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Evapotranspiration (ET) accounts for over half of the moisture source of Asian monsoon rainfall, which has been significantly altered by anthropogenic forcings. However, how individual anthropogenic forcing affects the ET over monsoonal Asia is still elusive. In this study, we found a significant decline in ET over the Asian monsoon region during the period of 1950–2014 in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. The attribution analysis suggests that anthropogenic aerosol forcing is the primary cause of the weakening in ET in the historical simulation, while it is only partially compensated by the strengthening effect from GHGs, although GHGs are the dominant forcings for surface temperature increase. The physical mechanisms responsible for ET changes are different between aerosol and GHG forcings. The increase in aerosol emissions enhances the reflection and scattering of the downward solar radiation, which decreases the net surface irradiance for ET. GHGs, on the one hand, increase the moisture capability of the atmosphere and, thus, the ensuing rainfall; on the other hand, they increase the ascending motion over the Indian subcontinent, leading to an increase in rainfall. Both processes are beneficial for an ET increase. The results from this study suggest that future changes in the land–water cycle may mainly rely on the aerosol emission policy rather than the carbon reduction policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bias flow of molten metal in slab mold caused by unstable flow from submerged entry nozzle can deteriorate the slab quality during continuous casting. In this study, a novel electromagnetic swirling flow in nozzle (EMSFN) technique, which utilizes electromagnetic force to stabilize the flow in the nozzle and subsequently control the flow in the mold, is proposed. The mechanism for controlling unstable flow through EMSFN is explored through numerical simulation and water model experiments. In the results, it is shown that the molten steel is rotated under the effect of magnetic field and flows into the mold along the upper edge of the nozzle outlet, which weakens the impact of molten steel on the bottom of nozzle and stabilizes the outflow from nozzle. The flow field is consistently symmetrical on both sides of the nozzle. The impact depth of molten steel flowing down along the narrow sides of the mold on both sides is greatly reduced. The surface velocity on both sides of the nozzle changes uniformly. The range of surface velocity variation with EMSFN is only 10% of that with a conventional nozzle. The EMSFN technique can help prevent slag entrapment and improve the flotation of inclusions and bubbles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data are sent by the nodes taking part in frequency hopping communications (FHC) utilising carrier frequencies and time slots that are pseudo-randomly assigned. Because of this, a high degree of protection against eavesdropping and anti-interference capabilities is provided. When using FHC in an environment, sharing time and frequency resources, avoiding collisions, and differentiating services are all made more complex as a result of this. A protocol for FHC that is based on dispersed wireless networks is presented by the authors of this research. It is a mechanism for multiple access control, which is prioritised and distributed. The ratio of empty channels metric can be found in the previous sentence. It is possible to provide priority in channel access by assigning different preset ratios of empty channel thresholds to the various traffic classes. Frames from frequency spread segments that have a partial collision are included as well. An analytical model is simulated for the analysis in terms of collision probability, transmission probability, and frame service time in order to carry out a theoretical examination of the performance of FHC. The objective of this inquiry is to determine how well FHC works. The analytical model has been proven correct by the exhaustive simulations as well as the theoretical findings. Cloud platforms are often used in the instruction of the most cutting-edge machine learning techniques of today, such as deep neural networks. This is done in order to take advantage of the cloud's capacity to scale elastically. In order to satisfy the criteria of these sorts of applications, federated learning, has been proposed as a distributed machine learning solution. This is done in order to fulfil the requirements of these kinds of applications. In federated learning (FL), even though everyone who uses the system works together to train a model, nobody ever shares their data with anybody else. Each user trains a local model with their own data, and then communicates the updated models with a FL server so that the data can be aggregated and a global model can be constructed. This process ensures that each user's model is unique. This process is repeated until a global model has been developed. This kind of training not only reduces the amount of network overhead that is necessary to transfer data to a centralised server, but it also safeguards the personal information of the users. Within the framework of this work, we looked at the feasibility of using the FL technique of learning on the many devices that are part of the dispersed network. On a centralised server, we conduct an analysis of the performance of the FL model by comparing its accuracy and the amount of time it takes to train using a range of various parameter value combinations. Additionally, the accuracy of these federated models may be made to reach a level that is comparable to that of the accuracy of central models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐entropy strategy is a design that uses multiple elements to increase configurational entropy. As an emerging research field, high‐entropy was originally applied to metals, but it has shown great potential in inorganic nonmetallic materials. Since the first discovery of colossal dielectric permittivity in high‐entropy ceramics, it indicates that the high‐entropy strategy is feasible in dielectric ceramics. The multi‐ion solid solution will bring a broader space for the material structure and property tailoring. With the research of domestic and foreign scholars in high‐entropy dielectrics, we believe that entropic engineering can effectively regulate dielectric properties. The review paper explores the potential of the high‐entropy strategy in dielectric ceramics. It provides a detailed overview of the structural properties and the potential benefits of utilizing high‐entropy materials in dielectric ceramics. The review also covers the current research advancements in the field and provides insights into future directions for further development of high‐performance dielectric ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data are sent by the nodes taking part in frequency hopping communications (FHC) utilising carrier frequencies and time slots that are pseudo-randomly assigned. Because of this, a high degree of protection against eavesdropping and anti-interference capabilities is provided. When using FHC in an environment, sharing time and frequency resources, avoiding collisions, and differentiating services are all made more complex as a result of this. A protocol for FHC that is based on dispersed wireless networks is presented by the authors of this research. It is a mechanism for multiple access control, which is prioritised and distributed. The ratio of empty channels metric can be found in the previous sentence. It is possible to provide priority in channel access by assigning different preset ratios of empty channel thresholds to the various traffic classes. Frames from frequency spread segments that have a partial collision are included as well. An analytical model is simulated for the analysis in terms of collision probability, transmission probability, and frame service time in order to carry out a theoretical examination of the performance of FHC. The objective of this inquiry is to determine how well FHC works. The analytical model has been proven correct by the exhaustive simulations as well as the theoretical findings. Cloud platforms are often used in the instruction of the most cutting-edge machine learning techniques of today, such as deep neural networks. This is done in order to take advantage of the cloud's capacity to scale elastically. In order to satisfy the criteria of these sorts of applications, federated learning, has been proposed as a distributed machine learning solution. This is done in order to fulfil the requirements of these kinds of applications. In federated learning (FL), even though everyone who uses the system works together to train a model, nobody ever shares their data with anybody else. Each user trains a local model with their own data, and then communicates the updated models with a FL server so that the data can be aggregated and a global model can be constructed. This process ensures that each user's model is unique. This process is repeated until a global model has been developed. This kind of training not only reduces the amount of network overhead that is necessary to transfer data to a centralised server, but it also safeguards the personal information of the users. Within the framework of this work, we looked at the feasibility of using the FL technique of learning on the many devices that are part of the dispersed network. On a centralised server, we conduct an analysis of the performance of the FL model by comparing its accuracy and the amount of time it takes to train using a range of various parameter value combinations. Additionally, the accuracy of these federated models may be made to reach a level that is comparable to that of the accuracy of central models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although purple cabbage becomes more and more popular in recent years, the genetic basis of purple head trait in cabbage has not been well studied. Here, we report the fine mapping and candidate screening of the gene underlying the purple head trait in a cabbage inbred line named G279. Genetic analysis indicated that a single dominant gene, BoPur, controlled the purple head trait. Through fine mapping, the BoPur gene was delimited to a 199.5‐kb region in chromosome 6 between InDel markers BoC06ID48 and BoC06ID53. The InDel marker BoC06ID22 co‐segregated with the purple head trait and can be used for marker‐assisted selection. Bol012528, which shows high homology to Arabidopsis MYB113, appeared to be the best candidate for the BoPur gene. Sequence analysis identified multiple variations in the coding and promoter regions of Bol012528 in G279. