泥河湾盆地下马碑遗址2013年发掘简报

下马碑遗址位于广义泥河湾盆地南部的蔚县盆地中东部,是坐落于壶流河二级阶地上的一处旷野遗址。2013年,河北省文物考古研究院对该遗址进行了考古发掘,揭露出丰富的遗物和遗迹现象;2018年起,国内外多家单位共同完成了遗址地层年代、埋藏过程、古环境和出土文化遗存的系统性多学科研究工作。该遗址发掘揭露面积12 m^(2),地层剖面深度约为290 cm,自上而下分为7个地层单位,其中第6层为原地埋藏的主文化层,基于光释光与^(14)C测年并经贝叶斯模型计算为距今4.1~3.9万年。本文对下马碑第6层出土的各类遗物与遗迹进行系统报道,主要包括382件石制品、445件动物化石碎片、1件骨器和1套赭石颜料加工遗存,以及1处火塘。该遗址的发现与研究再现了距今4万年前东亚早期现代人加工、使用赭石颜料和复合工具的生活图景,更新了国际学术界对东亚早期现代人行为适应的认识。

Solar wind ion charge state distributions and compound cross sections for solar wind charge exchange X-ray emission

Solar Wind Charge eXchange X-ray(SWCX) emission in the heliosphere and Ea rth’s exosphere is a hard to avoid signal in soft Xray obse rvations of astrophysical targets.On the other hand,the X-ray imaging possibilities offered by the SWCX process has led to an increasing number of future dedicated space missions for investigating the solar wind-terrestrial inte ractions and magnetospheric interfaces.In both cases,accurate modelling of the SWCX emission is key to correctly interpret its signal,and remove it from obse rvations,when needed.In this paper,we compile solar wind abundance measurements from ACE for different solar wind types,and atomic data from literature,including charge exchange cross-sections and emission probabilities,used fo r calculating the compound cross-section a for the SWCX X-ray emission.We calculate a values for charge-exchange with H and He,relevant to soft X-ray energy bands(0.1-2.0 keV)for various solar wind types and solar cycle conditions.

Active MoS_(2)-based electrode for green ammonia synthesis

Nitrogen electro-reduction under mild conditions is one promising alternative approach of the energyconsuming Haber-Bosch process for the artificial ammonia synthesis.One critical aspect to unlocking this technology is to discover the catalysts with high selectivity and efficiency.In this work,the N_(2)-to-NH_(3)conversion on the functional MoS_(2)is fully investigated by density functional theory calculations since the layered MoS_(2)provides the ideal platform for the elaborating copies of the nitrogenase found in nature,wherein the functionalization is achieved via basal-adsorption,basal-substitution or edge-substitution of transition metal elements.Our results reveal that the edge-functionalization is a feasible strategy for the activity promotion;however,the basal-adsorption and basal-substitution separately suffer from the electrochemical instability and the NRR inefficiency.Specifically,MoS_(2)functionalized via edge W-substitution exhibits an exceptional activity.The energetically favored reaction pathway is through the distal pathway and a limiting potential is less than 0.20 V.Overall,this work escalates the rational design of the high-effective catalysts for nitrogen fixation and provides the explanation why the predicated catalyst have a good performance,paving the guidance for the experiments.

原位表面改性的纳米WC/AlSi10Mg合金增强机制

采用静电自组装工艺合成-系列不同纳米WC含量的表面改性Al Si10Mg粉末,并使用激光选区熔化(SLM)技术制备纳米WC/AlSi10Mg复合材料。结果表明,SLM制备的纳米WC/AlSi10Mg材料中形成多种Al-W金属间化合物相,通过(002)(α(Al))//(104)Al_(5)W的取向关系,证实具有4.7%的低晶格失配度的Al/Al5W可形成良好共格界面。纳米WC颗粒和Al-W相可促使柱状晶转变为等轴晶,获得精细的等轴晶组织。同时,SLM制备的3%(质量分数)纳米WC/Al Si10Mg复合材料具有最优的力学性能,抗拉强度为(464.1±8.68) MPa,伸长率为(5.6±0.95)%。此外,与其他WC/AlSi10Mg复合材料相比,SLM制备的3%WC/AlSi10Mg样品的平均摩擦因数和磨损率最低,分别为0.429和3.842×10^(-5)mm^(3)/(N·m)。力学和磨损性能的提升主要归因于晶粒细化和第二相析出强化作用。

三轴形变核^(131)Ba中的奇异集体激发模式

利用意大利Legnaro实验室串列静电加速器提供的65 MeV^(13)C束流与122Sn靶的熔合蒸发反应布居了^(131)Ba的高自旋态,并搭建了新的能级纲图.新的能级纲图由15条转动带组成,包括三对手征双重带,其中两对正宇称手征带为赝自旋-手征四重带.正负宇称手征带通过一系列增强的E1跃迁连接,表明它们之间存在八极关联.在低自旋区域搭建了一条新的转动带,通过一系列γ跃迁向νh1_(1/2)晕带退激.这种能级结构与摇摆带相似,但基于现有的实验证据还难以将它确认为摇摆带,不能排除其他集体激发机制,如γ振动的影响.

