The minimum positive uniform Tur\'an density in uniformly dense kk-uniform hypergraphs

A $k$-graph (or $k$-uniform hypergraph) $H$ is uniformly dense if the edge distribution of $H$ is uniformly dense with respect to every large collection of $k$-vertex cliques induced by sets of $(k-2)$-tuples. Reiher, R\"odl and Schacht [Int. Math. Res. Not., 2018] proposed the study of the uniform Tur\'an density $\pi_{k-2}(F)$ for given $k$-graphs $F$ in uniformly dense $k$-graphs. Meanwhile, they [J. London Math. Soc., 2018] characterized $k$-graphs $F$ satisfying $\pi_{k-2}(F)=0$ and showed that $\pi_{k-2}(\cdot)$ ``jumps" from 0 to at least $k^{-k}$. In particular, they asked whether there exist $3$-graphs $F$ with $\pi_{1}(F)$ equal or arbitrarily close to $1/27$. Recently, Garbe, Kr\'al' and Lamaison [arXiv:2105.09883] constructed some $3$-graphs with $\pi_{1}(F)=1/27$. In this paper, for any $k$-graph $F$, we give a lower bound of $\pi_{k-2}(F)$ based on a probabilistic framework, and provide a general theorem that reduces proving an upper bound on $\pi_{k-2}(F)$ to embedding $F$ in reduced $k$-graphs of the same density using the regularity method for $k$-graphs. By using this result and Ramsey theorem for multicolored hypergraphs, we extend the results of Garbe, Kr\'al' and Lamaison to $k\ge 3$. In other words, we give a sufficient condition for $k$-graphs $F$ satisfying $\pi_{k-2}(F)=k^{-k}$. Additionally, we also construct an infinite family of $k$-graphs with $\pi_{k-2}(F)=k^{-k}$.Comment: 25 page

Large Y3,2 Y_{3,2} -tilings in 3-uniform hypergraphs

Let $Y_{3,2}$ be the 3-graph with two edges intersecting in two vertices. We prove that every 3-graph $H$ on $n$ vertices with at least $\max \left \{ \binom{4\alpha n}{3}, \binom{n}{3}-\binom{n-\alpha n}{3} \right \}+o(n^3)$ edges contains a $Y_{3,2}$-tiling covering more than $4\alpha n$ vertices, for sufficiently large $n$ and $0<\alpha< 1/4$. The bound on the number of edges is asymptotically best possible and solves a conjecture of the authors for 3-graphs that generalizes the Matching Conjecture of Erd\H{o}s

Genes involved in arsenic transformation and resistance associated with different levels of arsenic-contaminated soils

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Arsenic is known as a toxic metalloid, which primarily exists in inorganic form [As(III) and As(V)] and can be transformed by microbial redox processes in the natural environment. As(III) is much more toxic and mobile than As(V), hence microbial arsenic redox transformation has a major impact on arsenic toxicity and mobility which can greatly influence the human health. Our main purpose was to investigate the distribution and diversity of microbial arsenite-resistant species in three different arsenic-contaminated soils, and further study the As(III) resistance levels and related functional genes of these species.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 58 arsenite-resistant bacteria were identified from soils with three different arsenic-contaminated levels. Highly arsenite-resistant bacteria (MIC > 20 mM) were only isolated from the highly arsenic-contaminated site and belonged to <it>Acinetobacter</it>, <it>Agrobacterium</it>, <it>Arthrobacter</it>, <it>Comamonas</it>, <it>Rhodococcus</it>, <it>Stenotrophomonas </it>and <it>Pseudomonas</it>. Five arsenite-oxidizing bacteria that belonged to <it>Achromobacter</it>, <it>Agrobacterium </it>and <it>Pseudomonas </it>were identified and displayed a higher average arsenite resistance level than the non-arsenite oxidizers. 5 <it>aoxB </it>genes encoding arsenite oxidase and 51 arsenite transporter genes [18 <it>arsB</it>, 12 <it>ACR3</it>(<it>1</it>) and 21 <it>ACR3</it>(<it>2</it>)] were successfully amplified from these strains using PCR with degenerate primers. The <it>aoxB </it>genes were specific for the arsenite-oxidizing bacteria. Strains containing both an arsenite oxidase gene (<it>aoxB</it>) and an arsenite transporter gene (<it>ACR3 or arsB</it>) displayed a higher average arsenite resistance level than those possessing an arsenite transporter gene only. Horizontal transfer of <it>ACR3</it>(<it>2</it>) and <it>arsB </it>appeared to have occurred in strains that were primarily isolated from the highly arsenic-contaminated soil.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Soils with long-term arsenic contamination may result in the evolution of highly diverse arsenite-resistant bacteria and such diversity was probably caused in part by horizontal gene transfer events. Bacteria capable of both arsenite oxidation and arsenite efflux mechanisms had an elevated arsenite resistance level.</p