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis indicated that the up‐regulation of Bol012528 might enhance the expression of a series of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes. Taken together, these results contribute to a better understanding of the genetic basis underlying purple head trait in cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHV) is to replace normal heart valves and overcome the shortcomings of heart valve replacement commonly used in clinical practice. However, calcification of TEHV is the major bottleneck to break for both clinical workers and researchers. Endothelialization of TEHV plays a crucial role in delaying valve calcification by reducing platelet adhesion and covering the calcified spots. In the present study, we loaded RunX2-siRNA and VEGF into mesoporous silica nanoparticles and investigated the properties of anti-calcification and endothelialization in vitro. Then, the mesoporous silica nanoparticle was immobilized on the decellularized porcine aortic valve (DPAV) by layer self-assembly and investigated the anti-calcification and endothelialization. Our results demonstrated that the mesoporous silica nanoparticles delivery vehicle demonstrated good biocompatibility, and a stable release of RunX2-siRNA and VEGF. The hybrid decellularized valve exhibited a low hemolysis rate and promoted endothelial cell proliferation and adhesion while silencing RunX2 gene expression in valve interstitial cells, and the hybrid decellularized valve showed good mechanical properties. Finally, the in vivo experiment showed that the mesoporous silica nanoparticles delivery vehicle could enhance the endothelialization of the hybrid valve. In summary, we constructed a delivery system based on mesoporous silica to biofunctionalized TEHV scaffold for endothelialization and anti-calcification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in the treatment of various cancers, increasing the great risk of adverse cardiovascular events, while the clinical intervention effect is not ideal. Histamine has been documented to participate in pathophysiological processes of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation-associated carcinogenesis. However, the potential roles of histamine in antitumor-related cardiotoxicity have not been fully elucidated. In this study, cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs, HL-1 cells) and mice were treated with DOX to establish DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) models. Histidine decarboxylase knockout mice (HDC−/−) mice and histamine 1 receptor (H 1 R) antagonist were used to explore the effect of histamine/H 1 R signaling on DIC. Our results demonstrated that histamine deficiency or pharmaceutical inhibition of H 1 R accelerated myocardial ferroptosis, which is responsible for the aggravated DIC both in vivo and in vitro , while the supplementation of exogenous histamine reversed these changes. Our data revealed that the dysfunction of histamine/H 1 R signaling repressed the activation of transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), accompanying with decreased expression of solute carrier family7member11 (SLC7A11), a major modulator of ferroptosis. Conclusively, the disruption of histamine/H 1 R axis triggered ferroptosis and exacerbated DIC possibly by modulating STAT3-SLC7A11 pathway. Our findings point to a potential therapeutic target for DIC and provide more consideration on the usage of antihistamine drugs. [Display omitted] • Disruption of histamine/H 1 R signaling aggravated inflammation and Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). • Solute carrier family 7 member 11 mediated cardiac ferroptosis might be the underlying mechanisms of histamine/H1R signaling in regulating DIC. • Histamine/H1R pathway is a novel therapeutic target for DIC and sheds lights on the safety of antihistamine drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Enhancing throughput using channel access priorities in frequency hopping network using federated learning" has been retracted by the Editor-in-Chief and the publisher due to concerns regarding compromised editorial handling and peer review process, inappropriate references, and not being in scope of the journal or guest-edited issue. The investigation conducted by the publisher has led to a loss of confidence in the results and conclusions of the article. The authors have not responded to correspondence regarding this retraction. Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral in terms of jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

High entropy relaxor ferroelectrics, are a representative type of dielectric with exceptional properties and play an indispensable role in the next-generation pulsed power capacitor market. In this paper, a high-entropy relaxor ferroelectric ceramic (Li 0.2 Ca 0.2 Sr 0.2 Ba 0.2 La 0.2)TiO 3 successfully designed and synthesized using the traditional solid-state reaction method. The microstructure, dielectric properties, and energy storage characteristics of the ceramics were systematically investigated. The ceramic exhibited a dense microstructure with a single-phase perovskite structure and small grain size. The unique microstructure and high insulation not only wides the band gap, but also minimizes residual polarization and resulting in higher energy density (E b) 1.51 J/cm3 and efficiency (η) of 89.6% at a low field strength of 260 kV/cm. Furthermore, the observed anomalous behavior in dielectric relaxation was explained within the context of high entropy ceramics. The material also exhibited excellent temperature/frequency stability and fast charging-discharging speed (∼35 ns). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of high entropy strategy to develop high-performance energy storage capacitors. • High entropy strategy effectively contributes to developing high-performance energy storage capacitors. • Fine grains, wide band gap and high insulation to improve the breakdown field strength. • Combined energy storage performance was achieved under low electric field (∼ 260 kV/cm). • Excellent temperature/frequency stability and fast charging-discharging speed (∼35 ns). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid growth of social network users, the social network has accumulated massive social network topics. However, due to the randomness of content, it becomes sparse and noisy, accompanied by many daily chats and meaningless topics, which brings challenges to bursty topics discovery. To deal with these problems, this paper proposes the spatial-temporal topic model with sparse prior and recurrent neural networks (RNN) prior for bursty topic discovering (ST-SRTM). The semantic relationship of words is learned through RNN to alleviate the sparsity. The spatial-temporal areas information is introduced to focus on bursty topics for further weakening the semantic sparsity of social network context. Besides, we introduced the "Spike and Slab" prior to decouple the sparseness and smoothness. Simultaneously, we realized the automatic discovery of social network bursts by introducing the burstiness of words as the prior and binary switching variables. We constructed multiple sets of comparative experiments to verify the performance of ST-SRTM by leveraging different evaluation indicators on real Sina Weibo data sets. The experimental results confirm the superiority of our ST-SRTM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head splitting is a major physiological disease in cabbage. The most effective approach for controlling head splitting is to deploy genetic resistance by breeding cabbage cultivars with stable resistance. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating head-splitting resistance in cabbage remain largely unknown. Here, we employed the whole-genome resequencing-based approach (QTL-seq) to discover genomic regions, candidate genes, and diagnostic markers for head-splitting resistance in an F2 segregation population derived from a cross between two inbred lines G274 (head-splitting susceptible) and G279 (head-splitting resistant). Single nucleotide polymorphism index (SNP-index) analysis indicated that one candidate genomic region spanning 5.6 Mb on chromosome 3 was responsible for head-splitting resistance. A candidate gene, Bol016058, was identified in this region, which is a homologue of proline-rich protein 4 (PRP4) and encodes a structural cell wall protein in Arabidopsis. This target gene was highly expressed in leaves, with four SNPs and one insertion-deletion (InDel) between G274 and G279. Moreover, a diagnostic InDel marker was successfully developed from this gene and validated on a set of breeding materials and could accelerate the selection of head-splitting resistant cabbage cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the synchronous removal of Cr(VI) and bisphenol A (BPA) in a heterogeneous Fenton process with sulfidated nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-nZVI) as the reductant and catalyst was systematically evaluated. Compared to other systems including S-nZVI or H2O2 alone, a simultaneous BPA degradation and Cr(VI) removal could be achieved in the S-nZVI/H2O2 system at an optimum pH of 3. It was, interestingly, found that 7.8% of BPA and 98.2% of Cr(VI) were removed within 60 min in presence of S-nZVI alone, whereas, correspondingly, 98.2% of BPA and 96.9% of Cr(VI) were eliminated in the S-nZVI/H2O2 system. Specifically, humic acid (HA) and H2PO4− inhibited the deterioration of BPA but posed no significant effect on Cr(VI) removal. NO3− had a slight lifting effect on the removal of BPA and Cr(VI), while HCO3− showed a relatively weak prohibition. Experiments with EPR and radical probe tests also provide direct evidence that hydroxyl radicals was monitored in the S-nZVI/H2O2 system, which not only degraded BPA but also inhibited the reduction of Cr(VI). It could not be ignored that FeS accelerated Fe0 corrosion to release Fe2+. In, addition, Fe0, Fe2+ and S2+ could react with Cr(VI) while the most of produced Cr(III) was co-precipitated in the form of CrxFe1−xOOH film. The study confirmed that it was feasible for S-nZVI/H2O2 system to remove synchronously organic pollutants and heavy metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the effect of customized progressive addition lenses (CPALs) versus single vision lenses (SVLs) on the progression of juvenile-onset myopia in children with near esophoria. Methods. Ninety-three Chinese children, aged 7–14 years with spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ranging from −0.50 to −4.00 D and near esophoria ≥2Δ, were randomly assigned into a CPALs (n = 46) and an SVLs group (n = 47) for a 2-year, double-masked, randomized trial. The primary outcome measure was the progression of myopia, as determined by cycloplegic autorefraction. A customized near addition, calculated by a regression equation, was prescribed to establish a fixed heterophoria status for each child, which was −3Δ exophoria. Results. Eighty-four (90.3%) of the 93 children completed the 2-year follow-up. The mean initial near addition lenses were 1.65 ± 0.07 D (mean ± SE). The adjusted 2-year myopia progression was 0.23 ± 0.08 D slower in the CPALs group than in the SVLs group (p = 0.046). Post hoc analysis found significantly larger treatment effects for CPALs in children without myopic parents (0.47 ± 0.15 D; 95% CI: 0.18–0.76), with lower baseline myopia (0.33 ± 0.09 D; 95% CI: 0.14–0.52; p < 0.05), with higher baseline accommodative lag (0.36 ± 0.11 D; 95% CI: 0.12–0.60; p < 0.05), and with higher baseline near esophoria (0.30 ± 0.10 D; 95% CI: 0.12–0.48; p < 0.05). Conclusion. CPALs exerted a significant but minimal protective effect against myopia progression in Chinese children with esophoric myopia, as compared with SVLs. Regulating near heterophoria and accommodative lag by near addition lenses may not be an appropriate way to prevent myopia progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Clinical studies have found that increasing levels of plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) might inhibit choroidal blood flow (BF) and promote choroidal vasoconstriction. This study was designed to investigate ET-1 levels and its effect on choroidal microvascular morphology in a retinitis pigmentosa (RP) animal model. Methods. Mice with retinal degeneration (rd10) were intragastrically administered bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist. We detected plasma ET-1 levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit at P14, P21, and P28 and evaluated ET-1 expression in RPE/choroid/sclera complexes using western blot and whole mount immunofluorescence staining at P28. Retinal thickness was measured using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining at P28. At the same time, we also estimated choroidal microvascular densities using vascular luminal casting with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results. Plasma ET-1 levels were increased significantly in rd10 mice at P21 (65.48 ± 24.83 pg/ml) and P28 (85.89 ± 20.23 pg/ml) compared with C57BL/6J mice at P21 (33.52 ± 16.33 pg/ml) and P28 (42.38 ± 17.53 pg/ml); the expression of ET-1 was also upregulated in RPE/choroid/sclera complexes at P28. Bosentan inhibited ET-1 expression in plasma (P < 0.05) and RPE/choroid/sclera complexes at P28 in rd10 mice. Choroidal microvascular densities were decreased in rd10 mice, and bosentan could weaken these changes. Conclusion. Plasma and local ET-1 was elevated in an animal model of RP, suggesting that it likely participates in the pathological progression of retinal degeneration and may thus provide a new intervention target. ET-1 blockade might exert its protective effect by elevating choroidal microvascular density via inhibition of ET-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminar MXene membranes hold great promise for aqueous separation applications. However, their susceptibility to oxidation in water cause chemical degradation and functional loss, impeding their separation efficiency and durability. In this study, an enhanced MXene nanofiltration membrane was fabricated by simply incorporating pyrrole with Ti 3 C 2 T x , resulting in significantly improved oxidation resistance and permeability. Compared with pure MXene membrane, the pyrrole/MXene membrane exhibited a 3.52-fold increase in water permeance (465.9 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) and achieved excellent rejection performance for various dye molecules. The molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the pyrrole/MXene system presented a higher diffusion coefficient due to the weaker interaction energy at the interface between water molecule and pyrrole/MXene membrane. Normally, a larger transmembrane energy barrier meant a higher transport resistance that prevented the molecule from passing through the membrane. In this way, the determination of activation energy showed that the introduction of pyrrole facilitated a reduction in the requisite activation energy of water transfer from 9.37 to 4.86 kJ mol−1. More importantly, we explored the fact that the stabilization of MXene membranes had a significant impact on their separation performance during a long-term operation. Compared with pristine MXene membrane, the pyrrole/MXene membrane maintained initial two-dimensional structure and stable nanofiltration performance after prolonged operation. The radial distribution function calculations demonstrated that the chemical interactions between Ti 3 C 2 T x and pyrrole were strong and involved the formation of Ti–C bonding and intermolecular interaction. This research provides a facile and effective method to prepare a high-performance and stable MXene nanofiltration membrane. [Display omitted] • A highly antioxidant MXene membrane was fabricated by incorporating pyrrole with Ti 3 C 2 T x. • The Ti–C bonding and intermolecular interaction between pyrrole and MXene impeded the degradation starting from MXene edges. • The water permeance of pyrrole/MXene membrane was ∼3.52 times higher than the pure MXene membrane. • The pyrrole/MXene membrane exhibited excellent separation performance for various dye molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies, e.g., Wangsawijaya et al. (2020) have revealed the prevalence of streak meandering in turbulent flow over spanwise heterogeneous roughness. Here we exploit the scale decomposition inherent in the Restricted Nonlinear (RNL) modeling approach to further investigate this behavior. The RNL decomposition comprises a large-scale streamwise averaged mean with small-scale fluctuations about that mean defined through a dynamical restriction that leads to computational tractability. The simplified setting facilitates the study of secondary flow interacting with the large-scale streak via one-way coupling, thus enabling additional insight into relevant interaction mechanisms. In agreement with the experimental work, our results indicate that the energy of the large-scales is amplified over the low roughness region due to the secondary flow. The small-scales are shown to play a dominant role in the Reynolds stresses responsible for generation of the secondary flow. Conditional averaging of the RNL mean field reveals stronger momentum pathways and diminished energy over low roughness regions experiencing downwash in instances that differ from the time-averaged trends. Further analysis, via time-filtering, shows long time-scales pertinent to streak meandering are anti-correlated with instantaneous upwash/downwash motions that are the dominant contribution