Greater Load Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Brake Pad

The brake system is a mechanism that allows the vehicle to slow down and remain stationary. Most automobiles uses either one or both disk brake and drum brake system. These brake system components include the brake pedal, brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake calipers, brake rotors/drum, and brake pads. The greatest load in the braking of a vehicle falls both on the discs and pads. The friction caused by braking on these parts results in a large amount of heat transfer and particulate emission. Therefore, studies on the brake system have focused on human health, the environment and the economy, in addition to investigating the operation, performance and wear mechanisms of the system. In this study, researchers, citations, keywords, and trending topics of 1,118 studies on brake pad between 1982 and 2023 were investigated by systematic analysis method using R and VosViewer analysis programs. A brief summary of the most cited papers and their topics is given to help researchers who will conduct studies on brakes. These studies focused on wear and emission issues. Non-exhaust emissions have adverse effects on air, aqueous media, roadways and human health. Therefore, it has become mandatory to limit these small particles, which is why they are included in the Euro 7 emission standard. Due to the limitations on braking, future researchers have been informed about the status of non-exhaust emissions.

Aquatic hazard and risk posed by four pesticides detected in waterways discharging to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia: Part 2. Hazard and risk assessment

Pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) are regularly detected in the rivers, creeks, wetlands, and inshore waterways that discharge to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. Pesticide active ingredients detected above ecologically protective concentrations may pose a hazard and risk to aquatic species. The ability to assess this hazard and risk is reliant on the availability of water quality guidelines, which are only available for a limited number of PAIs detected in GBR catchment waterways. Unendorsed guideline values, known as ecotoxicity threshold values (ETVs) were developed in part one of this study for active ingredients in two fungicides (4-hydroxychlorothalonil (fungicide degradate) and carbendazim) and two insecticides (dimethoate and methoxyfenozide) that are commonly detected in GBR catchment waterways. In the current study, the hazard and risk posed by these PAIs was assessed by comparing the ETVs to environmental monitoring data from the Great Barrier Reef Catchment Loads Monitoring Program. Exceedances of the concentrations that should protect 99 % of aquatic species (i.e., PC99) were observed for all four pesticides. Detected concentrations of 4-hydroxychlorothalonil, carbendazim and methoxyfenozide exceeded the PC95 ETV, however no exceedances of the PC95 were observed for dimethoate. The hazard quotient (HQ) method was used to identify high hazard sites across the GBR catchment area. In total, six sites were identified as having concentrations that exceeded the PC95 ETVs. For 4-hydroxychlorothalonil, the risk to aquatic species based on the 95th percentile concentrations ranged from 3 to 13 %, 1 to 8 % for carbendazim and 2 to 8 % for methoxyfenozide. Detected concentrations of carbendazim were two orders of magnitude higher than concentrations that are reported to induce behavioural effects in some fish species. Considering that detected concentrations of three of the four PAIs individually pose a potential risk to aquatic species, their contributions to pesticide mixture toxicity should be further assessed.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Component Factors Among Corporate Company Employees in Kampala Uganda.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic dysregulations indicative of increased cardiometabolic risk is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and its components, among corporate employees in Kampala, Uganda. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 408 adults who were employees from seven corporate companies in Kampala, using the WHO STEPwise NCD screening approach. Metabolic syndrome was measured using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria with the waist circumference (WC) cut-off points adapted for Sub-Saharan African populations. The mean population age (standard deviation [SD]) of the respondents was 34years (± 8.87) years and 52% of them were females. The prevalence of MetS was 22.8% (NCEP ATPIII) and 28.4% (IDF). Of the respondents who did not have MetS, 75% had at least one metabolic dysregulation. Of those respondents with MetS, only 31% perceived that they were at risk of this cluster of metabolic dysregulations. In this analysis, we observed that the systolic blood pressure (BP) and the body mass index (BMI) correlated strongly (r = 0.81 and r = 0.71) with the diastolic BP and waist circumference (WC), respectively. Age on the other hand correlated fairly with the WC and BMI (both r values = 0.46). Principal component analysis showed that the greatest loadings in principle factors one, two and three were from central obesity, with low HDL-C explaining 60.8% variance in the population. Age, BMI, family history of having cardiometabolic disorders, and perceived cardiometabolic disease risk (CMR) were associated with an increased risk of MetS by 5, 8.86, 1.55, and 2.73 (all P values were < 0.05) respectively in this group of respondents. These risks remained for age, BMI and perceived CMR after removing the confounding effects of education status, marital status and family history of cardiometabolic disease. Being single on the other hand, was associated with a reduced risk of MetS (0.23, p < 0.009). While the primary contributors to the high prevalence of MetS among corporate employees in Kampala, Uganda were the high BP, high WC and high fasting blood sugar (FBS); age, BMI and perceived CMR were the key determinants of MetS. Future MetS interventions should aim to control and monitor obesity indicators in this population. Additionally, the findings inform targeted screening parameters for cardiometabolic risk assessment and suggest the need for further research into a weighted algorithm for MetS in this population.

