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Guaranteeing the monotonicity of a learned model is crucial to address concerns such as fairness, interpretability, and generalization. This paper develops a new monotonic neural network named Deep Isotonic Embedding Network (DIEN), which uses different modules to deal with monotonic and non-monotonic features respectively, and then combine outputs of these modules linearly to obtain the prediction result. A new embedding tool called Isotonic Embedding Unit is developed to process monotonic features and turn each one into an isotonic embedding vector. By converting non-monotonic features into a series of non-negative weight vectors and then combining them with isotonic embedding vectors that have special properties, we enable DIEN to guarantee monotonicity. Besides, we also introduce a module named Monotonic Feature Learning Network to capture complex dependencies between monotonic features. This module is a monotonic feedforward neural network with non-negative weights and can handle scenarios where there are few non-monotonic features or only monotonic features. In comparison to existing methods, DIEN does not require intricate structures like lattices or the use of additional verification techniques to ensure monotonicity. Additionally, the relationship between DIEN's inputs and outputs is obvious and intuitive. Results from experiments on both synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate DIEN's superiority over existing methodologies. • A monotonic neural network named Deep Isotonic Embedding Network (DIEN) is proposed. • DIEN employs different modules to deal with monotonic and non-monotonic features. • Outputs of all modules are combined linearly to obtain the prediction result. • A module that captures complex dependencies among monotonic features is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For traditional imaging systems, high imaging quality and system miniaturization are often contradictory. In order to meet the requirements of high imaging quality and system miniaturization, this paper proposes a method to correct the aberration of coherent imaging optical systems. The method is based on the idea of phase recovery and the imaging principle of a coherent imaging system to recover the aberrations at the exit pupil of the system. According to the recovered aberrations, conjugate filters are constructed to correct the image quality in the frequency domain. The imaging quality of the system is improved without changing the original optical path, and the simplicity of the system is guaranteed. To solve the pupil frequency domain aberration more accurately, this paper adopts the dual competition and parallel recombination strategy based on the genetic algorithm and introduces the disaster model. The improved genetic algorithm can effectively restrain the appearance of the "precocity" phenomenon. Finally, the paraxial imaging optical path is simulated and verified by experiments. The results show that, after aberration correction, the image sharpness is improved and the edge information is richer, which verifies the feasibility of the coherent imaging system image quality enhancement method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is a crucial influencing factor in the global hydrological cycle and terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies have mostly focused on the historical precipitation variations over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, little attention has been given to the differences between convective and stratiform precipitation under future climate change scenarios. In order to acquire the high‐resolution precipitation information over the TP, the dynamical downscaling simulation was conducted utilizing a regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting [WRF] model) forced with a global climate model (Community Climate System Model [CCSM]). In this study, we focus on projections of future changes in convective and stratiform precipitation over the TP. The downscaling results during a 26‐year period 1980–2005 are compared for dry season, wet season and annual mean precipitation against the gridded observation dataset. Then, the changes in the wet season convective and stratiform precipitation with warming between CCSM and WRF‐CCSM were compared in the future period 2070–2099 under two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Compared with the coarse‐resolution forcing, the historical precipitation of dry season, wet season and annual mean over the TP were found to better reproduce in WRF‐CCSM simulation. WRF‐CCSM projects an opposite spatial pattern of total precipitation change between the northern and southern TP in the future under different scenarios, which were attributed to the decreased stratiform precipitation in the southern TP and the increased convective precipitation in the northern TP, contrasting with the uniform increase of total precipitation in its forcing. The surface air temperature projected in WRF‐CCSM is larger increase than in the CCSM forcing. Compared to the CCSM forcing, WRF‐CCSM projects more pronounced increase in convective precipitation in response to rapid warming, and increasingly dominates changes of total precipitation with temperature exceeds the Clausius–Clapeyron rate over the northern TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is a crucial influencing factor in the global hydrological cycle and terrestrial ecosystems. Previous studies have mostly focused on the historical precipitation variations over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, little attention has been given to the differences between convective and stratiform precipitation under future climate change scenarios. In order to acquire the high‐resolution precipitation information over the TP, the dynamical downscaling simulation was conducted utilizing a regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting [WRF] model) forced with a global climate model (Community Climate System Model [CCSM]). In this study, we focus on projections of future changes in convective and stratiform precipitation over the TP. The downscaling results during a 26‐year period 1980–2005 are compared for dry season, wet season and annual mean precipitation against the gridded observation dataset. Then, the changes in the wet season convective and stratiform precipitation with warming between CCSM and WRF‐CCSM were compared in the future period 2070–2099 under two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Compared with the coarse‐resolution forcing, the historical precipitation of dry season, wet season and annual mean over the TP were found to better reproduce in WRF‐CCSM simulation. WRF‐CCSM projects an opposite spatial pattern of total precipitation change between the northern and southern TP in the future under different scenarios, which were attributed to the decreased stratiform precipitation in the southern TP and the increased convective precipitation in the northern TP, contrasting with the uniform increase of total precipitation in its forcing. The surface air temperature projected in WRF‐CCSM is larger increase than in the CCSM forcing. Compared to the CCSM forcing, WRF‐CCSM projects more pronounced increase in convective precipitation in response to rapid warming, and increasingly dominates changes of total precipitation with temperature exceeds the Clausius–Clapeyron rate over the northern TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive renal disease characterized by hematuria and progressive renal failure. X‐linked dominant (XLAS) is the major inheritance form, accounting for almost 80% of the cases, caused by mutations in COL4A5 genes. Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common genetic cause of human male gonadal dysgenesis. AS and KS are both rare disease, there are only three cases of combined AS and KS in the literatures. Fanconi syndrome (FS) caused by AS is also very rare. We report here the first case combined AS, KS and FS in a Chinese boy. We suggest that the severe renal phenotype and FS might be due to the two homozygous COL4A5 variants in our boy, and cases of AS combined KS will be good research objects for X chromosome inactivation. Summary at a Glance: Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive renal disease characterized by hematuria and progressive renal failure. There are only three case reports of combined AS and Klinefelter syndrome (KS) in the literature. Fanconi syndrome (FS) caused by AS is also very rare. We report here the first case combined AS, KS and FS in a Chinese boy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor environments have typical features of multiple components, high concentration, and long duration. The development of gas sensors with high sensitivity to multiple VOCs is of great significance to protect human health. Herein, we proposed a sensitive ZnO/WO3 composite chemi-resistive sensor facilely fabricated via a sacrificial template approach. Based on the transferable properties of self-assembled monolayer colloidal crystal (MCC) templates, two-dimensional honeycomb-like ordered porous ZnO/WO3 sensing matrixes were constructed in situ on commercial ceramic tube substrates with curved and rough surfaces. The nanocomposite thin films are about 250 nm in thickness with large-scale structural consistency and integrity, which facilitates characteristic responses with highly sensitivity and reliability. Furthermore, the nanocomposite sensor shows simultaneous responses to multiple VOCs that commonly exist in daily life with an obvious suppression sensing for traditional flammable gases. Particularly, a detection limit of 0.1 ppm with a second-level response/recovery time can be achieved, which is beneficial for real-time air quality assessments. We proposed a heterojunction-induced sensing enhancement mechanism for the ZnO/WO3 nanocomposite film in which the formation of abundant heterojunctions between ZnO and WO3 NPs significantly increases the thickness of the electron depletion layer in the bulk film and improves the formation of active oxygen species on the surface, which is conducive to enhanced responses for reducing VOC gases. This work not only provides a simple approach for the fabrication of high-performance gas sensors but also opens an achievable avenue for air quality assessment based on VOC concentration detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the extreme environmental temperature variations, solutions that enable ultra-low thermal sensitivity in a mirror assembly are crucial for high-performance aerial optical imaging sensors (AOIS). Strategies such as the elimination of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch and the employment of a flexure connection at the interface cannot be simply duplicated for the application involved, demanding specific design constraints. The contributions of support point number to the surface thermal sensitivity reduction and support stiffness improvement have been studied. A synthetic six-point support system that integrates equally spaced multiple ultra-low radial stiffness mirror flexure units and assembly external interface flexure units has been demonstrated on a 260 mm apertured annular mirror that involves significant CTE mismatch and demanding support stiffness constraint. The surface deformation RMS, due to the 35 °C temperature variation, is 16.7 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel, earth-abundant, and environmentally benign NaFeSi2O6 catalyst is synthesized by a one-step solvothermal method without the introduction of any surfactants. NaFeSi2O6 is for the first time applied to the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction for the degradation of RhB under visible-light irradiation with long-term stability and a wide working pH range. ˙OH plays the most important role in the photo-Fenton process. Besides, ˙O2− and h+ are also generated and involved in this reaction simultaneously. Combining the experimental results and theoretical calculations, it can be confirmed that NaFeSi2O6 can be regarded as a promising catalyst to improve the efficiency of the heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land cover change (LCC) significantly changed the local/regional temperature. This paper attempts to reveal the effects of cropland expansion in different ways on temperature change from the 1900s to 2010s in Heilongjiang Province. To reach this goal, we conducted four simulation research schemes with the coupled Weather Research and Forecast (WRF)-Noah model to investigate the warming/cooling effect of cropland expansion. The results show that cropland expansion exerted different effects with different land-use type conversions. In the last century, the areas with grassland-to-cropland and wetland-to-cropland transition show the warming effect, and the average surface temperature in Heilongjiang Province increased by 0.023 ℃ and 0.024 ℃, respectively. The areas with forest-to-cropland transition show the cooling effect, in which the average temperature decreased by 0.103 ℃. The variation of air temperature is mainly caused by the variation of surface reflectance and surface net radiation flux. The results provide evidence that cropland expansion changes to biophysical landscape characteristics, warming/cooling the land surface and thus enhancing/reducing the temperature, and lead to regional climate change eventually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing 3D human shape and pose from monocular images is challenging despite the promising results achieved by the most recent learning-based methods. The commonly occurred misalignment comes from the facts that the mapping from images to the model space is highly non-linear and the rotation-based pose representation of the body model is prone to result in the drift of joint positions. In this work, we investigate learning 3D human shape and pose from dense correspondences of body parts and propose a Decompose-and-aggregate Network (DaNet) to address these issues. DaNet adopts the dense correspondence maps, which densely build a bridge between 2D pixels and 3D vertexes, as intermediate representations to facilitate the learning of 2D-to-3D mapping. The prediction modules of DaNet are decomposed into one global stream and multiple local streams to enable global and fine-grained perceptions for the shape and pose predictions, respectively. Messages from local streams are further aggregated to enhance the robust prediction of the rotation-based poses, where a position-aided rotation feature refinement strategy is proposed to exploit spatial relationships between body joints. Moreover, a Part-based Dropout (PartDrop) strategy is introduced to drop out dense information from intermediate representations during training, encouraging the network to focus on more complementary body parts as well as neighboring position features. The efficacy of the proposed method is validated on both indoor and real-world datasets including Human3.6M, UP3D, COCO, and 3DPW, showing that our method could significantly improve the reconstruction performance in comparison with previous state-of-the-art methods. Our code is publicly available at https://hongwenzhang.github.io/dense2mesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to simultaneously detect multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is crucial for assessing indoor air quality and addressing significant health hazards. In this study, we present a sacrificial template approach for on-chip fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) Ni-doped SnO 2 nanoporous sensing films on micro-heater substrates. The technical analysis shows that the resulting honeycomb-like ultrathin Ni-SnO 2 sensing layer on a suspended substrate maintains perfect structural integrity and consistency. The Ni-SnO 2 sensors exhibit exceptional characteristics, including a ppb-level detection limit, high sensitivity, fast response/recovery time, and signal repeatability for typical VOCs, while operating at a low power consumption of 25 mW. Additionally, the Ni-doping enhances the sensors' cross-sensitivity to various forms of VOCs, while causing a discernible response inhibition towards flammable or exhaust gases. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in-situ Raman spectra reveal a Ni2+-substitution induced surface adsorbed oxygen species enrichment mechanism for sensing enhancement. Thus, the developed Ni-SnO 2 sensors hold promise as future candidates for reliable air quality assessment by real-time monitoring of overall concentrations of multiple VOCs. [Display omitted] • On-chip fusion of Ni-SnO 2 porous sensing film is achieved by a template approach. • The Ni-SnO 2 sensor possesses perfect sensing performances to multiple VOCs vapors. • A high selectivity for VOCs sensing was achieved for air quality assessment. • The embedded micro-heater provides ultra-high heating efficiency for the sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study numerically the equilibrium configurations of nematic liquid crystals confined in cylindrical cavities with strong and weak homeotropic anchoring conditions, respectively, on the basis of the elastic continuum theory and the difference iterative method. The lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal disodium cromoglycate exhibits a completely different spontaneous chiral configuration from 5CB due to the large ratio of the saddle-splay elastic constant to the twist elastic constant. We show that how the elastic constants affect the director alignment in chiral structure with strong homeotropic anchoring conditions. For the weak homeotropic anchoring conditions, the theoretically predicted transition from a twisted and escaped radial to an escaped twisted configuration of DSCG and the transition from an escaped radial to a UA configuration of 5CB, on reduction of the anchoring coefficient below a certain threshold, are confirmed to occur at A∼10−8J/m2. Remarkably, it provides a more accurate theoretical analysis for the prediction of director configurations in cylindrical cavities under different conditions in experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation recycling, as represented by the precipitation contributed by locally evaporated water vapor, is a key indicator of regional changes in the water cycle. The quasi-isentropic back-trajectory method, combined with a global climate model [Community Climate System Model (CCSM)] and regional climate model [Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulation forced by CCSM (WRF-CCSM)], was used to analyze historical (1982–2005) and future (2090–99) precipitation recycling over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). The study focuses on the differences in the projection of precipitation recycling ratio (PRR) changes and relevant mechanisms between the fine-resolution (30 km) WRF-CCSM and coarse-resolution (~110 km) CCSM simulations. Compared with CCSM, the biases and root-mean-square errors of the historical evapotranspiration and precipitation over the TP were greatly reduced in the WRF-CCSM simulation, particularly in precipitation. Using WRF-CCSM outputs, higher PRRs in all elevation bands than CCSM, as well as the opposite seasonal pattern and linear trend of PRR for the river basins in the northern TP, were revealed. Unlike the CCSM projections, WRF-CCSM projects increasing trends of PRR changes with elevation under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, with the largest increase at an elevation of about 5000 m. WRF-CCSM projects a diverse spatial and seasonal pattern of PRR changes, in contrast to the uniform decrease projected by CCSM. The larger fractional increases of future evapotranspiration contribution (precipitation contributed by local evapotranspiration) per unit warming than precipitation changes in WRF-CCSM suggests an enhanced contribution of locally evaporated moisture to total precipitation in the future under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Significance Statement: Rapid warming over the Tibetan Plateau has caused changes in the levels of wetness and dryness, meaning there is considerable concern surrounding the consequent environmental changes under continued warming in the future. The aim of this study was to quantify the historical (1982–2005) and future (2090–99) contributions to precipitation from external moisture transportation and local evapotranspiration over the Tibetan Plateau. At a fine resolution of 30 km, our results showed higher precipitation recycling ratios and different linear trend signs compared with that at the coarse resolution over 100 km at all elevations. In the future period, a contrasting contribution of local evapotranspiration to precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau is projected, with an 8% increase in the northwestern TP and a 3% decrease in the southeastern TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiAgX®, a mixed solder powder paste composed of a primary high-melting solder powder and an additive low-melting solder powder, exhibited a melting temperature above 260 °C and was comparable to, or even better than, the reliability of high-lead solders. The additive solder is designed to react preferentially with various surface metallizations and form a controllable intermetallic layer. Inside the joints, sub-micron AgSn particles are dispersed surrounding Bi colonies, which constrain the dislocation movement, thus enhancing strength, ductility, and associated joint reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐atom metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (SMIS) heterojunctions based on Sn‐doped Fe2O3 nanorods (SF NRs) were designed by combining atomic deposition of an Al2O3 overlayer with chemical grafting of a RuOx hole‐collector for efficient CO2‐to‐syngas conversion. The RuOx‐Al2O3‐SF photoanode with a 3.0 nm thick Al2O3 overlayer gave a >5‐fold‐enhanced IPCE value of 52.0 % under 370 nm light irradiation at 1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, compared to the bare SF NRs. The dielectric field mediated the charge dynamics at the Al2O3/SF NRs interface. Accumulation of long‐lived holes on the surface of the SF NRs photoabsorber aids fast tunneling transfer of hot holes to single‐atom RuOx species, accelerating the O2‐evolving reaction kinetics. The maximal CO‐evolution rate of 265.3 mmol g−1 h−1 was achieved by integration of double SIMS‐3 photoanodes with a single‐atom Ni‐doped graphene CO2‐reduction‐catalyst cathode; an overall quantum efficiency of 5.7 % was recorded under 450 nm light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐atom metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (SMIS) heterojunctions based on Sn‐doped Fe2O3 nanorods (SF NRs) were designed by combining atomic deposition of an Al2O3 overlayer with chemical grafting of a RuOx hole‐collector for efficient CO2‐to‐syngas conversion. The RuOx‐Al2O3‐SF photoanode with a 3.0 nm thick Al2O3 overlayer gave a >5‐fold‐enhanced IPCE value of 52.0 % under 370 nm light irradiation at 1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl, compared to the bare SF NRs. The dielectric field mediated the charge dynamics at the Al2O3/SF NRs interface. Accumulation of long‐lived holes on the surface of the SF NRs photoabsorber aids fast tunneling transfer of hot holes to single‐atom RuOx species, accelerating the O2‐evolving reaction kinetics. The maximal CO‐evolution rate of 265.3 mmol g−1 h−1 was achieved by integration of double SIMS‐3 photoanodes with a single‐atom Ni‐doped graphene CO2‐reduction‐catalyst cathode; an overall quantum efficiency of 5.7 % was recorded under 450 nm light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) confined in cylindrical cavity can form an escaped-twisted (ET) configuration, resulting from the saddle-splay elastic constant is great much than twist elastic constant. The thermotropic liquid crystal 5CB does not meet the conditions for the formation of ET configuration, but it can be achieved under the appropriate planar anchoring and the action of chiral dopant. The equilibrium configuration of nematic liquid crystals confined in cylindrical cavities with azimuthal and axial surface anchoring conditions respectively is studied by the elastic continuum theory and the difference iterative method. We obtain the analytical solution of the distribution of the director without chiral dopant and the numerical solution of the chiral dopant. We find that the planar anchoring, the saddle-splay elastic constant and the chirality determine whether an ET configuration is formed. Furthermore, the cavity radius and the bend elastic constant can affect the value of twist angle. It provides a good theoretical basis for the determination of anchoring energy and saddle-splay elastic constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both flexoelectric effect and dielectric effect affect the director of uniform lying helix (ULH) cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs). By using a finite-difference iterative method to solve the numerical solution of the Euler equations, we investigate the polar angle and the tilt angle of the director affected by the coupling of flexoelectric effect and dielectric effect. We find that flexoelectric effect and dielectric effect can be quantitatively analysed, and dielectric effect