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Objectives: Endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is an alternative technique to obtain the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We aimed to evaluate the early and mid-term outcomes of patients with EVH in CABG. Methods: This cohort study included consecutive isolated CABG patients in Nanjing First Hospital from July 2020 to December 2022 using propensity score matching methods. Patients were classified to EVH group and open vein harvesting (OVH) group according to the vein harvesting methods. The primary outcome was the all-cause death, and the secondary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) including cardiovascular death, heart failure, myocardial infarction and revascularization and asymptomatic survival in the follow-up. Results: Totally 1247 patients were included in the study with 849 in OVH group and 398 in EVH group. Patients with EVH were more female, diabetes, higher body mass index, more multi-vessel and left main diseases. 308 pairs were formed after the matching. There was no significant difference in the rates of in-hospital death (EVH vs. OVH, 2.3% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.543). During the 3 years follow-up, EVH grafts were considered not inferior to OVH grafts, no differences were found in all-cause death [8.5% vs. 5.0%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.565, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77–3.17, P = 0.21], MACEs (8.1% vs. 7.1%, HR 1.165, 95CI: 0.51–2.69, P = 0.71) and asymptomatic survival (66.7% vs. 72.5%, HR 1.117, 95%CI: 0.65–1.92, P = 0.68). Conclusions: EVH grafts were considered comparable to OVH grafts in patients following CABG in the 3 years follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deformation mechanisms of the Tianshan orogenic belt (TOB) are one of the most important unresolved issues in the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. To better understand the lithospheric deformation of the eastern Tianshan orogenic belt, we combined the S-wave tomography and gravity data to develop a three-dimensional (3D) density model of the crust and upper mantle beneath the eastern Tianshan area. Results show that the crust of the eastern Tianshan is mainly characterized by positive density anomalies, revealing widespread subduction-related magmatism during the Paleozoic. We however have also observed extensive low-density anomalies beneath the eastern Tianshan at depths deeper than ∼100 km, which is likely linked to a relatively hot mantle. The most fundamental differences of the lithosphere within the eastern Tianshan occur in the uppermost mantle. The uppermost mantle layers in the Bogda Shan and Harlik Shan are relatively dense. This is likely associated with an eclogite body in the uppermost mantle. The most significant negative anomaly of the uppermost mantle is however found in the Jueluotage tectonic belt and the central Tianshan Block and is possibly associated with depleted mantle material. We suggest that these differences related to compositional changes may control the strength of the lithospheric mantle and have affected the uplift of the northern and southern segments of the eastern Tianshan after the Permian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a new test to investigate the conditional mean dependence between a response variable and the corresponding covariates in the high‐dimensional regimes. The test statistic is an extreme‐type one built on the nonparametric method. The limiting null distribution of the proposed extreme type statistic under a mild mixing condition is established. Moreover, to make the test more powerful in general structures we propose a more general test statistic and develop its asymptotic properties. The power analysis of both methods is also considered. In real data analysis, we also propose a new way to conduct the feature screening based on our results. To evaluate the performance of our estimators and other methods, extensive simulations are conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochromic perovskite materials exhibit reversible color changes in response to external thermal stimuli. Recently recognized as promising candidates, significant efforts are dedicated to developing these materials with tunable properties, rapid response, and effective light modulation. This review demonstrates recent advances in fabrication methods, mechanism investigation, solar modulation performance, and diverse applications of perovskite thermochromic materials. Thin films and single crystals are addressed separately, with a focus on achieving high‐quality and stable thermochromic perovskite materials across different dimensional architectures. Furthermore, the article outlines current challenges and provides forward‐looking perspectives, aiming to foster future innovative research and widespread application in smart windows, switchable photovoltaic devices, photo/thermal detectors, and anti‐counterfeiting technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr) is a major concern for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) using mFOLFOX6 regimen. There is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of HAIC combined with immunotherapy in HCC patients with HBVr. The aim of this study was to examine the adverse events (AEs) related to HBVr in HCC patients after HAIC, with or without immunotherapy, and to assess the effectiveness of antiviral prophylaxis for HBVr. Methods: Medical records of HCC patients receiving HAIC combined with and without immunotherapy between January 2021 and June 2023 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they received immunotherapy or not. Results: Out of the 106 patients, 32 (30.2%) developed HBVr. Among these, 23 eligible patients with HBVr were included, with 14 patients (61%) receiving immunotherapy and nine patients (39%) not receiving immunotherapy. Prior to HAIC treatment, four patients in each group had detectable HBV DNA with median titre of 3.66 × 102 IU/ml (patients with immunotherapy) and 1.98 × 102 IU/ml (patients without immunotherapy), respectively. Fifteen patients did not show detectable HBV DNA. At HBVr occurrence, the median HBV DNA level was 6.95 × 102 IU/ml for all patients, 4.82 × 102 IU/ml in patients receiving immunotherapy and 1.3 × 103 IU/ml in patients not receiving immunotherapy. Grade 3 hepatitis developed in 12 cases of all patients (12/23, 48%), including five patients with immunotherapy (56%) and seven patients without immunotherapy (78%). At the 3-month follow-up, HBV DNA was detected in 10 patients, with a median HBV DNA level of 2.05 × 102 IU/ml (range, 1.5 × 102– 3.55 × 102 IU/ml) in patients (7/10) with immunotherapy and 4.28 × 102 IU/ml (range, 1.15 × 102– 5.88 × 102 IU/ml) in patients (3/10) without immunotherapy. Intensified antiviral treatment was administered to all patients. No HBVr-related fatal events occurred. Conclusion: HBVr can occur after HAIC combined with or without immunotherapy. The degree of liver damage did not differ significantly in patients treated with or without immunotherapy. Intensified antiviral treatment was found to be crucial for HCC patients with HBVr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively explores the integration of photocatalytic (PC) and photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) technologies for hydrogen production via water splitting, in synergy with the efficient conversion of biomass resources. This synergistic strategy significantly boosts hydrogen production rates in both PC and PEC systems and enhances solar energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, it enables selective conversion of cost‐effective biomass via precise modulation of catalyst structures, paving a novel pathway for green hydrogen generation and synthesis of high‐value chemicals. Specifically, the manuscript highlights recent progress in the oxidation and coupling reactions of biomass derivatives, such as methanol, ethanol, glycerol, and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, in PC/PEC systems. It reveals their potential to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and the synthesis of high‐value organic compounds. Future research should focus on employing in‐situ characterization techniques and theoretical simulations to deeply understand reaction mechanisms, thus advancing the field of biomass conversion through photocatalytic/photoelectrocatalytic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an amorphous Ga2O3 metal–semiconductor–metal photodetectors passivated by the organosilicon layer were reported. Due to the excellent passivation property of the passivation layer and the diffusion effect of hydrogen, the responsivity of Ga2O3 photodetectors was improved effectively, while the dark state current is basically unchanged. The results of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have