to the increased shear Reynolds stress observed over the low roughness strips. • Exploited RNL scale separation to probe interactions between large-scale motions and secondary flow over spanwise heterogeneous roughness. • RNL simulations support studies that show large-scale mixing is due to secondary flow. • Streaks and long-lasting upwash/downwash are anti-correlated and contribute to shear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the core/shell/shell-structured SiO2/YPO4:Nd/SiO2 composite microspheres with near-infrared luminescence property were prepared by sol-gel method. The morphology and structure of the as-prepared microspheres were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). These tests show that the composite microspheres have a sandwich structure. The diameter of the core SiO2 microspheres is ~ 220 nm, the intermediate layer thickness of rare-earth phosphate is ~ 5 nm, and the outer SiO2 layer is ~ 20 nm thick. The core/shell/shell microspheres are emitted at 1063 nm in the near-infrared region, which attributes to optical transparent windows of biological tissues. Meanwhile, the interaction between the composite microspheres and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated. The results showed that the composite microspheres could quench the emission intensity of BSA by binding the tryptophan residues in BSA. The synthesized core/shell/shell composite microspheres may be used as near-infrared luminescence probes in the field of biological tissue imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated the effect of processing parameters and composite regulation on the structure and property relationship of lightweight low‐permittivity Li2O–Al2O3–B2O3 dielectric system. Li2BAlO4 ceramic and (1 − x)Li2BAlO4–xSrTiO3 ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Thermodynamic analysis, sintering temperature, phase formation, crystal structure, and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. Thermal analysis revealed a melting temperature of 847°C, suggesting a comparatively low temperature for the sintering of Li2BAlO4 ceramics. Li2BAlO4 crystalized into a monoclinic structure with P21/c space group, with [Al2B2O8] rings connected by [BO3] triangles and [AlO4] tetrahedra through Al–O–Al bridges. Dense Li2BAlO4 ceramics with a relative density of ∼97.7% were sintered at 750°C and had optimal microwave dielectric properties with relative permittivity (εr) of 5.13, quality factor (Q × f) of 22 610 GHz, and the temperature coefficient of resonance frequency (τf) of −112.5 ppm/°C. The 0.88Li2BAlO4–0.12SrTiO3 composite ceramic has excellent microwave dielectric properties with εr = 8.83, Q × f = 14 000 GHz, τf = 4.6 ppm/°C. The ceramics also demonstrated an inert behavior with silver electrodes proving its application in low‐temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The efficiency and quality of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are crucial for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug screening, and the study of the development events during cardiac specification. However, their applications have been hampered by the differentiation efficiency, poor maturation, and high interline variability. Recent studies have reported that histamine plays important roles in hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and neutrophil maturation. However, its roles in cardiovascular tissue regeneration have not been thoroughly investigated. In the current study, we identified a novel physiological function of the histamine/histamine 1 receptor (H1R) signal in regulating the differentiation of hiPSC-CMs and heart development. Methods: Transgenic zebrafish model (cmlc2: mCherry) was treated with histamine and histamine receptor (HR) antagonists. Histological morphology and ultrastructure of zebrafish heart were measured. Histamine-deficient pregnant mice (HDC−/−) were treated with H1R antagonist (pyrilamine) by intragastric administration from E8.5 to E18.5. Cardiac histological morphology and ultrastructure were analyzed in neonatal mice, and cardiac function in adult mice was measured. In vitro, histamine and HR antagonists were administrated in the culture medium during hiPSC-CM differentiation at different stages. The efficiency and maturation of cardiac differentiation were evaluated. Finally, histamine-treated hiPSC-CMs were transplanted into ischemic myocardium to detect the possible therapeutic effect. Results: Administration of H1R antagonist during heart development induced cardiac dysplasia in zebrafish. Furthermore, using histidine decarboxylase (HDC) knockout mice, we examined abnormal swelling of myocardial mitochondria and autophagy formation under the condition of endogenous histamine deficiency. Histamine significantly promoted myocardial differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with better structure and function via a H1R-dependent signal. The activation of histamine/H1R signaling pathway augmented hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) differentiation through the ERK1/2-STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, histamine-pre-treated hiPSC-CMs were transplanted into the ischemic hearts of myocardial injured mice and exhibited better survival and myocardial protection. Conclusions: Thus, these findings indicated that histamine/H1R and its downstream signals were not only involved in cardiac differentiation but also provided a better survival environment for stem cell transplanted into ischemic myocardium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of past variations in water column denitrification (WCD) in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) on the western tropical Pacific (WTP) remains ambiguous, due to the deficiency of enough down-core records of nitrogen isotope (δ15N) in the WTP. In this study, sedimentary δ15N record down a core from the northern WTP is investigated to revisit this issue. After elucidating the potential presence of multiple forms of N by analyzing bulk parameters and the potential occurrence of alteration by examining amino acids, the bulk sedimentary δ15N can be accepted as an available indicator of nitrate δ15N. Further, a comprehensive comparison of δ15N records in the North Pacific reveals largely similar variations from the last glacial maximum to early Holocene, suggesting a common feature of WCD signals associated with basin-scale processes, likely as a consequence of basin-wide ocean circulations. Our result suggests that the signals of local N2 fixation in the western Pacific marginal seas would have been constrained by a synchronous glacial-interglacial change of the source WCD signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pressure-gradient driven flow in a three-dimensional cross-corrugated channel is investigated based on large eddy simulations. The channel geometry is highly tortuous so that the flow unsteadiness can be triggered at a moderate Reynolds number. The objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the laminar-to-chaotic transition in this type of channel. The transition from steady to chaos is found to occur at a low Reynolds number range between 77.4 and 113.1. The nonlinear dynamics is analyzed based on the power spectra of the velocity and reconstructed phase space. The route to chaos is identified, which favors the Ruelle-Takens-Newhouse scenario. Moreover, the transition from quasiperiodic mode to chaotic mode is accompanied with temporal intermittencies. The fluid dynamics is analyzed. It is found that the cross-corrugated geometry prompts a recirculating-and-rotating wake behind each contact corner. Each wake is enfolded by a pair of curved free shear layers. They are destabilized by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, leading to the periodic flow oscillation. Subsequently, the centrifugal instability sets in and promotes a type of primary vortex structures, forming streamwise "zig-zag" vortex streets. The competition between the adjacent vortex streets leads to a quasiperiodic flow. Temporal intermittencies emerge as the Reynolds number is increased. Finally, the periodicities in both the streamwise and spanwise directions are broken, and the flow becomes chaotic. When further increasing the Reynolds number to 343.1, Taylor-Görtler-like vortexes and necklace-like vortexes are formed in the channel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer rebates provided by third-party rebate platforms (3RPs) are prevalent in retailing. In this study, we consider the retailer's decision to introduce a 3RP and whether to share information with the manufacturer by considering the consumers' sensitivity to rebates, the cost of redeeming rebates, and the proportion of redeeming rebates. We developed a game-theoretic model consisting of a manufacturer, a retailer, and a 3RP. Our main results are summarized as follows: (1) The 3RP should generate reasonable unit sale commission and rebates that can stimulate the retailer to introduce the 3RP and thus maintain the 3RP's profitability, (2) The entry of the 3RP decreases the wholesale price and retail price but increases the consumers' demand, (3) The 3RP causes a "win-lose" situation for the retailer and the manufacturer in the non-information sharing case. However, in the information sharing case, the 3RP benefits the manufacturer but harms the retailer, (4) The information sharing benefits the manufacturer but harms