makes the director changes nonuniformly in the helix plane and inclines unevenly with respect to the helix plane. We conclude that the tilt angle is not affected by the dielectric effect under one-constant approximation. In nonequal elastic constants, the influence of dielectric effect on tilt angle is different. Under the same electric field and dielectric anisotropy, the decrease of K33 or K22 can increase the title angle, and K33 has more influence on the title angle than K22. Remarkably, our method provides a more accurate theory basis for the rotation of the optic axis in ULH CLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the requirement of high-resolution datasets for many applications, a dynamical downscaling approach using a regional climate model (the WRF Model) driven by a global climate model (CCSM4) has been adopted. This study focuses on projections of future moisture flux changes over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). First, the downscaling results for the historical period (1980–2005) are evaluated for precipitation P, evaporation E, and precipitation minus evaporation P − E against Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) data. The mechanism of P − E changes is analyzed by decomposition into dynamic, thermodynamic, and transient eddy components. Whether the historical period changes and mechanisms continue into the future (2010–2100) is investigated using the WRF and CCSM model projections under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. Compared with coarse-resolution forcing, downscaling was found to better reproduce the historical spatial patterns and seasonal mean of annual average P, E, and P − E over the TP. WRF projects a diverse spatial variation of P − E changes, with an increase in the northern TP and a decrease in the southern TP, compared with the uniform increase in CCSM. The dynamic component dominates P − E changes for the historical period in both the CCSM and WRF projections. In the future, however, the thermodynamic component in CCSM dominates P − E changes under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 from the near-term (2010–39) to the long-term (2070–99) future. Unlike the CCSM projections, the WRF projections reproduce the mechanism seen in the historical period—that is, the dynamic component dominates P − E changes. Furthermore, future P − E changes in the dynamical downscaling are less sensitive to warming than its coarse-resolution forcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cooking is the primary treatment method for table food in China. The process is complex and large‐scale, which is important to the macroeconomy and national nutrition and health. First, this article puts forward the concept of thermal accumulation for Chinese cooking by taking pork tenderloin fried at different oil temperatures, explaining changes in moisture content, hardness, and color with different thermal accumulation conditions, and measuring kinetic parameters. The variations of L* and b* obtained by the experimental results belong to the first‐order reaction kinetic model, while the changes in water content and shear force belong to the zero‐order reaction kinetic model. Simultaneously, the superheat value is used as a thermal accumulation indicator, combined with sensory evaluation to determine that the Z value of the human sensory overheating of pork tenderloin is 99°C, and Os,max (Z = 99°C, the reference temperature is 110°C) is 5.86 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the facts that the thickness of a shear band in bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) is a few tens of nanometers, the shear displacement across the band is few micrometers, and the time for their formation is in submicrosecond duration, the local strain rates within the shear band can be as high as 109/s. To capture such dynamic effects, a thermo-micromechanical model based on momentum diffusion mechanism, free-volume theory, and heat diffusion analysis is proposed. The model has been shown to capture the characteristic rate effects, i.e., significant local temperature rise and a dramatic drop in viscosity during shear band evolution in BMGs. The model also takes into account the effects of normal stress component on the deformation behavior of BMGs. While the predicted maximum temperature rise under quasistatic deformation in the absence of normal component of stress is low (300 K), significant temperature rise well above 1000 K accompanied by a sudden drop in viscosity has been predicted under dynamic loads at high normal pressures. It is also predicted that temperature rise and viscosity drop are negligible during the early phase of shear band formation but increase significantly towards the final phase of shear band evolution and cause subsequent fracture, as has been theorized by many researchers in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An artificial photosynthetic (APS) system consisting of a photoanodic semiconductor that harvests solar photons to split H2O, a Ni‐SNG cathodic catalyst for the dark reaction of CO2 reduction in a CO2‐saturated NaHCO3 solution, and a proton‐conducting membrane enabled syngas production from CO2 and H2O with solar‐to‐syngas energy‐conversion efficiency of up to 13.6 %. The syngas CO/H2 ratio was tunable between 1:2 and 5:1. Integration of the APS system with photovoltaic cells led to an impressive overall quantum efficiency of 6.29 % for syngas production. The largest turnover frequency of 529.5 h−1 was recorded with a photoanodic N‐TiO2 nanorod array for highly stable CO production. The CO‐evolution rate reached a maximum of 154.9 mmol g−1 h−1 in the dark compartment of the APS cell. Scanning electrochemical–atomic force microscopy showed the localization of electrons on the single‐nickel‐atom sites of the Ni‐SNG catalyst, thus confirming that the multielectron reduction of CO2 to CO was kinetically favored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An artificial photosynthetic (APS) system consisting of a photoanodic semiconductor that harvests solar photons to split H2O, a Ni‐SNG cathodic catalyst for the dark reaction of CO2 reduction in a CO2‐saturated NaHCO3 solution, and a proton‐conducting membrane enabled syngas production from CO2 and H2O with solar‐to‐syngas energy‐conversion efficiency of up to 13.6 %. The syngas CO/H2 ratio was tunable between 1:2 and 5:1. Integration of the APS system with photovoltaic cells led to an impressive overall quantum efficiency of 6.29 % for syngas production. The largest turnover frequency of 529.5 h−1 was recorded with a photoanodic N‐TiO2 nanorod array for highly stable CO production. The CO‐evolution rate reached a maximum of 154.9 mmol g−1 h−1 in the dark compartment of the APS cell. Scanning electrochemical–atomic force microscopy showed the localization of electrons on the single‐nickel‐atom sites of the Ni‐SNG catalyst, thus confirming that the multielectron reduction of CO2 to CO was kinetically favored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The charge transfer mode of WO 3 /CdS is switched from type-Ⅱ to Z-scheme by photochromism. • Only when charge transfer of WO 3 /CdS is type-Ⅱ, can H 0.53 WO 3 /CdS composite be transformed in-situ. • Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism plays its prominent roles in improving photocatalytic H 2 evolution performance gradually. • The performance of H 0.53 WO 3 /CdS is much higher than that of WO 3 /CdS. Abstract In order to intrinsically boost the photocatalytic performance of WO 3 /CdS, the charge transfer route can be modulated from conventional type-Ⅱ to Z-scheme by incorporating of hydrogen ions into WO 3 /CdS to form H 0.53 WO 3 /CdS. This work indicates that only when charge transfer of WO 3 /CdS is type-Ⅱ, can H 0.53 WO 3 /CdS composite be formed in-situ. Subsequently, the Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism plays its prominent roles in gradually improving photocatalytic H 2 evolution performance. H 0.53 WO 3 /CdS has high photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production, which is much higher than that of WO 3 /CdS. This work will provides an in-depth understanding of charge separation and transfer processes and steer charge flow in a Z-scheme manner for efficient solar-to-chemical energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract A type-II core-shell nanostructure based on rutile TiO 2 nanorods was designed to enhance the PEC overall water splitting