Size Distribution Research Articles

Stationarity of the Special Relationship Between the Geographical Distribution of Body Size and Day Length in Japanese Adolescents: Spatial and Temporal Analysis Using a GTWR Model.

Northern Japanese children tend to have larger physiques; however, the underlying cause remains unknown. Previous geographical correlation analyses revealed an unusual trend; effective day length was negatively correlated with height and positively correlated with weight (adjusted for height). This paradoxical relationship suggests a thyroid hormone-like effect and possible photoperiodic response. This study aimed to determine whether this phenomenon remains consistent over time and across different regions of Japan. We used geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) to examine whether the relationship between height and effective day length, which differs from the relationship between weight and effective day length, varies by location and time. GTWR models each observation point separately, allowing for spatial and temporal variations. The analysis included the average height and weight data of children and adolescents by prefecture from 1989 to 2019, along with effective day length considering illuminance above 5000 lx derived from the agrometeorological grid square data. Height was used as the dependent variable, whereas weight and effective day length were used as independent variables. For height estimation, the coefficients of weight and effective day length were consistently positive and negative, respectively, although the regression coefficients showed minor geographical and temporal variations. The opposite correlation between height and effective day length and that between weight and effective day length were consistent. This suggests that the phenomenon is more likely driven by environmental factors than by economic or genetic influences.

AAV1.tMCK.NT-3 gene therapy improves phenotype in Sh3tc2-/- mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4C

Abstract Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4C (CMT4C) is associated with mutations in the SH3 domain and tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (SH3TC2) gene, primarily expressed in Schwann cells (SCs). Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is an important autocrine factor for SC survival and differentiation, and it stimulates neurite outgrowth and myelination. In this study, scAAV1.tMCK.NT-3 was delivered intramuscularly to four-week-old Sh3tc2−/− mice, a model for CMT4C, and treatment efficacy was assessed at six months post-gene delivery. Efficient transgene production was verified with the detection of NT-3 in serum from the treated cohort. NT-3 gene therapy improved functional and electrophysiological outcomes including rotarod, grip strength, and nerve conduction velocity. Qualitative and quantitative histopathological studies showed that hypomyelination of peripheral nerves and denervated status of neuromuscular junctions at lumbrical muscles were also improved in the NT-3 treated mice. Morphometric analysis in mid sciatic and tibial nerves showed treatment-induced distally prominent regenerative activity in the nerve, and an increase in the estimated SCs density. This indicates that SC proliferation and differentiation, including the promyelination stage, are normal in the Sh3tc2-/- mice, consistent with the previous findings that Sh3tc2 is not involved in early stages of myelination. Moreover, in size distribution histograms the number of myelinated axons within the 3-6 µm diameter range increased, suggesting that treatment resulted in continuous radial growth of regenerating axons over time. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the efficacy of AAV1.NT-3 gene therapy in the Sh3tc2−/− mouse model of CMT4C, the most common recessively inherited demyelinating CMT subtype.

How ultrasonication treatment drives the interplay between lysinoalanine inhibition and conformational performances: A case study on alkali-extracted rice residue protein isolate.

Lysinoalanine (LAL) formed during alkaline extraction of rice residue protein (RRPI), which limited its application in the food industry. In this study, the influence of ultrasonication parameters (acoustic power density, ultrasound duration, and ultrasound temperature) on the inhibition of LAL formation and conformational attributes of RRPI during alkaline extraction was elucidated. The results suggested that the acoustic power density substantially modified the chemical interaction forces between RRPI molecules. At a power density of 60W/L, the ionic bonds (14.37%) and hydrophobic interactions (49.28%) reached the maximum, while hydrogen bonds (15.29%) and disulfide bonds (21.06%) reached the minimum. Moreover, acoustic power density at 60W/L caused a decrease of 18.02% and 12.2% in α-helix, and β-turn, respectively, shifting toward β-sheet, random coil, with an increase of 7.31% and 36.16%. Following ultrasonication, the protein particle size distribution curve shifted in the direction of smaller particle size, forming a relatively concentrated and uniform protein distribution. Sonication power, temperature, and time decreased the absolute value of Zeta potential. Furthermore, significant destruction in microstructure was elicited by sonication, which made the structure looser and more microparticles. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that the inhibition in the levels of LAL was most influenced by the increase of sulfhydryl groups and Zeta potential, as well as the reduction of α-helix content, in which the alteration of the total sulfhydryl group content had a great impact on the Zeta potential and the free sulfhydryl group. The principal component analysis demonstrated a notable correlation between the total sulfhydryl group and both the Zeta potential and free sulfhydryl group of RRPI.

