Analysis of thermal conductivity in tree-like branched networks

Asymmetric tree-like branched networks are explored by geometric algorithms. Based on the network, an analysis of the thermal conductivity is presented. The relationship between effective thermal conductivity and geometric structures is obtained by using the thermal-electrical analogy technique. In all studied cases, a clear behaviour is observed, where angle （δ,θ） among parent branching extended lines, branches and parameter of the geometric structures have stronger effects on the effective thermal conductivity. When the angle δ is fixed, the optical diameter ratio β＋ is dependent on angle θ. Moreover, γand m are not related to β＊. The longer the branch is, the smaller the effective thermal conductivity will be. It is also found that when the angle θ〈δ2, the higher the iteration m is, the lower the thermal conductivity will be and it tends to zero, otherwise, it is bigger than zero. When the diameter ratio β1 〈 0.707 and angle δ is bigger, the optimal k of the perfect ratio increases with the increase of the angle δ; when β1 〉 0.707, the optimal k decreases. In addition, the effective thermal conductivity is always less than that of single channel material. The present results also show that the effective thermal conductivity of the asymmetric tree-like branched networks does not obey Murray＇s law.

The Channel Branches & Network Vessels on the Tianhui Lacquered Meridian Figurine——Taking the Heart-Regulated Channel as an Example

Along with the surge of unearthed medical literature and cultural relics in recent years,a network of channels in the system of medical conduit vessels(meridians) during the early Western Han dynasty has become much clearer gradually.In it,the increasing number of channel branches,network vessels and needle insertion holes(acupoints) is an important feature of the development of channel medicine during the Western Han dynasty.This is not only a reflection of the expanding requirements of the theoretical system of the main trunk channels and other vessels,but also an inevitable result of the continuous enrichment and accumulation of clinical experience.This article integrates the information about channel branches,network vessels,inscriptions,dots and further relics on the Tianhui(天回) Lacquered Meridian Figurine to compare the unearthed literature of the channel genre with the transmitted classical literature about acupuncture.The “Heart-Regulated Channel” in Medical Manuscripts on Bamboo Slips from Tianhui(《天回医简》) serves as an example to explain the occurrence,development and changes of the channel branches and network vessels in the early system of medical channels.

DCFNet:An Effective Dual-Branch Cross-Attention Fusion Network for Medical Image Segmentation

Automatic segmentation of medical images provides a reliable scientific basis for disease diagnosis and analysis.Notably,most existing methods that combine the strengths of convolutional neural networks(CNNs)and Transformers have made significant progress.However,there are some limitations in the current integration of CNN and Transformer technology in two key aspects.Firstly,most methods either overlook or fail to fully incorporate the complementary nature between local and global features.Secondly,the significance of integrating the multiscale encoder features from the dual-branch network to enhance the decoding features is often disregarded in methods that combine CNN and Transformer.To address this issue,we present a groundbreaking dual-branch cross-attention fusion network(DCFNet),which efficiently combines the power of Swin Transformer and CNN to generate complementary global and local features.We then designed the Feature Cross-Fusion(FCF)module to efficiently fuse local and global features.In the FCF,the utilization of the Channel-wise Cross-fusion Transformer(CCT)serves the purpose of aggregatingmulti-scale features,and the Feature FusionModule(FFM)is employed to effectively aggregate dual-branch prominent feature regions from the spatial perspective.Furthermore,within the decoding phase of the dual-branch network,our proposed Channel Attention Block(CAB)aims to emphasize the significance of the channel features between the up-sampled features and the features generated by the FCFmodule to enhance the details of the decoding.Experimental results demonstrate that DCFNet exhibits enhanced accuracy in segmentation performance.Compared to other state-of-the-art(SOTA)methods,our segmentation framework exhibits a superior level of competitiveness.DCFNet’s accurate segmentation of medical images can greatly assist medical professionals in making crucial diagnoses of lesion areas in advance.