the retailer in the supply chain with and without the 3RP. Moreover, information sharing benefits the 3RP. Our analysis provides insights for firms on whether to introduce the 3RP and conditions when the retailer and the 3RP are willing to share information with the manufacturer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to verify the association between osteoprotegerin gene (OPG) and its variants with osteoporosis (OP) by performing integrative analysis. We used the KGG software to perform gene-based association analysis, which integrated all publicly available single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based P values and obtained an overall P value for the OPG. The significant SNPs were screened for expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Meta-analysis was used to combine the associations between the variants of OPG and bone mineral density (BMD) reported in the literatures. Then we performed dual-luciferase reporter gene systems for the functional verification of the variants of OPG in vitro. In the gene-based association analysis, the over all P value of OPG was 6.24×10-13 for BMD at femoral neck (FN) and 7.37×10-17 for BMD at lumbar spine (LS), indicating the importance of OPG for OP. The publicly available eQTL database identified 5 eQTLs which exert cis-regulation effects on OPG at FN and LS. Literature searching found that rs2073617 (known as T950C) was the hot spot SNP. There were 13 relevant studies on rs2073617 besides the GEFOS-2 study identified from the PubMed. Significant differences among TT, TC and CC genotypes at FN (P = 0.047) and LS (P = 0.025) were shown by meta-analysis, demonstrating the associations between T950C polymorphism and BMD. Luciferase gene expression was significantly higher at the presence of allele C than allele T in the 293T cells (t =-9.47, P <0.01). The integrative analysis further confirmed the importance of OPG in OP and the correlation of T950C polymorphism with BMD of OP. The strategy can be used as a reference for functional interpretation of other disease-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long chain alkyl diols (LCDs) were studied to probe the ability of long chain diol index (LDI) as a sea surface temperature (SST) or temperature record at depth in the open northern South China Sea (SCS). The results showed that riverine LCDs, which may affect LDI-derived SSTs, was less significant due to the substantially low fractional abundance (generally < 20% and averaged 10%) of 1,15-C 32 diol in core sediments. The LDI-derived SSTs demonstrated a generally similar trend as SST records calculated from other proxies in nearby cores, suggesting that the LDI proxy can be a potential index to estimate ancient annual mean SST in the open northern SCS. The integration of novel data from the open sea with already published data in the coastal area would provide comprehensive information on the paleo-temperature evolution of the northern SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Develop a wet steam model for steam ejectors with condensing flows. • Dry gas approach overestimates 11.71% higher entrainment ratio than wet steam model. • Wet steam model corrects wrong static temperatures predicted by the dry gas assumption. • Dry gas assumption overpredicts 21.95% higher Mach number of under-expansion level. Supersonic ejectors are of great interest for various industries as they can improve the quality of the low-grade heat source in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. However, the impact of steam condensation on the supersonic ejector performances is not fully understood and is usually neglected by using the dry gas assumption. The non-equilibrium condensation occurs during the expansion and mixing process and is tightly coupled with the high turbulence, oblique and expansion waves in supersonic flows. In this paper, we develop a wet steam model based on the computational fluid dynamics to understand the intricate feature of the steam condensation in the supersonic ejector. The numerical results show that the dry gas model exaggerates the expansion characteristics of the primary nozzle by 21.95%, which predicts a Mach number of 2.00 at the nozzle exit compared to 1.64 for the wet steam model. The dry gas model computes the static temperature lower to 196 K, whereas the wet steam model predicts the static temperature above the triple point due to the phase change process. The liquid fraction can reach 7.2% of the total mass based on the prediction of the wet steam model. The performance analysis indicates that the dry gas model over-estimates a higher entrainment ratio by 11.71% than the wet steam model for the steam ejector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plate heat exchangers have been widely applied in numerous industrial applications since their first commercial exploitation in the 1920s. Enhancing the thermal-hydraulic performance of plate heat exchangers is of crucial importance for the energy conversion as well as for the improvement of the system economy, through savings in the capital investment. The efficiency of a plate heat exchanger can be improved either by optimizing its geometry or using heat transfer enhancement techniques. This paper provides a comprehensive review of previous works regarding the effects of chevron corrugation geometrical parameters on the performance of plate heat exchangers, and the application of heat transfer enhancement techniques in plate heat exchangers, focusing on passive surface techniques and the use of nanofluids. The objective of the paper is not only to describe relevant studies, but also to provide an understanding of the heat transfer mechanisms governing the results, and to evaluate and compare the different heat transfer enhancement techniques. In addition, prospective directions for future research are provided. The review indicates that for the chevron-type plate heat exchanger, the chevron angle is the most influential geometrical parameter by changing the flow structures in the single-phase heat transfer; meanwhile the chevron angle has a significant influence on the heat transfer regions characterized by convection in the two-phase heat transfer. An analysis based on the performance evaluation criteria suggests that the thermal-hydraulic performances of the studies with different geometrical parameters and enhancement techniques are generally higher at low Reynold numbers. Furthermore, the review and analysis indicate that the capsule-type embossing surface and the microstructured surface with a nano- and microporous layer are the enhancement techniques that present the highest performance in single-phase and two-phase heat transfer, respectively. Highlights • Analysis of the effects of geometrical parameters on the performance. • Analysis of the use of diverse heat transfer enhancement techniques. • Use of passive surface techniques and nanofluids are most commonly investigated. • Performance evaluation criteria are calculated based on the available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two Co(II)-containing complexes, [Co 6 (SO 4) 2 (BTEC)(OH) 4 ·3H 2 O] n (1) and [Co 2 (BTEC)(4-bpdb)(H 2 O) 2 ·4H 2 O] n (2) (H 4 BTEC = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid; 4-bpdb = 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) have been successfully synthesized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 exhibits a 3D intricate framework, whereas 2 features a pillared-layer with (4,5)-connected net topology. Magnetic studies demonstrate that antiferromagnet and weak ferromagnetism behaviour are observed in 1 and 2 , respectively. Graphical abstract Two Co(II) complexes were synthesized from metal salts, H 4 BTEC and pyridine-based linear ligands. The length of linear ligands and the spatial steric hindrance of the polycarboxylate are two main influencing factors for the construction of two complexes. Their structures and magnetic properties have been studied in detail. Unlabelled Image Highlights • Two Co(II)-containing complexes have been successfully synthesized. • The structure of the complexes is determined by X-ray study. • Complex 1 exhibits a 3D intricate framework, whereas 2 features a pillared-layer with (4,5)-connected net topology. • Magnetic properties of the two complexes are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband millimeter-wave (mmW) tapered slot antenna (TSA) array operating in the Q-band is reported, aiming at the upcoming fifth-generation wireless communications. The antenna element is comprised by a TSA with two arrays of comb-shaped slits symmetrically cut on the edges of the two fins, respectively, which enables a degree of miniaturization for the radiator. Importantly, the geometrical structures of adjacent elements are flipped such that the fins of two neighboring TSAs are electrically connected. A miniaturized T-shaped eight-way power divider based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology is used to feed the linear array, where adjacent output channels are out-of-phase. In order to compensate the phase errors caused by the conventional compact T-shaped eight-way power divider, a well-tuned matching circuit composed of two consecutive inductive windows embedded inside the SIW is employed behind each TSA element, resulting in an enhanced gain and a low sidelobe level over a wide bandwidth. A prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated using standard printed circuit board process and characterized, showing a good agreement between measured results and simulation predictions. The fabricated antenna experimentally achieves an $S_{11} < -10$ dB bandwidth of 13.0% (38.97–44.45 GHz), within which the gain is higher than 13.4 dBi and the sidelobe level is below −14.6 dB. Its directive endfire radiation patterns and wideband operation make it a suitable candidate for various mmW wireless communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide additive manufacturing-based solutions for preparation of elastomeric foam with broaden compressive stress plateau.Design/methodology/approach Mechanic models are developed for obtaining designs of foam cell units with enhanced elastic buckling. An experimental approach is taken to fabricate the foams based on direct ink writing technique. Experimental and simulation data are collected to assist understanding of our proposals and solutions.Findings A simple tetragonal structured elastomeric foam is proposed and fabricated by direct ink writing, in which its cell unit is theoretically designed by repeating every four filament layers. The foam exhibits a broader stress plateau, because of the pronounced elastic buckling under compressive loading as predicted by the authors’ mechanic modeling. A two-stage stress plateaus as observed in the foam, being attributed to the dual elastic buckling of the cell units along two lateral directions of the XY plane during compression.Research limitations/implications Future work should incorporate more microscopic parameters to tune the elastomeric foam for mechanic performance testing on linear elastic deformation and densification of polymer matrix.Practical implications Additive manufacturing offers an alternative to fabricate elastomeric foam with controlled cell unit design and therefore mechanics. Our results comment on its broad space for development such superior cushioning or damping material in the fields of vibration and energy absorption.Originality/value This work has contributed to new knowledge on preparation of high performance elastomeric foam by providing a better understanding on its cell structure, being printed using direct ink writing machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Sedimentary hydrocarbons were measured to trace the OM origin down core Site 4B. • Hydrocarbon distribution indicates a terrestrial higher plant source in most of sediment intervals. • Hydrocarbon seepage is likely responsible for the occurrence of mature OM at some intervals. Abstract The hydrocarbons in sedimentary organic matter (OM) at Site 4B in the Pearl River Mouth Basin (PRMB), northern South China Sea (SCS) were analyzed. The odd/even predominance (OEP) of long chain n -alkanes (> n -C 24) with CPI (carbon preference index) values from 1.62 to 3.80 and n -C 29 / n -C 31 being the two most abundant in most of the samples are strongly indicative of a terrestrial higher plant source, and the even/odd predominance (EOP) distribution of mid-chain n -alkanes (n -C 16–22) suggests a marine bacterial input, probably chemical autotrophic bacteria. However, the biomarker distributions at the 65–70 cm, 80–85 cm and 85–90 cm intervals show a similar to those of crude oils, which were characterized by a dominance of an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) in the n -C 20+ region, low CPI values (<1.5) of long chain n -alkanes, low values of ββ/(αβ + ββ + βα)-C 30 hopane (<0.15), and high values (>9) of total tricyclic terpanes/αβ-C 30 hopane. These features are typical characteristics of mature OM that has experienced catagenesis and metagenesis, suggesting that outside hydrocarbons migrated into these three intervals. In terms of petroleum systems developed in the PRMB, hydrocarbon seepage from deep source rocks via a diaper structure and fault system is proposed to be responsible for the occurrence of this mature OM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a prognostic roughness model for unresolved generations of turbulent flows in urban environments, taking into consideration an iterated function system, large-eddy simulation, the topography fractal dimension, and immersed-boundary methods.

Millimeter-wave synthesis aperture imaging radiometer (SAIR) can realize high-resolution observations without requiring the real large aperture antenna. Among the SAIRs, the Rotating Scanning SAIR (RS-SAIR) with linear sparse array is a popular system with low redundancy and high reliability. However, due to the lack of matched imaging methods, its imaging precision is usually low. For improving its imaging precision, a novel Cosine Matching Imaging (CMI) method is proposed in this paper. In CMI method, according to the characteristic of rotating projection imaging, the angle-orientation image is constituted by the 1D projection images measured by RS-SAIR in a series of angles firstly. Then, according to the trajectory of the target in angle-orientation image, the pixel values of the brightness temperature image are extracted by cosine matching method from the angle-orientation image one by one. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CMI imaging method has higher reconstruction accuracy for the RS-SAIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Herein, we design a composite MXene membrane with high permeability and stability by introducing highly porous two-dimensional ZIF (zeolitic imidazolate framework)-L sheets. On the one hand, the ZIF-L sheets provide additional nanochannels in the vertical direction, which shorten and enrich the mass transport pathways of the MXene membrane. On the other hand, a moderate increase in interlayer spacing of Ti 3 C 2 T X nanosheets is detected after introducing ZIF-L. Additionally, the Ti-O-Zn/Ti-F-Zn chemical bonds between Ti 3 C 2 Tx and ZIF-L nanosheets provide structural stability to the composite membrane. When applied in nanofiltration, the optimal co-stacking membrane with a ZIF-L mass fraction of 9.10 % exhibits an ultrahigh pure water flux of 287.29 L m-2h−1 bar−1, which is ∼ 2.41 times higher than the pristine MXene membrane (124.98 L m-2h−1 bar−1). Meanwhile, the composite MXene/ZIF-L membrane shows an excellent dye/salt separation efficiency, as indicated by the high Congo Red rejection (99.2 %) and the low MgCl 2 rejection (1.58 %) in a mixing dye/salt system. This work provides a promising strategy for constructing a two-dimensional membrane with high permeation for dye/salt separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long chain alkyl diols in sediment cores were studied in the Yuedong Upwelling (YDU) area in the coastal northern South China Sea to investigate whether sea surface temperature (SST) and upwelling intensity over the last few decades can be traced by the diol-derived indices, i.e., the LDI (long chain diol index) as a proxy for SST and the DI-1 and DI-2 (diol index 1 and 2) as proxies for upwelling intensity. The influence of riverine long chain alkyl diols (e.g., 1,13- and 1,15-diols), which may affect LDI-reconstructed SSTs, was largely ruled out based on the comparison between diol distributions in suspended particulate materials in the Pearl River estuary and the core sediments. LDI-derived SSTs in downcore sediments matched well with local annual mean SSTs. The records of DI-2 changed in parallel with the local wind stress and inversely with SST at times of upwelling, suggesting that DI-2 is an effective proxy for upwelling intensity of YDU. The DI-1 showed a generally inverse variation pattern with DI-2, implying a major influence by SST, and it is thus not an applicable upwelling indicator for YDU. A negative relationship of DI-1 and a positive relationship of DI-2 with LDI-derived SST were observed. This occurrence might be attributed to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), because the SST and upwelling intensity were largely modulated by ENSO, showing a warm annual mean SST during the years of enhanced El Niño and intensified summer upwelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a swirl flow generator, namely wavy-tape insert, is tailored for the parabolic trough receiver (PTR) to improve its performances by mean of enhancing the heat transfer inside the absorber tube. A comprehensive computational fluid dynamics model is established to study the flow and heat transfer inside the full-size PTR equipped with wavy-tape insert. It is found that wavy-tape provokes highly-localized heat transfer enhancement effects, which exactly aim at the highly-concentrated solar heat load. Consequently, both the tube temperature and the heat loss are reduced effectively. A static mechanical analysis is performed to evaluate the thermal stress and deformation of absorber tube, both of which decrease in the presence of wavy-tape. However, the wavy-tape improves the PTR thermal-mechanical performances at the expense of increased pressure loss penalty. The overall effects of wavy-tape insert on PTR are evaluated based on different criterions. For a same flow rate, the total entropy generation rate can be reduced significantly by using wavy-tape insert. For an identical pumping power consumption, the insert not only reduces the thermal stress and the heat loss, but also gives raises to the specific enthalpy gain of the working fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outsourcing has been praised as a cost effective solution for many companies. One of the major