Exploring alternative fuel solutions: lemon grass oil biodiesel blend with dibutyl ether additive for VCR diesel engines - an experimental analysis

There has been an intense surge in interest in the search for alternative sources of petroleum fuels in the modern world as a result of the inflation of fuel prices and the historic supply gap. When compared to petroleum fuels, biodiesel is becoming an increasingly valuable option due to the fact that it produces less emissions and provides the almost same amount of energy. In point of fact, the prime aim of this work is to explore the possibility of utilizing biodiesel derived from lemongrass oil and including dibutyl ether as an additive for the test diesel engine operating on varied compression ratios. The findings showed that the best operating settings are a 17.5 compression ratio with a blend of 30% biodiesel and 70% diesel fuel. At greater loads, brake thermal efficiency is lower than that of diesel engines. Lower loads result in lower specific fuel usage. Mechanical efficiency at higher loads is highest in the B30 blend, but emission metrics such as CO, CO2, HC, and NOx were reduced with the inclusion of an additive, though HC rose with higher loads of lemongrass oil biodiesel blends. When compared to the B30 biodiesel blend with various composition additives, the B30 + 4% additive has the highest efficiency at the fourth load in terms of both brake power and mechanical efficiency.

Synthesizing a novel cerium-modified graphene powder to achieve long-term anticorrosion performance of epoxy powder coatings

Graphene with extremely large specific surface area possesses great loading capacity for various kinds of corrosion inhibitors to obtain long-term anticorrosion properties. In this study, the corrosion inhibitor cerium nitrate was employed to modify graphene on which the cerium species were loaded. The as-synthesized cerium-modified graphene (Ce-Gr) was introduced into epoxy powder coating to provide long-effective corrosion protection on steel. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis implies that cerium species were successfully loaded on graphene in the form of cerium nitrate and cerium oxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation exhibited that Ce-Gr improved structural density and reduced the porosity in coating matrix. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated incredibly high impedance values of 1010.5 Ω cm2 for the epoxy powder coatings containing Ce-Gr after immersion in 3.5% NaCl solution for 45 days. Additionally, the smallest average corrosion propagation width of only 0.60 mm on the substrate at scratch after salt spray test, the shorter cathodic disbondment diameter of 3.49 mm and the fewest corrosion oxidation products with extremely low oxygen content of 3 wt% on substrate after salt solution immersion for 120 days implied that the coating with the addition of 0.05 wt% Ce-Gr possessed the most effective corrosion inhibition property to protect the steel substrate for a long period.

Comparative evaluation of incorporation of ferrule in premolars endocrown designs to check any alterations in their fracture resistance: A pilot study.

Endocrown preparation of endodontically treated teeth as final restoration has been extensively studied for different teeth. Bindl et al. questioned the application of endocrowns for premolars due to the pulp chamber space's smaller dimensions, which diminish bonding surface area. The addition of ferrule into the endocrown preparations of premolars has not been extensively studied. Comparative evaluation of incorporation of the ferrule in premolars endocrown designs to check any alterations in their fracture resistance. The sample consisted of 40 maxillary first premolars without cracks or caries, extracted for orthodontic or periodontal purposes. The teeth were individually mounted with cold-cure acrylic resin. Group A: Composite endocrown without ferrule and Group B: Composite endocrown with ferrule. An endocrown former was prepared with elastomeric polyvinyl siloxane material (GC Exaclear). Endocrowns were then prepared with dual-cure core build-up composite-Core-x flow (Dentsply Maillefer, Switzerland) using the endocrown former so that morphologically, they all were almost identical. Endocrowns are cemented by dual-cure resin cement following manufacturer instructions. The fracture resistance of endocrowns with and without ferrule was evaluated and compared. The data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with SPSS version 24 software. The variables were presented with mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test. The P ≤ 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Group B (with ferrule) showed higher fracture resistance (622.06 N) than Group A (537.59 N) (without ferrule). Independent t-test showed that the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.008). Comparing the failure load findings, it could be concluded that ferrule-containing endocrown needed greater loads than ordinary endocrown restorations for failure.