proved that the amount of oxygen vacancy near the interface between organosilicon and Ga2O3 layer has been passivated and the surface chemisorption was suppressed via capping a foreign layer after the deposition of organosilicon passivation layer. The Ga2O3 photodetectors with organosilicon passivation layer exhibit a boosted performance, with a low dark current of 2.96 × 10−12 A, a responsivity of 11.82 A/W, and a specific detectivity of 9.01 × 1014 Jones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problems of a narrow operating range and complex modeling of Flame-assisted Fuel Cells (FFCs), an FFC system based on a swirl burner is proposed, and neural network algorithms are used to construct the prediction model for the polarization curve of the FFC system. First, the output voltage and power values of the FFC system are measured under different working conditions, and various experimental parameters are collected to form a dataset; second, the correlation analysis method is used to screen out the parameters that are highly correlated with the output voltage as the input variables of the neural network; finally, the prediction model of the polarization curve is constructed, and back propagation (BP), long short term memory, and 1D-CNN algorithms are chosen to examine the applicability of various neural networks for the FFC system. The experimental and polarization characteristic curve prediction results show that the FFC system can obtain a maximum output voltage of 10.6 V and power of 7.71 W. The average relative errors of the three algorithms are 5.23%, 4.08%, and 6.19%, respectively, with the BP neural network algorithm showing the best generalization ability. The study provides support for the application of the FFC system in aerospace and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid aging of the global population, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases has become a significant concern, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) being the most common. However, the clinical trials of many drugs targeting AD have failed due to the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which makes intracerebral administration of drugs difficult. However, nanoparticles (NPs) may aid in the delivery of such drugs. NPs are materials with sizes between 1–100 nm that offer several advantages, such as improving biocompatibility, prolonging half-life, transporting large molecules, crossing the BBB to deliver to the central nervous system, and exhibiting good targeting ability. In addition to drug delivery, NPs also have excellent diagnostic potential, and multifunctional NPs can integrate the advantages of diagnosis, targeting, and treatment. This mini-review article provides an overview of NPs, including the composition of the carrier, strategies for crossing the BBB, and different targets of AD pathology, with the aim of providing guidance for the development prospects of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective DM with positive anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 (MDA5) antibody is an autoimmune disease with multiple complications. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are significantly associated with DM and are particularly related to MDA5+ DM. This article aims to explore potential molecular mechanisms and develop new diagnostic biomarkers for MDA5+ DM-ILD. Methods The series matrix files of DM and non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to screen the common enriched pathways related to DM and NSIP. Next, the co-expressed differential expressed genes (co-DEGs) between MDA5+, MDA5− and NSIP groups were identified by Venn plots, and then selected for different enrichment analyses and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. The mRNA expression levels of IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 were measured by RT-qPCR. The protein expression levels of IFN-beta were measured by ELISA. Results Using GSEA, the enriched pathway 'herpes simplex virus 1 infection' was both up-regulated in DM and NSIP. Enrichment analysis in MDA5+ DM, MDA5− DM and NSIP reported that the IFN-beta signalling pathway was an important influencing factor in the MDA5+ DM-ILD. We also identified that eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2 (EIF2AK2) was an important gene signature in the MDA5+ DM-ILD by PPI analysis. The expression levels of IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 were significantly increased in MDA5+ DM-ILD patients. Conclusions IFN-beta and EIF2AK2 contributed to the pathogenesis of MDA5+ DM-ILD, which could be used as potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrated augmented reality (AR) and three-dimensional (3D) maps into mobile learning for library use instruction. To maximize the benefits of mobile library applications (MLAs), their technology acceptance was examined. Because of the e-learning context, the General Extended Technology Acceptance Model for E-Learning (GETAMEL) developed by Abdullah and Ward ([2016]. Developing a general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning (GETAMEL) by analysing commonly used external factors. Computers in Human Behavior, 56, 238–256) was used. A total of 450 university students participated in this study. Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify factors influencing MLA adoption, to test the measurement invariance of the GETAMEL questionnaire and to compare the structural coefficients of GETAMEL between the AR and 3D map groups. The results showed that subjective norms, enjoyment, computer-related experience, self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness are essential for designing MLA. Moreover, the measures of the questionnaire had the same meanings across the two MLAs, and the impacts of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on behavioral intention differed significantly across the two groups, suggesting that AR-based MLA suits people who are not familiar with libraries, whereas 3D map-based MLA suits people who want to find research materials immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rank estimation is an effective inference method for the nonparametric transformation model. This approach avoids any nonparametric estimation about the transformation function and can be applied to the high-dimensional censored data. However, most existing methods do not utilize the potential correlation structures among predictors. In order to incorporate such priori information, we propose a penalized smoothed partial rank with sparse Laplacian shrinkage (PSPRL) method and develop a forward and backward stagewise with sparse Laplacian shrinkage (LFabs) algorithm to compute the estimator. The non-asymptotic bound and algorithm properties are established. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the competing alternatives with better variable selection and prediction. We apply our method to a glioblastoma gene expression study to further demonstrate the advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) as typical conversion‐type anode materials demonstrate extraordinary theoretical charge storage capacity for sodium ion batteries, but the unavoidable volume expansion and irreversible capacity loss upon cycling represent their long‐standing limitations. Herein we report a stress self‐adaptive structure with ultrafine FeP nanodots embedded in dense carbon microplates skeleton (FeP@CMS) via the spatial confinement of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Such an architecture delivers a record high specific capacity (778 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and ultra‐long cycle stability (87.6 % capacity retention after 10 000 cycles at 20 A g−1), which outperform the state‐of‐the‐art literature. We decode the fundamental reasons for this unprecedented performance, that such an architecture allows the spontaneous stress transfer from FeP nanodots to the surrounding carbon matrix, thus overcomes the intrinsic chemo‐mechanical degradation of metal phosphides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal phosphides (TMPs) as typical conversion‐type anode materials demonstrate extraordinary theoretical charge storage capacity for sodium ion batteries, but the unavoidable volume expansion and irreversible capacity loss upon cycling represent their long‐standing limitations. Herein we report a stress self‐adaptive structure with ultrafine FeP nanodots embedded in dense carbon microplates skeleton (FeP@CMS) via the spatial confinement of carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Such an architecture delivers a record high specific capacity (778 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and ultra‐long cycle stability (87.6 % capacity retention after 10 000 cycles at 20 A g−1), which outperform the state‐of‐the‐art literature. We decode the fundamental reasons for this unprecedented performance, that such an architecture allows the spontaneous stress transfer from FeP nanodots to the surrounding carbon matrix, thus overcomes the intrinsic chemo‐mechanical degradation of metal phosphides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the risk factors and develop a clinical prediction model for early biliary infection (EBI) after percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). Methods: The clinical data of 236 patients with MBO treated with PTBS from June 2012 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram model was constructed based on the results. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of this model were further assessed. Results: The technical success rate of PTBS was 100%, and EBI after PTBS was 20.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hilar MBO (P = 0.020), diabetes (P = 0.001), previous surgical or endoscopic intervention (P = 0.007), procedure time > 60 min (P = 0.007), and intraprocedural biliary hemorrhage (P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for EBI after PTBS. A nomogram model was developed to predict the probability of EBI. ROC curves showed good discrimination of the model (area under curve = 0.831). The calibration plot indicated that the predicted probability of EBI by this model was in good agreement with the actual probability of EBI. The DCA curves showed that the net benefit of nomogram-assisted decisions was higher than or equal to the net benefit of treatment for all or none at a wide threshold probability (0–0.8). Conclusion: The nomogram model based on the above independent risk factors can predict the probability of EBI and model-assisted treatment decisions contribute to improved clinical outcome. Therefore, MBO patients with probability of EBI > 0.20 based on the model should be recommended for perioperative broad-spectrum antibiotics and close monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current popular approach to the extraction of document-level relations is mainly based on either a graph structure or serialization model method for the inference, but the graph structure method makes the model complicated, while the serialization model method decreases the extraction accuracy as the text length increases. To address such problems, the goal of this paper is to develop a new approach for document-level relationship extraction by applying a new idea through the consideration of so-called "Local Relationship and Global Inference" (in short, LRGI), which means that we first encode the text using the BERT pre-training model to obtain a local relationship vector first by considering a local context pooling and bilinear group algorithm and then establishing a global inference mechanism based on Floyd's algorithm to achieve multi-path multi-hop inference and obtain the global inference vector, which allow us to extract multi-classified relationships with adaptive thresholding criteria. Taking the DocRED dataset as a testing set, the numerical results show that our proposed new approach (LRGI) in this paper achieves an accuracy of 0.73, and the value of F1 is 62.11, corresponding to 28% and 2% improvements by comparing with the classical document-level relationship extraction model (ATLOP), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium–sulfur (Li-S) battery is considered to be one of the attractive candidates for breaking the limit of specific energy of lithium-ion batteries and has the potential to conquer the related energy storage market due to its advantages of low-cost, high-energy density, high theoretical specific energy, and environmental friendliness issues. However, the substantial decrease in the performance of Li-S batteries at low temperatures has presented a major barrier to extensive application. To this end, we have introduced the underlying mechanism of Li-S batteries in detail, and further concentrated on the challenges and progress of Li-S batteries working at low temperatures in this review. Additionally, the strategies to improve the low-temperature performance of Li-S batteries have also been summarized from the four perspectives, such as electrolyte, cathode, anode, and diaphragm. This review will provide a critical insight into enhancing the feasibility of Li-S batteries in low-temperature environments and facilitating their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of celiac plexus block (CPB) combined with 125I seeds implantation (ISI) for refractory epigastric pain from abdominal malignancies. Methods: The data of 81 patients with refractory epigastric pain [visual analog scale (VAS) score ≥ 4] from abdominal malignancies were collected in this retrospective case–control study. Group A (n = 40) was treated with CPB alone, while Group B (n = 41) underwent CPB combined with ISI. The primary study endpoints were the VAS score, quality of life (QoL), and local tumor control (LTC) rate. The secondary endpoints were complications, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The VAS scores at week 2 (T2), week 4 (T4), week 8 (T8), and week 12 (T12) in both groups were significantly lower compared with the pretreatment values (all P < 0.01). VAS scores in Group B showed a sustained decrease, especially for "mild pain" and "moderate pain," while the VAS scores in Group A rebounded at T8 and T12 (both P < 0.01). The QoL in Group B improved significantly from T4 until T12, which better than that at T12 in Group A (all P < 0.01). The LTC rates at T8 were 35.0% and 92.7% in Groups A and B, respectively, with a significant difference (P < 0.01). Group B had a slightly lower complication rate and a slightly longer median PFS/OS than group A, but neither was statistically different (P = 0.09 and P = 0.99, respectively). Conclusion: CPB combined with ISI performs more sustained pain relief (up to 12 weeks) compared to CPB alone, and ultimately improves the patients' QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on morphological methods, MODIS satellite remote sensing data were used to establish a dataset of the local roughness length (Z0) of vegetation-covered surfaces in Guangdong Province. The local Z0 was used to update the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in order to quantitatively evaluate its impact on the thermodynamic environment of vegetation-covered surfaces. The specific results are as follows: evergreen broad-leaved forests showed the largest average Z0 values at 1.27 m (spring), 1.15 m (summer), 1.03 m (autumn), and 1.15 m (winter); the average Z0 values of mixed forests ranged from 0.90 to 1.20 m; and those for cropland-covered surfaces ranged from 0.17 to 0.20 m. The Z0 values of individual vegetation coverage types all exhibited relatively high values in spring and low values in autumn, and the default Z0 corresponding to specific vegetation-covered surfaces was significantly underestimated in the WRF model. Modifying the default Z0 of surfaces underlying evergreen broad-leaved forests, mixed forests, and croplands in the model induced only relatively small changes (<1%) in their 2 m temperature, relative humidity, skin surface temperature, and the planetary boundary layer height. However, the average daily wind speed of surfaces covered by evergreen broad-leaved forests, mixed forests, and croplands was reduced by 0.48 m/s, 0.43 m/s, and 0.26 m/s, respectively, accounting for changes of 12.0%, 11.1%, and 6.5%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data‐driven epoch, the development of machine learning (ML) in materials and device design is an irreversible trend. Its ability and efficiency to handle nonlinear and game‐playing problems is unmatched by traditional simulation computing software and trial‐error experiments. Perovskite solar cells are complex physicochemical devices (systems) that consist of perovskite materials, transport layer materials, and electrodes. Predicting the physicochemical properties and screening the component materials related to perovskite solar cells is the strong point of ML. However, the applications of ML in perovskite solar cells and component materials has only begun to boom in the last two years, so it is necessary to provide a review of the involved ML technologies, the application status, the facing urgent challenges and the development blueprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sorafenib is a first-line drug targeting the RTK-MAPK signalling pathway used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, tumour cells readily develop sorafenib resistance, limiting long-term therapy with this drug. In our previous study, we found that human menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) altered the expression of some sorafenib resistance-associated genes in HCC cells. Therefore, we wanted to further explore the feasibility of MenSC-based combination therapy in treating sorafenib-resistant HCC (HCC-SR) cells. Methods: The therapeutic efficiency of sorafenib