Analysis of gravity wave activity during stratospheric sudden warmings in the northern hemisphere

Due to the significant changes they bring to high latitude stratospheric temperature and wind,stratospheric sudden warmings(SSWs)can have an impact on the propagation and energy distribution of gravity waves(GWs).The variation characteristics of GWs during SSWs have always been an important issue.Using temperature data from January to March in 2014−2016,provided by the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology,Ionosphere and Climate(COSMIC)mission,we have analyzed global GW activity at 15−40 km in the Northern Hemisphere during SSW events.During the SSWs that we studied,the stratospheric temperature rose in one or two longitudinal regions in the Northern Hemisphere;the areas affected extended to the east of 90°W.During these SSWs,the potential energy density(E_(p)of GWs expanded and covered a larger range of longitude and altitude,exhibiting an eastward and downward extension.The E_(p)usually increased,while partially filtered by the eastward zonal winds.When zonal winds weakened or turned westward,E_(p)began to strengthen.After SSWs,the E_(p)usually decreased.These observations can serve as a reference for analyzing the interaction mechanism between SSWs and GWs in future work.

Paracrine and endocrine actions of bone——the functions of secretory proteins from osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts

The skeleton is a dynamic organ that is constantly remodeled. Proteins secreted from bone cells, namely osteoblasts, osteocytes,and osteoclasts exert regulation on osteoblastogenesis, osteclastogenesis, and angiogenesis in a paracrine manner. Osteoblasts secrete a range of different molecules including RANKL/OPG, M-CSF, SEMA3A, WNT5A, and WNT16 that regulate osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts also produce VEGFA that stimulates osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis. Osteocytes produce sclerostin（SOST） that inhibits osteoblast differentiation and promotes osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclasts secrete factors including BMP6, CTHRC1, EFNB2, S1P, WNT10B, SEMA4D, and CT-1 that act on osteoblasts and osteocytes, and thereby influencea A osteogenesis. Osteoclast precursors produce the angiogenic factor PDGF-BB to promote the formation of Type H vessels, which then stimulate osteoblastogenesis. Besides, the evidences over the past decades show that at least three hormones or ＂osteokines＂from bone cells have endocrine functions. FGF23 is produced by osteoblasts and osteocytes and can regulate phosphate metabolism. Osteocalcin（OCN） secreted by osteoblasts regulates systemic glucose and energy metabolism, reproduction, and cognition. Lipocalin-2（LCN2） is secreted by osteoblasts and can influence energy metabolism by suppressing appetite in the brain.We review the recent progresses in the paracrine and endocrine functions of the secretory proteins of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts, revealing connections of the skeleton with other tissues and providing added insights into the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases affecting multiple organs and the drug discovery process.

Direct extraction of Mo(VI) from acidic leach solution of molybdenite ore by ion exchange resin:Batch and column adsorption studies

The adsorption behavior of ion exchange resin D301 in the extraction of hexavalent molybdenum from high acidic leach solution was investigated. SEM, EDS and Raman spectra analyses were applied to studying the adsorption capacity, reaction kinetics and possible adsorption mechanism in detail. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of D301 resin for molybdenum from high acidic leach solution was up to 463.63 mg/g. Results of the kinetic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was controlled by the particle diffusion with the activation energy 25.47 k J/mol（0.9-1.2 mm） and 20.38 k J/mol（0.6-0.9 mm）. Furthermore, the molybdenum loaded on the resin could be eluted by using 2 mol/L ammonia hydroxide solution. Besides, dynamic continuous column experiments verified direct extraction of molybdenum from acidic leach solutions by ion exchange resin D301 and the upstream flow improved dynamic continuous absorption.