Hypergraphs with a quarter uniform Tur\'an density

The uniform Tur\'an density $\pi_{1}(F)$ of a $3$-uniform hypergraph $F$ is the supremum over all $d$ for which there is an $F$-free hypergraph with the property that every linearly sized subhypergraph with density at least $d$. Determining $\pi_{1}(F)$ for given hypergraphs $F$ was suggested by Erd\H{o}s and S\'os in 1980s. In particular, they raised the questions of determining $\pi_{1}(K_4^{(3)-})$ and $\pi_{1}(K_4^{(3)})$. The former question was solved recently in [Israel J. Math. 211 (2016), 349-366] and [J. Eur. Math. Soc. 20 (2018), 1139-1159], while the latter is still a major open problem. In addition to $K_4^{(3)-}$, there are very few hypergraphs whose uniform Tur\'an density has been determined. In this paper, we give a sufficient condition for $3$-uniform hypergraphs $F$ satisfying $\pi_{1}(F)=1/4$. In particular, currently all known $3$-uniform hypergraphs whose uniform Tur\'an density is $1/4$, such as $K_4^{(3)-}$ and the $3$-uniform hypergraphs $F^{\star}_5$ studied in [arXiv:2211.12747], satisfy this condition. Moreover, we find some intriguing $3$-uniform hypergraphs whose uniform Tur\'an density is also $1/4$.Comment: 23 page

The linkages between stomatal physiological traits and rapid expansion of exotic mangrove species (Laguncularia racemosa) in new territories

The fast-growing exotic mangrove species (Laguncularia racemosa) has been widely introduced in new territories such as China to restore mangrove ecosystems. However, the invasiveness, as well as the mechanisms for the rapid expansion after the introduction are still not well studied. Here, we try to reveal possible micro-mechanisms for the fast expansion of L. racemosa, using the data on leaf stomata straits, gas-exchange parameters, stable isotope ratios, carbon-nitrogen allocation from L. racemosa and the adjacent native mangroves (Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Kandelia obovata) in Hainan Island, China. We found that the higher density but smaller size stoma of L. racemosa enhanced stomatal conductance and shorten the diffusion path of carbon dioxide, thereby increasing the photosynthetic rate. Moreover, the higher stomatal density of L. racemosa exerts a significant positive effect on transpiration, which thus accelerated the water transport and nutrient uptake to meet the advanced need for nutrients and water for fast-growing. The evidence from leaf δ13C and carbon-nitrogen allocation further proved that L. racemosa has a lower intrinsic water use efficiency but a higher rate of photosynthesis than native mangrove species. Our results suggest that stomatal morphological and physiological traits could strongly influence the growth of L. racemosa compared to the adjacent native mangroves, which provides a new perspective for the fast expansion of exotic mangrove species in China. These findings also suggest that L. racemosa has an invasive potential in native mangrove habitats, thereby the mangrove reforestation projects by introducing L. racemosa should be treated with caution

Mode-matching metasurfaces: coherent reconstruction and multiplexing of surface waves

Metasurfaces are promising two-dimensional metamaterials that are engineered to provide unique properties or functionalities absent in naturally occurring homogeneous surfaces. Here, we report a type of metasurface for tailored reconstruction of surface plasmon waves from light. The design is generic in a way that one can selectively generate different surface plasmon waves through simple variation of the wavelength or the polarization state of incident light. The ultra-thin metasurface demonstrated in this paper provides a versatile interface between the conventional free-space optics and a two-dimensional platform such as surface plasmonics.Comment: 7 figures, supplementary information at the end of the documen

PII: S0016-7037(01)00663-9

RESPONS

A novel low-temperature fabrication approach of composite phase change materials for high temperature thermal energy storage

Phase change materials (PCMs) are generally integrated into matrix materials to form shape-stabilized composite heat storage materials (HSMs) used for high temperature thermal energy storage applications. The conventional fabrication of composite HSMs is prevalently implemented at quite high temperatures, which is energy-intensive and narrows down the range of applicable PCMs because of thermal decomposition. Therefore, this paper establishes a novel fabrication approach to accomplish highly dense matrix to encapsulate PCMs at extremely low temperatures, based on the recently developed cold sintering process. The feasibility of the proposed approach was demonstrated by a case study of NaNO3/Ca(OH)2 composite HSMs. It was observed that the Ca(OH)2 matrix formed dense microstructure with obvious sintered boundaries and successfully encapsulated NaNO3 as PCM. The HSMs maintained stable macroscopic shape after hundreds of thermal cycles, and exhibited an energy storage efficiency of 59.48%, little leakage of PCM, and good thermal stability. Mechanical tests indicated that the HSMs possessed excellent mechanical properties when the sintering pressure is over 220 MPa. The discharging time of stored heat was presented through infrared thermography, and the heat storage capacity measured for the composite HSMs was over four times as high as those of typical solid storage materials of sensible heat, which demonstrated their excellent heat storage performances. The HSMs can be used in the form of packed bed or parallel channel with multi-layered heat storage, which is beneficial for efficiently utilizing solar heat and improving the performance of current energy storage system. This study therefore provides a novel route for energy-saving and low-carbon fabrication of shape-stabilized composite HSMs