Finding an optimal isolator arrangement for asymmetric structures using traditional conceptual design methods that can significantly minimize torsional response while ensuring efficient horizontal seismic isolation is...Finding an optimal isolator arrangement for asymmetric structures using traditional conceptual design methods that can significantly minimize torsional response while ensuring efficient horizontal seismic isolation is cumbersome and inefficient.Thus,this work develops a multi-objective optimization method to enhance the torsional resistance of asymmetric base-isolated structures.The primary objective is to simultaneously minimize the interstory rotation of the superstructure,the rotation of the isolation layer,and the interstory displacement of the superstructure without exceeding the isolator displacement limits.A fast non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm(NSGA-Ⅱ)is employed to satisfy this optimization objective.Subsequently,the isolator arrangement,encompassing both positions and categories,is optimized according to this multi-objective optimization method.Additionally,an optimization design platform is developed to streamline the design operation.This platform integrates the input of optimization parameters,the output of optimization results,the finite element analysis,and the multi-objective optimization method proposed herein.Finally,the application of this multi-objective optimization method and its associated platform are demonstrated on two asymmetric base-isolated structures of varying heights and plan configurations.The results indicate that the optimal isolator arrangement derived from the optimization method can further improve the control over the lateral and torsional responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures compared to conventional conceptual design methods.Notably,the interstory rotation of the optimal base-isolated structure is significantly reduced,constituting only approximately 33.7%of that observed in the original base-isolated structure.The proposed platform facilitates the automatic generation of the optimal design scheme for the isolators of asymmetric base-isolated structures,offering valuable insights and guidance for the burgeoning field of intelligent civil engineering design.展开更多
An inter-story shear model of asymmetric base-isolated structures incorporating deformation of each isolation bearing was built, and a method to simultaneously simulate bi-directional near-fault and far-field ground m...An inter-story shear model of asymmetric base-isolated structures incorporating deformation of each isolation bearing was built, and a method to simultaneously simulate bi-directional near-fault and far-field ground motions was proposed. A comparative study on the dynamic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures under near-fault and far-field ground motions were conducted to investigate the effects of eccentricity in the isolation system and in the superstructures, the ratio of the uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency of the superstructure and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions on the nonlinear seismic response of asymmetric base-isolated structures. Numerical results show that eccentricity in the isolation system makes asymmetric base-isolated structure more sensitive to near-fault ground motions, and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions plays an import role in governing the seismic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures.展开更多
This study examines the roles of soil-structure interaction （SSI）, higher modes, and damping in a base-isolated structure built on multiple layers of soil overlying a half space. Closed-form solutions for the entire...This study examines the roles of soil-structure interaction （SSI）, higher modes, and damping in a base-isolated structure built on multiple layers of soil overlying a half space. Closed-form solutions for the entire system, including a superstructure, seismic isolator, and numerous soil layers overlying a half-space, were obtained. The formulations obtained in this study simply in terms of well-known frequencies and mechanical impedance ratios can explicitly interpret the dynamic behavior of a base-isolated structure interacting with multiple soil layers overlying a half-space. The key factors influencing the performance of the isolation system are the damping ratio of the isolator and the ratio of the natural frequency of the fixed-base structure to that of the isolated structure by assuming that the superstructure moves as a rigid body. This study reveals that higher damping in the base isolator is unfavorable to higher mode responses that usually dominate the responses of the superstructure and that the damping mechanism plays an important role in transmitting energy in addition to absorbing energy. It is also concluded that it is possible to design a soft soil layer as an isolation system for isolating vibration energy.展开更多
Brazing filler metals are widely applied,which serve as an industrial adhesive in the joining of dissimilar structures.With the continuous emergence of new structures and materials,the demand for novel brazing filler ...Brazing filler metals are widely applied,which serve as an industrial adhesive in the joining of dissimilar structures.With the continuous emergence of new structures and materials,the demand for novel brazing filler metals is ever-increasing.It is of great significance to investigate the optimized composition design methods and to establish systematic design guidelines for brazing filler metals.This study elucidated the fundamental rules for the composition design of brazing filler metals from a three-dimensional perspective encompassing the basic properties of applied brazing filler metals,formability and processability,and overall cost.The basic properties of brazing filler metals refer to their mechanical properties,physicochemical properties,electromagnetic properties,corrosion resistance,and the wettability and fluidity during brazing.The formability and processability of brazing filler metals include the processes of smelting and casting,extrusion,rolling,drawing and ring-making,as well as the processes of granulation,powder production,and the molding of amorphous and microcrystalline structures.The cost of brazing filler metals corresponds to the sum of materials value and manufacturing cost.Improving the comprehensive properties of brazing filler metals requires a comprehensive and systematic consideration of design indicators.Highlighting the unique characteristics of brazing filler metals should focus on relevant technical indicators.Binary or ternary eutectic structures can effectively enhance the flow spreading ability of brazing filler metals,and solid solution structures contribute to the formability.By employing the proposed design guidelines,typical Ag based,Cu based,Zn based brazing filler metals,and Sn based solders were designed and successfully applied in major scientific and engineering projects.展开更多
As-forged WSTi6421 titanium alloy billet afterβannealing was investigated.Abnormally coarse grains larger than adjacent grains could be observed in the microstructures,forming abnormal grain structures with uneven si...As-forged WSTi6421 titanium alloy billet afterβannealing was investigated.Abnormally coarse grains larger than adjacent grains could be observed in the microstructures,forming abnormal grain structures with uneven size distribution.Through electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD),the forged microstructure at various locations of as-forged WSTi6421 titanium alloy billet was analyzed,revealing that the strength of theβphase cubic texture generated by forging significantly influences the grain size afterβannealing.Heat treatment experiments were conducted within the temperature range from T_(β)−50°C to T_(β)+10°C to observe the macro-and micro-morphologies.Results show that the cubic texture ofβphase caused by forging impacts the texture of the secondaryαphase,which subsequently influences theβphase formed during the post-βannealing process.Moreover,the pinning effect of the residual primaryαphase plays a crucial role in the growth ofβgrains during theβannealing process.EBSD analysis results suggest that the strength ofβphase with cubic texture formed during forging process impacts the orientation distribution differences ofβgrains afterβannealing.Additionally,the development of grains with large orientations within the cubic texture shows a certain degree of selectivity duringβannealing,which is affected by various factors,including the pinning effect of the primaryαphase,the strength of the matrix cubic texture,and the orientation relationship betweenβgrain and matrix.Comprehensively,the stronger the texture in a certain region,the less likely the large misoriented grains suffering secondary growth,thereby aggregating the difference in microstructure and grain orientation distribution across different regions afterβannealing.展开更多