Spatial distribution,sources and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Shenjia River watershed of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Surface soil/sediment samples were collected from the Water-Level Fluctuation Zone(WLFZ), cultivated land and forest land at 50 different grid points from Shenjia watershed, the Three Gorges Reservoir area in August 2013. The spatial distribution, sources and ecological risk assessment for Arsenic(As), Cadmium(Cd),Chromium(Cr), Copper(Cu), Nickel(Ni), Lead(Pb)and Zinc(Zn) were analyzed in this study. The results showed all tested metals had similar distribution patterns except Ni and Cr, with areas of high concentrations distributed in the southwest(WLFZ and watershed outlet) of the study area. Ni and Cr,which were highly positively correlated and present in high concentrations, were primarily distributed in the south and middle zones of the study area. Lower concentration areas of all metals were uniformly distributed west of the high-elevation zones and forest land. Factor analysis(FA) and factor analysismultiple linear regression(FA-MLR) showed that the major sources of Cd were fertilizer and traffic sources,which together accounted for 87% of Cd. As, Zn and Cu levels were primarily supplied by industrial and domestic sources, accounting for 76% of As, 75% of Cu and 67% of Zn. Surface soils/sediments of the study watershed contaminated by Cd represent a high ecological risk, whereas other metals represent low ecological risks. The potential ecological risk index(PERI) analysis indicated that it had a low(widerange) ecological risk and a moderate(small-range)ecological risk primarily distributed in the outlet of the study watershed. Fertilizers and traffic are the primary sources of Cd pollution, which should be more closely controlled for the purposes of water quality and ecological conservation.

Mechanical regulation of bone remodeling

Bone remodeling is a lifelong process that gives rise to a mature, dynamic bone structure via a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts. These opposite processes allow the accommodation of bones to dynamic mechanical forces, altering bone mass in response to changing conditions. Mechanical forces are indispensable for bone homeostasis;skeletal formation, resorption, and adaptation are dependent on mechanical signals, and loss of mechanical stimulation can therefore significantly weaken the bone structure, causing disuse osteoporosis and increasing the risk of fracture. The exact mechanisms by which the body senses and transduces mechanical forces to regulate bone remodeling have long been an active area of study among researchers and clinicians. Such research will lead to a deeper understanding of bone disorders and identify new strategies for skeletal rejuvenation. Here, we will discuss the mechanical properties, mechanosensitive cell populations, and mechanotransducive signaling pathways of the skeletal system.

Fast implementation of length-adaptive privacy amplification in quantum key distribution

Post-processing is indispensable in quantum key distribution （QKD）, which is aimed at sharing secret keys between two distant parties. It mainly consists of key reconciliation and privacy amplification, which is used for sharing the same keys and for distilling unconditional secret keys. In this paper, we focus on speeding up the privacy amplification process by choosing a simple multiplicative universal class of hash functions. By constructing an optimal multiplication algorithm based on four basic multiplication algorithms, we give a fast software implementation of length-adaptive privacy amplification. ＂Length-adaptive＂ indicates that the implementation of privacy amplification automatically adapts to different lengths of input blocks. When the lengths of the input blocks are 1 Mbit and 10 Mbit, the speed of privacy amplification can be as fast as 14.86 Mbps and 10.88 Mbps, respectively. Thus, it is practical for GHz or even higher repetition frequency QKD systems.

Particle-resolved simulation of packed beds by non-body conforming locally refined orthogonal hexahedral mesh

The traditional fixed-bed reactor design is usually not suitable for the low tube-to-particle diameter ratios(N = D/d b 8) where the local phenomena of channeling near the wall and backflow in the bed are dominant. The recent"solid particle" meshing method is too complicated for mesh generation, especially for non-spherical particles in large random packed beds, which seriously hinders its development. In this work, a novel high-fidelity mesh model is proposed for simulation of fixed bed reactors by combining the immersed boundary and adaptive meshing methods. This method is suitable for different shapes of particles, which ingeniously avoids handling the complex "contact point" problem. Several packed beds with two different shapes of particles are investigated with this model, and the local flow in the bed is simulated without geometrical simplification. The predicted pressure drop across the fixed bed and heat transfer of the single particle are in good agreement with the corresponding empirical relations. Compared with spherical particles, the packed bed packing with pentaphyllous particles has lower pressure drop and better heat/mass transfer performance, and it shows that this method can be used for the screening of particle shapes in a fixed bed.

