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Plasmopara viticola (Berk.et Curtis) Berl. Et de Toni is the pathogen that causes grape downy mildew, which is an airborne disease that severely affects grape yield and causes huge economic losses. The usage of effective control methods can reduce the damage to plants induced by grape downy mildew. Biocontrol has been widely used to control plant diseases due to its advantages of environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, to date, only a few comprehensive reviews on the biocontrol of grape downy mildew have been reported. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics of P. viticola and its infection cycle, followed by a detailed overview of current biocontrol agents, including bacteria and fungi that could be used to control grape downy mildew, and their control effects. Furthermore, potential control mechanisms of biocontrol agents against grape downy mildew are discussed. Lastly, suggestions for future research on the biocontrol of grape downy mildew are provided. This review provides the basis for the application of grape downy mildew biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliance on wasteful stoichiometric reagents to accomplish dehydration reactions such as esterification, amidation, and alcohol substitution is a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry. To address this problem, an electrochemical approach has been developed as a new conceptual platform for dehydration reactions. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, an electrochemical esterification protocol has been described that proceeds at room temperature, without acid or base additives, and without consuming stoichiometric reagents. This approach therefore overcomes key complications of esterification chemistry, and we envision that it will similarly enable improvements to a range of important, related transformations. 1 Introduction 2 An Electrochemical Design for Catalytic Dehydration 3 Electrochemical Esterification 4 Conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this current work, a sequential extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm is proposed to solve the quandary of regional accuracy disparity for time difference of arrival (TDOA) positioning in passive radar. The proposed approach entails merging the complete set of active radar observation data with the TDOA data of passive radar in a serial fashion, followed by the deployment of the EKF algorithm for the purpose of filtering. The simulation results show that the proposed data fusion method effectively solves the regional accuracy imbalance problem caused by the fuzzy area and no solution area of the TDOA positioning solution through the conflation of the precision merits of active and passive radar, and improves the overall target detection accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Cu-ZnO-ZrO2 (CCZ) catalysts were prepared by the solvothermal method with different solvothermal times (1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h). The physicochemical properties of these catalysts and the catalytic performance for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol were studied. The highest methanol yield was achieved when the solvothermal time was 6 h (CCZ-6). Furthermore, we found that the copper surface area (SCu) increases and then decreases with an increase in the solvothermal time and that there is a strong correlation between the methanol yield and the SCu. This research highlights the crucial influence of the solvothermal time on the structure and catalytic behavior of Cu-ZnO-ZrO2 catalysts, providing a valuable reference for the development of efficient catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metasurfaces have shown unparalleled controllability of electromagnetic (EM) waves. However, most of the metasurfaces need external spatial feeding sources, which renders practical implementation quite challenging. Here, a low‐profile programmable metasurface with 0.05λ0 thickness driven by guided waves is proposed to achieve dynamic control of both amplitude and phase simultaneously. The metasurface is fed by a guided wave traveling in a substrate‐integrated waveguide, avoiding external spatial sources and complex power divider networks. By manipulating the state of the p‐i‐n diodes embedded in each meta‐atom, the proposed metasurface enables 1‐bit amplitude switching between radiating and nonradiating states, as well as a 1‐bit phase switching between 0° and 180°. As a proof of concept, two advanced functionalities, namely, low sidelobe‐level beam scanning and Airy beam generation, are experimentally demonstrated with a single platform operating in the far‐ and near‐field respectively. Such complex‐amplitude, programmable, and low‐profile metasurfaces can overcome integration limitations of traditional metasurfaces, and open up new avenues for more accurate and advanced EM wave control within an unprecedented degree of freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: At the moment, in terms of both research and commercial products, smart shoe technology and applications seem not to attract the same magnitude of attention compared to smart garments and other smart wearables such as wrist watches and wrist bands. The purpose of this study