As the proportion of composite materials used in aircraft continues to increase, the electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness (SE) of these materials becomes a critical factor in the electromagnetic safety design of ai...As the proportion of composite materials used in aircraft continues to increase, the electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness (SE) of these materials becomes a critical factor in the electromagnetic safety design of aircraft structures. The assessment of electromagnetic SE for Slotted Composite Structures(SCSs) is particularly challenging due to their complex geometries and there remains a lack of suitable models for accurately predicting the SE performance of these intricate configurations. To address this issue, this paper introduces SCS-Net, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) method designed to accurately predict the SE of SCS. This method considers the impacts of various structural parameters, material properties and incident wave parameters on the SE of SCSs. In order to better model the SCS, an improved Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) method is introduced in this paper to provide an equivalent flat structure for the SCS and to calculate the electromagnetic parameters of the equivalent structure. Additionally, the prediction of SE via DNNs is limited by insufficient test data, which hinders support for large-sample training. To address the issue of limited measured data, this paper develops a Measurement-Computation Fusion (MCF) dataset construction method. The predictions based on the simulation results show that the proposed method maintains an error of less than 0.07 dB within the 8–10 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, a new loss function based on the weighted L1-norm is established to improve the prediction accuracy for these parameters. Compared with traditional loss functions, the new loss function reduces the maximum prediction error for equivalent electromagnetic parameters by 47%. This method significantly improves the prediction accuracy of SCS-Net for measured data, with a maximum improvement of 23.88%. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method enables precise SE prediction and design for composite structures while reducing the number of test samples needed.展开更多
Cholesteric liquid crystals(CLCs)exhibit unique helical superstructures that selectively reflect circularly polarized light,enabling them to dynamically respond to environmental changes with tunable structural colors....Cholesteric liquid crystals(CLCs)exhibit unique helical superstructures that selectively reflect circularly polarized light,enabling them to dynamically respond to environmental changes with tunable structural colors.This dynamic color-changing capability is crucial for applications that require adaptable optical properties,positioning CLCs as key materials in advanced photonic technologies.This review focuses on the mechanisms of dynamic color tuning in CLCs across various forms,including small molecules,cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers(CLCEs),and cholesteric liquid crystal networks(CLCNs),and emphasizes the distinct responsive coloration each structure provides.Key developments in photochromic mechanisms based on azobenzene,dithienylethene,and molecular motor switches,are discussed for their roles in enhancing the stability and tuning range of CLCs.We examine the color-changing behaviors of CLCEs under mechanical stimuli and CLCNs under swelling,highlighting the advantages of each form.Following this,applications of dynamic color-tuning CLCs in information encryption,adaptive camouflage,and smart sensing technologies are explored.The review concludes with an outlook on current challenges and future directions in CLC research,particularly in biomimetic systems and dynamic photonic devices,aiming to broaden their functional applications and impact.展开更多
The current artificial bone is unable to accurately replicate the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of human cancellous bone.To address this issue,we proposed a personalized approach based on clinical CT images to design m...The current artificial bone is unable to accurately replicate the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of human cancellous bone.To address this issue,we proposed a personalized approach based on clinical CT images to design mechanical equivalent porous structures for artificial femoral heads.Firstly,supported by Micro and clinical CT scans of 21 bone specimens,the anisotropic mechanical parameters of human cancellous bone in the femoral head were characterized using clinical CT values(Hounsfield unit).After that,the equivalent porous structure of cancellous bone was designed based on the gyroid surface,the influence of its degree of anisotropy and volume fraction on the macroscopic mechanical parameters was investigated by finite element analysis.Furthermore,a mapping relationship between CT values and the porous structure was established by jointly solving the mechanical parameters of the porous structure and human cancellous bone,allowing the design of personalized gradient porous structures based on clinical CT images.Finally,to verify the mechanical equivalence,implant press-in tests were conducted on 3D-printed artificial femoral heads and human femoral heads,the influence of the porous structure’s cell size in bone-implant interaction problems was also explored.Results showed that the minimum deviations of press-in stiffness(<15%)and peak load(<5%)both occurred when the cell size was 20%to 30%of the implant diameter.In conclusion,the designed porous structure can replicate the human cancellous bone-implant interaction at a high level,indicating its effectiveness in optimizing the mechanical performance of 3D-printed artificial femoral head.展开更多
Polymeric perylene diimide(PDI)has been evidenced as a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation,yet the origin of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity remains unclear and needs further exploration.Her...Polymeric perylene diimide(PDI)has been evidenced as a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation,yet the origin of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity remains unclear and needs further exploration.Herein,with crystal and atomic structures of the self-assembled PDI revealed from the X-ray diffraction pattern,the electronic structure is theoretically illustrated by the first-principles density functional theory calculations,suggesting the suitable band structure and the direct electronic transition for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution over PDI.It is confirmed that the carbonyl O atoms on the conjugation structure serve as the active sites for oxygen evolution reaction by the crystal orbital Hamiltonian group analysis.The calculations of reaction free energy changes indicate that the oxygen evolution reaction should follow the reaction pathway of H_(2)O→^(*)OH→^(*)O→^(*)OOH→^(*)O_(2)with an overpotential of 0.81 V.Through an in-depth theoretical computational analysis in the atomic and electronic structures,the origin of photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity for PDI is well illustrated,which would help the rational design and modification of polymeric photocatalysts for efficient oxygen evolution.展开更多
The microstructure design for thermal conduction pathways in polymeric electrical encapsulation materials is essential to meet the stringent requirements for efficient thermal management and thermal runaway safety in ...The microstructure design for thermal conduction pathways in polymeric electrical encapsulation materials is essential to meet the stringent requirements for efficient thermal management and thermal runaway safety in modern electronic devices.Hence,a composite with three-dimensional network(Ho/U-BNNS/WPU)is developed by simultaneously incorporating magnetically modified boron nitride nanosheets(M@BNNS)and non-magnetic organo-grafted BNNS(U-BNNS)into waterborne polyurethane(WPU)to synchronous molding under a horizontal magnetic field.The results indicate that the continuous in-plane pathways formed by M@BNNS aligned along the magnetic field direction,combined with the bridging structure established by U-BNNS,enable Ho/U-BNNS/WPU to exhibit exceptional in-plane(λ//)and through-plane thermal conductivities(λ_(⊥)).In particular,with the addition of 30 wt%M@BNNS and 5 wt%U-BNNS,theλ//andλ_(⊥)of composites reach 11.47 and 2.88 W m^(-1) K^(-1),respectively,which representing a 194.2%improvement inλ_(⊥)compared to the composites with a single orientation of M@BNNS.Meanwhile,Ho/U-BNNS/WPU exhibits distinguished thermal management capabilities as thermal interface materials for LED and chips.The composites also demonstrate excellent flame retardancy,with a peak heat release and total heat release reduced by 58.9%and 36.9%,respectively,compared to WPU.Thus,this work offers new insights into the thermally conductive structural design and efficient flame-retardant systems of polymer composites,presenting broad application potential in electronic packaging fields.展开更多