Synthesis of Branched Polyethylene via Bulky α-Diimine Nickel(II)-Catalyzed Ethylene Chain-Walking Polymerization

The catalysis of olefin polymerization through the chain-walking process is a subject of great interest. In this contribution, the successful synthesis of a Brookhart-type unsymmetrical α-diimine nickel catalyst Ni, which contains both dibenzhydryl and phenyl groups, was determined by X-ray crystallography. The compound has a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry at the Ni center, showing pseudo-C2-symmetry. Upon activation with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), Ni1 exhibits high catalytic activity up to 1.02 × 107 g PE (mol Ni h)−1 toward ethylene polymerization, enabling the synthesis of high molecular weight branched polyethylene. The molecular weights and branching densities could be tuned over a very wide range. The polymerization results indicated the possibility of precise microstructure control, depending on the polymerization temperature. The branching densities were decreased with increasing the polymerization temperature.

Computational fluid dynamic-discrete element method coupling analysis of particle transport in branched networks

An understanding of the particle transport characteristics in a branched network helps to predict the particle distribution and prevent undesired plugging in various engineering systems.Quantitative analysis of particle flow characteristics is challenging in that experiments are expensive and particle flow is difficult to detect without disturbing the flow.To overcome this difficulty,man-made fractal tree-like branched networks were built,and a coupled computational fluid dynamic and discrete element method model was applied.A series of numerical simulations was carried out to analyze the influence of fractal structure parameters of networks on the particle flow characteristics.The joint influence of inertial,shunt capacity and superposition from upstream branches on particle flow was investigated.The injection position at the inlet determined the particle velocity and its future flow path.The particle density ratio,particle size and bifurcation angle had a greater influence on the shunting of K2 branches than that in the K1 level and N_(k22)/N_(k21) reached a maximum at 60°.Compared with a network with an even number of branches,there was a preferential branch when the branch number was odd.The preferential branch effect or asymmetry degree of the level(K2)branches had a more significant impact on particle shunting than that from the upstream branches(K1).

Diagnostic value of methylated branched chain amino acid transaminase 1/IKAROS family zinc finger 1 for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND The diagnostic value of combined methylated branched chain amino acid transaminase 1(BCAT1)/IKAROS family zinc finger 1(IKZF1)in plasma for colorectal cancer(CRC)has been explored since 2015.Recently,several related studies have published their results and showed its diagnostic efficacy.AIM To analyze the diagnostic value of methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 in plasma for screening and postoperative follow-up of CRC.METHODS The candidate studies were identified by searching the PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,and Wanfang databases from May 31,2003 to June 1,2023.Sensitivity,specificity,and diagnostic accuracy were calculated by merging ratios or means.RESULTS Twelve eligible studies were included in the analysis,involving 6561 participants.The sensitivity of methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 in plasma for CRC diagnosis was 60%[95%confidence interval(CI)53-67]and specificity was 92%(95%CI:90-94).The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 8.0(95%CI:5.8-11.0)and 0.43(95%CI:0.36-0.52),respectively.Diagnostic odds ratio was 19(95%CI:11-30)and area under the curve was 0.88(95%CI:0.85-0.91).The sensitivity and specificity for CRC screening were 64%(95%CI:59-69)and 92%(95%CI:91-93),respectively.The sensitivity and specificity for recurrence detection during follow-up were 54%CONCLUSION The detection of methylated BCAT1/IKZF1 in plasma,as a non-invasive detection method of circulating tumor DNA,has potential CRC diagnosis,but the clinical application prospect needs to be further explored.

Branched fibrous amidoxime adsorbent with ultrafast adsorption rate and high amidoxime utilization for uranium extraction from seawater

Direct collection of uranium from low uranium systems via adsorption remains challenging.Fibrous sorbent materials with amidoxime(AO)groups are promising adsorbents for uranium extraction from seawater.However,low AO adsorption group utilization remains an issue.We herein fabricated a branched structure containing AO groups on polypropylene/polyethylene spun-laced nonwoven(PP/PE SNW)fibers using grafting polymerization induced by radiation(RIGP)to improve AO utilization.The chemical structures,thermal properties,and surface morphologies of the raw and treated PP/PE SNW fibers were studied.The results show that an adsorptive functional layer with a branching structure was successfully anchored to the fiber surface.The adsorption properties were investigated using batch adsorption experiments in simulated seawater with an initial uranium concentration of 500μg·L^(−1)(pH 4,25℃).The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent material was 137.3 mg·g^(−1)within 24 h;moreover,the uranyl removal reached 96%within 240 min.The adsorbent had an AO utilization rate of 1/3.5 and was stable over a pH range of 4–10,with good selectivity and reusability,demonstrating its potential for seawater uranium extraction.

