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The authors investigate the influence of local polarization on the thermoelectric properties of monolayer MoS2 using a tight-binding approach. It is found that strain-induced polarization in armchair monolayer MoS2 can be easily embedded to strongly enhance the thermoelectric efficiency ZT for quantum wells. The structure we proposed can achieve a figure of merit ZT of 0.8 at room temperature in an armchair MoS2 nanoribbon, and ZT achieves 1 at 500 K. The results facilitate insight and understanding of strain modulated thermoelectric properties of monolayer MoS2 nanodevices, provide theoretical guidance for experiments, and indicate their great potential in thermoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) coatings are deposited on piston rings to improve the tribological property of the piston ring-cylinder liner system of the internal combustion engines. The deposition parameters are optimized by molecular dynamics simulation to reduce the cost of coatings' fabrication. The ta-C coatings with higher sp3 fraction, lower friction coefficient, and superior anti-wear properties are achieved by optimizing the incident energy and substrate temperature of carbon atoms. The second nearest-neighbor modified embedded-atom method potential and Tersoff potential are used to describe the interatomic interactions. The effects of the incident energy of the carbon atoms and substrate temperature on the deposition properties of the ta-C coatings are discussed. The numerical results show that the ta-C coatings with high sp3 fraction, high density, and good interface mixing are obtained, and the deposition properties of the ta-C coatings are improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saturated tailings deposits in the upstream dam are at risk of static liquefaction due to elevated porewater pressure levels. The concept of a potential static liquefaction zone was conceived, and an enhanced method of slices evolving that zone was proposed. The centrifuge test modeled the aluminum tailings dam with a step-likely increasing overburden, to investigate the stress state and deformation pattern during service life. Results showed that the tailings lasted a low level of effective stress and continuous accumulation of flow deformation after the first liquefaction occurrence, implying an enduring liquefied zone under subsequent loading. For a safety design, that zone is referred to as the potential static liquefaction zone and soil inside the zone should be considered to have strength parameters from the instability line instead of the failure line. Based on this assumption, an enhanced method of slices, considering the strength reduction in the potential static liquefaction zone, was proposed. To verify the enhanced method, the centrifuge test of the liquefied tailings was simulated in GeoSlope, where a deep riskiest sliding surface, a large failure zone, and a factor of safety of less than 1 were predicted. However, the traditional Bishop method predicted a factor of safety greater than 1 for the liquefied tailings. Significant predictive differences were also observed in two other liquefied cases: the Merriespruit tailings dam and the Fundão tailings dam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YbTaO 4 -Ta 2 O 5 composites were designed and different multi-layered YbTaO 4 -Ta 2 O 5 /Yb 2 Si 2 O 7 /Si (YbT-T/YbDS/Si) as well as YbTaO 4 -Ta 2 O 5 /Si (YbT-T/Si) environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) were put forward to protect SiC fiber reinforced silicon carbide (SiC f /SiC) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). The thermal cycling and the water-vapor/oxygen corrosion behavior of different multi-layered EBCs were compared. Results indicated that the thermal cycling lifetime of the bi-layered YbT-T/Si EBCs was similar with the tri-layered YbT-T/YbDS/Si ones. The ultimate failure of these two EBCs was induced by the cracking of the SiC f /SiC substrates as well as the vertical cracks associated with the thermal mismatch stress among different layers. However, the tri-layered EBCs exhibited greater resistance to water-vapor/oxygen corrosion than the bi-layered ones, primarily due to that the tri-layered YbT-T/YbDS/Si EBCs contained significantly less cracks than the bi-layered ones, limiting the transport of reactant (oxygen and/or water vapor) to reach Si bond coat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing stretchable strain sensors with high sensitivity and stability is crucial for various applications such as prosthetic hands, human health monitoring, and human‐machine interactions. However, achieving these qualities simultaneously remains challenging. Here, an inherently stretchable strain sensor is presented that integrates ultrahigh sensitivity and robust stability, enabling stretch, press, or bend sensing capabilities. This sensor employs a softer elastomeric channel filled with liquid metal (LM) as the conductive path. A stiffer elastomer convex integrated into the channel serves as a strain‐manipulated gate, controlling opening gap of electrical current flow path. During deformation, the softer elastomer undergoes cross sectional reduction due to the Poisson effect, while the stiffer convex gate retains its geometry. This heterogeneous deformation behavior leads to significant contraction or closure of the LM channel, resulting in increased resistance and a remarkable enhancement in sensitivity by more than two orders of magnitude. The all‐soft design maintains exceptional stability even under extended or repetitive substantial deformations. With the ability to monitor subtle and large human body movements, detect grip actions of soft grippers reliably, and monitor the gradual and extended growth process of plants, this sensor holds significant potential for advancements in flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Sulawesi subduction zone is characterized by southward subduction of the Celebes Sea slab to a depth of ∼250 km, mainly overlying the Sangihe slab that subducts west from the Molucca Sea and penetrates the mantle transition zone. The palaeo‐subducted Sula slab dips northward and partially underlies both the Sangihe and Celebes Sea slabs. Adjacent subduction zones with horizontal overlapping subducting slabs in the upper mantle have unclear dynamic interactions. An extensive strike‐slip fault forms the western boundary of the active North Sulawesi subduction zone, providing an ideal setting to study mantle flow between overlapping slabs. We use local S‐wave and teleseismic S and SK(K)S waveform splitting analysis to measure seismic anisotropy in the northern Sulawesi region. Our observations reveal typical mantle wedge corner flow within the Sangihe subduction system. In the Gulf of Tomini, the observed trench‐oblique fast‐axis orientations above the Celebes Sea slab are likely a consequence of the interaction between two subducting slabs. The southernmost measurement with an E–W‐trending fast direction in the mantle wedge might be related to the subduction of the Sula slab. Furthermore, fault‐parallel fast‐axis orientations of anisotropy near the southern segment of the Palu‐Koro fault are attributed to large‐scale shearing across this lithospheric‐scale strike‐slip fault system. Overall, our observations suggest that the strain caused by lithospheric and asthenospheric deformation is mainly confined within the microplate, displaying a restricted flow pattern and localized effects due to the size of the plate boundaries, such as the Palu‐Koro fault. Plain Language Summary: North Sulawesi is bordered by the Makassar Strait, Celebes Sea, Molucca Sea, and Gulf of Tomini and hosts the Palu‐Koro fault. The region hosts two active subduction zones: the smaller, southward dipping North Sulawesi subduction zone and the larger westward dipping Sangihe subducting slab. Another fossilized submerged slab –Sula slab lies beneath both the Celebes Sea and Sangihe slabs to the south. Thus, it is an ideal area to investigate how the interaction between neighboring subduction zones can affect the upper‐mantle deformation and whether a strike‐slip fault could contribute to the mantle dynamics. We use shear‐wave splitting analysis to measure seismic anisotropy to reveal the lithospheric deformation and upper mantle flow patterns of this interactive area. Our results show that the Celebes Sea slab controls