Acoustic anechoic layers with singly periodic array of scatterers: Computational methods, absorption mechanisms, and optimal design

The acoustic properties of anechoic layers with a singly periodic array of cylindrical scatterers are investigated. A method combined plane wave expansion and finite element analysis is extended for out-of-plane incidence. The reflection characteristics of the anechoic layers with cavities and locally resonant scatterers are discussed. The backing is a steel plate followed by an air half space. Under this approximate zero transmission backing condition, the reflection reduction is induced by the absorption enhancement. The absorption mechanism is explained by the scattering/absorption cross section of the isolated scatterer. Three types of resonant modes which can induce efficient absorption are revealed. Due to the fact that the frequencies of the resonant modes are related to the size of the scatterers, anechoic layers with scatterers of mixed size can broaden the absorption band. A genetic optimization algorithm is adopted to design the anechoic layer with scatterers of mixed size at a desired frequency band from 2 kHz to l0 kHz for normal incidence, and the influence of the incident angle is also discussed.

Low noise,continuous-wave single-frequency 1.5-μm laser generated by a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator

We report a low noise continuous-wave （CW） single-frequency 1.5-μm laser source obtained by a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator （SRO） based on periodically poled lithium niobate （PPLN）. The SRO was pumped by a CW single-frequency Nd：YVO4 laser at 1.06μm. The 1.02 W of CW single-frequency signal laser at 1.5 μm was obtained at pump power of 6 W. At the output power of around 0.75 W, the power stability was better than ±l.5% and no mode-hopping was observed in 30 min and frequency stability was better than 8.5 MHz in 1 min. The signal wavelength could be tuned from 1.57 to 1.59 μm by varying the PPLN temperature. The 1.5-μm laser exhibits low noise characteristics, the intensity noise of the laser reaches the shot noise limit （SNL） at an analysis frequency of 4 MHz and the phase noise is less than 1 dB above the SNL at analysis frequencies above 10 MHz.

Singly Covered Minimal Elements of Linked Partitions and Cycles of Permutations

Linked partitions were introduced by Dykema(Dykema K J. Multilinear function series and transforms in free probability theory. Adv. Math., 2005, 208(1):351–407) in the study of the unsymmetrized T-transform in free probability theory.Permutation is one of the most classical combinatorial structures. According to the linear representation of linked partitions, Chen et al.(Chen W Y C, Wu S Y J, Yan C H. Linked partitions and linked cycles. European J. Combin., 2008, 29(6): 1408–1426) de?ned the concept of singly covered minimal elements. Let L(n, k) denote the set of linked partitions of [n] with k singly covered minimal elements and let P(n, k) denote the set of permutations of [n] with k cycles. In this paper, we mainly establish two bijections between L(n, k) and P(n, k). The two bijections from a different perspective show the one-to-one correspondence between the singly covered minimal elements in L(n, k) and the cycles in P(n, k).

Bi-f-harmonic map equations on singly warped product manifolds

Bi-f-harmonic maps are the critical points of bi-f-energy functional. This class of maps tends to integrate bi-harmonic maps and f-harmonic maps. In this paper, we show that bi-f-harmonic maps are not only an extension of f-harmonic maps but also an extension of bi-harmonic maps, and that there should exist many examples of proper bi-f-harmonic maps. In order to find some concrete examples of proper bi-f-harmonic maps, we study the basic properties of bi-f-harmonic maps from two directions which are conformal maps between the same dimensionM manifolds and some special maps from or into a warped product manifold.

Generation of self-oscillations from a singly resonant periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal frequency doubler

We report on the generation of self-oscillations from a continuously pumped singly resonant frequency doubler based on a periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal （PPKTP）. The sustained square-wave and staircase curve of self-oscillations are obtained when the incident pump powers are below and above the threshold of subharmonic-pumped parametric oscillation （SPO）, respectively. The self-oscillations can be explained by the competition between the phase shifts induced by cascading nonlinearity and thermal effect, and the influence of fundamental nonlinear phase shift by the generation of SPO. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experiment data.