Advances, Problems and Prospects of Modern Geodesy Applied in Tibetan Geodynamic Changes

Modern geodetic techniques have developed rapidly in recent years, providing reliable observation data and new effective approaches, and greatly enhancing studies of the Tibetan geodynamics. For instance, the well-known GPS technique has been employed to measure seismic slips for many faults in the Tibetan Plateau. GPS data agree well with the hypothesis of a thickening crust and eastward mass flow. Moreover, absolute gravimetric data have been applied to interpret geophysical phenomena such as crust movement, co-seismic gravity change, GIA, and ground water change. The satellite gravity mission GRACE launched in 2002 provided global gravity models with unprecedentedly high precision and high spatial resolution. It has been used in implementing temporal gravity changes and improving our knowledge of the Earth＇s interior, including lithosphere dynamics, mantle viscosity and rheology, plateau uplift, and subduction processing. It is noteworthy that gravity presents unique advantages for the study of Tibetan geodynamics because of its sensitivity to mass migration and dynamic redistribution. To date, great advances have been made in applying modern geodetic data in studying dynamic changes of Tibetan plateau. For instance, the horizontal displacement field from GPS data revealed dynamical characteristics of the present-day Tibetan plateau. The combination of gravity anomalies and topographic data describe the tectonic characteristics of Tibetan plateau. The combination of gravity data and GPS data show present properties of the Tibetan plateau such as crust thickening, Moho＇s subsidence, and plateau uplift. GRACE data were used to estimate the distribution of ice/snow melting. These results demonstrate that mere application of integrated geodetic data as well as geophysical methods and numerical simulations can enhance our knowledge of Tibetan plateau dynamics. It must be pointed out that GRACE data include various geophysical signals such as crust vertical movement, denudation, ice and snow melting, GIA, ground water change, and permafrost degradation. To separate the tectonic information from other impulses, each physical signal must be evaluated and corrected carefully from the GRACE data. The Tibetan geodynamic problem is a complicated and synthetic issue that must be addressed through collaboration of workers in many fields. Succinctly put, although great achievements have been made in studying Tibetan plateau dynamics from each field, the dynamical process remains unclear. Some fundamental problems remain unresolved. They should be solved with modern geodetic data, such as GRACE, GPS, and absolute gravity data, combined with meteorological and geological data, for quantitative analysis of Tibetan plateau dynamics affected by respective geophysical sources. This review article introduces and discusses the scientific importance, advances, problems, and prospects of modern geodesy applied to the study of geodynamic changes of the Tibetan plateau.

Experimental Studies of Electrostatic Fluctuations and Turbulent Transport in the Boundary of J-TEXT Tokamak Using Reciprocating Probe

As the basic of a deeper investigation on the turbulent transport, the fluctuation property in the boundary of the newly-reconstructed Joint Texas Experimental Tokamak （J- TEXT） is studied experimentally using the reciprocating Langmuir four-tip probe, which has been built and operated as the primary diagnostic tool in the boundary of J-TEXT tokamak. In this paper, spatial profiles of the plasma-edge parameters are obtained, such as electron temperature, plasma density, plasma potential, poloidal electric field and their fluctuations. The results indicate the existence of a Er ×BT shear layer at the vicinity of last closed flux surface （LCFS）, with the fluctuations suppressed in varying degrees. The turbulence-induced particle and energy fluxes can be calculated by the local plasma parameters above. Convection dominates the cross-field turbulent transport in boundary plasma. Electrostatic fluctuations properties are also studied in detail with the help of numerical analysis. Statistical analysis on density fluctuation shows that, the intermittency can affect the turbulence in the scrape-off layer （SOL）.

Low temperature ferromagnetic properties of CdS and CdTe thin films

The magnetic property in a material is induced by the unpaired electrons. This can occur due to defect states which can enhance the magnetic moment and the spin polarization. In this report, CdS and CdTe thin films are grown on FTO glass substrates by chemical bath deposition and close-spaced sublimation, respectively. The magnetic properties, which are introduced from oxygen states, are found in CdS and CdTe thin films. From the hysteresis loop of magnetic moment it is revealed that CdS and CdTe thin films have different kinds of magnetic moments at different temperatures. The M–H curves indicate that from 100 K to 350 K, CdS and CdTe thin films show paramagnetism and diamagnetism, respectively.A superparamagnetic or a weakly ferromagnetic response is found at 5 K. It is also observed from ZFC/FC curves that magnetic moments decrease with temperature increasing. Spin polarized density functional calculation for spin magnetic moment is also carried out.

