bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Synthesis of Feco@N-C and Activation Persulfate
Authors: Chen Jun , Xia Shangqing , Zhao Longchi , Cao Sisi , Zong Cheng , Jin Jie
Published: May 2022

Based on the characteristics of persulfate (PS) activation that can quickly and effectively remove organic pollutants in water, a new catalytic material of carbon nitride supported Fe-Co diatom (FeCo@N-C) was prepared for PS activation to degrade orange II (OII). The XRD pattern showed that eight characteristic diffraction peaks, including CoFe2O4 diffraction absorption peaks. The FT-IR inferred that C-N/C=N, C=O, and O-H functional groups may exist. SEM observed the surface morphology of the synthetic material, and Fe and Co can be successfully loaded on the synthetic material. The activation effect of FeCo@N-C activator on PS was significantly improved, and the decoloration removal rate reached 81.66% at 20 min, 57% higher than the PS alone, FeCo@N-C activator had a good pH and temperature adaptability. FeCo@N-C activator could promoted the production of free radicals which can degrade OII efficiently.
The Removal of Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ from Aqueous Solution with Palygorskite: The Effects of Humic Acid
Authors: Ding Sichun , Tang Yuting , Chen Xiaobin , Ma Xiaoqian , Huang Tao
Published: May 2022

To investigate the impact of Humic acid (HA) on Palygorskite (PAL) as the adsorbent for heavy metal ions, this study was carried out to solve the existing dispute in the effects of HA on PAL sorption capacity. The sorption properties of PAL and HA-loaded PAL (HA/PAL) for Cd2+, Cu2+, Pb2+ in batch experiments were evaluated. PAL and HA/PAL effects on metal ion elimination were examined under various test settings (time, dosage and starting concentration) were compared. The sorption efficiency of PAL was significantly higher than that of HA/PAL. The N2 sorption-desorption and FTIR results showed that HA successfully adhered to the PAL surface without changing its crystal structure but reducing its specific surface area. Cd2+, Cu2+, and Pb2+ for PAL and Cd2+ and Cu2+ for HA/PAL were modelled by pseudo-first-order kinetics; the pseudo-second-order rate conformed to Cu2+ for PAL and Pb2+ for HA/PAL. the Langmuir linear fitting was consistent with Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+ for PAL and HA/PAL. Pb2+ for PAL and Cd2+, Pb2+ for HA/PAL were consistent with the Freundlich isotherm. The results proved that HA was not conducive to improving the adsorption performance of PAL.
Experimental Study on the Preparation of Improved Soil Substrate from Coal Gangue
Authors: Liu Qianyi , Li Yingte , Du Linlin , Ma Liu , Xu Lianman
Published: May 2022

With the continuous development of China’s industry, the disorderly discharge and accumulation of coal gangue in mining areas have become a key ecological problem, which not only occupies a large amount of land, but also causes various pollution phenomena. Therefore, the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue has become a research hotspot in the field of environmental governance. In this paper, by mixing coal gangue and fly ash with straw in different ratios to prepare compound soil substrate and growing lettuce, the effects of different ratios of the three wastes and coal gangue particle sizes on crop growth were analyzed by measuring cotyledon area, plant height and other indexes. The experimental results showed that the best proportion of soil matrix improvement was 42.9% coal gangue, 7.1% fly ash, 10% straw and 40% soil, where the coal gangue particle size proportion was 20% fine particles, 20% medium particles and 60% coarse particles. This experiment mixed coal gangue with typical solid wastes, which will, to a certain extent, solve the problem of solid waste dumping and resource scarcity in China and provide a scientific reference for the comprehensive utilization of the three wastes and the repair of soil in mining areas.
Identify Parameters Hindering Renewable Hydrogen Production in France: Life Cycle Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zongyue , Douziech Mélanie , Perez-Lopez Paula , Wang Qingrui , Yang Qing
Published: May 2022

Flourishing green hydrogen economy worldwide serves as a pillar for global energy transition and carbon-neutral targets. However, rare researches on the environmental impact of green hydrogen production have focused on national average resource availability and technology market share. Nor a detailed and holistic sensitivity and uncertainty analysis regarding both foreground and background parameters in the green hydrogen production life cycle could be found. To fill these gaps, we present this study as a comprehensive environmental impact investigation of renewable-electricity-based water electrolysis H2 production in France, in terms of average resource availability and technology market share in France in 2019. Water electrolysis H2 production with average French wind electricity through proton exchange membrane electrolysis unit was identified as the most environmentally-beneficial option among all pathways studied. By building the corresponding French national benchmark parametric life cycle model, the key parameters that determine the environmental impact of green hydrogen in France were revealed. Under current French context, environmental impact’s uncertainty for solar-to-H2 and wind-to-H2 pathways is between 19%-26% and 8%-11%, respectively. Based on the unit process contribution investigation and further scenario analyses, we propose the guidelines and suggestions on improving life cycle renewability and sustainability to French green H2 production.
Practical Research on the Fact that Clear Waters and Lush Mountains are Invaluable Assets in the Ecological Civilization Experimental area of Guizhou Province
Authors: Li Baishan , Song Yaoshun , Yang Rui , Hong Song , Peng Jingquan , Su Ying
Published: May 2022

