Recent studies of viscous dissipation mechanisms in impacting droplets have revealed distinct behaviours between the macroscale and nanoscale. However, the transition of these mechanisms from the macroscale to the nanoscale remains unexplored due to limited research at the microscale. This work addresses the gap using the many-body dissipative particle dynamics (MDPD) method. While the MDPD method omits specific atomic details, it retains crucial mesoscopic effects, making it suitable for investigating the impact dynamics at the microscale. Through the analysis of velocity contours within impacting droplets, the research identifies three primary contributors to viscous dissipation during spreading: boundary-layer viscous dissipation from shear flow; rim geometric head loss; and bulk viscous dissipation caused by droplet deformation. This prompts a re-evaluation of viscous dissipation mechanisms at both the macroscale and nanoscale. It reveals that the same three kinds of dissipation are present across all scales, differing only in their relative intensities at each scale. A model of the maximum spreading factor (βmax) incorporating all forms of viscous dissipation without adjustable parameters is developed to substantiate this insight. This model is validated against three distinct datasets representing the macroscale, microscale and nanoscale, encompassing a broad spectrum of Weber numbers, Ohnesorge numbers and contact angles. The satisfactory agreement between the model predictions and the data signifies a breakthrough in establishing a universal βmax model applicable across all scales. This model demonstrates the consistent nature of viscous dissipation mechanisms across different scales and underscores the importance of integrating microscale behaviours to understand macroscale and nanoscale phenomena.

Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an omnivorous pest that poses a great threat to food security. Insect antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides that are important effector molecules of innate immunity. Here, we investigated the role of the AMP cecropin B in the growth, development, and immunity of M. separata. The gene encoding M. separata cecropin B (MscecropinB) was cloned. The expression of MscecropinB was determined in different developmental stages and tissues of M. separata. It was highest in the prepupal stage, followed by the pupal stage. Among larval stages, the highest expression was observed in the fourth instar. Tissue expression analysis of fourth instar larvae showed that MscecropinB was highly expressed in the fat body and haemolymph. An increase in population density led to upregulation of MscecropinB expression. MscecropinB expression was also upregulated by the infection of third and fourth instar M. separata with Beauveria bassiana or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). RNA interference (RNAi) targeting MscecropinB inhibited the emergence rate and fecundity of M. separata, and resulted in an increased sensitivity to B. bassiana and Bt. The mortality of M. separata larvae was significantly higher in pathogen plus RNAi-treated M. separata than in controls treated with pathogens only. Our findings indicate that MscecropinB functions in the eclosion and fecundity of M. separata and plays an important role in resistance to infection by B. bassiana and Bt.

Binary nanodroplet collisions have received increasing attention, whilst the identification of collision outcomes and the viscous dissipation mechanism have remained poorly understood. Using molecular dynamics simulations, this study investigates binary nanodroplet collisions over wide ranges of Weber number (We), Ohnesorge number (Oh) and off-centre distances. Coalescence, stretching separation and shattering are identified; however, bouncing, reflexive separation and rotational separation reported for millimetre-sized collisions are not observed, which is attributed to the enhanced viscous effect caused by the ‘natural’ high-viscosity characteristics of nanodroplets. Intriguingly, as an intermediate outcome, holes form in retracting films at relatively high We, arising from the vibration and thermal fluctuation of the films. Due to the combined effects of inertial, capillary and viscous forces, binary nanodroplet collisions fall into the cross-over regime, so estimating viscous dissipation becomes extremely important for distinguishing outcome boundaries. Based on the criterion that stretching separation is triggered only when the residual off-centre kinetic energy exceeds the surface energy required for separation, the boundary equation between coalescence and stretching separation is established. Here, viscous dissipation is calculated by the extracted flow feature from simulations, showing that the ratio of viscous dissipation to the initial kinetic energy depends only on Oh, not on We. Because of complex viscous dissipation mechanisms, the same boundary equation in the cross-over regime has also not been satisfactorily revealed for macroscale collisions. Therefore, the proposed equation is tested for wide data sources from both macroscale and nanoscale collisions, and satisfying agreement is achieved, demonstrating the universality of the equation.

The sedimentation of two spherical solid objects in a viscous fluid has been extensively investigated and well understood. However, a pair of flat disks (in three dimensions) settling in the fluid shows more complex hydrodynamic behaviour. The present work aims to improve the understanding of this phenomenon by performing direct numerical simulation and physical experiments. The present results show that the sedimentation processes are significantly influenced by disk shape, characterized by a dimensionless moment of inertia I*, and Reynolds number Re of the leading disk. For the flatter disks with smaller I*, steady falling with enduring contact transits to periodic swinging with intermittent contacts as Re increases. The disks with larger I* tend to fall in a drafting-kissing-tumbling mode at low Re and to remain separated at high Re. Based on I* and Re, a phase diagram is created to classify the two-disk falling into ten distinctive patterns. The planar motion or three-dimensional motion of the disks is determined primarily by Re. Turbulent disturbance flows at a high Re contribute to the chaotic three-dimensional rotation of the disks. The chance for the two disks to contact is increased when I* and Re are reduced.