under solar light irradiation. The internal electric field formed at interface of Ta 2 O x N y /TiO 2 nanorods provides a huge driving force to efficiently separate charge carriers and reduce the exciton binding energy, achieving a solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of ca. 1.49% at 1.23 V vs RHE. Highlights • 12 fold-enhanced solar water splitting was achieved over type-II core-shell nanostructured TiO 2 rutile photoanodes. • The formation of the Ta 2 O x N y layer extends the photo-response of TiO 2 to visible light region. • Constructing internal electric field to reduce the exciton binding energy and enhance the PEC overall water splitting. • The IPCE was increased from 2.2% to 22.6% in a two-electrode system under 390 nm light irradiation. • A solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of ca. 1.49% was achieved at 1.23 V vs RHE. Abstract This work demonstrated the 12 fold-enhanced solar water splitting over the type-II core-shell nanostructured TiO 2 rutile photoanodes by orienting the charge flow and accelerating the hole transport to water-oxidation sites. Such nanoheterostructured photoanodes were designed rationally and prepared by a facile strategy to enwrapping an amorphous Ta 2 O x N y layer on surface of TiO 2 nanorods grown on the FTO glass substrates, consequently the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency was increased from 2.2% to 22.6% in a two-electrode system under 390 nm light irradiation. The activity results showed that under AM 1.5 G illumination, the photocurrent output of TiO 2 @Ta 2 O x N y photoanodes reached a stable density of 1.32 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs RHE, and which is 12 times and ca. 4.3 times than that of the pristine TiO 2 and TiO 2 @Ta 2 O 5 counterparts, respectively. Correspondingly, the oxygen evolution rate was improved from 20.3 to 112.7 mmol m−2 h−1. A solar-to-chemical energy conversion efficiency of ca. 1.49% was achieved at 1.23 V vs RHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract On-chip fabricated bilayer Au NP-decorated WO 3 porous thin films with high sensing selectivity to NO 2. Highlights • Bilayer Au nanoparticle decorated WO 3 porous film were one-step fabricated on commercial ceramic tube substrate. • The film consists of hexagonally ordered WO 3 bowl with a homogeneous thickness of ca. 1.5 μm. • Au nanoparticles decoration increases sensitivity of the sensor from 5.0 to 96.0 towards 1 ppm NO 2 at 150 °C. • The Au decorated WO 3 film shows perfect selectivity to NO 2 gas. • A combined surface chemical and interbedded electronic sensitization mechanism was proposed. Abstract We present the on-chip fabrication of bilayer Au NP-decorated WO 3 nanoporous thin films (B-Au/WO 3) via layer-by-layer stacking of a sacrificial colloidal template with periodic Au sputtering deposition. Technical analysis shows that the B-Au/WO 3 film is homogeneous and consists of a hexagonally ordered bowl-like structure, whose surface is uniformly decorated with crystalline Au NPs. The B-Au/WO 3 sensing film shows a sensitivity of 96.0, a response time of 9.0 s and a recovery time of 16.0 s for 1 ppm NO 2 at a low operating temperature of 150 °C. This significantly exceeds performances of bare WO 3 counterpart. Also, the B-Au/WO 3 sensor demonstrates obviously enhanced sensing responses over operating temperature ranges of 75–225 °C and perfect selectivity to NO 2 gas. We proposed a combined sensing mechanism, the surface Au NPs dominated chemical sensitization and inter-bedded Au NP-induced electronic sensitization, to explain the perfect sensing performances in sensitivity, response, and selectivity. The template-mediated approach focuses on precise single-layer control and facilitates direct integration of the sensing film onto the required sensor substrate. The addressed on-chip fabrication strategy along with Au NPs decoration technique might provide promising applications in construction of advanced chemiresistive gas sensors, photocatalysts and electrochromic smart windows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ginkgo terpene lactones meglumine injection (GMI) is a novel preparation of traditional Chinese medicine that contains ginkgolides A, B and K (GA, GB, GK, respectively) as its primary components. In this study we evaluated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of these three ginkgolides after single and multiple intravenous infusions of GMI. We also investigated the effect of GMI on cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in healthy Chinese volunteers. Methods: In this open-label, placebo-controlled study 15 subjects were randomly assigned to receive GMI or matched placebo (4:1 ratio). All subjects first received midazolam (MDZ) on day 1, followed by a 6-day washout. On Day 8, the subjects were started on once-daily dosing of either GMI or placebo for 14 days. Lastly, on Day 22 the subjects were given second dose of MDZ + GMI or MDZ + placebo. Plasma concentrations of ginkgolides, MDZ and its metabolite 1-hydroxy midazolam were quantified. Results: The steady-state conditions of GA, GB and GK were achieved after 6 days of daily dosing. Following a single dose of GMI (Day 8) the area under the concentration-timecurve from zero to 24 h after administration (AUC) of GA, GB and GK (arithmetic ± standard deviation) was 4.10 ± 1.06, 4.61 ± 1.31 and 0.127 ± 0.102 h μg/mL, respectively; the corresponding values following multiple doses of GMI (Day 19) were 3.94 ± 1.16, 5.00 ± 1.55 and 0.118 ± 0.096 h μg/mL, respectively. The mean accumulation ratios were 0.95, 1.08 and 0.89 for GA, GB and GK, respectively. Additionally, the geometric mean [peak concentration (C) and AUC] ratios of MDZ and 1-hydroxy midazolam were all within the specified acceptance ranges in the MDZ + placebo treatment and MDZ + GMI treatment. Conclusions: Our results show that GMI was well tolerated during the entire study. There was no systemic accumulation and no significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of MDZ in healthy Chinese male subjects after repeated dosing of GMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Embryo implantation in a cesarean scar resulting in a cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a special form of ectopic pregnancy. The aim of this article is to present our clinical classification and therapeutic strategy for CSP and to assess the efficacy, safety, and social benefits. Methods We categorized CSP as either risky or stable. Risky CSP have a high risk of severe hemorrhage and should be treated immediately, while stable CSP patients have neither obvious vaginal bleeding nor significantly elevated serum β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG). According to the thickness of the myometrial wall between the sac and the bladder and the location of the gestational sac, risky CSP were classified into three types and the thinner myometrial wall type (type I) was divided into three subtypes. Four treatment categories were applied to the corresponding types and subtypes of CSP. A total of 331 patients with CSP in our hospital were studied. The study group ( n = 81) was treated based on our classification and optimized treatment system, while the control group ( n = 250) underwent the conventional methods. We assessed the efficacy, safety, and social benefits of our classification and optimized treatment system. Results The values of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, hospital stay, and hospital cost in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). Suction curettage was more frequently used in the study group ( P < 0.005). Conclusion Our clinical classification system and therapeutic strategy provide an effective and safe way to treat CSP patients resulting in reduced intraoperative bleeding, operative time, hospital days, and hospital cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We analyze the changing rules of the exterior orientation parameters while aerial camera is imaging under motion and constructively prove that the measurement under motion can be equivalent to a static measurement. • We proposed a set of working time sequence and a calibration method for aerial mapping cameras. We show that the dynamic measurement is identical to static measurement by using the proposed method. Experiments based on both simulated and real data are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. Calibration is crucial for mapping