An Electrochromic Nickel Phosphate Film for Large-Area Smart Window with Ultra-Large Optical Modulation

Exploring materials with high electrochemical activity is of keen interest for electrochemistry-controlled optical and energy storage devices.However,it remains a great challenge for transition metal oxides to meet this feature due to their low electron conductivity and insufficient reaction sites.Here,we propose a type of transition metal phosphate(NiHPO_(4)·3H_(2)O,NHP)by a facile and scalable electrodeposition method,which can achieve the capability of efficient ion accommodation and injection/extraction for electrochromic energy storage applications.Specifically,the NHP film with an ultra-high transmittance(approach to 100%)achieves a large optical modulation(90.8%at 500 nm),high coloration efficiency(75.4 cm^(2)C^(-1)at 500 nm),and a high specific capacity of 47.8 mAh g^(-1)at 0.4 A g^(-1).Furthermore,the transformation mechanism of NHP upon electrochemical reaction is systematically elucidated using in situ and ex situ techniques.Ultimately,a large-area electrochromic smart window with 100 cm^(2)is constructed based on the NHP electrode,displaying superior electrochromic energy storage performance in regulating natural light and storing electrical charges.Our findings may open up new strategies for developing advanced electrochromic energy storage materials and smart windows.

Genetic variation in GmCRP contributes to nodulation in soybean(Glycine max Merr.)

Symbiosis between soybean and rhizobia contributes to soybean yield and quality. Although secreted rhizobial type Ⅲ effectors are known to regulate infection and promote nitrogen fixation, much about them remains unknown. Mutation of NopC, a type Ⅲ effector from Sinorhizobium fredii HH103, reduced nodule numbers and dry weights in 310 soybean accessions, and expression of NopC in soybean hairy roots promoted symbiosis. Based on observed differences in nodule traits between Suinong 14 and Zyd 00,006inoculated with HH103 and the NopC mutant, 11 QTL associated with rhizobia were identified in chromosome segment substitution lines(CSSLs) derived from Suinong 14 and Zyd 00006. Using chromosome fragment insertion, whole-genome sequencing of Suinong 14 and Zyd 00006, and qRT-PCR,Glyma.19G176300(GmCRP) was identified as a candidate gene associated with NopC, and GmCRP was found to be induced by NopC to positively regulate nodulation. SNPs located in the regulatory regions of GmCRP influenced its expression response to NopC, with SNPs contributing to nodulation having been selected during domestication. Our findings reveal the function of a soybean gene encoding a rhizobial type Ⅲ effector that contributes to symbiosis, and will facilitate the practical application of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in molecular breeding.

Enhanced mechanical properties of Mg-1Al-12Y alloy containing long period stacking ordered phase

In this study, a systematic investigation on the effect of solution treatment time(2–8 h) at 540℃ on the microstructure and mechanical properties in as-cast Mg-1Al-12Y(AY112, wt.%) alloy was performed. The results showed that the solution treatment did not cause the growth of grains and the change of texture;however, the mechanical properties had been significantly improved, which was mainly attributed to the precipitation of 18R long period ordered stacking(LPSO) phase in the solution-treated alloys. In addition, the dissolution of β-Mg_(24)Y_(5)phase and the diffusion of solute atoms during the solution treatment were both beneficial to the mechanical properties. When the as-cast alloy was solution-treated at 540℃ for 4 h(T4-4h alloy), the mechanical properties of the alloy are optimal. Compared with the as-cast alloy,the ultimate tensile strength(UTS) and elongation of the T4-4h alloy are increased by ~23% and ~179%, respectively. The deformation of the T4-4h alloys was dominated by a combination of basal slip and non-basal slip, and the presence of the LPSO phase effectively inhibited the nucleation of extension twin. Besides, the LPSO phase can also hinder the activation of basal dislocations and the movement of non-basal dislocations. Therefore, the LPSO phase simultaneously improves the strength and plasticity of the alloy.