was determined using CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8), Annexin V/PI and clone formation assays in vitro and a xenograft mouse model in vivo. DNA methylation was determined using RT‒PCR and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP). Autophagy was detected by measuring LC3-II degradation and autophagosome maturation. Transmission electron microscopy identified autophagosomes and mitochondria. Physiological functions of mitochondria were assessed by measuring the ATP content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Results: The tumour suppressor genes BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) and BCL2 interacting protein 3 like (BNIP3L) were silenced by promoter methylation and that BNIP3 and BNIP3L levels correlated negatively with sorafenib resistance in HCC-SR cells. Strikingly, MenSCs reversed sorafenib resistance. MenSCs upregulated BNIP3 and BNIP3L expression in HCC-SR cells via tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2)-mediated active demethylation. In HCC-SR cells receiving sorafenib and MenSC combination therapy, pressure from sorafenib and elevated BNIP3 and BNIP3L levels disrupted balanced autophagy. Hyperactivation of mitophagy significantly caused severe mitochondrial dysfunction and eventually led to the autophagic death of HCC-SR cells. Conclusions: Our research suggests that combining sorafenib and MenSCs may be a potentially new strategy to reverse sorafenib resistance in HCC-SR cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, localised and non-uniform urban morphology (UM) and urban fraction (UF) parameters are implemented in a single-layer urban canopy scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) mesoscale meteorological model. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of the refined parameterisation scheme on the simulation of dynamic and thermal fields in the urban canopy of the Guangzhou metropolitan area. The results showed that, compared with the default urban canopy parameters of the WRF model, using the localised UM parameters resulted in the most significant improvement in the 10 m wind speed simulation. In urban districts, the mean bias between the observed and simulated 10 m wind speed was reduced significantly by 59% from 2.63 m/s to 1.09 m/s during the daytime. For the thermal environment simulation during the daytime, higher UF and UM values resulted in lower surface albedos and generated narrower street canyons compared with the default modelling setting, which caused more heat to be trapped in the urban canopy and ultimately led to an increase in the surface skin temperature (TSK) and a largely increased ground heat flux (GRD). As a result, at night, more heat was transferred from the ground to the surface, producing a higher TSK. The effect of the localised UF on the sensible heat flux (HFX) was closely related to the near-surface temperature gradient. The UM caused the HFX to increase during the daytime, which was related to the near-surface heat exchange coefficient in the lower model layers. As the high-resolution UM significantly altered the urban geometry, the dynamic environment simulation resulted in a large increase in friction velocity and a decrease in wind speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the prediction accuracy of milling tool wear, a prediction method based on Attention-LSTM is proposed. In the training phase, first, the data are pre-processed by truncation, downsampling, and the Hampel filtering method, and then features are extracted by the time domain, frequency domain, and time-frequency domain analysis methods. Second, a deep neural network is designed to describe the complex nonlinear function between features and tool wear. Last, aiming at the insufficient prediction accuracy due to the LSTM lacking feature extraction and enhancement, the Attention mechanism is introduced to optimize the model. The results suggest that this prediction method provides an efficient strategy for milling tool wear prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low temperature condition, long reaction time and associated high energy inputs involved in the polymerization process still hampered the scalable production of poly(γ‐butyrolactone) (PγBL) via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of low strained γBL due to its unfavorable thermodynamics. In this contribution, we presented the rapid ROP of γBL using a bisurea in combination with an organophosphazene base as the binary catalyst. Well‐defined PγBL samples with various terminal groups were prepared by using different alcohol initiators. The bisurea as a co‐catalyst exhibited much higher catalytic activity even compared to the most active monourea in previous report as supported by the kinetic experiments. A moderate monomer conversion of 61% was achieved within 10 mins, producing high‐molecular‐weight PγBL with Mn up to 37.5 kDa and good mechanical properties. The short polymerization time considerably reduced the energy cost for the ROP of γBL conducted at low temperature condition. This study may clear away obstacles for the scalable production and practical applications for PγBL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, parallel plate capacitors are numerically simulated by solving weak forms within the framework of the finite element method. Two different domains are studied. We study the infinite parallel plate capacitor problem and verify the implementation by deriving analytical solutions with a single layer and multiple layers between two plates. Furthermore, we study the finite parallel plate capacitor problem and verify it by Love's potential equation and Xiang's capacitance equation. Moreover, the fringing effect is considered and extended to problems with multiple dielectric layers, such a solution is not possible by means of the existing analytical solutions. Besides, we realize the possibility of choosing different boundary conditions (electric potential boundary conditions and charge density boundary conditions) by changing the weak form. Finally, a transient solution that includes dielectric loss and calculates the quality factor of a capacitor is presented, which may be used in capacitor design. Convergence and consistency of results are demonstrated by comparing the results between analytical and numerical solutions and also the results from different boundary conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by rising concerns regarding global warming and traffic congestion effects, we study the time-dependent green vehicle routing problem with time windows (TDGVRPTW), aiming to minimize carbon emissions. The TDGVRPTW is a variant of the time-dependent vehicle routing problem (TDVRP) in which, in addition to the time window constraints, the minimization of carbon emissions requires determination of the optimal departure times for vehicles, from both the depot and customer location(s). Accordingly, the first exact method based on a branch-cut-and-price (BCP) algorithm is proposed for solving the TDGVRPTW. We introduce the notation of a time-dependent (TD) arc and describe how to identify the nondominated TD arcs in terms of arc departure times. In this way, we reduce infinitely many TD arcs to a finite set of nondominated TD arcs. We design a state-of-the-art BCP algorithm for the TDGVRPTW with labeling and limited memory subset row cuts, together with effective dominance rules for eliminating dominated TD arcs. The exact method is tested on a set of test instances derived from benchmark instances proposed in the literature. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed exact method in solving TDGVRPTW instances involving up to 100 customers. Summary of Contribution: Due to the environmental situation, green vehicle routing problems (GVRPs) aim to consider greenhouse gas emissions reduction, while routing the vehicles, and play a key role in transportation and logistics. Vehicle greenhouse gas emissions strongly depend on the vehicle speeds and traffic conditions which in real life vary continuously over time. To tackle these challenges, we address the time-dependent green vehicle routing problem with time windows (TDGVRPTW) aimed at reducing total carbon emissions under time-dependent travel times and time window constraints. We design an effective exact method for the TDGVRPTW based on a state-of-the-art branch-cut-and-price algorithm. The paper is both of methodological value for researchers and of interest for practitioners. For researchers, the presented algorithm is amenable for various routing constraints and provides a ground for further studies and research. For practitioners, the paper suggests insights on how the carbon emissions change based on different vehicle speed profiles. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete. Funding: This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 71831003, 71831006, 72171043, and 71901180] and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [Grants N170405005 and N180704015]. Supplemental Material: The electronic companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2022.1195. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) alone and microwave ablation (MWA) combined with PVP for the treatment of painful spinal metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). From October 2014 to October 2021, the data of 58 NSCLC patients with refractory painful spinal metastases (visual analog scale score ≥ 5) were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Patients in Group A (n = 30) and Group B (n = 28) received PVP alone and MWA combined with PVP, respectively. The primary endpoint was pain relief. The secondary endpoints were quality of life (QoL), local tumor progression (LTP), and complications. The technical success rate was 100% in both groups. Patients in both groups showed similar pain relief at 1–12 weeks, but patients in Group B still showed sustained pain relief at 24 weeks compared to those in Group A (p = 0.03). The assessment of QoL showed similar changes. LTP (33.00% vs. 7.14%, p = 0.02) and cement leakage rates (40.00% vs. 7.14%, p = 0.03) were lower in Group B. The multivariate analysis demonstrated spinal metastases with a maximum diameter ≤ 3.0 cm (p = 0.027) and MWA combined with PVP (p = 0.028) were two independent protective factors for LTP. For cement leakage, spinal metastases with vertebral body compression (p = 0.019) was an independent risk factor, while MWA combined with PVP (p = 0.042) was an independent protective factor. MWA combined with PVP for painful spinal metastases from NSCLC performed more sustained pain relief (>6 months) and ultimately improved QoL with lower LTP and cement leakage rates, compared to PVP alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the dynamical analysis and vibration attenuation for a three-dimensional (3-D) suspension cable system of a helicopter preceded by output constraints and input backlash. First, the dynamic model of a 3-D suspension cable is constructed in accordance with Hamilton’s principle. Then, a backlash inverse compensator is established to tackle the input backlash nonlinearities. Subsequently, three boundary controllers together with output signal barrier functions are proposed to dampen the oscillations while not violating the cable swing constraints. The uniform boundedness of the closed-loop system is guaranteed with recourse to the direct Lyapunov’s method. Finally, the validity and efficiency of the derived control laws are testified through simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain quality involves the appearance, nutritional, and safety attributes of grains. With the improvement of people's living standards, problems pertaining to the quality of grains have received greater attention. Modern quality detection techniques feature unique advantages including rapidness, non-destructiveness, accuracy, and efficiency in detecting grain quality. This review summarizes research progress of these techniques in detection of quality indices of grains. Particularly, the review focuses on detection techniques based on physical properties including acoustic, optical, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties, and those simulating sensory analysis such as electronic noses, electronic tongues, and electronic eyes. According to the current technological development and application, the challenges and prospects of these techniques are demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of flexible web with a spatial symmetry structure is proposed to address the interception and acquisition of UAVs. It is different from the existing flexible web structure. According to the mechanical characteristics of the flexible web, the dynamic analysis model of the flexible web is established through theoretical deduction. Through finite element simulation calculation, the flexible webs of three different spatial symmetric structures are compared and analyzed. The internal force and air attitude of the three flexible webs are discussed. Among them, the new flexible web has a lag time of 0.162 s and a flight height of 11.624 m. The above simulation parameters are better than those of the other two symmetrical structures. It was proved that the new spatial symmetric flexible web has good traction and deployment performance. In addition, a ground verification test is designed and carried out. The web attitude and flight altitude parameters are compared with the simulation and test results. It is found that the simulation and experimental process of the new symmetric structure web are in good agreement, the synchronization of attitude change is good, and the flight altitude error of the two is controlled at about 5%. The feasibility and effectiveness of this method are proven and it can provide a reference for the research of flexible interception and acquisition of UAVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field mobile platform is an important tool for high-throughput phenotype monitoring. To overcome problems in existing field-based crop phenotyping platforms, including limited application scope and low stability, a rolling adjustment method for the wheel tread was proposed. A self-propelled three-wheeled field-based crop phenotyping platform with variable wheel tread and height above ground was developed, which enabled phenotypic information of different dry crops in different development stages. A three-dimensional model of the platform was established using Pro/E; ANSYS and ADAMS were used for static and dynamic performance. Results show that when running on flat ground, the platform has a vibration acceleration lower than 0.5 m/s2. When climbing over an obstacle with a height of 100 mm, the vibration amplitude of the platform is 88.7 mm. The climbing angle is not less than 15°. Field tests imply that the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the ratio vegetation index (RVI) of a canopy measured using crop growth sensors mounted on the above platform show favorable linear correlations with those measured using a handheld analytical spectral device (ASD). Their R2 values are 0.6052 and 0.6093 and root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) are 0.0487 and 0.1521, respectively. The field-based crop phenotyping platform provides a carrier for high-throughput acquisition of crop phenotypic information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to prove the intercepting effectiveness of the new active interception net. According to the timing sequence of intercepting the incoming missile body by the new interception net, the external ballistic equations of the incoming missile body and the interception net are established, respectively, and then the mathematical probability model conforming to the physical characteristics of the interception process is constructed. The process of intercepting the incoming missile by intercepting net is simulated 1000 times by Monte Carlo method on the basis of considering the random parameters such as route shortcut, dive angle, and incoming velocity of the incoming missile. The simulation results under different intercept conditions, including the optimal intercept angle, the power of the payload warhead, and the probability of intercept damage, are analyzed. Through analysis, it is found that with the cooperation of multiple interception nets, the probability of interception and damage to the incoming target can be significantly improved. When the velocity of the incoming missile body is up to 900 m/s, the probability of damage is over 65%. The research content theoretically verifies the effectiveness of ultra-short-range interception of the new active interception net. In order to further verify the reliability of interception, a new interception net was carried out to verify the interception of the incoming missile body. Through the analysis of the test results, it is found that the new interception net can intercept the incoming missile body effectively after launch, which well verifies the Monte Carlo simulation results and further proves the intercepting effectiveness of the new interception net. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The 1O 2 -dominated radical pathway is highly active for the complex aquatic environments, but the 1O 2 generation with high efficiency and selectivity is difficult. Herein, iron single-atom catalysts (SACs) supported on graphitized chitin-derived carbon (Fe 1 /NC-700) are synthesized by ball milling combined with high-temperature pyrolysis method using chitin as a carbon and nitrogen source. Fe 1 /NC-700 exhibits excellent catalytic performance and satisfactory stability in the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the degradation of acid orange 7 (AO7), the degradation efficiency is 99.8 % within 5 min, and its apparent rate constant k can reach 0.5695 min−1, which is 3 times higher than that of Fe NPs /NC-700. Free radical scavenging experiments, electron spin resonance, in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical analyses demonstrate that the degradation process is a 1O 2 -dominated non-radical pathway with the auxiliary participation of Fe(IV)=O and electron transfer, the 1O 2 selectivity is 96.2 %, while Fe(IV)=O and e– are 3.8 %, causing Fe 1 /NC-700 + PMS system exhibits superior anti-interference ability. The reaction mechanism shows that pyrrolic N is the adsorption sites for pollutants, whilst Fe-N x and graphite N are the activation sites for PMS, meanwhile, the graphite N can facilitate the transfer of electron, resulting in the production of large amounts of 1O 2 for the degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon fiber electrothermal method is an efficient approach for snow melting and deicing of pavements in the cold winter. The heat transfer mechanism needs to be explored for the carbon fiber electrothermal system design, especially how the microstructure affects the thermal behavior of pavement. To do so, a discrete element method (DEM) based heat transfer model considering the pavement microstructure has been established in the current study. The shape and content of coarse-grained aggregates have been represented by using the irregular polygonal aggregate method. The accuracy and feasibility of the proposed model were verified by comparing the numerical results with the measured data. On this basis, the heat transfer characteristics of pavements during snow melting and deicing using the carbon fiber electrothermal method have been investigated. The results show that the ambient temperature and the carbon fiber heating wire (CFHW) temperature are the two primary factors affecting the heating efficiency and the maximum temperature on the pavement surface. The spacing and buried depth of the CFHW also play a crucial role in determining the temperature rise rate and the uniformity of temperature distribution of the road surface layer. Furthermore, the effect of the aggregate content on the overall heating rate is not as significant as that of the specific heat capacity ratio of the aggregate to the mortar, suggesting modifying the thermal conductivity of aggregates to enhance deicing efficiency rather than changing the aggregate contents. The effects of the CFHW design parameters on the temperature distribution of the pavement surface are also investigated. The maximum and minimum temperatures of the pavement layer decrease gradually with the increase of the laying spacing and burial depth of the CFHW, but the temperature difference increases with the increase of the laying spacing of the CFHW and decreases with the increase of the burial depth. The research results can provide a reference for the optimization design of snow melting and deicing of pavements by the CFHW heating method. • A DEM heat transfer model considering the microstructure of concrete pavements was generated. • The accuracy and feasibility of the numerical model were verified. • The ambient temperature is the most significant factor that affects the maximum temperature of pavements. • The effects of design parameters on the heat transfer behavior were investigated. • The heat transfer efficiency and temperature distribution uniformity in the road surface layer under different design conditions were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we delve into the intricacies of viscous fluid flow with electric field coupling by employing the Finite Element Method (FEM) in tandem with the level set method. We generate a weak form for satisfying governing equations for electric field and fluid velocity while two phases are tracked by the level set function. The primary focus of this study is the complex interactions between free-falling jet and electric field, and the behavior of droplet encompassing deformation, fission, and fusion under the influence of electric field. The main contribution of this paper is given a new implement by using the P1/P1 scheme to directly solve the weak forms of coupled governing equations, which significantly improves calculation efficiency compared to the P2/P1 scheme, and we open source the code. This implement is verified by comparing with the experimental results of oil droplets deforming under an electric field. Computations are performed by FEniCS open-source packages. The phenomena documented underscore the multifaceted relationship between electrodynamic forces and fluid mechanics, accentuated distinctly under non-uniform electric field conditions. [Display omitted] • We develop an FEM with the P1/P1 scheme for Conservative Level Set (CLS) method to achieve interface tracking. • Variational formulation is presented for solving electric field and fluid velocity, while the level set function tracks the two phases. • The numerical implementation is validated against experimental results of oil droplets deforming under electric field. • This paper explores the intricate dynamics of a free-falling jet in an electric field, examining how droplets undergo deformation, fission, and fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone is regarded as one of few tissues that heals without fibrous scar. The outer layer of the periosteum is covered with fibrous tissue, whose function in bone formation is unknown. We herein developed a system to distinguish the fate of fibrous-layer periosteal cells (FL-PCs) from the skeletal stem/progenitor cells (SSPCs) in the cambium-layer periosteum and bone marrow in mice. We showed that FL-PCs did not participate in steady-state osteogenesis, but formed the main body of fibrocartilaginous callus during fracture healing. Moreover, FL-PCs invaded the cambium-layer periosteum and bone marrow after fracture, forming neo-SSPCs that continued to maintain the healed bones throughout adulthood. The FL-PC-derived neo-SSPCs expressed lower levels of osteogenic signature genes and displayed lower osteogenic differentiation activity than the preexisting SSPCs. Consistent with this, healed bones were thinner and formed more slowly than normal bones. Thus, the fibrous periosteum becomes the cellular origin of bones after fracture and alters bone properties permanently. [Display omitted] • SSPC-Simultracer distinguishes FL-PCs from BMSCs/CL-PCs • BMSCs/CL-PCs maintain bone homeostasis • FL-PCs form the main body of callus during fracture healing • FL-PC-derived neo-SSPCs maintain the healed bone post fracture Bone has long been regarded as one of few tissues that heals without fibrous scar. Liu et al. discover that fibroblasts at the out-layer periosteum repair bone fracture and maintain the healed bone throughout mouse adulthood, which alters the bone parameters permanently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the comprehensive therapeutic effect for large tumors, tumor cell membrane‐camouflaged molecular stacking composite nanoparticles (APGn@Mem NPs) are prepared by molecular stacking of chemotherapeutic drug gossypolone (Gn), thermodynamic agent (2,2'‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl) propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH)), polyvinyl alcohol, and phase change material lauric acid, which show a clear core–shell structure with a size of 65 ± 9.8 nm, high drug loading, low toxicity, homologous targeting, and thermal‐responsive release property. A type of micro‐electrothermal needle (MEN) with precise temperature control in situ (temperature range: mean value T ± 7 °C) is designed as the assistant heating system for APGn@Mem NPs. Subsequently, an elaborate tumor combination therapy strategy of electrothermal‐thermodynamic‐chemo trimodal combination therapy is developed through APGn@Mem NPs combined with the temperature control of MEN. Under MEN heating in situ, AIPH is rapidly released and generates abundant free radicals for short‐term electrothermal and thermodynamic therapy, while the release of Gn is relatively slow for long‐term chemotherapy. For large tumors (≈300 mm3) of nude mice, such combination therapy achieves remarkable comprehensive therapeutic efficacy with the 16‐day tumor inhibition rate of 99.89% and the 60‐day tumor recurrence rate of 20%, indicating this combination therapy has the prominent advantage and potential application in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an adaptive robust control technique for an uncertain riser-vessel system in a three-dimensional space is developed. A projection mapping technique and a hyperbolic tangent function are exploited to construct novel adaptive robust controllers based on adaptive laws dynamically updated online to restrain the vibration, tackle parametric uncertainties, compensate for the unknown upper bound of disturbances, and ensure robustness of the coupled system. Lyapunov’s method is adopted to analyze and demonstrate the bounded stability of the closed-loop