Deformations at Earth’s dayside magnetopause during quasi-radial IMF conditions:Global kinetic simulations and Soft X-ray Imaging

The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer(SMILE)is a joint mission of the European Space Agency(ESA)and the Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).Primary goals are investigating the dynamic response of the Earth's magnetosphere to the solar wind(SW)impact via simultaneous in situ magnetosheath plasma and magnetic field measurements,X-Ray images of the magnetosheath and magnetic cusps,and UV images of global auroral distributions.Magnetopause deformations associated with magnetosheath high speed jets(HSJs)under a quasi-parallel interplanetary magnetic field condition are studied using a threedimensional(3-D)global hybrid simulation.Soft X-ray intensity calculated based on both physical quantities of solar wind proton and oxygen ions is compared.We obtain key findings concerning deformations at the magnetopause:(1)Magnetopause deformations are highly coherent with the magnetosheath HSJs generated at the quasi-parallel region of the bow shock,(2)X-ray intensities estimated using solar wind h+and self-consistentO7+ions are consistent with each other,(3)Visual spacecraft are employed to check the discrimination ability for capturing magnetopause deformations on Lunar and polar orbits,respectively.The SMILE spacecraft on the polar orbit could be expected to provide opportunities for capturing the global geometry of the magnetopause in the equatorial plane.A striking point is that SMILE has the potential to capture small-scale magnetopause deformations and magnetosheath transients,such as HSJs,at medium altitudes on its orbit.Simulation results also demonstrate that a lunar based imager(e.g.,Lunar Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager,LEXI)is expected to observe a localized brightening of the magnetosheath during HSJ events in the meridian plane.These preliminary results might contribute to the pre-studies for the SMILE and LEXI missions by providing qualitative and quantitative soft X-ray estimates of dayside kinetic processes.

The magnetosheath at high spectral resolution

While we eagerly anticipate SMILE’s(Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer)unprecedented X-ray observations of the Earth’s magnetosheath and the initiation of a new era of magnetospheric research,it seems appropriate to look ahead to the abilities of the next generation of astrophysics missions.Of these,the Line Emission Mapper(LEM),a large aperture micro-calorimeter based mission,is currently planned to be able to observe the magnetosheath at high spectral resolution(~2 eV).With a field of view of~30′,LEM will allow higher spatial resolution and higher cadence measurement of the motion of a very small portion of the magnetopause over relatively short periods of time(multiple hours),complementing SMILE’s global mapping.LEM’s strength is its spectral resolution.It will be able to measure the abundance of a broad range of elements and ionization states,many of which are inaccessible to current in situ instruments,and will be able to separate the emission from the magnetosheath from the emission from the cosmic X-ray background using the difference in their relative velocities.

Nonaqueous potassium-ion full-cells:Mapping the progress and identifying missing puzzle pieces

This review addresses the growing interest for potassium-ion full-cells(KIFCs)in view of the transition from potassium-ion half-cells(KIHCs)toward commercial K-ion batteries(KIBs).It focuses on the key parameters of KIFCs such as the electrode/electrolyte interfaces challenge,major barriers,and recent advancements in KIFCs.The strategies for enhancing KIFC performance,including interfaces co ntrol,electrolyte optimization,electrodes capacity ratio,electrode material screening and electrode design,are discussed.The review highlights the need to evaluate KIBs in full-cell configurations as half-cell results are strongly impacted by the K metal reactivity.It also emphasizes the importance of understanding solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)formation in KIFCs and explores promising nonaqueous as well as quasiand all-solid-state electrolytes options.This review thus paves the way for practical,cost-effective,and scalable KIBs as energy storage systems by offering insights and guidance for future research.

