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Recent studies have identified G protein‐coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) as a promising target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, and GPR40 agonists have several superior effects over other hypoglycemic drugs, including cardiovascular protection and suppression of glucagon levels. In this study, we constructed an up‐to‐date GPR40 ligand dataset for training models and performed a systematic optimization of the ensemble model, resulting in a powerful ensemble model (ROC AUC: 0.9496) for distinguishing GPR40 agonists and non‐agonists. The ensemble model is divided into three layers, and the optimization process is carried out in each layer. We believe that these results will prove helpful for both the development of GPR40 agonists and ensemble models. All the data and models are available on GitHub. (https://github.com/Jiamin‐Yang/ensemble_model) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decellularized extracellular matrixs (dECMs) derived from organs and tissues have emerged as a promising tool, as they encompass the characteristics of an ideal tissue scaffold: complex composition, vascular networks and unique tissue‐specific architecture. Consequently, their use has propagated throughout tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. dECM can be easily obtained from various tissues/organs by appropriate decellularization protocolsand is entitled to provide necessary cues to cells homing. Methods: In this review, we describe the decellularization and sterilization methods that are commonly used in recent research, the effects of these methods upon biologic scaffold material are discussed. Also, we summarize the recent developments of recellularization and vascularization techniques in regeneration medicine. Additionally, dECM preservation methods is mentioned, which provides the basis for the establishment of organ bank. Results: Biomedical applications and the status of current research developments relating to dECM biomaterials are outlined, including transplantation in vivo, disease models and drug screening, organoid, 3D bioprinting, tissue reconstruction and rehabilitation and cell transplantation and culture. Finally, critical challenges and future developing technologies are discussed. Conclusions: With the development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, dECM will have broader applications in the field of biomedicine in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome the shortage of organ donors and morbidity and mortality caused by lifetime immunosuppression, development of a transplantable graft to permanently replace the organ function is required. This study is focused on the effects of a freeze-thaw process and cryoprotectants on the ultrastructure and composition of decellularization scaffolds. Results showed that cryoprotectants and freezing temperatures had significant effects on the decellularization scaffold. The vascular network integrity at −20 °C was better than that at −80 °C. For low-concentration cryoprotectants, 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and 5% trehalose could achieve a better balance between preserving the vascular tree and decellularization. For high-concentration cryoprotectants (vitrification solutions VS55 and VS83), the vascular network integrity was best because of the absence of freezing damage and ice-induced disruption of cells, but the decellularization effect was poor because the cells remained in the scaffold. Collagen, elastic fiber, protein, and mechanical properties of the scaffold could be retained after decellularization using the freeze-thaw method. Further studies and further optimization of the freeze-thaw decellularization protocol are necessary for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand the ordered structure of starch in rice flour based on a physical modification with non-heating, milling, and water sorption through the structural evaluation of rice flour using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and infrared spectroscopy within the 4000–100 cm−1 region. The SAXS pattern of the samples with low moisture contents subjected to milling yield a band within the 0.4–0.9 nm−1 of the q range owing to a lamellar repeat of starch with an ordered structure in rice flour. We proposed an order parameter using the intensity of the SAXS band to quantify the order structure of starch in rice flour, and the true density was negatively correlated with the order parameter. Infrared band at 990 cm−1 in COH bending mode applied to the hydroxyl group of C6 shifted to a low wavenumber corresponding to the order parameter. A linear correlation was found between the order parameter and the 990 cm−1 and band at 861 cm−1 owing to COC symmetrical stretching of glycoside bond and CH2 deformation of the glucose unit of starch, 572, 472, and 436 cm−1, owing to the pyranose ring in the glucose unit of starch. The identified infrared bands are effective for quantifying the ordered structure of starch at the lamellar level. When subjected to water sorption, the band position at 990 cm−1 shifted to a higher wavenumber above a water activity of 0.7. This result revealed that the water-induced transition of glass to rubber of starch in rice flour can be clearly evaluated through infrared spectroscopy using the band at 990 cm−1. In addition, the band at 861 cm−1 also shifted to a higher wavenumber, whereas those at 572 and 436 cm−1 did not show a significant shift. These results indicate that water sorption slightly affects the internal structure and may mainly affect the surface of starch. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the influence of the milling process on solid state of rice flours according to water activity using ATR-FTIR. A band at 1740 cm−1 attributed to the C=O stretching of lipids was detected for crystalline samples, and it disappeared at a high a w range. The CH band at 2930 cm−1 of crystalline samples gradually shifted to a higher wavenumber with a w. This band of the α-formed and wet-milled samples shifted to higher wavenumbers above 0.8 a w. A band due to OH stretching mode in the 3500-3000 cm−1 region did not shift with a w. The result obtained from IR spectra suggests that the parameter K calculated by Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boar model reflected not only the interaction between water molecules but also the changes of state in solids. Consequently, the results from this study provide insights about the adsorption properties of nonideal solids such as rice flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time–temperature indicators (TTIs) are cost‐efficient tools that may be used to predict food quality. In this paper, a diffusion TTI was used to predict fruit quality during storage. Both the color changing characters of TTI and the quality parameters, including weight loss, soluble solids content, vitamin C content, titratable acidity, and antioxidant capacity of three kinds of fruits (kiwifruit, strawberry, and mango), were investigated for storage temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C). The relationships between the color changing properties and fruit quality parameters have been built based on the activation energy (Ea). The results showed that the storage temperature and time had significant effects on the color changing of TTI and fruit quality. The RGB value of TTI decreased with time, and the higher the storage temperature, the faster the RGB value reduced. Also, the higher the storage temperature, the faster the fruit quality changed and the poorer they were. Furthermore, all of the differences of Ea between TTI color response and fruit quality change are less than 25 kJ/mol, which indicates that the TTI can be used to predict these fruit quality. Finally, prediction models were built and validated based on the RGB values of TTI. It provides the possibility for low‐cost quality monitoring and has more application potential in food quality predicting. Practical Application: By monitoring the color change of diffuse time–temperature indicator (TTI) and the quality change of fruit, the feasibility of TTI for fruit quality monitoring was determined and the quality prediction model was established. The diffusion TTI and fruit quality prediction model can realize the monitoring and predicting of fruit quality based on the TTI, which provides a basis for the combination of TTI Quick Response Code and fruit quality monitoring, with a view to achieving fruit quality status by scanning the Quick Response Code of TTI with mobile phones in the future. This method may provide a new solution to monitor the fruit quality during storage and distribution based on visualization technology that can simplify the methods of detecting fruit quality and achieve fast quality detection. It provides the possibility for low‐cost quality monitoring and has more application potential in food quality predicting. Further studies on diffusion TTI are needed to develop its application in more field of food and make the diffusion TTI an intelligent mean for food quality monitoring and predicting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting used in manufacturing custom-made titanium implants becomes more popular. In view of the important role played by osteoclasts in peri-implant bone resorption and osseointegration, we modified selective laser melting-manufactured titanium surfaces using sandblasting/alkali-heating and sandblasting/acid-etching, and investigated their effect on osteoclast differentiation as well as their underlying mechanisms. The properties of the surfaces, including elements, roughness, wettability and topography, were analyzed. We evaluated the proliferation and morphology of primary mouse bone marrow-derived monocytes, as well as induced osteoclasts derived from bone marrow-derived monocytes, on samples. Then, osteoclast differentiation was determined by the tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity assay, calcitonin receptors immunofluorescence staining and the expression of osteoclast-related genes. The results showed that sandblasting/alkali-heating established nanonet structure with the lowest water contact angle, and both sandblasting/alkali-heating and sandblasting/acid-etching significantly decreased surface roughness and heterogeneity compared with selective laser melting. Surface modifications of selective laser melting-produced titanium altered bone marrow-derived monocyte morphology and suppressed bone marrow-derived monocyte proliferation and osteoclastogenesis in vitro (sandblasting/alkali-heating>sandblasting/acid-etching>selective laser melting). These surface modifications reduced the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinases compared to native-selective laser melting. Sandblasting/alkali-heating additionally blocked tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 recruitment. The results suggested that sandblasting/alkali-heating and sandblasting/acid-etching modifications on selective laser melting titanium could inhibit osteoclast differentiation through suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation in mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and provide a promising technique which might reduce peri-implant bone resorption for optimizing native-selective laser melting implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migration and conversion of arsenic in the environment usually accompany by the redox of iron-bearing minerals. For instance, the oxidation of pyrite can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) affecting the species of arsenic, but the types and roles of ROS have been unclear. This paper demonstrated the vital role of Fe(II) in the pyrite for the formation of ROS. Results showed that exogenous addition of Fe(II) significantly enhanced the removal rate of As(III) by pyrite. 2,2′-bipyridine (BPY) decreased the oxidation of As(III) by complexing with Fe2+ in solution, whilst EDTA enhanced the oxidation of As(III) by boosting the autoxidation of Fe2+. In addition, neutral pH is superior for the oxidation of As(III) and removal of total arsenic. Importantly, Methanol, SOD enzyme and PMOS inhibited 54%, 28% and 17.5% of As(III) oxidation, respectively, which indicated O 2 •− and •OH were the main contributors to As(III) oxidation, and Fe(IV) contributed a small part of As(III) oxidation. The content of As(V) in the FeS 2 –Fe2+-As(III) system was higher than that in the FeS 2 –As(III) system, further confirming the vital role of Fe(II) for As(III) oxidation. Lepidocrocite was produced in a single Fe2+ system, which was not detected in the FeS 2 –As(III) system. Thus, the presence of mineral surfaces changed the oxidation products of Fe2+ and accelerated the oxidation and immobilization of As(III). FA (Fulvic Acid) and HA (Humic Acid) accelerated the oxidation of As(III), but the oxidation of As(III) by pyrite was inhibited to a certain extent, with increasing phenolic hydroxyl groups in phenolic acid. Our findings provide new insight into the oxidative species in the pyrite-Fe(II) system and will help guide the remediation of arsenic pollution in complex environmental systems. [Display omitted] • Exogenous Fe(II) facilitated the autooxidation of pyrite and removal of arsenic. • The oxidation of As(III) mainly occurred on pyrite surface. • •OH and O 2 •− were primary intermediates for As(III) oxidation at neutral pH. • FA and HA accelerated the oxidation of As(III) by pyrite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme ultraviolet spectra of highly charged gold were produced with an electron beam ion trap at the University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo. The X-ray spectra (3240–3360 eV) of Au with well-defined maximum charge states ranging from Cu- to Se-like ions were recorded. Guided by configuration interaction calculations, the strongest 3d–5ftransitions have been well defined. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Torrefaction is an effective technology to overcome the defects of biomass which are adverse to its utilization as solid fuels. For assessing the torrefaction process, it is essential to characterize the properties of torrefied biomass. However, the preparation and characterization of torrefied biomass often consume a lot of time, costs, and manpower. Developing a reliable method to predict the fuel properties of torrefied biomass while avoiding various experiments and tests is of great value. In this study, a machine learning (ML) model of back propagation neural network (BPNN) hybridized with genetic algorithm (GA) optimization was developed to predict the important properties of torrefied biomass for the fuel purpose involving fuel ratio (FR), H/C and O/C ratios, high heating value (HHV) and the mass and energy yields (MY and EY) based on the proximate analysis results of raw biomass and torrefaction conditions. R2 and RMSE were examined to evaluate the prediction precision of the model. The results showed that the GA-BPNN model exhibited excellent accuracy in predicting all properties with the values of R2 higher than 0.91 and RMSE less than 1.1879. Notably, the GA-BPNN model is applicable to any type of biomass feedstock, whether it was dried or not before torrefaction. This study filled the gap of ML application in predicting the multiple fuel properties of torrefied biomass. The results could provide reference to torrefaction technology as well as the design of torrefaction facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Enhancement of x-ray emissions from laser-produced plasmas is imperative for various applications. Low-density Au–Gd mixture was proposed to enhance the x-ray emissions. X-ray emissions were simulated for the laser-irradiated gold and Au–Gd mixtures with different initial densities. It was shown that 1.34 times conversion efficiency has been achieved for the Au–Gd mixture comparing with the gold. The enhancement is attributed to higher Rosseland mean opacities of the mixture and reduction of the ion kinetic energy caused by the lower initial density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intercombination line (1s2p(3P1)−1s2) and the resonance line (1s2p(1P1)−1s2) of He-like Mo, which are the two electronic dipole transitions in theKα group emissions, are studied under dense plasma conditions by using the ion–sphere model combined with the multi-configuration Dirac–Fock model. The results show that the two electronic dipole transitions red shift nearly linearly with the increase in plasma electron density. Moreover, the red-shift energy becomes more sensitive to the plasma electron density, when the plasma electron temperature is lower. It is worth to note that the energy discrepancy between these two spectral lines is equal to the exchange energy of state 1s2p (3P1). This result may be useful to dense plasma diagnosis in connection with variation of the relative position and the spectral fine structure splitting in high-density plasmas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study comprehensively investigated the utilization of torrefied pine sawdust (PS) as solid fuels, involving the characterization of torrefied PS properties, the investigation of combustion behaviors and kinetic mechanisms by non-isothermal experiments, and the evaluation of emissions during isothermal experiments. Results show that torrefaction significantly improved the quality of the solids. The upgradation of torrefied PS properties then further enhanced its combustion performance. For the kinetics mechanisms, degradation mechanisms and diffusion mechanisms were respectively determined for the volatile combustion and the char combustion by using both Coats–Redfern (CR) and Freeman–Carroll (FC) methods. Further, after torrefaction, the emission of NO for volatile combustion reduced while it increased for char combustion. An inverse relationship was found between the conversion of fuel-N to NO and the nitrogen content in the torrefied samples. This study provided comprehensive insights for considering torrefaction as a pretreatment technique for PS utilization as a solid fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on a extensive calculation of the 4s2–4s4p transitions in the zinc-like sequence, using the multi-configuration Dirac–Fock method. Results for fine-structure energy levels, the wavelengths, and transition rates between (Cs) and (Tm) are presented and compared with results from other theories and experiments. The calculated values including core–valence correlation are found to be similar and to compare very well with values from other theories and experiments. We believe that our extensive calculated values can guide experimentalists in identifying the fine-structure levels in their future work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simultaneous measurements of the self-emission spectrum, the backlighting source spectrum, and the transmission spectrum in one shot, which reduce the experimental uncertainties from shot-to-shot fluctuation, are essential for precise opacity experiments. In order to achieve precise absorption spectrum of Al plasmas, a special half sample sandwich target was designed and short backlighter was used to provide time- and space-resolving diagnostics on the Shenguang II high power laser facility. In the measurement, a cylindrical cavity with CH foam baffles was used to provide a clean x-ray radiation environment for sample heating. The x-ray source spectrum, the transmission spectrum, and the self-emission spectrum of the soft x-ray heated Al sample were recorded in one shot with a penta-erythritol tetrakis (hydroxymethy) methane C(CH2OH)4 (PET) crystal spectrometer by using the point-projection method. Experimental results have been compared with the calculation results of a detailed level accounting opacity code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The K-shell x-ray spectra from the aluminum plasmas generated by the interaction of the 120 TW, 30 fs laser with aluminum targets have been measured by defocusing the laser beam. Laser energy-normalized intensity of the He-a line increases with the laser intensity approximately as a power law [variant_greek_epsilon]∝ILγ with the much smaller exponent of γ=0.062 compared to γ=0.2∼0.5 in the previous experiments, which is caused by the stronger radial thermal diffusivity in the target for the smaller laser spot. Laser-to-He-a line conversion efficiency of up to 1.9×10-3 and as high as about 3×1013 photons/2π Sr aluminum He-a line x-ray source have been achieved for a single shot due to the preplasma effect and relatively large laser spot and energy for the single shot. The x-ray spectra as a function of the laser intensity are also analyzed to get the electron temperature and density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed solar gas turbine systems with thermal energy storage are expected to overcome the intermittence and instability of solar irradiance and produce reliable and flexible electricity for remote districts and islands. Here, a