potential issues of outsourcing is the poor quality of outsourcing work. In this research, Stackelberg game is used to design an outsourcing contract for a supplier and a buyer to decide the optimal outsourcing price, retail price, and outsourcing quality with demand uncertainty. The supplier and buyer's demand forecasting are private information to each part and cause asymmetric information in the outsourcing contract design. Three different forecast scenarios are studied, including Non-Information Sharing, Information Sharing, and Buyer Forecasting case. Optimal values of outsourcing price, retail price, and outsourcing quality level are derived. We then compare the optimal policies of three cases and derive several managerial insights. Results of extensive numerical experimentation are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensifying oil slicks exert deleterious effects on coral reefs, hence attracting many investigations on coral's tolerance and resilience to anthropogenic oil pollution. We hypothesize that intense seafloor hydrocarbon seepages in the past could also produce oil slicks and subsequently contaminate coral reefs nearby, which may provide clues on their responses to natural oil contamination. Here, a long coral reef core (NK1) drilled in the isolated Meiji Atoll in the southern South China Sea is analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons to test this hypothesis. Two depth intervals, centered at 45–65 m and 95–110 m, corresponding to ages of ca. 0.3–0.6 Ma and 1.3–1.5 Ma, respectively, are characterized by geological-configured hydrocarbons indicative of ancient natural oil pollution. Because the Meiji Atoll stands on a volcanic seamount and in isolation in the sea, we deem that natural oils were incorporated into contemporary coral reefs by surface oil slicks, which were derived from hydrocarbon seepages at the seafloor of the adjacent petroliferous basins. The natural hydrocarbon seepages should result from regional tectonic movements that occurred extensively in the middle and late Pleistocene, likely in association with the arc-continent collision in the Taiwan region since 2 Ma. Albeit the two significant contamination events, it appears that they exerted insignificant disturbances on the growth and development of coral reefs, perhaps protected by certain holobiotic oil-degrading bacteria as indicated by excess production of bacterial branched fatty acids during the events. Our study thus suggests a high resilience of coral reefs to oil pollution under natural conditions, which, of course, does not mean that they would survive readily from the abrupt and intense anthropogenic pollution. [Display omitted] • Oil hydrocarbons were incorporated into ancient coral reefs in the southern SCS. • Oil hydrocarbons resulted from natural seafloor seepage due to tectonic activity. • Tectonic seepage events occurred extensively in the middle and late Pleistocene. • Regional tectonic activity was likely related to arc-continent collision in Taiwan. • Coral reefs show a high resilience to oil pollution under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the composition of long-chain alkyl diols, triols, sec-alcohols, hydroxyl acids, and other hydroxylated compounds in Azolla imbricata and compared the organic alcohol components of Azolla filiculoides, Azolla microphylla, and South China Sea (SCS) sediments in order to investigate the possible indication of Azolla being the biological source of diols and triols in SCS sediment. Large amounts of diols, monohydroxy acids, and sec-alcohols with internal hydroxy groups at ω20 were detected in the three types of Azolla. Among these, 1,ω20-diol and ω20-hydroxy acid exhibited strong even-odd predominance distribution, whereas ω20- sec-alcohol exhibited strong odd-even predominance distribution. In addition, small amounts of diols, triols, and dihydroxy acids with internal hydroxy groups at 9, 10 or ω9, ω10 were detected, among which the chain length of C was predominate. Compounds having similar structures as those in Azolla reflected a similar biosynthetic pathway: ω20-hydroxy acid exhibiting even-odd predominance distribution is decarboxylated to ω20- sec-alcohol exhibiting odd-even predominance distribution and converted to 1, ω20-diol with even-odd predominance distribution by acyl reduction; ω9, ω10-hydroxy acid is converted to 1,20,21(1, ω9, ω10)-triol by acyl reduction, and then converted to 9,10-diol by hydrogenation and dehydration. The alcohol components in A. imbricata were clearly not the biological source of 1,13/1,14/1,15-C diols and 1,3,4-C triols in the SCS sediment. Certain marine diatoms might be the source of 1,14-C diol in inshore sediment, but the biological source of diols and triols in the SCS sediment requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dual-energy CT technology is available on scanners from several vendors and offers significant advantages over classic single-energy CT technology in multiple clinical applications. Many studies have detailed dual-energy CT applications in adults and several have evaluated the relative radiation dose performance of dual-energy CT in adult imaging. However, little has been published on dual-energy CT imaging in the pediatric population, and the relative dose performance of dual-energy CT imaging in the pediatric population is not well described.Objective: When evaluating dual-energy CT technology for implementation into a routine clinical pediatric imaging practice, the radiation dose implications must be considered, and when comparing relative CT dose performance, image quality must also be evaluated. Therefore the purpose of this study is to develop dual-energy CT scan protocols based on our optimized single-energy scan protocols and compare the dose.Materials and Methods: We scanned the head, chest and abdomen regions of pediatric-size anthropomorphic phantoms with contrast inserts, using our optimized single-energy clinical imaging protocols on a Siemens Flash® CT scanner. We then scanned the phantoms in dual-energy mode using matching image-quality reference settings. The effective CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) of the scans was used as a surrogate for relative dose in comparing the single- and dual-energy scans. Additionally, we evaluated image quality using visual assessment and contrast-to-noise ratio.Results: Dual-energy CT scans of the head and abdomen were dose-neutral for all three phantoms. Dual-energy CT scans of the chest showed a relative dose increase over the single-energy scan for 1- and 5-year-old child-based age-equivalent phantoms, ranging 11-20%. Quantitative analysis of image quality showed no statistically significant difference in image quality between the single-energy and dual-energy scans. There was no clinically significant difference in image quality by visual assessment.Conclusion: Dual-energy CT is dose-neutral in imaging the head and abdomen in children. It is not dose-neutral in chest imaging of very small children. With a better understanding of the dose consequences of converting single-energy protocols to dual-energy protocols we can begin to implement clinical dual-energy CT and utilize its unique capabilities in pediatric imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An electrical membrane of membrane distillation was firstly used to intercept volatile organic compounds. • Most volatile organic compounds were effectively intercepted by the electrically membrane distillation. • Both anodic and cathodic carbon nanotube membrane surface exhibited high intercept efficiencies of volatile organic compounds under a low voltage. • Electrochemistry induced polymerization or ionization of volatile organic compounds was the key intercept mechanism. The unimpeded transport of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the membrane distillation (MD) greatly restricts its application in treating industrial wastewater treatment. Herein, an electrically MD process (E-MD) was conducted by coupling electrified carbon nanotube (CNT) membrane for the VOCs intercept test. This work systematically investigated membrane characteristic, the intercept efficiency and mechanism of VOCs in the E-MD. The results showed that CNT significantly promoted conductivity and permeate performance of the membrane. The transport of 7 VOCs across the membrane was highly correlated with their molecular weights and hydrophobicity. By applying a low voltage of 3.0 V on the membrane surface, the distilled VOCs concentrations were efficaciously reduced. Meanwhile, the distilled phenol concentration was only 0.15 mg/L in the E-MD, 62 times lower than that in standard MD. Moreover, the cathodic CNT and anodic CNT modes were adopted, which exhibited different intercept efficiencies. Compared with the cathodic CNT, the anodic CNT mode was superior in intercepting VOCs but with poor stability due to electrochemical byproducts induced CNT fouling. As revealed by mechanism investigation, direct electrooxidation and electropolymerization contributed to the VOCs intercept under the anodic CNT mode. By contrast, the favorable intercept efficiency under the cathodic CNT mode was mainly ascribed to the locally elevated pH near the CNT surface achieved through water electrolysis. At an elevated pH, phenol compounds were substantially ionized, and were therefore more favorably intercepted by the electronegative CNT networks of membrane surface. This study emphasizes the application potential of electrified MD membranes in reducing noxious VOCs of the cold stream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the detection of the 1,20,21-C long-chain triol in some sediments and freshwater pteridophytes, in this study, a new homologous long-chain triol, 1,3,4-C, is detected for the first time in the Site4B core sediment in the northern South China Sea. The hydroxyl location and length of the carbon chain of this newly discovered triol differ from those of 1,20,21-C triol. The test results of its molecular distribution and individual carbon isotope reveal that 1,3,4-Ctriol has a good correlation with n-C even carbon-numbered long-chain fatty alcohols, with R ( n=68) values of 0.905, 0.929 and 0.903, respectively, and its carbon isotope composition, at-32.3‰±1.9‰, is similar to that of n-C, at-29.13‰±0.87‰,-32.98‰±1.28‰, and-32.98‰±1.28‰. 