cameras. Traditional calibration methods assume the geometric parameters are unchanged during the imaging process. However, aerial mapping cameras perform earth observation during a moving process. Owing to the forward flying of airplane, the exterior orientation parameters are changed during the exposure process. This leads to problems if directly applying the traditional methods to aerial mapping cameras. This paper presents a set of working time sequence and a new high-precision calibration method for aerial mapping cameras. We prove that the aerial mapping on a moving platform can be transformed into a mapping on a stationary platform by using the proposed method. Specifically, three steps are given to perform as follows. First, a proper distance is selected to decide a spot for the detector. We fix the detector at the selected spot and calibrate intrinsic parameters by exploiting traditional calibration methods. Second, the working time sequence of camera imaging is designed. The camera starts to expose an image and the exterior orientation parameters are obtained when the detector is driven to move to the calibrated spot. Third, a distortion model is proposed to correct distortions. We show that the dynamic measurement is identical to static measurement by using the proposed method. Experiments based on both simulated and real data are provided to show the effectiveness of the method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ag/AgBr composites were synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal route. [•] Ag was in situ anchored on the surface of AgBr. [•] Ag nanoparticles could be controlled by changing the experimental parameters. [•] The activity of Ag/AgBr composites was dependent on the Ag component. [•] Ag suppressed the decomposition of AgBr and improved its photocatalytic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To explore the mechanisms of central nervous system involvement in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura, levels of lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-β2 glycoprotein I antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were determined in 46 cases of Henoch-Schönlein purpura with central nervous system involvement. Results indicated that Henoch-Schönlein purpura with central nervous system involvement produced a higher total percentage of antiphospholipid antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, compared with viral encephalitis control subjects (76.1% vs 10.0% and 71.7% vs 0.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). Henoch-Schönlein purpura may be associated with antiphospholipid syndrome or antiphospholipid antibodies, which may account for the neurologic damage in Henoch-Schönlein purpura. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A facile and chemically clean method, pulsed laser ablationinliquid medium (LAL), was utilized to produce precursor solutions,and leaf-like tungsten oxide (WO3) nanoplatelets were synthesizedafter sequential aging treatment of precursors. In this work, theeffects of aging temperature, aging time, and pH value of precursorsolutions have been investigated. The well-defined leaf-like WO3nanoplatelets can only be achieved by aging the pristineprecursor solutions at room temperature (25 °C) for 48 h. Inparticular, when the pH value of precursor solutions was decreasedlower than 1.0, the obtained products were hierarchical quasi-spherescomposed of several nanoplates. The preparation method reported hereshows a novel synthetic approach to control and adjust the morphologyand crystallite size of the prepared WO3nanomaterials,which has potential applications in gas sensing, electrochromic devices,and photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim: Alport syndrome (AS) is a progressive renal disease characterized by hematuria and progressive renal failure. X-linked dominant AS (XLAS) is the predominant inheritance form caused by mutations in COL4A5 gene. Attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis for Chinese AS families were investigated. Attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis in Chinese XLAS families were evaluated in the current study. Methods: A total of 160 XLAS patients and their 126 healthy family members in China were interviewed. After providing background knowledge counselling and education on AS, their attitudes toward genetic diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis were evaluated by multiple-choice questionnaire. Results: Majority of the respondents cared mostly about the prognosis and treatment effects of AS (89.9% vs 81.1%) since they considered that the worst outcome of XALS was renal insufficiency (92.3%). Of all the interviewees, 99.3% were interested in genetic research for the discovery of better treatments and more appropriate diagnostic tools (positive attitudes) (89.5% vs 73.2%). About 80% of the participants would accept prenatal testing and subsequent termination of pregnancy in cases of affected foetuses (boys: 86.8% and girls: 74.6%, respectively). Conclusion: Most Chinese XLAS families show positive attitudes and desire new discoveries in treatment and diagnosis. About 80% of respondents would approve prenatal testing with a desire for selective termination of pregnancy rather than predicting the health of a future child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the effect of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) polymorphisms on the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of omeprazole administered by intravenous successive infusions in Chinese healthy volunteers. A total of 21 subjects [7 homozygous extensive metabolizers (homEMs), 9 heterozygous extensive metabolizers (hetEMs), 5 poor metabolizers (PMs)] received a 5-day course of omeprazole (40 mg) administered as a single dose daily during a 30-min period. Plasma concentrations were monitored by sampling at very short intervals for the first 8.5 h post-omeprazole administration and at 24 h post-administration, and intragastric pH was recorded on days 1 and 5. After a single dose, both the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) were higher in PMs than in EMs. Both the mean half-life (t½) and total clearance in PMs were significantly higher and lower than those in homEMs and EMs, respectively. Mean AUC and Cmax ratios in homEMs, hetEMs, and PMs were 1.0:1.1:1.4 and 1.0:1.0:1.1, respectively. Relative to the values determined after a single dose in EMs, after repeated doses, the intragastric pH, AUC, Cmax, and t½ had increased significantly, while the total clearance had decreased significantly. Mean AUC and Cmax ratios in homEMs, hetEMs, and PMs were 1.4:1.4:1.5 and 1.2:1.2:1.3, respectively, compared to those of a single dose. The mean intragastric pH was significantly higher in PMs than in EMs after the fifth dose. There is a relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of omeprazole, with the latter depending in part on the duration of administration as evidenced by a higher AUC or Cmax and intragastric pH resulting from repeated dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer flooding technology has become a common flooding technology in medium-high permeability reservoirs. With the gradual development of high salinity reservoirs, higher requirements for the salt resistance of polymers have been put forward. Herein, a novel binary copolymer amphiphilic polymer (PAMA) with salt thickening property was synthesized by free radical polymerization without soap. The synthetic parameters of polymer were optimized by using apparent viscosity as evaluation index which were as follows: the monomer molar ratio of AM:MALPS was 97:3, and the concentration of initiator and total monomer was 0.02% and 25% respectively, polymerization temperature of 45 °C, and the reaction time of 4.5 h. The PAMA was characterized by FT-IR and 1HNMR. Meanwhile, the salt thickening mechanism was analyzed combining with the apparent viscosity and microscopic structure. Finally, the injection performance of PAMA was explored with the core flooding experiment, and the feasibility of PAMA in high salinity reservoir was evaluated. The results showed that the increase of hydrodynamic radius and enhancement of hydrophobic association made PAMA had the property of salt thickening. The core flooding test also showed that PAMA had salt thickening behavior and anti-scouring capacity in porous medium in high salt reservoirs. The microscopic displacement