Effects of Filler-Asphalt Ratio on the Properties of Lignin and Polyester Fiber Reinforced SMPU/SBS Modified Asphalt Mortar

To understand the effects offiller-asphalt ratio on different properties of lignin and polyesterfiber reinforced shape memory polyurethane(SMPU)/styrene butadiene styrene(SBS)composite modified asphalt mortar(PSAM),as well as to reveal the reinforcing and toughening mechanisms of lignin and polyesterfibers on PSAM,SMPU,SBS and mineral powder werefirst utilized to prepare PSAM.Then the conventional,rheological and anti-cracking properties of ligninfiber reinforced PSAM(LFAM)and polyesterfiber reinforced PSAM(PFAM)at dif-ferentfiller-asphalt ratios were characterized.Test results indicate that the shear strength,deformation resistance and viscosity are increased after adding 0.8wt%ligninfiber or polyesterfiber and increasing thefiller-asphalt ratio from 0.8 to 1.2.The optimalfiller-asphalt ratio of 1.0 is proposed after comprehensive performance assessments of PSAM.Polyesterfiber shows a better reinforcing effect than ligninfiber,but its improvement in the thermal stability of PSAM is not significant at high temperatures.Additionally,the complex modulus,storage modulus,loss modulus and rutting resistance factor of PSAM are improved after adding ligninfiber and polyesterfiber,as well as show an increasing trend as thefiller-asphalt ratio is raised,but the phase angle is gradually decreased.Further,the increase of elastic components in PSAM effectively enhances the anti-deformation ability of PSAM at high temperatures,and polyesterfiber more obviously improves the high-temperature deformation resistance of PSAM than ligninfiber.Finally,the anti-cracking performance of PFAM and LFAM at low temperatures is reduced by 74.2%and 46.7%,respectively,as thefiller-asphalt ratio is raised from 0.8 to 1.2.The low-temperature anti-cracking performance of LFAM is lower than that of PFAM at the samefiller-asphalt ratio,even lower than that of PSA.Compared with ligninfiber,the anti-cracking performance and deformation resistance of PSAM at low temperature is more greatly enhanced by polyester fiber.

Movable electrowetting optofluidic lens for optical axial scanning in microscopy

Optical axial scanning is essential process to obtain 3D information of biological specimens. To realize optical axial scanning without moving, the tunable lens is a solution. However, the conventional tunable lenses usually induce non-uniform magnification and resolution issues. In this paper, we report a movable electrowetting optofluidic lens. Unlike the conventional tunable lens, our proposed optofluidic lens has two liquid-liquid (L-L) interfaces, which can move in the cell by an external voltage. The object distance and image distance are adjusted by shifting the L-L interface position. Therefore, the proposed lens can realize optical axial scanning with uniform magnification and resolution in microscopy. To prove the concept, we fabricate an optofluidic lens and use it in optical axial scanning. The scanning distance is more than 1 mm with uniform magnification and good imaging quality. Widespread application of such a new adaptive zoom lens is foreseeable.

Influence of nano-diamond content on the microstructure,mechanical and thermal properties of the ZK60 composites

The effect of nano diamond(ND)content on the microstructure,mechanical properties,and thermal conductivity of ZK60+x(x=0,0.05,0.1,0.15,0.2 wt.%)ND composites were investigated.The microstructures of ND/ZK60 composites were observed,which indicated that the nanoscale MgZn_(2) and ND particles distributed evenly in theα-Mg matrix.The tensile yield strength(TYS)and compressive yield strength(CYS)of the composites first increased remarkably and then decreased with further increasing the ND content.Due to the surface area of the matrix-diamond interface increased and the grains sizes of composites decreased with the amount of ND increase,which cause the coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE)of the composites reduced significantly.Meanwhile,the thermal conductivity of the composite material decreases from 129 W·m^(−1)·K^(−1) to 116 W·m^(−1)·K^(−1) with the content of ND increasing from 0.05%to 2.0%.The thermal conductivity of the composites increases to the maximum and then decrease with the increase of temperature(in temperature range of 273-573 K).The ZK60+0.05 ND showed superior mechanical and thermal conductivity property,TYS of 343.97 MPa,CYS of 341.74 MPa,elongation of 15.71%,CTE of 7.3×10^(−6)K^(−1),and thermal conductivity of 129 W·m^(−1)·K^(−1) at room temperature.It is demonstrated that the ND content has an obvious influence on the microstructure,mechanical properties,and thermal conductivity of ND/ZK60 composites.

Twin recrystallization mechanisms in a high strain rate compressed Mg-Zn alloy

Static recrystallization of a high strain rate compressed Mg-1 Zn(wt.%)alloy was investigated using electron backscattered diffraction(EBSD).A novel 53°1010 structure was observed in the as-deformed alloy,which showed a{1012}-{1012}double twin relationship with the matrix.When the as-deformed alloy was annealed at 200°C,the{1011}compression twins and{1011}-{1012}double twins showed a higher priority to recrystallize.In addition,the coarse{1012}tension twins and their inner double twins were preferentially to recrystallize,while the lenticular tension twins had little impact on the recrystallization.Therefore,obtaining more compression twins or coarse twins instead of lenticular tension twins can be an effective approach to manipulate recrystallization process in deformed Mg alloys.