is to fill this knowledge gap by discussing issues regarding smart shoe sensing technologies, smart shoe sensor placements, factors that affect sensor placements and finally the areas of smart shoe applications. Design/methodology/approach: Through a review of relevant literature, this study first and foremost attempts to explain what constitutes a smart shoe and subsequently discusses the current trends in smart shoe applications. Discussed in this study are relevant sensing technologies, sensor placement and areas of smart shoe applications. Findings: This study outlined 13 important areas of smart shoe applications. It also uncovered that majority of smart shoe functionality are physical activity tracking, health rehabilitation and ambulation assistance for the blind. Also highlighted in this review are some of the bottlenecks of smart shoe development. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review paper focused on smart shoe applications, and therefore serves as an apt reference for researchers within the field of smart footwear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North China regions have faced serious water–energy–carbon (WEC) conflicts for many years, which severely delay the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Figuring out the sectoral WEC nexus clearly is a significant way to promote regional WEC synergistic benefits. By combining the input–output model and the structural decomposition analysis model, this study investigates how various drivers influence the sectoral WEC nexus and intersectoral footprint in North China regions. The method involves classifying the driving factors into four parts: the water–energy relationship, the energy intensity, the production structure adjustments, and end-use demand. The main conclusions are drawn as follows: (1) Reducing energy intensity in North China brings both water-saving and carbon reduction benefits, while increasing energy intensity causes increasing water consumption and carbon emissions. (2) Production structure adjustments result in different impacts on water use, energy use, and carbon emissions, which makes Inner Mongolia depend on more energy and less water during its development process from 2012 to 2017. This proposed method investigated the quantitative footprint changes caused by demand changes in key downstream sectors, which provides a new insight to explore and meliorate the sectoral WEC nexus in regions with acute energy–economy–environment conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the quasilinear Schrödinger equation involving a general nonlinearity at critical growth. By using Jeanjean's monotonicity trick and the Pohozaev identity we get the existence results that generalize an earlier work [H. Liu and L. Zhao, Existence results for quasilinear Schrödinger equations with a general nonlinearity, Commun. Pure Appl. Anal., 19(6):3429–3444, 2020] about the subcritical case to the critical case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1-bit phase reconfigurable fixed-frequency beam steering leaky-wave antenna (FBSLWA) with wide-angle steering is proposed in this paper. By controlling two p–i–n diodes on the branches of the element, a stable 180° phase difference is realized. Moreover, the open stop-band effect at the broadside radiation is suppressed by reducing the reflection coefficients of the element. The proposed FBSLWA can achieve wide-angle steering within a frequency bandwidth of 10.4 GHz–11.8 GHz. As for the measured results, they show that the achievable beam steering ranges of the FBSLWA at 10.4 GHz, 11.0 GHz, and 11.8 GHz are −61° to +59°, −64° to +71°, and −62° to +58° respectively, with measured peak gains of 12.1 dBi, 13.9 dBi, and 11.7 dBi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial residue nitrogen can indicate soil quality and is crucial for soil nitrogen retention and supply. However, it is still unclear how the dynamic changes in soil microbial residue nitrogen affect crop nitrogen uptake in agricultural practice. Based on a long-term wheat-maize rotation experiment with different nitrogen application rates (150 kg N ha−1, 200 kg N ha−1, and 300 kg N ha−1), 15N-labeled nitrogen fertilizer was applied during the wheat season to track the dynamics of soil microbial residue nitrogen and its mediated fertilizer nitrogen. The results showed that nitrogen addition was beneficial to the accumulation of microbial residue nitrogen (mainly fungal microbial residue nitrogen). Its contribution rate to soil total nitrogen is 54.87–56.55%, and the fertilizer nitrogen allocated to it accounts for 27.10–47.50% of the remaining fertilizer nitrogen in the soil. Ultimately, 6.77–10.24% of the nitrogen fertilizer applied remained in the soil as microbial residue nitrogen. In addition, microbial residue nitrogen is mainly mineralized during the jointing and filling stages of wheat. In a word, the accumulation and mineralization of soil microbial residue nitrogen during the application of 200 kg N ha−1 better guaranteed the uptake of nitrogen by wheat, which provided a reliable basis for guiding farmland fertility improvement and nitrogen fertilizer reduction in the North China Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a new numerical model based on eigenfunction matching method and the method of images to