Occurrence characteristics of branching structures in equatorial plasma bubbles:a statistical study based on all-sky imagers in China

Branching structure(BS)is a very important phenomenon in the evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles(EPBs),the mechanism of which is widely studied from observation and from simulation.However,occurrence characteristics of branching structure of equatorial plasma bubbles(BSEPBs)have not been well addressed.In this work,we used seven-years(2012-2018)of observations from two all-sky imagers to study occurrence of BSEPBs in detail.These data reveal a high incidence of BS in EPB cases;in particular,most EPBs occurring on days with geomagnetic disturbances exhibited BS.Periods when all EPBs exhibited BS increased significantly in the 2014 solar maximum.Occurrence times of BSEPBs varied with local time;most of the BSEPBs began to appear between 21:00 and 22:00 LT.During the solar maximum,some BSEPBs were observed after midnight.The data also reveal that BSEPBs are characterized primarily by two branches or three branches.Multi-branching appeared only in the solar maximum.EPB events with different coexisting branching structures increased from 2012 to 2014 and decreased from 2014 to 2018.These results strongly suggest that BSEPB occurrence is related to solar activity and geomagnetic activity,and thus provide a new perspective for future studies of EPBs as well as enriching our understanding of ionospheric irregularity.

Seismic Sequences’ Branching Structures: Long-Range Interactions and Hazard Levels

Branching structures can provide early information on earthquakes’ preparation process, trigger stage, different breaking patterns that can occur before strong earthquakes and hazard levels reached in the area to be analyzed. In this study, we aim to understand the earthquakes long-range interactions which constitute the nodes of higher order seismic rods in the upper branching structure, and the hazard level reached in each developmental stage as well as to provide a warning time frame for the most energetic seismic events and a sound method to obtain information on the epicentral area. To this end, we have analyzed several branching structures by using both local and global seismicity. The analysis of different branching structures both on global and local scale highlights long-range interactions between the most energetic earthquakes and their triggering by smaller shocks, thus suggesting that the triggering can occur few minutes to decades before the earthquake, depending on a seismic sequence’s development speed and its structure.

Tree-inspired dendriforms and fractal-like branching structures in architecture： A brief historical overview

The shapes of trees are complex and fractal-like, and they have a set of physical, mechanical and biological functions. The relation between them always draws attention of human beings throughout history and, focusing on the relation between shape and structural strength, architects have designed a number of treelike structures, referred as dendriforms. The replication and adoption of the treelike patterns for constructing architectural structures have been varied in different time periods based on the existing and advanced knowledge and available technologies. This paper, by briefly discussing the biological functions and the mechanical properties of trees with regard to their shapes, overviews and investigates the chronological evolution and advancements of dendriform and arboreal structures in architec- ture referring to some important historical as well as contemporary examples.

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.

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.

Mantle Branch Structure in the South-Central Segment of the Da Hinggan Mts.,Inner Mongolia and Its Ore-controlling Role

Mantle branch structure is the third tectonic unit of multiple evolution of a mantle branch. It is not only the main mechanism of intercontinental orogeny, but also an important ore-forming and ore-control structure. Studies on geotectonic evolution, regional geological characteristics and oreforming and ore-control structures have shown that since the Mesozoic the Da Hinggan Mts. region has entered a typical intercontinental orogenic stage, and it is closely related to mantle branch activities. The south-central segment of the Da Hinggan Mts. is a typical mantle branch structure and possesses obvious magmatic-metamorphic complexes in the core, detachment slip beds in the periphery and overlapped fault depression basins. Moreover, all of these are the principal factors leading to ore formation and ore control in the region. This paper also further explores the mechanism of mineralization in the south-central segment of the Da Hinggan, summaries the rules of mineralization, puts forward the models of mineralization and points out future ore-exploring orientation.

Timing of mineralization at the Shihu gold deposit in the middle segment of the Taihang Mountain, China

The Shihu gold deposit, located in the middlesouth section of the core of the Fuping mantle branch structure, is hosted in the Archean Fuping Group and adjacent to the quartz diorite porphyrite. The gold deposit is the only large gold deposit with reserves of more than 30 tons gold discovered in western Hebei Province so far. In order to constrain the timing of mineralization of this ore deposit, this paper focuses on the isotopic dating of zircon and pyrite. Zircons in gold-bearing quartz veins are magmatic in origin and no hydrothermal zircon has been found in such quartz veins, indicating that zircons were derived from the wall rocks. U–Pb ages of zircons fall mainly in the two domains: 2492 ± 82 and 136 ± 4 Ma, respectively,indicative of the contribution of the Fuping-Group TTG gneiss and Yanshanian igneous rocks, respectively. The Re–Os isotopic compositions of pyrites in the gold-bearing quartz veins yield an isochron age of 127 ± 31 Ma. Combined with other dating results, we suggest that the main metallogenic age of the Shihu gold deposit is 120–127 Ma.

