Changes in the Near-surface Shear Layer of the Sun

We use helioseismic data obtained over two solar cycles to determine whether there are changes in the near-surface shear layer (NSSL). We examine this by determining the radial gradient of the solar rotation rate. The radial gradient itself shows a solar-cycle dependence, and the changes are more pronounced in the active latitudes than at adjoining higher latitudes; results at the highest latitudes (≳70°) are unreliable. The pattern changes with depth, even within the NSSL. We find that the near-surface shear layer is deeper at lower latitudes than at high latitudes and that the extent of the layer also shows a small solar-cycle-related change.

Comparison of dynamical features between the fast H-L and the H-I-L transition for EAST RF-heated plasmas

In this paper, a comparison of dynamical features between the fast H-L and the H-I-L transition, which can be identified by the intermediate phase, or ‘I-phase’, has been made for radio-frequency (RF) heated deuterium plasmas in EAST. The fast H-L transition is characterized by a rapid release of stored energy during the transition transient, while the H-I-L transition exhibits a ‘soft’ H-mode termination. One important distinction between the transitions has been observed by dedicated probe measurements slightly inside the separatrix, with respect to the radial gradient of the floating potential, which corresponds to the E×B flow and/or the electron temperature gradient. The potential gradient inside the separatrix oscillates and persists during the stationary I-phase, and shows a larger amplitude than that before the fast H-L transition. The reduction of the gradient leads to the final transition to the L-mode for both the fast H-L and the H-I-L transition. These findings indicate that the mean E×B flow shear and/or edge electron temperature gradient play a critical role underlying the H-L transition physics. In addition, the back transition in EAST is found to be sensitive to magnetic configuration, where the vertical configuration, i.e., inner strike-point located at vertical target, favours access to the H-I-L transition, while the horizontal shape facilitates achievement of the fast H-L transition. The divertor recycling level normalized to electron density is higher before the fast H-L transition, as compared to that before the I-phase, which strongly suggest that the density of the recycled neutrals is an important ingredient in determining the back transition behaviour.

Hybrid simulations of beta-induced Alfvén eigenmode with reversed safety factor profile

Based on the experimental parameters in HL-2A tokamak, hybrid simulations have been carried out to investigate the linear stability and nonlinear dynamics of BAE. It is found that the (m/n=3/2) beta-incuced Alfvén eigenmode (BAE) is excited by co-passing energetic ions with qmin=1.5 in linear simulation, and the mode frequency is consistent with experimental meuasurement. The simulation results show that the energetic ions βh, the injection velocity v0 and orbit width parameter ρh of energetic ions are important parameters determining the drive of BAE. Furthermore, the effect of qmin (with fixed shape of q profile) is studied, and it is found that: when qmin ≤ 1.50, the excited modes are BAEs, which are located near q=1.50 rational surfaces; when qmin > 1.50, the excited modes are simillar to the reversed-shear Alfvén eigenmodes (RSAEs), which are mainly localized around q=qmin surfaces. Nonlinear simulation results show that the nonlinear dynamics of BAE is sensitive to the EP drive. For strongly driven case, firstly, redistribution and transport of engetic ions are trigged by (m/n=3/2) BAE, which raised the radial gradient of energetic ions distribution function near q=2 rational surface, and then an EPM (m/n=4/2) is driven in nonlinear phase. Finally, these two instabilities triggered significant redistribution of energetic ions, which results in the twice-repeated and mostly-downward frequency chirping of (m/n=3/2) BAE. For weakly driven case, there are no (m/n=4/2) EPM being driven and twice-repeated chirping in nonlinear phase, since the radial gradient near q=2 rational surface is small and almost unchanged.