Forest structure is fundamental in determining ecosystem function,yet the impact of bamboo invasion on these structural characteristics remains unclear.We investigated 219 invasion transects at 41 sites across the dis...Forest structure is fundamental in determining ecosystem function,yet the impact of bamboo invasion on these structural characteristics remains unclear.We investigated 219 invasion transects at 41 sites across the distribution areas of Moso bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)in China to explore the effects of bamboo invasion on forest structural attributes and diameter–height allometries by comparing paired plots of bamboo,mixed bamboo-tree,and non-bamboo forests along the transects.We found that bamboo invasion decreased the mean and maximum diameter at breast height,maximum height,and total basal area,but increased the mean height,stem density,and scaling exponent for stands.Bamboo also had a higher scaling exponent than tree,particularly in mixed forests,suggesting a greater allocation of biomass to height growth.As invasion intensity increased,bamboo allometry became more plastic and decreased significantly,whereas tree allometry was indirectly promoted by increasing stem density.Additionally,a humid climate may favour the scaling exponents for both bamboo and tree,with only minor contributions from topsoil moisture and nitrogen content.The inherent superiority of diameter–height allometry allows bamboo to outcompete tree and contributes to its invasive success.Our findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the causes and consequences of bamboo invasion.展开更多
Ferroelastic rare earth tantalates(RETaO_(4))are widely researched as the next-generation thermal barrier coatings(TBCs),and RETaO_(4)powders are hugely significant for synthesizing their coatings.The current research...Ferroelastic rare earth tantalates(RETaO_(4))are widely researched as the next-generation thermal barrier coatings(TBCs),and RETaO_(4)powders are hugely significant for synthesizing their coatings.The current research used chemical co-precipitation within an automated experimental device to synthesize RETaO_(4)(RE=Nd,Sm,Gd,Ho,Er)powders.The device automatically monitored and controlled the solutions'pH,improving the chemical co-precipitation efficiency.The crystal structure and microstructure of the RETaO_(4)powders can be controlled by changing the annealing temperature,and the materials undergo an m'-m phase transition.The m'-RETaO_(4)powders exhibit nano-size grains,while m-RETaO_(4)powders evince micron-size grains,altered by the annealing temperatures.A simultaneous thermal analysis es-timates the reversive ferroelastic tetragonal-monoclinic phase transition temperatures.Overall,this research focuses on the synthesis,crystal structures,microstructures,and phase transition of the fabricated RETaO_(4)powders.展开更多
Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and hi...Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.展开更多
Rice seedling blight,caused by various fungi,including Fusarium oxysporum,poses a severe threat to rice production.As awareness grows regarding the environmental and safety hazards associated with the application of f...Rice seedling blight,caused by various fungi,including Fusarium oxysporum,poses a severe threat to rice production.As awareness grows regarding the environmental and safety hazards associated with the application of fungicides for managing rice seedling blight,there has been a shift in focus towards biological control agents.In this study,we isolated biocontrol bacteria from paddy fields that significantly inhibited the growth of F.oxysporum in vitro and identified the strains as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens T40 and Bacillus pumilus T208.Additionally,our findings indicated that the combined application of these Bacillus strains in soil was more effective in reducing the incidence of rice seedling blight than their individual use.Analysis of 16S and internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene sequencing data revealed that the mixture of the T40 and T208 strains exhibited the lowest average clustering coefficients,which were negatively correlated with the biomass of F.oxysporum-inoculated rice seedlings.Furthermore,this mixture led to higher stochastic assembly(average|βNTI|<2)and reduced selection pressures on rice rhizosphere bacteria compared with individual strain applications.The mixture of the T40 and T208 strains also significantly increased the expression of defense-related genes.In conclusion,the mixture of the T40 and T208 strains effectively modulates microbial community structures,enhances microbial network stability,and boosts the resistance against rice seedling blight.Our study supports the development and utilization of biological resources for crop protection.展开更多
The physiology of the central and enteric nervous systems and gastric muscle contributes to the complexities encountered in the research and clinical management of gastroparesis. A wide range of prescription drugs tar...The physiology of the central and enteric nervous systems and gastric muscle contributes to the complexities encountered in the research and clinical management of gastroparesis. A wide range of prescription drugs target the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and adjust nucleotide levels in appropriate tissues, but treatment is unsatisfactory, as our understanding of the condition is far from complete. In this study, computational software is used to focus on the adenine nucleotide, ATP, as a comparative template for the structures of drugs used in gastroparesis treatment. The results demonstrate that muscarinic, dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and histamine receptor ligand classes relate structurally and differentially to the molecular structure of ATP. In these neurotransmitter classes, compounds do not target cell membrane receptor G-protein signal transduction in a manner that provides a single mechanism for improving gastroparesis symptoms. The exploration of alternative nucleotide-based deficiencies of KATP channels, Na+/K+ATPases and guanine nucleotide directed nitrergic mechanisms should enhance our experimental approach to understanding this condition.展开更多
γ-Secretase,called“the proteasome of the membrane,”is a membrane-embedded protease complex that cleaves 150+peptide substrates with central roles in biology and medicine,including amyloid precursor protein and the ...γ-Secretase,called“the proteasome of the membrane,”is a membrane-embedded protease complex that cleaves 150+peptide substrates with central roles in biology and medicine,including amyloid precursor protein and the Notch family of cell-surface receptors.Mutations inγ-secretase and amyloid precursor protein lead to early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease.γ-Secretase has thus served as a critical drug target for treating familial Alzheimer’s disease and the more common late-onset Alzheimer’s disease as well.However,critical gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms of processive proteolysis of substrates,the effects of familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations,and allosteric modulation of substrate cleavage byγ-secretase.In this review,we focus on recent studies of structural dynamic mechanisms ofγ-secretase.Different mechanisms,including the“Fit-Stay-Trim,”“Sliding-Unwinding,”and“Tilting-Unwinding,”have been proposed for substrate proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein byγ-secretase based on all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.While an incorrect registry of the Notch1 substrate was identified in the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Notch1-boundγ-secretase,molecular dynamics simulations on a resolved model of Notch1-boundγ-secretase that was reconstructed using the amyloid precursor protein-boundγ-secretase as a template successfully capturedγ-secretase activation for proper cleavages of both wildtype and mutant Notch,being consistent with biochemical experimental findings.The approach could be potentially applied to decipher the processing mechanisms of various substrates byγ-secretase.In addition,controversy over the effects of familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations,particularly the issue of whether they stabilize or destabilizeγ-secretase-substrate complexes,is discussed.Finally,an outlook is provided for future studies ofγ-secretase,including pathways of substrate binding and product release,effects of modulators on familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations of theγ-secretase-substrate complexes.Comprehensive understanding of the functional mechanisms ofγ-secretase will greatly facilitate the rational design of effective drug molecules for treating familial Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease in general.展开更多