Premature aging of skeletal stem/progenitor cells rather than osteoblasts causes bone loss with decreased mechanosensation

A distinct population of skeletal stem/progenitor cells(SSPCs)has been identified that is indispensable for the maintenance and remodeling of the adult skeleton.However,the cell types that are responsible for age-related bone loss and the characteristic changes in these cells during aging remain to be determined.Here,we established models of premature aging by conditional depletion of Zmpste24(Z24)in mice and found that Prx1-dependent Z24 deletion,but not Osx-dependent Z24 deletion,caused significant bone loss.However,Acan-associated Z24 depletion caused only trabecular bone loss.Single-cell RNA sequencing(sc RNA-seq)revealed that two populations of SSPCs,one that differentiates into trabecular bone cells and another that differentiates into cortical bone cells,were significantly decreased in Prx1-Cre;Z24^(f/f)mice.Both premature SSPC populations exhibited apoptotic signaling pathway activation and decreased mechanosensation.Physical exercise reversed the effects of Z24depletion on cellular apoptosis,extracellular matrix expression and bone mass.This study identified two populations of SSPCs that are responsible for premature aging-related bone loss.The impairment of mechanosensation in Z24-deficient SSPCs provides new insight into how physical exercise can be used to prevent bone aging.

Single Pt Atoms Supported on Oxidized Graphene as a Promising Catalyst for Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane

Based on density functional theory calculations,the full hydrolysis of per NH3BH3 molecule to produce three hydrogen molecules on single Pt atoms supported on oxidized graphene(Pt1/Gr-O)is investigated.It is suggested that the first hydrogen molecule is produced by the combination of two hydrogen atoms from two successive B-H bonds breaking.Then one H2O molecule attacks the left*BHNH3 group(*represents adsorbed state)to form*BH(H2O)NH3 and the elongated O-H bond is easily broken to produce*BH(OH)NH3.The second H2O molecule attacks*BH(OH)NH3 to form*BH(OH)(H2O)NH3 and the breaking of O-H bond pointing to the plane of Pt1/Gr-O results in the desorption of BH(OH)2NH3.The second hydrogen molecule is produced from two hydrogen atoms coming from two H2O molecules and Pt1/Gr-O is recovered after the releasing of hydrogen molecule.The third hydrogen molecule is generated by the further hydrolysis of BH(OH)2NH3 in water solution.The rate-limiting step of the whole process is the combination of one H2O molecule and*BHNH3 with an energy barrier of 16.1 kcal/mol.Thus,Pt1/Gr-O is suggested to be a promising catalyst for hydrolysis of NH3BH3 at room temperature.

Spatiotemporal Variations of Microwave Land Surface Emissivity(MLSE)over China Derived from Four-Year Recalibrated Fengyun 3B MWRI Data

Microwave Land Surface Emissivity(MLSE)over China under both clear and cloudy sky conditions was retrieved using measurements of recalibrated microwave brightness temperatures(Tbs)from Fengyun-3B Microwave Radiation Imager(FY-3B MWRI),combined with cloud properties derived from Himawari-8 Advanced Himawari Imager(AHI)observations.The contributions from cloud particles and atmospheric gases to the upwelling Tbs at the top of atmosphere were calculated and removed in radiative transfer.The MLSEs at horizontal polarizations at 10.65,18.7,and 36.5 GHz during 7 July 2015 to 30 June 2019 over China showed high values in the southeast vegetated area and low values in the northwest barren,or sparsely vegetated,area.The maximum values were found in the belt area of the Qinling-Taihang Mountains and the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,which is highly consistent with MLSEs derived from AMSR-E.It demonstrates that the measurements of FY-3B MWRI Tbs,including its calibration and validation,are reliable,and the retrieval algorithm developed in this study works well.Seasonal variations of MLSE in China are mainly driven by the combined effects of vegetation,rainfall,and snow cover.In tropical and southern forest regions,the seasonal variation of MLSE is small due to the enhancement from vegetation and the suppression from rainfall.In the boreal area,snow causes a significant decrease of MLSE at 36.5 GHz in winter.Meanwhile,the MLSE at lower frequencies experiences less suppression.In the desert region in Xinjiang,increases of MLSEs at all frequencies are observed with increasing snow cover.