mathematical model is developed for a 10 kW e solar micro gas turbine (MGT) system with thermochemical energy storage (TCES) to study the system thermodynamic characteristics at real-world direct normal irradiation (DNI) variations. Real-time control strategies aiming for stable operation and set point tracing are proposed and implemented in transient simulations to analyze the control effect against both short- and long-term DNI disturbances based on system dynamics. Results show that, by regulating the output power, rotational speed (N) is kept constant, and system responses are smoothened (e.g., less than 5.8% fluctuation of the mass flow rate). Power regulation also enables a constant turbine outlet temperature (TOT) and the optimal overall performance (e.g., output power and total efficiency exceeding 14 kW e and 14%, respectively). By combining power and bypass regulations, N and TOT can simultaneously remain constant while outputting a stable power of 12.6 kW e ±5% under 750–820 W/m2, with a sharp drop to 500 W/m2. For favorable weather, N-TOT simultaneous control can guarantee the high and stable system performance. If massive clouds appear, constant TOT operation is more advantageous during peak load demand for larger electricity generation, while constant N operation is preferable during low power demand for smoother turbine operation. Furthermore, the addition of TCES smoothens the performance variation and prolongs the generation duration. TCES also allows constant TOT operation to store up to 32% more energy than constant N and output 18–28 kWh more energy during daytime operation, thanks to the higher operating temperature. Overall, the proposed real-time control methods reduce the dependency on fossil fuel combustion and contribute to the stable, safe, and efficient operation of a distributed high-percentage-solar-share MGT system. [Display omitted] • Control tactics are offered for high-percentage-solar-share MGT-TCES systems. • Real-time control is analyzed under both short- and long-term DNI disturbances. • N and TOT can be simultaneously controlled by power and bypass regulations. • TCES shows better compatibility with constant TOT operation than constant N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-Z plasmas have been produced by x-ray radiative heating of a low-Z sample on the “Xingguang II” laser facility. High-resolution transmission spectra of the low-Z plasma (CHO) have been measured by using a flat field grating spectrometer. Absorption lines of oxygen and carbon ions in the region from 1.6 nm to 5.0 nm have been observed clearly and identified. The unresolved transition array model (UTA) has been introduced to calculate the transmission spectra of the CHO plasma. The measured transmission spectra have been compared with the calculated ones and the results of other works. © 2002 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by an imbalance in bone homeostasis, where osteoblasts fail to fully compensate for the bone resorption induced by osteoclasts. Corylifol A, a flavonoid extracted from Fructus psoraleae, has been identified as a potential treatment for this condition. Predictions from network pharmacology and molecular docking studies suggest that Corylifol A exhibits strong binding affinity with NFATc1, Nrf2, PI3K, and AKT1. Empirical evidence from in vivo experiments indicates that Corylifol A significantly mitigates systemic bone loss induced by ovariectomy by suppressing both the generation and activation of osteoclasts. In vitro studies further showed that Corylifol A inhibited the activation of PI3K-AKT and MAPK pathways and calcium channels induced by RANKL in a time gradient manner, and specifically inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, GSK3 β, ERK, CaMKII, CaMKIV, and Calmodulin. It also diminishes ROS production through Nrf2 activation, leading to a decrease in the expression of key regulators such as NFATcl, C-Fos, Acp5, Mmp9, and CTSK that are involved in osteoclastogenesis. Notably, our RNA-seq analysis suggests that Corylifol A primarily impacts mitochondrial energy metabolism by suppressing oxidative phosphorylation. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Corylifol A is a novel inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, offering potential therapeutic applications for diseases associated with excessive bone resorption. [Display omitted] • CorylifolA (Co-A) is a flavonoid compound extracted from psoralen, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. • In vitro results showed that Co-A inhibited osteoclastogenesis through NFATc1, PI3K-AKT-GSK3β, ERK and Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathways. • Co-A inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro mainly through oxidative phosphorylation. • In vivo results showed that Co-A reduces bone loss in OVX mice by inhibiting osteoclast activity and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the soft and hard tissue alterations of the alveolar ridge after socket‐shield technique. Materials and Methods: In four Beagle dogs, the following treatments (Tx) were randomly assigned to 32 extraction sockets: Tx1: blood clot; Tx2: Bio‐Oss Collagen; Tx3: socket‐shield technique and blood clot; Tx4: socket‐shield technique and Bio‐Oss Collagen. The width and height alterations of the buccal bone plate were calculated by CBCT scans. The dimensional alterations of the buccal aspect of the alveolar ridge at different time points were calculated by impressions using digital imaging analysis. The dogs were sacrificed for micro‐CT and histologic analysis 3 months after surgery. Results: Width, height and dimensional alterations of Tx3 and Tx4 were significantly lower than those of Tx1 and Tx2. Bone morphological parameters displayed no significant differences among four groups except for the trabecular thickness of Tx1 and Tx2. The quantity and quality of hard tissue containing the residual teeth of Tx3 and Tx4 were much greater than those of Tx1 and Tx2. Conclusions: Socket‐shield technique may be beneficial in preserving the soft and hard tissue of the alveolar ridge, which is better than simple bone grafting in the extraction socket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both direct and indirect drive concepts of inertial confinement fusion rely on targets with cryogenic thermonuclear fuel shells for ignition. Experiments on the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility using laser-driven gas-filled hohlraums show distinct differences between cryogenic (20 K) and warm hohlraums. Although the measured x-ray flux in the photon range from 1.6 to 4.4 keV (Au M-band) is identical between cryogenic and warm hohlraums, the cryogenic hohlraum has a much slower rate of rise and is 20% lower in peak intensity of x-ray flux in the photon range from 0.1 to 4 keV. The reasons for this drive deficit between cryogenic and warm hohlraums are investigated using a similar series of hohlraum experiments. The experiments employ three types of hohlraums to distinguish the effect of a