Guizhou is one of the first national ecological civilization pilot zones selected, which needs to play a leading role in the road of ecological civilization construction.The good ecological environment status quo and the continuous high growth rate of economic development provide a research basis for the project. In-depth analysis of the relationship between ecological environment and economic development, to provide scientific suggestions for the solid progress.The main achievements of the research are as follows: (1) Construct the practice evaluation index system of “Two mountains” in ecological civilization pilot area in Guizhou Province, and the overall evaluation is “high” (2) the evaluation result of “Two mountains” in Bijie pilot area shows that the evaluation result of “Two mountains” practice index in Bijie pilot area increased from 0.056 in 2015 to 0.107 in 2019, the comprehensive index of ecological civilization in Bijie pilot area increased steadily, and the total value of green water and green mountains in Bijie pilot area was 4201235.478 billion yuan in 2019(3) The fitting curve of the relationship between environmental and economic benefits in Chishui River Basin in Guizhou Province shows that the ecological environment protection work in Guizhou Province effectively promotes the rapid improvement of environmental benefits and economic benefits; (4) the accounting of ecosystem service value in Chishui City shows that the total value of Chishui city in 2019 was 4, 2170.788 billion yuan; (5) Summarize the “two mountains theory” in Guizhou innovation practice experience and model, put forward “speed up the construction of green ecological system, improve environmental carrying capacity” “speed up the construction of characteristic industry system, improve urban economic strength” “speed up the construction of modern urban system, improve the urban agglomeration ability” “vigorously develop circular economy, efforts to promote production mode change” “actively guide form green low carbon consumption pattern” and so on five countermeasures.
A Study on the Performance of IrOx Electrodes Prepared by Double-titanium Cyclic Voltametric Electrodeposition Mode
Authors: Wu Dandan , Wang Xi , Wu Xu
Published: May 2022

The electrodes were fabricated in double-titanium cyclic voltametric electrodeposition system, corresponding to the anode and cathode of the system. For further study the practicality of this mode, the performance of the resulting electrodes was investigated. Through a series of physical and electrochemical characterization, it is concluded that the IrOx electrode corresponding to the anode of the system has a flat and uniform deposit layer, and shows better electrolytic durability (its actual working life is more than 3072 h), while the cathode electrode has better performance in electrocatalytic activity.
A Critical Review on Regional Ecological Environment Assessment
Authors: Wang Xinghan , Jia Pengfei , Yang Mingxiang
Published: May 2022

With the continuous advancement of industrialization and urbanization, the relationship between mankind and the ecological environment has become increasingly tense, and the ecological environment assessment has become a research hotspot in recent years. The article summarizes the research content and development process of ecological environment assessment, lists various mainstream assessment methods and introduces their application characteristics, and then divides the weight determination methods into subjective weighting, objective weighting and subjective and objective combination, and analyses their advantages and disadvantages; Meanwhile, the application of remote sensing technology in ecological environment assessment research is analyzed. Finally, the main problems of ecological environment assessment work are summarized and its future development direction is pointed out.
Analysis on Temporal and Spatial Pattern Change and Driving Force of Land Use in Agro Pastoral Ecotone in Northern Shanxi
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Liu Mei , Jia Wenhui , Miao Xiaoyi , Ma Meihong
Published: May 2022

Land use change is a considerable representation of mutual effect between human and natural activities. Northern Shanxi is located in the northern agro pastoral ecotone, which the land use pattern changes violently. This paper focuses on the dynamic change characteristics of cultivated land and grassland in the agro pastoral ecotone of northern Shanxi from 2000 to 2015, and explores the main driving factors of their change. It can provide support for land planning and management and relevant policy-making in northern Shanxi and promote regional sustainable development. The results showed that: ➀ There was a close interrelation between the change of cultivated land and grassland I n northern Shanxi, and the whole showed the opposite dynamic change trend. ➁The main land transfer type of cultivated land and grassland is construction land. And grassland is also the main transfer type of cultivated land. And cultivated land contributes greatly to the growth of grassland area. ➂Economic factors are the main driving force which affecting the area change of cultivated land and grassland, followed by the benefit factors of agricultural development, and finally the labor factors. ➃Economic factors can explain the shift of cultivated land and grassland in different districts and counties in northern Shanxi. The benefit factor of cultivated land development plays a negative driving role on cultivated land, the benefit of grassland development plays a promoting role on the growth of grassland area, and the driving force of labor factor is relatively small.
Analysis and Treatment of Flue Duct Vibration of 1000MW Generator Set with High Load
Authors: Wang Lipeng , An Jingxue , Cheng Jinwu , Li Youxin , Wang Lei
Published: May 2022

In view of the serious flue duct vibration problem of the outlet of a 1000MW unit with a load of 80%BRL and above, combined the vibration test with the calculation of the acoustic standing wave frequency, the cause of the flue duct vibration was analyzed and determined. A modification plan is proposed to install clapboards to change the standing wave frequency of the flue duct and keep it away from the measured resonance frequency. After the clapboards are installed, the flue duct vibration frequency of the induced draft fan outlet is dispersed from the two main frequencies of 61.3Hz and 61.4Hz before the clapboards were installed to 6.88Hz~204Hz; the maximum amplitude of the flue duct is reduced from 105.0μm to 12.6μm, and the problem of the flue duct vibration is fundamentally solved. This case provides a new idea for solving the problem of vibration of the flue duct in the large-scale power station boiler.
Trend Model for Regional Energy Consumption System Based on Theory of Synergetics
Authors: Chen Kai , Cai Leiqiong , Long Yan
Published: May 2022

