Search

The biomechanical properties of blood are considered promising label-free biomarkers for early disease detection. Disposable pumps have been suggested as replacements for bulky and expensive syringe pumps. However, they have limitations, including initial air bubble removal, simple stop-and-run flow control, and quantification of many rheological properties. In this study, a compliance-based pump (CP) is developed by fitting a blood-loaded syringe, an air-compliance unit, and a needle into each port of a three-way valve. When blood is loaded into the microfluidic channel from the CP, the initial air bubbles are removed from the channels. By manipulating the three-way valve, blood flow is stopped immediately. Red blood cell (RBC) aggregation index (AI) is obtained by analyzing microscopic blood images. The air-compliance unit induces a transient blood flow. The time-resolved micro-particle image velocimetry technique is employed to obtain the blood velocity. The flow rate and time constant are obtained by assuming the flow rate as Q (t) = Q1 exp(−t/λ1) + Q2 exp(t/λ2) and conducting nonlinear regression analysis. The proposed method is employed to obtain the properties (AI, Q1, Q2, λ1, and λ2) of suspended bloods (hematocrit = 30%–70%, 5–30 mg/ml dextran solution, and heat-shocked RBCs). It is also used to detect four different types of suspended blood prepared by adding two types of RBCs (normal or hardened RBCs) to two types of diluents (1 × phosphate-buffered saline or dextran). In conclusion, the proposed method can be used to detect differences in suspended blood by manipulating the CP and consistently analyzing microscopic blood images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ian McEwan's The Children Act serves as a profound narrative inquiry into the intricate legal challenges of British civil court practice. This paper responds to the scholarly omission of the law's practical portrayal in the novel by foregrounding its hermeneutic dimensions. Beginning with the novel's illustration of legal contradictions, the study examines law as a form of social praxis. It emphasizes the interpretive nature shared by both law and literature, and applies hermeneutic theory to elucidate the impact of individual subjectivities on the interpretation of law as depicted through the novel's characters. Concluding with an analysis from the legal practitioners' standpoint, the research navigates through the paradoxes and pragmatic realities inherent in legal proceedings. By conducting this hermeneutic exploration of The Children Act, the paper enhances our understanding of its thematic underpinnings and provides substantive hermeneutic contributions to the field of legal research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The gangue content in coal seriously affects the calorific value produced by its combustion. In practical applications, gangue in coal needs to be completely separated. The pseudo-dual-energy X-ray method does not have high sorting accuracy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to propose a novel multi-dimensional coal and gangue X-ray sorting algorithm based on CdZnTe photon counting detectors to solve the problem of coal and gangue sorting by X-ray. METHODS: This complete algorithm includes five steps: (1) Preferred energy bins, (2) transmittance sorting, (3) one-dimensional R-value sorting, (4) two-dimensional R-value sorting, and (5) three-dimensional R-value sorting. The output range of each step is determined by prior information from 65 groups of coal and gangue. An additional 110 groups of coal and gangue are employed experimentally to validate the algorithm's accuracy. RESULTS: Compared with the 60% sorting accuracy of the Pseudo-dual-energy method, the new algorithm reached a sorting accuracy of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: Study results demonstrate the superiority of this novel algorithm and its feasibility in practical applications. This novel algorithm can guide other two-substance X-ray sorting applications based on photon counting detectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptability of living organisms to dynamically adjust their biological behavior in response to fluctuating surroundings is a prerequisite for their evolutionary success. However, artificially‐synthesized materials, especially semiconductors, have not been able to replicate such adaptability due to their inherent physical rigidity and lack of intrinsic structural responsiveness to external stimuli. Herein, an adaptive structural evolution in group‐III‐nitride semiconductors is demonstrated by constructing an AlGaN‐nanowire/Ni(OH)2 symbiotic‐system, resulting in self‐improved optoelectronic characteristics. The mutualistic interplay between AlGaN and Ni(OH)2 nanostructure leads to the adaptive evolution of crystalline‐facets of AlGaN‐nanowires, along with self‐optimization of Ni(OH)2 nanocrystals upon photon‐irradiation during its operation. Specifically, the nanowire‐surfaces dynamically evolve during Ni(OH)2 photo‐deposition, removing the (0001¯$\bar{1}$) plane while exposing the (101¯1¯$\bar{1}\bar{1}$), which facilitates carrier transport at AlGaN/Ni(OH)2 interface. Moreover, light‐induced electrons generated from AlGaN‐nanowires then partially reduce Ni2+ ions in the Ni(OH)2 nanostructure into Ni0 nanometals, which further boosts the proton reduction thermodynamics, generating an unusual self‐improving photocurrent from −59.6 to −101.6 µA cm−2. Such a "symbiotic system," which is barely observed in conventional semiconductors, provides a promising avenue toward realizing smart adaptive semiconductors that are capable of dynamic structural evolution to fully unleash their potential for emerging optoelectronic and artificial‐photocatalysis applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood viscosity is considered as a vital determinant of the efficiency of blood flow in blood-vessel networks. The coflowing method is considered as a promising technique for measuring blood viscosity. However, it requires two precise syringe pumps to supply two fluids (i.e., the reference fluid and blood), calibration in advance, and long waiting time for securing steady blood flow. To solve these problems, a single syringe pump is adopted to supply blood into a microfluidic device without requiring a reference fluid. Two key parameters—fluidic resistance and compliance coefficient—are suggested and obtained by analyzing the fluid velocities in a microfluidic channel and calculating the air pressure in the air compliance unit. Using a discrete fluidic circuit model, the pressure difference is analytically derived and utilized as the nonlinear regression formula. The two key parameters are then obtained through nonlinear regression analysis. According to experimental results, the air cavity and flow rate contribute to increasing the compliance coefficient. The fluidic resistance increases significantly at higher concentrations of glycerin solution ranging from 20% to 50%. The proposed method underestimates the values by approximately 27.5% compared with the previous method. Finally, the proposed method is adopted to detect the effects of hematocrit and red blood cell sedimentation in the driving syringe based on two vital parameters. Regarding the fluidic resistance, the normalized difference between the proposed and previous methods is less than 10%. Therefore, two key parameters can be considered as effective for quantitatively monitoring the hematocrit variation in blood flow. In conclusion, from a biomechanical perspective, the proposed method is highly promising for quantifying blood flow in a microfluidic channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents experimental and theoretical studies of the impacting behavior of ferrofluid droplets on porous substrates under the influence of magnetic fields. The effects of magnetic field strength and porous substrates on the falling, impacting, and spreading of the droplets are investigated. Theoretical models are successfully derived to predict the droplet impacting velocity in the presence of the magnetic field and the maximum spreading factor of the droplets on the porous substrates without considering magnetic field effects, respectively. Moreover, a universal scaling law is constructed for the maximum spreading factor of the ferrofluid droplets on both of the porous and smooth substrates in the presence of the magnetic field. The findings of this study can provide a foundation for understanding the impacting dynamics of ferrofluid droplets on the substrates and optimizing their applications in various fields, such as three-dimensional