mantle wedge dynamics in the North Sulawesi subduction zone, and the interaction between the Celebes Sea and Sangihe slabs occurs where two slabs entirely overlap. The strike‐slip fault at the western boundary only appears to have a local influence on the regional strain field in western Sulawesi. Key Points: We employ shear‐wave splitting analysis to characterize the seismic anisotropy to infer upper‐mantle deformation in north SulawesiWe find evidence for slab‐slab dynamic interactions and constrain their influencing spatial rangeThe Palu‐Koro fault marks the west limit of lithospheric deformation imposed by the complex subduction system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the partial linear regression model yi = xiβ* + g(ti) + εi, i = 1, 2, ..., n, where (xi, ti) are known fixed design points, g(·) is an unknown function, and β* is an unknown parameter to be estimated, random errors εi are (α, β)-mixing random variables. The p-th (p > 1) mean consistency, strong consistency and complete consistency for least squares estimators of β* and g(·) are investigated under some mild conditions. In addition, a numerical simulation is carried out to study the finite sample performance of the theoretical results. Finally, a real data analysis is provided to further verify the effect of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GWP of housefly larvae treatment is significantly higher in summer than in winter. • Bioconversion itself contributed very little to GWP. • GWP will increase slightly when larvae are stored by drying rather than freezing. • There is a contradiction between a higher mature larvae production and a lower GWP. The significant increase in the demand for biomass waste treatment after garbage classification has led to housefly larvae treatment becoming an attractive treatment option. It can provide a source of protein while treating biomass waste, which means that nutrients can be returned to the natural food chain. However, the performance of this technology in terms of its environmental impacts is still unclear, particularly with regards to global warming potential (GWP).This study used a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to assess a housefly larvae treatment plant with a treatment capacity of 50 tons of biomass waste per day. The LCA results showed that the 95% confidence intervals for the GWP in summer and winter were determined to be 24.46–32.81 kg CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 -eq)/ton biomass waste and 5.37–10.08 kg CO 2 -eq/ton biomass waste, respectively. The greater GWP value in summer is due to the longer ventilation time and higher ventilation intensity in summer, which consumes more power. The main GWP contributions are from (1) electricity needs (accounting for 78.6% of emissions in summer and 70.2% in winter) and (2) product substitution by mature housefly larvae and compost (both summer and winter accounting for 96.8% of carbon reduction). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The destructive 2015 Mw7.8 Gorkha earthquake occurred in the Main Himalayan Thrust due to the collision of the Indian and Asian plates, which provides a unique opportunity to understand the deep dynamic processes and seismogenic mechanisms of strong earthquakes. We construct a regional-scale shear-wave velocity model of the crust and uppermost mantle using ambient seismic noise and teleseismic surface wave at periods of 5–100 s around the Gorkha earthquake region. The new shear-wave velocity model exhibits prominently lateral heterogeneities in the Gorkha earthquake areas. We observe a high-velocity (high-V) zone around the Gorkha main shock in the Main Himalayan Thrust, indicating the existence of a high-strength asperity that sustains the stress accumulating. The aftershocks are primarily located in the low-velocity (low-V) anomalies and enclosed by two high-V anomalies, which appear to act as structural barriers that influence the spread of the aftershocks. Prominent low-Vanomalies from the lower crust to the mantle lithosphere are observed along the north–south trending rifts, suggesting the hot materials upwelling due to the tearing of the northward subducting Indian lithosphere. These observations may indicate that seismic velocity heterogeneity could play an essential role in earthquake initiation and the rupture process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To build the foundation of food security and accelerate the pace of building a strong agricultural country, it is necessary to promote the high-quality development of agriculture. This is not only the core path of Chinese-style modernization, but also the key to meeting international and domestic development challenges. In the great journey towards Chinese-style modernization, we must deeply realize that the development of the times, the international situation and domestic demand have jointly shaped the important position of building a strong agricultural country. At present, it is necessary not only to enhance the comprehensive agricultural production capacity, but also to promote the rural economic revitalization and enhance the consumption capacity of rural residents. In addition, it is necessary to give full play to the diversity of agricultural science and technology, improve the sustainable development of rural environment and enhance the competitiveness of agriculture. Therefore, promoting the construction of a powerful agricultural country is an urgent need to pay equal attention to the yield, quality, and safety of food. To promote the construction of a strong agricultural country and consolidate the foundation of food security with Chinese-style modernization, the following measures should be taken: Optimizing the food security system to ensure national food security, accelerate scientific and technological research and realize technological innovation of grain production, explore the diversified development model of agriculture and promote the transformation and upgrading of agricultural industrial structure, promote the construction of agricultural management organizations and improve the efficiency of agricultural management, empowering opening to the outside world and enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese agricultural products in the global market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In groundwater hydrology, aquitard heterogeneity is often less considered compared to aquifers, despite its significant impact on groundwater hydraulics and groundwater resources evaluation. A semi‐analytical solution is derived for pumping‐induced well hydraulics and groundwater budget with consideration of vertical heterogeneity in aquitard hydraulic conductivity (K) and specific storage (Ss). The proposed new solution is innovative in its partitioning of the aquitard into multiple homogeneous sub‐layers to enable consideration of various forms of vertically heterogeneous K or Ss. Two scenarios of analytical investigations are explored: one is the presence of aquitard interlayers with distinct K or Ss values, a common field‐scale occurrence; another is an exponentially depth‐decaying aquitard Ss, a regional‐scale phenomenon supported by statistical analysis. Analytical investigations reveal that a low‐K interlayer can significantly increase aquifer drawdown and enhance aquifer/aquitard depletion; a high‐Ss interlayer can noticeably reduce aquifer drawdown and increase aquitard depletion. Locations of low‐K or high‐Ss interlayers also significantly impact well hydraulics and groundwater budget. In the context of an exponentially depth‐decaying aquitard Ss, a larger decay exponent can enhance aquifer drawdown. When using current models with a vertically homogeneous aquitard, half the sum of the geometric and harmonic means of exponentially depth‐decaying aquitard Ss should be used to calculate aquitard depletion and unconfined aquifer leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let F be a newform for S L 3 (ℝ) underlying the symmetric square lift of a (either holomorphic or Hecke–Maaß) newform f of square-free level and trivial nebentypus. In this paper, we present the classical level aspect version of the Voronoĭ formula for the symmetric square lift is established in an alternative way by tracing back to its geometric nature, compared with Zhou's work [F. Zhou, The Voronoi formula on G L (3) with ramification, preprint (2018), arXiv:1806.10786]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite-style materials are cathode systems known for their stability in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Pr0.5Sr0.5FeO3−δ (PSF) exhibits excellent electrode performance in perovskite cathode systems at high temperatures. Via VB subgroup metals (V, Nb, and Ta) modifying the B-site, the oxidation and spin states of iron elements can be adjusted, thereby ultimately adjusting the cathode's physicochemical properties. Theoretical predictions indicate that PSF has poor stability, but the relative arrangement of the three elements on the B-site can significantly improve this material's properties. The modification of Nb has a large effect on the stability of PSF cathode materials, reaching a level of −2.746 eV. The surface structure of PSF becomes slightly more stable with an increase in the percentage of oxygen vacancy structures, but the structural instability persists. Furthermore, the differential charge density distribution and adsorption state density of the three modified cathode materials validate our adsorption energy prediction results. The initial and final states of the VB subgroup metal-doped PSF indicate that PSFN is more likely to complete the cathode surface adsorption reaction. Interestingly, XRD and EDX characterization are performed on the synthesized pure and Nb-doped PSF material, which show the orthorhombic crystal system of the composite theoretical model structure and subsequent experimental components. Although PSF exhibits strong catalytic activity, it is highly prone to decomposition and instability at high temperatures. Furthermore, PSFN, with the introduction of Nb, shows greater stability and can maintain its activity for the ORR. EIS testing clearly indicates that Nb most significantly improves the cathode. The consistency between the theoretical predictions and experimental validations indicates that Nb-doped PSF is a stable and highly active cathode electrode material with excellent catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, concurrent enhancements in both strength and ductility of the Al-2Li-2Cu-0.5Mg-0.2Zr cast alloy (hereafter referred to as Al-Li) were achieved through an optimized forming process comprising ultrasonic treatment followed by squeeze casting, coupled with the incorporation of Sc. Initially, the variations in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Sc-free Al-Li cast alloy (i.e., alloy A) during various forming processes were investigated. The results revealed that the grain size in the UT+SC (ultrasonic treatment + squeeze casting) alloy was reduced by 76.3% and 57.7%, respectively, compared to those of the GC (gravity casting) or SC alloys. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in its compositional segregation and porosity reduction. After UT+SC, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and elongation reached 235 MPa, 135 MPa, and 15%, respectively, which were 113.6%, 28.6%, and 1150% higher than those of the GC alloy. Subsequently, the Al-Li cast alloy containing 0.2 wt.% Sc (referred to as alloy B) exhibited even finer grains under the UT+SC process, resulting in simultaneous enhancements in its UTS, YS, and elongation. Interestingly, the product of ultimate tensile strength and elongation (i.e., UTS × EL) for both alloys reached 36 GPa•% and 42 GPa•%, respectively, which is much higher than that of other Al-Li cast alloys reported in the available literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social interaction anxiety and sleep problems are prevalent during adolescence. Social interaction anxiety undermines sleep quality, however, little is known whether the association between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality is moderated by environmental factors such as childhood adversity and individual factors such as cardiac vagal control. This study sought to investigate the moderating effects of childhood adversity and cardiac vagal control on the link between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality. The Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were administered to 274 adolescents, who received 3-min resting ECG recording to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as an index of cardiac vagal control. Social interaction anxiety was negatively associated with sleep quality, and this association was moderated by childhood adversity and cardiac vagal control. In specific, social interaction anxiety was negatively associated with sleep quality among adolescents with low childhood adversity regardless of cardiac vagal control. Sleep quality was generally disrupted when adolescents exposed to high childhood adversity, but the negative association between social interaction anxiety and sleep quality among adolescents with high childhood adversity could be amortized by high cardiac vagal control. Cross-sectional design precluded establishing causality among variables. These findings suggest that high cardiac vagal control reflecting better self-regulation might buffer the negative effect of social interaction anxiety on sleep quality particularly among adolescents exposed to early life stress. • Social interaction anxiety (SIA) was negatively associated with sleep quality. • The association was moderated by childhood adversity (CA) and cardiac vagal control (CVC). • The association was found in youth with low CA regardless of CVC. • Sleep quality was generally disrupted when youth exposed high CA. • The association was amortized in youth with high CA and high CVC but not low CVC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we classify simple Harish-Chandra modules over simple generalized Witt algebras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dunhua-Mishan fault, located in the northern segment of the Tanlu fault zone, experienced multiple tectonic processes associated with the effects of the Pacific Plate subduction and the Indo-Asia collision. The high-resolution fault-scale structure is critical for understanding the fault evolution and potential fault damage. However, the well-defined deep structure of the Dunhua-Mishan fault is still unclear due to the lack of the dense seismic array. In this study, we construct a high-resolution P-wave receiver function imaging based on linear dense seismic array across the fault. Our results reveal the strong Moho depth variation across the Dunhua-Mishan fault zone. The slightly higher Vp/Vs ratio values within the fault zone indicate the presence of a small amount of mafic crust composition. Interestingly, the significant double positive Ps converted phases are observed within the fault zone, which may represent double Moho discontinuities. The double Moho structure may be related to multiple significant tectonic activities in the Tanlu northern segment. These newly observed structures provide new seismic constraints on the formation and evolution of the Tanlu fault zone and probably reflect that the lithospheric structure of the Dunhua-Mishan fault has been modified by a series of tectonic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with the stock-land exploitation of developed regions in eastern China, the development path in the western regions still relies on land expansion. Among them, Shaanxi stands out as an early-developing region with the highest comprehensive social and economic development level in the west, presenting a more significant and typical phenomenon of urban expansion. This paper utilizes remote sensing image data and socioeconomic statistical data, employing mathematical and statistical analysis methods to examine the types and patterns of urban spatial expansion in Shaanxi over multiple years. It also summarizes the laws of expansion and subsequently delves into the driving factors of the spatial expansion. The result shows that the important driving factors of urban expansion in Shaanxi include natural geographical conditions, the economic development basis, the development of new towns and new areas, the drive of large-scale projects, and the guidance of urban and rural planning. The differences in driving factors between the east and west can be explained by the stages of regional development and the effects of administrative boundaries. This research aims to provide localized insights into the rational regulation of urban spatial evolution and efficient land use in similar regions and latedeveloping regions in