Stress Accumulation Research Articles

A physical explanation for an unusually long-duration slow slip event in the Nankai Trough

The Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET) and the Long Term Borehole Monitoring System (LTBMS), installed above the source region of the 1944 Tonankai earthquake, revealed that crustal deformation is driven by slow slip events (SSEs) in the shallower extension of megathrust earthquakes. However, there are unresolved questions about (A) the duration of the SSE in February 2012, which was longer than expected for SSEs with similar magnitudes, and (B) the relationship of the spatial distribution of fault slip between the SSEs in February and December 2012 under the condition of drilling disturbance. To clarify these questions, we re-analyzed the pore/seafloor pressure data associated with the SSEs. Our refined fault models show that the SSE in February had a significantly slower propagation speed and a longer duration than others, while the SSE in December was comparable to others. We interpret that the difference in duration and propagation speed is related to external and internal stress perturbations, respectively. Using the ocean modeling JCOPE (Japan Coastal Ocean Predictability Experiment), we identified that the decrease and subsequent increase in seafloor pressure due to the passage of the Kuroshio meander coincided with the latter part of the longer duration of the SSE in February and its termination, respectively. This suggests that the Kuroshio meander might affect the duration of SSEs. Our refined fault model also indicates that the amount of shear stress accumulation was small before the occurrence of the SSE in February, which triggered the slow propagation of aseismic slip based on a rate- and state-dependent friction law. These results imply that we need to consider the variety of SSEs from the viewpoint of stress perturbation due to not only interaction between fault segments but also external forces from oceanographic phenomena.

Vaccine Therapy for Heart Failure Targeting the Inflammatory Cytokine Igfbp7.

The heart comprises many types of cells such as cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and blood cells. Every cell type responds to various stressors (eg, hemodynamic overload and ischemia) and changes its properties and interrelationships among cells. To date, heart failure research has focused mainly on cardiomyocytes; however, other types of cells and their cell-to-cell interactions might also be important in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Pressure overload was imposed on mice by transverse aortic constriction and the vascular structure of the heart was examined using a tissue transparency technique. Functional and molecular analyses including single-cell RNA sequencing were performed on the hearts of wild-type mice and EC-specific gene knockout mice. Metabolites in heart tissue were measured by capillary electrophoresis-time of flight-mass spectrometry system. The vaccine was prepared by conjugating the synthesized epitope peptides with keyhole limpet hemocyanin and administered to mice with aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant. Tissue samples from heart failure patients were used for single-nucleus RNA sequencing to examine gene expression in ECs and perform pathway analysis in cardiomyocytes. Pressure overload induced the development of intricately entwined blood vessels in murine hearts, leading to the accumulation of replication stress and DNA damage in cardiac ECs. Inhibition of cell proliferation by a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor reduced DNA damage in ECs and ameliorated transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiac dysfunction. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed upregulation of Igfbp7 (insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7) expression in the senescent ECs and downregulation of insulin signaling and oxidative phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes of murine and human failing hearts. Overexpression of Igfbp7 in the murine heart using AAV9 (adeno-associated virus serotype 9) exacerbated cardiac dysfunction, while EC-specific deletion of Igfbp7 and the vaccine targeting Igfbp7 ameliorated cardiac dysfunction with increased oxidative phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes under pressure overload. Igfbp7 produced by senescent ECs causes cardiac dysfunction and vaccine therapy targeting Igfbp7 may be useful to prevent the development of heart failure.

Generation Mechanism of Anisotropy in Mechanical Properties of WE43 Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion.

