeting the specifications required for accurate tomography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo in cultivation was worse than those collected in wild, this work was conducted to explore a method that can improve the quality of D. officinale in cultivation. Seedlings were sprayed with different concentrations of SA with UV-B irradiation (15.6 µW/cm2) for 4 h per day. After 8 days, partial growth indicators and active ingredients in the seedlings were determined. The results showed that UV-B irradiation alone could increase the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), total polysaccharides, total alkaloids and total flavonoids as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and decrease the contents of chlorophyll in D. officinale. Moreover, UV-B irradiation combined with SA could significantly increase the contents of total polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and chlorophyll as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased the contents of MDA and total alkaloids of D. officinale, when compared with UV-B alone. Importantly, the growth and main active ingredients of D. officinale were enhanced when the seedlings were treated with various concentrations (1.0–3.0 mM) of SA and grown under intense UV-B irradiation. At the optimal concentration (2.5 mM) of SA, the content of polysaccharides was further increased by 27.82%, while the content of MDA was decreased by 43.51%, when compared with UV-B alone. This study provides an insight for improving the quality of D. officinale bionic cultivated in its habitat, which might promote its industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there exists only one set of experimental results at temperatures up to 680 K with the claimed relative standard uncertainty of (0.15-0.20)%. This paper reports new experimental results using the two-capillary viscometer in the temperature range from 298.15 K to 653.15 K with the claimed relative standard uncertainty of 0.062%. The new measurements agree with the existing high accuracy measurements and ab initio calculations in the overlapping temperature range within the extraordinary low relative differences of ±0.08%. The good agreement represents a robust proof of the potential models derived from the ab initio calculations, which play the powerful means in obtaining the thermophysical properties of dilute monoatomic gases over wide temperature ranges. In the experiments, the authors observed the occurrence of insufficient preheating existing with the two-capillary viscometer at high temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effects of low-dose ozone therapy on the sleep quality of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and insomnia by measuring the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and GABA in blood serum. The 3-month course of low-dose ozone therapy significantly elevated serum BDNF and GABA in CHD patients with insomnia and improved parameters of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality according to Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS). Ozone therapy also significantly (p<0.05) improved the total antioxidant status of the body by elevating catalase activity and reducing malondialdehyde and 8-OHdeoxyguanosine in the saliva. The serum levels of BDNF and GABA negatively and closely correlated with PSQI and HADS scores. Low-dose ozone therapy improved sleep quality and reduced PSQI and HADS scores due to up-regulation of BDNF and GABA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1556 CE Huaxian earthquake resulted in an estimated 830,000 deaths and caused widespread devastation in the Weihe Basin, China. Seismic intensities from historical accounts yield, via magnitude‐intensity relations, a commonly quoted magnitude of 8¼ to 8½. The maximum recorded shaking was confined to a zone close to the Huashan and Weinan faults, which exhibit fresh scarps up to 7–8 m high. Recent palaeoseismic studies have suggested, however, that the Weinan fault has not ruptured at the surface for several thousand years. Furthermore, the 90‐km combined length of the Huashan and Weinan faults is short for an earthquake of magnitude 8¼ to 8½. We present a detailed analysis of the Weinan fault at one well‐preserved site, combining field observations and age constraints from fluvial terraces displaced by faulting, analysis of a high‐resolution digital elevation model (DEM), interpretation of the walls of a quarry that cuts through the fault zone, and from a profile of borehole cores across the fault. We find that the fault ruptured within the last ~900 years and is likely, along with the Huashan segment, to be the causative fault for the 1556 earthquake. The magnitude remains uncertain, with Mw ~ 7.5 being a plausible estimate given the fault length, and no more than Mw 8.0 if we use the maximum estimates of slip. These estimates are considerably smaller than magnitudes estimated from intensities, with importance in estimating the recurrence intervals between destructive earthquakes and hazard across central China. Key Points: The 1556 CE Huaxian earthquake of central China likely occurred on the Weinan‐Huaxian faultsIt