Reciprocating wear behavior of multi-directionally forged and aged Al-Cu-Li alloy

Al-Cu-Li alloys have drawn attention because of their decreased density, which is a result of the growing need for lightweight material systems in aerospace and aircraft applications. The alloy was subjected to multi-directional forging (MDF) and post-MDF artificial aging. Reciprocating sliding wear tests were conducted to investigate the effects of these processes on wear properties under different load conditions. After MDF, a decrease in wear resistance was noticed, on the other hand, 12 pass MDF treated samples showed improved wear resistance upon aging treatment. Wear scars and counter ball surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand the wear mechanism and wear mode. The findings demonstrated that, at lower loads, adhesion and abrasion were the main wear processes; at greater loads, delamination, adhesion, and abrasion were clearly visible. The study revealed that the MDF and subsequent aging have a substantial effect on the wear behavior of Al-Cu-Li alloy and is an effective thermomechanical processing route to enhance wear resistance.

Exploring predictors of substance use disorder treatment engagement with machine learning: The impact of social determinants of health in the therapeutic landscape

BackgroundImproved knowledge of factors that influence treatment engagement could help treatment providers and systems better engage patients. The present study used machine learning to explore associations between individual- and neighborhood-level factors, and SUD treatment engagement. MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) dataset and United States Census Bureau data utilizing random forest machine learning and generalized linear mixed modelling. Our sample (N = 15,873) included all people entering SUD treatment at GAIN sites from 2006 to 2012. Predictors included an array of demographic, psychosocial, treatment-specific, and clinical measures, as well as environment-level measures for the neighborhood in which patients received treatment. ResultsGreater odds of treatment engagement were predicted by adolescent age and psychiatric comorbidity, and at the neighborhood-level, by low unemployment and high population density. Lower odds of treatment engagement were predicted by Black/African American race, and at the neighborhood-level by high rate of public assistance and high income inequality. Regardless of the degree of treatment engagement, individuals receiving treatment in areas with high unemployment, alcohol sale outlet concentration, and poverty had greater substance use and related problems at baseline. Although these differences reduced with treatment and over time, disparities remained. ConclusionsNeighborhood-level factors appear to play an important role in SUD treatment engagement. Regardless of whether individuals engage with treatment, greater loading on social determinants of health such as unemployment, alcohol sale outlet density, and poverty in the therapeutic landscape are associated with worse SUD treatment outcomes.

Static hydroelastic study of composite T-foils with beam and lifting line models

Well-designed hydrofoils improve ship resistance and seakeeping by lifting the hull above the water. With greater speeds come greater loads, and the two-way interaction of structural deflections of lifting surfaces on the hydrodynamics must be considered. Tailored structural anisotropy can improve hydrodynamic and structural efficiency of lifting surfaces compared to rigid counterparts by exploiting the layup of composite materials. Structural efficiency here means reduced risk of structural failure for a given amount of material, and hydrodynamic efficiency means lower drag. A T-foil is a prototypical multi-component appendage, consisting of the foil wing and the strut, which we investigate in this work. We use simple composite beam and lifting line theory to explore the static fluid-structure interaction of a composite T-foil for a variety of fiber angles (θf = 0˝ , ˘15˝ ). We apply a simple approximation on lift coefficient at infinite Froude number (F n) to model the free-surface effects, which is valid at high depth-based Froude numbers (F nh ą10a h/c) when CL is independent of F nh and the inertial effects dominate. Results for the moth rudder T-foil geometry studied here indicate that aligning composite fibers towards the leading edge results in a more hydrostructurally efficient foil and that free-surface effects are minor because of the large submergence for this flow condition.

