Quantifying the partial ionization effect of gold in the transition region between condensed matter and warm dense matter.

It is now well known that solids under ultra-high-pressure shock compression will enter the warm dense matter (WDM) regime which connects condensed matter and hot plasma. How condensed matter turns into the WDM, however, remains largely unexplored due to the lack of data in the transition pressure range. In this letter, by employing the unique high-Z three-stage gas gun launcher technique developed recently, we compress gold into TPa shock pressure to fill the gap inaccessible by the two-stage gas gun and laser shock experiments. With the aid of high-precision Hugoniot data obtained experimentally, we observe a clear softening behavior beyond ~560 GPa. The state-of-the-art ab-initio molecular dynamics calculations reveal that the softening is caused by the ionization of 5d electrons in gold. This work quantifies the partial ionization effect of electrons under extreme conditions, which is critical to model the transition region between condensed matter and WDM.

A rare case of an unexpected trigger of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the right atrial appendage diverticulum.

INTRODUCTION: We described a rare case of an adolescent girl with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation originating from the right atrial appendage diverticulum and successfully converted to sinus rhythm after surgical intervention. METHODS: A 19-year-old girl was referred to the hospital for a catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. conventional radiofrequency ablation using 3-D mapping were ineffective. Activation mapping showed the root of the free wall atrial appendage was first excited and catheter modeling (3D Carto map) showed a sac-like structure. RESULTS: We did selective angiography and further Computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which showed diverticulum originating from the right atrial appendage. Hence the patient was referred to cardiac surgery and had no recurrent atrial fibrillation at three months postoperative follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Right atrial appendage diverticulum was an extremely rare malformation that can coexist with atrial tachyarrhythmia. Surgical ligation or excision of the abnormal structure with local ablation can achieve excellent results.

A redox homeostasis disruptor based on a biodegradable nanoplatform for ultrasound (US) imaging-guided high-performance ferroptosis therapy of tumors.

The synergistic disruption of intracellular redox homeostasis through the combination of ferroptosis/gas therapy shows promise in enhancing the antitumor efficacy. However, the development of an optimal delivery system encounters significant challenges, including effective storage, precise delivery, and controlled release of therapeutic gas. In this study, we propose the utilization of a redox homeostasis disruptor that is selectively activated by the tumor microenvironment (TME), in conjunction with our newly developed nanoplatforms (MC@HMOS@Au@RGD), for highly efficient ferroptosis therapy of tumors. The TME-triggered degradation of HMOS initiates the release of MC and AuNPs from the MC@HMOS@Au@RGD nanoplatform. The released MC subsequently reacts with endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and H+ to enable the on-demand release of CO gas, leading to mitochondrial damage. Simultaneously, the released AuNPs exhibit GOx-like activity, catalyzing glucose to generate gluconic acid and H2O2. This process not only promotes the decomposition of MnCO to enhance CO production but also enhances the Fenton-like reaction between Mn2+ and H2O2, generating ROS through the modulation of the H+ and H2O2-enriched TME. Moreover, the generation of CO bubbles enables the monitoring of the ferroptosis treatment process through ultrasound (US) imaging. The efficacy of our prepared MC@HMOS@Au@RGD disruptors in ferroptosis therapy is validated through both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

A strategy of disrupted redox homeostasis specifically initiated by the tumor microenvironment and our constructed MC@HMOS@Au@RGD nanoplatforms is proposed for ultrasound (US) imaging-guided potent ferroptosis therapy of tumors.

Ultrafast modulation of a high harmonic generation in a bulk ZnO single crystal.

Optical modulation of high harmonic generation (HHG) is of fundamental interest in science and technology, which can facilitate understanding of HHG generation mechanisms and expand the potential optoelectronic applications. However, the current established works have neither shown the advanced modulation performance nor provided a deep understanding of modulation mechanisms. In this work, taking wurtzite zinc oxide (ZnO) single crystal as a prototype, we have demonstrated an all-optical intensity modulation of high-order HHG with a response time of less than 0.2 ps and a depth of more than 95%, based on the pump-probe configuration with two different pumping wavelengths. Besides the achieved excellent modulation performance, we have also revealed that the modulation dynamics in ZnO single crystal highly depend on the excitation conditions. Specifically, the modulation dynamics with the near-bandgap or above-bandgap excitation are attributed to the non-equilibrium interband carrier relaxations, while for mid-gap excitation, the modulation dynamics are dominated by the nonlinear frequency mixing process. This work may enhance the current understanding of the HHG modulation mechanism and enlighten novel device designs.