Recent developments of stamped planar micro-supercapacitors: Materials,fabrication and perspectives

The rapid development of wearable and portable electronics has dramatically increased the application for miniaturized energy storage components.Stamping micro-supercapacitors(MSCs)with planar interdigital configurations are considered as a promising candidate to meet the requirements.In this review,recent progress of the different stamping materials and various stamping technologies are first discussed.The merits of each material,manufacturing process of each stamping method and the properties of stamping MSCs are scrutinized,respectively.Further insights on technical difficulties and scientific challenges are finally demonstrated,including the limited thickness of printed electrodes,poor overlay accuracy and printing resolution.

PAID study design on the role of PKC activation in immune/inflammation-related depression:a randomised placebo-controlled trial protocol

Background Inflammation that is mediated by microglia activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of depression.Microglia activation can lead to an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines,including TNF-α,which leads to neuronal apoptosis in the specific neural circuits of some brain regions,abnormal cognition and treatment-resistant depression(TRD).Protein kinase C(PKC)is a key regulator of the microglia activation process.We assume that the abnormality in PKC might result in abnormal microglia activation,neuronal apoptosis,significant changes in emotional and cognitive neural circuits,and TRD.In the current study,we plan to target at the PKC signal pathway to improve the TRD treatment outcome.Methods and analysis This is a 12-week,ongoing,randomised,placebo-controlled trial.Patients with TRD(N=180)were recruited from Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University.Healthy control volunteers(N=60)were recruited by advertisement.Patients with TRD were randomly assigned to‘escitalopram+golimumab(TNF-αinhibitor)’,‘escitalopram+calcium tablet+vitamin D(PKC activator)’or‘escitalopram+placebo’groups.We define the primary outcome as changes in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-17).The secondary outcome is defined as changes in anti-inflammatory effects,cognitive function and quality of life.Discussion This study might be the first randomised,placebo-controlled trial to target at the PKC signal pathway in patients with TRD.Our study might help to propose individualised treatment strategies for depression.Trial registration number The trial protocol is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under protocol ID 81930033 and ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04156425.

SNS柔性防护技术在膨胀土深挖路堑边坡中的应用

膨胀土边坡的防护与加固研究一直是岩土工程领域的一项重大课题,由于膨胀土的涨缩性,膨胀土边坡在防护过程中易发生脆性破坏,与刚性防护措施相比,柔性防护更能适应边坡的变形。本文针对膨胀土的特性,提出SNS柔性防护技术,对其防护机理进行了分析,阐述了SNS柔性防护技术在周南高速中的应用技术。

Improved interfacial property by small molecule ethanediamine for high performance inverted planar perovskite solar cells

We report a simple and effective method to realize desirable interfacial property for inverted planar perovskite solar cells(PSCs)by using small molecule ethanediamine for the construction of a novel polyelectrolyte hole transport material(P3CT-ED HTM).It is found that P3CT-ED can not only improve the hole transport property of P3CT-K but also improve the crystallinity of adjacent perovskite film.In addition,the introduction of ethanediamine into P3CT realigns the conduction and valence bands upwards,passivates surface defects and reduces nonradiative recombination.As a consequence,compared to P3CT-K hole transport layer(HTL)based devices,the average power conversion efficiency(PCE)is boosted from17.2% to 19.6% for the counterparts with P3CT-ED,with simultaneous enhancement in open circuit voltage and fill factor.The resultant device displays a champion PCE of 20.5% with negligible hysteresis.

A soybean NAC homolog contributes to resistance to Phytophthora sojae mediated by dirigent proteins

Phytophthora sojae infection severely impairs soybean production. We previously identified a dirigent protein, Gm DRR1(Glycine max Disease Resistant Response 1), that increases soybean resistance to P.sojae. However, the molecular basis of Gm DRR1 function remained largely uncharacterized. In the present study, analysis of Gm DRR1-RNAi, Gm DRR1-overexpressing, and CRISPR/Cas9-derived Gmdrr1 mutant lines revealed that Gm DRR1 expression significantly restricted P. sojae growth. Combining coimmunoprecipitation with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed a Gm DRR1-interacting protein, Gm DRR2, which is homologous to Gm DRR1. An E-coniferyl alcohol coupling assay indicated that Gm DRR1 promotes the synthesis of(+)-pinoresinol, which helps to protect plants from P. sojae. The Gm NAC1(Glyma.05 G025500) transcription factor bound to the Gm DRR1 promoter both in vitro and in vivo to upregulate Gm DRR1 expression. Soybean resistance to P. sojae was increased by overexpression of Gm NAC1. Our findings suggest a novel signaling pathway involving a NAC transcription factor that mediates soybean resistance to P. sojae. Specifically, Gm NAC1 directly induces Gm DRR1 expression to increase resistance of soybean plants to P. sojae.