Trend model is a method of research on the evolution process of objects. Based on the synergetics, this paper raises a trend model for regional energy consumption systems by formula derivation and theoretical assumptions. This paper chooses Wuhan City as a case to construct the model and analyse the trend of its evolution. The results prove that the prediction effect of this model is good. The exponential smoothing method was chosen to compare with the trend model for the regional energy consumption system, and the result shows trend model raised in this paper makes good performance on the forecast.
WISCO’s Low-carbon Transformation Based On LEAP And Scenario Analysis
Authors: Huang Yongping , Wang Ben , Yang Wu , Sun Lushi
Published: May 2022

The paper takes Wuhan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “ WISCO “) energy consumption and carbon emissions as the research object, and analyzes WISCO’s carbon emissions. Through the construction of WISCO’s Long range Energy Alternatives Planning system (hereinafter referred to as LEAP) prediction model for energy consumption and carbon emissions, three scenarios have been set up: a baseline scenario, an energy efficiency improvement scenario, and an energy structure change scenario to measure WISCO’s carbon emissions. Based on the results of the LEAP model, this article puts forward the following recommendations for WISCO’s low-carbon transformation. WISCO must strictly control steel output.WISCO should introduce electric furnaces to increase the proportion of electric furnace steel. While ensuring the supply of scrap steel resources, WISCO ought to use scrap steel efficiently. In addition, introduction of hydrogen direct reduction iron technology is also crucial to WISCO in a planned way.
Acid Activated Bentonite-La Crosslinked Sesbania Gum Beads for Efficient Congo Red Adsorption
Authors: Yu Sishan , Lu Caimei , Tang Rui , Luo Qiuyu , He Mingyong , Zhang Hanbing
Published: May 2022

In this study, to recycle acid activated bentonite (AAB), novel hybrid beads were prepared from AAB and sesbania gum (SG), which might be an efficient adsorbent for removing an anionic dye Congo red (CR). To gain the greatest adsorption conditions of AAB-SG-La beads, experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of initial pH value, AAB-SG-La beads dosage on CR removal. The optimal pH value of AAB-SG-La beads for CR elimination was in the range 4.0 ~ 8.0, which can broaden the applications of beads. In addition, the adsorption isotherm datas were consistent with the Langmuir adsorption model and adsorption kinetics conformed to the pseudo-second-order model. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of CR was 588 mg/g, which revealed a superior adsorption capacity to other materials used as sorbents for CR. This work accredits that AAB-SG-La beads have the ability to remove anionic dye as an economical adsorbent.
Activation Modes in Asymmetric Anion-Binding Catalysis
Authors: Mancheño Olga García , Entgelmeier Lukas-M.
Published: May 2022

Over the past two decades, enantioselective anion-binding catalysis has emerged as a powerful strategy for the induction of chirality in organic transformations. The stereoselectivity is achieved in a range of different reactions by using non-covalent interactions between a chiral catalyst and an ionic substrate or intermediate, and subsequent formation of a chiral contact ion pair upon anion binding. This strategy offers vast possibilities in catalysis and the constant development of new reactions has led to various substrate activation approaches. This review provides an overview on the different activation modes in asymmetric anion-binding catalysis by looking at representative examples and recent advances made in this field.

1 Introduction

2 Electrophile Activation by Single Anion-Binding Catalysis

2.1 Prior In Situ Charged Electrophiles

2.2 Neutral Electrophile Activation via Anion Abstraction

2.2.1 Anion Abstraction via an SN1 Mechanism

2.2.2 Anion Abstraction via an SN2 Mechanism

3 Nucleophile Activation and Delivery

4 Bifunctional and Cooperative Co-catalysis Strategies

4.1 Amine Groups for Bifunctional and Cooperative Catalysis

4.2 Brønsted Acid Co-catalysis

4.3 Lewis Acid Co-catalysis

4.4 Lewis Base Co-catalysis

4.5 Nucleophilic Co-catalysis for Activation of Electrophiles

4.6 Cooperative Metal and Anion-Binding Catalysis

4.7 Combination of Photoredox and Anion-Binding Catalysis

5 Anion-π Catalysis

6 Conclusion
Concise Synthesis of Procyanidin B2 3,3′′-Digallate Using Yb(OTf)3-Mediated Self-Condensation
Authors: Tanaka Yuuri , Kobayashi Shu-hei , Kawamura Atsushi , Makabe Hidefumi , Hattori Yasunao
Published: May 2022

Lewis acid mediated self-condensation of epicatechin gallate derivative was examined. We found that Yb(OTf)3 afforded good yield of the dimeric epicatechin gallate derivative. The condensed product was applied to the synthesis of procyanidin B2 3,3′′-digallate.
Bereavement Support for Siblings after Neonatal Loss: an Online Survey of U.S. Training Centers
Authors: Tillhof Katie , Krawzak Katie , Batza Jennifer , Feltman Dalia M.
Published: May 2022

Objective The aim of this study was to examine bereavement support for siblings of patients who die in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) given the adverse effects of unprocessed grief and the paucity of information on children whose newborn siblings die

Study Design This was an anonymous online original survey assessing pre-COVID-19 pandemic bereavement services for NICU families, clinicians' attitudes toward support interventions, challenges, and center characteristics. In spring 2020, nurse managers at 81 U.S. centers with neonatology and maternal–fetal medicine fellowship programs were asked to identify the individual most knowledgeable in their NICU's bereavement support services; these individuals were invited by email to complete an original online survey. Chi testing and odds ratios (ORs) compared responses from centers reporting involvement of palliative care teams (PCT) in NICU sibling bereavement versus no PCT.