Paliperidone Extended Release Versus Olanzapine in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: Paliperidone is an atypical antipsychotic as effective as other atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia. However, few studies have explored the efficacy of paliperidone for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of paliperidone extended release (ER) versus olanzapine in schizophrenia patients with either poor treatment response or intolerable adverse effects due to standardized antipsychotic therapy. METHODS: This 12-week randomized, double-blind, multicenter study compared the treatment efficacy on psychotic symptoms, cognitive functions, and tolerance between paliperidone ER (6-15 mg/d, n = 45) and olanzapine (10-30 mg/d, n = 41) in treatment-resistant or treatment-intolerant patients with schizophrenia. The severity of psychotic symptoms was evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Clinical Global Impression Severity of Illness Scale. The cognitive functions were assessed by the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery. In addition, the metabolic impacts were evaluated by weight gain and waist circumference. RESULTS: Patients with either paliperidone ER or olanzapine treatment showed apparent improvement in psychotic symptoms, without significant intergroup difference. Twelve-week paliperidone ER or olanzapine treatment did not improve the cognitive functions. Both paliperidone ER and olanzapine treatment caused significant increase in weight and waist circumference, and olanzapine had a greater impact on waist circumference than paliperidone ER. In addition, both drugs were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Paliperidone ER could be a safe alternative for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

A Diffused Mini-Sniffing Sensor for Monitoring SO2 Emissions Compliance of Navigating Ships.

The ship exhaust sniffing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system can be applied to monitor vessel emissions in emission control areas (ECAs) to improve the efficiency of maritime law enforcement and reduce ship pollution. To solve the problems of large size, heavy weight and high cost of ship exhaust sniffing sensors, in this paper, a unique diffused mini-sniffing sensor was designed, which provides a low-cost, lightweight, and highly adaptable solution for ship exhaust sniffing UAV. To verify the measurement accuracy of the system, a large number of on-site tests were performed based in the mouth of the Yangtze River, and some cases of violation of the fuel sulfur content (FSC) were verified and punished. Maritime law enforcement officers boarded the ship to take oil samples from eight suspected ships and sent them to the laboratory for testing. The results showed that the FSCs of the eight ships in chemical inspection were all greater than the regulatory limit 0.5% (m/m) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The system enables authorities to monitor emissions using rotary UAVs equipped with diffused mini-sniffing sensors to measure the FSC of navigating ships, which couple hardware and operational software with a dedicated lab service to produce highly reliable measurement results. The system offers an effective tool for screening vessel compliance.

Assembled Exciton Dynamics in Porphyrin Metal-Organic Framework Nanofilms.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a novel strategy to precisely control the alignment of molecules to enhance exciton diffusion for high-performance organic semiconductors. In this paper, we characterize exciton dynamics in highly ordered and crystalline porphyrin MOF nanofilms by time-resolved photoluminescence and femtosecond-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. Results suggest that porphyrin MOF nanofilms could be a promising candidate for high-performance organic photovoltaic semiconductors in which the diffusion coefficient and diffusion length of excitons are 9.0 × 10-2 cm2 s-1 and 16.6 nm, respectively, comparable with or even beyond that of other excellent organic semiconductors. Moreover, by monitoring real-time exciton dynamics it is revealed that excitons in MOF nanofilms undergo high-efficient intermolecular hopping and multiexciton annihilation due to the short intermolecular distance and aligned molecular orientation in MOF structure, thus providing new insights into the underlying physics of exciton dynamics and many-body interaction in molecular assembled systems.

Comprehensive Pore Tuning in an Ultrastable Fluorinated Anion Cross-Linked Cage-Like MOF for Simultaneous Benchmark Propyne Recovery and Propylene Purification.