Use of lignocellulose-degrading enzyme bio-cemented soils in the construction industry

In their activity, termites break down biomass into glucose, forming cementitious compounds. This results in rainfall-resistant mounds for their shelters, which interests the construction industry. This study explored the potential application of the abundant naturally bio-cemented termite mound soils in highway construction. Experimental investigations compared these mound soils to surrounding soils, revealing that mound soils are 68.2% finer in particle size distribution and have 81.4% lower organic content. Atterberg limits indicated 14.6% higher plasticity and a 5.3% increase in specific gravity for mound soils. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) showed no significant difference in chemical composition. Proctor tests indicated that the compaction characteristics of the soils were comparable, confirming their engineering viability without modifications. Mound soils exhibited a twofold increase in Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and a 33.9% increment in California Bearing Ratio (CBR) strength. One-way ANOVA tests confirmed these differences with p-value ranges of 0.0056-0.0361 below the 0.05 significance threshold. The study advocates utilising eco-friendly naturally bio-cemented mound soils in highway construction, meeting minimum standards. Mound soils from one acre can construct up to 2,500m highway, optimising resource use, promoting sustainability by repurposing natural materials, and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Further research on soil improvement using lignocellulose-degrading enzymes is recommended.

Paclitaxel loaded Capmul MCM and tristearin based nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for glioblastoma treatment: screening of formulation components by quality by design (QbD) approach.

Paclitaxel (PTX), a naturally occurring diterpenoid isolated from Taxus brevifolia, is a first-line drug for the treatment of glioblastoma; however, it suffers from the disadvantages of poor water solubility and nonspecific biodistribution, which cause serious side effects in the human body. The marketed formulation suffers from serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, neutropenia, and neuropathy, which require safe and effective formulations of PTX. In the present study, PTX was entrapped in a solid-liquid lipid mixture with the aid of a surfactant using a modified solvent evaporation technique. Higher entrapment of the impressive stability of the formulation was achieved by employing quality design-based strategies. Optimized levels by employing a numerical optimization technique for each factor, that is, surfactant concentration (X1), lipid concentration (X2), and amount of organic solvent (X3) were 0.3%, 0.76% & 8.3 ml respectively. The resultant formulation exhibited a particle size of 121.44 nm, entrapment efficiency of 94.27%, and zeta potential of -20.21 mV with unimodal size distribution. A reduction in the % crystalline index from 48 to 3.4% ensured the amorphous form of the entrapped drug inside the formulation, which precludes the fear of leakage and instability of the formulation. Cell line studies conducted on U87MG Cell lines also suggested that the NLC of paclitaxel are more effective than those of pure PTX. In summary, PTXNLC seem to be a superior alternative carrier system for the formulation industry to obtain higher entrapment with excellent stability.

A Study of the Potential of Solidago virgaurea Extract as a Raw Material for Cosmetic Macroemulsions

The use of Solidago virgaurea extract as a raw material for cosmetics production fits the eco-tendency prevalent in the cosmetic industry for many years now perfectly. The study reported in this paper included an evaluation of the potential of the above-mentioned plant extract as a natural cosmetic ingredient applied in the form of cosmetic macroemulsions. The physicochemical parameters (pH, viscosity, particle size distribution) and physical stability (multiple light scattering) of the cosmetic formulations containing Solidago virgaurea (1.0 wt.%) were studied. An in vivo study was carried out on a group of 20 female volunteers. The results showed a high compatibility of the tested extract with the other components in the macroemulsion in the form of a serum for the body, which was the formulation containing Sorbitan Stearate as an emulsifier. Analysis of the results revealed a relation between the compatibility of the investigated herbal extract with the components of the cosmetic base and the effectiveness of this extract as an active substance. As a result of an improvement in the application parameters, an over 70% increase in the level of epidermis moisturization was observed along with other beneficial changes in the parameters of skin macrorelief and topography.