investigate the influence of tank wall reflection on the hydrodynamic behaviors of a cylinder with moonpool, which is defined as an opening from the deck to the bottom of a floating structure or ship. The new numerical model is first validated by comparing its results to experimental data in the existing literature and WaveAnalysisMIT results and then is used to analyze the effects of different tank widths on the heave radiation and diffraction problems. When the tank is not too narrow, the results only show a significant difference from those in open water around the transverse sloshing frequencies of the tank, i.e., when the tank width is an integer times the wavelength. It is noticed that the reflection effects induce spikes of the amplitude of free-surface elevations at the center of the moonpool in the radiation problem but induce troughs in the diffraction problem. This is explained by estimating the phase of the waves in moonpool induced by the wall reflections. For the narrow tank that does not allow transverse sloshing in the given frequencies, the results deviate from those in open water in a width range of frequencies. The free-surface elevations outside the cylinder are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to provide updated evidence on the sex-based differences in the risk of mortality and functional outcomes in subjects with intracerebral haemorrhage. Methods: A systematic search of eligible studies was conducted using three large databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for observational studies that documented the comparative risk of mortality and functional outcomes based on the subjects’ sex. Only studies published in the year 2000 and onwards were included. Random-effects model was used to pool relevant data, and effect sizes were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The review included 32 studies. In most of the studies, female subjects had a higher mean age compared to males and had a higher rate of neurological deficits at admission. A higher proportion of males had cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of mortality at hospital discharge (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.06), 1-month (OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.81, 1.18), 3-month (OR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.33), and 12-month (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.19) follow-up was similar in both sexes. Compared to females, males had a lower risk of poor functional outcomes at 3-month (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.89) and 12-month (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.77, 0.98) follow-up. Conclusion: There is a similar risk of mortality but better functional outcomes in males with intracerebral haemorrhage compared to females. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously as there were significant sex-based differences in risk profiles at admission. Further studies that focus on careful and meticulous examination of sex-specific association with survival and functional outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of CuO-ZnO–ZrO2 (CZZ) catalysts were synthesized via a solvothermal method. The effects of four saturated monohydric alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol) as solvents on the physicochemical properties and catalytic performance for the direct synthesis of methanol from CO2 hydrogenation of the prepared catalysts were investigated. N2 physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy mapping, reactive N2O adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed reduction by H2 (H2-TPR), and temperature programmed desorption (H2-TPD, CO2-TPD) techniques were used to characterize the catalysts. The results indicate that the catalyst prepared with methanol as solvent (CZZ-M) has the smallest Cu crystallites and the largest metallic Cu surface area, thus exhibiting the highest methanol yield of 7.4% at 240 °C, 3.0 MPa, H2:CO2 of 3 (v/v), and GHSV of 2400 mL/(gcat·h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a modified potential flow model (MPFM) for a circular moonpool by quantifying the viscous damping. The flow-separation-induced damping coefficients of MPFM do not need to be tuned by the users as they are derived from the conduit problem studied by Idelchik, where the variation of such coefficients with geometry configurations is given based on experiments. To verify the MPFM, we conducted laboratory experiments in heave radiation (forced harmonic heave motion) and wave diffraction (fixed in regular wave) problems with a broad range of frequencies and compared the results with those of MPFM and a boundary element method without viscosity modeling (BEM). The MPFM achieves fairly good agreement with the experimental results, including those around the resonance frequency where BEM over-predicts. A simple time-domain model is developed to analyze the sources of the different harmonics in the free-surface elevation observed in the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Functional restoration of the bone-to-tendon interface (BTI) after rotator cuff repair is a challenge. Therefore, numerous biocompatible biomaterials for promoting BTI healing have been investigated. Purpose: To determine the efficacy of scaffolds with