NRF2 signaling cascade in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:bridging the gap between promise and reality

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a very disabling disease due to the degeneration of motor neurons.Symptoms include muscle weakness and atrophy,spasticity,and progressive paralysis.Currently,there is no treatment to reverse damage to motor neurons and cure amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.The only two treatments actually approved,riluzole and edaravone,have shown mitigated beneficial effects.The difficulty to find a cure lies in the complexity and multifaceted pattern of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pathogenesis.Among mechanisms,abnormal RNA metabolism,nucleocytoplasmic transport defects,accumulation of unfolded protein,and mitochondrial dysfunction would in fine induce oxidative damage and vice versa.A potent therapeutic strategy will be to find molecules that break this vicious circle.Sharpening the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 signaling may fulfill this objective since nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 has a multitarget profile controlling antioxidant defense,mitochondrial functioning,and inflammation.We here discuss the interest of developing nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2-based therapy in regard to the pathophysiological mechanisms and we provide a general overview of the attempted clinical assays in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Disorder effects in NbTiN superconducting resonators

Disordered superconducting materials like NbTiN possess a high kinetic inductance fraction and an adjustable critical temperature, making them a good choice for low-temperature detectors. Their energy gap(D), critical temperature(T_(c)),and quasiparticle density of states(QDOS) distribution, however, deviate from the classical BCS theory due to the disorder effects. The Usadel equation, which takes account of elastic scattering, non-elastic scattering, and electro–phonon coupling,can be applied to explain and describe these deviations. This paper presents numerical simulations of the disorder effects based on the Usadel equation to investigate their effects on the △, Tc, QDOS distribution, and complex conductivity of the NbTiN film. Furthermore, NbTiN superconducting resonators with coplanar waveguide(CPW) structures are fabricated and characterized at different temperatures to validate our numerical simulations. The pair-breaking parameter α and the critical temperature in the pure state T_(c)^(P) of our NbTiN film are determined from the experimental results and numerical simulations. This study has significant implications for the development of low-temperature detectors made of disordered superconducting materials.

Exploring impedance spectrum for lithium-ion batteries diagnosis and prognosis:A comprehensive review

Lithium-ion batteries have extensive usage in various energy storage needs,owing to their notable benefits of high energy density and long lifespan.The monitoring of battery states and failure identification are indispensable for guaranteeing the secure and optimal functionality of the batteries.The impedance spectrum has garnered growing interest due to its ability to provide a valuable understanding of material characteristics and electrochemical processes.To inspire further progress in the investigation and application of the battery impedance spectrum,this paper provides a comprehensive review of the determination and utilization of the impedance spectrum.The sources of impedance inaccuracies are systematically analyzed in terms of frequency response characteristics.The applicability of utilizing diverse impedance features for the diagnosis and prognosis of batteries is further elaborated.Finally,challenges and prospects for future research are discussed.

Perspectives in human brain plasticity sparked by glioma invasion:from intraoperative(re)mappings to neural reconfigurations

Exploring the aptitude of the human brain to compensate functional consequences of a lesion damaging its structural architecture is a key challenge to improve patient care in various neurological diseases,to optimize neuroscientifically-informed strategies of postlesional rehabilitation,and ultimately to develop innovative neuro-regenerative therapies.The term‘plasticity’,initially referring to the intrinsic propensity of neurons to modulate their synaptic transmission in a learning situation,was progressively transposed to brain injury research and clinical neurosciences.Indeed,in the event of brain damage,adaptive mechanisms of compensation allow a partial reshaping of the structure and activities of the central nervous system,thus permitting to some extent the maintenance of brain functions.

Decoding the nexus:branched-chain amino acids and their connection with sleep,circadian rhythms,and cardiometabolic health

The sleep-wake cycle stands as an integrative process essential for sustaining optimal brain function and,either directly or indirectly,overall body health,encompassing metabolic and cardiovascular well-being.Given the heightened metabolic activity of the brain,there exists a considerable demand for nutrients in comparison to other organs.Among these,the branched-chain amino acids,comprising leucine,isoleucine,and valine,display distinctive significance,from their contribution to protein structure to their involvement in overall metabolism,especially in cerebral processes.Among the first amino acids that are released into circulation post-food intake,branched-chain amino acids assume a pivotal role in the regulation of protein synthesis,modulating insulin secretion and the amino acid sensing pathway of target of rapamycin.Branched-chain amino acids are key players in influencing the brain's uptake of monoamine precursors,competing for a shared transporter.Beyond their involvement in protein synthesis,these amino acids contribute to the metabolic cycles ofγ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate,as well as energy metabolism.Notably,they impact GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance.The rhythmicity of branchedchain amino acids in plasma concentrations,observed over a 24-hour cycle and conserved in rodent models,is under circadian clock control.The mechanisms underlying those rhythms and the physiological consequences of their disruption are not fully understood.Disturbed sleep,obesity,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases can elevate branched-chain amino acid concentrations or modify their oscillatory dynamics.The mechanisms driving these effects are currently the focal point of ongoing research efforts,since normalizing branched-chain amino acid levels has the ability to alleviate the severity of these pathologies.In this context,the Drosophila model,though underutilized,holds promise in shedding new light on these mechanisms.Initial findings indicate its potential to introduce novel concepts,particularly in elucidating the intricate connections between the circadian clock,sleep/wake,and metabolism.Consequently,the use and transport of branched-chain amino acids emerge as critical components and orchestrators in the web of interactions across multiple organs throughout the sleep/wake cycle.They could represent one of the so far elusive mechanisms connecting sleep patterns to metabolic and cardiovascular health,paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