Large Eddy Simulation of Gasoline-Air Mixture Explosion in Long Duct with Branch Structure

Gas explosion is a process involving complex hydrodynamics and chemical reactions.In order to investigate the interaction between the flame behavior and the dynamic overpressure resulting from the explosion of a premixed gasoline-air mixture in a confined space,a large eddy simulation(LES)strategy coupled with sub-grid combustion model has been implemented.The considered confined space consists of a long duct and four branches symmetrically distributed on both sides of the long duct.Comparisons between the simulated and experimental results have been considered with regard to the flame structure,flame speed and overpressure characteristics.It is shown that the explosion process can qualitatively be reproduced by the numerical simulation.Due to the branch structure,vortices are generated near the joint of the branch and long duct.Vortices rotate in opposite directions in the different branches.When the flame propagates into the branch,the flame front is influenced by the flow field structure and becomes more and more distorted.The overpressure displays a similar behavior in the two branches which have a different distance from the ignition point.It is finally shown that the overpressure change law can directly be put in relation with the shape of flame front.

Short-Term Earthquake Forecast with the Seismic Sequence Hierarchization Method

All strong earthquakes are preceded by branching structures having different durations whose development scheme is partly largely predictable because it follows a well organized and recognizable pattern. By using a seismic sequence hierarchization method, this study graphically explains the preparation process of an earthquake, called “branching structure”. In addition, criteria apt to distinguish the structures that will produce shocks of average magnitude from strong earthquakes’ will be defined. Based on the temporal oscillations of the magnitude values, we explain the procedure for identifying the developmental stages that characterize the energy accumulation stage of the branching structure, in order to early detect the energy release stage’s trigger point and obtain information on how it will develop over time. The study identifies also some pre-signals (trigger points) of various magnitudes in the energy release stage, which allows us to early predict the foreshocks and mainshock time position. The method we developed constitutes a truly innovative approach for the earthquake forecasting analysis, which dramatically differs from those developed so far, as it considers the structure of the seismic sequence not only as a magnitude values’ oscillation, but also as a sequence of developmental stages that may begin much earlier.

Branch Structure of Corona Discharge: Experimental Simulation and Chemical Properties

The branch structure of corona discharge has been investigated via C2H2 corona discharge. Carbon filament with excellent branch structure is formed in the discharge. This carbon filament offers a direct mimic of the branch structure of corona discharge. It provides a very useful way to study on the average energy, physical and chemical characteristics of corona discharge. On this basis, the chemical property of corona discharge for methane conversion is discussed.

Diffusion dynamics in branched spherical structure

Diffusion on a spherical surface with trapping is a common phenomenon in cell biology and porous systems.In this paper,we study the diffusion dynamics in a branched spherical structure and explore the influence of the geometry of the structure on the diffusion process.The process is a spherical movement that occurs only for a fixed radius and is interspersed with a radial motion inward and outward the sphere.Two scenarios govern the transport process in the spherical cavity:free diffusion and diffusion under external velocity.The diffusion dynamics is described by using the concepts of probability density function(PDF)and mean square displacement(MSD)by Fokker–Planck equation in a spherical coordinate system.The effects of dead ends,sphere curvature,and velocity on PDF and MSD are analyzed numerically in detail.We find a transient non-Gaussian distribution and sub-diffusion regime governing the angular dynamics.The results show that the diffusion dynamics strengthens as the curvature of the spherical surface increases and an external force is exerted in the same direction of the motion.

Heterocyclic Molecules Tethered Branched Polymers with Innate Immune Stimulating Activity

We report herein an interesting finding that heterocyclic molecules tethered branched polymers exhibit innate immune stimulating activity.When we conjugated a series of five-,six-,or seven-membered heterocyclic molecules to branched polyethylenimine(bPEI),over 70%of them could induce the secretion of interferon-β(IFN-β)from murine dendritic and human leukemia monocytic(DC2.4 and THP-1)cells through activating the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)pathway.We further proved that this kind of innate stimulating activity was dependent on the macromolecular architecture as heterocyclic molecules tethered linear PEI(lPEI)or dendritic polyamidoamine(PAMAM)induced no or much less IFN-βsecretion.Furthermore,we prepared a series of poly-L-lysine(PLL)-derivatives with different branches to tether with heterocyclic molecules and proved that this kind of bPEI-like structure was important in en hancing the binding affinity with STING proteins and for exhibiting innate stimulating activity.