Propyne/propylene (C3 H4 /C3 H6 ) separation is an important but challenging industrial process to produce polymer-grade C3 H6 and recover high-purity C3 H4 . Herein, we report an ultrastable TiF6 2- anion cross-linked metal-organic framework (ZNU-2) with precisely controlled pore size, shape and functionality for benchmark C3 H4 storage (3.9/7.7 mmol g-1 at 0.01/1.0 bar and 298 K) and record high C3 H4 /C3 H6 (10/90) separation potential (31.0 mol kg-1 ). The remarkable C3 H4 /C3 H6 (1/99, 10/90, 50/50) separation performance was fully demonstrated by simulated and experimental breakthroughs under various conditions with excellent recyclability and high productivity (42 mol kg-1 ) of polymer-grade C3 H6 from a 1/99 C3 H4 /C3 H6 mixture. A modelling study revealed that the symmetrical spatial distribution of six TiF6 2- on the icosahedral cage surface provides two distinct binding sites for C3 H4 adsorption: one serves as a tailored single C3 H4 molecule trap and the other boosts C3 H4 accommodation by cooperative host-guest and guest-guest interactions.

Verification of using virtual reality to evaluate deficiencies in cognitive function among patients with schizophrenia in the remission stage: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is associated with widespread cognitive impairment. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is most frequently used to assess cognitive function. However, the MCCB test is time consuming for the clinician. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an adjunctive tool to overcome this limitation and provides a new means to assess cognitive function. METHODS: The present study examined the validity and safety of using VR technology to assess cognitive function in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia (SZs). The VR cognition training system (VRCTS) was used to simulate real-life supermarkets and assess cognitive function. Thirty-two SZs and 25 healthy controls (HCs) underwent VRCTS and MCCB assessments. An auxiliary diagnosis model was created based on the outcomes of the VRCTS to classify SZs and HCs by cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Significant differences in completion time between the SZs and HCs were detected using the VRCTS. SZs spent more time completing tasks than HCs. The outcome of VRCTS significantly correlated with the MCCB. The auxiliary diagnosis model had a sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 88.89%. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of VR technology in the assessment of cognitive impairment in Han Chinese schizophrenia patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiVTR1800016121. Registered 13 May 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=27233.

Interpenetration Symmetry Control Within Ultramicroporous Robust Boron Cluster Hybrid MOFs for Benchmark Purification of Acetylene from Carbon Dioxide.

The separation of C2 H2 /CO2 is an important process in industry but challenged by the trade-off of capacity and selectivity owning to their similar physical properties and identical kinetic molecular size. We report the first example of symmetrically interpenetrated dodecaborate pillared MOF, ZNU-1, for benchmark selective separation of C2 H2 from CO2 with a high C2 H2 capacity of 76.3 cm3 g-1 and record C2 H2 /CO2 selectivity of 56.6 (298 K, 1 bar) among all the robust porous materials without open metal sites. Single crystal structure analysis and modeling indicated that the interpenetration shifting from asymmetric to symmetric mode provided optimal pore chemistry with ideal synergistic "2+2" dihydrogen bonding sites for tight C2 H2 trapping. The exceptional separation performance was further evidenced by simulated and experimental breakthroughs with excellent recyclability and high productivity (2.4 mol kg-1 ) of 99.5 % purity C2 H2 during stepped desorption process.

Optimizing Pore Space for Flexible-Robust Metal-Organic Framework to Boost Trace Acetylene Removal.