Time-varying Algorithm for Swarm Robotics

Ever since the concept of swarm intelligence was brought out, a variety of control algorithms for swarm robotics has been put forward, and many of these algorithms are stable enough and efficient. Most of the researches only take an invariable controller which functions through the whole stage into consideration, the situation in which controller changes over time is rarely taken into account. However, there are limitations for invariable controller dominated algorithms in practical situation,which makes them unable to meet changing environment. On the contrary, variable controller is more flexible and can be able to adapt to complex environment. Considering such advantages,a time-varying algorithm for swarm robotics is presented in this paper. The algorithm takes time as one of the independent variables so that the controller is no longer fixed through the time,but can be changed over time, which brings more choices for the swarm robot system. In this paper, some relevant simulations are designed to test the algorithm. Different control strategies are applied on the same flock during the time, and a more complex,flexible and practical control effect is acquired successfully.

Chemical Compositions of Stemmacantha carthamoides Root

[Objectives] Chemical compositions of S. carthamoides root were isolated and identified. [Methods]Solvent extraction,repeated silica gel column chromatography,ODS column chromatography,preparative liquid chromatography and recrystallization were used for separation and purification,and chemical structure of compound was identified via its physical-chemical properties and spectral analysis data.[Results] Eight compounds were obtained from methanol extract of S. carthamoides root: 24-ethyl-20-oxhydryl ecdysone( 1),β-ecdysterone( 2),Ajugasterone C( 3),3,4-DHBA( 4),3-methoxy-quercetin( 5),( 7 S,8 S)-syringoylglycerol( 6),( E)-3,7-dimethyl-1-O-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-( 1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosy1]-oct-2-en-7-ol( 7),Polypodine B( 8). [Conclusions] Compounds 6 and 7 were firstly isolated from the plant.

Establishment and Optimization of ISSR-PCR Reaction System for Salvia przewalskii Maxim.

Based on single-factor experiment and L9 （34 ） orthogonal experiment, a stable ISSR-PCR reaction system of Salvia przewalskii Maxim. was established and optimized. The resuhs indicated that the optimal concentrations of various components in a 20 ill ISSR-PCR reaction system of S. przewalskii Maxim. were ： 2 ul of 10 x buffer （ Mg2＋）, 0.4 mmol/L dNTPs, 1.0 U of Taq DNA polymerase, 0.3 umol/L ISSR primers and 30 ng of DNA template. This study laid the foun- dation for the utilization of S. przewalskii Maxim. germplasm resources.

Overview of Major Tropical Crop Production in Asian Countries (Regions) in 2015

Based on FAO data,the production,harvested area and yield of nine major tropical crops such as natural rubber,cassava and banana in Asian countries (regions) in 2015 were analyzed to provide basic data for international cooperation and research on tropical crops.

Overview of Production of Major Tropical Crops in Asian Countries in 2014

On the basis of the FAO data,this paper analyzed the production,area harvested and yield of ten major tropical crops such as natural rubber,cassava and oil palm in Asian countries in 2014,in order to provide the basic data for international cooperation researches of tropical crops.

Detection of Recurrent Cervical Cancer by Whole-body FDG PET Scans

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of whole-body{ 18 F}fluro-2-dexoxyglucose(FDG)positron emission tomography(PET)scans in the detection of recurrent cervical cancer. METHODS Between June,2000 and January,2006,25 patients had undergone a PET scan at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital to evaluate possible recurrent cervical cancer.All the PET findings were reviewed and compared to available clinical data to classify each PET scan result as a true positive,true negative,false positive,or false negative. RESULTS A total of 38 PET scans were conducted on the 25 patients whose median age was 46 years.The Stage distributions were IA(n=1),IB(n=11),IIA(n=5),IIB(n=4),IIIB(n=2),IVB(n =1),and unknown Stage(n=1).There were 22 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma resulting in 9 true positive PET scans,27 true negatives,2 false positives and no false negatives.The sensitivity of the FDG PET scans for detecting recurrent cervical cancer was 100%,specificity 93.1%,positive predictive value 81.8%,and negative predictive value 100%. CONCLUSION The whole body FDG PET scans are a sensitive and specific imaging modality for the detection of recurrent cervical cancer.However the cost of PET scans is too high at this time.A large prospective study will determine whether this modality should be used routinely and take the place of other imaging methods in the early detection of recurrent cervical