The South China Craton consists of the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks that were welded together along the Jiangnan Fold Belt in the Neoproterozoic. The Neoproterozoic magmatism in the western and ...northern margins of the Yangtze Block is characterized by voluminous volcano-sedimentary strata, numerous felsic intrusions and many mafic-ultramafic plutons which provide a good opportunity to examine the geodynamics and tectonic evolution of the South China Craton during the assembly and breakup of Rodinia. Based on the geochronological and geochemical data, our study shows that the Neoproterozoic igneous rocks in the western and northern margins of the Yangtze Block were formed in subduction- and rift-related tectonic settings, respectively.
In the western margin of the Yangtze Block, the Neoproterozoic mafic and ultramafic rocks show arc-affinity trace elemental compositions that are indicative of mantle sources enriched by slab fluids. High-δ18O mafic rocks (850–780 Ma) were derived from mantle wedges that were modified by sediment melts, whereas low-δ18O mafic rocks (750–740 Ma) were formed by partial melting of mantle sources further enriched by altered oceanic crust melts. The widespread calc-alkaline I-type granitoids in this region, generated between 870 and 750 Ma, show negative to positive whole rock εNd (−4.9 to +4.8) and variable zircon εHf values (−1.9 to +10.6), similar to those of the contemporary mafic-ultramafic rocks, suggesting that they were produced by melting of the juvenile crust. The 780–750 Ma adakitic granitoids are characterized by high Sr/Y (19–318) and low Y (1.78–17.9 ppm) and have relatively constant εNd (−2.1 to +2.9) and εHf (+4.3 to +7.1) and mantle-like δ18O values (3.40‰ to 6.86‰), suggesting that they were partial melts of a subducted oceanic slab. These three types of igneous rocks demonstrate that the Neoproterozoic magmatism in the western margin of the Yangtze Block was controlled by a continuous subduction system.
However, Neoproterozoic magmatism in the South Qinling Belt at the northern margin of the Yangtze Block generated both arc- and rift-related igneous rocks. The arc-like mafic-ultramafic rocks are thought to have been derived from a subduction-modified lithospheric mantle source, whereas the MORB-affinity mafic rocks were probably sourced from an asthenosphere mantle. Associated Neoproterozoic granitoids were produced by melting of the juvenile mafic crust, except minor felsic rocks derived from the ancient basement. Widespread 800–700 Ma volcano-sedimentary sequences and 650 Ma mafic dike swarms suggest an extensional environment. Neoproterozoic magmatic zircons from felsic volcanic rocks and HP/UHP metamorphic rocks preserve low-δ18O values that were inherited from their protolith which underwent high temperature hydrothermal interaction in a rift setting. On the basis of these observations, the Neoproterozoic magmatism in the South Qinling Belt is proposed to have been controlled by a subduction-transform edge propagator (STEP) in relation to the continuous subduction system at the western margin of the Yangtze Block.
Zircons from granitic gneisses in North Vietnam have magmatic cores dated at 2.28–2.19 Ga, and constitute the first reported evidence of continental crust with these ages in the Yangtze Block of the ...South China Craton. Overgrowths on zircon rims indicate two periods of metamorphism at 1.97–1.95 Ga and ∼1.83 Ga. These events, along with a previously reported ∼2.36 Ga metamorphic overgrowth on ∼2.9 Ga crystallized zircons from the same region, suggest a sequence of events similar to that recorded for the northwestern region of Laurentia and possibly Siberia, which are associated with assembly of the Nuna supercontinent. These include the 2.4–2.3 Ga Arrowsmith Orogen and a range of events in the interval 2.32–1.80 Ga, including accretionary magmatism in northwestern Laurentia and Siberia (2.32–2.07 Ga), the Thelon orogeny (2.02–1.96 Ga) and the 1.85–1.80 Ga collision between the Superior and Hearne–Rae cratons during the Trans-Hudson Orogen in Laurentia, and the Akitkan Orogen in Siberia (2.03–1.86 Ga). Subsequent attempted breakup of Nuna may be represented by ca. 1.80 to 1.59 Ga consanguineous extension related sedimentation and magmatism in the southwestern Yangtze Block and northwestern Laurentia. These correlations favor location of the Yangtze Block adjacent to northwest Laurentia, and possibly Siberia, within the Nuna supercontinent.
•The first reported 2.28–2.19 magmatic event in southwestern Yangtze Block.•Two periods of metamorphism, 1.97–1.95 Ga and ∼1.83 Ga, occurred on the 2.28–2.19 rocks.•The Yangtze Block was an exotic terrene accreted to Laurentia at ∼2.4–2.3 Ga.•The Yangtze Block was linked to northwestern Laurentia, and possibly Siberia, in the Nuna supercontinent.