Fractal Design Boosts Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of Bone-Mimicking Radial-Gradient Scaffolds

Although extrusion-based three-dimensional (EB-3D) printing technique has been widely used in the complex fabrication of bone tissue-engineered scaffolds, a natural bone-like radial-gradient scaffold by this processing method is of huge challenge and still unmet. Inspired by a typical fractal structure of Koch snowflake, for the first time, a fractal-like porous scaffold with a controllable hierarchical gradient in the radial direction is presented via fractal design and then implemented by EB-3D printing. This radial-gradient structure successfully mimics the radially gradual decrease in porosity of natural bone from cancellous bone to cortical bone. First, we create a design-to-fabrication workflow with embedding the graded data on basis of fractal design into digital processing to instruct the extrusion process of fractal-like scaffolds. Further, by a combination of suitable extruded inks, a series of bone-mimicking scaffolds with a 3-iteration fractal-like structure are fabricated to demonstrate their superiority, including radial porosity, mechanical property, and permeability. This study showcases a robust strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional EB-3D printers for the design and fabrication of functionally graded scaffolds, showing great potential in bone tissue engineering.

Fabrication and Characterization of New Functional Graded Material Based on Ti, Ta, and Zr by Powder Metallurgy Method

In view of the aging population and various diseases worldwide, the demand for implants has been rapidly increasing. Despite the efforts of doctors, engineers, and medical companies, the fabrication of and procedures associated with implants have not yet been perfected. Therefore, a high percentage of premature implantations has been observed. The main problem with metal implants is the mechanical mismatch between human bone and the implant material. Zirconium/titanium-based materials with graded porosity and composition were prepared by powder metallurgy. The whole samples are comprised of three zones, with a radial gradient in the phase composition, microstructure, and pore structure. The samples were prepared by a three-step powder metallurgy method. The microstructure and properties were observed to change gradually with the distance from the center of the sample. The x-ray diffraction analysis and microstructure observation confirmed the formation of diffusive connections between the particular areas. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the obtained materials were checked, with respect to the distance from the center of the sample. An analysis of the corrosion properties of the obtained materials was also carried out.

Direct Evidence for a Radial Gradient in Age of the Apple Fruit Cuticle

The pattern of cuticle deposition plays an important role in managing strain buildup in fruit cuticles. Cuticular strain is the primary trigger for numerous fruit-surface disorders in many fruit crop species. Recent evidence indicates a strain gradient may exist within the apple fruit cuticle. The outer layers of the cuticle are more strained and thus more susceptible to microcracking than the inner layers. A radial gradient in cuticle age is the most likely explanation. Our study aimed to establish whether (or not) deposition of new cutin in a developing apple fruit occurs on the inner surface of the cuticle, i.e., immediately abutting the outward-facing epidermal cell wall. Developing apples were fed with 13C oleic acid through the skin. Following a 14-d period for incorporation, the fruit was harvested and the cuticular membranes (CMs) isolated enzymatically. The CMs were then ablated to varying extents from the inner or the outer surfaces, using a cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAPP). Afterwards, the ablated CMs were dewaxed and the 13C contents were determined by mass spectrometry. The incorporation of 13C in the cutin fraction was higher than in the wax fraction. The 13C content was highest in non-ablated, dewaxed CM (DCM) and decreased as ablation depth from the inner surface increased. There was no change in 13C content when ablation was carried out from the outer surface. As fruit development proceeded, more 13C label was found towards the middle of the DCM. These results offered direct evidence for deposition of cutin being on the inner surface of the cuticle, resulting in a radial gradient in cuticular age—the most recent deposition (youngest) being on the inner cuticle surface (abutting the epidermal cell wall) and the earliest deposition (oldest) being on the outer surface (abutting the atmosphere).

Investigation of Mechanical and Biological Properties of FDM 3D-Printed PLA Scaffolds With Radial Gradient Porosity for Tissue Engineering

Scaffolds with gradient porosity have become very promising candidates for tissue engineering and bone implants because of the combination of better mechanical and biological requirements. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to design bone scaffolds with gradient porosity similar to the structure of cortical and spongy (cancellous) bones. The radial gradient PLA scaffolds were designed to consist of three different regions with the gyroid infill and, fabricated by Fused deposition modeling (FDM). The biological and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated in vitro. Dense scaffold (G100) had improved mechanical properties but showed decreased bone ingrowth properties. In addition, porous scaffolds provided enhanced biological properties but decreased in mechanical strength (G40-G20). The scaffolds with radial gradient porosity (G100-40-20) gave highest cell proliferation. Because, mean pore size is an important aspect of scaffolds for mimicking bone.