potentially involved slip of up to ~10 m over a length of ~90 km; its magnitude (Mw) was likely 7.5 to a maximum of 8.0We suggest that historical magnitude from intensities overestimates the size, with implications for seismic hazard estimates in China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patterned sapphire substrate has been used extensively in the growth of gallium nitride (GaN) material and related light emitting devices (LEDs). Recently, carbon nanotube patterned sapphire (CNTPS) was utilized to improve the GaN material and LED devices. In this article, intrinsic analyzation of LEDs on CNTPS were studied. LEDs grown on three layers of CNTs showed highest radiative quantum efficiency and internal quantum efficiency, while LEDs on double layers of CNTs exhibited the best light output power and external quantum efficiency. The physics of carriers' injection, radiative, non-radiative, Auger recombination and light extraction in CNT patterned LEDs were unraveled by the 'ABC' modelsimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a newly installed 5-channel W-band Doppler reflectometer (DR) in EAST tokamak, many interesting coherence modes and turbulences have been observed. In this paper, the tearing mode (TM), a novel inter-edge localized mode (ELM) electromagnetic mode, and the eigenmode geodesic acoustic mode (GAM) accompanied by a broadband quasi-coherent mode (QCM) during H-mode stage have been reported. The TM could be directly observed in both density fluctuation and perpendicular velocity fluctuation at the DR channel localized in the magnetic island region; moreover, many high-order TM frequency harmonics, dual turbulence peaks inside and outside the island separatrix, and strong flow shear across the island separatrix could also be observed. A high-frequency (∼ 230 kHz) electromagnetic mode (toroidal mode number n = 1) could be identified. The mode is generated dozens of milliseconds before the ELM crash and may affect the ELM dynamic process. The eigenmode GAM excited during the H-mode stage is generated near the top of the density pedestal and then propagates radially inward with a radial wavenumber of about 1 cm − 1 . A broadband QCM with a frequency range of 20 – 100 kHz is always accompanied by eigenmode GAM and nonlinearly coupled with both GAM and the background turbulence from the bispectrum analysis. All these results convince the validity of the Doppler reflectometer in multi-scale measurement from the mesoscale to microscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unified hardening (UH) model proposed by Yao et al. (Geotechnique 2009) is the constitutive model which can consider the influence of the complex stress path and stress history on the deformation and strength of clays reasonably. Firstly, the loading–unloading criterion of material model is defined as the change law of the intersection of current yield surface and the p axis, which makes the loading–unloading in the process of hardening and softening can be unified considered in UH model. Then, the Newton–Raphson method is adopted to attain the nonlinear problems solution in the finite element method of UH model, and the semi-implicit return mapping method is adopted to update stress. The application of the UH model in the finite element is realized. And then, the analyses of triaxial test are performed using the unit prediction and finite element method. The results of the unit prediction method are compared with the experimental results to illustrate the rationality of the UH model. Comparing the results with the unit prediction method and the finite element method, the correctness of the finite element program of the UH model is illustrated. Further, the three-dimensional finite element analysis of embankment on soft soil is performed by the program. The comparison between the results calculated by the UH model and the modified Cam-clay (MCC) model and the experimental data shows that the UH model is rational in analyzing the actual embankment engineering on soft soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The co‐stimulatory molecule B7‐H3, a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein, was assessed for its functional and prognostic role in lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). Aim: To investigate if abnormal expression of the co‐stimulatory molecule B7‐H3 in LSC is associated with Langerhans cell (LC) expansion. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to stain LSC skin tissue, and evaluated if the immunostaining of B7‐H3 and interleukin (IL)‐6 was significantly different. Results: Our results indicated that B7‐H3 is abnormally expressed in LSC skin tissue and positively regulates LC expansion. We also found that IL‐6 might modulate B7‐H3 expression. Moreover, LC expansion in LSC leads to the proliferation of T cells. Conclusions: Our study indicates the potential value of immunotherapy as a treatment for LSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the wide use of immunosuppressive agents, life-threatening cytomegalovirus-associated acute respiratory failure occurs frequently. However, this condition is yet to be fully recognized and the therapeutic approach to it can only be based on comprehensive protocols rather than the biological characteristics of cytomegalovirus. W e describe three acute respiratory failure events that were related to the pathogenicity of cytomegalovirus, the primary cytopathic effect and secondary antiviral immunity-mediated damage. All cytomegalovirus infection occurred after immunosuppressive usage while the acute respiratory failure events took place in different clinical settings. The first acute respiratory failure event originated from the immunoinflammatory response after cytomegalovirus infection was circumscribed, while the second resulted from cytomegalovirus reactivation and the third was caused by the combined effect of acute cytomegalovirus infection and the subsequent immunoinflammatory response. According to the clinical setting, corresponding therapeutic approaches (sequential or combined strategy) were carried out. All the patients here presented were responsive to the above therapeutic strategies. Consequently, cytomegalovirus-associated acute respiratory failure in systemic lupus erythematosus patients should be carefully differentiated and a sequential or combined strategy should be carried out according to the clinical setting. Overall, we find that there are three patterns of cytomegalovirus-associated acute respiratory failure in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and propose a novel therapeutic strategy in relation to cytomegalovirus biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study strong limit theorems for arrays of rowwise independent random variables under sublinear expectation. Specially, we establish Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type strong law of large numbers and law of the logarithm. It turns out that our theorems are natural extensions of Marcinkiewicz–Zygmund type strong law of large numbers and law of the logarithm for arrays of rowwise independent random variables under classical linear probabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structure, magnetic and electrical transport properties of the reactive sputtered iron nitride films fabricated at different substrate temperatures (Ts) and nitrogen flow rates (FN2) were investigated systematically. The single-phase polycrystalline γ′-Fe4N film was obtained at FN2 = 20 sccm and Ts = 450 °C. The films are soft ferromagnetic at room temperature. The electrical resistivity (ρ) of the films fabricated at different FN2 and Ts decreases with the decreasing temperature, showing a metallic behavior. Meanwhile, a variety of magnetoresistance (MR) behaviors were observed depending on the applied magnetic field and measuring temperature. It can be deduced that the complex MR behaviors are dominated by Lorentz force, spin-orbit interaction, and weak localization effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of surfaces/interfaces become prominent in micro- and nanosized materials and devices. In the present paper, the diffraction of plane harmonic compressional waves (P wave) by a spherical nanoinclusion is studied theoretically using the surface/interface elasticity theory. The results demonstrated that when the inclusion size shrinks to nanometers, surface/interface elasticity plays a significant role in the diffraction of elastic waves. For incident waves of different frequencies, the interface effects on the dynamic stress concentration around the spherical inclusion are examined in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual stresses due to high-temperature processing in micromultilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with various thicknesses and numbers of dielectric ceramic layers were investigated by using a three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element model with temperature-dependent material properties taken into account. For comparison, an explicit analytical solution for the in-plane residual stress in the dielectric ceramic layer was derived. Both the numerical results and the analytical model showed that the thickness ratio of the dielectric layer to electrode layer has a dominant impact on the residual stress states. There exists a critical thickness for the dielectric ceramic layer in MLCCs in the case of a given thickness of the electrode layer, below which both high tensile out-of-plane stresses and high compressive in-plane stresses could cause the cracking of the brittle dielectric layers near the electrode tips and/or the debonding of the electrode/dielectric interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the surface elasticity theory, we examined the effects of surface stresses on nanosized contact problems. The Fourier integral transform method is adopted to derive the general solution for the contact problem under pressure. As two examples, the deformations induced, respectively, by a uniform distributed pressure and a concentrated force are analyzed in detail. The results indicate some interesting characteristics in contact mechanics, which are distinctly different from those in classical elasticity theory. Both the contact normal stress and the deformation gradient on the deformed surface vary smoothly across the loading boundary as a result of surface stress. In addition, the indent depth and the maximum normal contact stress depend strongly on the surface stress for nanoindentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate and four bulky Schiff base ligands derived from amantadine (or rimantadine) and salicylaldehyde (or 4-methoxysalicylaldehyde) generated four novel complexes, C34H42Cl2MnN2O2 (I), C36H46Cl2MnN2O4 (II), C38H50Cl2MnN2O2 (III), and C40H54Cl2MnN2O4 (IV), respectively. These complexes were characterized by melting point, infrared spectra, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 1 540 253 (I), 1 540 254 (II), 1 540 255 (III), 1 540 256 (IV)). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that I, III and IV crystallize in the orthorhombic system with space groups P212121, Pbcn and Pcan, respectively, whereas II crystallizes in the monoclinic system with space group P21/n. Each asymmetric unit for I–IV consists of one manganese(II) atom, two Schiff base ligands and two chlorine atoms. The central manganese(II) atoms lie on a twofold rotation axis in III and IV, whereas manganese(II) atoms lie on general positions in I and II. In these complexes molecules, manganese(II) atoms is four-coordinated via two chlorine atoms and two oxygen atoms from the corresponding Schiff base ligands, forming a distorted tetrahedral geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems of flow field divergence, short circuit, and poor forming precision in electrochemical machining (ECM) large-diameter special-shaped inner spiral tube with pull reverse flow-cathode structure, a pull downstream cathode structure is proposed which has the function of changing working teeth and converging electrolyte flow field. The gap flow field simulation model was established, and then comparing and analyzing the gap flow field between pull downstream cathode model and the pull reverse flow cathode model. The simulation results show that pull downstream cathode structure is better than pull reverse flow-cathode structure in the gap electrolyte velocity, pressure, and streamline under the condition of 15 m/s electrolyte inlet velocity and electrolyte outlet pressure with atmospheric pressure. We also analyzed the stress and displacement of these two different cathode structures. The simulation results show that the maximum stress is 0.350 MPa and the maximum displacement is 4.275 × 10−5 mm with pull downstream cathode. However, the maximum stress of traditional pull reverse flow cathode is 0.428 MPa and the maximum displacement is 5.6355 × 10−5 mm. Finally, under the conditions of 12 V, 20 mm/min cathode feed speed, 15 wt% NaCl electrolyte with temperature 30 °C, and inlet pressure 1.5 MPa, the 2000 mm qualified sample was machined stably and reliably by pull downstream cathode. It indicates that it is feasible to machining large-diameter special-shaped inner spiral tube with the new pull downstream cathode structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5-channel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Through an I/Q-type double sideband modulator and a frequency multiplier, an array of finely spaced (Δf = 400 MHz) frequencies that span 1.6 GHz has been created. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of 75-97.8 GHz, which covers most of the W band (75-110 GHz). The incident angle can be adjusted from −4° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 4-15 cm−1 with a wavenumber resolution of Δk/k ≤ 0.35. Ray tracing is used to calculate the scattering location and the scattering wavenumber. This article details the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results from EAST plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to rationally coordinate inconsistent objectives in transport network design, this research newly develops a multi-objective network layout optimisation model solved by an improved Simulated Annealing Algorithm (SAA). Two temperature control variables and one cost difference control variable are defined in the proposed SAA. They work in cooperation to restart the optimum search from the latest temporary optimal solution if the search is made excessively in any searching direction as well as expand the searching area for the globally optimal network layout with the minimum operation cost. The genetic algorithm is embedded into the reversible SAA to iteratively provide a network configuration with the minimum total time expense of all the transports for the minimisation of the network operation cost. It is confirmed that the new optimisation model solved by the reversible SAA integrating the genetic algorithm is able to effectively minimise both the total transport time expense and the network operation cost with searching for the best fits between these two basically inconsistent objectives from different perspectives. The proposed approach can be utilised to optimise configurations of not only urban transit lines for passenger mobility organisation but also logistics transportation routes for manufacturing production management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study solves the simultaneous planning problem of the transit network and frequency design (TNFD) for suburban bus systems. A Pareto genetic algorithm (PGA) in which the fitness function is designed based on the Pareto relation and the population diversity is first applied to better tackle the bi-objective nature of the problem. The real size network of the suburban residential area is conducted to show that our PGA is effective in generating better Pareto optimal solutions for both conflicting objectives when compared with the existing bus network design, since solutions with very high percentage of direct trips, lower in-vehicle travel time and fewer buses could be found. Other two experiments are set up to demonstrate the good robustness of our proposed algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth responses of the moderately salt-tolerant velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) and salt-sensitive poplar (Populus × euramericana) were investigated under heterogeneous root zone salinity. The salinity treatments imposed on the two root zones (lower-higher) were 137-137 (uniform), 103-171, 68-205, 34-239, and 0-273 mM NaCl for velvet ash, and 51-51 (uniform), 34-68, 17-85, and 0-103 mM NaCl for poplar. The leaf gas exchange of the plants was measured one month after these treatments were implemented, and the plants were sampled 75 d after treatment to measure other physiological parameters. Net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, total biomass, and fine root compensatory growth increased as the difference in salinity between the two root zones (i.e., salinity heterogeneity) increased in velvet ash. These parameters showed no significant difference among the treatments in poplar. The leaf Na+ content was lower under heterogeneous salinity than under uniform salinity in both tested species. The leaf proline content in velvet ash decreased under heterogeneous salinity compared to that under uniform salinity, whereas that of poplar increased. The soluble sugar content of velvet ash leaves increased under heterogeneous salinity, whereas no changes were observed in poplar. The increased fine root biomass in the lower salinity zone promoted velvet ash growth by decreasing the leaf Na+ and Cl- content under heterogeneous salinity. The poplar’s undifferentiated root distribution and gas exchange in response to the heterogeneous salinity were attributed to its salt sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated titanium white waste acid (TWWA) concentration by direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) using self-made (PVDF)/poly(vinylidene- co -hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF- co -HFP)) blend hollow fiber membranes. The concentration degree, ferrous sulphate (FeSO 4 ) precipitation and membrane fouling/cleaning were investigated at different temperature and flow rate of feed streams. It was found that membrane with PVDF/P(VDF- co -HFP) ratio of 12/6 (w/w) (M1) had slightly larger contact angle, but very low flux (<6 kg/m 2 -h). Another ratio with more PVDF delivered membranes (M2) with significantly better flux. With the modules M2 batch of hollow fibers, the feed acid was concentrated up to around 58% at 70 °C (feed) and FeSO 4 precipitated out during the DCMD. Surface fouling was confirmed by SEM analysis; the situation of surface fouling is more serious with higher concentration. Tests regarding effect of feed flow rate indicated that higher speed could reduce the fouling degree and foulant particle size. The final sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) concentration is highest for modules operated at 150 ml/min of feed flow. Membrane cleaning involving HCl solution rinsing and air drying restored the salt rejection to be higher than 99%, but with depreciation in vapor flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of inorganic phosphorus (Pi) infusion on P absorption in large intestine, milk production, and phosphorus excretion. Four ruminally and ileally cannulated crossbred cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square with 21-d periods. Cows were fed a total mixed ration containing 0.21% P, providing 50% of the cows' P requirement. Cobalt-EDTA was used as marker to measure large intestine digesta flow. On d 13 to 21 of each period, each cow was infused daily with 0, 20.1, 40.2, or 60.3 g of Pi into the abomasum and total collection was conducted on d 18 to 21. Ileal samples were collected every 9 h on d 18 to 21. Feed, digesta, and fecal samples were analyzed for total P and Pi using the molybdovanadate yellow method and blue method, respectively. All data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) using contrasts to evaluate linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of Pi infusion dose. Dry matter intake, apparent dry matter digestibility, milk yield, and milk total P were unaffected by Pi infusion. Ileal flow and fecal excretion of total P and Pi increased linearly with increasing infused Pi. In the large intestine, net absorption of TP and Pi was increased linearly with increasing infused Pi. The magnitude of absorption from the large intestine was greater than reflected in current models, raising questions that could be evaluated with longer infusion periods or dietary alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methionine is considered one of the most important essential AA for milk protein synthesis in dairy cows. Supplementation of unprotected, free Met is nearly 100% degraded by ruminal microorganisms, which complicates supplementation. 