Acousto-optic scanning multi-photon lithography with high printing rate

As a manufacturing method that is focused on end-users,3D printing has gained a lot of attention in recent years due to its unique advantages in fabricating complex three-dimensional structures.Various new micro-nano 3D printing methods have been developed to meet the demand for high-precision and high-yield manufacturing1-9.Among them,multi-photon-photon lithography(MPL) is a promising 3D nanofabrication technology due to its capability of true 3D digital processing and nanoscale processing resolution beyond the diffraction limit.It has been widely used to fabricate microoptics10,11,photonic crystals12,microfluidics13,meta-surfaces14,and mechanical metamaterials15.

Ultrasound Scanning Competencies in Midwifery Education in Zambia: Findings from a Desk Review and Needs Assessment

Introduction: Ultrasound is an essential component of antenatal care. Midwives provide most of the antenatal care but they do not perform ultrasound as it has been beyond their scope of practice. This leaves many women in Low and Middle-Income Countries without access to ultrasound scanning. The aim of this study was to identify competencies in ultrasound scanning in midwifery education. Methods: A desk review and needs assessment were conducted between July and October 2023. Articles and curricula on the internet, Google scholar and PubMed were searched for content on ultrasound scanning competencies. A Google form consisting of 20 questions was administered via email and WhatsApp to 135 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The desk review showed that it is feasible to train midwives in ultrasound scanning. The training programs for midwives in obstetric ultrasound were conducted for 1 week to 3 months with most of them running for 4 weeks. Content included introduction to general principles of ultrasound, physics, basic knowledge in embryology, obstetrics, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, estimating amniotic fluid and gestational age. Experts like sonographers trained midwives. Theory and hands on were the teaching methods used. Written and practical assessments were conducted. Needs assessment revealed that majority of participants 71 (53%) knew about basic ultrasound training for midwives. All participants (100%) said it is necessary to train midwives in basic ultrasound scan in Zambia. Some content should include, anatomy, measuring foetal biometry, assessing amniotic fluid level, and gestational age determination. Most participants 91 (67%) suggested that the appropriate duration of training is 4 - 6 weeks. Conclusion: Empowering every midwife with ultrasound scanning skills will enable early detection of any abnormality among pregnant women and prompt intervention to save lives.

Investigation of reflection anisotropy induced by micropipe defects on the surface of a 4H-SiC single crystal using scanning anisotropy microscopy

Optical reflection anisotropy microscopy mappings of micropipe defects on the surface of a 4H-SiC single crystal are studied by the scanning anisotropy microscopy(SAM)system.The reflection anisotropy(RA)image with a'butterfly pattern'is obtained around the micropipes by SAM.The RA image of the edge dislocations is theoretically simulated based on dislocation theory and the photoelastic principle.By comparing with the Raman spectrum,it is verified that the micropipes consist of edge dislocations.The different patterns of the RA images are due to the different orientations of the Burgers vectors.Besides,the strain distribution of the micropipes is also deduced.One can identify the dislocation type,the direction of the Burgers vector and the optical anisotropy from the RA image by using SAM.Therefore,SAM is an ideal tool to measure the optical anisotropy induced by the strain field around a defect.

Prophylactic Pattern Scanning Laser Retinal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats: Preliminary Experimental Results

Research Background and Purpose: The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing, making it crucial to find methods to prevent diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. We investigated the effects of prophylactic pattern scanning laser retinal photocoagulation on DR development in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats as a new prevention approach. Methods: Photocoagulation was applied to the right eyes of 8-week-old Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, with the left eyes serving as untreated controls. Electroretinography at 9 and 39 weeks of age and pathological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and glial fibrillary acidic protein at 24 and 40 weeks of age, were performed on both eyes. Results: There were no significant differences in amplitude and prolongation of the OP waves between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 39 weeks of age. Similarly, no significant differences in pathology and immunohistochemistry were observed between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 24 and 40 weeks of age. Conclusion: Prophylactic pattern scanning retinal laser photocoagulation did not affect the development of diabetic retinopathy in SDT fatty rats.