The Potential of Vehicle-to-Home Integration for Residential Prosumers: A Case Study

The transition of the transport sector to e-mobility poses various challenges but also provides great flexible load and supply potential and thus enables a stronger coupling of the transport sector with other sectors. If emerging opportunities such as bidirectional charging in the context of Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid applications are utilised, a previously unimagined load management and storage potential can be tapped. This can transform e-mobility from an additional burden to the grid to a grid-supporting factor that enables greater integration of renewable energies and reduces additional investments in infrastructure like grid expansion and stationary storage systems. In order to investigate this potential, within this work we examine simulation based various Vehicle-to-Home (PV self-consumption, load shifting due to flexible electricity tariff) and Vehicle-to-Grid (secondary reserve) scenarios for different driving profiles for a residential building with heat pump, PV system and optionally a small wind turbine. In addition, a charge load optimisation is carried out using a genetic algorithm. The energy quantities, saving potential and additional number of battery cycles are quantified. The results show that, despite additional battery degradation, significant financial incentives can be achieved.

Dynamic Behavior of Satellite and Its Solar Arrays Subject to Large-Scale Antenna Deployment Shock

Satellites should be equipped with more and more deployable, large, flexible appendages to improve their service efficiency and reduce launch costs. The spring-driven deployment method of flexible appendages has been widely applied and generates great instantaneous shock loads on satellites, maybe affecting the safety of other flexible appendages, but the current related investigations for satellites with multiple large flexible appendages are insufficient. In this study, the deployment test of the antenna itself was conducted, and the attitude changes in a satellite during antenna deployment were telemetered. Then, a related dynamical model of the satellite was established and verified by the telemetry values of the satellite. Finally, the shock mechanism transmitted to solar arrays was analyzed, and the effect of solar array attitude was discussed. The results show that the simulated method of antenna deployment equivalent to the shock loads tested was thought to be efficient, though it could cause a small non-zero constant of the simulated angular velocities in the antenna deployment direction. The shock-induced moments, except the rotation direction of the solar array drive assembly (SADA), should be highlighted for the antenna deployment dynamic design of satellites, and the solar array attitude has few effects on the shock-induced loads at the SADA.

In Situ Fracture Behavior of Single Crystal LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811)

AbstractSingle crystal particle morphologies have become highly desirable for next generation cathode materials, removing grain boundary fracture and thereby reducing the surface area exposed to electrolyte. The intrinsic mechanical behavior of single crystal layered oxides, however, is poorly understood. Here, faceted single crystal LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) particles are compressed in situ in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), to determine mechanical deformation mechanisms as a function of crystallographic orientation. In situ, the dynamical deformation sequence observed is initial cracking at the compression zone, followed by accelerated transparticle crack propagation and concurrent (0001) slip band formation. The greatest loads and contact pressure at fracture, non‐basal cracking, and activation of multiple basal slip systems in larger (&gt;3 μm) particles, occur for compression normal to the (0001) layered structure. Loading on {012} preferentially activates basal fracture and slip at lower loads. Regardless of particle orientation, non‐basal slip systems are not observed, and non‐basal cracking and particle rotation occur during compression to compensate for this inability to activate dislocations in 3‐dimensions. Crystallographic dependent mechanical behaviour of single crystal NMC811 means that particle texture in cathodes should be monitored, and sources of localised surface stress in cathodes, e. g. particle‐to‐particle asperity contacts during electrode manufacture, should be minimised.