Radiative decay from doubly to singly excited states of He via generalization of Laguerre-type orbitals： A non-orthogonal formalism

By taking full account of the non-orthogonality of the orbitals between the low-lying doubly excited states ^1po and the singly excited states ^1S^e and ^1D^e of He, the corresponding radiative decay rates have been investigated theoretically via analytic generalized Laguerre-type atomic orbitals at a nearly numerical multi-conflguration self-consistent field accuracy in a general non-orthogonal configuration interaction scheme. From these rates, we calculate the VUV photon emission and metastable atom spectra, and both are found to be in good qualitative agreement with recent excellent measurements. We obtain, successfully, the enhancement of the VUV photon spectrum, experimentally observed at the energy of （2s4p-4s2p）/（2p,3d） ^1po as compared with other nearby lying states. The mechanism proposed by Odling-Smee et al is verified, implying that taking appropriate account of the overlap existing between orbitals of the low-lying doubly excited and singly excited states （especially important for the compact orbitals） can reveal basic physical dominant mechanism and is crucial in understanding these spectra.

Tm^(3+) and Nd^(3+) singly doped LiYF_4 single crystals with 3-5 μm mid-infrared luminescence

Mid-infrared（MIR） emissions of 2.4 and 3.5 μm from Tm3＋：LiYF4 single crystals attributed to3H4 →3H5 and3H5 →3F4 transitions as well as MIR emissions of 4.2,4.3,and 4.5 μm from Nd3＋：LiYF4 lasers attributed to4I15/2 →4I13/2,4I13/2 →4I11/2,and4I11/2 →4I9/2 transitions,respectively,are observed.LiYF4 single crystals possess high transmittance of over 85% in the 2.5-6 μm range.The large emission crosssections of Tm-doped crystals at 2.4 μm（1.9×10-20cm2） and Nd-doped crystals at 4.2 μm（0.84×10-20 cm2） as well as the high rare-earth doping concentrations,excellent optical transmission,and chemicalphysical properties of the resultant samples indicate that Nd3＋and Tm3＋singly doped crystals may be promising materials for application in MIR lasers.

The role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A in the formation of long-term memory in Bactrocera dorsalis

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase A(PKA)signaling pathway has long been considered critical for long-term memory(LTM)formation.Previous studies have mostly focused on the role of PKA signaling in LTM induction by multiple spaced conditioning with less attention to LTM induction by a single conditioning.Here,we conducted behavioral-pharmacology,enzyme immunoassay and RNA interference experiments to study the role of the PKA signaling pathway in LTM formation in the agricultural pest Bactrocera dorsalis,which has a strong memory capacity allowing it to form a two-day memory even from a single conditioning trial.We found that either blocking or activating PKA prior to conditioning pretreatment affected multiple spaced LTM,and conversely,they did not affect LTM formed by single conditioning.This was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and silencing of the protein kinase regulatory subunit 2 and catalytic subunit 1.Taken together,these results suggest that activating PKA during memory acquisition helps to induce the LTM formed by multiple spaced conditioning but not by a single conditioning.Our findings challenge the conserved role of PKA signaling in LTM,which provides a basis for the greater diversity of molecular mechanisms underlying LTM formation across species,as well as possible functional and evolutionary implications.

Single-atom Pt on carbon nanotubes for selective electrocatalysis

Utilizing supported single atoms as catalysts presents an opportunity to reduce the usage of critical raw materials such as platinum,which are essential for electrochemical reactions such as hydrogen oxidation reaction(HOR).Herein,we describe the synthesis of a Pt single electrocatalyst inside single-walled carbon nanotubes(SWCNTs)via a redox reaction.Characterizations via electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron microscopy,and X-ray absorption spectroscopy show the single-atom nature of the Pt.The electrochemical behavior of the sample to hydrogen and oxygen was investigated using the advanced floating electrode technique,which minimizes mass transport limitations and gives a thorough insight into the activity of the electrocatalyst.The single-atom samples showed higher HOR activity than state-of-the-art 30%Pt/C while almost no oxygen reduction reaction activity in the proton exchange membrane fuel cell operating range.The selective activity toward HOR arose as the main fingerprint of the catalyst confinement in the SWCNTs.