western China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematite and goethite are widely occurring chromogenic iron oxides in soils and sediments that are sensitive to climatic dry/wet shifts. However, only by accurately quantifying the content or ratio of hematite and goethite can they be applied reliably to palaeoclimate reconstruction. Compared to the Loess Plateau of China, hematite in the soils of southern China has not been sufficiently studied. We used diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (abbreviation DRS, including the first-derivative curves and the second-derivative curves of the Kubelka–Munk remission functions), combined with ignition at 950 °C, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to quantify the hematite content of four tropical-margin iron-rich soil profiles with different matrix compositions in the Leizhou Peninsula, China. We also examined the application of hematite quantification parameters in soils with different matrix compositions under the same climatic conditions. Our main findings are as follows: (i) DRS first-derivative curves can reflect the presence of goethite and hematite in soils, and their relative contents can be compared within the same profile. (ii) The second-derivative curve of the Kubelka–Munk remission functions can reflect the relative proportions of goethite and hematite and provide information about the degree of Al substitution. (iii) Combined with calibration equations, soil redness can reliably quantify the hematite content, but it is necessary to consider the effect of mucilage envelopes in the process of hematite formation. Additionally, we summarize various methods used for quantifying hematite, and the influence of soil matrix compositions, with the aim of providing a reference for hematite quantification elsewhere. We also propose a new indicator (ΔHmRed/HmRed) to help detect iron hydroxide/iron oxide changes in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we numerically solve the nonlinear time-fractional diffusion equation of distributed order on an unbounded domain with a weak singularity. A fully discrete implicit scheme is developed based on the L1 formula on graded meshes in time and the Galerkin spectral method using the Laguerre function in space. We obtained an α -robust discrete Gronwall inequality and the a priori error estimation of the numerical solution. Then, the existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are discussed. Next, we present the α -robust stability and convergence of the fully discrete scheme, where the convergence was obtained based on the regularity conditions of the exact solution. A numerical example demonstrates the validity of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used the Pn tomography method to obtain detailed velocity and anisotropy structures of the uppermost mantle beneath Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region for improving the understanding of plate subduction, arc–arc collision, and volcanism. We found low Pn velocities beneath volcanoes and areas characterized by pronounced tectonic activity and high Pn velocities with strong anisotropy in the subducting plate. Low Pn velocity anomalies beneath southern Sakhalin connected the low‐velocity anomalies in the mantle and crust, indicating the ascent of fluid or melt, and may provide a magmatic source for the rear‐arc Rishiri volcano. In the absence of plate subduction, low‐velocity anomalies and north–south Pn anisotropy manifested beneath northern Kamchatka, revealing the lateral propagation of mantle flow beneath this northern region. We suggest that the eastern boundary of the slab window at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction is likely to be located near the Komandorsky Islands. Plain Language Summary: The Northwest Pacific region is prone to recurrent earthquakes and volcanic activities, attributable to plate subduction and multiple plate interactions. This study, focuses on elucidating the uppermost mantle structure beneath the Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region using seismic tomography. Beneath the island chain featuring volcanoes and areas with a lot of tectonic activity, seismic waves travel slower. This phenomenon implies the possible presence of magma or hot materials beneath these regions. In southern Sakhalin, a linkage is established through low Pn velocities connecting areas of low seismic wave velocity in the deeper mantle and crust. This linkage suggests a conduit for fluids or molten materials, potentially feeding for the Rishiri volcano situated beyond the volcanic arc. Strong low velocities, coupled with north–south Pn fast directions are identified beneath northern Kamchatka, indicating the northward propagation of mantle flow. Our imaging analysis suggests that the eastern edge of the slab window (the region where the plate is absent) at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction is likely proximate to the Komandorsky Islands. This study provides new seismological insights into the plate collision and subduction processes as well as the deep structures in the Sakhalin–Kuril–Kamchatka region. Key Points: Low Pn velocities clarify the upward path of the mantle‐derived thermal material beneath Sakhalin and its influence on surface volcanismStrong low Pn velocities and N–S anisotropy beneath northern Kamchatka signify the lateral propagation of mantle flow directed northwardThe eastern boundary of the slab window at the Kamchatka–Aleutian junction may be located near the Komandorsky Islands [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jet composition of GRB plays an important role in understanding the energy dissipation and radiation mechanisms in GRB physics, but it is poorly constrained from the observational data. Recently, an interesting long-duration GRB 230307A with redshift z  = 0.065 has attracted great attention. The lack of detected thermal emission and mini-structure of prompt emission light curve of this burst suggest that the outflow is Poynting-flux-dominated and point towards the ICMART model. In this paper, we invoke two independent methods to investigate the jet composition of GRB 230307A. The high magnetization parameter (σ > 7 or ever large) for R 0 = 1010 cm that is used to suppress thermal component, strongly suggests that a significant fraction of the outflow energy is likely in a Poynting flux entrained with the baryonic matter. Moreover, it is found that the radiation efficiency of this burst for typical values ϵ e  = 0.1 and ϵ B  = 0.01 can reach as high as |$~50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| which disfavours the internal shock model, but is consistent with ICMART model. Finally, a possible unified picture to produce GRB 230307A originated from a compact star merger is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement speed of Typhoon In-Fa (2021) was notably slow, at 10 km h-1 or less, for over 20 hours following its landfall in Zhejiang, China, in contrast to other typhoons that have made landfall. This study examines the factors contributing to the slow movement of Typhoon In-Fa, including the steering flow, diabatic heating, vertical wind shear (VWS), and surface synoptic situation, by comparing it with Typhoons Yagi (2018) and Rumbia (2018) which followed similar tracks. The findings reveal that the movement speed of Typhoons Yagi and Rumbia is most closely associated with their respective 500 hPa environmental winds, with a steering flow of 10-12 m s-1. In contrast, Typhoon In-Fa's movement speed is most strongly correlated with the 850 hPa environmental wind field, with a steering flow speed of only 2 m s-1. Furthermore, as Typhoon In-Fa moves northwest after landfall, its intensity is slightly greater than that of Typhoons Yagi and Rumbia, and the pressure gradient in front of Typhoon In-Fa is notably smaller, leading to its slow movement. Additionally, the precipitation distribution of Typhoon In-Fa differs from that of the other two typhoons, resulting in a weak asymmetry of wavenumber-1 diabatic heating, which indirectly affects its movement speed. Further analysis indicates that VWS can alter the typhoon's structure, weaken its intensity, and ultimately impact its movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work offers a comprehensive overview of how gravity affects soft materials, with a particular emphasis on gravity‐induced