experiments showed that PAMA could enhanced the oil recovery by displacing the "blind end" residual oil and the residual oil in pore intersection. [Display omitted] • A binary amphiphilic polymer (PAMA) with salt thickening property was synthesized. • The salt thickening mechanism of PAMA was proposed. • The salt thickening behavior of PAMA in porous medium was researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shear band formation has been known to be the dominant deformation mechanism at room temperature in bulk metallic glasses. However, many indentation studies have revealed only a few shear bands surrounding the indent on the top surface of the specimen. This small number of shear bands cannot account for the large plastic deformation beneath the indentations. Therefore, a bonded interface technique has been used to observe the slip-steps due to shear bands evolution. Vickers indentations were performed along the interface at increasing loads. At small indentation loads, the plastic deformation was primarily accommodated by semi-circular primary shear bands surrounding the indentation. At higher loads, secondary and tertiary shear bands were formed inside this plastic zone. A modified expanding cavity model was used to predict the plastic zone size characterized by the shear bands and to identify the stress components responsible for the evolution of various types of shear bands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene was conducted in emulsion by using Cu(II)/2,2′-bipydine or Cu(II)/phen complexes, AIBN or V50 as the initiator, Brij-98 or OP-10 as the surfactant. The results of GPC showed that both polymerization processes exhibit living characters when using AIBN as the initiator. However, when V50 was used, the monomer conversion was fairly low and the whole polymerization was not controlled well. The measurement of particle size and its distribution told us that the latex particles were mean and stable when using Brij-98 as the surfactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A series of thick-coated homopolymer and block polymer brushes on spherical silicon gel have been successfully studied by combining initiator and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The silicon gel initiator was prepared by self-assemble. The homopolymer brushes of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly (acrylamide) (PAAM) and their diblock copolymer (PMMA/PAAM) were prepared by ATRP on the surface of a modified spherical silicon gel. The structure of the polymer was characterized by Fourier-transformed infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that the first polymer layer of the surface was partly covered with the second polymer layer after block copolymerized with the second monomer. The surface morphology of the particles revealed that the particles were composed of an organic shell and an inorganic core. The organic content on the silicon gel was high. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel partly substituted dithiocarboxyl β-cyclodextrin and its metal complexes (Cu2+, Co2+ and Ni2+) were synthesized and characterized by means of IR, UV, 1H NMR, MS, electron spin resonance, cyclic voltammetry and transmission electron microscope. The results indicate that some hydroxyls of C2 of anhydroglucose unit have been modified by carbon disulphide and the functional β-cyclodextrin complexes show properties of both metal and cyclodextrin. The novel functional material made by the partly substituted β-cyclodextrin exhibits stable electrochemical activity and paramagnetism. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Experimental investigation of thermodynamic behavior and mechanical properties of bulk Zr/Hf-based amorphous alloys revealed that crystallization and glass transition temperatures, hardness and modulus increased with increasing Hf content. It is postulated that the observed strengthening might result from the microstructural changes with addition of Hf in place of Zr. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to investigate the wear failure changes of spindle hook teeth and the reasons for such failure during field work. Spindle samples were obtained from a fixed position of the spindle bar under different field picking area conditions and combined with the spatial distribution characteristics of cotton bolls in Xinjiang. After cutting a spindle sample, a scanning electron microscope and an energy spectrum analyzer were used to characterize the micromorphology and element composition of the hook tooth surface and cross section under different working area conditions. The wear parameters of the hook teeth were then extracted. The results showed that the thickness of the coating on the surface of the hook tooth used in this study was between 66.1 µm and 74.4 µm. The major chemical element was chromium, with a small amount of nickel. During the field picking process, failure of the coating on the surface of the hook teeth initially appeared on the tooth tip and tooth edge, and then spread to the entire hook tooth surface. The wear failure of the hook teeth resulted from abrasive wear, oxidative wear, and fatigue peeling. As the picking area increased, the wear area of the hook teeth increased exponentially, while the wear width increased linearly. When the field picking area reached 533.33 ha, the maximum change rate of the wear area was 2.33 × 103 µm2/ha, and the wear width was 1.84 µm/ha. During field work, the thickness of the coating decreased from the cutting surface to the tooth edge, and the wear rate gradually increased. The wear rate at Position 1 was the slowest, at 0.01 µm/ha, and the wear rate at Position 5 was the fastest, at 0.25 µm/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the deposition mechanism of the nickel-based coating prepared by jet electrodeposition, accurately control the thickness of the coating, and improve the coating performance, the deposition mechanism and process experiments of the nickel-based coating prepared by jet electrodeposition were carried out. Based on this deposition mechanism, a multi-physical field coupling model of the deposition process was established, and numerical solutions of the deposition processes at different scanning speeds were formulated. The numerical distribution of each physical field and the deposition thickness of nickel-based coating were obtained, a corresponding experiment for exploring preparation process was carried out, the cross-section thickness of the coating was measured, the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating were characterised and the coating thickness obtained using the experiment results and numerical solution was analysed. Results show that the coating thickness obtained after the process test and that obtained using the numerical solution increase first and then decrease. The average engineering error δ is 19.43%, which verifies the accuracy of the numerical solution model. When the scanning speed is 200–1000 mm/min, the grain size of the coating decreases with increasing scanning speed, whereas microhardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance increase first and then decrease. When the scanning speed is 600 mm/min, the nickel-based coating has good comprehensive properties, the maximum thickness is 26.65 ± 0.28 μm, the microhardness is 622.82 HV, the wear area is 2766.75 μm2, the self-corrosion potential is − 0.33 V, the self-corrosion current density is 5.16E-7 A cm2 and the equivalent impedance is 4660 Ω. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and versatile methodology is developed for the synthesis of diverse gold nanostructured arrays employing an oxide secondary template combined with sputtering deposition. A bowl‐shaped tin oxide‐built array, with fine structure on its bowl edges, is first designed and prepared by solution‐dipping of an organic colloidal monolayer, drying, and heating treatment. This array is then used as a secondary template for a gold nanostructured array by sputtering deposition on it. By controlling the solution's concentration and drying rate to adjust the fine structure of the secondary template, various new gold nanostructured arrays with hexagonal arrangement are fabricated, including “graphene‐structured” gold nanoarray, non‐contact nanoparticle's ring array, closely contacted nanoring array, and bowl/nanoparticle binary composite nanoarray, achieving the structural diversity and morphological tunability of nanoarrays. Additionally, these gold nanostructured arrays can transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties solely by adjusting their surface architecture. Importantly, the bowl‐shaped structural units within these gold nanoarrays demonstrate a marked capability for capturing target molecules that can only very weakly interact with plasmonic metals. This work offers an efficient route to achieve the structural diversity of nanoarrays, which is of significance in designing and fabricating foundational materials for the next generation of multifunctional nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating real‐time electrical gas sensing and highly identifiable surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) monitoring holds significant potential for safeguarding public health and safety. However, this technique remains in the proof‐of‐concept stage because the performance and reproducibility of devices fall short of meeting the practical application requirements. This work addresses this challenge by employing vortex engineering on a bifunctional dual‐layer array of Ni‐doped SnO2 (Ni‐SnO2) bowl‐coated on Ni‐SnO2/Au/SiO2 and developing highly reproducible device fabrication. In the dual‐layer array, vortices generated in upper Ni‐SnO2 bowls slow down the VOC flow and direct its delivery to gaps between lower Ni‐SnO2/Au/SiO2 units that are critical to SERS and electrical sensing. Experimental results show that the vortex effect in the array enables a low limit of detection of 10 ppb with a response and recovery in seconds. The excellent practicality of the array has been demonstrated through a ca. 100 hours of quantitative dual‐monitoring of styrene in a spacious environment (~60 m3) with a 5‐meter distance between the leakage source and the array. This work advances dual‐monitoring sensors for practical applications and offers insights for designing gas‐sensing materials and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent studies have revealed that several deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, but the roles of Otubain 2 (OTUB2) in HCC remain obscure. Methods: In this study, we investigated the expression of OTUB2 in HCC based on clinical samples and a public online database (ENCORI), and its roles and working mechanisms were further explored by in vitro experiments. Results: It was found that the expression of OTUB2 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues, and correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Functionally, the overexpression of OTUB2 could promote malignant proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells, while knockdown of OTUB2 exerted the opposite results. Using two bioinformatics tools, PJA1 was identified as a potential gene regulated by OTUB2. Mechanistically, it was found that OTUB2 promoted the stabilization of PJA1 by deubiquitylation, based on immunoprecipitation (IP) and cycloheximide (CHX) assays. Moreover, the suppressive effects of OTUB2 depletion on the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells could be reversed by overexpressing PJA1. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicated that OTUB2 could promote the malignant proliferation and migration of HCC cells by increasing the stability of PJA1 via deubiquitylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate identification of Hg2+ from solutions containing cationic or organic distractors is achieved by mercuration-based highly specific Hg2+ hunting, which induces multiple characteristic spectral changes including peak disappearance, emergence, and Raman shift. • Mercuric ion (Hg2+) is specifically detected through surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) manner. • Accurate identification of Hg2+ is realized in solutions containing cationic or organic distractors. • The nanoprobe shows strong environmental adaptability and can work properly in solutions even with low pH value and high temperature. • The SERS sensor can identify different chemical forms of mercury, including ionic and organic mercuries. Ultra sensitive detection of mercuric ion (Hg2+) with superior anti-interference capability from natural water is of great significance for food safety, environmental protection, and human health. We herein develop Au ordered nanorod arrays (Au NRAs) as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates to construct SERS-active and signal-reproducible sensing platforms modified with 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MBA) as multifunctional SERS reporters. The aqueous Hg2+ can be efficiently trapped by 4-MBA through electrophilic substitution reactions and precisely appraise its concentration based on the collective spectral changes of reporters including peak disappearance, emergence, and Raman shift. Based on this, the optical nanoprobe shows an ultrahigh detection sensitivity of 0.1 nM for Hg2+, which is two orders of magnitude lower than the U.S.A. environmental protection agency (EPA)-required maximum level of drinkable water. It also offers both an exceptional Hg2+ discrimination against other metal ions as well as organic ligands and perfect feasibilities of detecting solutions with ultra-wide pH ranges from 1.0–14.0 at varying temperatures. Moreover, the nanoprobe demonstrates an ability to identify different chemical forms of mercury and has a high repeatability, accuracy and reliability to meet the practical detection requirements in natural environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of high salinity reservoirs, amphiphilic polymers with salt thickening behavior have gained increasing attention. In this work, a betaine-type binary amphiphilic polymer PAMA-n with different hydrophobic group contents was synthesized and characterized. The influencing mechanism of different hydrophobic group contents on properties of PAMA was studied by means of viscometer, rheometer, surface tension meter, simultaneous thermal analyzer and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The experimental results showed that the betaine group and hydrophobic group were located in the same association monomer of the PAMA. PAMA was a betaine-type amphiphilic polymer with strong association, high solubility and certain surface activity. Higher hydrophobic group content could enhance the ability to reduce surface tension and the association function between hydrophobic groups of PAMA. The viscosity, thermal stability and viscoelasticity could be improved with the increase of hydrophobic group content. Meanwhile, the PAMA with higher hydrophobic group content showed a better salt thickening behavior. • A betaine-type binary amphiphilic polymer PAMA-n was synthesized. • Influence mechanism of hydrophobic group content on property of PAMA was studied. • PAMA in brine water showed a better salt thickening behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, with the further development of old oilfields, in order to further improve the oil recovery, they must be conformance controlled. Among various types of conformance control methods, polymer gels composed of polymers and crosslinkers have attracted widespread attention because of their efficiency and low costs. Among them, organic chromium gels with their good formation adaptability and high stability have been fully developed in recent decades. This review introduces the different types of polymers and crosslinkers used in the preparation of organic chromium gels, and the mechanisms of affecting their performance are analyzed. On this basis, the organic chromium gels for different formation conditions are introduced, including nanoparticle-reinforced and compound organic chromium gels. At the same time, evaluation methods of organic chromium gels are introduced, while the focus is on the in-situ measurement method (mirco-rheology) of gel formation time developed in recent decades. Based on the currently developed organic chromium gel and the analysis of the development status in oilfields, future directions like the use of supramolecular organic chromium gel and shear organic chromium gel are suggested. Unlabelled Image • Mechanisms, methods and influenced parameters for organic chromium based polymer gels are summarized • Organic chromium based polymer gels suitable for different reservoir types are introduced in detail. • Insightful next research direction of organic chromium based polymer gels for EOR process are proposed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]