Nonlinear vibration analysis of an embedded branched nanofluid-conveying carbon nanotube:Influence of downstream angle,temperature change and two dimensional external magnetic field

In this study,non-linear thermal-mechanical stability and vibration analyses of different end-shaped single-walled carbon nanotube conveying viscous nano-magnetic fluid embedded in non-linear visco-elastic foundation under the influence of magnetic fields are presented.The development of the equation of motion was based on Euler-Bernoulli theory,Hamilton principle and nonlocal elasticity theory.The results of the analytical solutions using Galerkin decomposition differential transform method(GDDTM)were validated with existing experimental results.From the parametric studies,it was shown that decreasing the temperature difference as well as increasing the downstream angle decreased the system's stability for pre-bifurcation analysis but increased stability of the system for post bifurcation analysis.Also,the results obtained from the dynamic behaviour of the system indicated that the magnetic effect had an attenuating impact of about 45%on the system's response at any mode and for any boundary condition considered.It is hoped that this work will enhance the design and optimization of nano-devices with I,V,Y,L,K and T-shaped junctions under the influence of thermal-magneto-mechanical flow induced vibration.

Enhanced adsorption of target branched compounds including antibiotic norfloxacin frameworks on mild steel surface for efficient protection: An experimental and molecular modelling study

In this study, an approach was proposed to employ new target branched compounds(TBCs) including multiple antibiotic norfloxacin frameworks for intensified adsorption films to achieve super protection of mild steel in HCl medium. Thus, the TBCs containing bis/tri norfloxacin skeletons were synthesized by multi-step preparation route. In addition, the reference linear compound(RLC) including a single norfloxacin part was also synthesized. The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed by various means. It was demonstrated that the TBCs could form the tough adsorption films on the surface of mild steel, which could be processed mainly through chemisorption effect. The electrochemical analysis suggested that the TBCs displayed superior corrosion inhibition performance for low carbon steel in1.0 mol·L^(-1) HCl solution over the RLC(RLC, 87.80%;TBC1, 97.63%;TBC2, 98.35%), which was further understood by the molecular modelling. The isotherm adsorption plots were employed to analyze the spontaneous adsorption process of the TBCs on low carbon steel surface, and a prominent chemisorption could be inferred by the standard Gibbs free energy changes of the adsorption.

Anomalous diffusion in branched elliptical structure

Diffusion in narrow curved channels with dead-ends as in extracellular space in the biological tissues,e.g.,brain,tumors,muscles,etc.is a geometrically induced complex diffusion and is relevant to different kinds of biological,physical,and chemical systems.In this paper,we study the effects of geometry and confinement on the diffusion process in an elliptical comb-like structure and analyze its statistical properties.The ellipse domain whose boundary has the polar equationρ(θ)=b/√1−e^(2)cos^(2)θ with 0<e<1,θ∈[0,2π],and b as a constant,can be obtained through stretched radius r such that Υ=rρ(θ)with r∈[0,1].We suppose that,for fixed radius r=R,an elliptical motion takes place and is interspersed with a radial motion inward and outward of the ellipse.The probability distribution function(PDF)in the structure and the marginal PDF and mean square displacement(MSD)along the backbone are obtained numerically.The results show that a transient sub-diffusion behavior dominates the process for a time followed by a saturating state.The sub-diffusion regime and saturation threshold are affected by the length of the elliptical channel lateral branch and its curvature.