instability. Soft materials, including biological tissues, elastomers, and gels, are characterized by low elastic moduli and the ability to undergo significant deformations. These large deformations can lead to instabilities and the emergence of distinctive surface patterns when even small perturbations are introduced. An in‐depth understanding of these gravity‐induced instabilities in soft materials is of paramount importance for both fundamental scientific research and practical applications across diverse domains. The underlying mechanisms governing these instabilities are delved in and elucidate the techniques employed to study and manipulate them. Further, the gravity‐induced wrinkling and the Rayleigh‐Taylor (RT) instability in soft materials are zoomed in, highlighting how altered gravity environments impact natural and synthetic systems. Lastly, current and potential applications are underscored where gravity‐induced instabilities are already making an impact or may hold promise in the near future. In sum, the exploration of gravity‐induced instabilities in soft materials paves the way for innovative applications and advancements in a wide range of fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For any real numbers x ∈ [ 0 , 1 ] and β > 1 , let r n (x , β) be the maximal length of consecutive 0's in the first n digits of the beta-expansion of x in base β. The run-length function r n (x , β) has been well studied for a fixed base β > 1 or a fixed real number x = 1. In this paper, we prove that for any x ∈ (0 , 1) , the set D x = { β > 1 : lim n → ∞ ⁡ r n (x , β) log β ⁡ n = 1 } is of full Lebesgue measure in (1 , + ∞). When the exceptional set is considered, we prove that for any real numbers 0 ≤ a ≤ b ≤ + ∞ , the set D x (a , b) = { β > 1 : lim inf n → ∞ r n (x , β) log β ⁡ n = a , lim sup n → ∞ r n (x , β) log β ⁡ n = b } is of full Hausdorff dimension. We also determine the Hausdorff dimension of the set F x (c , d) = { β > 1 : lim inf n → ∞ r n (x , β) n = c , lim sup n → ∞ r n (x , β) n = d } for any real numbers 0 ≤ c ≤ d ≤ 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the norm Li(G) of the lower central series in a finite group G is introduced, which unifies the norm of derived subgroups and nilpotent residuals. Some propositions of Li(G) are obtained, and some related subgroups as well as their equivalent propositions can also be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a peculiar method to induce the antichiral edge state (AES) based on off-resonant circularly polarized (ORCP) light and further study its edge-state transitions and transport properties in zigzag graphene nanoribbon. The results show that the vertical irradiation of the ORCP light on two boundaries of the system could be regarded as a modified Haldane model for inducing the AES. In particular, under the antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange field, the system with the AES can be controlled by an electric field between spin-polarized (SP) AESs and band insulators. As a result, a SPAES/AES/SPAES junction can be formed. In two SPAES regions, the spin orientation of the SPAES can be modulated by an electric field, giving rise to the switch between the on state with enhanced conductance contributed by two edge channels and a bulk channel, and the off state. Furthermore, by modulating the AFM exchange field in two SPAES regions as parallel and antiparallel configurations, the corresponding conductance is significantly different due to the different spin directions of the AES, finally leading to giant magnetoresistance effect that can be cut off and tuned on by an electric field. In addition, the transport properties based on the AESs are moderately robust against the disorder. These findings provide a view to study the peculiar AESs and are expected to be applied in electronic devices based on the AESs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prompt emission, X-ray plateau, and X-ray flares of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are thought to be from internal dissipation, and the magnetar as the central engine with propeller fallback accretion is proposed to interpret the observed phenomena of GRBs. In this paper, by systematically searching for X-ray emission observed by Swift/X-ray Telescope, we find that seven robust GRBs include both X-ray flares and plateau emissions with measured redshift. More interestingly, the X-ray flares/bumps for those seven GRBs are simultaneously observed in the gamma-ray band. By adopting the propeller fallback accretion model to fit the observed data, it is found that the free parameters of two GRBs (140512A and 180329B) can be constrained very well, while in the other five cases, more or less, they are not all sufficiently constrained. On the other hand, this requires the conversion efficiency of the propeller to be two or three times higher than that of the spindown dipole radiation of the magnetar. If this is the case, it is contradictory to the expectation from the propeller model: namely, a dirtier ejecta should be less efficient in producing gamma-ray emissions. Our results hint that at least the magnetar central engine with propeller fallback accretion model cannot interpret very well both the GRB X-ray flares simultaneously observed in the gamma-ray band and the X-ray flares of GRBs with a high Lorentz factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geological conditions for coal mining in China are complex, with various structural issues such as faults and collapsed columns seriously compromising the safety of coal mine production. In‐seam wave exploration is an effective technique for acquiring detailed information on geological structures in coal seam working faces. However, the existing reflected in‐seam wave imaging technique can no longer meet the exploration precision requirements, making it imperative to develop a new reflected in‐seam wave imaging technique. This study applies the Gaussian beam summation (GBS) migration method to imaging coal seams' reflected in‐seam wave data. Firstly, with regard to the characteristics of the reflected in‐seam wave data, methods such as wavefield removal and enveloped superposition are employed for the corresponding wavefield separation, wave train compression and other processing of reflected in‐seam waves. Thereafter, imaging is performed using the GBS migration technique. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method for reflected in‐seam wave imaging are validated by conducting GBS migration tests on 3D coal‐seam fault models with different dip angles and throws. By applying the method to reflected in‐seam wave data for an actual coal seam working face, accurate imaging of a fault structure is obtained, thereby validating its practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although epidural anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia are currently the general choices for patients undergoing caesarean section, these two neuraxial anaesthesia methods still have drawbacks. Caudal anaesthesia has been considered to be more appropriate for gynaecological surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare epidural anaesthesia combined with caudal anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia and single-space epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section with respect to postoperative comfort and intraoperative anaesthesia quality. Methods: In this clinical trial, 150 patients undergoing elective caesarean section were recruited and randomized into three groups according to a ratio of 1:1:1to receive epidural anaesthesia only, spinal anaesthesia only or epidural anaesthesia combined with caudal anaesthesia. The primary outcome was postoperative comfort in the three groups. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative anaesthesia quality and the incidences of nausea, vomiting, postdural puncture headache, maternal bradycardia, or hypotension. Results: More patients were satisfied with the intraoperative anaesthesia quality in the EAC group than in the EA group (P = 0.001). The obstetrician was more significantly satisfied with the intraoperative anaesthesia quality in the SA and EAC groups than in the EA group (P = 0.004 and 0.020, respectively). The parturients felt more comfortable after surgery in the EA and EAC groups (P = 0.007). The incidence of maternal hypotension during caesarean section was higher in the SA group than in the EA and EAC groups (P = 0.001 and 0.019, respectively). Conclusions: Epidural anaesthesia combined with caudal anaesthesia may be a better choice for elective caesarean section. Compared with epidural anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia, it has a higher quality of postoperative comfort and intraoperative anaesthesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe use of thermoplastic-reinforced pipes for fluid recovery is becoming increasingly common because the oil field enters the high-water-cut stage in this process. Investigating frictional drag in case of oil-water flow in nonmetallic gathering pipelines is important because the dynamics of oil droplets on the inner surfaces of the pipes have a significantly influence on the drag. In this article, we experimentally and theoretically investigate the dynamic characteristics of the spreading of oil droplets with varying diameters from 600 to 900 μm and viscosities on surfaces with different degrees of wettability in water. The durations of oscillation and spreading of oil droplets on the surfaces submerged in water were found to be dependent on their diameter and viscosity. Because the prevalent equations used for calculations in this context cannot adequately describe the durations of oscillation and spreading of the oil droplets on surfaces in water, we corrected them based on experimental data. Finally, we examined the dimensionless maximum diameter of spreading of the oil droplets on the surfaces in water, and found that it was influenced by the diameter of the oil droplets and the wettability of the surface. We developed a theoretical model to represent the behavior of the oil droplets as they spread in order to predict the dimensionless maximum diameter of spreading, and verified it by using experimental data. And the results showed that the deviations between the experimental results and those of the model were generally within ±8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let |$\lambda _{\phi }(n)$| be the Fourier coefficients of a Hecke holomorphic or Hecke–Maass cusp form on |$\textrm{SL}_{2}(\mathbb Z)$| and |$f$| be any multiplicative function that satisfies two mild hypotheses. We establish a nontrivial upper bound for the correlation |$\sum _{n \leq X}f(n)\lambda _{\phi }(n+h)$| uniformly in |$0<|h|\leq X$|⁠. As applications, we consider some special cases, including |$f(n)=\lambda _{\pi }(n), \,\mu (n)\lambda _{\pi }(n)$| and any divisor-bounded multiplicative function. Here, |$\lambda _{\pi }(n)$| denotes the |$n$| -th Dirichlet coefficient of a |$\textrm{GL}_{m}$| automorphic |$L$| -function |$L(s,\pi)$| for an irreducible cuspidal automorphic representation |$\pi $|⁠ , and |$\mu (n)$| denotes the Möbius function. In particular, nontrivial savings are achieved for shifted convolution problems on |$\textrm{GL}_{m}\times \textrm{GL}_{2}\, (m\geq 4)$| and Hypothesis C of Iwaniec–Luo–Sarnak for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the adaptability and safety problems of agricultural machinery in hilly and mountainous areas, the remote driving control system of agricultural full hydraulic chassis is designed based on ARM-Linux platform. The whole remote driving system is composed of Web upper computer, server system and chassis drive system. According to the requirements of chassis operation, the STM32F407 is used as the lower computer to realize the running control and motion status monitoring of the chassis. Taking the I.MX6ULL as the hardware platform, the Linux as the software platform, and 4G communications as the Web Server, the remote driving of the chassis is realized through Web pages on the computer. It can be seen from the test results that the minimum RTT delay from the Web page driving to the lower computer is 170 ms; the maximum RTT delay is 1310 ms, and the average RTT delay is 222.75 ms. The real-time interactivity of the control system meets the needs of remote driving of the agricultural machinery. The research provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for the development of the remote driving system of the agricultural machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we obtain the exact controllability for a refined stochastic wave equation with three controls by establishing a novel Carleman estimate for a backward hyperbolic-like operator. Compared with the known result [Q. L\"u and X Zhang, Mathematical Control Theory for Stochastic Partial Differential Equations, Springer, Cham, Switzerland, 2021], the novelty of this paper is twofold: (1) Our model contains the effects in the drift terms when we put controls directly in the diffusion terms, which is more sensible for practical applications; (2) We provide an explicit description of the waiting time which is sharp in the case of dimension one and is independent of the coefficents of lower terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we study the low-lying mass spectra for bottom-charmed baryons in a nonrelativistic quark model by solving the three-body Schrödinger equation. The lowest Ξ bc , Ξ bc ′ , Ω bc , and Ω bc ′ states are predicted to be about 6979, 6953, 7109, and 7092 MeV, respectively. Also, the strong decays for the low-lying excited states are investigated. Our results indicate that some of λ -mode P-wave bottom-charmed baryons are relatively narrow, which can be searched for in future experiments. For the low-lying ρ -mode and ρ - λ hybrid states, their strong decays are highly suppressed and they can survive as extremely narrow states. Moreover, the mass spectra and strong decays for bottom-charmed baryons preserve the heavy quark symmetry well. We hope our calculations can provide helpful information for further experimental and theoretical researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a ceramic material, AlN has very good thermophysical and mechanical properties. In addition, AlN is an effective refining agent for Mg alloys because it has a lattice constant similar to that of Mg. Therefore, AlN is an ideal reinforcement for magnesium matrix composites (MMCs), and is attracting increasing attention. This review addresses the development of preparation technologies for AlN-reinforced Mg matrix composites. The mainstream preparation techniques include stir casting, melt infiltration, powder metallurgy, and in-situ methods. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are analyzed in depth, and it is pointed out that the next direction for the preparation of high-performance AlN-reinforced MMCs is less aluminization and multiple technologies integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance our comprehension of the dynamic processes associated with complex plate subduction, volcanic magmatism, and lithosphere deformation beneath the Ryukyu–Taiwan–Philippines region, we utilized nonuniform inversion grids for Pn velocity and anisotropy tomography, and obtained the uppermost mantle structure of this area. The results demonstrate remarkable characteristics: cold oceanic subducting plates display high Pn velocities, whereas volcanic arcs, the extinct mid‐ocean ridge in the South China Sea, and the Palawan region exhibit low Pn velocities. The extinct mid‐ocean ridge also displays a low‐velocity anomaly, indicating that residual heat persists even after approximately 15 million years since seafloor spreading. The occurrence of a discontinuous low‐velocity beneath the Ryukyu arc supports the presence of a slab window at approximately 123°E. The volcanic arcs of all subduction zones within the study area displayed trench‐parallel Pn anisotropy. The observed Pn fast directions beneath the Taiwan orogenic belt are consistent with crustal anisotropy, providing evidence for the crust–mantle coupled deformation. Moreover, our results shed light on the deep structural characteristics of the complex subduction zones beneath the Philippines region. Plate subduction causes partial melting due to dehydration; then, the melt ascends and accumulates at the uppermost mantle, showing low Pn velocities. However, the low‐velocity anomaly is not widely distributed but corresponds to a narrow band. In particular, the east–west bidirectional subduction of the Philippines and Negros formed separate low‐velocity anomalies. Low Pn velocities and trench‐parallel anisotropy indicate the location of different subduction zones and finely characterize their impact on the uppermost mantle