Results Fifty-six percent (45 of 80) of invitees responded. Most (77%) NICUs permitted perimortem sibling visitation. Challenges included sparse community resources and limited direct sibling contact. Sixty-nine percent (n = 31) of centers were grouped as PCT. PCT respondents reported eightfold higher chances of providing direct education to the sibling (OR, 7.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–34; p = 0.01). Views on appropriateness of sharing educational information with extended family, babysitters, and teachers did not differ. While notifying pediatricians of families experiencing NICU death was more common in PCT (p = 0.02), most respondents reported having “no individual responsible for such communications" (52% PCT vs. 100%, p = 0.001).

Conclusion Despite limited direct contact with siblings of NICU patients who die, efforts are made to involve them in bereavement activities. Opportunities to support these children were identified. Where available, palliative care teams can help provide bereaved siblings with direct education. We recommend formalizing communication mechanisms to ensure that if a NICU patient dies and has surviving siblings, the outpatient physicians caring for these siblings are informed.

Key Points
Anomalous photo-thermoelectric effects of platinum-photodeposited tungsten trioxide after gaschromic reaction
Authors: Hanioka Chihiro , Omura Kaichi , Irie Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

We attempted to deposit platinum (Pt) onto a tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin film by the photoreduction of Pt4+ (Pt–WO3). Pt on WO3 was oxidized (PtOx) by calcining Pt–WO3 in air to form PtOx–WO3. An n-type anomalous photo-thermoelectric (photo-TE) effect was confirmed for Pt–HyWO3−x, a protonated WO3, after the gaschromic (GC) reaction of Pt–WO3. That is, both the electrical conductivity (σphoto) and the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient (Sphoto) increased under visible-light irradiation. After stopping the irradiation, both values decreased (σ and S). In contrast, an n-type normal photo-TE effect was observed for PtOx–HyWO3−x after the GC reaction of PtOx–WO3, in which σphoto and the absolute value of Sphoto increased and decreased, respectively, under visible-light irradiation, and vice versa after stopping the irradiation. These findings indicate that Pt was responsible for the generation of the anomalous photo-TE effect, probably due to the electron accumulation capability of Pt, to which electrons were transferred from the conduction band of HyWO3−x. In contrast, electrons could not energetically transfer from HyWO3−x to PtO2, which was included in PtOx particles at the surface. Therefore, PtOx was not responsible for the anomalous photo-TE effect, and PtOx–HyWO3−x behaved like bare HyWO3−x, indicating its normal photo-TE effect.
Polymer informatics for QSPR prediction of tensile mechanical properties. Case study: Strength at break
Authors: Cravero Fiorella , Díaz Mónica F. , Ponzoni Ignacio
Published: May 2022

The artificial intelligence-based prediction of the mechanical properties derived from the tensile test plays a key role in assessing the application profile of new polymeric materials, especially in the design stage, prior to synthesis. This strategy saves time and resources when creating new polymers with improved properties that are increasingly demanded by the market. A quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) model for tensile strength at break is presented in this work. The QSPR methodology applied here is based on machine learning tools, visual analytics methods, and expert-in-the-loop strategies. From the whole study, a QSPR model composed of five molecular descriptors that achieved a correlation coefficient of 0.9226 is proposed. We applied visual analytics tools at two levels of analysis: a more general one in which models are discarded for redundant information metrics and a deeper one in which a chemistry expert can make decisions on the composition of the model in terms of subsets of molecular descriptors, from a physical-chemical point of view. In this way, with the present work, we close a contribution cycle to polymer informatics, providing QSPR models oriented to the prediction of mechanical properties related to the tensile test.
The rheology of confined colloidal hard disks
Authors: Williams Ian , Oğuz Erdal C. , Löwen Hartmut , Poon Wilson C. K. , Royall C. Patrick
Published: May 2022

Colloids may be treated as “big atoms” so that they are good models for atomic and molecular systems. Colloidal hard disks are, therefore, good models for 2d materials, and although their phase behavior is well characterized, rheology has received relatively little attention. Here, we exploit a novel, particle-resolved, experimental setup and complementary computer simulations to measure the shear rheology of quasi-hard-disk colloids in extreme confinement. In particular, we confine quasi-2d hard disks in a circular “corral” comprised of 27 particles held in optical traps. Confinement and shear suppress hexagonal ordering that would occur in the bulk and create a layered fluid. We measure the rheology of our system by balancing drag and driving forces on each layer. Given the extreme confinement, it is remarkable that our system exhibits rheological behavior very similar to unconfined 2d and 3d hard particle systems, characterized by a dynamic yield stress and shear-thinning of comparable magnitude. By quantifying particle motion perpendicular to shear, we show that particles become more tightly confined to their layers with no concomitant increase in density upon increasing the shear rate. Shear thinning is, therefore, a consequence of a reduction in dissipation due to weakening in interactions between layers as the shear rate increases. We reproduce our experiments with Brownian dynamics simulations with Hydrodynamic Interactions (HI) included at the level of the Rotne–Prager tensor. That the inclusion of HI is necessary to reproduce our experiments is evidence of their importance in transmission of momentum through the system.
Entropic surface segregation from athermal polymer blends: Polymer flexibility vs bulkiness
Authors: Matsen M. W.
Published: May 2022