printing and microfluidic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Sophora (Fabaceae) includes medicinal plants that have been used in East Asian countries since antiquity. Sophora flavescens is a perennial herb indigenous to China, India, Japan, Korea, and Russia. Its dried roots have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, apoptosis-modulating, and antitumor efficacy. The congeneric S. koreensis is endemic to Korea and its genome is less than half the size of that of S. flavescens. Nevertheless, this discrepancy can be used to assemble and validate the S. flavescens genome. A comparative genomic study of the two genomes can disclose the recent evolutionary divergence of the polymorphic phenotypic profiles of these species. Here, we used the PacBio sequencing platform to sequence and assemble the S. koreensis and S. flavescens genomes. We inferred that it was mainly small-scale duplication that occurred in S. flavescens. A KEGG analysis revealed pathways that might regulate the pharmacologically important secondary metabolites in S. flavescens and S. koreensis. The genome assemblies of Sophora spp. could be used in comparative genomics and data mining for various plant natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lateral vibration of drill string causes well deviation and the collision between drill collar and sidewall, and severe lateral vibration even affects the drilling safety or reliability. In view of the problems above, the lateral vibration characteristics of drill string need to be analyzed. Therefore, a newly vibration-collision model of BHA (bottom hole assembly) with random collision characteristics is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the dynamic model of drill collar with double stabilizer is presented by utilizing the Lagrange equations. Secondly, the dynamic characteristics of drill collar in air and mud drilling is analyzed with different collision frequencies. Subsequently, the displacement and motion trajectory of drill collar under different structure parameters of BHA and mechanical parameters of system are investigated by numerical simulation. Finally, the influence of rotation speed of BHA and length of drill collar on lateral vibration of drill collar is discussed. The results indicate that the lateral vibration of drill collar in air drilling is more serious than that in mud drilling; and the higher the collision frequency, the more severe the lateral vibration. Improving rotation speed of BHA, length of drill collar and WOB (weight on bit) have promoting influence on lateral vibration of drill collar; however, increasing stabilizer diameter has suppressing influence on lateral vibration of drill collar. The research findings give reasonable guidance for structure design of BHA and selection of mechanical parameters of system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In fan beam X-ray imaging applications, several X-ray images sometimes need to be stitched together into a panoramic image because of the size limitations of the detector. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to propose a novel multi-view X-ray digital imaging stitching algorithm (MVS) based on the CdZnTe photon counting linear array detectors to solve the problem of fan beam X-ray stitching deformation. METHODS: The panoramic image is generated in four steps including (1) multi-view projection data acquisition, (2) overlapping positioning, (3) weighted fusion and (4) projected pixel value calculation. Images of a globe and foot are scanned by fan beam X-rays and a CdZnTe detector. The proposed method is applied to stitch together the scanned images of the globe. Three other methods are also used for comparison. Finally, this MVS algorithm is also used in the stitching of scanned images of the foot. RESULTS: Compared with the 50% stitching accuracy of other methods, the new MVS algorithm reached a stitching accuracy of 94.4%. Image distortion on the globe and feet is also eliminated and thus image quality is significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a new multi-view X-ray digital imaging stitching algorithm. Study results demonstrate the superiority of this new algorithm and its feasibility in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomechanical properties of blood have been used to detect haematological diseases and disorders. The simultaneous measurement of multiple haemorheological properties has been considered an important aspect for separating the individual contributions of red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma. In this study, three haemorheological properties (viscosity, time constant, and RBC aggregation) were obtained by analysing blood flow, which was set to a square-wave profile (steady and transient flow). Based on a simplified differential equation derived using a discrete circuit model, the time constant for viscoelasticity was obtained by solving the governing equation rather than using the curve-fitting technique. The time constant (λ) varies linearly with respect to the interface in the coflowing channel (β). Two parameters (i.e., average value: <λ>, linear slope: d λ d β ) were newly suggested to effectively represent linearly varying time constant. <λ> exhibited more consistent results than d λ d β . To detect variations in the haematocrit in blood, we observed that the blood viscosity (i.e., steady flow) is better than the time constant (i.e., transient flow). The blood viscosity and time constant exhibited significant differences for the hardened RBCs. The present method was then successfully employed to detect continuously varying haematocrit resulting from RBC sedimentation in a driving syringe. The present method can consistently detect variations in blood in terms of the three haemorheological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Existing guidelines recommend a triple immunosuppressive regimen with calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites, and corticosteroids for postoperative immunosuppression in renal transplant patients. However, few studies have compared cyclosporine and tacrolimus for long-term outcomes. In this study, the meta-analysis was used to compare long-term outcomes in renal transplant patients to evaluate the use of cyclosporine vs. tacrolimus. The pros and cons of suppression programs have been analyzed. Methods Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and kidney transplantation, were used as search terms to retrieve relevant publications in PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane library. Two independent researchers screened and evaluated the relevant results of each search using the RevMan5.4 program to make relevant charts for the meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to report dichotomous variables, while mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to report continuous variables. The study took tacrolimus- and cyclosporine-based maintenance immunosuppression as experimental and control groups, respectively. The graft and patient survival outcomes were followed for 5 or more years. Results Overall, thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, including nine randomized controlled trials and four non-randomized controlled trials. Compared with the cyclosporine group, the incidence of rejection, drug conversion, and dyslipidemia were significantly lower in the tacrolimus group. Furthermore, there was higher glomerular filtration rates and graft survival rates in the tacrolimus group than in the cyclosporine group. In contrast, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient survival, incidence of infection, hypertension and new tumors. However, the use of tacrolimus was associated with a high risk of a new onset of diabetes. Conclusion The meta-analysis showed that, compared with cyclosporine, tacrolimus increases the risk of a new-onset diabetes. However, tacrolimus had higher graft survival rate and better creatinine clearance than cyclosporine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detonation engine, which can produce high specific impulse during the underwater detonation process (UDP), has become the forefront of underwater propulsion. In this paper, the thrust mechanism conducted in UDP and the propagation characteristics of the complex pressure waves are numerically studied, and the correlation between those two features is analyzed. The thrust from UDP is generated in a submerged detonation tube (SDT) and driven by the stoichiometric methane-oxygen mixture. The results show that detonation of the pre-filled combustible gas mixture gives rise to complex