Isoreticular principle has been employed to realize a flexible-robust metal-organic framework (MOF) with extended pore structure for the adsorptive removal of trace acetylene from ethylene under ambient conditions. The substitution from zinc(II) to copper(II) of high coordination distortion leads to elongated Cu-F bonds that expand the closed pore cavities in the prototypical MOF from 3.5 × 3.9 × 4.1 to 3.6 × 4.3 × 4.2 Å3. The optimal cavity size together with strong binding sites thus endows the new Cu analogue to possess open pore space accessible for trace C2H2 within a substantial low-pressure range while excluding C2H4 molecules, as validated by gas isotherms and single-crystal structure of its partially C2H2-loading phase. In contrast to the Zn prototype, at 298 K and 1.0 bar, the guest-free Cu analogue shows significant C2H2 uptake increase with a total capacity of 4.57 mmol g-1, and gains an over two orders of magnitude jump in IAST selectivity for C2H2/C2H4 (1/99, v/v). These results are higher than the benchmark MOFs for molecular sieving of C2H2/C2H4, leading a high C2H4 productivity of 14.9 mmol g-1. Crystallography studies, molecular modeling, selectivity evaluation, and breakthrough experiments have comprehensively demonstrated this flexible-robust MOF as an efficient adsorbent for C2H2/C2H4 separation.

Giant and Multistage Nonlinear Optical Response in Porphyrin-Based Surface-Supported Metal-Organic Framework Nanofilms.

Benefitting from the strong intrinsic nonlinear optical (NLO) property of the individual porphyrin molecule, the integration of porphyrin molecules into tightly aligned arrays may lead to intuitively promising high-performance materials of tailorable NLO effect. In order to verify this speculation, we prepare crystalline and highly oriented porphyrin-based surface-supported metal-organic framework nanofilms (SURMOFs) and then characterize their NLO performance. Results reveal that porphyrin-based SURMOFs exhibit the highest saturable absorption (SA) yet recorded with a third-order NLO absorption coefficient up to -10-3 cm/W, about 7 orders stronger than porphyrin solvents in which the porphyrin molecules are disordered, under a certain excitation strength. Further increasing the excitation strength shows that the NLO absorption property of the porphyrin-based SURMOFs can be effectively modulated from SA to reverse saturable absorption, followed by a reemerging SA. The multiple-stage NLO switching is assigned to the interplay of simultaneous one-photon SA, two-photon absorption, and two-photon SA effects. The superior and modulatable NLO property as well as the designable and ordered crystalline structure suggest that porphyrin-based SURMOFs might be employed as a new class of high-performance NLO materials with potential applications in novel optical switches or logic gates to realize the all-optical information process.

Rational Design of Microporous MOFs with Anionic Boron Cluster Functionality and Cooperative Dihydrogen Binding Sites for Highly Selective Capture of Acetylene.

Separation of acetylene (C2 H2 ) from carbon dioxide (CO2 ) or ethylene (C2 H4 ) is important in industry but limited by the low capacity and selectivity owing to their similar molecular sizes and physical properties. Herein, we report two novel dodecaborate-hybrid metal-organic frameworks, MB12 H12 (dpb)2 (termed as BSF-3 and BSF-3-Co for M=Cu and Co), for highly selective capture of C2 H2 . The high C2 H2 capacity and remarkable C2 H2 /CO2 selectivity resulted from the unique anionic boron cluster functionality as well as the suitable pore size with cooperative proton-hydride dihydrogen bonding sites (B-Hδ- ⋅⋅⋅Hδ+ -C≡C-Hδ+ ⋅⋅⋅Hδ- -B). This new type of C2 H2 -specific functional sites represents a fresh paradigm distinct from those in previous leading materials based on open metal sites, strong electrostatics, or hydrogen bonding.

Rippling ultrafast dynamics of suspended 2D monolayers, graphene.

Here, using ultrafast electron crystallography (UEC), we report the observation of rippling dynamics in suspended monolayer graphene, the prototypical and most-studied 2D material. The high scattering cross-section for electron/matter interaction, the atomic-scale spatial resolution, and the ultrafast temporal resolution of UEC represent the key elements that make this technique a unique tool for the dynamic investigation of 2D materials, and nanostructures in general. We find that, at early time after the ultrafast optical excitation, graphene undergoes a lattice expansion on a time scale of 5 ps, which is due to the excitation of short-wavelength in-plane acoustic phonon modes that stretch the graphene plane. On a longer time scale, a slower thermal contraction with a time constant of 50 ps is observed and associated with the excitation of out-of-plane phonon modes, which drive the lattice toward thermal equilibrium with the well-known negative thermal expansion coefficient of graphene. From our results and first-principles lattice dynamics and out-of-equilibrium relaxation calculations, we quantitatively elucidate the deformation dynamics of the graphene unit cell.