At present, no consensus has been reached on the generation mechanism of anisotropy in materials fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and most attention has been focused on crystallographic texture. In this paper, an analysis and test were carried out on the hardness, defect distribution, residual stress distribution, and microstructure of WE43 magnesium alloy fabricated by LPBF. The results indicate that LPBF WE43 exhibits obvious anisotropy-the hardness HV of X-Z surface (129.9 HV on average) and that of Y-Z surface (130.7 HV on average) are about 33.5% higher than that of X-Y surface (97.6 HV on average), and the endurable load is smaller in the stacking direction Z compared to the X and Y directions. The factors contributing more to the anisotropy are listed as follows in sequence. Firstly, the defect area of the X-Y projection surface is about 13.2% larger than that of the other two surfaces, so this surface shows greatly reduced mechanical properties due to the exponential relationship between the material strength and the number of defects. Secondly, for laser scanning in each layer/time, the residual stress accumulation in the Z direction is higher than that in the X and Y directions, which may directly reduce the mechanical properties of the material. Finally, more fine grains are distributed in X-Z and Y-Z surfaces when comparing them with those in an X-Y surface, and this fine-grain strengthening mechanism also contributes to the anisotropy. After T5 aging heat treatment (250 °C/16 h), a stronger crystallographic texture is formed in the <0001> direction, with the orientation density index increasing from 10.92 to 21.38, and the anisotropy disappearing. This is mainly caused by the enhancement effect of the texture in the <0001> direction on the mechanical properties in the Z direction cancelling out the weakening effect of the defects in the X-Y surface in the Z direction.

Rapid stress prediction of additively manufactured sandwich panels with lattice cores in thermal environments

Lattice-core sandwich panels (LCSPs) with fabricated by additive manufacturing have attracted extensive interest stemming from their exceptional mechanical properties and multi-functionalities. Nevertheless, the direct correlation among stress distributions in sandwiches, external loads, and ambient environments remains unclear. This study develops an analytical predictive model capable of efficiently capturing the mechanical response of LCSPs under various temperatures. The equivalent elastic modulus of lattice cores with different unit-cell aspect ratios is first determined according to finite element (FE) results. Subsequently, the thermo-mechanical field of the homogenized sandwich in various ambient temperatures is analytically predicted based on the higher-order shear deformation theory. Finally, truss stresses within lattice cores are directly calculated using an effective displacement transition method. The prediction exhibits outstanding consistency with FE simulations. Furthermore, the impact of several key variables on the truss stress distribution is demonstrated based on parametric analysis. The results reveal that the vertical truss is the main object of bearing the major uniaxial compressive load within the body-centered cubic (BCCZ) and vertically reinforced face-centered cubic (F2CCZ) lattice cores. The increased transverse layer number/power index and/or the smaller length-to-thickness ratio contribute to a significant reduction in inclined/vertical truss stresses. In contrast, the elevated longitudinal layer number, ambient temperature, and thermal expansion of face sheets result in stress accumulation. Furthermore, the stress distributions in BCCZ LCSPs are commonly higher than those within F2CCZ LCSPs. These results can provide a useful path for the design and fabrication of additively manufactured sandwich panels with desired mechanical properties.

Linalool and Geraniol Defend Neurons from Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Iron Accumulation in In Vitro Parkinson's Models.

Parkinson's disease is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. There is a growing demand for novel and natural substances as complementary therapies. Essential oils and their various compounds are highly investigated natural plant-based products as potential treatment options for common human diseases, such as microbial infections, chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study focuses on the beneficial effects of linalool and geraniol, the major compounds of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. in Aiton) essential oils, on oxidative stress, inflammation, and iron metabolism of the rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced in vitro Parkinson's models. The experiments were carried out on all-trans retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The effects of linalool and geraniol were compared to rasagiline, an MAO-B inhibitor. The results revealed that both essential oil compounds reduce the level of reactive oxygen species and alter the antioxidant capacity of the cells. They lower the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, linalool and geraniol change the expression of iron-related genes, such as the iron importer transferrin receptor 1, heme-oxygenase-1, and ferroportin iron exporter, and influence the intracellular iron contents. In addition, it has been unveiled that iron availability is concatenated with the actions of the essential oil compounds. Based on the results, linalool and geraniol are vigorous candidates as an alternative therapy for Parkinson's disease.

PPARG in osteocytes controls cell bioenergetics and systemic energy metabolism independently of sclerostin levels in circulation