Sacred forests play a valuable role in the conservation of local biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to estimate floristic diversity, stand structures and carbon...Sacred forests play a valuable role in the conservation of local biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to estimate floristic diversity, stand structures and carbon stocks in the sacred forests of Bandrefam and Batoufam (western Cameroon). The floristic inventory and the stand structures were carried out in 25 m × 25 m plots for individuals with diameters greater than 10 cm;5 m × 5 m for individuals with diameters less than 10 cm. Carbon stocks were estimated using the non-destructive method and allometric equations. The floristic inventory identified 65 species divided into 57 genera and 30 families in the Bandrefam sacred forest and 45 species divided into 42 genera and 27 families in the Batoufam sacred forest. In the Bandrefam, the most important families are Phyllanthaceae (53.98%), Moraceae (21.69%), Lamiaceae (20.15%). At Batoufam, the most important families are Phyllanthaceae (39.73%), Fabaceae (28.47%), Araliaceae (23.77%). Malacantha alnifolia (55.14%), Vitex grandifolia (18.43%), Bosqueia angolensis (15.06%) were the most important species in Bandrefam. Otherwise, Malacantha alnifolia (28%), Polyscias fulva (22.73%), Psychotria sp. (21.28%) were the most important in Batoufam. The Bandrefam sacred forest has the highest tree density (2669 stems/ha). Total carbon stock is 484.88 ± 2.28 tC/ha at Batoufam and 313.95 ± 0.93 tC/ha at Bandrefam. The economic value varies between 5858.04 ± 27.62 USD/ha in Batoufam sacred forest and 3788.51 ± 11.26 USD/ha in Bandrefam sacred forest. The number of individuals and small-diameter trees has little influence on the carbon stocks in the trees. Medium-diameter trees store the most carbon, and very large-diameter trees, which are very poorly represented, store less carbon. In another way, wood density and the basal areas influence the carbon storage of the trees.展开更多
Atomic-scale doping strategies and structure design play pivotal roles in tailoring the electronic structure and physicochemical property of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)materials.However,the relationship betw...Atomic-scale doping strategies and structure design play pivotal roles in tailoring the electronic structure and physicochemical property of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)materials.However,the relationship between configuration and electromagnetic(EM)loss mechanism has remained elusive.Herein,drawing inspiration from the DNA transcription process,we report the successful synthesis of novel in situ Mn/N co-doped helical carbon nanotubes with ultrabroad EMWA capability.Theoretical calculation and EM simulation confirm that the orbital coupling and spin polarization of the Mn–N4–C configuration,along with cross polarization generated by the helical structure,endow the helical converters with enhanced EM loss.As a result,HMC-8 demonstrates outstanding EMWA performance,achieving a minimum reflection loss of−63.13 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.29 mm.Through precise tuning of the graphite domain size,HMC-7 achieves an effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 6.08 GHz at 2.02 mm thickness.Furthermore,constructing macroscale gradient metamaterials enables an ultrabroadband EAB of 12.16 GHz at a thickness of only 5.00 mm,with the maximum radar cross section reduction value reaching 36.4 dB m2.This innovative approach not only advances the understanding of metal–nonmetal co-doping but also realizes broadband EMWA,thus contributing to the development of EMWA mechanisms and applications.展开更多
Port structures constitute the main link in the maritime transport chain of coastal countries and therefore contribute to their economic development. But it should be noted that the installation of said works is not w...Port structures constitute the main link in the maritime transport chain of coastal countries and therefore contribute to their economic development. But it should be noted that the installation of said works is not without consequences for the countries concerned. Benin, a country in the Gulf of Guinea, is no exception to this phenomenon because, due to its maritime history, it has a heritage of port structures. These structures, built on its coastline, cause a wide variety of environmental problems such as silting and erosion on either side of them. The general objective of this article is to contribute to the proper functionality of port facilities while minimizing environmental problems that may arise. It aims to provide managers with a tool allowing them to fully understand the state of their assets in order to rationalize maintenance actions. In order to achieve this objective, an assessment of the state of the structure, and then a structural diagnosis are necessary and recommendations can be established to restore the level of service of the latter. As a result, two examples were presented: the wharf of the Sèmè-Podji pipeline project and the maritime piles project of the Wasco de Gama bridge (control project), and recommendations adapted to this objective were established. The comparative analysis of the two examples, both maritime works, revealed an under-sizing at the level of the spans of the wharf bridge of the Sèmè-Podji pipeline project (spans of 7 m in length), while these spans vary on average by 45 m to 62 m for the Wasco da Gama bridge. Bringing the piles closer together at the Sèmè-Podji wharf reduces the energy of the current which promotes the accumulation of sediment. The structure no longer experiences a flow capable of setting in motion the sands accumulated since at least 2022. This element appears to be a fundamental characteristic explaining the erosion observed to the east of the structure.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.52278490。
文摘Finding an optimal isolator arrangement for asymmetric structures using traditional conceptual design methods that can significantly minimize torsional response while ensuring efficient horizontal seismic isolation is cumbersome and inefficient.Thus,this work develops a multi-objective optimization method to enhance the torsional resistance of asymmetric base-isolated structures.The primary objective is to simultaneously minimize the interstory rotation of the superstructure,the rotation of the isolation layer,and the interstory displacement of the superstructure without exceeding the isolator displacement limits.A fast non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm(NSGA-Ⅱ)is employed to satisfy this optimization objective.Subsequently,the isolator arrangement,encompassing both positions and categories,is optimized according to this multi-objective optimization method.Additionally,an optimization design platform is developed to streamline the design operation.This platform integrates the input of optimization parameters,the output of optimization results,the finite element analysis,and the multi-objective optimization method proposed herein.Finally,the application of this multi-objective optimization method and its associated platform are demonstrated on two asymmetric base-isolated structures of varying heights and plan configurations.The results indicate that the optimal isolator arrangement derived from the optimization method can further improve the control over the lateral and torsional responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures compared to conventional conceptual design methods.Notably,the interstory rotation of the optimal base-isolated structure is significantly reduced,constituting only approximately 33.7%of that observed in the original base-isolated structure.The proposed platform facilitates the automatic generation of the optimal design scheme for the isolators of asymmetric base-isolated structures,offering valuable insights and guidance for the burgeoning field of intelligent civil engineering design.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 50778078)
文摘An inter-story shear model of asymmetric base-isolated structures incorporating deformation of each isolation bearing was built, and a method to simultaneously simulate bi-directional near-fault and far-field ground motions was proposed. A comparative study on the dynamic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures under near-fault and far-field ground motions were conducted to investigate the effects of eccentricity in the isolation system and in the superstructures, the ratio of the uncoupled torsional to lateral frequency of the superstructure and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions on the nonlinear seismic response of asymmetric base-isolated structures. Numerical results show that eccentricity in the isolation system makes asymmetric base-isolated structure more sensitive to near-fault ground motions, and the pulse period of near-fault ground motions plays an import role in governing the seismic responses of asymmetric base-isolated structures.