pressure waves and delivers several force impulses to the SDT. The impulses present different effects on the thrust performance, which is divided into two stages. In the first stage, before the detonation wave collides with the exterior water, the thrust is provided by the persistent back pressure effect of the detonation product. When the detonation wave propagates through the SDT exit and strikes the gas–water interface, a transmitted shock wave and a reflected shock wave are formed, which produce the impulses dominating the second stage. The reflected shock wave eventually impinges on the inner wall, imposing a force impulse on it. The pressure disturbance on the annular wall caused by the transmitted shock wave and subsequent detonation gas jet leads to another two thrust impulses. Finally, a comparison between the thrust of the SDT and its counterpart in the air is conducted to characterize the influence of UDP, and the effects of dimensional parameters of the SDT are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic characteristics of the detonation sound wave generated by a pulse detonation engine with an annular nozzle, including peak sound pressure, directivity, and A duration, are experimentally investigated while utilizing gasoline as fuel and oxygen-enriched air as oxidizer. Three annular nozzle geometries are evaluated by varying the ratio of inner cone diameter to detonation tube exit diameter from 0.36 to 0.68. The experimental results show that the annular nozzles have a significant effect on the acoustic characteristics of the detonation sound wave. The annular nozzles can amplify the peak sound pressure of the detonation sound wave at 90° while reducing it at 0° and 30°. The directivity angle of the detonation sound wave is changed by annular nozzles from 30° to 90°. The A duration of the detonation sound wave at 90° is also increased by the annular nozzles. These changes indicate that the annular nozzles have an important influence on the acoustic energy distribution of the detonation sound wave, which amplify the acoustic energy in a direction perpendicular to the tube axis and weaken it along the direction of the tube axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a decentralized, distributed system between functional and benefit management functions, blockchain is effective for financial transaction data security, data tracking and antitampering, product tracking, and access control. In this context, we have conducted experimental research on the blockchain product traceability trusted data analysis consensus mechanism and reached the following conclusions. (1) There are decentralization, irreversible tampering, traceability, and openness through the blockchain's own information and other functions so that a series of processes from raw material production, transportation, and logistics sales are well documented. (2) Under the same network environment, if the number of matches in the system increases, the average matching time consumed by the original engine is greater than the average matching time on the optimized engine. For example, taking 10% of Byzantine nodes in the system, the number of consensus increases, the average ITPBFT consensus time is about 5.74 s, and the average consensus time of the PBFT consensus mechanism is about 6.13 s. As a decentralized distributed data management system through nodes, blockchain is widely used in financial transactions, copyright protection, and product areas such as tracking and access control. In this regard, we conducted an experimental study of the consensus mechanism to analyze reliable data on the traceability of blockchain products and came to the conclusion of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental method was described to calibrate the depth of interaction (DOI) of high-energy $\gamma $ -ray in large-size thick pixel CdZnTe detector. The experimental results indicated that the ratio of the cathode and anode amplitude strongly showed linear relationship with the DOI of incidence $\gamma $ -rays and the detector. The correlation coefficients were optimized. Based on the experimental calibration of DOI, the photoelectric effect signals from the depth range where the energy resolution and the photopeak location are high were screened out to draw the energy spectrum. In this way, the energy resolution of the CdZnTe pixel detector was improved to 0.707% for 137Cs@662 keV. Further combined with the anode rise time, the electron mobility of CdZnTe in 2-D (1 mm accuracy) and 3-D (2 mm $\times $ 2 mm $\times $ 1 mm accuracy) scales was calculated. At different pixel positions and depths in CdZnTe detector, the electron mobility varies between 1000 and 1150 cm2/($\text{V}\cdot \text{s}$). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Residual unbalance and bearing dynamic coefficients are estimated simultaneously. • Dual augmented Kalman filter is applied successfully in the estimation method. • The method performs a strong robustness in different measurement noise levels. • The reliability of the method is verified in different measurement configurations. Simultaneous estimation of the residual unbalance and bearing dynamic coefficients is of great significance to the dynamic analysis and rotor design of rotating machinery. However, traditional estimation methods are susceptible to routine scattering caused by the ill-posed problem and require external excitation forces, making them inconvenient and costly for engineering applications. Therefore, a novel simultaneous estimation method based on the augmented state-space model of the system combined with the dual augmented Kalman filter (DAKF) method is proposed for the double-disc rotor-bearing system without the external excitation force. The principle of this method is designed through an iterative strategy in the time domain, which only requires the steady-state unbalance responses of the two selected locations. To prevent the coupling relationship between the unbalance and the bearing dynamic coefficients from affecting the results, the estimation of the bearing dynamic coefficients is indirectly converted to the determination of the equivalent oil-film force according to the dynamic theory. Besides, features of the coupling relationship are investigated by the sensitivity analyses, proving that the coupling relationship has a significant influence on the estimation performance, especially for the bearing dynamic coefficients. Furthermore, simulations and experimental studies show that the proposed method can effectively estimate the bearing dynamic coefficients and unbalance parameters under different measurement noise levels, rotation speeds and measurement configurations. This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the estimation of dynamic characteristics and thereby establishes a reliable foundation for further assessment of the rotor-bearing system's overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the practical application of CdZnTe photon counting detectors, severe detector counting distortion can be caused by pulse pileup. A count rate correction method in this paper is proposed to solve this problem. In this method, the case where multi-photons are recorded by higher energy regions due to pulse pileup crossing the energy threshold is considered to calculate the true count rates under all energy bins. A verification method based on Poisson distribution is also proposed to evaluate the accuracy of the correction method. A 16-pixel linear array CdZnTe photon counting detector was used for verification. Taking the dual-energy bin as an example, this method was introduced, and the true count rates of the high- and low-energy bins are successfully calculated. The result was highly consistent with the verification result, which proves the reliability of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is commonly performed for symptomatic end-stage hallux rigidus. It has been postulated to produce good results in the literature. Various fixation techniques offer differences in union rates, complications and functional outcomes, stirring debates about which produces the best outcomes for patients. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise and compare the outcomes of modern fixation techniques used for first metatarsophalangeal joint (FMPJ) arthrodesis. Methods: The electronic database searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The critical appraisal skills programme tool for cohort study was used. The interventions consisted of screw(s), plate(s), and staple(s). Studies comprising outdated fixation techniques such as suture, metallic wire, external fixation, Rush rods or Steinmann pins were excluded. Participants were adults over 18 years, undergoing FMPJ arthrodesis in the UK. Studies with the population consisting primarily of revision cases, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes were excluded. Results: Seven UK studies included 277 feet and a 95.7% overall union rate at a mean union time of 83.5 days. Staples had the highest union rate of 98.2% at mean union time of 84 days, followed by plates (95.2%, 92 days), and finally screws (94.9%, 71 days). The overall complication incidence is 5.8%. All of the fixation techniques produced good functional outcomes postoperatively. Conclusions: Whilst staple techniques showed the highest union rate, plating techniques are preferable over screws or staples for better results across several outcome measures, including reduced complication incidence, stability, early ambulation, and good functional outcome. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire and EuroQol-5Dimensional are recommended as measurement tools to assess functional outcomes following FMPJ arthrodesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: First metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis is commonly performed for symptomatic end-stage hallux rigidus. It has been postulated to produce good results in the literature. Various fixation techniques offer differences in union rates, complications and functional outcomes, stirring debates about which produces the best outcomes for patients. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise and compare the outcomes of modern fixation techniques used for first metatarsophalangeal joint (FMPJ) arthrodesis. Methods: The electronic database searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The critical appraisal skills programme tool for cohort study was used. The interventions consisted of screw(s), plate(s), and staple(s). Studies comprising outdated fixation techniques such as suture, metallic wire, external fixation, Rush rods or Steinmann pins were excluded. Participants were adults over 18 years, undergoing FMPJ arthrodesis in the UK. Studies with the population consisting primarily of revision cases, patients with rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes were excluded. Results: Seven UK studies included 277 feet and a 95.7% overall union rate at a mean union time of 83.5 days. Staples had the highest union rate of 98.2% at mean union time of 84 days, followed by plates (95.2%, 92 days), and finally screws (94.9%, 71 days). The overall complication incidence is 5.8%. All of the fixation techniques produced good functional outcomes postoperatively. Conclusions: Whilst staple techniques showed the highest union rate, plating techniques are preferable over screws or staples for better results across several outcome measures, including reduced complication incidence, stability, early ambulation, and good functional outcome. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire and EuroQol-5Dimensional are recommended as measurement tools to assess functional outcomes following FMPJ arthrodesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient methodology for the synthesis of dibenzo[ a , c ]carbazoles via annulation of 2,3-diphenyl-1 H -indoles in EtOH under UV light irradiation (λ = 365 nm) along with hydrogen evolution is described. This method exhibits the advantages of mild reaction conditions, no requirement of any oxidants and catalysts, and release of hydrogen as the only byproduct. Notably, the mechanism investigation confirms that the trans -4b,8a-dihydro-9 H -dibenzo[ a , c ]carbazole intermediate could convert into cis -4b,8a-dihydro-9 H -dibenzo[ a , c ]carbazole, which relies on the nitrogen atom of the indole ring. This is followed by intramolecular dehydrogenation which yields the dibenzo[ a , c ]carbazoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radiation detection performance of CZT epitaxial single crystal grown by the Close Space Sublimation (CSS) method is hindered by inherent defects. However, significant improvement in this work is achieved through annealing in a Te 2 atmosphere. The saturation channel value of the total energy peak of the detector for 241Am α-particles has shown a substantial increase from 1900 to 6000, resulting in a notable enhancement of the carrier collection efficiency. After annealing, the detector's energy resolution to 241Am gamma-rays can reach 8.3%, representing the highest energy resolution achieved by CSS growth of CZT materials. This remarkable achievement holds great promise for its potential application in the field of low-energy detection. Analysis of the laser-beam-induced current (LBIC) curve results reveals that the surface recombination of the detector is more pronounced prior to annealing, adversely affecting the transport process of photogenerated carriers. The low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) results and I–V curve demonstrate a significant compensation effect on the shallow acceptor level V Cd after annealing, leading to a reduced concentration of free carriers and subsequently leading to lower leakage current and improved signal-to-noise ratio for the detector. The concurrent reduction in leakage current and surface recombination contributes collectively to improving the radiation detection performance of the CZT detector. These findings underscore the importance of annealing in a Te 2 atmosphere as a viable method for mitigating defects and optimizing the performance of CZT epitaxial single crystals, showcasing the potential for broader applications in the field of low-energy detection. • The leakage current is reduced from 1.3 nA to 0.59 nA under the applied bias voltage of 0.5 V, which makes the detector obtain a good signal-to-noise ratio. • The surface recombination rate decreased from 13.78 × 106 cm s−1 to 3.82 × 105 cm s−1, significantly improving the carrier collection efficiency. • The energy resolution to 241Am@59.5 KeV gamma-rays of the detector reached 8.3% for the first time, which is expected to be applied in the field of low energy detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Traceability" is an important method often used in modern supply management. The traceability system is a system based on the Internet of Things technology. In this process, users will share resources through cloud service providers, so how to ensure data security is also one of the issues we consider. Blockchain technology is an emerging technology in the field of information technology. Its decentralized nature, distributed storage, and difficult data modification provide us with fair exchange and sharing of data. Feasible solutions: in this article, we have studied the key issues of fair exchange and safe sharing of data based on blockchain and designed a multigroup data sharing scheme based on alliance chain. To solve the various existing traceability systems problem, this paper designs a new traceability system based on blockchain technology and implements a system prototype to verify the feasibility of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate-length CAG repeats in ATXN2 have been well recognized as a genetic risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the role of similar trinucleotide repeat expansions in the TATA-box binding protein gene (TBP), another disease-associated gene for inherited ataxia, in ALS remains elusive. To assess the association between TBP trinucleotide repeat expansions and ALS, we investigated the repeat lengths in 325 unrelated ALS patients and 1500 controls in the Taiwanese population. The most common size of repeats in the patients and controls were both 36. The repeat lengths ranged from 29 to 46 repeats in the ALS patients and 27 to 43 repeats in the controls. Two ALS patients carried a TBP allele with a repeat number equal or greater than 44 (44 and 46). The patient with the 46 trinucleotide repeats also had a C9ORF72 GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion. The odds ratio of an individual carrying the CAG/CAA repeats ≥ 44 to have ALS is 23.