Deep Learning-Based In Situ Micrograph Synthesis and Augmentation for Crystallization Process Image Analysis

Deep learning-based in situ imaging and analysis for crystallization process are essential for optimizing product qualities, reducing experimental costs through real-time monitoring, and controlling the process. However, large and high-quality annotated datasets are required to train accurate models, which are time consuming. Therefore, we proposed a novel methodology that applied image synthesis neural networks to generate virtual information-rich images, enabling efficient and rapid dataset expansion while simultaneously reducing annotation costs. Experiments were conducted on the L-alanine crystallization process to obtain process images and to validate the proposed workflow. The proposed method, aided by interpolation augmentation and data warping augmentation to enhance data richness, utilized only 25% of the training annotations, consistently segmenting crystallization process images comparable to those models utilizing 100% of the training data annotations, achieving an average precision of nearly 98%. Additionally, based on the analysis of Kullback–Leibler divergence, the proposed method demonstrated excellent performance in extracting in situ information regarding aspect ratios and crystal size distributions during the crystallization process. Moreover, its ability to leverage expert labels with a four-fold enhanced efficiency holds great potential for advancing various applications in crystallization processes.

Microplastic pollution unveiled: the consequences of small unregulated dumping in villages, spanning from soil to water.

Microplastic contamination in soil ecosystems is a major environmental concern in the world. The current study aims to explore the extent of microplastic pollution in unregulated village dumpsites in India, focusing on the movement of these pollutants from soil to aquatic environments. Soil samples from eight distinct sites (A to H) in six villages were analyzed for various properties, including pH, bulk density, porosity, water retention capacity, hydraulic conductivity, and particle size distribution. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) method was used to identify prevalent plastic types. The research classifies microplastics by their shape and color, identifying a wide range of particles such as sheets, fibers, foams, fragments, and films. The study also examines the presence and concentration of microplastics in both soil and sediment samples. It was found that PE and PP microplastics are significantly present across different size fractions. Sample A contains a variety of items in the 1-5mm size range, mainly PE, while the 0.3-1mm fraction is largely PP. Samples B to H are mostly composed of PE microplastics in different forms. Sample F is unique with a mix of PE, EPS, and a higher amount of red and blue foam particles in the 0.3-1mm fraction. Microplastics were quantified using stereomicroscopy, revealing concentrations between 80 and 840 numbers per kilogram in soil and 20 to 60 numbers per kilogram in sediments. The findings emphasize the widespread nature of microplastic pollution across ecosystems and the importance of developing effective strategies for monitoring and mitigating their impact on environmental health and human well-being.

Powder‐Sintered Hierarchically Porous PMMA with Optimal Pore Parameters for Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling

AbstractPorous radiative cooling polymers have drawn significant attention for passive daytime cooling due to their desirable cooling performance and easy scalability. Since optimal pore parameters (i.e., pore diameter and porosity) will enhance light scattering, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) powders are sintered to fabricate samples with different pore parameters by the one‐step full‐dry powder sintering method. These samples have a hierarchically porous structure with pore diameters <5.0 µm. The most porous sample has 43% porosity, 0.964 reflectance in the 0.3–2.5 µm wavelength range, and 0.967 emittance in 8–13 µm wavelength range (which is the atmospheric window). The measured cooling temperature difference decreases when the porosity is low for hierarchically porous PMMA with similar pore size distribution. The high sub‐ambient cooling temperature reduction provided by hierarchically porous PMMA with optimal pore parameters is due to high solar reflectance when illuminated by the sun. Similar cooling trends are evident when sunlight is simulated by a Xenon lamp and an optical filter. The powder‐sintered hierarchically porous PMMA with optimal pore parameters can be an excellent radiative cooler for passive daytime cooling applications.

Recovery and Size-Tuning of Amorphous Silica from Geothermal Scales in Batangas, Philippines

Scale deposits in geothermal power plants are well-known potential sources of minerals. Extensive research in mineral recovery is crucial due to the considerable variability in scale composition and geochemistry based on location. Geothermal scales from Batangas, Philippines, were used to synthesize size-modified amorphous silica (SiO2) via sol-gel method. Initial analyses employing x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH measurements confirmed that the scale is rich in silica and salts at neutral pH. Then, the effect of varying scale concentration, precipitation pH, and aging time on the particle size distribution of recovered amorphous silica were investigated. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for particle size analysis (PSA) revealed that the sample with 2.5% (w/v) scale precursor in NaOH and precipitated until pH 10 had the lowest average cumulant diameter (1.66 μm). Moreover, the synergy of precipitation pH and aging time was found to significantly affect the polydispersity index and cumulative diameter of precipitated SiO2 based on 23 factorial ANOVA at 0.05 significance level. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the precipitates were amorphous SiO2 with spherical morphology. This study proves the viability of utilizing geothermal scales from Batangas, Philippines for the synthesis of amorphous SiO2 with controlled particle size, which is a potential filler for composite materials.