Metal-organic framework-based single-atom electro-/ photocatalysts: Synthesis, energy applications, and opportunities

Single-atom catalysts(SACs)have gained substantial attention because of their exceptional catalytic properties.However,the high surface energy limits their synthesis,thus creating significant challenges for further development.In the last few years,metal–organic frameworks(MOFs)have received significant consideration as ideal candidates for synthesizing SACs due to their tailorable chemistry,tunable morphologies,high porosity,and chemical/thermal stability.From this perspective,this review thoroughly summarizes the previously reported methods and possible future approaches for constructing MOF-based(MOF-derived-supported and MOF-supported)SACs.Then,MOF-based SAC's identification techniques are briefly assessed to understand their coordination environments,local electronic structures,spatial distributions,and catalytic/electrochemical reaction mechanisms.This review systematically highlights several photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of MOF-based SACs for energy conversion and storage,including hydrogen evolution reactions,oxygen evolution reactions,O_(2)/CO_(2)/N_(2) reduction reactions,fuel cells,and rechargeable batteries.Some light is also shed on the future development of this highly exciting field by highlighting the advantages and limitations of MOF-based SACs.

Preparation of single atom catalysts for high sensitive gas sensing

Single atom catalysts(SACs)have garnered significant attention in the field of catalysis over the past decade due to their exceptional atom utilization efficiency and distinct physical and chemical properties.For the semiconductor-based electrical gas sensor,the core is the catalysis process of target gas molecules on the sensitive materials.In this context,the SACs offer great potential for highly sensitive and selective gas sensing,however,only some of the bubbles come to the surface.To facilitate practical applications,we present a comprehensive review of the preparation strategies for SACs,with a focus on overcoming the challenges of aggregation and low loading.Extensive research efforts have been devoted to investigating the gas sensing mechanism,exploring sensitive materials,optimizing device structures,and refining signal post-processing techniques.Finally,the challenges and future perspectives on the SACs based gas sensing are presented.

Enhancing thermodynamic stability of single-crystal Ni-rich cathode material via a synergistic dual-substitution strategy

Nickel(Ni)-rich cathode materials have become promising candidates for the next-generation electrical vehicles due to their high specific capacity.However,the poor thermodynamic stability(including cyclic performance and safety performance or thermal stability)will restrain their wide commercial application.Herein,a single-crystal Ni-rich Li Ni_(0.83)Co_(0.12)Mn_(0.05)O_(2) cathode material is synthesized and modified by a dual-substitution strategy in which the high-valence doping element improves the structural stability by forming strong metal–oxygen binding forces,while the low-valence doping element eliminates high Li^(+)/Ni^(2+)mixing.As a result,this synergistic dual substitution can effectively suppress H2-H3 phase transition and generation of microcracks,thereby ultimately improving the thermodynamic stability of Ni-rich cathode material.Notably,the dual-doped Ni-rich cathode delivers an extremely high capacity retention of 81%after 250 cycles(vs.Li/Li+)in coin-type half cells and 87%after 1000 cycles(vs.graphite/Li^(+))in pouch-type full cells at a high temperature of 55℃.More impressively,the dual-doped sample exhibits excellent thermal stability,which demonstrates a higher thermal runaway temperature and a lower calorific value.The synergetic effects of this dual-substitution strategy pave a new pathway for addressing the critical challenges of Ni-rich cathode at high temperatures,which will significantly advance the high-energy-density and high-safety cathodes to the subsequent commercialization.

Purification of copper foils driven by single crystallization

High-purity copper(Cu) with excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, is crucial in modern technological applications, including heat exchangers, integrated circuits, and superconducting magnets. The current purification process is mainly based on the zone/electrolytic refining or anion exchange, however, which excessively relies on specific integrated equipment with ultra-high vacuum or chemical solution environment, and is also bothered by external contaminants and energy consumption. Here we report a simple approach to purify the Cu foils from 99.9%(3N) to 99.99%(4N) by a temperature-gradient thermal annealing technique, accompanied by the kinetic evolution of single crystallization of Cu.The success of purification mainly relies on(i) the segregation of elements with low effective distribution coefficient driven by grain-boundary movements and(ii) the high-temperature evaporation of elements with high saturated vapor pressure.The purified Cu foils display higher flexibility(elongation of 70%) and electrical conductivity(104% IACS) than that of the original commercial rolled Cu foils(elongation of 10%, electrical conductivity of ~ 100% IACS). Our results provide an effective strategy to optimize the as-produced metal medium, and therefore will facilitate the potential applications of Cu foils in precision electronic products and high-frequency printed circuit boards.

Cryptanalysis of efficient semi-quantum secret sharing protocol using single particles

In paper[Chin.Phys.B 32070308(2023)],Xing et al.proposed a semi-quantum secret sharing protocol by using single particles.We study the security of the proposed protocol and find that it is not secure,that is,the three dishonest agents,Bob,Charlie and Emily can collude to obtain Alice's secret without the help of David.