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.11–484.24; p = 0.04). Our findings suggest that intermediate-length CAG/CAA repeat expansions in TBP may associate with ALS risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-strength macroporous carbons with tunable pore sizes were fabricated by the simple mixing–pressing–hardening–carbonization of phenolic resin microspheres as a matrix with acid-catalyzed furfuryl alcohol as a binder. Pore-size tuning with the open cell structures was possible by changing the diameters of the phenolic microspheres in the range of 8–100 μm. After pressing the mixture of phenolic resin microspheres and binder, hardening at 170 °C for 5 h in air, and carbonizing at 1000 °C for 1 h in nitrogen flow, the macroporous carbon was formed. The mean pore sizes of the macroporous carbons were 1.8, 6.6, and 27.5 μm for 8-, 25-, and 100-μm-diameter phenolic microspheres, respectively, and the corresponding bulk densities were 1.01, 1.00, and 0.94 g/cm3. The compressive strengths of the fabricated macroporous carbon samples were 106.8, 83.5, and 43.6 MPa for the 8-, 25-, and 100-μm-diameter phenolic microspheres, respectively, which were notably higher than those of typical carbon foams. The simple fabrication process with easily tunable pore size, which yields macroporous carbons with remarkably high mechanical strength, has potential for large-scale production and many applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three AIE (aggregation-induced emission)-ESIPT (excited-state intramolecular proton transfer) active 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazole derivatives, HL1, HL2 and HL3 with one, two and three rotatable phenyl groups, were obtained and characterized. Their AIE properties in THF/HEPES solution were investigated in detail. HL2 shows the best AIE performance with 71-fold fluorescence enhancement, while HL3 only shows a 9-fold enhancement. With the AIE property, HL1 and HL2 could act as fluorescence chemosensors to detect Cu2+ ions via the "turn off" mode in THF/HEPES media. With the ESIPT property, HL1 and HL2 could also detect Zn2+ ions via the "turn on" mode in EtOH/HEPES media. During the detection process, both demonstrate rapid response and high contrast before and after the addition of metal ions. The species formed in the detection system were investigated. The results of X-ray single-crystal diffraction confirm that Zn2+ is coordinated with the oxygen atom and Schiff base nitrogen atom instead of the benzothiazole nitrogen atom in the tetrahedron geometry. Moreover, the chemosensors were successfully constructed into handy fluorescence test papers for Cu2+ and Zn2+ detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massive acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a lifethreatening medical condition. Occasionally, patients experiencing a massive PE may develop concurrent thrombocytopenia. A 64-year-old female was admitted for left femur osteomyelitis with a sub-periosteal abscess that was causing pain and immobility. There were no indications suggesting underlying thrombophilia or malignancy. On day 5 of admission, the patient developed acute onset respiratory distress, necessitating intubation and vasopressor support. A computed tomography pulmonary angiogram revealed a massive PE involving the left main trunk and left ascending pulmonary artery. The patient had experienced an unexplained worsening thrombocytopenia that despite without heparin use previously. There was clear indication for thrombolysis, but the treatment was contraindicated. After a multidisciplinary meeting it was decided to optimize platelet counts prior to the performance of a surgical embolectomy, however the patient succumbed 2 days later. The unexplained thrombocytopenia could be the only clue for massive PE. Clinicians should remain vigilant to ensure early diagnosis and improved outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we demonstrate an AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) structure with the incorporation of inverted-V-shaped quantum barriers (QBs). Intriguingly, the light output power (LOP) can be remarkably boosted by 157% in comparison with conventional structure with flat QBs, attributing to the successful enhancement of both electron-blocking capability and hole injection efficiency. More importantly, the device with inverted-V-shaped QBs can greatly accelerate the radiative recombination efficiency, alleviating the efficiency droop to only 3% while this number is as high at 47.1% in conventional DUV LED with flat QBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on the pig semen characteristics during storage. Methods: Spermatozoa samples were examined for spermatozoa quality and then randomly divided into 5 groups: 0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM L-carnitine. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and antioxidant parameters (total reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde) were evaluated after 0, 3, 5, and 10 day cooledstorage at 17°C. Moreover, ATP content, mitochondria activity as well as sperm-binding and in vitro fertilizing ability of preserved boar sperm were also investigated. Results: Supplementation with 50 mM L-carnitine could effectively maintain boar sperm quality parameters such as sperm motility and membrane integrity. Besides, we found that L-carnitine had positive effects on boar sperm quality mainly through improving antioxidant capacities and enhancing ATP content and mitochondria activity. Interestingly, by assessing the effect of L-carnitine on sperm fertility and developmental potential, we discovered that the extender containing L-carnitine could improve sperm quality and increase the number of sperms bounding to zona pellucida, without improving in vitro fertility and development potential. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the proper addition of L-carnitine to the semen extender improved boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris is one of the largest genera in the family Iridaceae, comprising hundreds of species, including numerous economically important horticultural plants used in landscape gardening and herbal medicine. Improved taxonomic classification of Iris species, particularly the endangered Korean-native Iris, is needed for correct species delineation. To this end, identification of diverse genetic markers from Iris genomes would facilitate molecular identification and resolve ambiguous classifications from molecular analyses; however, only two Iris plastid genomes, from Iris gatesii and Iris sanguinea, have been sequenced. Here, we used high-throughput next-generation sequencing, combined with Sanger sequencing, to construct the plastid genomes of 14 Korean-native Iris species with one outgroup and predict their gene content. Using these data, combined with previously published plastid genomes from Iris and one outgroup (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), we constructed a Bayesian phylogenetic tree showing clear speciation among the samples. We further identified sub-genomic regions that have undergone neutral evolution and accurately recapitulate Bayesian-inferred speciation. These contain key markers that could be used to identify and classify Iris samples into taxonomic clades. Our results confirm previously reported speciation patterns and resolve questionable relationships within the Iris genus. These data also provide a valuable resource for studying genetic diversity and refining phylogenetic relationships between Iris species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GGC repeat expansion in the 5′-untranslated region of NOTCH2NLC was recently identified as the cause of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID). To determine if the NIID repeat expansion contributes to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we screened 304 unrelated ALS patients and 637 healthy controls for the GGC repeat expansion in NOTCH2NLC using repeat-primed PCR and fragment analysis. None of the ALS patients carried the GGC repeat expansion. The sizes of the GGC repeats ranged from 7 to 36 in the ALS patients and 4 to 46 in the controls. The distribution of the GGC repeat sizes did not differ between the two groups. Our findings indicate that the NOTCH2NLC GGC repeat expansion is absent or extremely rare in Taiwanese patients with ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lemnoideae, commonly referred to as the duckweed, are aquatic plants found worldwide. Wolffia species are known for their extreme reduction in size and complexity, lacking both roots and leaves, and they hold the distinction of being the smallest plants among angiosperms. Interestingly, it belongs to the Araceae family, despite its apparent morphological differences from land plants in the same family. Traditional morphological methods have limitations in classifying these plants, making molecular-level information essential. The chloroplast genome of Wolffia arrhiza is revealed that a total length of 169,602 bp and a total GC content of 35.78%. It follows the typical quadripartite structure, which includes a large single copy (LSC, 92,172 bp) region, a small single copy (SSC, 13,686 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR, 31,872 bp each) regions. There are 131 genes characterized, comprising 86 Protein-Coding Genes, 37 Transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Moreover, 48 simple sequence repeats and 32 long repeat sequences were detected. Comparative analysis between W. arrhiza and six other Lemnoideae species identified 12 hotspots of high nucleotide diversity. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis was performed using 14 species belonging to the Araceae family and one external species as an outgroup. This analysis unveiled W. arrhiza and Wolffia globosa as closely related sister species. Therefore, this research has revealed the complete chloroplast genome data of W. arrhiza, offering a more detailed understanding of its evolutionary position and phylogenetic categorization within the Lemnoideae subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sampling efficiency in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) can be improved by decreasing the liquid flow rate to the nanoflow regime, where it is possible to draw a large fraction of the ESI plume into the mass spectrometer. This mode of operation is typically more difficult than ESI-MS at higher flow rates because it requires careful optimization of a number of parameters to achieve optimal sampling efficiency. In this work, we screened the relative impact on signal intensity and spray stability of factors that included sprayer position, spray electrode protrusion, sprayer tip shape, spray angle relative to the MS inlet, nebulizer gas flow rate, ESI potential, and means for generating the electric field to initiate electrospray. Based on the screening results, we explore the possibility of providing fixed optimal values for many of the key source parameters to eliminate much of the tuning that is required for conventional nanoflow sources. This approach has potential to greatly simplify nanoflow ESI-MS, while providing optimized sensitivity, stability, and robustness, with decreased variability between analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is one of the most important multi-purpose crops that are native to tropical regions. As commercial sugarcane is an interspecific hybrid between Saccharum officianarum and Saccharum spontaneum, the genome size of sugarcane has been reported around 10 Gbase. From this reason, it has been hard to build the reference level assembly resulting in partial contigs. With the advance of third generation sequencers and assembly strategies, recently, two sugarcane genome assemblies were published representing monoploidy of sugarcane cultivar and whole genome of S. spontaneum. Synergetically, the genome-editing technology is advanced that can eventually facilitate the sugarcane breeding and the necessity of utilizing genome sequence is also arising for sugarcane researchers to find guide-RNA binding site by the machine learning algorithms or human inspection. Here, we built web-application for the researchers to find the open reading frame (ORF) of sugarcane genes easily with a query gene ID and catalog candidate gene list by query sentences (http://pgl.gnu.ac.kr/sugarcane%5forf%5ffinder/). This enables the researchers to find their genes of interest and directly observe the ORF structure of the query gene and design precise guide RNA for genome editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Molecular dynamic simulations were used to study glass forming process of asphalt. • Glass transition of asphalt spans a wide temperature range from ca. 400 K to ca. 250 K. • Non-Arrhenius temperature dependence of viscosity implies a transition at ca. 400 K. • Breakdown of Stokes-Einstein relation verifies the transition at ca. 400 K. • Viscoelastic liquid-Newtonian liquid transition at ca. 400 K explained by cage effect. Glass transition temperature (T g) is a significant parameter that determines the viscoelastic properties of asphalt. However, the understanding of glass transition process of asphalt is ambiguous, especially at the molecular level. In this paper, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were used to help understanding the glass forming process from the viewpoint of glass forming liquid. The temperature dependence of volumetric properties, such as free volume, fractional free volume, specific volume and coefficients of volume thermal expansion etc., for AAA-1 asphalt were computed. Results show that there are two transition temperatures with temperature decreasing from 575 K to 50 K, i.e., one is T g at ca. 250 K, the other is ca. 400 K. The non-Arrhenius type temperature dependence of viscosity and the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein relation imply that the transition at ca. 400 K is responsible to the liquid–liquid transition of asphalt from viscoelastic liquid to Newtonian fluid. Furthermore, molecular trajectory demonstrated that at ca. 400 K, AAA-1 asphalt system experienced the transition from non-ergodic local thermal vibrations and restricted movement to temperature-independent ergodic movement, and this observation verified that the liquid–liquid transition of asphalt did occur at ca. 400 K. Namely, at temperatures higher than 400 K, the rearrangement process of asphalt colloid cage is a temperature-independent ά-relaxation, and in the temperature range from 400 K to 250 K, the relaxation associated with diffusional movement is a slow α-relaxation, i.e., structure relaxation of glass transition, and at temperatures lower than 250 K, asphalt is truly frozen glassy. Moreover, the good agreement between the rheological experiments and simulation results demonstrated that the MD results are reliable. This paper helps understanding microscopic picture of glass forming asphalt and its relaxation mechanisms with temperature, which could enable new additives and new additive strategies to modify asphalt and facilitate crude oil exploitation, transportation and refining processes, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The addition of β-CD to the PVA filter can improve filtration efficiency (about 99%) of PM 2.5. • The β-CD based PVA filter has 2 times air permeability contrast to the commercial air-filter. • The addition of β-CD to the PVA filter can capture the toxic gasous chemicals as HCHO and SO 2. • The β-CD based nanofibrous PVA filter was kind of environmentally friendly materials. Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution has become a serious environmental problem. Thus, there is a need for the development of air filters with satisfactory overall performance. In this paper, we develop a kind of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) based air filter with high strength, which has not only high filtration efficiency (about 99%) but also good air permeability (the pressure drop is only 45Pa). Especially after long-term application, the pression drop of β-cyclodextrin based was less than half of the commercial air-filter. Additionally, the material can capture the toxic gasous chemicals (e.g. formaldehyde and SO 2). The introduction of β-CD is supposed to be the key factor for improvement of air filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A shape and generalized topology optimization method based on the level set-based density method is proposed to design the curved grid stiffeners. The overall layout of the stiffeners is described by combining many single stiffeners, and each single stiffener is described by a level set function parameterized by using the compactly supported radial basis functions (CS-RBFs). The curvilinear path of each stiffener is described by the zero iso-contour of each level set function, and the width of each stiffener is described by applying an interval projection to each level set function. The combination operation that is similar to the Boolean operation "union" is achieved by using the p-norm method. The expansion coefficients of CS-RBFs are taken as part of the design variables of the optimization, and they are responsible for changing the shape of curved stiffeners. A topology design variable is assigned to each single stiffener, and it is responsible for changing the existence of single stiffeners. The proposed method is validated through several numerical examples, and the results demonstrate that the shape and topology of stiffeners can be effectively changed during the optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haematological diseases significantly increase RBC aggregation. Specifically, RBC aggregation is considerably varied by haematological factors including