Insights into Martian bedform migration: Results from Gale, Jezero and Pasteur craters

AbstractAn attempt is made in this study to advance the understanding of the sand movement on Mars by studying the bedform migration at Gale, Jezero and Pasteur craters. The study on the grain size distribution at Gale Crater using Curiosity rover (MAHLI and APXS) observations reveals that the grains with smaller diameters (~50–150 μ) are more prone to migration and vice‐versa, which gives an idea of the necessary requirements that initiate bedform migration. The chemical analysis of the surface materials at the Gale crater revealed elevated concentrations of P2O5, SO3, Cl and Zn in soil compared to sand and active transportation processes for sand but not soil. The comprehensive chemical makeup of the Martian soil (inactive bedforms) and sand (active bedforms) is characterized by its basaltic nature, with enriched volatile elements such as sulphur, chlorine and zinc, and the presence of minerals like plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine due to the cohesive nature of inactive bedforms. Physical weathering and wind flow velocity play a pivotal role in the formation of different sedimentary bodies, impacting grain size distribution and mineralogy. The effect of dust‐lifting on surface features is studied by analysing Perseverance‐MEDA observations at the Jezero crater to understand the short‐term changes in the bedform. These events are found to involve the redistribution of only a small amount of materials and, thereby, changing surface features on Mars over a short period. To detect the bedform migration in the Pasteur crater, several HiRISE images acquired over different time intervals were used. The changes in the ripple crest (~0.29–1.18 m/Earth year) and dune slip face suggest new grain flow events. In the Pasteur crater, extensive changes in sand deposits near the dunes signify a widespread bedform migration. The stronger north‐westerly and north‐easterly winds dominate these changes. Thus, the bedform migration in the three tropical craters exhibits significant variability driven by localized aeolian processes. This variability is crucial for understanding Mars' geological history, current surface dynamics and eventually, helps in planning future missions.

Exosomes derived from platelet-rich plasma present a novel potential in repairing knee articular cartilage defect combined with cyclic peptide-modified β-TCP scaffold

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PRP-exos combined with cyclic peptide-modified β-TCP scaffold in the treatment of rabbit knee cartilage defect.MethodsPRP-exos were extracted and characterized by TEM, NTA and WB. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by ICRS score, HE staining, Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and ELISA. The repair mechanism of PRP-exos was estimated and predicted by miRNA sequencing analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis.ResultsThe results showed that PRP-exos had a reasonable size distribution and exhibited typical exosome morphology. The combination of PRP-exos and cyclic peptide-modified β-TCP scaffold improved ICRS score and the expression level of COL-2, RUNX2, and SOX9. Moreover, this combination therapy reduced the level of MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while increasing the level of TIMP-1. In PRP-exos miRNA sequencing analysis, the total number of known miRNAs aligned across all samples was 252, and a total of 91 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis and the protein–protein interaction network analysis indicated that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway could impact the function of chondrocytes by regulating key transcription factors to repair cartilage defect.ConclusionPRP-exos combined with cyclic peptide-modified β-TCP scaffold effectively promoted cartilage repair and improved chondrocyte function in rabbit knee cartilage defect. Based on the analysis and prediction of PRP-exos miRNAs sequencing, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may contribute to the therapeutic effect. These findings provide experimental evidence for the application of PRP-exos in the treatment of cartilage defect.

Achieving optimum balance between mechanical properties and gloss of acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate resin through control of rubber particle size distribution

AbstractPreparation of acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate (ASA) with high gloss and superior impact properties is still challenging. Here, we developed a new strategy for the preparation of ASA resins by a selective redox initiation method based on a semi‐continuous emulsion polymerization technique. A series of ASA core‐shell impact modifiers were firstly obtained by grafting styrene (St) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) seeded latexes of different sizes. The ASA core‐shell impact modifier was then used to toughen the styrene–acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN). The synergistic effects between the single particle size of the rubber phase and different particle sizes were systematically investigated, and the mechanical properties of SAN‐toughened resins at various particle sizes of the rubber phase were analyzed. The results revealed that toughened SAN with small particle sizes possessed better gloss, and the impact strength of the doped small‐particle toughened SAN was much higher than that of the single particle size toughened SAN. The ASA graft powders synthesized from large particle PBA (particle size 316 nm) and small particle PBA (particle size 99 nm), respectively, were mixed at a 50/50 ratio and blended with SAN resin, a gloss level reaching 95, and an impact performance of 275 J/m values almost twice those of a single particle size toughened SAN.Highlights Acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate resins with an impact strength of 275 J/m and gloss of 95 were prepared. The balance between mechanical properties and gloss of acrylonitrile–styrene–acrylate resin was obtained. Polymerization was initiated at low temperature.