structure. Plain Language Summary: The Ryukyu–Taiwan–Philippines region serves as a convergence zone for multiple subduction systems and has undergone a complex tectonic evolution. In this study, we utilized an improved uppermost mantle seismic tomography method to investigate the precise Pn velocity and anisotropy structure of this area. The results reveal distinct patterns, wherein high Pn velocities are observed beneath the Eurasian plate, the South China Sea plate, and the Philippine Sea plate. In addition to the volcanic arcs, an extinct mid‐ocean ridge also shows low Pn velocity. The identification of discontinuous low velocities at approximately 123°E beneath the Ryukyu arc supports the existence of a slab tear. Pn fast directions, which align with the orogenic belt's trend, are observed beneath Taiwan Island. This observation concurs with surface and crustal deformation, suggesting that the deformation of the Taiwan orogenic belt is at a lithospheric scale. Low Pn velocities observed beneath the multiple subduction zones in the Philippines region indicate that the magma generated by this process is confined to a narrow band parallel to the subduction zone, instead of being widely distributed. The study precisely depicts the impact of plate subduction on the uppermost mantle structure of the Philippines region. Key Points: We employed a nonuniform grid Pn anisotropic tomography to obtain the uppermost mantle structure in the Ryukyu–Taiwan–Philippines regionThe consistency of Pn and the crustal anisotropy beneath the Taiwan orogenic belt supports crust–mantle coupled deformationThe results beneath the Philippines region indicate the influence of subduction in different directions on the uppermost mantle structure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood trauma is a leading early adverse environment that increases psychopathological symptoms. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) suppression to challenges as a marker of self-regulation is found to linearly moderate the link between early adverse experiences and psychopathological symptoms, but yielding mixed findings. The present study examined the relationships between childhood trauma and internalizing and externalizing symptoms via a 1.5-year longitudinal design and the quadratic moderation effect of RSA suppression on these relationships among adolescents. In November 2021 (T1), the final sample of 275 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.94, SDage = 0.79; 49.82% females) completed the short form of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Achenbach Youth Self-Report-2001 and underwent a speech task during which their baseline RSA and stress exposure RSA were obtained. In June 2023 (T2), 251 adolescents completed the Achenbach Youth Self-Report-2001. Results showed that childhood trauma at T1 was positively correlated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms at T1 and T2. RSA suppression to stress quadratically moderated these associations, such that adolescents with moderate rather than higher or lower RSA suppression had the least internalizing and externalizing symptoms at T1 and T2 when exposed to childhood trauma. The findings suggest that moderate RSA suppression to stress as a marker of optimal vagal regulation buffers the risk of developmental psychopathology from early adverse experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inner edge state with spin and valley degrees of freedom is a promising candidate for designing a dissipationless device due to the topological protection. The central challenge for the application of the inner edge state is to generate and modulate the polarized currents. In this work, we discover a new mechanism to generate fully valley- and spin–valley-polarized current caused by the Bloch wavevector mismatch (BWM). Based on this mechanism, we design some serial-typed inner-edge filters. By using once of the BWM, the coincident states could be divided into transmitted and reflected modes, which can serve as a valley or spin–valley filter. In particular, while with twice of the BWM, the incident current is absolutely reflected to support an off state with a specified valley and spin, which is different from the gap effect. These findings give rise to a new platform for designing valleytronics and spin-valleytronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the linearly coupled system of nonlinear generalized Choquard equations in R N : - Δ φ + φ = (A θ (x) ⋆ G (φ)) G ′ (φ) + κ ψ in R N , - Δ ψ + ψ = (A θ (x) ⋆ H (ψ)) H ′ (ψ) + κ φ in R N , φ (x) , ψ (x) → 0 as | x | → ∞ , where N ≥ 3 , κ > 0 is a coupling parameter, A θ is a Riesz potential, G , H ∈ C 1 (R , R) . Under almost necessary assumptions on G and H, we obtain a positive solution for the above system by using variational arguments. We also study the asymptotic behavior of the solution when κ → 0 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to investigate the fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures containing graphene oxide (GO) using fracture mechanics. Three dense-graded asphalt mixtures with 9.5, 13.2, and 16 mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) were modified with varying GO contents. Semi-circular bending (SCB) fracture tests were conducted to determine the fracture properties of the asphalt mixtures. Results showed that mode I fracture toughness (KIC) and fracture energy (Gf) at −20 °C, −10 °C, and 0 °C were significantly improved with the addition of GO. Likewise, increasing trends in J-integral were observed with increasing GO content at 0 °C, 10 °C, and 20 °C. The variations of the fracture mechanic parameters suggested that adding GO could help in enhancing the fracture performance at low and intermediate temperatures. The fracture properties showed a high dependency on test temperature. An increase in NMAS resulted in increased fracture strength of the mixtures. Additionally, a two-parameter Weibull distribution model was utilised to further investigate the fracture results. The fracture toughness of the asphalt mixtures was found to comply with the two-parameter Weibull distribution. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop prediction models for the fracture properties. The proposed models exhibited a high degree of correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to study the following degenerate Monge-Ampère equation: (0.1) { det ⁡ D 2 u = Λ q (− u) q in Ω , u = 0 on ∂ Ω for some positive constant Λ q. Suppose Ω ⊂ ⊂ R n is uniformly convex and analytic. Then the solution of (0.1) is analytic in Ω ¯ provided q ∈ Z +. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal gut is home to a large number and rich variety of microbial flora. Intestinal microbes and their metabolites are believed to play an important role in regulating the metabolism of animal nutrients and maintaining intestinal immunity. The balance of intestinal microbiota is affected by diet, environment and metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids, tryptophan metabolites and vitamins, etc.), and have certain effect on body metabolism and immune response of animals through metabolites. Studying the effect of intestinal microbial metabolites on immune function helps to understand the interaction mechanism between intestinal microbes and animals. The article reviews the synthesis of intestinal microbial metabolites and the mechanisms mediating intestinal immunity, aiming to further explore the role of intestinal microbial metabolites in maintaining animal intestinal health, in order to provide reference for functional study of intestinal microbial metabolites and their application in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, it was explored how the volatility of the carbon neutrality concept index (CNCI) was affected by China economic policy uncertainty (CEPU) index, climate policy uncertainty (CPU) index, and geopolitical risk (GPR) index. According to the research of Amendola et al. the GARCH-MIDAS model was improved by introducing the realized kernel volatility of China stock market into the short-term volatility component. On this basis, the GARCH-RKV-MIDAS model was constructed. Meanwhile, both GARCH-MIDAS and GARCH-RKV-MIDAS models were applied to identify the influencing factors for CNCI volatility during the period between January 2018 and June 2022, with CNCI predicted. According to the research results, both the