Nonequilibrium free energy and information flow of a double quantum-dot system with Coulomb coupling

We build a double quantum-dot system with Coulomb coupling and aim at studying connections among the entropy production,free energy,and information flow.By utilizing concepts in stochastic thermodynamics and graph theory analysis,Clausius and nonequilibrium free energy inequalities are built to interpret local second law of thermodynamics for subsystems.A fundamental set of cycle fluxes and affinities is identified to decompose two inequalities by using Schnakenberg's network theory.Results show that the thermodynamic irreversibility has energy-related and information-related contributions.A global cycle associated with the feedback-induced information flow would pump electrons against the bias voltage,which implements a Maxwell demon.

Common Transceiver LIF⁃Lidar Based on Y⁃Type Optical Fiber for Marine Oil Spill Detection

This paper presents a novel laser⁃induced fluorescence(LIF)Lidar system for marine oil spilling detection.A bifurcated Y⁃type optical fiber and an optical collimating lens compose a coaxial configuration transceiver for this LIF⁃Lidar system.This LIF⁃Lidar system was further applied to measure the excitation spectra from floating oil slicks with different thicknesses on top of seawater at different distances.The system presents several advantages such as compact structure,stable optical path,and convenient operation,which offers a wide application prospect in ocean exploration.

Synergistic functionalization of poly(p-terphenyl isatin) anion exchange membrane with quaternary ammonium and piperidine cations for fuel cells

Research on anion exchange membrane fuel cells(AEMFCs)mainly focuses on the membrane module,and improving its performance has always been the focus of researchers.To create high-performance anion exchange membranes(AEMs),a series of side chain type AEMs were prepared by introducing different proportions of side chains containing anisotropic poly cations with relatively stable piperidinium ring cations and side quaternary ammonium cations as cation groups,using poly(p-terphenyl isatin)(PTI),a main chain polymer without aryl ether bonds.The dense surface of the PTI-N-n series membranes is shown by SEM images;TEM images show that the ion domains are clearly distributed in the membrane,so a continuous ion transport channel is constructed.PTI-N-100 has the highest hydroxide conductivity at 80℃,reaching 96.83 mS cm^(-1) due to multiple transport sites.The PTI-N-100 membrane has a peak power density of 180 mW cm^(2) based on the highest ionic conductivity.Therefore,we believe that the introduction of multi-cations contributes to the performance of anion exchange membranes.

Adhesive anastomosis for organ transplantation

The recent development of tough tissue adhesives has stimulated intense interests among material scientists and medical doctors.However,these adhesives have seldom been tested in clinically demanding surgeries.Here we demonstrate adhesive anastomosis in organ transplantation.Anastomosis is commonly conducted by dense sutures and takes a long time,during which all the vessels are occluded.Prolonged occlusion may damage organs and even cause death.We formulate a tough,biocompatible,bioabsorbable adhesive that can sustain tissue tension and pressurized flow.We expose the endothelial surface of vessels onto a gasket,press two endothelial surfaces to the adhesive using a pair of magnetic rings,and reopen the bloodstream immediately.The time for adhesive anastomosis is shortened compared to the time for sutured anastomosis.We have achieved adhesive anastomosis of a great vein in transplanting the liver of a pig.After the surgery,the adhesive is absorbed,the vein heals,and the pig lives for over one month.

The Interactive Impact of Trade Policy Uncertainty and Credit Constraint Heterogeneity on Firms' Export Margins: Theory and Empirics

This paper develops a simple trade model of heterogeneous firms, which incorporates the dual heterogeneity of credit constraints at the firm and industry levels and reveals the effects of the interaction mechanisms of trade policy uncertainty and credit constraint heterogeneity on exporters’ behaviour. The model confirms that the higher the level of industrial credit constraints, the greater the interaction of trade policy uncertainty and credit constraint heterogeneity, but firms with lower levels of credit constraints within a specific industry are more affected by this interaction. Then, based on the highly dis-aggregated trade data of China’s firms from 2000 to 2013, this paper provides empirical evidence for the main predictions and mechanisms of the theoretical model.