shroud window membrane and condensates. Warm hohlraums with a shroud window membrane replicate the slower rate of rise of radiation flux of cryogenic targets. When the shroud window is present, the measured x-ray flux in the hohlraum shows a drive deficit that decreases with time. However, the measured deficit increases as the viewing angle increases. All of these results indicate that the portion of the shroud not illuminated by the lasers absorbs the outgoing x-ray flux from the hohlraum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmissibility limitation is one of the most important barriers in the use of windows for shock experiments if optical probes are used. In this article, we focus on the widely used window material lithium fluoride (LiF) and investigate its optical response under laser-induced shock-compression conditions. A long-pulse laser is shaped to create a continuous accelerating shock wave propagating through the LiF window in the range of 100–400 GPa. The variation of measured optical transmission with shock pressure shows that the LiF window stays transparent even when the shock stress is higher than 350 GPa and transforms to a total opaque state at about 400 GPa. The present experiment exhibits an obviously higher shock stress for LiF windows to lose transparency compared with previously reported results. The discrepancy in experimental results is considered to be due to the difference in shock thickness for a typical time scale at different experimental platforms. Meanwhile, the possible reasons for the discrepancy between our experimental data and the previous ab initio calculations can be suggested by the effect of thermal relaxation between electrons and ions or the overestimation of the absorption coefficient in theoretical calculations. This finding of higher transmissibility limitation may be of importance to researchers who use LiF as a window material in future shock-compression experiments, especially at the laser platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid–liquid phase equilibria of the ternary system NH4Cl–(NH2)2CO–H2O at 283.15 K, 313.15 K and 353.15 K were measured by the method of isothermal solution equilibrium. Solubility data of the system were determined by volumetric and colorimetric methods; solid phases were analyzed by Schreinemaker's method of wet residues and X-ray powder diffraction. The triangle phase diagrams were drawn and the experimental data were fitted with Wilson and NRTL models. Each phase diagram includes one double salt, two eutectic points, three isothermal solubility curves, and five crystallization regions. The composition of the double salt is xNH4Cl·(NH2)2CO, the value of x reduces from 4.58 to 1.95 with the experimental temperature rising. The values of RAD and RMSD with Wilson model are 4.48% and 2.52% that with NRTL model are 4.19% and 1.77%; which indicates that the two thermodynamic models can fit the experimental data very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray emission from laser-plasma interaction is an important x-ray source, and improving laser to x-ray conversion is imperative for various applications. The laser to x-ray conversion efficiency (CE) was simulated for gold targets with different initial densities. Using a 0.1 g/cm3 Au layer target, an x-ray conversion efficiency of 50.8% was obtained, which was 1.34 times of the 37.9% for the solid density target. It has been shown that the enhancement of the x-ray conversion efficiency is caused by the increase of absorption from the incident laser and reduction of ion kinetic energy due to the initial low density of the gold target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irradiating hohlraum targets with high-power laser pulses is a promising approach to achieve inertial confinement fusion (ICF). Unfortunately, such interaction is accompanied by intense electromagnetic pulses (EMPs). The EMPs can interfere with various physical diagnostic signals and even cause a malfunction of some crucial equipment. In this study, EMPs generated due to kJ-laser coupling with hohlraum targets are recorded using B-dot probes inside the target chamber. The configuration of the hohlraum has a more remarkable effect on EMP amplitudes compared to laser energy. 0.6 mg/cc of He gas filling in the hohlraum and the presence of the capsule inside the hohlraum both dramatically reduce EMPs. Moreover, EMP frequencies corresponding to various hohlraums are basically below 1.75 GHz. Soft X-ray (0.1–4 keV) radiant flux is used to reveal the characteristics of EMPs. The conclusions are expected to enable us to better understand the relationship of EMPs with target configuration and laser energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar air Brayton cycle is a promising option to adjust the renewable power fluctuation due to its quick load regulation capacity. For the successful design and deployment of the solar air Brayton cycle system, the dynamic operation performance of solar collectors under real operating conditions are of great importance. In this study, experiments of a solar collector consisting of the heliostat field and the air receiver are carried out. Based on the experimental investigation of the operating characteristics for the solar collector, a dynamic model is further developed and well-validated to couple the heliostat field and air receiver. The dynamic performance of the air receiver is studied with various factors, including the DNI change and the receiver heat capacity. The results show that the receiver outlet temperature can reach up to 882 °C with a pressure loss of 7.10 kPa and a thermal power of 132 kW during the experiment. Two operation strategies of the air receiver are compared by carrying out the intraday simulation and the constant-outlet-temperature control strategy is more suitable for fast start-up. The method developed in this paper can serve as an efficient tool for the understanding, design and optimization of solar collectors. • Pressured air is heated over 880 °C by a solar receiver. • The operation performance of solar air receiver is explored. • Dynamic model coupling heliostat field and receiver is developed. • The dynamic model is validated by the experimental data. • Two operation strategies of the solar air receiver are compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In implosion experiments, bremsstrahlung radiation ratios of broad-energy-band x-ray emission intensities (sampled by Ross pair) and narrow-energy-band x-ray emission intensities (sampled by multilayer) are typically used to extract the hotspot electron temperature. The latter method could potentially be more accurate because it does not require any additional theoretical arithmetic. However, the boundary conditions of the energy band, drastic influence on the measured electron temperature resulting from response differences of recording devices in the energy band, evident impact from uncertainties of the detector aiming, and coordinate interrelations for the two narrow-energy-band x-ray images