文摘This study examines the roles of soil-structure interaction （SSI）, higher modes, and damping in a base-isolated structure built on multiple layers of soil overlying a half space. Closed-form solutions for the entire system, including a superstructure, seismic isolator, and numerous soil layers overlying a half-space, were obtained. The formulations obtained in this study simply in terms of well-known frequencies and mechanical impedance ratios can explicitly interpret the dynamic behavior of a base-isolated structure interacting with multiple soil layers overlying a half-space. The key factors influencing the performance of the isolation system are the damping ratio of the isolator and the ratio of the natural frequency of the fixed-base structure to that of the isolated structure by assuming that the superstructure moves as a rigid body. This study reveals that higher damping in the base isolator is unfavorable to higher mode responses that usually dominate the responses of the superstructure and that the damping mechanism plays an important role in transmitting energy in addition to absorbing energy. It is also concluded that it is possible to design a soft soil layer as an isolation system for isolating vibration energy.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(U22A20191)。
文摘Brazing filler metals are widely applied,which serve as an industrial adhesive in the joining of dissimilar structures.With the continuous emergence of new structures and materials,the demand for novel brazing filler metals is ever-increasing.It is of great significance to investigate the optimized composition design methods and to establish systematic design guidelines for brazing filler metals.This study elucidated the fundamental rules for the composition design of brazing filler metals from a three-dimensional perspective encompassing the basic properties of applied brazing filler metals,formability and processability,and overall cost.The basic properties of brazing filler metals refer to their mechanical properties,physicochemical properties,electromagnetic properties,corrosion resistance,and the wettability and fluidity during brazing.The formability and processability of brazing filler metals include the processes of smelting and casting,extrusion,rolling,drawing and ring-making,as well as the processes of granulation,powder production,and the molding of amorphous and microcrystalline structures.The cost of brazing filler metals corresponds to the sum of materials value and manufacturing cost.Improving the comprehensive properties of brazing filler metals requires a comprehensive and systematic consideration of design indicators.Highlighting the unique characteristics of brazing filler metals should focus on relevant technical indicators.Binary or ternary eutectic structures can effectively enhance the flow spreading ability of brazing filler metals,and solid solution structures contribute to the formability.By employing the proposed design guidelines,typical Ag based,Cu based,Zn based brazing filler metals,and Sn based solders were designed and successfully applied in major scientific and engineering projects.
基金Key Research and Development Plan of Shaanxi Province(2023-YBGY-493)。
文摘As-forged WSTi6421 titanium alloy billet afterβannealing was investigated.Abnormally coarse grains larger than adjacent grains could be observed in the microstructures,forming abnormal grain structures with uneven size distribution.Through electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD),the forged microstructure at various locations of as-forged WSTi6421 titanium alloy billet was analyzed,revealing that the strength of theβphase cubic texture generated by forging significantly influences the grain size afterβannealing.Heat treatment experiments were conducted within the temperature range from T_(β)−50°C to T_(β)+10°C to observe the macro-and micro-morphologies.Results show that the cubic texture ofβphase caused by forging impacts the texture of the secondaryαphase,which subsequently influences theβphase formed during the post-βannealing process.Moreover,the pinning effect of the residual primaryαphase plays a crucial role in the growth ofβgrains during theβannealing process.EBSD analysis results suggest that the strength ofβphase with cubic texture formed during forging process impacts the orientation distribution differences ofβgrains afterβannealing.Additionally,the development of grains with large orientations within the cubic texture shows a certain degree of selectivity duringβannealing,which is affected by various factors,including the pinning effect of the primaryαphase,the strength of the matrix cubic texture,and the orientation relationship betweenβgrain and matrix.Comprehensively,the stronger the texture in a certain region,the less likely the large misoriented grains suffering secondary growth,thereby aggregating the difference in microstructure and grain orientation distribution across different regions afterβannealing.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.62101020 and 62141405)the Special Scientific Research Project of Civil Aircraft,China(No.MJZ5-2N22).
