Fast generation of arbitrary optical focus array

We report a novel method to generate arbitrary optical focus arrays (OFAs). Our approach rapidly produces computer-generated holograms (CGHs) to precisely control the positions and the intensities of the foci. This is achieved by replacing the fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation in the conventional iterative Fourier-transform algorithm (IFTA) with a linear algebra one, identifying/removing zero elements from the matrices, and employing a generalized weighting strategy. On the premise of accelerating the calculation speed by >70 times, we demonstrate OFA with 99% intensity precision in the experiment. Our method proves effective and is applicable for the systems in which real-time OFA generation is essential

Paeonol enhances macrophage phagocytic function by modulating lipid metabolism through the P53-TREM2 axis

Introduction: The emerging concept of immunometabolism highlights the interplay between lipid metabolism and phagocytosis in macrophages. Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (TREM2) has been identified as an essential modulator of both lipid metabolism and phagocytic function in macrophages. This study aims to investigate the roles of P53 and TREM2 in regulating macrophage lipid metabolism and phagocytosis and to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of paeonol on these processes.Methods: CRISPR-Cas9 was utilized to generate P53 and TREM2 knockout RAW264.7 cell lines. The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to assess the interaction between P53 and the TREM2 promoter. A series of functional assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of P53 and TREM2 on macrophage lipid metabolism and phagocytic function. The effects of Paeonol on these processes were also examined.Results: Our findings revealed that paeonol induces the accumulation of P53 in the nucleus. P53 acts as a transcription factor that upregulates the expression of TREM2, promoting macrophage lipid metabolism, metabolic activity, and phagocytic capacity. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed the interaction between P53 and the TREM2 promoter.Discussion: This study provides novel insights into the roles of P53 and TREM2 in regulating macrophage lipid metabolism and phagocytic function. Further research is warranted to explore the potential applications of Paeonol and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects

Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System for Covered Linkways

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a current trend worldwide, offering many environmental benefits. With the flagship SolarNova Programme in Singapore, solar PV has gained its momentum. However, it remains important to explore new avenues to introduce solar PV in the urban settings. The housing development board (HDB) green towns promote sustainable living. Therefore, introducing solar PV is essential. This research study aims to propose and conduct an economic evaluation on solar PV for the HDB’s covered linkways. HDB covered linkways connect buildings within the green towns. Hence, installing solar PV systems in covered linkways facilitates to self-produce required energy and export extra electricity to the grid. This research study used PVWatts calculator to calculate the power generation. A thin film solar PV is used for the study with fixed array type and azimuth is 180°. Four solar PV systems, namely (1) 4 kW, (2) 5 kW, (3)10 kW, and (4) 20 kW, were evaluated in this research study. The initial cost ranges from S$7000 to S$38,000 for the four types. For 4 kW and 5 kW systems, the payback period is 6.22 years. The highest payback period is for a 20-kW system, which is 7.4 years. The 10-kW system generates a significant portion of the electricity requirements, and the payback period is 6.04 years. This research contributes to the solar PV domain by proposing a novel grid-connected solar PV system for covered linkways while identifying the most cost-effective solution

An easy direct arylation of 5-pyrazolones

A mild, efficient and catalytic ligand-free method for the direct arylation of 5-pyrazolones by Pd-catalyzed C–H bond activation is reported. The process smoothly proceeds and yields are moderate to excellent

Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System for Covered Linkways

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a current trend worldwide, offering many environmental benefits. With the flagship SolarNova Programme in Singapore, solar PV has gained its momentum. However, it remains important to explore new avenues to introduce solar PV in the urban settings. The housing development board (HDB) green towns promote sustainable living. Therefore, introducing solar PV is essential. This research study aims to propose and conduct an economic evaluation on solar PV for the HDB’s covered linkways. HDB covered linkways connect buildings within the green towns. Hence, installing solar PV systems in covered linkways facilitates to self-produce required energy and export extra electricity to the grid. This research study used PVWatts calculator to calculate the power generation. A thin film solar PV is used for the study with fixed array type and azimuth is 180°. Four solar PV systems, namely (1) 4 kW, (2) 5 kW, (3)10 kW, and (4) 20 kW, were evaluated in this research study. The initial cost ranges from S$7000 to S$38,000 for the four types. For 4 kW and 5 kW systems, the payback period is 6.22 years. The highest payback period is for a 20-kW system, which is 7.4 years. The 10-kW system generates a significant portion of the electricity requirements, and the payback period is 6.04 years. This research contributes to the solar PV domain by proposing a novel grid-connected solar PV system for covered linkways while identifying the most cost-effective solution