Influence of manufacturing process-induced geometrical defects on the energy absorption capacity of polymer lattice structures

Modern additive manufacturing processes enable fabricating architected cellular materials of complex shape,which can be used for different purposes.Among them,lattice structures are increasingly used in applications requiring a compromise among lightness and suited mechanical properties,like improved energy absorption capacity and specific stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios.A dedicated modeling strategy to assess the energy absorption capacity of lattice structures under uni-axial compression loading is presented in this work.The numerical model is developed in a non-linear framework accounting for the strain rate effect on the mechanical responses of the lattice structure.Four geometries,i.e.,cubic body centered cell,octet cell,rhombic-dodecahedron and truncated cuboctahedron 2+,are investigated.Specifically,the influence of the relative density of the representative volume element of each geometry,the strain-rate dependency of the bulk material and of the presence of the manufacturing process-induced geometrical imperfections on the energy absorption capacity of the lattice structure is investigated.The main outcome of this study points out the importance of correctly integrating geometrical imperfections into the modeling strategy when shock absorption applications are aimed for.

Constant charge method or constant potential method:Which is better for molecular modeling of electrical double layers?

In molecular modeling of electrical double layers(EDLs),the constant charge method(CCM)is prized for its computational efficiency but cannot maintain electrode equipotentiality like the more resourceintensive constant potential method(CPM),potentially leading to inaccuracies.In certain scenarios,CCM can yield results identical to CPM.However,there are no clear guidelines to determine when CCM is sufficient and when CPM is required.Here,we conduct a series of molecular simulations across various electrodes and electrolytes to present a comprehensive comparison between CCM and CPM under different charging modes.Results reveal that CCM approximates CPM effectively in capturing equilibrium EDL and current-driven dynamics in open electrode systems featuring ionic liquids or regular concentration aqueous electrolytes,while CPM is indispensable in scenarios involving organic and highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes,nanoconfinement effects,and voltage-driven dynamics.This work helps to select appropriate methods for modeling EDL systems,prioritizing accuracy while considering computationalefficiency.

Improving the utility of locally differentially private protocols for longitudinal and multidimensional frequency estimates

This paper investigates the problem of collecting multidimensional data throughout time(i.e.,longitudinal studies)for the fundamental task of frequency estimation under Local Differential Privacy(LDP)guarantees.Contrary to frequency estimation of a single attribute,the multidimensional aspect demands particular attention to the privacy budget.Besides,when collecting user statistics longitudinally,privacy progressively degrades.Indeed,the“multiple”settings in combination(i.e.,many attributes and several collections throughout time)impose several challenges,for which this paper proposes the first solution for frequency estimates under LDP.To tackle these issues,we extend the analysis of three state-of-the-art LDP protocols(Generalized Randomized Response–GRR,Optimized Unary Encoding–OUE,and Symmetric Unary Encoding–SUE)for both longitudinal and multidimensional data collections.While the known literature uses OUE and SUE for two rounds of sanitization(a.k.a.memoization),i.e.,L-OUE and L-SUE,respectively,we analytically and experimentally show that starting with OUE and then with SUE provides higher data utility(i.e.,L-OSUE).Also,for attributes with small domain sizes,we propose Longitudinal GRR(L-GRR),which provides higher utility than the other protocols based on unary encoding.Last,we also propose a new solution named Adaptive LDP for LOngitudinal and Multidimensional FREquency Estimates(ALLOMFREE),which randomly samples a single attribute to be sent with the whole privacy budget and adaptively selects the optimal protocol,i.e.,either L-GRR or L-OSUE.As shown in the results,ALLOMFREE consistently and considerably outperforms the state-of-the-art L-SUE and L-OUE protocols in the quality of the frequency estimates.