We examine athermal binary blends composed of conformationally asymmetric polymers of equal molecular volume next to a surface of width ξ. The self-consistent field theory (SCFT) of Gaussian chains predicts that the more compact polymer with the shorter average end-to-end length, R0, is entropically favored at the surface. Here, we extend the SCFT to worm-like chains with small persistence lengths, ℓp, relative to their contour lengths, ℓc, for which R0≈2ℓpℓc. In the limit of ℓp ≪ ξ, we recover the Gaussian-chain prediction where the segregation depends only on the product ℓpℓc, but for realistic polymer/air surfaces with ξ ∼ ℓp, the segregation depends separately on the two quantities. Although the surface continues to favor flexible polymers with smaller ℓp and bulky polymers with shorter ℓc, the effect of bulkiness is more pronounced. This imbalance can, under specific conditions, lead to anomalous surface segregation of the more extended polymer. For this to happen, the polymer must be bulkier and stiffer, with a stiffness that is sufficient to produce a larger R0 yet not so rigid as to reverse the surface affinity that favors bulky polymers.
Temporal and chirp effects of laser pulses on the spectral line shape in sum-frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Hui , Hu Xiao-Hua , Wang Hong-Fei
Published: May 2022

Assignment and interpretation of the sum-frequency generation vibrational spectra (SFG-VS) depend on the ability to measure and understand the factors affecting the SFG-VS spectral line shape accurately and reliably. In the past, the formulation of the polarization selection rules for SFG-VS and the development of the sub-wavenumber high-resolution broadband SFG-VS (HR-BB-SFG-VS) have provided solutions for many of these needs. However, despite these advantages, HR-BB-SFG-VS have not been widely adopted. The majority of SFG measurements so far still relies on the picosecond (ps) scanning SFG-VS or the conventional broadband SFG-VS (BB-SFG-VS) with the spectral resolution around (mostly above) 10 cm−1, which also results in less ideal spectral line shape in the SFG spectra due to the temporal and chirp effects of the laser pulses used in experiment. In this study, the temporal and the chirp effects of laser pulses with different profiles in the SFG experiment on the measured SFG-VS spectral line shape are examined through spectral simulation. In addition, the experimental data of a classical model system, i.e., octadecyltrichlorosilane monolayer on glass, obtained from the ps scanning SFG-VS, the BB-SFG-VS, and the HR-BB-SFG-VS measurements are directly compared and examined. These results show that temporal and chirp effects are often significant in the conventional BB-SFG-VS, resulting in line shape distortions and peak position shifts besides spectral broadening. Such temporal and chirp effects are less significant in the ps scanning SFG-VS. For the HR-BB-SFG-VS, spectral broadening and temporal and chirp effects are insignificant, making HR-BB-SFG-VS the choice for accurate and reliable measurement and analysis of SFG-VS.
Wave-packet spreading in disordered soft architected structures
Authors: Ngapasare A. , Theocharis G. , Richoux O. , Skokos Ch. , Achilleos V.
Published: May 2022

We study the dynamical and chaotic behavior of a disordered one-dimensional elastic mechanical lattice, which supports translational and rotational waves. The model used in this work is motivated by the recent experimental results of Deng et al. [Nat. Commun. 9, 1 (2018)]. This lattice is characterized by strong geometrical nonlinearities and the coupling of two degrees-of-freedom (DoFs) per site. Although the linear limit of the structure consists of a linear Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou lattice and a linear Klein–Gordon (KG) lattice whose DoFs are uncoupled, by using single site initial excitations on the rotational DoF, we evoke the nonlinear coupling between the system’s translational and rotational DoFs. Our results reveal that such coupling induces rich wave-packet spreading behavior in the presence of strong disorder. In the weakly nonlinear regime, we observe energy spreading only due to the coupling of the two DoFs (per site), which is in contrast to what is known for KG lattices with a single DoF per lattice site, where the spreading occurs due to chaoticity. Additionally, for strong nonlinearities, we show that initially localized wave-packets attain near ballistic behavior in contrast to other known models. We also reveal persistent chaos during energy spreading, although its strength decreases in time as quantified by the evolution of the system’s finite-time maximum Lyapunov exponent. Our results show that flexible, disordered, and strongly nonlinear lattices are a viable platform to study energy transport in combination with multiple DoFs (per site), also present an alternative way to control energy spreading in heterogeneous media.
Symmetry-breaking instability in a charge-controlled dielectric film: Large electro-actuation and high stored energy
Authors: Chen Lingling , Xing Xinyu , Yang Shengyou
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study the electromechanical behaviors of a charge-controlled dielectric film that may encounter symmetry-breaking instability. With electric charges and the radial dead load, a circular film would gradually expand its area and become a large circular film; however, it will deform into an elliptical film when electromechanical loads increase to the threshold. This symmetry-breaking instability brings the change of shape and makes the dielectric film achieve large electro-actuation and high stored energy. Since the functionality of the dielectric devices is also limited by the electric breakdown, we give the phase diagram to show the competition between the symmetry-breaking instability and the electric breakdown in detail. This paper is desirable to further harness the symmetry-breaking instability for improving functionalities of actuators and harvesters.
Highly efficient UV detection in a metal–semiconductor–metal detector with epigraphene
Authors: He Hans , Shetty Naveen , Kubatkin Sergey , Stadler Pascal , Löfwander Tomas , Fogelström Mikael , Miranda-Valenzuela J. C. , Yakimova Rositsa , Bauch Thilo , Lara-Avila Samuel
Published: May 2022