1,3,4-C triol from the Site4B core sediment and terrigenous long-chain fatty alcohol ( n-C) show highly consistent distribution trends in the entire section; thus, the former could serve as a proxy indicator of the terrigenous input. Considering that the 1,20,21-C triol in previous research belongs to Azolla, which are fresh water pteridophytes, the 1,3,4-C triol identified in this study might have similar biogenetic derivation. Thus, determination of its biogenic area and growing environment could provide potential organic geochemical evidence supporting the terrigenous input and source in the northern South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost, quality and time to market are three main factors for outsourcing management. A game theoretic model is used to design optimal outsourcing contracts including these three factors for a buyer and a supplier under Full Information (F) case and Asymmetric Information (A) case where the buyer does not share her internal variable cost information with the supplier. Optimal outsourcing contracts are derived and results of numerical experiment are also presented. Several insights of managing the outsourcing risks due to the Asymmetric Information are given for various industries, like cost-sensitive industry, time-sensitive industry, and quality-sensitive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This article presents a modified GaN Doherty power amplifier (PA) for 100 MHz long-term evolution (LTE)-advanced application at 2.5 GHz. To improve load modulation and consistency of the output power and efficiency in the operation bandwidth, a method was proposed by choosing optimal load impedances in Class C mode, properly increased gate bias voltage and optimized input matching network for the design of the peaking amplifier. When driven with 100 MHz LTE-advanced signals, the designed PA achieves adjacent channel leakage ratio of −49 dBc after digital predistortion at 9 dB back-off output power of about 40.5 dBm with efficiency of 42%. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:391-395, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions of saturated fatty acids (SaFAs) in one 300cm long sedimentary profile, which was named as Site4B in Shenhu, northern South China Sea. The concentrations of total SaFAs in sediments ranged from 1.80 to 10.16μg/g (μg FA/g dry sediment) and showed an even-over-odd predominance in the carbon chain of C12 to C32, mostly with n-C16 and n-C18 being the two major components. The short-chain fatty acids (ScFAs; n-C12 to n-C18) mainly from marine microorganisms had average δ13C values of −26.7‰ to −28.2‰, whereas some terrigenous-sourced long-chain fatty acids (LcFAs; n-C21 to n-C32) had average δ13C values of −29.6‰ to −34.1‰. The other LcFAs (n-C24 & n-C26~n-C28; average δ13C values are −26.1‰ to −28.0‰) as well as n-C19 and n-C20 SaFAs (average δ13C values are −29.1‰ and −29.3‰, respectively) showed a mixed signal of carbon isotope compositions. The relative bioproductivity calculation (marine vs. terrigenous) demonstrated that most of organic carbon accumulation throughout the sedimentary profile was contributed by marine organism. The high marine productivity in Shenhu, South China Sea may be related to the hydrocarbon seepage which evidenced by diapiric structures. Interestingly, there is a sever fluctuation of terrigenous inputs around the depth of 97cm below the seafloor (bsf), probably resulting from the influence of the Dansgaard-Oeschger events and the Younger Dryas event as revealed by 14C age measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monsoon system modulates surface production in the South China Sea (SCS). The winter monsoon has long been recognized as the primary factor regulating surface production in the northern SCS; however, the role of monsoon remains in debate in the southern SCS. Here, we present a long record of short-chain n -fatty acids (n -FAs) in reefal carbonates from one deep well (NK1) on an isolated coral atoll (Meiji) in order to provide new insights into the change of surface production in the southern SCS since the Late Miocene (ca. 10.5 Ma). Short-chain n -FAs indicative of total marine organic matter input are rather feasible to reflect the total production associated with mixotrophic reef-building corals that feed on various marine biotas (i.e., phytoplankton, zooplankton and bacteria). By ruling out the significant influence of diagenetic and degradation processes, short-chain n -FAs can be further applied to reconstruct paleo-production in Well NK1 coral reefs. The temporal distribution of short-chain n -FAs changes similarly with many other independent paleo-production records (i.e., Ln(Ba/Ti) and opal) in Well NK1 and adjacent ODP Site 1143, demonstrating the close coupling between coral reef production and surface water production. This occurs through the common factor of nutrients in modulating production of symbiotic autotrophic coralgae and asymbiotic phytoplankton and/or the large heterotrophic dependence of corals on phytoplankton-governed food webs in surface waters. Short-chain n -FAs inferred surface production displays a progressively decreased trend from the Late Miocene to Pliocene (ca. 10.5–2.6 Ma) followed by a substantial increase since the Pleistocene on million-year timescales, which follows the variation of terrigenous supply to the coral atoll and responds almost inversely to the sea-level change. Accordingly, we propose that long-term paleo-production in the southern SCS was associated with terrestrial nutrient input which was controlled by relative sea-level change since the Late Miocene. This study highlights the feasibility of short-chain n -FAs as appropriate production recorders in shallow-water coral reefs which are widespread in tropical-subtropical oceans, providing valuable perspectives on long-term paleo-production evolution in surface waters. • A long coral reef well (NK1) in the southern SCS was studied. • OM-poor coral reef carbonates were decalcified and extracted for biomarkers. • Short-chain n -FAs reflect paleo-production in coral reefs since the Late Miocene. • Long-term production was governed by terrestrial nutrient related to sea level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the preparation of structurally colored fabrics based on polydopamine (PDA) has attracted extensive attention. However, the high price of dopamine seriously hinders its application in industry. Herein, we report a rational methodology to prepare polystyrene@polycaffeic acid (PS@PCfA) nanospheres by using NaBO 3 as a trigger to promote the rapid polymerization of caffeic acid coated PS nanospheres with the help of cupric chloride (CuCl 2). In addition, structurally colored fabrics with different colors were also prepared by controlling the size of PS nanoparticles. As a plant-derived polyphenol, caffeic acid has a similar structure to dopamine, rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups, and has excellent adhesion properties. It can coat the surface of colloidal nanospheres such as polystyrene to form black shell-core nanospheres for the preparation of structurally colored cotton fabric. Impressively, black PCfA can not only enhance the color visibility of the colorful coatings, but also enhance the bonding force between the nanospheres and between the nanospheres and the surface of fabric substrates. Prepared structurally colored fabric can withstand 90 min of launderings, 50 times reciprocating folding and 10 times reciprocating sandpaper abrasion test without obvious damage and destruction. Overall, these results open an alternative, cheap and efficient avenue to develop structurally colored fabric with good color fastness using plant polyphenols. [Display omitted] • Structurally colored fabric were fabricated by introducing caffeic acid. • As-prepared fabric exhibits good mechanical durability and angle-independence. • A new preparation strategy for robust structurally colored fabric was proposed. • The process is novel, green, economical and facile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Heat transfer experiments were carried out with three supported cobalt catalysts. [•] Experiments were conducted under FT reaction and non-reaction conditions. [•] keff under reaction conditions is 2–3 fold of the values recorded with no reaction. [•] Presence of liquid under FT reaction is the main reason for the big change in keff . [•] keff under reaction could be correlated with change of FT chain growth probability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]