Uniformity Control of Scanned Beam in 300 MeV Proton and Heavy Ion Accelerator Complex at SESRI

In recent years,heavy ion accelerator technology has been rapidly developing worldwide and widely applied in the fields of space radiation simulation and particle therapy.Usually,a very high uniformity in the irradiation area is required for the extracted ion beams,which is crucial because it directly affects the experimental precision and therapeutic effect.Specifically,ultra-large-area and high-uniformity scanning are crucial requirements for spacecraft radiation effects assessment and serve as core specification for beamline terminal design.In the 300 MeV proton and heavy ion accelerator complex at the Space Environment Simulation and Research Infrastructure(SESRI),proton and heavy ion beams will be accelerated and ultimately delivered to three irradiation terminals.In order to achieve the required large irradiation area of 320 mm×320 mm,horizontal and vertical scanning magnets are used in the extraction beam line.However,considering the various requirements for beam species and energies,the tracking accuracy of power supplies(PSs),the eddy current effect of scanning magnets,and the fluctuation of ion bunch structure will reduce the irradiation uniformity.To mitigate these effects,a beam uniformity optimization method based on the measured beam distribution was proposed and applied in the accelerator complex at SESRI.In the experiment,the uniformity is successfully optimized from 75%to over 90%after five iterations of adjustment to the PS waveforms.In this paper,the method and experimental results were introduced.

Accuracy of tree mapping based on hand-held laser scanning comparing leaf-on and leaf-off conditions in mixed forests

The use of mobile laser scanning to survey forest ecosystems is a promising,scalable technology to describe forest 3D structures at high resolution.To confirm the con-sistency in the retrieval of forest structural parameters using hand-held laser scanning(HLS),before operationalizing the method,confirming the data is crucial.We analyzed the per-formance of tree-level mapping based on HLS under differ-ent phenology conditions on a mixed forest in western Spain comprising Pinus pinaster and two deciduous species,Alnus glutinosa and Quercus pyrenaica.The area was surveyed twice during the growing season(July 2022)and once in the deciduous season(February 2022)using several scan-ning paths.Ground reference data(418 trees,15 snags)was used to calibrate the HLS data and to assess the influence of phenology when converting 3D data into tree-level attrib-utes(DBH,height and volume).The HLS-based workflow was robust at isolating tree positions and recognizing stems despite changes in phenology.Ninety-six percent of all pairs matched below 65 cm.For DBH,phenology barely altered estimates.We observed a strong agreement when comparing HLS-based tree height distributions.The values exceeded 2 m when comparing height measurements,confirming height data should be carefully used as reference in remote sensing-based inventories,especially for deciduous species.Tree volume was more precise for pines(r=0.95,and rela-tive RMSE=21.3–23.8%)compared to deciduous species(r=0.91–0.96,and relative RMSE=27.3–30.5%).HLS data and the forest structural complexity tool performed remark-ably,especially in tree positioning considering mixed forests and mixed phenology conditions.

A review of understanding electrocatalytic reactions in energy conversion and energy storage systems via scanning electrochemical microscopy

To address climate change and promote environmental sustainability,electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems emerge as promising alternative to fossil fuels,catering to the escalating demand for energy.Achieving optimal energy efficiency and cost competitiveness in these systems requires the strategic design of electrocatalysts,coupled with a thorough comprehension of the underlying mechanisms and degradation behavior occurring during the electrocatalysis processes.Scanning electrochemical microscopy(SECM),an analytical technique for studying surface electrochemically,stands out as a powerful tool offering electrochemical insights.It possesses remarkable spatiotemporal resolution,enabling the visualization of the localized electrochemical activity and surface topography.This review compiles crucial research findings and recent breakthroughs in electrocatalytic processes utilizing the SECM methodology,specifically focusing on applications in electrolysis,fuel cells,and metal–oxygen batteries within the realm of energy conversion and storage systems.Commencing with an overview of each energy system,the review introduces the fundamental principles of SECM,and aiming to provide new perspectives and broadening the scope of applied research by describing the major research categories within SECM.

Imaging of human parafoveal area with large field of view in adaptive optics line scanning ophthalmoscope

The parafoveal area,with its high concentration of photoreceptors andfine retinal capillaries,is crucial for central vision and often exhibits early signs of pathological changes.The current adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope(AOSLO)provides an excellent tool to acquire accurate and detailed information about the parafoveal area with cellular resolution.However,limited by the scanning speed of two-dimensional scanning,thefield of view(FOV)in the AOSLO system was usually less than or equal to 2,and the stitching for the parafoveal area required dozens of images,which was time-consuming and laborious.Unfortunately,almost half of patients are unable to obtain stitched images because of their poorfixation.To solve this problem,we integrate AO technology with the line-scan imaging method to build an adaptive optics line scanning ophthalmoscope(AOLSO)system with a larger FOV.In the AOLSO,afocal spherical mirrors in pairs are nonplanar arranged and the distance and angle between optical elements are optimized to minimize the aberrations,two cylinder lenses are orthogonally placed before the imaging sensor to stretch the point spread function(PSF)for sufficiently digitizing light energy.Captured human retinal images show the whole parafoveal area with 55FOV,60 Hz frame rate and cellular resolutions.Take advantage of the 5FOV of the AOLSO,only 9 frames of the retina are captured with several minutes to stitch a montage image with an FOV of 99,in which photoreceptor counting is performed within approximately 5eccentricity.The AOLSO system not only provides cellular resolution but also has the capability to capture the parafoveal region in a single frame,which offers great potential for noninvasive studying of the parafoveal area.