Signs of colour symbolism in traditional Altaian culture

The study of the symbolism of traditional culture categories, including the symbolism of colour in folklore studies and toponymic names becomes very relevant due to the revival of many aspects of spiritual culture. Nowadays the symbolism of colour becomes important in the life of a modern person. It accumulates deep meanings. The extent of research done on the topic: In the Altaian folkloristics colour epithets were studied in detail in the research of M. A. Demchinova, V. P. Oinoshev, S. P. Tyukhteneva and others. Up to the present time colour symbolism in the traditional culture of the Altaian people has not been the object of special research. The aim of the study is to highlight some aspects of colour symbolism in folklore art and toponymy of the Altai Mountains. Theoretical comprehension of colour symbolism as a special category in Altaian folklore studies is based on the functional method and has been applied in the researches by S.S. Surazakov, S.P. Tyukhteneva and M.A. Demchinova. The genre symbolism of Altaian folklore seemed to be considered in those researches. The present study includes the usage of a complex of comparative and historical research methods. Being a characteristic and actively used component for a number of ethnonyms, toponyms, hydronyms and to designate religious names colour has a great semantic load in the traditions of Altaians. For example, many Altaian clans (seoki) are divided into smaller units and colours such as white, black and yellow are actively used to name them: ak (white) kobok [kœbœk], karа (black) kobok [kœbœk], kara todosh (black todosh), sary todosh (yellow todosh). There is also a large number of hydronyms and toponyms associated with black, white, yellow, blue and other colours: KaraArka, Sary-Chet, Karakol, Akkem, Karasuu etc. O.P. Molchanova, a researcher of the toponymy of the Altai Mountains, writes about the great importance of some adjectives that indicate colour in the construction of geographical names. The use of colour epithets in folklore works creates a colorful image. The sharply contrasting colours show the opposition of good and evil. There is a hierarchy of colours in traditional culture. Red colour shows the colorfulness of the object being described, also symbolizes health, wealth, a world of prosperity. Grey is typical for poor people, and it has semantics of unhealthiness. There are names with the formant “kan” in the toponymy of Altai. It turns out that the formant “kan” is added to the names of especially revered natural objects. The author of the article suggests that the word “kan” (in the meaning of “blood”) is present in the names of especially revered objects. Research perspectives: The results of the research of colour symbolism in folklore and toponymy of the Altai Mountains can be applied for further study of the characterization of artistic images in literature, folklore and ethnography. The topic requires further research.

Analyzing isolated degeneration of lumbar facet joints: implications for degenerative instability and lumbar biomechanics using finite element analysis.

The facet joint contributes to lumbar spine stability as it supports the weight of body along with the intervertebral discs. However, most studies on the causes of degenerative lumbar diseases focus on the intervertebral discs and often overlook the facet joints. This study aimed to investigate the impact of facet joint degeneration on the degenerative changes and diseases of the lumbar spine. A finite element model of the lumbar spine (L1-S1) was fabricated and validated to study the biomechanical characteristics of the facet joints. To simulate degeneration of the facet joint, the model was divided into four grades based on the number of degenerative segments (L4-L5 or L4-S1) and the contact condition between the facet joint surfaces. Finite element analysis was performed on four spine motions: flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial torsion, by applying a pure moment to the upper surface of L1. Important parameters that could be used to confirm the effect of facet joint degeneration on the lumbar spine were calculated, including the range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar segments, maximum von Mises stress on the intervertebral discs, and reaction force at the facet joint. Facet joint degeneration affected the biomechanical characteristics of the lumbar spine depending on the movements of the spine. When analyzed by dividing it into degenerative onset and onset-adjacent segments, lumbar ROM and the maximum von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs decreased as the degree of degeneration increased in the degenerative onset segments. The reaction force at the facet joint decreased with flexion and increased with lateral bending and axial torsion. In contrast, lumbar ROM of the onset-adjacent segments remained almost unchanged despite severe degeneration of the facet joint, and the maximum von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs increased with flexion and extension but decreased with lateral bending and axial torsion. Additionally, the facet joint reaction force increased with extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. This analysis, which combined the ROM of the lumbar segment, maximum von Mises stress on the intervertebral disc, and facet joint reaction force, confirmed the biomechanical changes in the lumbar spine due to the degeneration of isolated facet joints under the load of spinal motion. In the degenerative onset segment, spinal instability decreased, whereas in the onset-adjacent segment, a greater load was applied than in the intact state. When conducting biomechanical studies on the lumbar spine, considering facet joint degeneration is important since it can lead to degenerative spinal diseases, including adjacent segment diseases.

Influence of shear yield strength of rail material on the shakedown limit in shakedown map