Effect of surface modification on the radiation stability of diamond ohmic contacts

The ohmic contact interface between diamond and metal is essential for the application of diamond detectors.Surface modification can significantly affect the contact performance and eliminate the interface polarization effect.However,the radiation stability of a diamond detector is also sensitive to surface modification.In this work,the influence of surface modification technology on a diamond ohmic contact under high-energy radiation was investigated.Before radiation,the specific contact resistivities(ρc)between Ti/Pt/Au-hydrogen-terminated diamond(H-diamond)and Ti/Pt/Au-oxygenterminated diamond(O-diamond)were 2.0×10^(-4)W·cm^(2) and 4.3×10^(-3)Wcm^(2),respectively.After 10 MeV electron radiation,the ρc of Ti/Pt/Au H-diamond and Ti/Pt/Au O-diamond were 5.3×10^(-3)W·cm^(2)and 9.1×10^(-3)W·cm^(2),respectively.The rates of change of ρc of H-diamond and O-diamond after radiation were 2550%and 112%,respectively.The electron radiation promotes bond reconstruction of the diamond surface,resulting in an increase in ρc.

Oxidation behavior of 4774DD1 Ni-based single-crystal superalloy at 980℃ in air

The oxidation behavior of a novel Ni-based single-crystal 4774DD1 superalloy for industrial gas turbine applications was investigated by the isothermal oxidation at 980℃ and discontinuous oxidation weight gain methods.The phase constitution and morphology of surface oxides and the characteristics of the crosssection oxide film were analyzed by XRD,SEM and EDS.Results show that the oxidation kinetics of the 4774DD1 superalloy follows the cubic law,indicating its weak oxidation resistance at this temperature.As the oxidation time increases,the composition of the oxide film evolves as following:One layer consisting of a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer and an upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer after oxidized for 25 h.Then,two layers composed of an outermost small NiO discontinuous grain layer and an internal layer for 75 h.This internal layer is consisted of the bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer,an intermediate narrow CrTaO_(4)sublayer,and an upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer.Also two layers comprising an outermost relative continuous NiO layer with large grain size and an internal layer as the oxidation time increases to 125 h.This internal layer is composed of the upper(Al_(2)O_(3)+NiO)mixture sublayer,an intermediate continuous(CrTaO_(4)+NiWO_(4))mixture sublayer,and a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)sublayer.Finally,three layers consisting of an outermost(NiAl2O_(4)+NiCr2O_(4))mixture layer,an intermediate(CrTaO_(4)+NiWO_(4))mixture layer,and a bottom Al_(2)O_(3)layer for 200 h.

Phase-locked single-mode terahertz quantum cascade lasers array

We demonstrated a scheme of phase-locked terahertz quantum cascade lasers(THz QCLs)array,with a single-mode pulse power of 108 mW at 13 K.The device utilizes a Talbot cavity to achieve phase locking among five ridge lasers with first-order buried distributed feedback(DFB)grating,resulting in nearly five times amplification of the single-mode power.Due to the optimum length of Talbot cavity depends on wavelength,the combination of Talbot cavity with the DFB grating leads to better power amplification than the combination with multimode Fabry-Perot(F-P)cavities.The Talbot cavity facet reflects light back to the ridge array direction and achieves self-imaging in the array,enabling phase-locked operation of ridges.We set the spacing between adjacent elements to be 220μm,much larger than the free-space wavelength,ensuring the operation of the fundamental supermode throughout the laser's dynamic range and obtaining a high-brightness far-field distribution.This scheme provides a new approach for enhancing the single-mode power of THz QCLs.

Deciphering the population structure and genetic basis of growth traits from whole-genome resequencing of the leopard coral grouper(Plectropomus leopardus)