have not been explored. These problems should be overcome to obtain the accurate hotspot electron temperature using the narrow-energy-band x-ray emission intensities method. This study solves the problems indicated above by exploring a diagnosis technique to extract the accurate hotspot electron temperature. In particular, we determine that the effect of the response differences and uncertainties could be ignored when the width of the sampled narrow energy band is approximately ±0.5 keV in the linear spectrum response regions of the imaging plate, and the reflectivity of the multilayer is uniform and constant in that energy band and the viewing field of the detector (≥±110 µm). This study is the first to consider the linear spectrum response of the imaging plate in different energy regions, eliminating the effect of the response differences. Finally, the maximal emission intensities in the two recorded-energy-band x-ray images can be used for coordinate interrelation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foam gold was proposed to increase the laser to x-ray conversion efficiency due to its important applications. To understand the mechanism of x-ray enhancement, the detailed energy distributions and plasma profiles for laser-irradiated solid gold and foam gold targets were studied comparatively by hydrodynamic simulations using the code Multi-1D. It is confirmed that the radiation heat wave is subsonic for the normal solid gold target, while supersonic for the foam gold target. The shock wave, which is behind the supersonic radiation heat wave for the foam gold target, generates a plasma temperature gradient with high temperature near the shock wave front to produce an additional net outward radiation for enhancement of the x-ray emission. Much larger inward plasma velocity is also driven by the shock wave as an initial plasma velocity for the laser deposition and electron thermal conduct zone, which decreases the expanding plasma kinetic energy loss and helps to increase the x-ray radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an important approach to improve the x-ray conversion efficiency of laser-ablated high-Z plasmas by using low initial density materials for various applications. However, unavoidable low-Z impurities in the manufacture process of low-density high-Z foam targets will depress this effect. A general easy-to-use analytical model based on simulations was developed to evaluate the quantitative impact of impurities within the gold foam target on laser to x-ray conversion efficiency. In addition, the x-ray conversion efficiencies of 1 g/cm3 gold foams with two different initial contents of impurities were experimentally investigated. Good agreements have been achieved between the model results and experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Diffraction efficiencies of transmission grating play important roles in accurate measurement of soft X-ray and grating applications. Circular, horizontal elliptical, and vertical elliptical arc profiled bar models were established from Kirchhoff diffraction theory with the Fraunhofer diffraction approximation to calculate the diffraction efficiencies of arc profiled bar transmission grating. The calculated results were compared with the available data from X-ray Optics web site of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory''s Center. Excellent agreements have been obtained. With these modes the diffraction efficiencies of the particular type of transmission grating having arc profiled bars can be simulated accurately and the best fit bar profiles can be obtained. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The opacity of a gold plasma at the temperature of 85 eV and density of 0.02 g/cm3 was measured over the energy range from 150 eV to 1200 eV. The gold sample was heated by thermal x-ray radiation generated with a foam-baffled gold cavity. The sample transmission was obtained from the backlight, absorption and self-emission spectra measured by a time-gated, spatially resolved grating spectrometer, with the backlight and absorption spectra being measured simultaneously in a single shot and the self-emission in another shot. The temperature and density of the gold absorber were determined by the hydrodynamic simulation with Multi-1D code, which was partially tested by the reemission radiative flux measurements of the heated sample. This work permits the first test of opacity models over the photon energy range that dominates the Rosseland mean opacity at the temperature of interest for the inertial confinement fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing hohlraum wall loss is one of the most important ways to improve hohlraum coupling efficiency in laser indirect drive inertial-confinement fusion. It is appeared that a high Z metallic foam as hohlraum wall material will reduce wall loss. By adjusting initial hohlraum wall density distribution along radial axes to ρ0(r)=kr, the numerical simulation results show that it can indeed bring best savings of ∼40% general wall loss. We conclude that absorbed energy mainly decreases by restraining rarefactions, and a proper slope k can optimize internal energy loss of low density and increased kinetic loss by subsonic. Also saved energy ratio reduces with source temperature decreasing. This approach would cut the reactor driver that needs quite substantially if experiments demonstrate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In inertial confinement fusion, quantitative and high-spatial resolution ( < 10 μ m) measurements of the X-rays self-emitted by the hotspot are critical for studying the physical processes of the implosion stagnation stage. Herein, the 8 ± 0.39-keV monochromatic X-ray distribution from the entire hotspot is quantitatively observed in 5- μ m spatial resolution using a Kirkpatrick–Baez microscope, with impacts from the responses of the diagnosis system removed, for the first time, in implosion experiments at the 100 kJ laser facility in China. Two-dimensional calculations along with 2.5% P2 drive asymmetry and 0.3 ablator self-emission are congruent with the experimental results, especially for the photon number distribution, hotspot profile, and neutron yield. Theoretical calculations enabled a better understanding of the experimental results. Furthermore, the origins of the 17.81% contour profile of the deuterium-deuterium hotspot and the accurate Gaussian source approximation of the core emission area in the implosion capsule are clarified in detail. This work is significant for quantitatively exploring the physical conditions of the hotspot and updating the theoretical model of capsule implosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve ignition with high gain in inertial confinement fusion, precise symmetry control is one of the key issues to guarantee the PdV work converting into the inner energy efficiently and maximize the pressure of the hot spot. The shaped pulse is used to maintain a low adiabat of the shell. A longer pulse and more compressible