We show that epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide (epigraphene) grown at high temperatures (T >1850 °C) readily acts as material for implementing solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) detectors with outstanding performance. We present centimeter-sized epigraphene metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) detectors with a peak external quantum efficiency of η ∼ 85% for wavelengths λ = 250–280 nm, corresponding to nearly 100% internal quantum efficiency when accounting for reflection losses. Zero bias operation is possible in asymmetric devices, with the responsivity to UV remaining as high as R = 134 mA/W, making this a self-powered detector. The low dark currents Io ∼ 50 fA translate into an estimated record high specific detectivity D = 3.5 × 1015 Jones. The performance that we demonstrate, together with material reproducibility, renders epigraphene technologically attractive to implement high-performance planar MSM devices with a low processing effort, including multi-pixel UV sensor arrays, suitable for a number of practical applications.
Semi-transparent, high-performance lead-free Cs3Bi2I9 single crystal self-driven photodetector
Authors: Dong Kailian , Zhou Hai , Xiao Meng , Gui Pengbin , Gao Zheng , Yao Fang , Shao Wenlong , Liu Chenwei , Tao Chen , Ke Weijun , Fang Guojia
Published: May 2022

All-inorganic Bi-based perovskites have attracted much attention due to their excellent stability, environmentally friendly, and low-cost solution processability. However, due to the large exciton binding energy and small light absorption coefficient, the performance of the Bi-based perovskite photodetector (PD) is far behind of the traditional Pb-based perovskite PDs. In this work, the lead-free all-inorganic Cs3Bi2I9 (CBI) perovskite single crystal was synthesized by a space-confined antisolvent-assisted crystallization method for high-performance, semi-transparent, and self-driven PDs with an ITO/SnO2/CBI/PTAA/Au/ITO structure. Electrical and optical properties of Au/ITO transparent electrode were studied considering its figure of merit and device quantum efficiency through optimizing the Au thickness. Finally, our optimized semi-transparent device showed excellent self-driven performance with a large on/off ratio of ∼5700, a high responsivity of 52.06 mA/W, a high detectivity of >1012 Jones, and a large linear dynamic range of up to 140.7 dB. In addition, our device demonstrated excellent characteristics to the weak light detection and the long-term stability. The Au/ITO electrode was adopted and tailored to balance the device performance and transparency, which provides a good route for developing high-performance and transparent devices in the future.
Strain transfer in porous multiferroic composites of CoFe2O4 and PbZrxTi1−xO3
Authors: Buditama Abraham N. , Fitzell Kevin , Chien Diana , Ty Karaba Christopher , Patel Shreya K. , Kang Hye Yeon , Chang Jane P. , Tolbert Sarah H.
Published: May 2022

This manuscript examines the mechanism of strain-coupling in a multiferroic composite of mesoporous cobalt ferrite (CFO), conformally filled with lead zirconate titanate (PZT). We find that when the composites are electrically poled, remanent strain from the piezoelectric PZT layer can be transferred to the magnetostrictive CFO layer. X-ray diffraction shows that this strain transfer is greatest in the most porous samples, in agreement with magnetometry measurements, which show the greatest change in sample saturation magnetization in the most porous samples. Strain analysis shows that porosity both accommodates greater lattice strain and mitigates the effects of substrate clamping in thin film strain-coupled composites.
Contactless generation and trapping of hydrodynamic knots in sessile droplets by acoustic screw dislocations
Authors: Song Shuren , Zhou Jia , Marcianò Antonino , Riaud Antoine
Published: May 2022

Helicity is an important quantity in fluid mechanics that indicates the presence of linked or knotted hydrodynamic vortex filaments. Such flow structures are not only promising elementary structures to study mass and momentum transfer in turbulent flows but also potent analogs for other topological problems arising in particle physics, liquid crystals, and plasma physics. However, experimental studies of knots and links are highly challenging due to the limited control over helicity generation and difficult observation of the resulting fast-paced multiscale flow evolution. In this paper, we propose using acoustic streaming to link hydrodynamic filaments in fluids. The method is contactless, almost instantaneous, and relatively insensitive to viscosity. Importantly, it allows starting from quite arbitrary three-dimensional flow structures without relying on external boundary conditions. We demonstrate our approach by using an acoustic screw dislocation to link two hydrodynamic vortex filaments in a sessile droplet. We observe an inversion of the flow chirality (measured by the hydrodynamic helicity) as the topological charge of the screw dislocation is increased. Combined with recent progress in acoustic field synthesis, this work opens a window to study more complex hydrodynamic knots and links topology at a broader range of space and time scales.
Treelike thermal structures on the water surface
Authors: Martyushev L. M. , Rusova D. A. , Zvonarev K. V.
Published: May 2022