Nondestructive Measurement of Emissivity of Damaged Parts of Coatings

Low Infrared emissivity coating (LIREC) is prone to generating some problems such as bulges, degumming, and abrasion. In order to study whether the performance of LIREC under different damages can meet the work needs, it is essential to timely measure and evaluate the performance state of LIREC in the application process. The existing methods for measuring the damage of LIREC have some disadvantages such as expensive equipment, complex operation, and inaccurate measurement results. In this paper, a measurement method of LIREC damage capability based on thermal imager is proposed. The radiation temperature is measured by thermal imager, the real temperature and ambient temperature of coating surface are measured by thermocouple, and the emittance of coating surface is calculated. Non-contact and continuous large-area emissivity measurements are carried out on the damaged parts of the coating and verified by experiments. The measurement results show that the different damage types and damage degrees directly affect the measurement results of LIREC. Wear damage increases the emissivity of the coating while debonding damage basically does not change the coating emissivity. Shedding damage of small diameter forms voids, which causes the increase of the damage parts of emittance. In addition, bulge damage impedes temperature transfer and reduces emissivity. This method can timely and accurately measure and evaluate the performance state of LIREC and can provide a new idea for the accurate measurement of damage emissivity of LIREC

One-Step Co-Electrodeposition of Copper Nanoparticles-Chitosan Film-Carbon Nanoparticles-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite for Electroanalysis of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Salicylic Acid

A sensitive simultaneous electroanalysis of phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and salicylic acid (SA) based on a novel copper nanoparticles-chitosan film-carbon nanoparticles-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CuNPs-CSF-CNPs-MWCNTs) composite was reported. CNPs were prepared by hydrothermal reaction of chitosan. Then the CuNPs-CSF-CNPs-MWCNTs composite was facilely prepared by one-step co-electrodeposition of CuNPs and CNPs fixed chitosan residues on modified electrode. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to characterize the properties of the composite. Under optimal conditions, the composite modified electrode had a good linear relationship with IAA in the range of 0.01–50 μM, and a good linear relationship with SA in the range of 4–30 μM. The detection limits were 0.0086 μM and 0.7 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the sensor could also be used for the simultaneous detection of IAA and SA in real leaf samples with satisfactory recovery

Simultaneous Electrochemical Sensing of Indole-3-Acetic Acid and Salicylic Acid on Poly(L-Proline) Nanoparticles–Carbon Dots–Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite-Modified Electrode

Sensitive simultaneous electrochemical sensing of phytohormones indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid based on a novel poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles–carbon dots composite consisting of multiwalled carbon nanotubes was reported in this study. The poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles–carbon dots composite was facilely prepared by the hydrothermal method, and L-Proline was used as a monomer and carbon source for the preparation of poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles and carbon dots, respectively. Then, the poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles–carbon dots–multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite was prepared by ultrasonic mixing of poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles–carbon dots composite dispersion and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry were used to characterize the properties of the composite. poly(L-Proline) nanoparticles were found to significantly enhance the conductivity and sensing performance of the composite. Under optimal conditions, the composite-modified electrode exhibited a wide linear range from 0.05 to 25 μM for indole-3-acetic acid and from 0.2 to 60 μM for salicylic acid with detection limits of 0.007 μM and 0.1 μM (S/N = 3), respectively. In addition, the proposed sensor was also applied to simultaneously test indole-3-acetic acid and salicylic acid in real leaf samples with satisfactory recovery