•Defined the inlet temperature difference-based thermal resistance of a heat exchanger.•Proposed the energy flow models of individual heat exchanger and heat exchanger networks.•Described the ...system-level heat transfer characteristic by applying the energy flow model.•Obtained the overall system constraints by the Kirchhoff’s Law.•Optimized a thermal management system using the Lagrange multiplier method.
The common existence of heat transfer phenomena in energy utilization systems highlights the importance of appropriate design and optimization methods of heat transfer systems to an unprecedented level. In this contribution, we defined an alternative thermal resistance for heat exchangers based on the inlet temperature difference of hot and cold fluids, which was influenced by such two aspects as the finite heat capacity rates of hot and cold fluids and the entransy dissipation-based thermal resistance of heat exchangers. Meanwhile, the corresponding energy flow models are proposed to analyze the heat transfer performance of both individual heat exchangers and three basic heat exchanger networks, i.e. series, parallel and multi-loop by the thermo-electrical analogy method, which offer the solution for constructing the energy flow models of any heat transfer system. For validation, we constructed the energy flow model of a double-loop thermal management system. On this basis, the heat transfer characteristic was described on the system level and the overall system constraints were obtained by the Kirchhoff’s Law without introducing any intermediate variables. With these system constraints, the optimization equations for the system were derived theoretically by applying the Lagrange multiplier method. Simultaneously solving these equations gave the optimal thermal conductances of each heat exchanger and the best allocations of heat capacity rate directly, which benefited energy conservation. That is, the energy flow model is reliable and convenient for the analysis and optimization of heat transfer systems.
As the largest substantive organ of animals, the liver plays an essential role in the physiological processes of digestive metabolism and immune defense. However, the cellular composition of the pig ...liver remains poorly understood. This investigation used single-nucleus RNA sequencing technology to identify cell types from liver tissues of pigs, providing a theoretical basis for further investigating liver cell types in pigs.
The analysis revealed 13 cells clusters which were further identified 7 cell types including endothelial cells, T cells, hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, stellate cells, B cells, and cholangiocytes. The dominant cell types were endothelial cells, T cells and hepatocytes in the liver tissue of Dahe pigs and Dahe black pigs, which accounts for about 85.76% and 82.74%, respectively. The number of endothelial cells was higher in the liver tissue of Dahe pigs compared to Dahe black pigs, while the opposite tendency was observed for T cells. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes in pig hepatic endothelial cells were significantly enriched in the protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, MAPK signaling pathway, and FoxO signaling pathway. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes in pig hepatic T cells were significantly enriched in the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes in pig hepatic hepatocytes were significantly enriched in the metabolic pathways.
In summary, this study provides a comprehensive cell atlas of porcine hepatic tissue. The number, gene expression level and functional characteristics of each cell type in pig liver tissue varied between breeds.
Multiresponsive flexile sensors with strain, temperature, humidity, and other sensing abilities serving as real electronic skin (e‐skin) have manifested great application potential in flexible ...electronics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT). Although numerous flexible sensors with sole sensing function have already been reported since the concept of e‐skin, that mimics the sensing features of human skin, was proposed about a decade ago, the ones with more sensing capacities as new emergences are urgently demanded. However, highly integrated and highly sensitive flexible sensors with multiresponsive functions are becoming a big thrust for the detection of human body motions, physiological signals (e.g., skin temperature, blood pressure, electrocardiograms (ECG), electromyograms (EMG), sweat, etc.) and environmental stimuli (e.g., light, magnetic field, volatile organic compounds (VOCs)), which are vital to real‐time and all‐round human health monitoring and management. Herein, this review summarizes the design, manufacturing, and application of multiresponsive flexible sensors and presents the future challenges of fabricating these sensors for the next‐generation e‐skin and wearable electronics.
Multiresponsive flexible sensors susceptible to various stimuli including strain, temperature, humidity, etc., have been rapidly emerging due to their great potential application in e‐skins. Thus, the recent progress of multiresponsive flexible sensors including the design strategies (the choices of sensing materials and mechanisms, and structure designs and fabrication methods), applications and prospects is reviewed to promote further development of e‐skins.