The leopard coral grouper(Plectropomus leopardus)is a species of significant economic importance.Although artificial cultivation of P.leopardus has thrived in recent decades,the advancement of selective breeding has been hindered by the lack of comprehensive population genomic data.In this study,we identified over 8.73 million single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)through whole-genome resequencing of 326 individuals spanning six distinct groups.Furthermore,we categorized 226 individuals with high-coverage sequencing depth(≥14×)into eight clusters based on their genetic profiles and phylogenetic relationships.Notably,four of these clusters exhibited pronounced genetic differentiation compared with the other populations.To identify potentially advantageous loci for P.leopardus,we examined genomic regions exhibiting selective sweeps by analyzing the nucleotide diversity(θπ)and fixation index(FST)in these four clusters.Using these high-coverage resequencing data,we successfully constructed the first haplotype reference panel specific to P.leopardus.This achievement holds promise for enabling high-quality,cost-effectiveimputationmethods.Additionally,we combined low-coverage sequencing data with imputation techniques for a genome-wide association study,aiming to identify candidate SNP loci and genes associated with growth traits.A significant concentration of these genes was observed on chromosome 17,which is primarily involved in skeletal muscle and embryonic development and cell proliferation.Notably,our detailed investigation of growth-related SNPs across the eight clusters revealed that cluster 5 harbored the most promising candidate SNPs,showing potential for genetic selective breeding efforts.These findings provide a robust toolkit and valuable insights into the management of germplasm resources and genome-driven breeding initiatives targeting P.leopardus.

Circulating tumor DNA and its role in detection, prognosis and therapeutics of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is considered the fifth most prevalent cancer among all types of cancers and has the third most morbidity value. It has the most frequent duplication time and a high recurrence rate. Recently, the most unique technique used is liquid biopsies, which carry many markers;the most prominent is circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA). Varied methods are used to investigate ctDNA, including various forms of polymerase chain reaction(PCR) [emulsion PCR(ePCR), digital PCR(dPCR), and bead, emulsion, amplification, magnetic(BEAMing) PCR]. Hence ctDNA is being recognized as a potential biomarker that permits early cancer detection,treatment monitoring, and predictive data on tumor burden are subjective to therapy or surgery. Numerous ctDNA biomarkers have been investigated based on their alterations such as 1) single nucleotide variations(either insertion or deletion of a nucleotide) markers including TP53, KRAS, and CCND1;2) copy number variations which include markers such as CDK6, EFGR, MYC and BRAF;3) DNA methylation(RASSF1A, SEPT9, KMT2C and CCNA2);4) homozygous mutation includes ctDNA markers as CDKN2A, AXIN1;and 5) gain or loss of function of the genes, particularly for HCC. Various researchers have conducted many studies and gotten fruitful results.Still, there are some drawbacks to ctDNA namely low quantity, fragment heterogeneity, less stability, limited mutant copies and standards, and differential sensitivity. However, plenty of investigations demonstrate ctDNA's significance as a polyvalent biomarker for cancer and can be viewed as a future diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic agent. This article overviews many conditions in genetic changes linked to the onset and development of HCC, such as dysregulated signaling pathways, somatic mutations, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and genomic instability. Additionally, efforts are also made to develop treatments for HCC that are molecularly targeted and to unravel some of the genetic pathways that facilitate its early identification.

Identification of thermal front dynamics in the northern Malacca Strait using ROMS 3D-model

The thermal front in the oceanic system is believed to have a significant effect on biological activity.During an era of climate change,changes in heat regulation between the atmosphere and oceanic interior can alter the characteristics of this important feature.Using the simulation results of the 3D Regional Ocean Modelling System(ROMS),we identified the location of thermal fronts and determined their dynamic variability in the area between the southern Andaman Sea and northern Malacca Strait.The Single Image Edge Detection(SIED)algorithm was used to detect the thermal front from model-derived temperature.Results show that a thermal front occurred every year from 2002 to 2012 with the temperature gradient at the location of the front was 0.3°C/km.Compared to the years affected by El Ni?o and negative Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD),the normal years(e.g.,May 2003)show the presence of the thermal front at every selected depth(10,25,50,and 75 m),whereas El Ni?o and negative IOD during 2010 show the presence of the thermal front only at depth of 75 m due to greater warming,leading to the thermocline deepening and enhanced stratification.During May 2003,the thermal front was separated by cooler SST in the southern Andaman Sea and warmer SST in the northern Malacca Strait.The higher SST in the northern Malacca Strait was believed due to the besieged Malacca Strait,which trapped the heat and make it difficult to release while higher chlorophyll a in Malacca Strait is due to the freshwater conduit from nearby rivers(Klang,Langat,Perak,and Selangor).Furthermore,compared to the southern Andaman Sea,the chlorophyll a in the northern Malacca Strait is easier to reach the surface area due to the shallower thermocline,which allows nutrients in the area to reach the surface faster.