Altered fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation associated with cognitive dysfunction in first-episode drug-naïve major depressive disorder patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that abnormities of both resting-state brain activity and cognitive dysfunction are frequently observed in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the underlying relationship between these two aspects is less investigated. In this context, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between cognitive dysfunction and altered resting-state brain function in first-episode drug-naïve MDD patients. METHODS: Twenty-five drug-naïve MDD patients and twenty-six age-, sex-, and education-matched normal controls were recruited in this study. Cognitive function was evaluated by using a series of validated test procedures. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained on a Philips 3.0 Tesla scanner and analysed using the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method. Correlations of fALFF values with cognitive dysfunction were further analysed. RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls, MDD patients showed significantly fewer completed categories in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and decreased scores in the first and second subtests of the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). However, the two groups did not differ in their performance on the Stroop Colour Word Test and Trail-making Test. MDD patients exhibited significantly decreased fALFF values in the left superior frontal gyrus (SFG), left middle frontal gyrus, and left inferior frontal gyrus, as well as increased fALFF values in the left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), bilateral parahippocampal gyrus, and the right caudate. Finally, the correlation analyses revealed that fALFF values in the left SFG and left ITG were associated with the number of WSCT completed categories and scores on the second subtest of the CPT in MDD, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that there is little evidence of an association between regional abnormalities in resting-state brain function and cognitive deficits in MDD.

Relationship between negative symptoms and neurocognitive functions in adolescent and adult patients with first-episode schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore differences in links between negative symptoms and neurocognitive deficits in adolescent and adult patients with first-episode schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental disorder often characterized by positive and negative symptoms, reduced emotional expression, excitatory status, and poor cognitive ability. The severity of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia was reported to be more related to poor quality of life, weak functional ability, and heavy burden from families than with the severity of positive symptoms. Previous studies suggested correlations between the severity of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and neurocognitive deficits. METHODS: This study included 92 patients (33 adolescents and 59 adults) with first-episode schizophrenia and 57 healthy people matched by age and education level. Neurocognitive functions and clinical symptoms were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with first-episode schizophrenia showed neurocognitive deficits in most neuropsychological assessments compared with healthy people. With the variable of education level controlled, the negative factor score of adolescent patients with first-episode schizophrenia was strongly correlated with more time spent in part 1 (r = .646) and part 2 (r = .663) of the trail making test, and moderately correlated to more perseverative errors (r = .425) of the Wisconsin card sorting test and fewer correct trials 2 (r = -.425) of the continuous performance test. However, no such correlations were found in adult patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated significant correlations between negative symptoms and most neurocognitive functions in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, with a stronger correlation in adolescent patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial registration number is ChiCTR-COC-14005302 , while retrospectively registered on January 5, 2014.

Affective reactions differ between Chinese and American healthy young adults: a cross-cultural study using the international affective picture system.

BACKGROUND: Several cross-cultural studies have suggested that emotions are influenced by the cultural background. Emotional reactions to International Affective Picture System (IAPS) images were compared between Chinese and American young adults. METHODS: 120 Chinese undergraduates (53 females, 67 males; aged 18-25 years) were enrolled at Zhejiang University, China, and the valence and arousal components of their emotional responses to IAPS images were rated using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) system. Then, valence and arousal scores were compared to those of 100 American undergraduates (50 females, 50 males) of the same age group, enrolled at Florida University and surveyed by Prof. PJ Lang in 2001. RESULTS: Valence scores assigned to 259/816 (31.74%) pictures differed significantly between Chinese and American female participants, while those assigned to 165/816 (20.22%) pictures differed significantly between Chinese and American males (P < 6 × 10(-5)). Of the 816 pictures, the arousal scores assigned to 101/816 (12.38%) pictures differed significantly between Chinese and American female participants; these scores significantly differed in 130/816 (15.93%) pictures between Chinese and American males (P < 6 × 10(-5)). Valence scores for pictures in the Erotic category differed significantly between Chinese and American females (P < 6 × 10(-5)). There were no significant differences in valence scores for the remaining eight categories studied between participants from the two countries, whether female or male. CONCLUSIONS: The IAPS norms require a modification for their appropriate application in Asian cultures.