文摘As the proportion of composite materials used in aircraft continues to increase, the electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness (SE) of these materials becomes a critical factor in the electromagnetic safety design of aircraft structures. The assessment of electromagnetic SE for Slotted Composite Structures(SCSs) is particularly challenging due to their complex geometries and there remains a lack of suitable models for accurately predicting the SE performance of these intricate configurations. To address this issue, this paper introduces SCS-Net, a Deep Neural Network (DNN) method designed to accurately predict the SE of SCS. This method considers the impacts of various structural parameters, material properties and incident wave parameters on the SE of SCSs. In order to better model the SCS, an improved Nicolson-Ross-Weir (NRW) method is introduced in this paper to provide an equivalent flat structure for the SCS and to calculate the electromagnetic parameters of the equivalent structure. Additionally, the prediction of SE via DNNs is limited by insufficient test data, which hinders support for large-sample training. To address the issue of limited measured data, this paper develops a Measurement-Computation Fusion (MCF) dataset construction method. The predictions based on the simulation results show that the proposed method maintains an error of less than 0.07 dB within the 8–10 GHz frequency range. Furthermore, a new loss function based on the weighted L1-norm is established to improve the prediction accuracy for these parameters. Compared with traditional loss functions, the new loss function reduces the maximum prediction error for equivalent electromagnetic parameters by 47%. This method significantly improves the prediction accuracy of SCS-Net for measured data, with a maximum improvement of 23.88%. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method enables precise SE prediction and design for composite structures while reducing the number of test samples needed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52233001,51927805,and 52173110)the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(No.2023ZKZD07)the Shanghai Rising-Star Program(No.22QA1401200)。
文摘Cholesteric liquid crystals(CLCs)exhibit unique helical superstructures that selectively reflect circularly polarized light,enabling them to dynamically respond to environmental changes with tunable structural colors.This dynamic color-changing capability is crucial for applications that require adaptable optical properties,positioning CLCs as key materials in advanced photonic technologies.This review focuses on the mechanisms of dynamic color tuning in CLCs across various forms,including small molecules,cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers(CLCEs),and cholesteric liquid crystal networks(CLCNs),and emphasizes the distinct responsive coloration each structure provides.Key developments in photochromic mechanisms based on azobenzene,dithienylethene,and molecular motor switches,are discussed for their roles in enhancing the stability and tuning range of CLCs.We examine the color-changing behaviors of CLCEs under mechanical stimuli and CLCNs under swelling,highlighting the advantages of each form.Following this,applications of dynamic color-tuning CLCs in information encryption,adaptive camouflage,and smart sensing technologies are explored.The review concludes with an outlook on current challenges and future directions in CLC research,particularly in biomimetic systems and dynamic photonic devices,aiming to broaden their functional applications and impact.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant No.2021YFC2501700).
文摘The current artificial bone is unable to accurately replicate the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of human cancellous bone.To address this issue,we proposed a personalized approach based on clinical CT images to design mechanical equivalent porous structures for artificial femoral heads.Firstly,supported by Micro and clinical CT scans of 21 bone specimens,the anisotropic mechanical parameters of human cancellous bone in the femoral head were characterized using clinical CT values(Hounsfield unit).After that,the equivalent porous structure of cancellous bone was designed based on the gyroid surface,the influence of its degree of anisotropy and volume fraction on the macroscopic mechanical parameters was investigated by finite element analysis.Furthermore,a mapping relationship between CT values and the porous structure was established by jointly solving the mechanical parameters of the porous structure and human cancellous bone,allowing the design of personalized gradient porous structures based on clinical CT images.Finally,to verify the mechanical equivalence,implant press-in tests were conducted on 3D-printed artificial femoral heads and human femoral heads,the influence of the porous structure’s cell size in bone-implant interaction problems was also explored.Results showed that the minimum deviations of press-in stiffness(<15%)and peak load(<5%)both occurred when the cell size was 20%to 30%of the implant diameter.In conclusion,the designed porous structure can replicate the human cancellous bone-implant interaction at a high level,indicating its effectiveness in optimizing the mechanical performance of 3D-printed artificial femoral head.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.523B2070,No.52225606).
文摘Polymeric perylene diimide(PDI)has been evidenced as a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation,yet the origin of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity remains unclear and needs further exploration.Herein,with crystal and atomic structures of the self-assembled PDI revealed from the X-ray diffraction pattern,the electronic structure is theoretically illustrated by the first-principles density functional theory calculations,suggesting the suitable band structure and the direct electronic transition for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution over PDI.It is confirmed that the carbonyl O atoms on the conjugation structure serve as the active sites for oxygen evolution reaction by the crystal orbital Hamiltonian group analysis.The calculations of reaction free energy changes indicate that the oxygen evolution reaction should follow the reaction pathway of H_(2)O→^(*)OH→^(*)O→^(*)OOH→^(*)O_(2)with an overpotential of 0.81 V.Through an in-depth theoretical computational analysis in the atomic and electronic structures,the origin of photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity for PDI is well illustrated,which would help the rational design and modification of polymeric photocatalysts for efficient oxygen evolution.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22268025,52473083,and 22475176)Key Research and Development Program of Yunnan Province(202403AP140036)+2 种基金Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi(2024JC-TBZC-04)Applied Basic Research Program of Yunnan Province(202201AT070115 and 202201BE070001-031)supported by the Innovation Capability Support Program of Shaanxi(2024RS-CXTD-57).
文摘The microstructure design for thermal conduction pathways in polymeric electrical encapsulation materials is essential to meet the stringent requirements for efficient thermal management and thermal runaway safety in modern electronic devices.Hence,a composite with three-dimensional network(Ho/U-BNNS/WPU)is developed by simultaneously incorporating magnetically modified boron nitride nanosheets(M@BNNS)and non-magnetic organo-grafted BNNS(U-BNNS)into waterborne polyurethane(WPU)to synchronous molding under a horizontal magnetic field.The results indicate that the continuous in-plane pathways formed by M@BNNS aligned along the magnetic field direction,combined with the bridging structure established by U-BNNS,enable Ho/U-BNNS/WPU to exhibit exceptional in-plane(λ//)and through-plane thermal conductivities(λ_(⊥)).In particular,with the addition of 30 wt%M@BNNS and 5 wt%U-BNNS,theλ//andλ_(⊥)of composites reach 11.47 and 2.88 W m^(-1) K^(-1),respectively,which representing a 194.2%improvement inλ_(⊥)compared to the composites with a single orientation of M@BNNS.Meanwhile,Ho/U-BNNS/WPU exhibits distinguished thermal management capabilities as thermal interface materials for LED and chips.The composites also demonstrate excellent flame retardancy,with a peak heat release and total heat release reduced by 58.9%and 36.9%,respectively,compared to WPU.Thus,this work offers new insights into the thermally conductive structural design and efficient flame-retardant systems of polymer composites,presenting broad application potential in electronic packaging fields.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31988102)Yunnan Province Major Program for Basic Research Project(No.202101BC070002)+1 种基金Yunnan Province Science and Technology Talents and Platform Program(No.202305AA160014)Yunnan Province Key Research and Development Program of China(No.202303AC100009)。
文摘Forest structure is fundamental in determining ecosystem function,yet the impact of bamboo invasion on these structural characteristics remains unclear.We investigated 219 invasion transects at 41 sites across the distribution areas of Moso bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)in China to explore the effects of bamboo invasion on forest structural attributes and diameter–height allometries by comparing paired plots of bamboo,mixed bamboo-tree,and non-bamboo forests along the transects.We found that bamboo invasion decreased the mean and maximum diameter at breast height,maximum height,and total basal area,but increased the mean height,stem density,and scaling exponent for stands.Bamboo also had a higher scaling exponent than tree,particularly in mixed forests,suggesting a greater allocation of biomass to height growth.As invasion intensity increased,bamboo allometry became more plastic and decreased significantly,whereas tree allometry was indirectly promoted by increasing stem density.Additionally,a humid climate may favour the scaling exponents for both bamboo and tree,with only minor contributions from topsoil moisture and nitrogen content.The inherent superiority of diameter–height allometry allows bamboo to outcompete tree and contributes to its invasive success.Our findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the causes and consequences of bamboo invasion.