Influence of pore structure heterogeneity on channeling channels during hot water flooding in heavy oil reservoir based on CT scanning

Hot water flooding is an effective way to develop heavy oil reservoirs.However,local channeling channels may form,possibly leading to a low thermal utilization efficiency and high water cut in the reservoir.The pore structure heterogeneity is an important factor in forming these channels.This study proposes a method that mixes quartz sand with different particle sizes to prepare weakly heterogeneous and strongly heterogeneous models through which hot water flooding experiments are conducted.During the experiments,computer tomography(CT)scanning identifies the pore structure and micro remaining oil saturation distribution to analyze the influence of the pore structure heterogeneity on the channeling channels.The oil saturation reduction and average pore size are divided into three levels to quantitatively describe the relationship between the channeling channel distribution and pore structure heterogeneity.The zone where oil saturation reduction exceeds 20%is defined as a channeling channel.The scanning area is divided into 180 equally sized zones based on the CT scanning images,and threedimensional(3D)distributions of the channeling channels are developed.Four micro remaining oil distribution patterns are proposed,and the morphology characteristics of micro remaining oil inside and outside the channeling channels are analyzed.The results show that hot water flooding is more balanced in the weakly heterogeneous model,and the oil saturation decreases by more than 20%in most zones without narrow channeling channels forming.In the strongly heterogeneous model,hot water flooding is unbalanced,and three narrow channeling channels of different lengths form.In the weakly heterogeneous model,the oil saturation reduction is greater in zones with larger pores.The distribution range of the average pore size is larger in the strongly heterogeneous model.The network remaining oil inside the channeling channels is less than outside the channeling channels,and the hot water converts the network remaining oil into cluster,film,and droplet remaining oil.

Fatigue properties and damage constitutive model of salt rock based on CT scanning

To investigate the macroscopic fatigue properties and the mesoscopic pore evolution characteristics of salt rock under cyclic loading,fatigue tests under different upper-limit stresses were carried out on salt rock,and the mesoscopic pore structures of salt rock before and after fatigue tests and under different cycle numbers were measured using CT scanning instrument.Based on the test results,the effects of the cycle number and the upper-limit stress on the evolution of cracks,pore morphology,pore number,pore volume,pore size,plane porosity,and volume porosity of salt rock were analyzed.The failure path of salt rock specimens under cyclic loading was analyzed using the distribution law of plane porosity.The damage variable of salt rock under cyclic loading was defined on basis of the variation of volume porosity with cycle number.In order to describe the fatigue deformation behavior of salt rock under cyclic loading,the nonlinear Burgers damage constitutive model was further established.The results show that the model established can better reflect the whole development process of fatigue deformation of salt rock under cyclic loading.

Assessing the dynamics of O_(2) desorption from cobalt phthalocyanine by in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy

We report here the in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy(ECSTM) study of cobalt phthalocyanine(CoPc)-catalyzed O_(2) evolution reaction(OER) and the dynamics of CoPc-O_(2) dissociation.The self-assembled CoPc monolayer is fabricated on Au(111) substrate and resolved by ECSTM in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte.The OH^(-)adsorption on CoPc prior to OER is observed in ECSTM images.During OER,the generated O_(2) adsorbed on Co Pc is observed in the CoPc monolayer.Potential step experiment is employed to monitor the desorption of OER-generated O_(2) from CoPc,which results in the decreasing surface coverage of CoPc-O_(2) with time.The rate constant of O_(2) desorption is evaluated through data fitting.The insights into the dynamics of Co-O_(2) dissociation at the molecular level via in situ imaging help understand the role of Co-O_(2) in oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) and OER.