spatiotemporal delivery of growth factors (GFs) to accelerate BTI healing after rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: An advanced 3-dimensional printing technique was used to fabricate bioactive scaffolds with spatiotemporal delivery of multiple GFs targeting the tendon, fibrocartilage, and bone regions. In total, 50 rabbits were used: 2 nonoperated controls and 48 rabbits with induced chronic rotator cuff tears (RCTs). The animals with RCTs were divided into 3 groups: (A) saline injection, (B) scaffold without GF, and (C) scaffold with GF. To induce chronic models, RCTs were left unrepaired for 6 weeks; then, surgical repairs with or without bioactive scaffolds were performed. For groups B and C, each scaffold was implanted between the bony footprint and the supraspinatus tendon. Four weeks after repair, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to evaluate early signs of regenerative healing. Histological, biomechanical, and micro–computed tomography analyses were performed 12 weeks after repair. Results: Group C had the highest mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha 1, collagen type III alpha 1, and aggrecan. Immunofluorescence analysis showed the formation of an aggrecan+/collagen II+ fibrocartilaginous matrix at the BTI when repaired with scaffold with GFs. Histologic analysis revealed greater collagen fiber continuity, denser collagen fibers, and a more mature tendon-to-bone junction in GF-embedded scaffolds than those in the other groups. Group C demonstrated the highest load-to-failure ratio, and modulus mapping showed that the distribution of the micromechanical properties of the BTI repaired with GF-embedded scaffolds was comparable with that of the native BTI. Micro–computed tomography analysis identified the highest bone mineral density and bone volume/total volume ratio in group C. Conclusion: Bioactive scaffolds with spatially embedded GFs have significant potential to promote the BTI healing of chronic RCTs in a rabbit model. Clinical Relevance: The scaffolds with spatiotemporal delivery of GF may serve as an off-the-shelf biomaterial graft to promote the healing of RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optic-electronic response is usually limited by poor electron–hole separation and phonon thermalization. Here, we show that natural superlattice materials with charged layers in BiOCuCh (Ch = S, Se, Te) can effectively suppress bulk carrier recombination and dissipation from phonon. The photogenerated hot carriers in BiOCuCh are separated by the intrinsic p–n junction naturally composed of the [Cu2Ch2]2− and [Bi2O2]2+ layers, and transport occurs with high speed within the two layers. Moreover, its dissipation can be substantially reduced because the interlayer coupling leads to low phonon thermalization. As a result, these materials both show prominent response to full-spectrum solar lights and resemble cocatalysts in their characteristics. Because of these merits, these oxychalcogenides provide a penetration point up-and-coming platform for the exploration of materials with an extraordinary optoelectric response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious bone defects present a major challenge in the clinical setting currently. In order to address this issue, it is imperative to explore the development of bone tissue engineering scaffolds that are equipped with both antibacterial and bone regenerative capabilities. In this study, we fabricated antibacterial scaffolds using a silver nanoparticle/poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (AgNP/PLGA) material via a direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technique. The scaffolds' microstructure, mechanical properties, and biological attributes were rigorously assessed to determine their fitness for repairing bone defects. The surface pores of the AgNPs/PLGA scaffolds were uniform, and the AgNPs were evenly distributed within the scaffolds, as confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile testing confirmed that the addition of AgNPs enhanced the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The release curves of the silver ions confirmed that the AgNPs/PLGA scaffolds released them continuously after an initial burst. The growth of hydroxyapatite (HAP) was characterized via SEM and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that HAP was deposited on the scaffolds, and also confirmed that the scaffolds had mixed with the AgNPs. All scaffolds containing AgNPs exhibited antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). A cytotoxicity assay using mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3T3-E1) showed that the scaffolds had excellent biocompatibility and could be used for repairing bone tissue. The study shows that the AgNPs/PLGA scaffolds have exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility, effectively inhibiting the growth of S. aureus and E. coli. These results demonstrate the potential application of 3D-printed AgNPs/PLGA scaffolds in bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful human reproduction requires normal oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Early embryo arrest is a common phenomenon leading to female infertility, but the genetic basis is largely unknown. NLR family pyrin domain-containing 7 (NLRP7) is a member of the NLRP subfamily. Previous studies have shown that variants of NLRP7 are one of the crucial causes of female recurrent hydatidiform mole, but whether NLRP7 variants can directly affect early embryo development is unclear. We performed whole-exome sequencing in patients who experienced early embryo arrest, and five heterozygous variants (c.251G > A, c.1258G > A, c.1441G > A, c. 2227G > A, c.2323C > T) of NLRP7 were identified in affected individuals. Plasmids of NLRP7 and subcortical maternal complex components were overexpressed in 293 T cells, and Co-IP experiments showed that NLRP7 interacted with NLRP5, TLE6, PADI6, NLRP2, KHDC3L, OOEP, and ZBED3. Injecting complementary RNAs in mouse oocytes and early embryos showed that NLRP7 variants influenced the oocyte quality and some of the variants significantly affected early embryo development. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of NLRP7 in human early embryo development and provide a new genetic marker for clinical early embryo arrest patients. Key messages: Five heterozygous variants of NLRP7 (c.1441G > A; 2227G > A; c.251G > A; c.1258G > A; c.2323C > T) were identified in five infertile patients who experienced early embryo arrest. NLRP7 is a component of human subcortical maternal complex. NLRP7 variants lead to poor quality of oocytes and early embryo development arrest. This study provides a new genetic marker for clinical early embryo arrest patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ketogluconic acid is widely applied in several industries as the bio-precursor of vitamin C and tartaric acid, while the selective production of 2-ketogluconic acid (2-kGA) or 5-ketogluconic acid (5-kGA) from glucose is so far still a challenge for chemical and biotechnical processes. The latest studies have demonstrated that Gluconobacter oxydans effectively catalyzes glucose to a mixture of gluconic acid, 2-kGA and 5-kGA under moderate conditions. In order to develop a novel and efficient technology for the selective production of 2-kGA or 5-kGA without by-products, cascading and precise regulation with calcium cations was explored and investigated using whole-cell catalysis by G. oxydans. CaCO3 was used as a neutralizer, which not only intensified the whole-cell catalysis to a better productivity, but also significantly reduced the solubility of 5-kGA. The in situ separation of 5-kGA-Ca was achieved with a crystallization yield of 97.3% thanks to the different solubilities of kGA-Ca salts. The 2-kGA-Ca crystals were subsequently obtained with a crystallization yield of 94.3% from the bacterial fermentation broth. The high purity of the two kGA salt crystals was confirmed by chromatography and NMR, respectively. Finally, totals of 640.2 g of 2-kGA and 249.2 g of 5-kGA were obtained by the addition of 1000 g of glucose in the processing experiment. This cascading and precise regulation method might provide a promising technical approach for the selective bio-production of 2- or 5-kGA and glucose bioconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Directing group‐assisted, transition metal‐catalyzed three‐component difunctionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful tool to drive molecular complexity. However, this strategy generally works with the substrates bearing directing groups in close proximity to the alkene moieties, due to the preference for formation of kinetically stable five‐membered metallacycles. Herein, we have disclosed a complementary strategy to accomplish a nickel‐catalyzed remote arylalkylation of alkenyl amines with excellent regioselectivity and diastereofidelity, involving rare six‐ or seven‐membered metallacycles. This general protocol is compatible with a series of δ‐ and ε‐alkenyl amines, providing corresponding valuable δ,ε‐ and ε,ζ‐difunctionalized aliphatic amines that would be difficult to synthesize. The coordination of the bidentate picolinamide auxiliary and the facile oxidative addition of alkyl halides to Ni(I) species are the key to the success of the developed remote olefin dicarbofunctionalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the analytical solution of the bond strength between ribbed steel bar and engineered cementitious composites (ECC). In this method, ECC cover was regarded as a thick‐walled cylinder subjected to the uniform internal pressure which consisted of an elastic uncracked outer ring and a partially cracked inner ring. For the uncracked outer ring, it can be solved by the elastic mechanics theory. To solve the partially cracked inner ring, two key problems that had to be investigated were the crack width and the tensile stress–crack width relationship of ECC. According to the steady‐state cracking mode, the hoop deformation of ECC was expressed by the equal distribution and then the crack width can be determined. Besides, the fictitious crack model in fracture mechanic was introduced to describe the crack propagation process. Then a trilinear model was applied to reflect the tensile stress–crack width relationship of ECC materials, which considered the combined action of aggregate bridging and fiber bridging on the crack surface. Finally, the comparison between the calculation results and experimental results was carried out to prove the validity of the analytic method of bond strength