Immunoprophylaxis has not completely eliminated hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to hyporesponsiveness to hepatitis B vaccine (HepB). We explored the impact of folic acid supplementation (FAS) in pregnant women with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) on their infant hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and the mediation effect of infant interleukin-4 (IL-4). We recruited HBsAg-positive mothers and their neonates at baseline. Maternal FAS was obtained via a questionnaire, and neonatal anti-HBs and IL-4 were detected. Follow-up was performed at 11–13 months of age of infants, when anti-HBs and IL-4 were measured. We applied univariate and multivariate analyses. A mediation effect model was performed to explore the mediating role of IL-4. A total of 399 mother–neonate pairs were enrolled and 195 mother–infant pairs were eligible for this analysis. The infant anti-HBs geometric mean concentrations in the maternal FAS group were significnatly higher than those in the no-FAS group (383·8 mIU/ml, 95 % CI: 294·2 mIU/ml to 500·7 mIU/ml v. 217·0 mIU/ml, 95 % CI: 147·0 mIU/ml to 320·4 mIU/ml, z = –3·2, P = 0·001). Infants born to women who took folic acid (FA) within the first trimester were more likely to have high anti-HBs titres (adjusted β-value = 194·1, P = 0·003). The fold change in IL-4 from neonates to infants partially mediated the beneficial influence of maternal FAS on infant anti-HBs (24·7 % mediation effect) after adjusting for confounding factors. FAS during the first trimester to HBsAg-positive mothers could facilitate higher anti-HBs levels in infants aged 11–13 months partly by upregulating IL-4 in infants.

This study investigates the dynamics of low-viscosity nanodroplets impacting surfaces with static contact angles from θ = 73° to 180° via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two typical morphologies of impacting nanodroplets are observed at the maximum spreading state, a Hertz-ball-like in a low-Weber-number range and a thin-film-like in a high-Weber-number range. Only inertial and capillary forces dominate the impact for the former, whereas viscous force also becomes dominant for the latter. Regardless of morphologies at the maximum spreading state, the ratio of spreading time to contact time always remains constant on an ideal superhydrophobic surface with θ = 180°. With the help of different kinematic approximations of the spreading time and scaling laws of the contact time, scaling laws of the maximum spreading factor ${\beta _{max}}\sim W{e^{1/5}}$ in the low-Weber-number range (capillary regime) and ${\beta _{max}}\sim W{e^{2/3}}R{e^{ - 1/3}}$ (or ${\beta _{max}}\sim W{e^{1/2}}O{h^{1/3}}$) in the high-Weber-number range (cross-over regime) are obtained. Here, We, Re, and Oh are the Weber number, Reynolds number, and Ohnesorge number, respectively. Although the scaling laws are proposed only for the ideal superhydrophobic surface, they are tested valid for θ over 73° owing to the ignorable zero-velocity spreading effect. Furthermore, combining the two scaling laws leads to an impact number, $W{e^{3/10}}O{h^{1/3}} = 2.1$. This impact number can be used to determine whether viscous force is ignorable for impacting nanodroplets, thereby distinguishing the capillary regime from the cross-over regime.

We investigate the dynamic couplings between particles and fluid in turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection laden with isothermal inertial particles. Direct numerical simulations combined with the Lagrangian point-particle mode were carried out in the range of Rayleigh number $1\times 10^6 \le {Ra}\le 1 \times 10^8$ at Prandtl number ${Pr}=0.678$ for three Stokes numbers ${St_f}=1 \times 10^{-3}$, $8 \times 10^{-3}$ and $2.5 \times 10^{-2}$. It is found that the global heat transfer and the strength of turbulent momentum transfer are altered a small amount for the small Stokes number and large Stokes number as the coupling between the two phases is weak, whereas they are enhanced a large amount for the medium Stokes number due to strong coupling of the two phases. We then derived the exact relation of kinetic energy dissipation in the particle-laden RB convection to study the budget balance of induced and dissipated kinetic energy. The strength of the dynamic coupling can be clearly revealed from the percentage of particle-induced kinetic energy over the total induced kinetic energy. We further derived the power law relation of the averaged particles settling rate versus the Rayleigh number, i.e. $S_p/(d_p/H)^2{\sim} Ra^{1/2}$, which is in remarkable agreement with our simulation. We found that the settling and preferential concentration of particles are strongly correlated with the coupling mechanisms.