Contribution of CT Scanning in the Investigation of Cranioencephalic Lesions in Bangui

Introduction: Cranioencephalic exploration has always played a major role in CT scans. In the Central Africa Republic (CAR), the lack of cross-sectional imaging before the year 2020 meant that no study had focused on cranioencephalic lesions. The aim of this study was to contribute to improving the management of cranioencephalic pathologies in CAR. Patients and Method: The study took place at the Bangui National Medical Imaging Centre (CNIMB). It was a retrospective study over a two-year period (March 1, 2021 to February 30, 2023). All patients referred for cranioencephalic CT scans were included, regardless of age or sex. Results: 1745 CT scans were performed, 575 of which were cranioencephalic CT scans. The majority of patients were male (53%). Most lived in the capital Bangui (90.9%). Patients aged 61 and over were the most representative. The distribution of patients by requesting department showed that the reception and emergency department was one of the least requesting departments. The main abnormalities observed were strokes, 82.1% of which were ischaemic strokes and 17.9% haemorrhagic strokes. Strokes were followed by degenerative lesions. Post-traumatic injuries included haemorrhagic contusions (38.3%), subdural haematomas in 20.5% of cases, and extradural haematomas (9.3%). Craniofacial lesions (fractures) were observed in 45.8% of cases. Conclusion: Cranioencephalic scans accounted for 1/3 of CT examinations performed during the study period. It revealed pathologies that could not be detected by conventional means. All in all, CT scans contributed to the diagnosis of cerebral pathologies.

Study on Joint Method of 3D Acoustic Emission Source Localization Simplex and Grid Search Scanning

Acoustic emission(AE)source localization is a fundamental element of rock fracture damage imaging.To improve the efficiency and accuracy of AE source localization,this paper proposes a joint method comprising a three-dimensional(3D)AE source localization simplex method and grid search scanning.Using the concept of the geometry of simplexes,tetrahedral iterations were first conducted to narrow down the suspected source region.This is followed by a process of meshing the region and node searching to scan for optimal solutions,until the source location is determined.The resulting algorithm was tested using the artificial excitation source localization and uniaxial compression tests,after which the localization results were compared with the simplex and exhaustive methods.The results revealed that the localization obtained using the proposed method is more stable and can be effectively avoided compared with the simplex localization method.Furthermore,compared with the global scanning method,the proposed method is more efficient,with an average time of 10%–20%of the global scanning localization algorithm.Thus,the proposed algorithm is of great significance for laboratory research focused on locating rupture damages sustained by large-sized rock masses or test blocks.

Algorithm of automatic identification of diabetic retinopathy foci based on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

AIM:To propose an algorithm for automatic detection of diabetic retinopathy(DR)lesions based on ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscopy(SLO).METHODS:The algorithm utilized the FasterRCNN(Faster Regions with CNN features)+ResNet50(Residua Network 50)+FPN(Feature Pyramid Networks)method for detecting hemorrhagic spots,cotton wool spots,exudates,and microaneurysms in DR ultra-widefield SLO.Subimage segmentation combined with a deeper residual network FasterRCNN+ResNet50 was employed for feature extraction to enhance intelligent learning rate.Feature fusion was carried out by the feature pyramid network FPN,which significantly improved lesion detection rates in SLO fundus images.RESULTS:By analyzing 1076 ultra-widefield SLO images provided by our hospital,with a resolution of 2600×2048 dpi,the accuracy rates for hemorrhagic spots,cotton wool spots,exudates,and microaneurysms were found to be 87.23%,83.57%,86.75%,and 54.94%,respectively.CONCLUSION:The proposed algorithm demonstrates intelligent detection of DR lesions in ultra-widefield SLO,providing significant advantages over traditional fundus color imaging intelligent diagnosis algorithms.

Assessment of Dose and Lifetime Risk of Exposure Induced Cancer in Adult Common Computed Tomography Scans in Douala-Cameroon