ObjectiveThe skeleton is one of the largest organs in the body, wherein metabolism is integrated with systemic energy metabolism. However, the bioenergetic programming of osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells coordinating bone metabolism, is not well defined. Here, using a mouse model with partial penetration of an osteocyte-specific PPARG deletion, we demonstrate that PPARG controls osteocyte bioenergetics and their contribution to systemic energy metabolism independently of circulating sclerostin levels, which were previously correlated with metabolic status of extramedullary fat depots. MethodsIn vivo and in vitro models of osteocyte-specific PPARG deletion, i.e. Dmp1CrePparγflfl male and female mice (γOTKO) and MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells with either siRNA-silenced or CRISPR/Cas9-edited Pparγ. As applicable, the models were analyzed for levels of energy metabolism, glucose metabolism, and metabolic profile of extramedullary adipose tissue, as well as the osteocyte transcriptome, mitochondrial function, bioenergetics, insulin signaling, and oxidative stress. ResultsCirculating sclerostin levels of γOTKO male and female mice were not different from control mice. Male γOTKO mice exhibited a high energy phenotype characterized by increased respiration, heat production, locomotion and food intake. This high energy phenotype in males did not correlate with “beiging” of peripheral adipose depots. However, both sexes showed a trend for reduced fat mass and apparent insulin resistance without changes in glucose tolerance, which correlated with decreased osteocytic responsiveness to insulin measured by AKT activation. The transcriptome of osteocytes isolated from γOTKO males suggested profound changes in cellular metabolism, fuel transport, mitochondria dysfunction, insulin signaling and increased oxidative stress. In MLO-Y4 osteocytes, PPARG deficiency correlated with highly active mitochondria, increased ATP production, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ConclusionsPPARG in male osteocytes acts as a molecular break on mitochondrial function, and protection against oxidative stress and ROS accumulation. It also regulates osteocyte insulin signaling and fuel usage to produce energy. These data provide insight into the connection between osteocyte bioenergetics and their sex-specific contribution to the balance of systemic energy metabolism. These findings support the concept that the skeleton controls systemic energy expenditure via osteocyte metabolism.

Fine microstructure tuning via titanium doping in ultrahigh-nickel cathodes to enhance the reversibility of the H2/H3 phase transition and reduce micro-cracks

Due to increasing demands for electric vehicles with high energy density and low costs, ultrahigh-nickel LiNixCoyM1-x-yO2 (x≥0.9, M=Mn/Al) cathodes have attracted increasing attention. However, the preparation of ultrahigh-nickel cathode materials with satisfactory cycle stability remains challenging because of their structural and interface instability. In this study, the effects of Ti-doping on the performance of Li(Ni0.95Co0.05Mn0.01)1-xTixO2 (NCMT) were systematically investigated. Titanium doping enlarged the spacing between the lithium layers and increased the c/a ratio, thereby improving the structural stability of the cathode materials. In situ X-ray diffraction showed that the anisotropy change was significantly reduced after Ti doping. The reversibility of the H2/H3 transition was enhanced and the initiation of microcracks caused by the anisotropy change was restrained. Moreover, the emission structure induced by Ti doping effectively mitigated stress accumulation and restrained the propagation of microcracks. Therefore, the optimal NCMT cathode (with 1 mol.% of Ti doping) demonstrated an outstanding rate performance and cycle stability without capacity loss. Compared with the retentions of the pristine cathode without Ti doping (89.73 % in a coin cell and 51.16 % in a pouch cell), the NCMT cathode with 1 mol.% Ti maintained a capacity retention of 92.45 % in a coin cell after 100 cycles at 0.5 C and 70.49 % in a pouch cell after 1000 cycles at 1 C. This study provides an effective solution to realize stable cyclability without capacity loss in ultrahigh-nickel cathode materials.

Epirubicin induces cardiotoxicity through disrupting ATP6V0A2-dependent lysosomal acidification and triggering ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes

Epirubicin (EPI) is effective in the treatment of malignant cancers, but its application is limited by life-threatening cardiotoxicity. Iron homeostasis disturbance has been implicated in anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity (AIC), and ferroptosis is involved in AIC which dependent upon intracellular iron. However, the role and exact mechanisms of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of epirubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (EIC) remain elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate mechanisms underlying ferroptosis-driven EIC. Epirubicin triggered ferroptosis both in vivo and in cultured cardiomyocytes, and pretreatment with ferroptosis inhibitor, Ferrostatin-1(Fer-1) alleviates EIC. Microarray analysis was performed to screen for potential molecules involved in EIC in neonatal primary mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (NMVMs). We found that the transcript level of ATP6V0A2, a subunit of vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase), was significantly downregulated when NMVMs were subjected to EPI, which was verified in vivo and in vitro as measured by real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting. Intriguingly, overexpression of ATP6V0A2 effectively decreased excessive oxidative stress and lipid-peroxidation accumulation, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis and protecting cardiomyocytes against EIC, as evidenced by functional, enzymatic, and morphological changes. Mechanistically, forced expression of ATP6V0A2 restored lysosomal acidification in EPI-treated cardiomyocytes and protected cardiomyocytes and mice hearts from ferroptosis-driven EIC. In this study, our data elucidate that ferroptosis is involved in EIC, which is ignited by ATP6V0A2-dependent lysosomal acidification dysfunction. Our study provides a new potential therapeutic target for ameliorating EIC.