2-Hydroxy-4-methylthio-butanoic acid (HMTBa) can be converted to Met in the body and is used as a Met source in dairy production. However, results of published studies assessing the effects of supplementing Met sources, including HMTBa, on performance variables are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively summarize the accumulated results of HMTBa supplementation on animal performance and nutrient digestibility. Data pertaining to HMTBa dose, dietary composition, and major performance variables (rumen volatile fatty acid composition, milk production, nutrient digestibility) were collected from 39 articles containing 169 treatment means. Publications were from scientific journals published from 1970 to 2018; 1 internal report from Novus International Inc. (St. Charles, MO) was also included. The HMTBa effects on response variables were analyzed using linear mixed models with random study effects. Other explanatory variables tested included neutral detergent fiber and crude protein percent as well as days in milk. Results showed that HMTBa supplementation increased blood Met concentration and milk fat yield but had no effect on nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical machining (ECM) cathode cross tank and return hole design is very crucial to machining aerospace closed integral impeller. In order to improve the precision of electrochemical machining closed integral impeller outside flow channels, the 3D cathode geometry model is developed by UG software, and the cathode structure flow field is simulated by COMSOL software. Through the flow field simulation, the width of cathode cross tank, the diameter, and the number of the electrolyte return holes were optimized. From the velocity cloud diagram, the simulation results show that the flow field is more stable and uniform under the parameters of electrolyte inlet pressure 0.4 MPa, 1.0-mm cross tank width, and the number of electrolyte return hole is 36 with 1.0 mm diameter. To verify the accuracy of the simulation result, the verified experiment was carried out. Finally, the experiment results were consistent with the simulation data. It indicates that electrolyte flow field simulation is an effective method to optimize cathode structure design. Utilizing this method can optimize the cathode structure and enhance the flow field stability during the processing of ECM. It can also reduce the cathode design cycle and cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which analyzed the coupling process of the center of mass motion of a cloud of particles in a Penning trap using the equivalent circuit model. Description of the model; Analysis of the impedance to deduce the spectral response to white noise; Details of experimental results.

Presents cathodoluminescence measurements on cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal samples under varying operating conditions such as electron beam energy and crystal surface charge. Secondary emission considerations and surface charge; Constitution of surface charge; Mechanism of luminescent relaxation.

The adsorption of carbon monoxide on copper covered Ni (111) surfaces has been studied by high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). CO is used to titrate the various adsorption sites present, yielding information about the structure and composition of the two metal species at the surface. The results show that CO adsorbs at locations which resemble the top and bridge sites of pure Cu(111) and Ni(111) surfaces, and on a new mixed Cu–Ni bridge site. For a Cu coverage greater than one monolayer, the CO HREEL spectra are very similar to those observed on the clean Cu(111) surface. For Cu coverages less than one monolayer, and deposition at 80 K, small Cu clusters and Cu islands are observed. For submonolayer Cu deposition at temperatures >300 K, a mixed Cu–Ni layer can be formed. The HREELS results for the mixed surface with low Ni concentration show that CO adsorbs on the Ni top sites first (at T<400 K), Cu top sites next (at T<150 K), and then a mixed Cu–Ni bridge site (at T<120 K). Strong evidence suggests that the mixed CuNi bridge site is occupied by depopulating the Ni–CO top-site species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lake water hydrogen (δD) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic ratios have been widely used to study the hydrologic cycle. In a given region, δD and δ18O values from multiple lakes are often correlated and define a local evaporation line (LEL). The slope of and extension of each lake along this line contain information of many variables with entangled effects of important lake fluxes (e.g., evaporation). We present a new method to extract regional and local (a particular lake) environmental information based on principal component analyses (PCAs) of the δD‐δ18O relationships. Water of up to 30 lakes in West Greenland was