CPU index and the GPR index exert a significant effect on the long-term volatility of CNCI, despite no significant difference made by the CEPU index to the long-term volatility of CNCI. As for the prediction of CNCI volatility, the GARCH-RKV-MIDAS model clearly outperforms the GARCH-MIDAS model. Moreover, the CPU index outperforms the GPR index and the CEPU index in predicting the volatility of the CNCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude oil droplets in oilfield-produced water are highly emulsified, and the poor attachment between gas bubbles and oil droplets limits the effectiveness of oil-water separation during flotation processes. This paper proposes a new surface-functionalized bubble called a condensate bubble and evaluates its flotation performance based on surface properties and adhesion theory mechanism to address this issue. The surface chemical properties of the oil droplets were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurement, and zeta potential. Induction time and flotation tests were conducted to compare the attachment effects between air or condensate bubbles and emulsified oil droplets. The interaction forces were calculated using DLVO and extended DLVO theory. The experimental results showed that crude oil contains functional compounds containing oxygen that make it tough to float. However, the contact angle between the oil surface and condensate bubble was greater than 150°, demonstrating that the condensate liquid bubbles have better hydrophobicity than air bubbles. The micro-flotation experiments indicated that condensate bubbles have a strong collection capacity for emulsified oil droplets, which was confirmed by induction time tests. In 70 mM NaCl brine, the oil removal efficiency of condensate bubble flotation could reach 82%, which was a 30% improvement compared to air bubble flotation. However, DLVO theory failed to predict the flotation with a concentration higher than 10 mM NaCl. The extended DLVO theory accounted for hydrophobic interactions, which were observed due to similar solvent extraction and hydrophobicity of the condensate liquid film. As a result, the condensate bubble-oil droplet system exhibited stronger hydrophobic attraction, successfully confirming and illustrating the superiority of the condensate bubble in flotation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the existence and asymptotic behavior of solutions to a doubly nonlocal elliptic equation - (1 + λ ∫ R N | ∇ u | 2 d x) Δ u + ω u = ( | x | - α ∗ G (u)) g (u) in R N , where N ≥ 3 , λ > 0 is a parameter, ω > 0 is a constant, α ∈ (0 , N) , G ∈ C 1 (R , R) , and g = G ′ . Under almost necessary assumptions on G, by using the variational arguments and employing a Pohozaev-type constraint technique, we prove that there exists a ground state solution u λ for the above equation. Moreover, the asymptotic behavior of the ground state solution is also explored as λ → 0 + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive neural synchronization of neural populations in the beta (β) frequency range (12–35 Hz) is intimately related to the symptoms of hypokinesia in Parkinson's disease (PD). Studies have shown that delayed feedback stimulation strategies can interrupt excessive neural synchronization and effectively alleviate symptoms associated with PD dyskinesia. Work on optimizing delayed feedback algorithms continues to progress, yet it remains challenging to further improve the inhibitory effect with reduced energy expenditure. Therefore, we first established a neural mass model of the cortex-basal ganglia-thalamus-pedunculopontine nucleus (CBGTh-PPN) closed-loop system, which can reflect the internal properties of cortical and basal ganglia neurons and their intrinsic connections with thalamic and pedunculopontine nucleus neurons. Second, the inhibitory effects of three delayed feedback schemes based on the external globus pallidum (GPe) on β oscillations were investigated separately and compared with those based on the subthalamic nucleus (STN) only. Our results show that all four delayed feedback schemes achieve effective suppression of pathological β oscillations when using the linear delayed feedback algorithm. The comparison revealed that the three GPe-based delayed feedback stimulation strategies were able to have a greater range of oscillation suppression with reduced energy consumption, thus improving control performance effectively, suggesting that they may be more effective for the relief of Parkinson's motor symptoms in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Climate is one of the most important drivers for adaptive evolution and ecological speciation in teleost species. Using whole-genome re-sequencing technology, this study evaluated the role of divergent climate selection in shaping the genetic divergence of two eel-goby sister species spanning contrasting latitude gradients. High baseline genetic differentiation was found between them. Substantial elevated divergent loci were detected to be widespread throughout their genomes, which may arise from divergent climate selection, in addition to historical demographic processes. The loci exhibiting selective signatures highlighted the roles of genes associated with substance metabolism, energy production, response to environmental cues, and reproductive activity in latitude gradient adaptation and hence the climate-driven divergence of the two species. The results provided important insights into how climate changes related to latitude may drive genetic differentiation and thereby ecological speciation in marine teleosts. Deciphering the role of climate adaptation in generating genetic divergence and hence speciation is a central question in evolution. Comparisons of genomes of closely related species spanning selective climate gradients are particularly informative in discerning the signatures of selection and thereby providing valuable information concerning the role of climate adaptation in speciation. Here we re-sequenced 99 genomes of the two sister eel-goby species Odontamblyopus lacepedii and O. rebecca, which are endemic to tidal mudflats spanning contrasting latitude gradients, to estimate the influence of divergent climate selection on shaping genome-wide patterns of divergence. The results indicated that genome-wide differentiation between the two species was evident (genome-wide FST = 0.313). Against a background of high baseline genomic divergence, 588 and 1202 elevated divergent loci were detected to be widespread throughout their genomes, as opposed to focused within small islands of genomic regions. These patterns of divergence may arise from divergent climate selection in addition to genetic drift acting through past glacial segregation (1.46 million years ago). We identified several candidate genes that exhibited elevated divergence between the two species, including genes associated with substance metabolism, energy production, and response to environmental cues, all putative candidates closely linked to thermal adaptation expected from the latitude gradient. Interestingly, several candidates related to gamete recognition and time of puberty, and also exhibited elevated divergence, indicating their possible role in pre-zygote isolation and speciation of the two species. Our results would expand our knowledge on the roles of latitude climate adaptation and genetic drift in generating and maintaining biodiversity in marine teleosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional near-infrared luminescent phosphors activated by transition metal elements or rare earth activators were already widely reported. In this work, we develop a self-activated near-infrared luminescent phosphor with a typical double perovskite structure, which exhibits an emission at 650–750 nm under excitation at 365 nm. The origin of the desired luminescence in (Ca,Sr)LaMgTaO 6 compounds is attributed to the oxygen vacancies defects, oxygen interstitial defects and substitution defects and antioccupation defects. Thermal quenching of photoluminescence is undesirable with an integrated emission loss of 30–50% at 150 °C, which needs to be improved. This new series of near-infrared luminescent materials have potential applications in agricultural cultivations and bio-imaging materials. More importantly, we demonstrate a strategy by self-activation to realize near-infrared light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]