cellular properties, and suspending medium properties. Thus, in order to ensure consistent measurement of RBC aggregation, it is necessary to measure RBC aggregation and blood pressure simultaneously. Here, a method for simultaneously measuring RBC aggregation and blood pressure is demonstrated by analyzing blood flows supplied from a disposable air-compressed pump. A microfluidic device is composed of two parallel microfluidic channels (i.e., PBS channel and blood channel), an inlet, and outlets. After the PBS channel is filled with the PBS solution, the outlets of the PBS channel are completely closed with two pinch valves. Under varying blood flow rates of the disposable pump, the blood pressure index (PI) is quantified by analyzing the image intensity of RBCs in the PBS channel. Thereafter, at stasis, the RBC aggregation index (AI) is calculated by analyzing the image intensity of blood in the blood channel. First, under a constant blood flow-rate of a syringe pump, the image intensity of RBCs collected in the PBS channel (IPC) is linearly proportional to blood pressure estimated in the blood channel (PBC). Second, with respect to variations in the blood flow-rate of the proposed pump, the IPC and PBC decrease gradually over time. Two blood pressure indices (PI [PBC], and PI [IPC]) are obtained by averaging temporal variations in the PBC and IPC, respectively. The results of the regression analysis indicate that the coefficient of the linear regression yields a higher value of R2 = 0.9051. Subsequently, the PI (IPC) is effectively used to estimate blood pressure. Finally, the variations in blood pressure and RBC aggregation are obtained by using aggregation-enhanced blood samples and deformability-reduced blood samples. Thus, the proposed method leads to consistent variations in the PI and AI, when compared with the previous results. The experimental demonstrations indicate that two indices (PI and AI) are effectively used to simultaneously quantify blood pressure and RBC aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a supply modulator comprising a proposed delay-based hysteresis controller, proposed wideband class-AB amplifier, and class-D amplifier for an envelope tracking (ET) power amplifier (PA). We investigate the power dissipation and optimization method of the supply modulator for wideband applications taking into consideration the propagation delay, and show that a controller with zero threshold current not only improves the bandwidth of the supply modulator but also reduces its power dissipation. Based on our investigations, we propose a delay-based hysteresis controller embodying a novel high-speed current comparator whose reference current (threshold current) is zero, thereby achieving higher power-efficiency and simpler hardware. We further propose a class-AB amplifier, which features a high bandwidth and accurately controlled quiescent current. The proposed supply modulator features simultaneously the wide bandwidth (40 MHz), high output power (2.5 W), high peak efficiency (91%), high output voltage swing (3 V), and low output ripple noise (4 mVrms) at 3.6-V supply. The ET PA embodying our proposed supply modulator achieves a high power-efficiency of 41.4% at 28.5-dBm peak output power and 34.4% at 3-dB backoff—a significant >1.6× improvement over the radio frequency PA without the supply modulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is still limited understanding of how goal orientations influence the association between value congruence (VC) and organisational attraction for job seekers. We address this issue by investigating the impact of individuals' goal orientations on the VC–attraction relationship. Our investigation using different measurement approaches to congruence across two studies also allowed us to examine the implications of different methods to operationalising VC in job search contexts. Two prominent types of goal orientation in job search—learning‐approach goal orientation (LAGO) and performance‐avoid goal orientation (PAGO)—were hypothesised to moderate the relationship between VC and organisational attraction. In study 1, value congruence based on direct molar perceptions displayed a stronger positive relationship with attraction among low LAGO individuals. Study 2, using separate atomistic judgments of person and organisational values, also demonstrated that LAGO moderates the effects of VC on attraction. However, the form of moderation effects varied across different types of work values (i.e., relationships and security). These findings demonstrate the need to contextualise the study of job seekers' VC within a goal‐striving context, where different ways of operationalising VC can also shed more light on the psychological processes underlying judgments of congruence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ball-milling (BM) method benefits the stabilization and dispersion of metallic particles for the preparation of the PtSnK-Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst. Based on the TPR, H2-TPD, XPS, and CO-FTIR results, the Pt-SnOx and MoOx species were formed separately on the BM sample. During the aromatization of cofeeding the n-butane with methanol, the yield of the aromatics is 59 wt.% at a n-butane conversion of 86% at 475 °C over the Pt Mo BM catalyst. The more weak acid sites also contribute to the aromatics formation with the less light alkanes formation. For the Pt Ga catalysts, the slow loss of activity suggests that the BM method can restrain the coke deposition on the Pt-SnOx species, because of a certain distance between the Pt-SnOx and GaOx species on the surface of ZSM-5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemorheologically impaired microcirculation, such as blood clotting or abnormal blood flow, causes interrupted blood flows in vascular networks. The biophysical properties of blood, including blood viscosity, blood viscoelasticity, haematocrit, red blood bell (RBC) aggregation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and RBC deformability, have been used to monitor haematological diseases. In this review, we summarise several techniques for measuring haemorheological properties, such as blood viscosity, RBC deformability and RBC aggregation, using in vitro microfluidic platforms. Several methodologies for the measurement of haemorheological properties with the assistance of an extracorporeal rat bypass loop are also presented. We briefly discuss several emerging technologies for continuous, long-term, multiple measurements of haemorheological properties under in vitro or ex vivo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the working stratum pressure of the subsurface safety valve is large, the fluid in the well will have a greater impact on the valve plate, and even directly determine the opening resistance of the subsurface safety valve plate. By fluid analysis, we can get the fluid pressure cloud diagram and the velocity distribution cloud diagram of the valve plate at different opening angles, also we can get the opening resistance of the valve plate under the effect of the fluid, as well as the relationship between the resistance torque of the fluid resistance around the valve plate pinhole and the opening angle of the valve plate, providing certain guidance for the opening operation of the subsurface safety valve. Through the one-way fluid-solid coupling analysis, the stress cloud diagram and the maximum equivalent stress change under the effect of the fluid load are obtained when the valve plate is opened at different angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cryogenic permanent-magnet undulator (CPMU) with a 15-mm period length is being constructed for the TPS. Field measurements of this undulator will be performed with a Hall probe at cryogenic temperatures, for which a field strength and temperature-dependent calibration system is necessary. This system consists of a cryo-cooler and a heater to control the Hall probe temperature, a home-made dipole electromagnet, a nuclear magnetic resonant Tesla meter, and two angle adjusting stages. These stages will rotate the Hall probe to adjust the angular accuracy of the Hall probe axes with respect to a reference ceramic surface and to measure the planar Hall effect coefficient. A two-axis compact 0.9-mm SENIS Hall probe is used in the very small gap of 4 mm of this CPMU. Design details and performance of this system, its calibrating process, and calibration results at various temperatures will be discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of CuGa promoted sulfated zirconia (CuGa/SZ) catalyst for the isomerization of n-butane to isobutane