sampled every summer for 5 yr, and measured for δD and δ18O values. For a given year, PCA yields values of the first (Enrichment) and second (Deviance) principal components for each lake. In addition, we obtain the slope of the line along the first eigenvector, which is similar, but not identical, to the LEL. We refer to this line as the regional isotopic enrichment line (RIEL), and demonstrate that the RIEL slope changes interannually with the dominant atmospheric circulation patterns affecting regional humidity, specifically the North Atlantic Oscillation and frequency of sea breezes. The Deviance of a lake correlates strongly with its longitude and surface area, both of which influence local humidity and isotopic ratios of vapor. Conversely, Enrichment carries little extractable environmental information because it is controlled by many variables of competing effects. This method can be widely applied to both modern hydrological studies and paleoclimate reconstructions using lake sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure and magnetocaloric effect of the La0.8Ce0.2(Fe0.95Co0.05)11.8Si1.2 strip-cast flakes annealed between 1273K and 1423K for different time have been investigated. For the flakes annealed for 2h from 1273K to 1423K, the shape and distribution of α-Fe, La-rich and NaZn13-type 1:13 phases are quite sensitive to the annealing temperature. Especially, at a high annealing temperature of 1423K, the 1:13 phase began to decompose into macroscopic α-Fe conglomerations and La-rich dendrites. With the increase of annealing time from 0 to 12h at 1323K, the amount of 1:13 phase increased significantly and reached ∼93.50 wt.% at 12h. However, an overlong annealing time also led to 1:13 phase decomposition and influenced the magnetic performance. For the flakes annealed at 1323K for 12h, large magnetic entropy change value of 18.12Jkg-1K-1 at 5T has been obtained. The present results indicate that strip casting method can potentially be used in mass production of high performance magnetocaloric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) result in long-term morbidity and mortality with no effective interventions available. Because interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is consistently up-regulated by trauma, including after surgery, we determined whether IL-6 is a putative therapeutic target for PND in a mouse model.Methods: Following institutional approval, adult (12-14 weeks) male C57/Bl6 mice were pretreated with the IL-6 receptor (IL6R) blocking antibody tocilizumab prior to open tibia fracture with internal fixation under isoflurane anaesthesia. Inflammatory and behavioural responses in a trace fear conditioning (TFC) paradigm were assessed postoperatively. Separately, the effects of IL-6 administration or of depletion of bone marrow-derived monocytes (BM-DMs) with clodrolip on the inflammatory and behavioural responses were assessed. Blood brain barrier disruption, hippocampal microglial activation, and infiltration of BM-DMs were each assessed following IL-6 administration.Results: The surgery-induced decrement in freezing time in the TFC assay, indicative of cognitive decline, was attenuated by tocilizumab (P<0.01). The surgery-induced increase in pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly reduced by tocilizumab. Exogenously administered IL-6 significantly impaired freezing behaviour (P<0.05) and up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines; both responses were prevented by depletion of BM-DMs. IL-6 disrupted the blood brain barrier, and increased hippocampal activation of microglia and infiltration of BM-DMs.Conclusions: IL-6 is both necessary and sufficient to produce cognitive decline. Following further preclinical testing of its perioperative safety, the IL6R blocker tocilizumab is a candidate for prevention and/or treatment of PND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the data for 20 systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia and treated with tacrolimus during the period January 2013 to January 2015. In addition to glucocorticoids, all patients were treated with tacrolimus, 1 mg taken twice daily. The clinical effect of tacrolimus treatment in patients was evaluated by analysis of platelet counts at baseline and after one, three and six months of tacrolimus treatment. Levels of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and complement C3, C4 were determined individually. Results After one month of tacrolimus treatment, three patients (15%) did not respond, three patients (15%) achieved a complete response and the other 14 patients (75%) achieved a partial response. After three months of tacrolimus treatment, the platelet counts of all patients were significantly improved. A partial response was seen in 14 patients (75%) and the complete response rate increased to 25% (five patients). After six months, all patients attained partial response or complete response without relapse, and the rate of complete response increased to 75%. Compared to pretreatment, anti-double-stranded DNA antibody levels and the disease activity index score were markedly decreased after tacrolimus treatment. The levels of serum