Taurine: a promising nutraceutic in the prevention of retinal degeneration

Taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it is synthesized by most mammals.However,dietary intake of taurine may be necessary to achieve the physiological levels required for the development,maintenance,and function of certain tissues.Taurine may be especially important for the retina.The concentration of taurine in the retina is higher than that in any other tissue in the body and taurine deficiency causes retinal oxidative stress,apoptosis,and degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells.Low plasma taurine levels may also underlie retinal degeneration in humans and therefore,taurine administration could exert retinal neuroprotective effects.Taurine has antioxidant,anti-apoptotic,immunomodulatory,and calcium homeostasis-regulatory properties.This review summarizes the role of taurine in retinal health and disease,where it appears that taurine may be a promising nutraceutical.

Deterministic and probabilistic analysis of great-depth braced excavations:A 32 m excavation case study in Paris

The Fort d’Issy-Vanves-Clamart(FIVC)braced excavation in France is analyzed to provide insights into the geotechnical serviceability assessment of excavations at great depth within deterministic and probabilistic frameworks.The FIVC excavation is excavated at 32 m below the ground surface in Parisian sedimentary basin and a plane-strain finite element analysis is implemented to examine the wall deflections and ground surface settlements.A stochastic finite element method based on the polynomial chaos Kriging metamodel(MSFEM)is then proposed for the probabilistic analyses.Comparisons with field measurements and former studies are carried out.Several academic cases are then conducted to investigate the great-depth excavation stability regarding the maximum horizontal wall deflection and maximum ground surface settlement.The results indicate that the proposed MSFEM is effective for probabilistic analyses and can provide useful insights for the excavation design and construction.A sensitivity analysis for seven considered random parameters is then implemented.The soil friction angle at the excavation bottom layer is the most significant one for design.The soil-wall interaction effects on the excavation stability are also given.

How Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks Can Support European Refractory Ecosystem in Context of The European Green Deal

The movement of the Iron&Steelmaking(I&S)industry towards Net-Zero emissions and digitalized processes through disruptive,breakthrough technologies will be achieved through the use of Hydrogen.The biggest challenge for the refractory industry is to continue to meet the performance expectations while,at the same time,moving to a more sustainable production direction.The complexity and urgency of these technological changes,highlighted by the European Green Deal,requires ambitious,international,interdisciplinary and intersectoral projects,bringing together institutes from across the global value chain,to carry out cutting edge research.The European Union,through its flagship doctoral training program,MSCA,has,and continues to support research and development as well as the promotion of the refractory industry in Europe.An introduction to two MSCA projects and some of the results achieved are highlighted within this article.

Exploring the effects of dietary inulin in rainbow trout fed a high‑starch,100%plant‑based diet

Background High dietary carbohydrates can spare protein in rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss)but may affect growth and health.Inulin,a prebiotic,could have nutritional and metabolic effects,along with anti-inflammatory properties in teleosts,improving growth and welfare.We tested this hypothesis in rainbow trout by feeding them a 100%plant-based diet,which is a viable alternative to fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds.In a two-factor design,we examined the impact of inulin(2%)as well as the variation in the carbohydrates(CHO)/plant protein ratio on rainbow trout.We assessed the influence of these factors on zootechnical parameters,plasma metabolites,gut microbiota,production of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid,as well as the expression of free-fatty acid receptor genes in the mid-intestine,intermediary liver metabolism,and immune markers in a 12-week feeding trial.Results The use of 2%inulin did not significantly change the fish intestinal microbiota,but interestingly,the high CHO/protein ratio group showed a change in intestinal microbiota and in particular the beta diversity,with 21 bacterial genera affected,including Ralstonia,Bacillus,and 11 lactic-acid producing bacteria.There were higher levels of butyric,and valeric acid in groups fed with high CHO/protein diet but not with inulin.The high CHO/protein group showed a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines(il1b,il8,and tnfa)in liver and a lower expression of the genes coding for tight-junction proteins in mid-intestine(tjp1a and tjp3).However,the 2%inulin did not modify the expression of plasma immune markers.Finally,inulin induced a negative effect on rainbow trout growth performance irrespective of the dietary carbohydrates.Conclusions With a 100%plant-based diet,inclusion of high levels of carbohydrates could be a promising way for fish nutrition in aquaculture through a protein sparing effect whereas the supplementation of 2%inulin does not appear to improve the use of CHO when combined with a 100%plant-based diet.