has potential value as a replacement for the current catalyst for this important reaction (chlorinated alumina). Ga promoted SZ work well but deactivate rapidly. Several related catalysts (SZ, Ga/SZ, Cu/SZ and CuGa/SZ) were compared. Only CuGa/SZ shows the most interesting properties: The stable conversion is 55% and the selectivity to isobutane is 82% for 200 h. This is mainly attributed to Cu promoting a better incorporation of GaOx into the support, higher Brønsted/Lewis ratio, smaller ZrO2 crystallite, retard in the transformation from tetragonal (active for isomerization) to monoclinic (inactive) ZrO2 and higher sulfate stability. This effect is finally compared to the effect of Pd and Pt, demonstrating potential benefits of CuGa/SZ for commercial application due to their similar yields of isobutane (40-45%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate variations of blood circulating in closed loops, hemorheological properties including blood viscosity and red blood cells (RBCs) are quantitatively measured with independent in-vitro instruments after collecting blood from a closed loop. But, most previous methods require periodic blood collections which induce several problems such as geometric differences between the fluidic channel and the in-vitro method, hemodilution, storage time, and unspecific blood flow rates. To resolve these issues, in this study, blood viscosity and RBC aggregation of blood circulating within a closed loop are measured with a microfluidic platform periodically and simultaneously. To demonstrate the proposed method, in-vitro closed-loop circulation is established by connecting several components (peristaltic pump, air compliance unit, fluid divider, and reservoir) in series. In addition, to measure blood viscosity and RBC aggregation, a microfluidic platform composed of a microfluidic device, pinch valve, and syringe pump is created. During each period, blood viscosity and RBC aggregation are measured by monitoring blood flow at constant blood flow, and image intensity at stationary blood flow. The proposed method is first employed to evaluate the effect of hematocrits and dextran concentrations on the RBC aggregation and blood viscosity by using a syringe pump (i.e., specific blood flow-rate). The method is then applied to detect the blood viscosity and RBC aggregation under in-vitro closed-loop circulation (i.e., unspecific blood flow-rate). From these experimental demonstrations, it is found that the suggested method can be effectively used to monitor the RBC aggregation and blood viscosity under in-vitro closed-loop circulation. Since this method does not require periodic collection from closed-loop circulation or an additional procedure for estimating blood flow-rate with a syringe pump, it will be effectively used to monitor variations of blood circulating in extracorporeal bypass loops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Hydroelectric power is widely used because it is environmental friendly, renewable and green. The cavitation is an inevitable phenomenon during the operation of hydro turbine, which is related to the efficiency and service life of the unit. This paper aims to discriminate the phenomenon of the incipient cavitation, prevent the early destruction and avoid the irreversible damage to hydro turbine.Design/methodology/approach The paper tries to find out the characteristics of cavitation entirely through a variety of features. The method comprises collection of the signals using a hydrophone, acceleration sensor and acoustic emission sensor; analyzing cavitation signal by using the way of wavelet time-frequency, peak factor and power spectral density; and comparing the different wavelet basis for analyzing signals and find the most suitable one.Findings The analyzed results show that the wavelet basis of morlet is more suitable for the cavitation signals. The hydrophone can distinguish the different operating conditions and discriminate the difference between the phenomenon of incipient cavitation and the other state of cavitation. The results show that when the hydrophone and acceleration sensors are used, the accuracy rate goes up to 75 per cent, which meets the requirements for the detection for incipient cavitation.Originality/value This paper focuses on finding the best sensor to discriminate the operating state of incipient cavitation to prevent early destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meltwater runoff from the Greenland ice sheet surface influences surface mass balance (SMB), ice dynamics, and global sea level rise, but is estimated with climate models and thus difficult to validate. We present a way to measure ice surface runoff directly, from hourly in situ supraglacial river discharge measurements and simultaneous high-resolution satellite/drone remote sensing of upstream fluvial catchment area. A first 72-h trial for a 63.1-km² moulin-terminating internally drained catchment (IDC) on Greenland's midelevation (1,207-1,381 m above sea level) ablation zone is compared with melt and runoff simulations from HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, RACMO2.3, MERRA-2, and SEB climate/SMB models. Current models cannot reproduce peak discharges or timing of runoff entering moulins but are improved using synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) theory. Retroactive SUH applications to two older field studies reproduce their findings, signifying that remotely sensed IDC area, shape, and supraglacial river length are useful for predicting delays in peak runoff delivery to moulins. Applying SUH to HIRHAM5, MAR3.6, and RACMO2.3 gridded melt products for 799 surrounding IDCs suggests their terminal moulins receive lower peak discharges, less diurnal variability, and asynchronous runoff timing relative to climate/SMB model output alone. Conversely, large IDCs produce high moulin discharges, even at high elevations where melt rates are low. During this particular field experiment, models overestimated runoff by +21 to +58%, linked to overestimated surface ablation and possible meltwater retention in bare, porous, low-density ice. Direct measurements of ice surface runoff will improve climate/SMB models, and incorporating remotely sensed IDCs will aid coupling of SMB with ice dynamics and subglacial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sample throughput in electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is limited by the need for frequent ion path cleaning to remove accumulated debris that can lead to charging and general performance degradation. Contamination of ion optics within the vacuum system is particularly problematic as routine cleaning requires additional time for cycling the vacuum pumps. Differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) can select targeted ion species for transmission, thereby reducing the total number of charged particles entering the vacuum system. In this work, we characterize the nature of instrument contamination, describe efforts to improve mass spectrometer robustness by applying DMS prefiltering to reduce contamination of the vacuum ion optics, and demonstrate the capability of DMS to extend the interval between mass spectrometer cleaning. In addition, we introduce a new approach to effectively detect large charged particles formed during the electrospray ionization (ESI) process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of ferroelectrics and organic-inorganic halide perovskites could be a promising way to facilitate the separation of electron-hole pairs and charge extraction for the application of solar cells. To explore the effect of the external ferroelectric layer on the CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) side, we perform first-principles calculations to study the charge transfer properties of the MAPbI3/ polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) heterostructure. Our calculations demonstrate that the ferroelectric polarization pointing to the PVDF side can clearly facilitate the separation of photo-induced carriers and enhance charge extraction from MAPbI3, while opposite polarization direction hinders the charge extraction and collection. Notably, the carrier behavior at the interface is strongly tuned by the electric field associated with the ferroelectric polarization. In addition, excited state simulation confirms the tunable charge transfer of the MAPbI3/PVDF heterojunction. Therefore, the polarization-driven charge transfer mechanism provides a route for fabricating the ferroelectricsbased high-efficiency photovoltaics and switchable diode devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]