Rail materials with different shear yield strengths can exhibit different rolling contact fatigue (RCF) damage response during cyclic contact loading. The objective of this work is to achieve the actual shakedown limits in the shakedown map for rail materials with different shear yield strengths through RCF simulation tests of wheel-rail, and to investigate the relationship between the shear yield strength (ke) and the shakedown limit. Rolling-sliding tests were performed to investigate the RCF damage states of three types of rail materials with different shear yield strengths. Then, according to the differences of RCF damage states for each rail material and the method of nonlinear curve fitting, the actual shakedown limits for three types of rail materials were obtained. The actual shakedown limits for the three types of rail materials were lower than the original one in the classical shakedown map. With an increase in the shear yield strength (ke) of the rail material, the actual shakedown limit is reduced. Moreover, a relationship emerged which allowed a simple method to be proposed to obtain the actual shakedown limit based on the shear yield strength. The changing process and differences in the impact of different shear stress levels on the microstructural damage transformation of rail materials from the perspective of contact mechanics have been discussed. The behavior of severe accumulation of residual stresses during cyclic loading and more likely initiation of microcracks are the main reasons why rail materials with a higher shear yield strength (ke) under great contact loads are more prone to developing RCF crack damages. That is, the shakedown limit for the material with a higher shear yield strength (ke) is much lower. In view of the application of the shakedown map in the evaluation and prediction for RCF damage of rail materials with different shear yield strengths, different shakedown limits should be applied to different rail materials when analyzing their likely performance.

Low-profile prosthetic foot stiffness category and size, and shoes affect axial and torsional stiffness and hysteresis.

Passive-elastic prosthetic feet are manufactured with numerical stiffness categories and prescribed based on the user's body mass and activity level, but mechanical properties, such as stiffness values and hysteresis are not typically reported. Since the mechanical properties of passive-elastic prosthetic feet and footwear can affect walking biomechanics of people with transtibial or transfemoral amputation, characterizing these properties can provide objective metrics for comparison and aid prosthetic foot prescription and design. We characterized axial and torsional stiffness values, and hysteresis of 33 categories and sizes of a commercially available passive-elastic prosthetic foot model [Össur low-profile (LP) Vari-flex] with and without a shoe. We assumed a greater numerical stiffness category would result in greater axial and torsional stiffness values but would not affect hysteresis. We hypothesized that a greater prosthetic foot length would not affect axial stiffness values or hysteresis but would result in greater torsional stiffness values. We also hypothesized that including a shoe would result in decreased axial and torsional stiffness values and greater hysteresis. Prosthetic stiffness was better described by curvilinear than linear equations such that stiffness values increased with greater loads. In general, a greater numerical stiffness category resulted in increased heel, midfoot, and forefoot axial stiffness values, increased plantarflexion and dorsiflexion torsional stiffness values, and decreased heel, midfoot, and forefoot hysteresis. Moreover, for a given category, a longer prosthetic foot size resulted in decreased heel, midfoot, and forefoot axial stiffness values, increased plantarflexion and dorsiflexion torsional stiffness values, and decreased heel and midfoot hysteresis. In addition, adding a shoe to the prosthetic foot resulted in decreased heel and midfoot axial stiffness values, decreased plantarflexion torsional stiffness values, and increased heel, midfoot, and forefoot hysteresis. Our results suggest that manufacturers should adjust the design of each category to ensure the mechanical properties are consistent across different sizes and highlight the need for prosthetists and researchers to consider the effects of shoes in combination with prostheses. Our results can be used to objectively compare the LP Vari-flex prosthetic foot to other prosthetic feet to inform their prescription, design, and use for people with a transtibial or transfemoral amputation.

Optical transmission of microwave control signal towards large-scale superconducting quantum computing.

With the rapid development of superconducting quantum computing and the implementation of surface code, large-scale quantum computing is emerging as an urgent demand. In a superconducting computing system, the qubit is maintained in a cryogenic environment to avoid thermal excitation. Thus, the transmission of control signals, which are generated at room temperature, is needed. Typically, the transmission of these signals to the qubit relies on a coaxial cable wiring approach. However, in a large-scale computing system with hundreds or even thousands of qubits, the coaxial cables will pose great space and heat load to the dilution refrigerator. Here, to tackle this problem, we propose and demonstrate a direct-modulation-based optical transmission line. In our experiment, the average single-qubit XEB error and control error are measured as 0.139% and 0.014% separately, demonstrating the feasibility of the optical wiring approach and paving the way for large-scale superconducting quantum computing.