Multiplexing Read-Out of Charge Qubits by a Superconducting Resonator

Wavelength division multiplexing （WDM） is widely used in modern optics and electronics. For future quantum computers, the integration of readout is also vitally important. Here we incorporate an idea of WDM to demon- strate multiplexing readout of charge qubits by using a single integrated on-chip superconducting microwave resonator. Two distant qubits formed by two graphene double quantum dots （DQDs） are simultaneously readout by an interconnected superconducting resonator. This readout device is found to have 2 MHz bandwidth and 1.1 x 10-4 e/x/-H-z charge sensitivity. Different frequency gate-modulations, which are used selectively to change the impedance of the qubits, are applied to different DQDs, which results in separated sidebands in the spectrum. These sidebands enable a multiplexing readout for the multi-qubits circuit. This architecture can largely reduce the amount of detectors and can improve the prospect for scaling-up of semiconductor qubits.

Experimental Investigation of Electronic Structure of La(O,F)BiSe_2

La（O,F）BiSe2 is a layered superconductor and has the same crystal structure with La（O,F）BiS2. We investigate the electronic structure of La（O,F）BiSe2 using the angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Two electron-like Fermi surfaces around X（π, 0） are observed, corresponding to the electron doping of 0.23 per Bi site. We clearly resolve anisotropic band splitting along both Г-X and M-X due to the cooperative effects of large spin-orbit coupling and interlayer coupling. Moreover, we observe an almost non-dispersive electronic state around -0.2 eV between the electron-like bands. This state vanishes after in-situ K evaporation, indicating that it could be the localized surface state caused by defects on the cleaved surface.

Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of Air-Breathing Mode for Laser Propulsion

Laser propulsion is a new concept technique of propulsion and will have important application in future space technology. There are two main driving types: the air-breathing mode and the rocket ablation mode. Vertical flight experiments have been carried out with a simple paraboloid type lightcraft in the air-breathing mode by TEA-CO_2 laser. In simulation a new model is used for LSD/LSC wave, the result shows that the momentum coupling coefficient increases with the increase of the pulse energy.

Dynamic Properties of Fiber Reinforced Cement Mortar

Based on the shear wave tracing(SWT) technique proposed by Tang Z P, particle velocity gauge and the dual internal measurement for pressure and shear waves (IMPS) system are applied to investigate the responses of fiber reinforced cement subjected to impact loading. Series of experiments are conducted. The results show that there exist four critical points, A, B, C, D, in p-V Hugoniot curves. They correspond to the Hugoniot elastic limit (HEL) of the material, the critical point for shear strength limit and transition from damage state to failure state, void collapse, and solid compression, respectively. The critical point B is difficult to be aware of and never reported. However, it can be clearly disclosed with SWT method. Based on the analyses of shear strength, it can be concluded that the transversal wave, especially the unloading transversal wave, is especially important for the dynamic damage investigation of brittle materials.

Synthesis,physical properties,and annealing investigation of new layered Bi-chalcogenide LaOBiHgS_3

The transport and thermoelectric properties together with annealing of the new layered Bi-chalcogenide LaOBiHgS_3 are studied. On the transport part, the insulating behavior of the as-grown sample is evidently depressed by post annealing.A hump-like abnormality appears around 170 K. The thermoelectric performance of the sample is observably improved by the annealing, mainly because of the enhanced electrical conductance. The present results suggest that the physical properties of LaOBiHgS_3 are sensitive to post annealing and the possible micro adjustments that follow, indicating the layered Bi-chalcogenide family to be an ideal platform for designing novel functional materials.

Magneto-resistance and vortex phase diagram of BaNi_(0.1)Fe_(1.9)As_2 single crystal

The transition from vortex glass to a liquid phase is studied in Ba Ni0.1Fe1.9As2 single crystal with Tc = 19.4 K by magneto-resistance measurements. The resistivity curves are measured in magnetic fields in a range of 0 T–13 T for H‖c and H⊥c. Good scalings for all values of resistivity ρ（H, T） and the effective pinning potential U0（H, T） are obtained with the modified vortex glass theory by using the critical exponents s and H0. Phase diagrams for H‖c and H⊥c are determined based on the obtained vortex glass temperature Tg, the vortex dimensionality crossover temperature T＊, and the upper critical magnetic field Hc2. Our results suggest that both below and above 5 T, single vortex pinning co-exists with collective creep, and collective creep is dominant. There is a narrower vortex liquid region for H⊥c than for H‖c in the vortex phase diagram, which may originate from a stronger pinning force.