Background: Among medical technologies that use ionizing radiation, CT is currently the radio diagnostic technic that can deliver the highest radiation to the Patient compared with other conventional procedures. In developing countries, the uses and risks of CT have not been well characterized. Objective: To estimate the lifetime attributable risk (LAR) incidence and mortality for cancer for each procedure for adult’s patients who had Computed Tomography examinations in 10 imaging centers in the city of Douala-Cameroon so as to provide a reference data. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study describing radiation dose associated with the 8 most common types of diagnostic CT studies performed on 1287 consecutive adult patients at 10 Douala radiology department. We estimated lifetime attributable risks of cancer by study type from these measured doses. Estimation of LAR for cancer incidence and mortality was based on the effective dose, patient’s sex and age at exposure using the BIER VII preferred models. Results: Mean effective dose from CT scans examinations varied from: 0.30 and 8.81 mSv. The highest doses were observed for lumbar spine CT (8.81 mSv), followed by abdomen-pelvis procedure (6.46 mSv), chest-abdomen-pelvic CT (6.61 mSv), chest CT (3.90 mSv), cervical Spine CT (3.05 mSv), head CT (1.7 mSv) and lower for sinus CT (0.30 mSv). The LAR values of all cancer from patients’ CT scans obtained vary from 67.13 excess per 100,000 (about 1 in 1489) and 0.45 excess per 100,000 (about 1 in 222,222). All cancer risk was high for lumbar spine CT in women 20 years old (67.13 excess deaths in 100,000 scans) followed by chest-abdomen-pelvic CT (50.36 excess deaths in 100,000 scans) and abdomen-pelvic CT (49.22 excess deaths in 100,000 scans) for the same age group. The LAR of incidence and mortality values were higher from female’s patients than males and higher for younger than older patients. Conclusion: This study was set out to estimate the LAR values associated with adult common CT scans procedures. The data indicates, LAR risks related to induced cancer from CT exposures were estimated to be low. This risk can be relatively significant for younger age group compared to older age group. The LAR values obtained will help to better evaluate radiation exposure risk, before ordering a CT scans examinations.

Phase behavior of gas condensate in porous media using real-time computed tomography scanning

The phase behavior of gas condensate in reservoir formations differs from that in pressure-volume-temperature(PVT)cells because it is influenced by porous media in the reservoir formations.Sandstone was used as a sample to investigate the influence of porous media on the phase behavior of the gas condensate.The pore structure was first analyzed using computed tomography(CT)scanning,digital core technology,and a pore network model.The sandstone core sample was then saturated with gas condensate for the pressure depletion experiment.After each pressure-depletion state was stable,realtime CT scanning was performed on the sample.The scanning results of the sample were reconstructed into three-dimensional grayscale images,and the gas condensate and condensate liquid were segmented based on gray value discrepancy to dynamically characterize the phase behavior of the gas condensate in porous media.Pore network models of the condensate liquid ganglia under different pressures were built to calculate the characteristic parameters,including the average radius,coordination number,and tortuosity,and to analyze the changing mechanism caused by the phase behavior change of the gas condensate.Four types of condensate liquid(clustered,branched,membranous,and droplet ganglia)were then classified by shape factor and Euler number to investigate their morphological changes dynamically and elaborately.The results show that the dew point pressure of the gas condensate in porous media is 12.7 MPa,which is 0.7 MPa higher than 12.0 MPa in PVT cells.The average radius,volume,and coordination number of the condensate liquid ganglia increased when the system pressure was between the dew point pressure(12.7 MPa)and the pressure for the maximum liquid dropout,Pmax(10.0 MPa),and decreased when it was below Pmax.The volume proportion of clustered ganglia was the highest,followed by branched,membranous,and droplet ganglia.This study provides crucial experimental evidence for the phase behavior changing process of gas condensate in porous media during the depletion production of gas condensate reservoirs.

A Survey of Lung Nodules Detection and Classification from CT Scan Images

In the contemporary era,the death rate is increasing due to lung cancer.However,technology is continuously enhancing the quality of well-being.To improve the survival rate,radiologists rely on Computed Tomography(CT)scans for early detection and diagnosis of lung nodules.This paper presented a detailed,systematic review of several identification and categorization techniques for lung nodules.The analysis of the report explored the challenges,advancements,and future opinions in computer-aided diagnosis CAD systems for detecting and classifying lung nodules employing the deep learning(DL)algorithm.The findings also highlighted the usefulness of DL networks,especially convolutional neural networks(CNNs)in elevating sensitivity,accuracy,and specificity as well as overcoming false positives in the initial stages of lung cancer detection.This paper further presented the integral nodule classification stage,which stressed the importance of differentiating between benign and malignant nodules for initial cancer diagnosis.Moreover,the findings presented a comprehensive analysis of multiple techniques and studies for nodule classification,highlighting the evolution of methodologies from conventional machine learning(ML)classifiers to transfer learning and integrated CNNs.Interestingly,while accepting the strides formed by CAD systems,the review addressed persistent challenges.