Proppant transport law in multi-branched fractures induced by volume fracturing

To further clarify the proppant transport and placement law in multi-branched fractures induced by volume fracturing, proppant transport simulation experiments were performed with different fracture shapes, sand ratios, branched fracture opening time and injection sequence of proppants in varied particle sizes. The results show that the settled proppant height increases and the placement length decreases in main fractures as the fracturing fluid diverts gradually to the branched fractures at different positions. The flow rate in branched fractures is the main factor affecting their filling. The diverion to branched fractures leads to low flow rate and poor filling of far-wellbore branched fractures. The inclined fracture wall exerts a frictional force on the proppant to slow its settlement, thus enhancing the vertical proppant distribution in the fracture. The increase of sand ratio can improve the filling of near-wellbore main fracture and far-wellbore branched fracture and also increase the settled proppant height in main fracture. Due to the limitation of fracture height, when the sand ratio increases to a certain level, the increment of fracture filling decreases. When branched fracture is always open(or extends continuously), the supporting effect on the branched fractures is the best, but the proppant placement length within the main fractures is shorter. The fractures support effect is better when it is first closed and then opened(or extends in late stage) than when it is first opened and then closed(or extends in early stage). Injecting proppants with different particle sizes in a specific sequence can improve the placement lengths of main fracture and branched fracture. Injection of proppants in an ascending order of particle size improves the near-wellbore fracture filling, to a better extent than that in a descending order of particle size.

In-Situ Growing of Branched CNFs on Reusable RCFs to Construct Hierarchical Cross-Linked Composite for Enhanced Microwave Absorption

The recycling of carbon fibers and protection from unwanted microwave radiation are two important environmental issues that need to be addressed in modern society.Herein,branched carbon nanofibers(CNFs)were grown in-situ on recycled carbon fibers(RCFs)through the chemical vapor deposition method using nickel as catalysts and thiophene as aided-catalysts.The effect of thiophene on the growth morphology of CNFs was investigated.Correspondingly,branched CNFs-RCFs and straight CNFs-RCFs were respectively obtained in the presence and absence of thiophene.The microstructure and electromagnetic behaviour investigations have shown that the branched CNFs possess a typical multi-branched structure,with more defects,pores and a larger specific surface area than the straight CNFs,which lead to better impedance matching and adequate dielectric loss ability for the branched CNFs-RCFs.The reflection loss(RL)results show that the branched CNFs-RCFs exhibit an optimum RL of -23.6 dB at 1.5 mm and a best effective absorption bandwidth(EAB)of 7.5 GHz at 2.0 mm.This research provides an innovative microwave absorbing material with adequate absorbing strength and outstanding EAB,while also promoting the sustainable reuse of the RCFs resources.

Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing(BiVP).AIM To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization,clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT.METHODS Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section.RESULTS In our analysis,the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%.LBBP CRT significantly shortened QRS duration,with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters,including left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT.CONCLUSION A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group.Lastly,the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Left bundle branch pacing set to outshine biventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The deleterious effects of long-term right ventricular pacing necessitated the search for alternative pacing sites which could prevent or alleviate pacinginduced cardiomyopathy.Until recently,biventricular pacing(BiVP)was the only modality which could mitigate or prevent pacing induced dysfunction.Further,BiVP could resynchronize the baseline electromechanical dssynchrony in heart failure and improve outcomes.However,the high non-response rate of around 20%-30%remains a major limitation.This non-response has been largely attributable to the direct non-physiological stimulation of the left ventricular myocardium bypassing the conduction system.To overcome this limitation,the concept of conduction system pacing(CSP)came up.Despite initial success of the first CSP via His bundle pacing(HBP),certain drawbacks including lead instability and dislodgements,steep learning curve and rapid battery depletion on many occasions prevented its widespread use for cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).Subsequently,CSP via left bundle branch-area pacing(LBBP)was developed in 2018,which over the last few years has shown efficacy comparable to BiVP-CRT in small observational studies.Further,its safety has also been well established and is largely free of the pitfalls of the HBP-CRT.In the recent metanalysis by Yasmin et al,comprising of 6 studies with 389 participants,LBBPCRT was superior to BiVP-CRT in terms of QRS duration,left ventricular ejection fraction,cardiac chamber dimensions,lead thresholds,and functional status amongst heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.However,there are important limitations of the study including the small overall numbers,inclusion of only a single small randomized controlled trial(RCT)and a small follow-up duration.Further,the entire study population analyzed was from China which makes generalizability a concern.Despite the concerns,the meta-analysis adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of LBBP-CRT.At this stage,one must acknowledge that the fact that still our opinions on this technique are largely based on observational data and there is a dire need for larger RCTs to ascertain the position of LBBPCRT in management of heart failure patients with left bundle branch block.