Structural and Textural Characteristics of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash Subjected to Periodic Seasoning

The objective of this study was to determine the structural and textural description of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash that was subjected to a six-month seasoning process. Bottom ash samples, with a particle size fraction of 0.063–0.1 mm, were seasoned in a closed landfill and collected for laboratory analyses at monthly intervals. The research focused on determining the structural parameters, using methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and the textural parameters, using low-pressure nitrogen adsorption (LPNA) at −196.15 °C. The analyses of the porous structure of the bottom ash samples revealed differences in texture of ASH 1 to ASH 6, specifically in the pore volume (micro- and mesopores), specific surface area, and pore size distribution. Changes in the structural and porous characteristics of the samples were attributed to the duration of the seasoning process. The results of the structural analysis of the bottom ash suggest its application in the concrete industry, potentially enhancing the long-term mechanical strength of concrete. The results of the textural analysis indicate the possible use of MSWI bottom ash in environmental applications, as the internal surface area could be further developed.

Characteristics of Hyaluronan Metabolism During Myofibroblast Differentiation in Orbital Fibroblasts.

To study the impact of myofibroblast differentiation (MD) on hyaluronan (HA) turnover in orbital fibroblasts (OFs) focusing on the expression of its key enzymes and their potential implications in the pathogenesis of thyroid eye disease (TED). Primary cultures of OFs were established from tissue samples (TED OFs, n = 4; non-TED OFs, n = 5). MD was induced by TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL). Measurements were performed after 24- and 72-hour treatments. The proliferation rate was determined by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. HA level and size were measured using an aggrecan-based ELISA-like method and agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. mRNA expressions of myofibroblast markers and enzymes with a role in HA metabolism were determined using real-time PCR. Upregulation of type I collagen alpha1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin indicated that OFs underwent MD after stimulation by TGF-β. After 72hours, proliferation of untreated cultures declined, but it remained higher in myofibroblasts. Pericellular HA content, but not HA in the supernatant of myofibroblasts, increased compared to untreated cells. TGF-β was a potent stimulator of hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) expression. The expression of hyaluronidase-1 and cell migration-inducing protein (CEMIP) diminished following MD, whereas the expression of transmembrane protein 2, the regulator of HA catabolism through CEMIP, was elevated. The size distribution of HA shifted toward a high-molecular-weight form following treatment with TGF-β. OFs undergoing MD are characterized by decreased HA turnover as a consequence of the inhibition of hyaluronidases and HAS1 induction. Our results suggest that hyaluronidases could be potential targets in the treatment of TED.

Methods to identify and distinguish the effects of weathering and landslides on sediment granulometry

Urbanization has resulted in the widespread development of built-up areas, often without considering the local geology and geomorphology. To improve risk assessments related to landslides, it is essential to determine the physical and chemical properties of sediments. The aim of this study is to exemplify an already mobilized and reworked layer based on granulometric properties of the sediments and characterize the chemical and physical properties which have changed during or after the mass movement. Ten red clay layers were sampled near Kulcs (Hungary) from a sliding surface and its environment. We measured grain size distribution, major element and modal composition, furthermore, conduct particle shape analysis, respectively. Grain size distribution suggest that samples from the sliding surface are weathered, with the exhibiting reworking characteristics. We calculate the weathering index from the major elements, which, in combination with the particle shape analyses of the silt fractions, indicate that the morphological parameters of the samples are in relation with weathering index. According to our results, while a fresh sliding event leaves marks on the granulometric properties, the main process which affects the grain morphology is the chemical abrasion (post the mass movement) and not the landslide event.