Unusual treelike thermal structures can be formed on the free surface of the evaporating water in small containers. These structures are studied in detail for the first time, and it has been established that under certain parameters (the container diameter is about 90 mm, the water layer thickness is 6–15 mm, and the container wall temperature is 28–47 °C), they are the most probable and pronounced. The presence of both horizontal and vertical temperature gradients is fundamental for the formation of such structures. An attempt has been made to numerically model treelike structures. It is shown that the classical model of heat and mass transfer in a fluid, taking into account the mechanisms of heat transfer on the free surface, usually used for water, and the reference coefficient of the surface tension of water, does not even allow one to qualitatively predict the observed treelike structures on the water surface. A hypothesis about the need to consider the influence of impurities on heat and mass transfer near the water surface has been proposed.
Aerodynamic characteristics of flexible flapping wings depending on aspect ratio and slack angle
Authors: Addo-Akoto Reynolds , Han Jong-Seob , Han Jae-Hung
Published: May 2022

Experimental investigations are made for the combined effects of aspect ratio (AR), slack (βS), and pitch angles on the aerodynamic characteristics of flexible flapping wings in hover. βS is introduced as a way to indirectly alter the flexibility of the wing. An optimum AR range of 3–5 based on the lift coefficient is observed depending on the flexibility. For a constant AR, the intensity of the leading-edge vortex (LEV) with corresponding circulatory-based lift mitigates as βS increases beyond 2.5°. The variation of βS affects the magnitude of the shed trailing-edge vortices (TEVs) but the vorticity core is maintained. We found the shed TEVs to be the key vortical feature of twistable flexible wings in comparison with the rigid (untwisted) cases. More intriguingly, the negative wing twist played a significant role in sustaining the circulatory lift at the outboard section for even high AR cases. The primary LEV trace is found to be an indicator for the effective spanwise limit of the LEV. Although an increase in AR reduces the effective spanwise limit, it is found that wing flexibility further decreases the radial distance. Again, the study reveals that lift enhancement in the rigid wing requires a wider effective downwash area induced by the outward movement of the LEV traces to merge with the tip vortex. Contrarily, the flexible wing requires an elongated downwash area induced by the wing twist to enhance the aerodynamic performance.
Assessing the role of multiple mechanisms increasing the age of dengue cases in Thailand
Authors: Huang Angkana T. , Takahashi Saki , Salje Henrik , Wang Lin , Garcia-Carreras Bernardo , Anderson Kathryn , Endy Timothy , Thomas Stephen , Rothman Alan L. , Klungthong Chonticha , Jones Anthony R. , Fernandez Stefan , Iamsirithaworn Sopon , Doung-Ngern Pawinee , Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Cummings Derek A. T.
Published: May 2022

Significance

The age of reported dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases, the severe form of dengue infections, has been increasing in Thailand for four decades. Factors underlying this shift remain poorly understood, challenging public health planning. Here, we found aging of the population and its effect on the hazard of transmission to be the dominant contributors, with temporal changes in surveillance practices playing a lesser role. With ongoing population aging, we expect a continuing shift of DHF toward older individuals, heightening the chance of clinical complications with comorbidities. With most other highly endemic countries facing similar shifts in age structure, the pattern is expected to appear elsewhere. Awareness is needed to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Plant ESCRT protein ALIX coordinates with retromer complex in regulating receptor-mediated sorting of soluble vacuolar proteins
Authors: Hu Shuai , Li Baiying , Wu Fan , Zhu Dongmei , Zouhar Jan , Gao Caiji , Shimada Tomoo , Rojo Enrique , Hara-Nishimura Ikuko , Jiang Liwen , Shen Jinbo
Published: May 2022

Significance

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery in multicellular organisms plays canonical functions in multivesicular body (MVB) biogenesis and membrane protein sorting. Nonetheless, its critical role in the sorting of soluble vacuolar proteins and its interplay with endosomal recycling machinery have yet to be reported. In this study, we demonstrate thatArabidopsisESCRT-associated ALIXinteracts with the retromer core subunitsto regulate their recruitment onto endosome membrane for recycling of vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs) for efficient sorting of soluble vacuolar proteins. This work provides molecular insights into the unique properties of ALIX in regulating vacuolar transport of soluble proteins, thus shedding new light on the crosstalk and coordination between the vacuolar trafficking and endosomal recycling pathways in plants.
Genes and evolutionary fates of the amanitin biosynthesis pathway in poisonous mushrooms
Authors: Luo Hong , Hallen-Adams Heather E. , Lüli Yunjiao , Sgambelluri R. Michael , Li Xuan , Smith Miranda , Yang Zhu L. , Martin Francis M.
Published: May 2022

Significance

Why do unrelated poisonous mushrooms (
Amanita
,
Galerina
, and
Lepiota
) make the same deadly toxin, α-amanitin? One of the most effective and fast strategies for organisms to acquire new abilities is through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). With the help of genome sequencing and the finding of two genes for the amanitin biosynthetic pathway, we demonstrate that the pathway distribution resulted from HGT probably through an unknown ancestral fungal donor. In
Amanita
mushrooms, the pathway evolved, through a series of gene manipulations, to produce very high levels of toxins, generating “the deadliest mushroom known to mankind.”
Constructing nickel–iron oxyhydroxides integrated with iron oxides by microorganism corrosion for oxygen evolution
Authors: Yang Huan , Dong Chungli , Wang Hongming , Qi Ruijuan , Gong Lanqian , Lu Yingrui , He Chaohui , Chen Shenghua , You Bo , Liu Hongfang , Yao Junlong , Jiang Xueliang , Guo Xingpeng , Xia Bao Yu
Published: May 2022