system. Simulation results are provided to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of transarterial embolization (TAE) plus octreotide long‐acting repeatable (LAR) on patients with low‐to‐intermediate neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM). Methods: One hundred and sixteen patients with G1/G2 NETLM treated with TAE plus octreotide LAR at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat‐sen University between January 12, 2016 and September 24, 2020 were reviewed. Radiological response was evaluated according to response evaluation criterion in solid tumor version 1.1. Overall progression‐free survival (PFS) was assessed. Intrahepatic and extrahepatic PFS were evaluated in the whole cohort and in patients with the extrahepatic disease (EHD), respectively. Factors affecting treatment response and overall PFS were analyzed using the logistic regression model and Cox proportional hazard model. Adverse events were recorded and evaluated according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 5.0. Results: The median overall PFS of the whole cohort was 13.6 months. For the patients with EHD, the median intrahepatic PFS and extrahepatic PFS were 13.6 and 26.1 months, respectively. The median overall PFS of patients with hepatic tumor burden (HTB) <10%, 10%–25%, 25%–50%, and >50% were 25.2, 13.6, 11.2, and 12.3 months, respectively. Ki67 >10%, HTB >50%, and bone metastasis were independently associated with overall PFS. The objective response rate was 78.4%. In patients with HTB 25%–50% and >50%, responders (complete response or partial response) had significant prolonged PFS compared with nonresponders (stable disease or progression disease). Ki67 >10%, bone metastasis, and clear tumor margin were independently associated with response to TAE. The most frequent adverse events that occurred after TAE were postembolization syndrome, and no treatment‐associated death occurred during the perioperative period. Conclusion: Transarterial embolization plus octreotide LAR can significantly prolong the PFS of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases, especially with high HTB over 50%. Selected patients with HTB >25% (ki67 ≤10%, absence of bone metastasis, clear tumor margin) could derive prognostic advantage from the combined treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive intracardiac communication (CIC) has become one of the most promising technologies in multisite leadless pacemakers for cardiac resynchronization therapy. Existing studies have shown that cardiac pulsation has a significant impact on the attenuation of intracardiac communication channels. In this study, a novel variable-volume circuit-coupled electrical field heart model, which contains blood and myocardium, is proposed to verify the phenomenon. The influence of measurements was combined with the model as the equivalent circuit. Dynamic intracardiac channel characteristics were obtained by simulating models with varying volumes of the four chambers according to the actual cardiac cycle. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were carried out to verify the model's correctness. Among the dependences of intracardiac communication channels, the distance between pacemakers exerted the most substantial influence on attenuation. In the simulation and measurement, the relationship between channel attenuation and pulsation was found through the variable-volume heart model and a porcine heart. The CIC channel attenuation had a variation of less than 3 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic conjugated polymers with long‐range conjugation generally have strong light absorption capacity in the visible light region and impressive performance in charge transfer, which endows them great application potential in the field of opto‐electronic materials. However, there are few reports on their use in photocatalytic reactions. At present, it has been reported that a variety of donor‐acceptor (D−A) type organic dyes can be used in efficient organic photocatalytic transformations. We designed and synthesized one‐dimensional organic conjugated polymers pPhCzBP‐Th and pPhCzBP‐DTh with D−A structure, and proved that they are good heterogeneous photo‐redox catalysts, which can photocatalyze hydrodehalogenation reduction of α‐bromoacetophenone and its derivatives. Due to the strong reducibility of the excited state, pPhCzBP‐Th can also efficiently reduce α‐chloroacetophenone. Furthermore, by simply wrapping the catalyst powder, high‐efficient separation of products and catalysts recycling can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work addresses four aspects of the English translation model: consistency, model structure, semantic understanding, and knowledge fusion. To solve the problem of lack of personality consistency in the responses generated by neural networks in English translation models, an English translation model with fuzzy semantic optimal control of neural networks is proposed in this study. The model uses a fuzzy semantic optimal control retrieval mechanism to obtain appropriate information from an externally set English information table; to further improve the effectiveness of the model in retrieving correct information, this work adopts a two-stage training method, using ordinary English translation data for model pretraining and then fine-tuning the model using English translation data with optimal control containing fuzzy semantic information. The model consists of two parts, a sequence generation network that can output the probability distribution of words and an evaluation network that can predict future whole-sentence returns. In particular, the evaluation network can evaluate the impact of currently generated words on whole sentences using deep inheritance features so that the model can consider not only the optimal solution for the current words, as in other generative models, but also the optimal solution for future generated whole sentences. The experimental results show that the English translation model with fuzzy semantic optimal control of the neural network proposed in this study can obtain better semantic feature representation by using a novel bidirectional neural network and a masked language model to train sentence vectors; the combination of semantic features and fuzzy semantic similarity features can obtain higher scoring accuracy and better model generalization. In English translation applications, there are large improvements in scoring accuracy and generality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The controllable production of TiO2‐based nanostructured composites has attracted great interest for the potential applications in storage energy, catalysis, and photonics. In this work, we demonstrate a facile method to produce amorphous TiO2 nanotube (a‐TNT) arrays with Au nanocrystals (Au NCs) anchoring on the outmost surfaces of the a‐TNTs (Au@TNT arrays) at room temperature. The spatial distribution of Au NCs along the longitudinal direction of the a‐TNT arrays is tunable via the control of the sputtering time of Au. The Li‐ion half cells (LIHCs) with the working electrode made from the Au@TNT arrays possess higher specific capacities than those with pure a‐TNT arrays and exhibit great rate performance. The LIHCs with the Au@TNT arrays prepared with 60 seconds of the Au sputtering time exhibit the best rate performance and deliver discharge capacities of 320, 291, 286, 135, and 122 mAh·g−1 at current densities of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 A·g−1, respectively. The apparent diffusivity of lithium in the LIHCs increases linearly with the increase of the average size of Au NCs (amount of Au NCs/sputtering time). The results obtained in this work suggest that a‐TNTs anchored with metallic nanocrystals have the potential to be anode materials of next‐generation lithium‐ion battery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the high flexibility, good conformability and lightweight, the next‐generation energy harvesters could exist in the format of epidermal electronics. They are able to convert the mechanical energy from daily body motions into electrical signals for energy harvesting and human‐machine interfaces. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have proven to be excellent candidates for wearable energy harvesters, however, the reported TENGs commonly face the hurdles of poor adhesion to skin and relative thick in geometry up to several cm. Herein, a series of ultrathin, soft, tattoo‐like triboelectric nanogenerators (TL‐TENGs) with well‐designed aesthetic patterns are introduced. With the ultrathin materials applied and state of art processing techniques in epidermal electronics, the TL‐TENGs present an outstanding mechanical property of high robustness and thickness of tens of μm. Besides, TL‐TENGs own remarkable electrical characteristics, the open‐circuit voltage and short circuit current can reach up to ≈180 V and ≈2.2 μA under constant tapping (≈16 kPa), respectively. With the well structural mechanics designs, the TL‐TENGs can be customized into various tattoo patterns, such as twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Demonstrations of TL‐TENGs in energy harvesting and the human‐machine interface indicate great potential in next generation wearable nanogenerators and internet of things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable electronics have attracted extensive attentions over the past few years for their potential applications in health monitoring based on continuous data collection and real‐time wireless transmission, which highlights the importance of portable powering technologies. Batteries are the most used power source for wearable electronics, but unfortunately, they consist of hazardous materials and are bulky, which limit their incorporation into the state‐of‐art skin‐integrated electronics. Sweat‐activated biocompatible batteries offer a new powering strategy for skin‐like electronics. However, the capacity of the reported sweat‐activated batteries (SABs) cannot support real‐time data collection and wireless transmission. Focused on this issue, soft, biocompatible, SABs are developed that can be directly integrated on skin with a record high capacity of 42.5 mAh and power density of 7.46 mW cm−2 among the wearable sweat and body fluids activated batteries. The high performance SABs enable powering electronic devices for a long‐term duration, for instance, continuously lighting 120 lighting emitting diodes (LEDs) for over 5 h, and also offers the capability of powering Bluetooth wireless operation for real‐time recording of physiological signals for over 6 h. Demonstrations of the SABs for powering microfluidic system based sweat sensors are realized in this work, allowing real‐time monitoring of pH, glucose, and Na+ in sweat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal ions have become a major problem that seriously affects the environment, ecology, and human health with the development of industrialization. Herein, the amino-grafted attapulgite/graphene oxide (A-ATP/GO) nanocomposites were synthesized for Pb(II) removal. The influencing factors including the ratio of the components, pH value, adsorption time, initial concentration of Pb(II) solution, and adsorbent amount were investigated to achieve the optimal adsorption performance. The as-prepared A-ATP/GO were used in Pb(II) solution (150 mg/L, 30 mL, pH = 5) for Pb(II) adsorption, which exhibited a great adsorption ability of 146.97 mg/g for Pb(II). The adsorption kinetic model and isotherms model were applied to investigate the adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) on A-ATP/GO. The A-ATP/GO composite could still maintain an original adsorption of 79.85% after 5 consecutive times, exhibiting the good reproducibility. It was believed that our results could shed light on the design and fabrication of low-cost graphene-based composite adsorbents for high-efficient Pb(II) removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), also known as polyester, is extensively utilized in the textile industry. The most commonly used chemical degradation method of PET is ethylene glycol (EG) glycolysis, which enables a closed-loop recovery process suitable for large-scale production. In this study, a new type of heterogeneous catalyst (Zn-MCM-41) was proposed for glycolysis of waste PET textiles, and their catalytic performance is much higher than other mesoporous zeolites. Under optimal reaction conditions, over Zn-MCM-41–25 (Si/Al molar ratio of 25) catalyst PET achieved a conversion ratio of 100 %, with bis-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) yield reaching 81.4 %. XPS results show that zinc is mainly presented as the state of Zn2+, resulting in excellent stability of the catalyst. HPLC and LCMS analyses were conducted on the products obtained from PET glycolysis, revealing that only a small amount of oligomers were generated during the process. These oligomers primarily consisted of dimer [BHET] 2 and trimer [BHET] 3. The Zn-MCM-41–25 catalyst also demonstrates exceptional performance in colored waste PET textiles glycolysis. Furthermore, we investigated the kinetics of PET glycolysis and determined it to follow first-order kinetics with an activation energy value of 210.03 kJ mol−1. Additionally, HPLC methods was established for analyzing glycolysis products and recovering catalysts using a simple filtration technique. The results demonstrate that even after five cycles, the catalyst maintains its high catalytic activity. [Display omitted] • Heterogeneous glycolysis catalyst with high efficiency and stability for waste PET textiles. • The proposed catalyst can be applied for both colorless and colored textiles. • BHET yield for colorless and colored PET glycolysis can achieve above 94 % and 91 %, respectively. • The potential mechanism of ester chain breaking over Zn2+ active center was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment and disposal of hypersaline produced water remains a challenge, particularly for oil and gas producers in the Permian basin where production wells generate significant amounts of wastewater, and the traditional method of injecting wastewater into disposal wells is coming under increasing scrutiny. Here we investigate the viability of using solar energy to power a multi-stage, surface heated, vacuum membrane distillation (SHVMD) with energy recovery to treat hypersaline produced wastewater from Midland, Texas. Membrane distillation is a process that can desalinate waters with high total dissolved solids concentration, and when incorporated into a system with surface heating and energy recovery can achieve high water recovery rates. Model results show that a 6-stage SHVMD system with a 54.4 % water recovery rate and a gained output ratio (GOR) of 3.28 has the potential to be economically viable when used to treat hypersaline produced water in the Permian basin. Assuming energy costs of $0.03/kWh thermal and $0.12kWh electric , we estimate a project net present value (NPV) of $225,525 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 13.5 % when an air cooled condensor is used to cool the distillate and a NPV of $570,791 and IRR of 24.52 % when a liquid coooling source is available. This work presents a comprehensive economic assessment of utilizing a surface-heated membrane distillation system with heat recovery to treat hypersaline produced well water. • An economic analysis of surface-heated membrane distillation process for the treatment of hypersaline brine was performed • Under certain conditions, the process is economically viable compared to deep-well injection • Process economics are sensitive to the availability of liquid cooling, sunlight, and the cost of solar-thermal energy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the lotus effect was reported by Barthlott and Neinhuis in 1997, superhydrophobic and superoleophobic materials have received much attention due to special rough morphology and great potential applications in self-cleaning, anti-fouling, corrosion-resistance, and other fields. However, the conventional preparation process of superamphiphobic materials is complicated, including pre- and post-treatments which are used to achieve micro-nano hierarchical structures and low surface energy. In this study, we used methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and 1,1,2,2- tetrahydroperfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (FAS-17) as precursors and successfully prepared superamphiphobic FAS-17/MTMS composite aerogel via facile sol-gel method. Three-dimensional networks and long fluorocarbon chains formed micro-nano hierarchical structures. As-prepared aerogels had water contact angle (WCA) of 153.68°, oil contact angle (OCA) of 156.28°, water sliding angle (WSA) of 3.32° and oil sliding angle (OSA) of 4.57°, suggesting excellent superamphiphobic performance. Besides external superamphiphobicity, the cross section of sample also exhibited great liquid-repellency with WCA of 160.43° and OCA of 153.43°. Moreover, although cracked into powders with particle size of 0.1 mm, aerogel sample still retained its liquid-repellency with WCA of 122.85° and OCA of 128.01°, respectively. After thermal treatment under 200 ℃ for 2 h, the aerogel sample had WCA of 152.45° and OCA of 135.67°, showing excellent thermal stability. Taking advantage of low thermal conductivity and superamphiphobic properties, superamphiphobic aerogel has potential for fabricating self-cleaning and thermal insulating materials. [Display omitted] • In-situ fabrication of superamphiphobic aerogel by MTMS and fluoroalkysliane. • The unique three-dimensional networks yield superamphiphobic property. • Aerogel powders maintain liquid-repellency. • As-prepared aerogel has good thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]