shell require more rigorous symmetry control, especially the driven symmetry during the picket pulse and main pulse. A surrogate capsule with high Z materials is usually used for the early-time symmetry tuning. The passive diagnosis of the re-emission spheres gives the time-resolved measurement of the first 2 ns, and the precision is mainly affected by the weak signals due to the low radiation temperature of the hohlraum. To compare with the re-emission technique with high Z surrogate capsule, we demonstrated the early-time symmetry tuning for picket pulse by using thin-shell capsule radiography technique. Combined with 1D hydrodynamics simulation and backlit imaging simulation, the driven asymmetry was quantified. A view factor assessment was also carried out by IRAD3D and coincided with the experimental consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The x-ray emissivity of gadolinium (Gd) and gold (Au) has been studied using the FLYCHK code. The results show that the Gd M-band is lower than 2 keV and that Gd has a higher x-ray emissivity at low temperature. Thus, we proposed a Gd + Au + Gd sandwich design to improve the x-ray conversion efficiency (CE). Under a laser intensity of 1 × 1015 W/cm2, a 11%–17% enhancement of the CE and an optimized x-ray spectrum were achieved in one-dimensional simulation. The enhancement of the CE is mainly due to an enhancement of the soft x-ray flux (0 keV–2 keV). In addition, the high energy x-ray flux (2 keV–5 keV) is lower than that of Au. Particularly at an early stage, the laser ablates the Gd layer, and the temperature of the Au layer is insufficient for producing an M-band emission. Thus, the high energy x-ray flux is rather low. A sandwich design not only takes advantage of the higher x-ray emissivity of Gd under specific conditions in an efficient manner but also simplifies the target fabrication, which is important. In addition, Gd can also be used to optimize the future design of depleted uranium Hohlraum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancement of x-ray sources from laser-produced plasmas is significant in wide-ranging applications. Solid and foam TiO2 targets were both used to generate bright x-ray sources at the Shenguang-III prototype laser facility, with a total laser power of 3.2 TW. The new foam targets were with an ultra-low initial density of 8.1 mg/cm3 and a high Ti fraction of 33 sat. %. By absolute measurements, the multi-keV x rays of the 4 keV–7 keV band and 1.6 keV–4.4 keV band and the total x rays above 0.1 keV of the foam target have simultaneously shown conversion enhancements of 1.4, 3.1, and 2.3 times, respectively, compared with the solid target. A much larger emission volume and an average electron temperature of 3.2 keV by moving the foci of laser beams inner were obtained for the foam target, providing a good condition for multi-keV x-ray production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hohlraum used to create uniform and strongly coupled warm dense matter and its radiation flux study on the SG-III prototype laser facility are described. Time evolution of the radiation temperature from laser entrance hole (LEH) and the incident radiation temperature at the target surface are obtained using flat response X-ray diode detectors. Then, a calculation of the radiation flux evolution for this hohlraum is carried out using a view-factor method, and the calculated results agree well with the experimental data within the error bar. Using the incident radiation at the target surface as a source, the validity to create uniform and strongly coupled warm dense matter by this hohlraum is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy with Si-Zr-Er addition was successfully prepared by LPBF. • Precipitates observed in the alloy include Al 2 CuMg, MgZn 2 , Mg 2 Si and Al 3 (Zr,Er). • Transgranular and intergranular modes of fatigue crack growth were both observed. • The fatigue life reached highest under the condition of r = 0.5 and P max = 0.3kN. An Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy modified by Si-Zr-Er was prepared by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), the tensile strength of as-printed alloy reached 445 MPa. Precipitates observed in the alloy included Al 2 CuMg, MgZn 2 , Mg 2 Si and Al 3 (Zr,Er). The accumulated dislocations near the crack tip could combined with the second phases to hinder the propagation of fatigue crack. Transgranular and intergranular modes of fatigue crack growth were both observed in the alloy, and deflection was prone to occur when the crack encountered grains with high misorientation. The fatigue life (N = 1.02 × 106 cycles) reached highest under the condition of r = 0.5 and P max = 0.3kN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective laser melting (SLM) titanium is a suitable material for use in customized implants. However, long-term implant survival requires both successful osseointegration and promising antibacterial characteristics. Native SLM titanium thus requires proper modifications to improve its bioactivity and antibacterial efficacy. Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) was conducted on sandblasted SLM substrate to form a microporous TiO2 coating. Subsequently, hydrothermal treatment was applied to fabricate micro-nano zinc-incorporated coatings with different Zn content (1 mM-Zn and 100 μM-Zn). Surface characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, a three-dimensional profilometer, and a contact angle measuring device. The osteoblast-like cell line MC3T3-E1, Subclone 14, was used in cell viability assays to evaluate adhesion, proliferation, and ALP activity. An antibacterial assay was conducted using Streptococcus sanguinis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Zn-incorporated samples exhibited higher adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation than did SLM and MAO samples. 100 μM Zn samples exhibited the highest proliferation, and 1 mM-Zn samples manifested the highest ALP activity. In addition, Zn-incorporated samples exerted inhibitory effects on both Streptococcus sanguinis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Combining micro-arc oxidation and hydrothermal treatment, we successfully fabricated a novel Zn-incorporated coating on a microporous SLM surface which possesses both outstanding bioactivity and antibacterial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