Enhanced Deep Reinforcement Learning Strategy for Energy Management in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles with Entropy Regularization and Prioritized Experience Replay

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles(PHEVs)represent an innovative breed of transportation,harnessing diverse power sources for enhanced performance.Energy management strategies(EMSs)that coordinate and control different energy sources is a critical component of PHEV control technology,directly impacting overall vehicle performance.This study proposes an improved deep reinforcement learning(DRL)-based EMSthat optimizes realtime energy allocation and coordinates the operation of multiple power sources.Conventional DRL algorithms struggle to effectively explore all possible state-action combinations within high-dimensional state and action spaces.They often fail to strike an optimal balance between exploration and exploitation,and their assumption of a static environment limits their ability to adapt to changing conditions.Moreover,these algorithms suffer from low sample efficiency.Collectively,these factors contribute to convergence difficulties,low learning efficiency,and instability.To address these challenges,the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient(DDPG)algorithm is enhanced using entropy regularization and a summation tree-based Prioritized Experience Replay(PER)method,aiming to improve exploration performance and learning efficiency from experience samples.Additionally,the correspondingMarkovDecision Process(MDP)is established.Finally,an EMSbased on the improvedDRLmodel is presented.Comparative simulation experiments are conducted against rule-based,optimization-based,andDRL-based EMSs.The proposed strategy exhibitsminimal deviation fromthe optimal solution obtained by the dynamic programming(DP)strategy that requires global information.In the typical driving scenarios based onWorld Light Vehicle Test Cycle(WLTC)and New European Driving Cycle(NEDC),the proposed method achieved a fuel consumption of 2698.65 g and an Equivalent Fuel Consumption(EFC)of 2696.77 g.Compared to the DP strategy baseline,the proposed method improved the fuel efficiency variances(FEV)by 18.13%,15.1%,and 8.37%over the Deep QNetwork(DQN),Double DRL(DDRL),and original DDPG methods,respectively.The observational outcomes demonstrate that the proposed EMS based on improved DRL framework possesses good real-time performance,stability,and reliability,effectively optimizing vehicle economy and fuel consumption.

Tree species identity and interaction determine vertical forest structure in young planted forests measured by terrestrial laser scanning

Vertical forest structure is closely linked to multiple ecosystem characteristics,such as biodiversity,habitat,and productivity.Mixing tree species in planted forests has the potential to create diverse vertical forest structures due to the different physiological and morphological traits of the composing tree species.However,the relative importance of species richness,species identity and species interactions for the variation in vertical forest structure remains unclear,mainly because traditional forest inventories do not observe vertical stand structure in detail.Terrestrial laser scanning(TLS),however,allows to study vertical forest structure in an unprecedented way.Therefore,we used TLS single scan data from 126 plots across three experimental planted forests of a largescale tree diversity experiment in Belgium to study the drivers of vertical forest structure.These plots were 9–11years old young pure and mixed forests,characterized by four levels of tree species richness ranging from monocultures to four-species mixtures,across twenty composition levels.We generated vertical plant profiles from the TLS data and derived six stand structural variables.Linear mixed models were used to test the effect of species richness on structural variables.Employing a hierarchical diversity interaction modelling framework,we further assessed species identity effect and various species interaction effects on the six stand structural variables.Our results showed that species richness did not significantly influence most of the stand structure variables,except for canopy height and foliage height diversity.Species identity on the other hand exhibited a significant impact on vertical forest structure across all sites.Species interaction effects were observed to be site-dependent due to varying site conditions and species pools,and rapidly growing tree species tend to dominate these interactions.Overall,our results highlighted the importance of considering both species identity and interaction effects in choosing suitable species combinations for forest management practices aimed at enhancing vertical forest structure.

Surface evolution of thermoelectric material KCu_(4)Se_(3) explored by scanning tunneling microscopy

Novel two-dimensional thermoelectric materials have attracted significant attention in the field of thermoelectric due to their low lattice thermal conductivity.A comprehensive understanding of their microscopic structures is crucial for driving further the optimization of materials properties and developing novel functional materials.Here,by using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy,we report the atomic layer evolution and surface reconstruction on the cleaved thermoelectric material KCu_(4)Se_(3) for the first time.We clearly revealed each atomic layer,including the naturally cleaved K atomic layer,the intermediate Se^(2-)atomic layer,and the Se^(-)atomic layer that emerges in the thermodynamic-stable state.Departing from the maj ority of studies that predominantly concentrate on macroscopic measurements of the charge transport,our results reveal the coexistence of potassium disorder and complex reconstructed patterns of selenium,which potentially influences charge carrier and lattice dynamics.These results provide direct insight into the surface microstructures and evolution of KCu_(4)Se_(3),and shed useful light on designing functional materials with superior performance.