Spatial profiles of impurity emission measurements in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectroscopic range in radiofrequency (RF)-heated discharges are combined with one-dimensional and three-dimensional transport simulations to study the effects of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) on core impurity accumulation at EAST. The amount of impurity line emission mitigation by RMPs appears to be correlated with the ion Z for lithium, carbon, iron and tungsten monitored, i.e. stronger suppression of accumulation for heavier ions. The targeted effect on the most detrimental high-Z impurities suggests a possible advantage using RMPs for impurity control. Profiles of transport coefficients are calculated with the STRAHL one-dimensional impurity transport code, keeping $\nu /D$ fixed and using the measured spatial profiles of $\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{20 + }}$, $\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{21 + }}$ and $\textrm{F}{\textrm{e}^{22 + }}$ to disentangle the transport coefficients. The iron diffusion coefficient ${D_{\textrm{Fe}}}$ increases from $1.0- 2.0\;{\textrm{m}^2}\;{\textrm{s}^{ - 1}}$ to $1.5- 3.0\;{\textrm{m}^2}\;{\textrm{s}^{ - 1}}$ from the core region to the edge region $(\rho \gt 0.5)$ after the onset of RMPs. Meanwhile, an inward pinch of iron convective velocity ${\nu _{\textrm{Fe}}}$ decreases in magnitude in the inner core region and increases significantly in the outer confined region, simultaneously contributing to preserving centrally peaked $\textrm{Fe}$ profiles and exhausting the impurities. The ${D_{\textrm{Fe}}}$ and ${\nu _{\textrm{Fe}}}$ variations lead to reduced impurity contents in the plasma. The three-dimensional edge impurity transport code EMC3-EIRENE was also applied for a case of RMP-mitigated high-Z accumulation at EAST and compared to that of low-Z carbon. The exhaust of ${\textrm{C}^{6 + }}$ toward the scrape-off layer accompanying an overall suppression of heavier ${\textrm{W}^{30 + }}$ is observed when using RMPs.

We carry out direct numerical simulations of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a square box with rough conducting plates over the Rayleigh number range $10^7\leqslant Ra\leqslant 10^9$ and the Prandtl number range $0.01\leqslant Pr\leqslant 100$. In Zhang et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 836, 2018, R2), it was reported that while the measured Nusselt number $Nu$ is enhanced at large roughness height $h$, the global heat transport is reduced at small $h$. The division between the two regimes yields a critical roughness height $h_c$, and we now focus on the effects of the Prandtl number ($Pr$) on $h_c$. Based on the variations of $h_c$, we identify three regimes for $h_c(Pr)$. For low $Pr$, thermal boundary layers become thinner with increasing $Pr$. This makes the boundary layers easier to be disrupted by rough elements, leading to the decrease of $h_c$ with increasing $Pr$. For moderate $Pr$, the corner-flow rolls become much more pronounced and suppress the global heat transport via the competition between the corner-flow rolls and the large-scale circulation (LSC). As a consequence, $h_c$ increases with increasing $Pr$ due to the intensification of the corner–LSC competition. For high $Pr$, the convective flow transitions to the plume-controlled regime. As the rough elements trigger much stronger and more frequent plume emissions, $h_c$ again decreases with increasing $Pr$.

In this paper, the generation of relativistic electron mirrors (REMs) and the reflection of an ultra-short laser off this mirrors are discussed, applying two-dimensional particle-in-cell (2D-PIC) simulations. REMs with ultra-high acceleration and expanding velocity can be produced from a solid nanofoil illuminated normally by an ultra-intense femtosecond laser pulse with a sharp rising edge. Chirped attosecond pulse can be produced through the reflection of a counter-propagating probe laser off the accelerating REM. In the electron moving frame, the plasma frequency of the REM keeps decreasing due to its rapidly expanding. The laser frequency, on the contrary, keeps increasing due to the acceleration of REM and the relativistic Doppler shift from the lab frame to the electron moving frame. Within an ultra-short time interval, the two frequencies will be equal in the electron moving frame, which leads the resonance between laser and REM. The reflected radiation near this interval and the corresponding spectra will be amplified due to the resonance. Through adjusting the arriving time of the probe laser, certain part of the reflected field could be selectively amplified or depressed, leading to the selectively adjusting of the corresponding spectra.

Mutation in CFAP43 leads to severe asthenozoospermia and multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) in both human and mouse. Previous studies have shown that disruption of intra-manchette transport (IMT) caused failure of flagellum assembly and sperm head shaping. In a previous study, therefore, we postulated that disruption of IMT may contribute to the failure of sperm flagellum formation and result in MMAF, however the mechanisms underlying these defects are still poorly understood. Cfap43-deficient mice were studied here to reveal the cellular mechanisms of abnormal sperm head morphology and MMAF. Depletion of Cfap43 led to abnormal spermiogenesis and caused MMAF, sperm head abnormality and oligozoospermia. Furthermore, both abnormal manchette and disorganized ectoplasmic specialization (ES) could be observed at the elongated spermatids in Cfap43-deficient mice. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that, in mice, CFAP43-mediated IMT is essential for sperm head shaping and sperm flagellum formation.

Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1) is an abundant and important presynaptic vesicle protein that binds Ca2+ for the regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Our previous study reported its localization and function on spindle assembly in mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. The present study was designed to investigate the function of Syt1 during mouse oocyte activation and subsequent cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) using confocal microscopy, morpholinol-based knockdown and time-lapse live cell imaging. By employing live cell imaging, we first studied the dynamic process of CGE and calculated the time interval between [Ca2+]i rise and CGE after oocyte activation. We further showed that Syt1 was co-localized to cortical granules (CGs) at the oocyte cortex. After oocyte activation with SrCl2, the Syt1 distribution pattern was altered significantly, similar to the changes seen for the CGs. Knockdown of Syt1 inhibited [Ca2+]i oscillations, disrupted the F-actin distribution pattern and delayed the time of cortical reaction. In summary, as a synaptic vesicle protein and calcium sensor for exocytosis, Syt1 acts as an essential regulator in mouse oocyte activation events including the generation of Ca2+ signals and CGE.

The evolution of fatigue performance and surface mechanical properties of AISI 304 stainless steel induced by the electropulsing-assisted ultrasonic surface rolling process (EP-USRP) was systematically investigated by integrating instrumented indentation, scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that higher hardness, greater strength, finer ultra-refined grains, and higher residual compressive stress are formed within the strengthened layer compared with the original ultrasonic surface rolling process (USRP). EP-USRP with the optimized experimental parameters can produce a higher average rotating bending fatigue strength for AISI 304 stainless steel than USRP. Anomalously and noteworthily, all fatigue specimens treated by EP-USRP showed an incomplete fracture, revealing a higher reservation of safety in practical engineering applications. The further modified structure strengthening and stress strengthening induced by EP-USRP are likely the primary intrinsic reasons for the observed phenomena. Furthermore, the influence mechanism of EP-USRP was discussed scrupulously.

Excavation of the Han Dynasty chambered tomb at Laoguanshan in Chengdu, south-west China, has provided the earliest known evidence of pattern loom technology. Four model looms, along with accompanying artefacts and figurines relating to the weaving process, give insight into the technique of jin silk production. The discovery is hugely significant as it provides the first direct evidence of pattern-weave textile production in ancient China. Jin silk, made using this method, was both valuable and widely distributed, and the design of the machine influenced the invention of later looms and the spread of technology throughout Eurasia and Europe, representing great technological accomplishment for the second century BC.

A miniaturized substrate-integrated coaxial line (SICL) bandpass filter with improved upper stopband using asymmetrical spiral stub-loaded resonators is presented in this paper. Owing to the space-filling feature of the spiral structure, the size of the proposed filter is significantly reduced. A theoretical analysis is carried out to examine the resonance property of the proposed resonator. It is found that the frequency ratios of the second and third harmonics to the fundamental frequency can be extended to 2.86 and 4.4. Benefiting from the circuit structure and SICL technology, the designed filter has a small size, wide stopband, low crosstalk, and high-density integration ability. The measured results show that the proposed filter, with dimensions of 0.051λ0 × 0.044λ0, operates at 1.056 GHz and the 20-dB rejection band is extended to 3.94f0.

To evaluate the effects of different anthropogenic activities on zooplankton and the pelagic ecosystem, we conducted seasonal cruises in 2010 to assess spatial heterogeneity among the mesozooplankton communities of Xiangshan Bay, a subtropical semi-enclosed bay in China. The evaluation included five different areas: a kelp farm, an oyster farm, a fish farm, the thermal discharge area of a power plant, and an artificial reef, and we aimed to identify whether anthropogenic activities dominated spatial variation in the mesozooplankton communities. The results demonstrated clear spatial heterogeneity among the mesozooplankton communities of the studied areas, dominantly driven by natural hydrographic properties, except in the area near the thermal discharge outlet of the power station. In the outlet area, thermal shock caused by the discharge influenced the mesozooplankton community by decreasing abundance and biomass throughout the four seasons, even causing a shift in the dominant species near the outlet during summer from Acartia pacifica to eurythermal and warm water taxa. Unique features of the mesozooplankton community in the oyster farm may be due to the combined effects of oyster culture and the natural environment in the branch harbour. However, kelp and fish culture, and the construction of an artificial reef did not exert any obvious influence on the mesozooplankton communities up to 2010, probably because of the small scale of the aquaculture and a time lag in the rehabilitation effects of the artificial reef. Thus, our results suggested that the dominant factors influencing spatial variations of mesozooplankton communities in Xiangshan Bay were still the natural hydrographic properties, but the thermal discharge was an anthropogenic activity that changed the pelagic ecosystem, and should be supervised.