Significance

Oxygen evolution reaction plays a striking role in renewable energy storage and conversion technologies. However, efficient electrocatalysts are necessary to promote this kinetically sluggish reaction. These reported down–top preparation methods of highly efficient transition metal hydroxides usually need delicate control in complex environments, limiting their large-scale application. An iron-oxidizing bacteria corrosion approach is developed to construct iron oxides top–down from iron-oxidizing bacteria corrosion integrated with nickel–iron oxyhydroxides to boost oxygen evolution. This study demonstrates a natural bacterial corrosion strategy to prepare highly efficient electrodes top–down for efficient water oxidation, which may stimulate broad interest in multidisciplinary integration of innovative nanomaterials and emerging technologies.
Thermally induced refractive index fluctuations in transmissive optical components and their influence on the sensitivity of Einstein telescope
Authors: Meyer Jan , Dickmann Walter , Kroker Stefanie , Gaedtke Mika , Dickmann Johannes
Published: May 2022

With a relative length measurement precision of better than 10−23, gravitational wave interferometers are the most precise instruments that have ever been built. With this enormous sensitivity many noise sources potentially effect gravitational wave detector sensitivity, each of which must be investigated to ensure confidence in design sensitivity. We present calculations of photoelastic noise as well as thermo refractive noise in the beam splitter and the input test masses in Einstein telescope (ET). It turns out that the amplitude of the photoelastic noise in the ET low-frequency detector is about five orders of magnitude below the maximum design sensitivity and five orders of magnitude below that of the ET high-frequency detector, whereas thermo refractive noise impairs the design sensitivity by approximately 20%.
Strain-tunable self-passivated porous phosphorene for high-efficiency helium separation
Authors: Lei Huixia , Li Yixiang , Yang Yanmei , Li Yong-Qiang , Zhao Mingwen , Li Weifeng , Qu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2022

The skyrocketing demand for helium (He) has stressed the limitation of the global He storge. The helium-rich natural gas represents the most accessible resource of He, thus the development of effective ways to extract He from natural gas is of high priority on the research agenda. The membrane-based separation technique is regarded as a promising method for efficient He purification that might possibly mitigate the current He shortage. In this work, by employing first-principles calculations together with molecular dynamics simulations, we predicted that both the strained and unstrained self-passivated porous phosphorene membrane can be used for efficient He harvest from natural gas. The results demonstrate that the porous phosphorene exhibits high He selectivities (104–1018) over impure molecules (CO, N2, CO2, CH4) and high He permeance of 10−3 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 at 300 K, both far exceeding the industry standard. More importantly, the He permeance of the porous phosphorene can be effectively regulated under moderate strain along with high selectivity. Therefore, the porous phosphorene presented in this study is a robust and mechanically-controlled semipermeable membrane for efficient He purification that holds a great prospect in industrial application.
Colorimetric paper test strips based on cesium lead bromide perovskite nanocrystals for rapid detection of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride
Authors: Shi Xiaoqing , Kralj Marko , Zhang Yang
Published: May 2022

The detection of drugs containing hydrochloric salt with conventional methods is time consuming and expensive. In this work, upon exposure to ciprofloxacin hydrochloride at different concentrations, the emission from CsPbBr3 NCs shifts to the blue from 513 nm to 442 nm. CsPbBr(3−x)Cl
x
NCs are formed by the ion exchange and substitution of Br− and Cl− ions from surface to core of NCs. The first-principles calculations suggest that the substitution of Br− by Cl− ions plays a critical role in the tuning of the energy bandgap. The color of paper test strips changes immediately after exposure to different Ciproxan solutions. We propose that this rapid and portable method has a high potential application in other chloride salts for food safety.
Microcavitation dynamics in viscoelastic tissue during histotripsy process
Authors: Abu-Nab Ahmed K , Mohamed Khaled G , Abu-Bakr Ali F
Published: May 2022

Monitoring bubble cavitations and bubble dynamics are essential in enhancing non-invasive ultrasonic ablation methods like histotripsy that mechanically fractionates tissue into acellular debris using microcavitation. Histotripsy can totally fractionate tissue into a liquid-appearing homogenate with no cellular features with enough pulses. In this paper, we present the analysis of the dynamics of cavitation bubbles in a viscoelastic medium subjected to a histotripsy pulse using different fidelities in depicting compressibility and viscoelasticity effects. The mathematical formulation is described based on the Keller–Miksis equation in two models for cavitation bubbles in viscoelastic tissue through histotripsy process; the first model is in neo-Hookean, and the second is in quadratic law Kelvin–Voigt model. The governing model is solved analytically based on the modified Plesset–Zwick method. Analysis of the results reveals that the parameters of Young modulus, viscosity effects and stiffening parameter reduce the growth of cavitation microbubbles through the histotripsy process. The cavitation bubble growth increases when the gel concentration decreases during the histotripsy process.