基金the Rare and Precious Metals Material Genetic Engineering Project of Yunnan Province(202102AB080019-1)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFB3708600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(91960103).
文摘Ferroelastic rare earth tantalates(RETaO_(4))are widely researched as the next-generation thermal barrier coatings(TBCs),and RETaO_(4)powders are hugely significant for synthesizing their coatings.The current research used chemical co-precipitation within an automated experimental device to synthesize RETaO_(4)(RE=Nd,Sm,Gd,Ho,Er)powders.The device automatically monitored and controlled the solutions'pH,improving the chemical co-precipitation efficiency.The crystal structure and microstructure of the RETaO_(4)powders can be controlled by changing the annealing temperature,and the materials undergo an m'-m phase transition.The m'-RETaO_(4)powders exhibit nano-size grains,while m-RETaO_(4)powders evince micron-size grains,altered by the annealing temperatures.A simultaneous thermal analysis es-timates the reversive ferroelastic tetragonal-monoclinic phase transition temperatures.Overall,this research focuses on the synthesis,crystal structures,microstructures,and phase transition of the fabricated RETaO_(4)powders.
基金supported by the Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(T2121004)Key Programme(52235007)National Outstanding Youth Foundation of China(52325504).
文摘Hydrogel scaffolds have numerous potential applications in the tissue engineering field.However,tough hydrogel scaffolds implanted in vivo are seldom reported because it is difficult to balance biocompatibility and high mechanical properties.Inspired by Chinese ramen,we propose a universal fabricating method(printing-P,training-T,cross-linking-C,PTC&PCT)for tough hydrogel scaffolds to fill this gap.First,3D printing fabricates a hydrogel scaffold with desired structures(P).Then,the scaffold could have extraordinarily high mechanical properties and functional surface structure by cycle mechanical training with salting-out assistance(T).Finally,the training results are fixed by photo-cross-linking processing(C).The tough gelatin hydrogel scaffolds exhibit excellent tensile strength of 6.66 MPa(622-fold untreated)and have excellent biocompatibility.Furthermore,this scaffold possesses functional surface structures from nanometer to micron to millimeter,which can efficiently induce directional cell growth.Interestingly,this strategy can produce bionic human tissue with mechanical properties of 10 kPa-10 MPa by changing the type of salt,and many hydrogels,such as gelatin and silk,could be improved with PTC or PCT strategies.Animal experiments show that this scaffold can effectively promote the new generation of muscle fibers,blood vessels,and nerves within 4 weeks,prompting the rapid regeneration of large-volume muscle loss injuries.
基金supported by the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(Grant No.LQ24C010007)Zhejiang Science and Technology Major Program on Rice New Variety Breeding,China(Grant No.2021C02063)+4 种基金the Agricultural Sciences and Technologies Innovation Program,China(Grant No.CAAS-CSCB-202301)the Key Projects of Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation,China(Grant No.LZ23C130002)the Youth Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.Y2023QC22)the Joint Open Competitive Project of the Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory and China National Seed Company Limited(Grant Nos.B23YQ1514 and B23CQ15EP)the External Cooperation Projects of Biotechnology Research Institute,Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences,China(Grant No.DWHZ2024-07).
文摘Rice seedling blight,caused by various fungi,including Fusarium oxysporum,poses a severe threat to rice production.As awareness grows regarding the environmental and safety hazards associated with the application of fungicides for managing rice seedling blight,there has been a shift in focus towards biological control agents.In this study,we isolated biocontrol bacteria from paddy fields that significantly inhibited the growth of F.oxysporum in vitro and identified the strains as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens T40 and Bacillus pumilus T208.Additionally,our findings indicated that the combined application of these Bacillus strains in soil was more effective in reducing the incidence of rice seedling blight than their individual use.Analysis of 16S and internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene sequencing data revealed that the mixture of the T40 and T208 strains exhibited the lowest average clustering coefficients,which were negatively correlated with the biomass of F.oxysporum-inoculated rice seedlings.Furthermore,this mixture led to higher stochastic assembly(average|βNTI|<2)and reduced selection pressures on rice rhizosphere bacteria compared with individual strain applications.The mixture of the T40 and T208 strains also significantly increased the expression of defense-related genes.In conclusion,the mixture of the T40 and T208 strains effectively modulates microbial community structures,enhances microbial network stability,and boosts the resistance against rice seedling blight.Our study supports the development and utilization of biological resources for crop protection.
文摘The physiology of the central and enteric nervous systems and gastric muscle contributes to the complexities encountered in the research and clinical management of gastroparesis. A wide range of prescription drugs target the underlying neurotransmitter imbalances and adjust nucleotide levels in appropriate tissues, but treatment is unsatisfactory, as our understanding of the condition is far from complete. In this study, computational software is used to focus on the adenine nucleotide, ATP, as a comparative template for the structures of drugs used in gastroparesis treatment. The results demonstrate that muscarinic, dopamine, serotonin (5-HT) and histamine receptor ligand classes relate structurally and differentially to the molecular structure of ATP. In these neurotransmitter classes, compounds do not target cell membrane receptor G-protein signal transduction in a manner that provides a single mechanism for improving gastroparesis symptoms. The exploration of alternative nucleotide-based deficiencies of KATP channels, Na+/K+ATPases and guanine nucleotide directed nitrergic mechanisms should enhance our experimental approach to understanding this condition.
基金supported in part by Award 2121063 from National Science Foundation(to YM)AG66986 from the National Institutes of Health(to MSW).