Varying Performance of Low-Cost Sensors During Seasonal Smog Events in Moravian-Silesian Region

Air pollution monitoring in industrial regions like Moravia-Silesia faces challenges due to complex environmental conditions. Low-cost sensors offer a promising, cost-effective alternative for supplementing data from regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of a prototype node containing low-cost sensors for carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM), specifically tailored for the local conditions of the Moravian-Silesian Region during winter and spring periods. An analysis of the reference data observed during the winter evaluation period showed a strong positive correlation between PM, CO, and NO2 concentrations, attributable to common pollution sources under low ambient temperature conditions and increased local heating activity. The Sensirion SPS30 sensor exhibited high linearity during the winter period but showed a systematic positive bias in PM10 readings during Polish smog episodes, likely due to fine particles from domestic heating. Conversely, during Saharan dust storm episodes, the sensor showed a negative bias, underestimating PM10 levels due to the prevalence of coarse particles. Calibration adjustments, based on the PM1/PM10 ratio derived from Alphasense OPC-N3 data, were initially explored to reduce these biases. For the first time, this study quantifies the influence of particle size distribution on the SPS30 sensor’s response during smog episodes of varying origin, under the given local and seasonal conditions. In addition to sensor evaluation, we analyzed the potential use of data from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS) as an alternative to increasing sensor complexity. Our findings suggest that, with appropriate calibration, selected low-cost sensors can provide reliable data for monitoring air pollution episodes in the Moravian-Silesian Region and may also be used for future adjustments of CAMS model predictions.

Evaluating Electronic Properties of Self‐Assembled Indium Phosphide Nanomaterials as High‐Efficient Solar Cell

ABSTRACTGeometries and electronic properties associated with relative stabilities and energy gaps of porous (InP)12n (n = 1–12) nanoclusters (NCs) (nanowires and nanosheets) are systemically studied by density functional method. The relative stabilities of (InP)12n NCs through the calculated fragmentation energies and cluster‐binding energies are determined and discussed. Interestingly, the calculated energy gaps of (InP)12n nanowires and nanosheets are localized at regions of visible light energy ranges. (InP)12n are relatively wide‐band semiconductor solar energy nanomaterial. The calculated density of states reveals large‐sized porous (InP)12n nanosheets and nanowires with narrow pore size distribution and slight thickness and a large surface area manifest ultrahigh specific capacitance of trapping solar light energies and high light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiencies in solar energy absorption or conversion or photovoltaicsm. Particularly, (InP)12n NCs maintain their elemental properties of individual (InP)12 clusters in the energy gaps of (InP)12n (n > 4). NCs are almost independent of variable sizes. Specifically, the size‐dependent charge transfers of In atoms in (InP)12n NCs exhibit that ionic and covalent bonding exist in (InP)12n NCs and can stabilize (InP)12n NCs. Comparison with experiment results available is made.

Aircraft observation of aerosol and mixed-phase cloud microphysical over the North China Plain, China: Vertical distribution, size distribution, and effects of cloud seeding in two-layered clouds

Aircraft observation of aerosol and mixed-phase cloud microphysical over the North China Plain, China: Vertical distribution, size distribution, and effects of cloud seeding in two-layered clouds

A Hydraulic Gradient and Stress-Controlled Erosion Apparatus for Assessing Soil Internal Erosion

Abstract Among the four dominant mechanisms of internal erosion, suffusion appears as one of the most complex. It is indeed the result of the combination of three processes: dislodgement of fine particles, transport of them, and filtration of some fluidized fine particles. These processes depend on the soil’s stress state and on the hydraulic gradient path. Thus, to ensure the repeatability of the suffusion test and to study with accuracy the influence of the aforementioned parameters, a new apparatus was developed. This apparatus is designed to test specimens under a vertical downward flow in hydraulic gradient controlled condition while controlling the confining pressure and the stress deviator, which can be either positive or negative. Ten tests on one cohesionless soil were performed in triaxial conditions, with the same mean effective stress and four different values of stress deviator. To compare with conventional suffusion results, one test is also performed in rigid wall conditions. For all performed tests, the same hydraulic gradient path was applied and particular attention is paid to the repeatability, which implies control of each test step. At the end of each test, the specimen was divided into four layers to measure post-suffusion grain size distributions. The time evolutions of the hydraulic conductivity and the erosion rate permit to identify four different phases. Each phase is characterized by two methods: one based on the hydraulic gradient and the second based on the expended energy by the fluid. The results show the great influence on the suffusion kinetics of the preferential flow paths, which localize in the body of the specimen in triaxial conditions and on the circumference in rigid wall ones. Under a constant mean effective stress, the effect of the stress deviator on the suffusion kinetics appears limited, for the tested soil and shear stress ratios.