C3 and C4 were increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusions Our survey revealed that a six-month course of tacrolimus is a safe and effective treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus patients with refractory thrombocytopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a numerical study of the gap resonance between two side-by-side barges by using a multiphase Navier-Stokes equations model. In order to verify the multiphase flow model, it is firstly applied to simulate a two-dimensional gap resonance problem for two fixed boxes under various wave conditions. A comparison of the free surface elevations obtained on successively refined grids confirms the mesh convergence of numerical solutions. The calculated wave elevation response amplitude operators (RAOs) in the gap compare well with the experimental measurements. The multiphase flow model is further extended to calculate a three-dimensional gap resonance problem for two adjacent rectangular barges. The computed free surface RAOs in the gap also agree well with the experimental results. A close examination of the flow velocity and vorticity in the gap region at the piston resonant mode reveals that large amount of vortices are generated by the sharp corners of the two barges and shed downwards, which provide an effective mechanism to dissipate the flow kinematic energy and to reduce the wave elevation in the gap. On the contrary, rounded corners are not able to induce the same level amount of vortices to dampen the gap resonance. The effects of incident wave steepness on the viscous damping associated with the twin-barge system are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we provide the first 2D spatially resolved description of radiative detachment in MAST-U Super-X L-mode divertor plasmas. The Super-X magnetic configuration was designed to achieve reduced heat- and particle loads at the divertor target compared to conventional exhaust solutions. We use filtered camera imaging to reconstruct 2D emissivity profiles in the poloidal plane for multiple atomic and molecular emission lines and bands. A set of deuterium fuelling scans is discussed that, together, span attached to deeply detached divertor states observed in MAST-U. Emissivity profiles facilitate separate analysis of locked-mode induced split branches of the scrape-off layer. Molecular deuterium Fulcher band emission front tracking reveals that the deuterium electron-impact ionisation front, for which it serves a proxy, detaches at different upstream electron densities in the split branches. Upon detachment of this ionisation front, Balmer emission attributed to molecular activated recombination appears near-target. We report a simultaneous radial broadening of the emission leg, consistent with previous SOLPS-ITER modelling. With increased fuelling this emission region detaches, implying electron temperatures below ∼ 1 eV. In this phase, 2D Balmer line ratio reconstruction indicates an onset of volumetric direct electron-ion recombination near-target. At the highest fuelling rates this emission region moves off-target, suggesting a drop in near-wall electron density accompanying the low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a statistical perspective of the dielectric breakdown characteristics of flash memory devices constituting Au nanocrystallites (NCs) embedded in HfO 2 successfully by using a defect generation and clustering model. The significant clustering and apparent high breakdown voltage in the NC sample are well-explained with the present of non-uniform spatial electric field patterns in the vicinity of the NCs. Simulation results for NC-embedded high-κ dielectrics reveal some regions with suppressed and some with enhanced electric field in the dielectric film, with the field magnitude depending on the accumulated charge ( Q i ) in the NC and the size of NC. From the breakdown tests, a positive correlation between the Weibull slope ( β ) and the ramp rate ( RR ) is observed, which is attributed to oxide thinning effect. In addition, temperature dependent current-voltage ( I-V ) characteristics clearly reveal that the change in E-field in the NC embedded stacks influences the voltage transition point for different conduction mechanisms to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric material β-FeSi 2 based coating was fabricated by the technique low-pressure plasma spray (LPPS) on the Al 2 O 3 substrate from different alloy powders. During the process LPPS, the phase transformation had occurred through the peritectoid, eutectoid reaction and their inverse reaction. The grain size of the as-sprayed β-FeSi 2 doped Co coatings was reduced comparing with the original feedstock powders, which implied the thermal conductivity could effectively decreased by the LPPS process. The room temperature electrical conductivity showed metal and semiconductor properties on the as-sprayed and annealed coatings. This method and the results could solve the problems of practical application especially on special-shaped surfaces such as the automobile exhaust pipe or other complex surface shape of the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]