Enhancing the safety and effectiveness of polyethylenimine gene delivery through cell membrane encapsulation

Due to the powerful DNA loading capacity and excellent proton sponge effect, the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine (PEI) has been demonstrated as a versatile, efficient DNA delivery tool both in vitro and in vivo. However, the excess surface positive charge of PEI and the common capture/clearance of PEI/DNA complex by the immune system limit its further clinical applications. To reduce the cytotoxicity resulting from surface charge and avoid the clearance of nanoparticles interacting with proteins and circulating immune cells in the blood, a bionic gene delivery system was developed by coating PEI/DNA complexes with natural cell membranes. The obtained RAW Cell membrane-coated PEI/DNA capsules (RAWm-PDc) and Red blood Cell membrane-coated PEI/DNA capsules (RBCm-PDc) complex showed excellent dispersibility and stability with an average particle size of 200–300 nm. Moreover, the RAWm-PDc/RBCm-PDc complex had great DNA loading capacity and protected the bound DNA effectively from nuclease hydrolysis. Most importantly, the RAWm-PDc/RBCm-PDc complex exhibited low protein adsorption, reduced cytotoxicity and high gene delivery efficiency. All the results demonstrated the potential of RAWm-PDc/RBCm-PDc as a promising non-viral gene delivery vector.

Stress and deformation characteristics of ‘dual-purpose diaphragm wall’ in metro stations

ABSTRACT Under the condition of a ‘dual-purpose diaphragm wall', the stress states and deformation laws are quite different from theoretical calculation results, the transfer and distribution law of the earth pressure between the sidewall of the station structure and diaphragm wall and the internal force of the station structure are uncertain. Due to the complex interaction between the exterior wall of the station and the diaphragm wall of the retaining structure, model tests and numerical simulations were used to research the stress and deformation characteristics of the compound wall system and composite wall system. The research results show that the compound wall system has a great load reduction effect and can effectively improve the stress state of the station structure. However, the internal force of the embedded segment of diaphragm walls was surprisingly increased. The earth pressure distribution rate (K) of the composite wall system and compound wall system increases nonlinearly along the direction of the foundation pit depth, while the distribution rates of the earth pressure in both systems are between 0.302∼0.557 and 0.239∼0.455. Compared with the composite wall, the reduction of the earth pressure in the compound wall system can be divided into three parts: the released part, the transferred part and the converted part accounting for 57%, 23% and 20% of the reduction of the earth pressure, respectively. It is recommended to give priority to the use of the compound wall system in the practice.

Three-dimensional theoretical model for effectively describing the effect of craniomaxillofacial structural factors on loading situation in the temporomandibular joint

BackgroundTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) overloading is considered a primary cause of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Accordingly, craniomaxillofacial structural parameters affect the loading situation in the TMJ. However, no effective method exists for quantitatively measuring the loading variation in human TMJs. Clinical statistics, which draws from general rules from large amounts of clinical data, cannot entry for exploring the underlying biomechanical mechanism in craniomaxillofacial system. The finite element method (FEM) is an effective tool for analyze the stress and load on TMJs for several cases in a short period of time; however, it is difficult to generalize general patterns through calculations between different cases due to the different geometric characteristics and occlusal contacts between each case. Methods(1) This study included 88 subjects with 176 unilateral data to measure angle (α) of the distance to the plane of occlusion. The bone destruction score was evaluated for clinical statistics. To rule out effects of the potential factors and ensure the generality of the study, one participant with no obvious bone destruction was selected as the standard case for establishing the three-dimensional (3D) theoretical model and FEM. (2) Three groups of forces, including biting, muscles and joint reaction forces on mandible, were adopted to establish a 3D theoretical model. (3) By modifying the sagittal α and coronal three types of deviation angle (φ) of the original model, nine candidate models were obtained for the FEM studies. Results(1) The static equilibrium equations, were used to establish a 3D theoretical model for describing the loading of the TMJ. The theoretical model was validated by monotonously modifying the structural parameter in comparison to two-dimensional theoretical models reported previously; (2) The force on the TMJ gradually decreased with α, and this trend was validated by both clinic statistics and FEM results; (3) The effects of the three types of deviation angle were different. The results of the case where only rotating biting forces were considered was consistent with clinical statistics, indicating that the side with lower α experiences higher TMJ load. (4) Changing the unilateral proportionality coefficients of biting and muscle force produced opposite effects, wherein the effects of the muscle force were stronger than those of the biting forces. ConclusionsA negative correlation was observed between the joint load and α. Among the three types of asymmetric deformities, occlusal deviations were the primary factors leading to TMD. Unilateral occlusion can result in a greater load on the ipsilateral joint and should be avoided when using the side corresponding to the TMD. This study provides a theoretical basis for the biomechanical mechanism of TMD and also enables the targeted mitigation and treatment of TMD through structural modification.