The Effect of Branching Structure on the Properties of Entangled or Non-covalently Crosslinked Polyisoprene

The branching structures in natural rubber(NR) were believed to be critical for its superior mechanical properties. However, it is challenging to unravel the branching structure-function relationship of NR due to the complexity of the system. Herein, polyisoprene-(polyisoprene-g-polylactide)(PI-PLA) as model compound containing branching structure was designed and synthesized, which can improve the modulus, strength and viscoelasticity activation energy compared to those of the pristine polyisoprene(PI). The reason is that the branching structure contributes to the entanglement between polyisoprene chains. In order to probe the effect of branching structure on noncovalently crosslinked system, the polyisoprene block of PI-PLA was epoxidized and mixed with Fe3+ ions to introduce coordination bonds. Compared with the linear counterpart, the branching structure obviously enhanced activation energy of coordinated polyisoprenes, remarkably improving the mechanical properies of elastomer.

In-situ growth of Ni nanoparticle-encapsulated N-doped carbon nanotubes on carbon nanorods for efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis

Searching for inexpensive,efficient and durable electrocatalysts with earth-abundant elements toward the hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)is of vital importance for the future sustainable hydrogen economy,yet still remains a formidable challenge.Herein,a facile template-engaged strategy is demonstrated for the direct in-situ growth of Ni nanoparticles and N-doped carbon nanotubes on carbon nanorod substrates,forming a hierarchically branched architecture(abbreviated as Ni@N-C NT/NRs hereafter).The elaborate construction of such unique hierarchical structure with tightly encapsulated Ni nanoparticles and open configuration endows the as-fabricated Ni@N-C NT/NRs with abundant well-dispersed active sites,enlarged surface area,reduced resistances of charge transfer and mass diffusion,and reinforced mechanical robustness.As a consequence,the optimal Ni@N-C NT/NR catalyst demonstrates superior electrocatalytic activity with relatively low overpotential of 134 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA·cm^-2 and excellent stability for HER in 0.1 M KOH,holding a great promise for practical scalable H2 production.More importantly,this work offers a reliable methodology for feasible fabrication of robust high-performance carbon-based hierarchical architectures for a variety of electrochemical applications.

Architecting Branch Structure in Terpolymer of CO_(2),Propylene Oxide and Phthalic Anhydride:An Enhancement in Thermal and Mechanical Performances

Poly(propylene carbonate phthalate)(PPC-P)is a chemically modified poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC)biodegradable thermoplastic by introducing phthalic anhydride(PA)as the third monomer into the copolymerization of propylene oxide(PO)and CO_(2).To enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of PPC-P,a branching agent pyromellitic anhydride(PMDA)was introduced into the terpolymerization of PO,PA and CO_(2).The resulting copolymers with branched structure,named branched PPC-P,can be obtained using metal-free Lewis pair consisting of triethyl borane(TEB)and bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride(PPNCl)as catalyst.The products obtained were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and their thermal,mechanical properties and melt processability were evaluated by DSC,TGA,tensile test and melt flow index(MFI)measurement.The obtained branched PPC-P has a high molecular weight up to 156.0 kg·mol^(-1).It shows an increased glass transition temperature(Tg)higher than 50℃and an enhanced tensile strength as high as 38.9 MPa.Noteworthily,the MFI value decreases obviously,indicative of an improved melt strength arising from the branched structure and high molecular weight.What is more,the branched PPC-P exhibits reasonable biodegradability,which demonstrates the great potential as a new green thermoplastic for the family of biodegradable plastics.

Reactive processing of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene octene) blend film with tailored interfacial intermolecular entanglement and toughening mechanism

In order to obtain a uniform and effectively toughened poly(lactic acid)film by blending with low content of poly(ethylene octene)(POE)with high elasticity,the tailored interfacial intermolecular interaction and entanglement between the two phases of the PLA/POE blend was innovatively constructed via the facile reactive melt blending process through the reaction of the epoxy/anhydride groups grafted on the POE chains with the end groups of PLA chains(PLA/GPOE-MPOE).It was observed that POE domains were embedded tightly in PLA matrix with a fuzzy interface and abundant interface transition area,and the impact fractured surface of the blend showed an obvious plastic deformation with less occurrence of fibrillation of PLA matrix or interfacial de-bonding.Compared with neat PLA and directly blended PLA/POE blends,the PLA/GPOE-MPOE blend exhibited much higher complex viscosity/storage modulus,much lower tanδvalues in the terminal region,and obvious strain-hardening behavior.The deviation in viscoelastic behavior of PLA/GPOE-MPOE from linear PLA indicated the enhanced molecular entanglement between the long-branched chains,resulting in an enhancement of the stretching ability during biaxial drawing of the blend.Uniform PLA/GPOE-MPOE films with draw ratio as high as 7×7 were obtained through biaxial stretching,which showed much higher tensile strength and the elongation at break than that of neat PLA and PLA/POE film.This work provides a facile method for fabricating toughening PLA films with application potentials.