M-band flux asymmetry (MFA) may be another critical factor which can lead to low-mode distortion of implosion. We describe an experimental technique employing the x-ray fluorescence signature of material to investigate the MFA onto the capsule. Si was chosen to be the tracer layer since the inducing threshold for the K-shell fluorescence is much higher than soft x-ray but a little lower than M-band x-ray. The fluorescence images were recorded from a surrogate Si-coated ball, and thus, the P2 MFA was deduced from the fluorescence images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present non-collective spectrally resolved X-ray scattering measurements from isochorically heated graphite samples. The elastic and inelastic scattering spectra for the titanium He-α x-ray line at 4.75 keV yield characterization of the temperature and ionization state of the samples. It is found that the plasma theories employing a screened Coulomb potential fail to describe the ion structure of warm dense carbon plasmas and only the models accounting for the effects of the electronic configuration show good agreement with the experimental result. This agreement further suggests that the short-lived chemical bonds play an important role in determining the ion structure of warm dense graphite systems with a temperature of several electron volts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two neutron time-of-flight (nToF) detectors have been employed to measure the neutron time-of-flight spectrum in different lines-of-sight, i.e., at the equator plane and the south pole, on Shenguang-III (SG-III) laser facility. The contribution of scattered neutrons has been calculated with the Monte Carlo code JMCT for each nToF detector. The results show that the scattered neutron spectrum is dominated by neutrons scattered on materials in the experiment hall, including the vacuum chamber. The shape of the scattered neutron spectrum depends on the view line, which has been observed with nToF detectors located in the experiment hall of the SG-III laser facility. A method based on the convolution of the calculated neutron time-of-flight spectrum and the instrument response function has been developed for the ion temperature determination. The calculated neutron spectra with the contribution of scattered neutrons can fit the measured results. No obvious ion temperature anisotropy has been observed on the SG-III laser facility at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The M-band X-ray (1.6–4.4 keV) preheating and shock temperature of aluminum (Al) foil coated on a thick polystyrene (CH) layer is experimentally measured using a streaked optical pyrometer system (SOP) in the SG-III prototype laser facility for the first time. Multi-group hydrodynamic simulation captures the main characteristics of rear surface emission. Compared with the unpreheated target with bromine (Br) doped, M-band X-rays have a large impact on shock propagation inside the undoped target. Preheating changes target the initial state and generate a broader shock front, resulting in drastic variation in rear surface emission features. By comparing sensitivity analysis in the simulation and experimental uncertainty range, it is found that the SOP measurement could achieve valuable information on the shock transition time and unique emission profile, offering reliable boundary and benchmarks for simulation and analysis. Proper evaluation on the radiation source, including both the flux and the spectrum, and material opacities is essential for data interpretation. This study could promote our understanding and predictive capability required for inertial confinement fusion studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the calculated equations of state (EOSs) for deuterium–xenon mixtures using mixing rules. Three mixing rules, which are the ideal rule, volume rule, and pressure rule, were used for the calculations, and the thermodynamic self-consistency was evaluated. The volume rule predicts the pressures of mixtures rather accurately, but it fails in the predictions of energies. The pressure ionization has an impact on energy and pressure. Furthermore, the calculated results of the mixing rules were compared with average-atom molecular dynamics (AAMD) simulations, and the pressure rule performs better than the ideal and volume rules over the investigated range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In indirectly driven inertial confinement fusion, a high-purity germanium detector is widely used in the calibration of various X-ray detectors as a quantitative spectrum detector for the irradiating X-ray. However, the intrinsic peak efficiency of the high-purity germanium detector, which is the foundation of its applications, has not been investigated in depth. In this work, an optimized data-processing method is developed to explore the intrinsic peak efficiency of the high-purity germanium detector, based on calibration experiments. The intrinsic peak efficiency of the detector is absolutely and accurately calibrated and simulated for X-ray energy in the range of 5.48–302.85 keV. The experimental and simulated results, which agree well, are analyzed and explained in detail. The efficiency curve obtained from the data reveals the rise, flat, and fall characters. In addition, the impact of the absorption edge, which is located at 11.10 keV, on the efficiency curve was found and explained in terms of the escape of the excited K α lines. This work will improve the calibration efficiency of various X-ray detectors based on the high-purity germanium detector, and help in advancing the quantitative understanding of the detection results in inertial confinement fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy levels, transition rates, and lifetimes are reported for the low-lying 129 levels of Fe XIV, belonging to the n = 3 states (1s22s22p6)3s23p, 3s3p2, 3s23d, 3p3, 3s3p3d, 3p23d, 3s3d2, and 3p3d2. High-accuracy calculations have been performed as benchmarks in the request for accurate treatments of relativity, electron correlation and quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects in multi-valence-electron systems. The calculated energy levels are in excellent agreement with the experimental results and the experimentally compiled energy values, of the National Institute for Standards and Technology wherever available. The calculated values including core-valence correlation are found to be in good agreement with other theoretical and experimental values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultraviolet Thomson-scattering system has been designed and implemented on the Shenguang-III laser facility, a 48-beam, 3ω (351 nm), 180 kJ-level laser driver for high energy density physics and inertial confinement fusion researches. The 4ω (263.3 nm) probe beam of the Thomson-scattering system is injected from the north pole (top) of the target chamber, with an assistant beam-pointing monitor to achieve high pointing accuracy. The Thomson-scattered light is collected by a double-Cassegrain optical transmission system, which provides an achromatic image over a wide wavelength range of 200–800 nm. A novel on-line alignment method is developed and applied to the diagnostic system, ensuring a volumetric positioning accuracy of ∼30 μm for the scattering volume. An online calibration is also conducted to provide the wavelength benchmark and the spectral resolution of the system. This Thomson-scattering system has been tested in a complicated experimental environment with gas-filled hohlraums, and a high-quality ion feature of the scattered light has been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]