Relocation of the 2018–2022 seismic sequences at the Central Gulf of Corinth: New evidence for north-dipping, low angle faulting

The Gulf of Corinth, Central Greece, is a highly active half-graben, characterized by seismicity which is more intense in its western part, while destructive earthquakes have also occurred towards its eastern end. We herein present an analysis of the seismicity in the Central Gulf of Corinth, for the period from June 2018 to December 2022. We applied the EQTransformer machine-learning model to enhance the initially available data, adding missing P- and S-wave arrival-times or improving existing ones. The events were initially located using a new local velocity model and then relocated using the double-difference method, including waveform cross-correlation data from local stations. The hypocenters, generally distributed at depths between 5 and 15 km, along with the focal mechanisms of significant earthquakes (1965 through 2022) and the geometry of mapped faults on the surface were co-examined to better understand their possible connection. It is shown that major outcropping north-dipping structures, such as the East Helike fault and its eastward offshore extension, match only with the southern bounds of seismicity. The Mw = 5.9, 1970 Antikira and Mw = 5.7, 1992 Galaxidi earthquakes cannot be associated with known mapped faults on the surface and likely occurred on low-angle, north-dipping planes. The variability in slip behavior of the low-angle detachment in the Gulf of Corinth, ranging from seismic slip to aseismic creep, probably accounts for the most part of the N-S extensional deformation. The spatial pattern of the 2018–2022 microseismicity delineates the edges of the rupture planes of major events that occurred during the instrumental era, including the Mw = 6.3, 1995 Aigion earthquake. The lack of aftershocks for significant earthquakes, including the Mw = 5.0, 8 October 2022 event, south of Desfina, is interpreted in terms of different pore pressure conditions, variations in fault-rock strength, and the preferred accumulation of high stress inside the upper crust.

Evaluation of arsenic phytoremediation potential in Azolla filiculoides Lam. plants under low pH stress conditions

The Azolla filiculoides plants were challenged with different arsenic (As) concentration under low pH stress conditions. The growth rate and doubling time of the plants were severely affected by higher As treatments at pH 5.00 when compared with stress pH 4.75 treatments. Hence, pH 5.00 was considered for further studies. In 10–30 μM As treated cultures, after 6 days, the relative growth rate (RGR) of Azolla plants was significantly reduced and in higher concentration of As, the RGR was negatively regulated. The root trait parameters were also significantly affected by increasing concentrations of As. Further, photosynthetic performance indicators also show significant decline with increasing As stress. Overall, the plants treated with 40 and 50 μM of As displayed stress phenotypes like negative RGR, reduced doubling time and root growth, browning of leaves and root withering. The total proline, H2O2, POD and Catalase activities were significantly affected by As treatments. Meantime, 30 μM of As treated cultures displayed 15 μg/g/Fw As accumulation and moderate growth rate. Thus, the Azolla plants are suitable for the phytoremediation of As (up to 30 μM concentration) in the aquatic environment under low pH conditions (5.00). Furthermore, the transcriptome studies on revealed that the importance of positively regulated transporters like ACR3, AceTr family, ABC transporter super family in As (10 μM) stress tolerance, uptake and accumulation. The transporters like CPA1, sugar transporters, PiT were highly down-regulated. Further, expression analysis showed that the MATE1, CIP31, HAC1 and ACR3 were highly altered during the As stress conditions.