Neonatal pneumonia is a high neonatal mortality disease. The current research was designed to elucidate the modulatory function and feasible molecular mechanism of UCA1 in LPS‐induced injury in ...pneumonia. Herein, LPS was applied to induce WI‐38 cell inflammatory damage. We displayed that UCA1 was elevated in LPS‐injured WI‐38 cells. In the functional aspect, intervention of UCA1 evidently aggrandized cell viability in LPS‐triggered WI‐38 cells. In the meanwhile, elimination of UCA1 distinctly assuaged cell apoptosis concomitant with declined levels of proapoptotic proteins Bax and C‐caspase‐3, and ascended the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Subsequently, disruption of UCA1 manifestly restrained inflammatory damage as characterized by declination of multiple pro‐inflammatory factors IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in WI‐38 cells under LPS circumstance. More importantly, we predicted and verified that UCA1 functioned as a ceRNA by efficaciously binding to miR‐499b‐5p thereby inversely adjusting miR‐499b‐5p expression. Interesting, TLR4 was identified as direct target of miR‐499b‐5p, and positively regulated by UCA1 through sponging miR‐499b‐5p. Mechanistically, absence of miR‐499b‐5p or restoration of TLR4 impeded the beneficial effects of UCA1 ablation on LPS‐stimulated apoptosis and inflammatory response. Collectively, these observations illuminated that UCA1 inhibition protected WI‐38 cells against LPS‐managed inflammatory injury and apoptosis process via miR‐499b‐5p/TLR4 crosstalk, which ultimately influencing the development of pneumonia.
Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods have become increasingly popular in decision-making for sustainable energy because of the multi-dimensionality of the sustainability goal and the ...complexity of socio-economic and biophysical systems. This article reviewed the corresponding methods in different stages of multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable energy, i.e., criteria selection, criteria weighting, evaluation, and final aggregation. The criteria of energy supply systems are summarized from technical, economic, environmental and social aspects. The weighting methods of criteria are classified into three categories: subjective weighting, objective weighting and combination weighting methods. Several methods based on weighted sum, priority setting, outranking, fuzzy set methodology and their combinations are employed for energy decision-making. It is observed that the investment cost locates the first place in all evaluation criteria and CO
2 emission follows closely because of more focuses on environment protection, equal criteria weights are still the most popular weighting method, analytical hierarchy process is the most popular comprehensive MCDA method, and the aggregation methods are helpful to get the rational result in sustainable energy decision-making.
Two-dimensional materials provide extraordinary opportunities for exploring phenomena arising in atomically thin crystals. Beginning with the first isolation of graphene, mechanical exfoliation has ...been a key to provide high-quality two-dimensional materials, but despite improvements it is still limited in yield, lateral size and contamination. Here we introduce a contamination-free, one-step and universal Au-assisted mechanical exfoliation method and demonstrate its effectiveness by isolating 40 types of single-crystalline monolayers, including elemental two-dimensional crystals, metal-dichalcogenides, magnets and superconductors. Most of them are of millimeter-size and high-quality, as shown by transfer-free measurements of electron microscopy, photo spectroscopies and electrical transport. Large suspended two-dimensional crystals and heterojunctions were also prepared with high-yield. Enhanced adhesion between the crystals and the substrates enables such efficient exfoliation, for which we identify a gold-assisted exfoliation method that underpins a universal route for producing large-area monolayers and thus supports studies of fundamental properties and potential application of two-dimensional materials.
As a renewable and environment-friendly technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification, solar energy triggered steam generation is attractive to address the long-standing global ...water scarcity issues. However, practical utilization of solar energy for steam generation is severely restricted by the complex synthesis, low energy conversion efficiency, insufficient solar spectrum absorption and water extraction capability of state-of-the-art technologies. Here, for the first time, we report a facile strategy to realize hydrogen bond induced self-assembly of a polydopamine (PDA)@MXene microsphere photothermal layer for synergistically achieving wide-spectrum and highly efficient solar absorption capability (≈ 96% in a wide solar spectrum range of 250–1,500 nm wavelength). Moreover, such a system renders fast water transport and vapor escaping due to the intrinsically hydrophilic nature of both MXene and PDA, as well as the interspacing between core-shell microspheres. The solar-to-vapor conversion efficiencies under the solar illumination of 1 sun and 4 sun are as high as 85.2% and 93.6%, respectively. Besides, the PDA@MXene photothermal layer renders the system durable mechanical properties, allowing producing clean water from seawater with the salt rejection rate beyond 99%. Furthermore, stable light absorption performance can be achieved and well maintained due to the formation of ternary TiO2/C/MXene complex caused by oxidative degradation of MXene. Therefore, this work proposes an attractive MXene-assisted strategy for fabricating high performance photothermal composites for advanced solar-driven seawater desalination applications.
This paper investigates the global adaptive control problem for a class of general switched uncertain nonlinear systems. By improving the well-known mode-dependent average dwell time (MDADT) method, ...a new adaptive control scheme is established which ensures the global boundedness of all signals in the resulting closed-loop system under a class of switching signals with MDADT property. As an application, the developed control scheme is utilized to solve the adaptive tracking control problem for a class of switched uncertain lower triangular nonlinear systems with unmodeled dynamics. Finally, simulation study is provided for verifying the validity of our results.
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