文摘γ-Secretase,called“the proteasome of the membrane,”is a membrane-embedded protease complex that cleaves 150+peptide substrates with central roles in biology and medicine,including amyloid precursor protein and the Notch family of cell-surface receptors.Mutations inγ-secretase and amyloid precursor protein lead to early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease.γ-Secretase has thus served as a critical drug target for treating familial Alzheimer’s disease and the more common late-onset Alzheimer’s disease as well.However,critical gaps remain in understanding the mechanisms of processive proteolysis of substrates,the effects of familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations,and allosteric modulation of substrate cleavage byγ-secretase.In this review,we focus on recent studies of structural dynamic mechanisms ofγ-secretase.Different mechanisms,including the“Fit-Stay-Trim,”“Sliding-Unwinding,”and“Tilting-Unwinding,”have been proposed for substrate proteolysis of amyloid precursor protein byγ-secretase based on all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.While an incorrect registry of the Notch1 substrate was identified in the cryo-electron microscopy structure of Notch1-boundγ-secretase,molecular dynamics simulations on a resolved model of Notch1-boundγ-secretase that was reconstructed using the amyloid precursor protein-boundγ-secretase as a template successfully capturedγ-secretase activation for proper cleavages of both wildtype and mutant Notch,being consistent with biochemical experimental findings.The approach could be potentially applied to decipher the processing mechanisms of various substrates byγ-secretase.In addition,controversy over the effects of familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations,particularly the issue of whether they stabilize or destabilizeγ-secretase-substrate complexes,is discussed.Finally,an outlook is provided for future studies ofγ-secretase,including pathways of substrate binding and product release,effects of modulators on familial Alzheimer’s disease mutations of theγ-secretase-substrate complexes.Comprehensive understanding of the functional mechanisms ofγ-secretase will greatly facilitate the rational design of effective drug molecules for treating familial Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps Alzheimer’s disease in general.
文摘Sacred forests play a valuable role in the conservation of local biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to estimate floristic diversity, stand structures and carbon stocks in the sacred forests of Bandrefam and Batoufam (western Cameroon). The floristic inventory and the stand structures were carried out in 25 m × 25 m plots for individuals with diameters greater than 10 cm;5 m × 5 m for individuals with diameters less than 10 cm. Carbon stocks were estimated using the non-destructive method and allometric equations. The floristic inventory identified 65 species divided into 57 genera and 30 families in the Bandrefam sacred forest and 45 species divided into 42 genera and 27 families in the Batoufam sacred forest. In the Bandrefam, the most important families are Phyllanthaceae (53.98%), Moraceae (21.69%), Lamiaceae (20.15%). At Batoufam, the most important families are Phyllanthaceae (39.73%), Fabaceae (28.47%), Araliaceae (23.77%). Malacantha alnifolia (55.14%), Vitex grandifolia (18.43%), Bosqueia angolensis (15.06%) were the most important species in Bandrefam. Otherwise, Malacantha alnifolia (28%), Polyscias fulva (22.73%), Psychotria sp. (21.28%) were the most important in Batoufam. The Bandrefam sacred forest has the highest tree density (2669 stems/ha). Total carbon stock is 484.88 ± 2.28 tC/ha at Batoufam and 313.95 ± 0.93 tC/ha at Bandrefam. The economic value varies between 5858.04 ± 27.62 USD/ha in Batoufam sacred forest and 3788.51 ± 11.26 USD/ha in Bandrefam sacred forest. The number of individuals and small-diameter trees has little influence on the carbon stocks in the trees. Medium-diameter trees store the most carbon, and very large-diameter trees, which are very poorly represented, store less carbon. In another way, wood density and the basal areas influence the carbon storage of the trees.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22265021)the Aeronautical Science Foundation of China(2020Z056056003)Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation(20232BAB212004).
文摘Atomic-scale doping strategies and structure design play pivotal roles in tailoring the electronic structure and physicochemical property of electromagnetic wave absorption(EMWA)materials.However,the relationship between configuration and electromagnetic(EM)loss mechanism has remained elusive.Herein,drawing inspiration from the DNA transcription process,we report the successful synthesis of novel in situ Mn/N co-doped helical carbon nanotubes with ultrabroad EMWA capability.Theoretical calculation and EM simulation confirm that the orbital coupling and spin polarization of the Mn–N4–C configuration,along with cross polarization generated by the helical structure,endow the helical converters with enhanced EM loss.As a result,HMC-8 demonstrates outstanding EMWA performance,achieving a minimum reflection loss of−63.13 dB at an ultralow thickness of 1.29 mm.Through precise tuning of the graphite domain size,HMC-7 achieves an effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 6.08 GHz at 2.02 mm thickness.Furthermore,constructing macroscale gradient metamaterials enables an ultrabroadband EAB of 12.16 GHz at a thickness of only 5.00 mm,with the maximum radar cross section reduction value reaching 36.4 dB m2.This innovative approach not only advances the understanding of metal–nonmetal co-doping but also realizes broadband EMWA,thus contributing to the development of EMWA mechanisms and applications.
文摘Port structures constitute the main link in the maritime transport chain of coastal countries and therefore contribute to their economic development. But it should be noted that the installation of said works is not without consequences for the countries concerned. Benin, a country in the Gulf of Guinea, is no exception to this phenomenon because, due to its maritime history, it has a heritage of port structures. These structures, built on its coastline, cause a wide variety of environmental problems such as silting and erosion on either side of them. The general objective of this article is to contribute to the proper functionality of port facilities while minimizing environmental problems that may arise. It aims to provide managers with a tool allowing them to fully understand the state of their assets in order to rationalize maintenance actions. In order to achieve this objective, an assessment of the state of the structure, and then a structural diagnosis are necessary and recommendations can be established to restore the level of service of the latter. As a result, two examples were presented: the wharf of the Sèmè-Podji pipeline project and the maritime piles project of the Wasco de Gama bridge (control project), and recommendations adapted to this objective were established. The comparative analysis of the two examples, both maritime works, revealed an under-sizing at the level of the spans of the wharf bridge of the Sèmè-Podji pipeline project (spans of 7 m in length), while these spans vary on average by 45 m to 62 m for the Wasco da Gama bridge. Bringing the piles closer together at the Sèmè-Podji wharf reduces the energy of the current which promotes the accumulation of sediment. The structure no longer experiences a flow capable of setting in motion the sands accumulated since at least 2022. This element appears to be a fundamental characteristic explaining the erosion observed to the east of the structure.