Anionic Aggregates Induced Interphase Chemistry Regulation toward Wide‐Temperature Silicon‐Based Batteries

AbstractSilicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) show great promise as high‐capacity anodes owing to their ability to mitigate mechanical failure. However, the substantial surface area of SiNPs triggers interfacial side reactions and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) permeation during volume fluctuations. The slow kinetics at low temperatures and the degradation of SEI at high temperatures further hinder the practical application of SiNPs in real‐world environments. Here, these challenges are addressed by manipulating the solvation structure through molecular space hindrance. The electrolyte enables anions to aggregate in the outer Helmholtz layer under an electric field, leading to rapid desolvation capabilities and the formation of anion‐derived SEI. The resulting double‐layer SEI, where inorganic nano‐clusters are uniformly dispersed in the amorphous structure, completely encapsulates the particles in the first cycle. The ultra‐high modulus of this structure can withstand stress accumulation, preventing electrolyte penetration during repeated expansion and contraction. As a result, SiNPs‐based batteries demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance across a wide temperature range from −20 to 60 °C. Moreover, the assembled 80 mAh SiNPs/LiFePO4 pouch cells maintain a cycling retention of 85.6% after 150 cycles, marking a significant step forward in the practical application of silicon‐based batteries.

One-step light-induced hierarchical surface wrinkles on photodegradable polymer films

Photodegradable polymers have become an emerging class of stimulus-sensitive materials for advanced applications, in which using the photolysis characteristic for patterning surface is a key but still a notable challenge. Herein, we report a simple, facile, green and high-efficiency strategy to induce and further tune surface wrinkling only relying on one-step ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of a photodegradable polymer-based film/substrate composite system. Interestingly, a series of intriguing wrinkling states from no wrinkling to surface wrinkling and final no wrinkling with UV exposure take place on the photodegradable polymer film. This wrinkling behavior is intimately related to the competition between the stress accumulation from the heating effect of UV lamp itself and the stress release from the UV-induced molecular chain breakage. Meanwhile, the dependence of photodegradable polymer film modulus and photodegradation-induced stress release on the exposure time has been characterized by taking advantage of surface wrinkling metrology, which is not easily accessible to other systems and methods. This one-step light irradiation strategy has enabled the fabrication of diverse hierarchical surface wrinkling on photodegradable polymer film by simply controlling the UV exposure time. As demonstrated, these hierarchical surface wrinkles with tunable features have been applied for optical information display/storage and optical gratings. Notably, this simple flexible light control strategy not only provides new insights into the photo-induced change in mechanical properties and stress release of photodegradable polymers in molecular level, but also paves new avenues for advanced wrinkle-based applications by incorporating desirable functional materials into the photodegradable polymer-based systems.

Mechanically Consistent Model of the 2018 Christmas Volcano‐Tectonic Event at Etna

AbstractThe interaction between volcanic activity and flank instability during the Christmas Eve eruption at Mount Etna in 2018 is explored, using a mechanically consistent inverse model fitting high spatial resolution SAR data. Inversions search for fractures that may be curved and can accommodate co‐eval pressure and shear stress changes. Displacements associated with the eruption result from the interaction between two intrusion sources: a buried dyke and a curved sheared intrusion that fed the eruption. Moreover, we identify that the sheared magmatic intrusion induced the observed eastward slip on the Pernicana fault, while the Fiandaca fault was undergoing stress accumulation, which was suddenly released during a M5.0 seismic event. The Fiandaca fault is determined to be listric, rooting beneath the mobile eastern flank of the volcano. This study highlights the role of curved fractures, acting as sheared intrusions or as faults, in volcanoes exhibiting flank instabilities.

Rapid assessment of heavy metal accumulation capability of Sedum alfredii using hyperspectral imaging and deep learning

Hyperaccumulators are the material basis and key to the phytoremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. Conventional methods for screening hyperaccumulators are highly dependent on the time- and labor-consuming sampling and chemical analysis. In this study, a novel spectral approach assisted with multi-task deep learning was proposed to streamline accumulating ecotype screening, heavy metal stress discrimination, and heavy metals quantification in plants. The significant Cd/Zn co-hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii and its non-accumulating ecotype were stressed by Cd, Zn, and Pb. Spectral images of leaves were rapidly acquired by hyperspectral imaging. The self-designed deep learning architecture was composed of a shallow network (ENet) for accumulating ecotype identification, and a multi-task network (HMNet) for heavy metal stress type and accumulation prediction simultaneously. To further assess the robustness of the networks, they were compared with conventional machine learning models (i.e., partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM)) on a series of evaluation metrics of classification, multi-label classification, and regression. S. alfredii with heavy metals accumulation capability was identified by ENet with 100 % accuracy. HMNet reduced overfitting and outperformed machine learning models with the average exact match ratio (EMR) of heavy metal stress discrimination increased by 7.46 %, and residual prediction deviations (RPD) of heavy metal concentrations prediction increased by 53.59 %. The method succeeded in rapidly and accurately discriminating heavy metal stress with EMRs over 91 % and accuracies over 96 %, and in predicting heavy metals accumulation with an average RPD of 3.29 for Zn, 2.57 for Cd, and 2.53 for Pb, indicating the satisfactory practicability and potential for sensing heavy metals accumulation. This study provides a relatively novel spectral method to facilitate hyperaccumulator screening and heavy metals accumulation prediction in the phytoremediation process.