Diffraction of quantum dots reveals nanoscale ultrafast energy localization.

Unlike in bulk materials, energy transport in low-dimensional and nanoscale systems may be governed by a coherent "ballistic" behavior of lattice vibrations, the phonons. If dominant, such behavior would determine the mechanism for transport and relaxation in various energy-conversion applications. In order to study this coherent limit, both the spatial and temporal resolutions must be sufficient for the length-time scales involved. Here, we report observation of the lattice dynamics in nanoscale quantum dots of gallium arsenide using ultrafast electron diffraction. By varying the dot size from h = 11 to 46 nm, the length scale effect was examined, together with the temporal change. When the dot size is smaller than the inelastic phonon mean-free path, the energy remains localized in high-energy acoustic modes that travel coherently within the dot. As the dot size increases, an energy dissipation toward low-energy phonons takes place, and the transport becomes diffusive. Because ultrafast diffraction provides the atomic-scale resolution and a sufficiently high time resolution, other nanostructured materials can be studied similarly to elucidate the nature of dynamical energy localization.

Differing default mode network activities in men with homosexual or heterosexual preferences.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroimaging studies have reported differences in brain structure and function between homosexual and heterosexual men. The neural basis for homosexual orientation, however, is still unknown. AIM: This study characterized the association of homosexual preference with measures of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) in the resting state. METHODS: We collected echo planar magnetic resonance imaging data in 26 healthy homosexual men and 26 age-matched heterosexual men in the resting state. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Sexual orientation was evaluated using the Kinsey scale. We assessed group differences in fALFF and then, taking the identified group differences as seed regions, we compared groups on measures of FC from those seeds. The behavioral significance of the group differences in fALFF and FC was assessed by examining their associations with the Kinsey scores. RESULTS: Compared with heterosexual participants, homosexual men showed significantly increased fALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus and right anterior cerebellum, and decreased fALFF in the left postcentral gyrus, left lingual gyrus, right pallidum, right postcentral gyrus, left interior parietal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, left cuneus, and left inferior frontal gyrus. Additionally, fALFF in the left postcentral gyrus and left cuneus correlated positively with Kinsey scores in the homosexual participants. When the seeds in the left cuneus, left cuneus, and left superior parietal gyrus also had reduced FC in homosexual participants, FC correlated positively with the Kinsey scores. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in fALFF and FC suggest male sexual preference may influence the pattern activity in the default mode network.

Study on the Effect of Polymer-Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles on Viscosity Reduction of Heavy Oil Emulsion.

To overcome the problems of large dosage, fast sedimentation, and the unsatisfactory emulsification effect of traditional magnetic nanoparticles, polymer-modified magnetic nanoparticle Co3O4@HPAM was synthesized as an emulsifier for heavy oil O/W emulsion by modifying the surface of Co3O4. The composition of Co3O4@HPAM was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Then, the effects of the mass fraction of magnetic nanoparticles before and after modification on the stability and rheology of the emulsion were compared and analyzed. The experiments show that the degree of reduction of the water-separation rate under the action of Co3O4@HPAM was 13 times higher than that under the action of Co3O4 at the same mass fraction. By using Co3O4@HPAM, the water separation of the emulsion was only 6.74% at 4 h, while the viscosity reduction was greater than 97% at a mass fraction of 0.04%. Finally, combined with the test results of zeta potential, interfacial tension, contact angle, and oil droplet distribution, the effect mechanism of Co3O4@HPAM on the viscosity reduction of heavy oil emulsification was investigated. It is found that the polymer-modified magnetic nanoparticles have stronger negative electricity, a larger contact angle, and smaller interfacial tension, while the oil droplets under their action have a smaller radius and a more homogeneous distribution. The research in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the application of magnetic nanoparticles in heavy oil emulsification and viscosity reduction technology.