Engineering high amylose and resistant starch in maize by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of starch branching enzymes

To improve the amylose content(AC)and resistant starch content(RSC)of maize kernel starch,we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to create mutants of starch branching enzyme I(SBEI)and starch branching enzyme IIb(SBEIIb).A frameshift mutation in SBEI(E1,a nucleotide insertion in exon 6)led to plants with higher RSC(1.07%),lower hundred-kernel weight(HKW,24.71±0.14 g),and lower plant height(PH,218.50±9.42 cm)compared to the wild type(WT).Like the WT,E1 kernel starch had irregular,polygonal shapes with sharp edges.A frameshift mutation in SBEIIb(E2,a four-nucleotide deletion in exon 8)led to higher AC(53.48%)and higher RSC(26.93%)than that for the WT.E2 kernel starch was significantly different from the WT regarding granule morphology,chain length distribution pattern,X-ray diffraction pattern,and thermal characteristics;the starch granules were more irregular in shape and comprised typical B-type crystals.Mutating SBEI and SBEIIb(E12)had a synergistic effect on RSC,HKW,PH,starch properties,and starch biosynthesis-associated gene expression.SBEIIa,SS1,SSIIa,SSIIIa,and SSIIIb were upregulated in E12 endosperm compared to WT endosperm.This study lays the foundation for rapidly improving the starch properties of elite maize lines.

Identification and characterization of a no-grain mutant(nog1)in foxtail millet

Increasing crop grain yields is an urgent global priority due to population growth,shrinking arable land,and severe climate change in recent years(Tang et al.2023).Unraveling the process of panicle development is crucial for enhancing the grain yield of cereal crops.In the development of rice panicles,the inflorescence meristem(IM)gives rise to two types of lateral branch meristems(BMs):primary branch meristem(pBM)and secondary branch meristem(sBM).The pBM generates sBM and spikelet meristems(SMs),and the sBM further differentiates into more SMs(Zhang and Yuan 2014).

Information for Authors

Chinese Physics Letters(CPL)is a peer-reviewed,international and multidisciplinary journal sponsored by the Chinese Physical Society(CPS)and Institute of Physics,CAS,and hosted online by IOP Publishing Ltd.Launched in 1984 as the flagship journal of CPS,CPL has become one of the most prestigious periodicals published in China,and been among the good choices for worldw ide physicists to disseminate their most important breakthroughs.Nowadays it is dedicated to build an internationally recognized platform for researchers to pub-lish original research works in all the branches of fundamental,applied,and interdisciplinary physics.

Information for Authors

Chinese Physics Letters(CPL)is a peer-reviewed,international and multidisciplinary journal sponsored by the Chinese Physical Society(CPS)and Institute of Physics,CAS,and hosted online by IOP Publishing Ltd.Launched in 1984 as the flagship journal of CPS,CPL has become one of the most prestigious periodicals published in China,and been among the good choices for worldwide physicists to disseminate their most important breakthroughs.Nowadays it is dedicated to build an internationally recognized platform for researchers to publish original research works in all the branches of fundamental,applied,and interdisciplinary physics.

Information for Authors

Chinese Physics Letters(CPL)is a peer-reviewed,inter-national and multidisciplinary journal sponsored by the Chi-nese Physical Society(CPS)and Institute of Physics,CAS,and hosted online by IOP Publishing Ltd.Launched in 1984 as the flagship journal of CPS,CPL has become one of the most prestigious periodicals published in China,and been among the good choices for worldwide physicists to disseminate their most important breakthroughs.Nowadays it is dedicated to build an internationally recognized platform for researchers to pub-lish original research works in all the branches of fundamental,applied,and interdisciplinary physics.

Information for Authors

Chinese Physics Letters(CPL)is a peer-reviewed,international and multidisciplinary journal sponsored by the Chinese Physical Society(CPS)and Institute of Physics,CAS,and hosted online by IOP Publishing Ltd.Launched in 1984 as the flagship journal of CPS,CPL has become one of the most prestigious periodicals published in China,and been among the good choices for worldwide physicists to disseminate their most important breakthroughs.Nowadays it is dedicated to build an internationally recognized platform for researchers to publish original research works in all the branches of fundamental,applied,and interdisciplinary physics.