In Situ Lattice-Resolution Revelation of the Origins of Unexplored Anisotropic Sodiation Kinetics and Phase Transition in the Niobium Sulfide Anode.

Layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have exhibited huge potential as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries. Most of them usually store sodium via an intercalation-conversion mechanism, but niobium sulfide (NbS2) may be an exception. Herein, through in situ transmission electron microscopy, we carefully investigated the insertion behaviors of Na ions in NbS2 and directly visualized anisotropic sodiation kinetics. Lattice-resolution imaging coupled with density functional theory calculations reveals the preferential diffusion of Na ions within layers of NbS2, accompanied by observable interlayer lattice expansion. Impressively, the Na-inserted layers can still withstand in situ mechanical testing. Further in situ observation vertical to the a/b plane of NbS2 tracked the illusive conversion reaction, which could result from interlayer gliding or wrinkling associated with stress accumulation. In situ electron diffraction measurements ruled out the possibility of such a conversion mechanism and identified a phase transition from pristine 3R-NbS2 to 2H-NaNbS2. Therefore, the NbS2 anode stores Na ions via only the intercalation mechanism, which conceptually differs from the well-known intercalation-conversion mechanism of typical TMDs. These findings not only decipher the whole sodiation process of the NbS2 anode but also provide valuable reference for unraveling the precise sodium storage mechanism in other TMDs.

Exceptional strength paired with increased cold cracking susceptibility in laser powder bed fusion of a Mg-RE alloy

Additive manufacturing (AM) of high-strength metallic alloys frequently encounters detrimental distortion and cracking, attributed to the accumulation of thermal stresses. These issues significantly impede the practical application of as-printed components. This study examines the Mg-15Gd-1Zn-0.4Zr (GZ151K, wt.%) alloy, a prototypical high-strength casting Mg-RE alloy, fabricated through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Despite achieving ultra-high strength, the GZ151K alloy concurrently exhibits a pronounced cold-cracking susceptibility. The as-printed GZ151K alloy consists of almost fully fine equiaxed grains with an average grain size of merely 2.87 µm. Subsequent direct aging (T5) heat treatment induces the formation of dense prismatic β' precipitates. Consequently, the LPBF-T5 GZ151K alloy manifests an ultra-high yield strength of 405 MPa, surpassing all previously reported yield strengths for Mg alloys fabricated via LPBF and even exceeding that of its extrusion-T5 counterpart. Interestingly, as-printed GZ151K samples with a build height of 2 mm exhibit no cracking, whereas samples with build heights ranging from 4 to 18 mm demonstrate severe cold cracking. Thermal stress simulation also suggests that the cold cracking susceptibility increases significantly with increasing build height. The combination of high thermal stress and low ductility in the as-printed GZ151K alloy culminates in a high cold cracking susceptibility. This study offers novel insights into the intricate issue of cold cracking in the LPBF process of high-strength Mg alloys, highlighting the critical balance between achieving high strength and mitigating cold cracking susceptibility.

Stress proliferation in ethnoracial disparities of mental health among U.S. sexual minority adults.

Non-White sexual minorities experience disproportionate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adulthood discrimination, as compared to their White or heterosexual counterparts. These stressors lead to increased psychological distress and worsened clinical outcomes, including suicidality. Minority stress theory posits that systemic marginalization, as experienced by minoritized individuals, leads to distress. Intersectionality theory suggests that marginalization compounds over time for individuals with intersectional minority identities. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the stress proliferation process for individuals with intersectional minority identities remain largely unexamined. The present study used nationally representative data of sexual minority individuals (n = 1,518, Mage = 31 years, ethnoracial minority = 38.7%, female and gender minority = 50.6%) to investigate the relations among ethnoracial minoritization, ACEs, discrimination, distress, and self-injurious/suicidal outcomes. We proposed a novel integration of minority stress, intersectionality, and stress proliferation theories. Via longitudinal mediation, we tested models of stress persistence, stress accumulation, and stress sensitization. Our results confirmed disparities between White versus non-White sexual minorities on ACEs, discrimination experiences, and psychological distress. We found support for the stress persistence and the stress accumulation models, but not the stress sensitization model. Moreover, we found distress and discrimination were associated with future nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors and suicidal outcomes, highlighting the deleterious consequences of intersectional minority stress proliferation. Our results support our proposed theory of intersectional minority stress proliferation where ethnoracial and sexual minoritization intersect and beget disproportionate ACEs, which in turn contribute to accumulation and persistence of psychological distress and discrimination experiences in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nutritional Evaluation of Almond Protein-Whey Protein Double System and Its Effect on Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells

Almond protein (AP) and whey protein (WP) as single animal and plant proteins have certain limitations in nutrition, but the AP-WP dual protein can play a role in nutritional complementarity, and have a certain regulatory effect on lipid metabolism. This study investigated the amino acid composition of AP-WP system and its effect on FFA induced lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. Results showed that, using the FAO/WHO model and whole egg protein model as reference values for essential amino acid content, the optimal mixing ratio of AP-WP was determined to be 3:5. The amino acid ratio coefficient scores under this ratio were 74.20 and 81.57 for the two models respectively. Additionally, this ratio of AP-WP showed the best antioxidant activity. The FT-IR spectroscopy indicated that there is interaction between AP and WP. The study found that AP-WP improved oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells by reducing ROS and TG levels. Western blot analysis showed that AP-WP inhibits the expression of SREBP-1, FAS, and ACC, regulating lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells and leading to a certain lipid-lowering effect. The combination of almond protein and whey protein can improve the nutritional value of food and give full play to the physiological regulation of different proteins to promote human health. The research aims to lay the theoretical foundation for the application of double-protein system in the fields of nutritional food processing and lipid metabolism regulation.

High-entropy selenides derived from Prussian blue analogues as electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Transition metal selenides (TMS) have received much attention as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of their high theoretical capacity and excellent redox reversibility. However, their further development is constrained by the dissolution of transition metal ions and substantial volume changes experienced during cycling. Herein, the high-entropy Prussian blue analogues were selenized by the vapor infiltration method, resulting in the formation of a core–shell structured high-entropy selenides (HESe-6). The core–shell structure with voids and abundant selenium vacancies on the surface effectively mitigates bulk expansion and enhances electronic conductivity. Furthermore, the high-entropy property endows an ultra-stable crystal structure and inhibits the dissolution of metal ions. The ex-situ EIS and in-situ XRD results show that HESe-6 is able to be reversibly transformed into highly conductive ultrafine metal particles upon Na+ embedding, providing more Na+ reactive active sites. In addition, despite the incorporation of up to seven different elements, it exhibits minimal phase transitions during discharge/charge cycles, effectively mitigating stress accumulation. HESe-6 could retain an ultralong-term stability of 765.83 mAh g−1 after 1000 loops even at 1 A g−1. Furthermore, when coupled with the Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode, it maintains a satisfactory charge energy density of 303 Wh kg−1 after 300 cycles, which shows promising application prospect in the future.

Explanation of flicker noise with the Bak-Tang-Wiesenfeld model of self-organized criticality.

With the original Bak-Tang-Wisenefeld (BTW) sandpile we uncover the 1/φ noise in the mechanism maintaining self-organized criticality (SOC)-the question raised together with the concept of SOC. The BTW sandpile and the phenomenon of SOC in general are built on the slow time scale at which the system is loaded and the fast time scale at which the stress is transported outward from overloaded locations. Exploring the dynamics of stress in the slow time in the BTW sandpile, we posit that it follows cycles of gradual stress accumulation that end up with an abrupt stress release and the drop of the system to subcritical state. As the system size grows, the intracycle dynamics exhibits the 1/φ-like spectrum that extends boundlessly and corresponds to the stress release within the critical state.