proposed in this paper. Results indicated that the analytical solution and the experimental data fitted in well with each other. Then parameter analyses were conducted based on the analytical method proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain segmentation is key to evaluating brain structure for disease diagnosis and treatment. Much research has studied the segmentation of brain images. However, prior research has paid little attention to separating actual brain pixels from those related to the background of brain images. Failure to perform such a separation may (a) distort brain segmentation models and (b) introduce overhead to the modeling performance. In this paper, we improve the performance of brain segmentation using a 3D, fully convolutional neural network (CNN) model. We propose (i) a multi-instance loss method to separate actual brain pixels from background and (ii) Gabor filter banks with K-means clustering to provide informative segmentation features. We provide deeper analysis and discussion of evaluation results and the state-of-the-art models. Evaluated on infant and adult datasets, our model achieves dice coefficients of 87.4– 94.1 % , an improvement of up to 11% to the results of five state-of-the-art models. Unlike previous studies, we consult experts in medical imaging to evaluate our segmentation results. Feedback from experts reveals that our results are fairly close to the manual reference. Moreover, we observe that our model is 1.2x–2.6x faster than prior models. We conclude that our model is more accurate and efficient in practice for segmenting both infant and adult brain images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarization modulation of deep‐UV light is an important process that incorporates functionality to selectively respond to light‐mater interaction. Typically, optical anisotropy is foremost to the use efficiency of deep‐UV birefringent crystals. Herein, a new congruently melting polyborate with extremely large birefringence (Δn(001)=0.14@589.3 nm) and band gap (6.89 eV) is discovered as a high performance birefringent crystal, which breaks the current deadlock of deep‐UV polyborates that usually show small birefringence. The rigid tetrahedra, including [ZnO4] and edge‐sharing [BO4] tetrahedra, make all the planar [BO3] triangles in the lattice adopt preferential arrangement and thereby lead to an extraordinary large birefringence that is larger than all the deep‐UV borates with experimentally measured values. Structural analyses with the additional theoretical calculations were used to study the origin of strong optical anisotropy in BaZnB4O8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the sensor fault estimation problem for a kind of switched nonlinear systems. A novel fault estimation observer design method is proposed, which can reconstruct the sensor fault and system state, simultaneously. T-S fuzzy model is considered to describe the nonlinear dynamics in switched systems, and the premise variables of the fuzzy models are assumed to be dependent on the unmeasurable system state rather than the measurable variables, which leads to that there is a Lipschitz nonlinear term in the error dynamics. The Lipschitz nonlinear term is divided into two parts, and their influence on estimation result is decoupled and canceled by selecting appropriate observer parameter matrices and adding adaptive compensator, respectively. Compared with the existing results, the proposed method does not require the Lipschitz constant information. Thus, it avoids calculating the Lipschitz constant and reduces the conservatism caused by introducing the Lipschitz constant into LMIs. Besides, the order of the designed observer is not fixed, and can be selected in a certain range, which implies that the proposed method is with more design freedom for different conditions. At last, two examples are listed to verify the proposed fault estimation approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of frequency-dependent seismic inversion for estimating attenuation and anisotropy based on rock physics effective model is reviewed and analyzed. Based on an extended periodically layered medium model, frequency-dependent stiffness parameters of anisotropic anelastic media as a function of attenuation factor and weaknesses are presented. For the case of an interface separating two anisotropic anelastic media, a new parameterized P-to-P reflection coefficient and anisotropic anelastic impedance A EI are proposed. Based on the anisotropic A EI , an inversion workflow of employing frequency components of seismic amplitudes to estimate attenuation factor and weaknesses for anisotropic anelastic media is presented. In the first stage inversion, the anisotropic A EI is calculated using frequency components of partially incidence-angle-stacked seismic data; and the second-stage inversion for unknown attenuation factor and weaknesses is implemented combining a Newton method and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm by calculating first- and second-order derivatives of anisotropic A EI with respect to unknown parameters. Tests on synthetic seismic gathers confirm the accuracy of new parameterized reflection coefficient, and the unknown parameters are estimated reliably even in the case of seismic data of signal-to-noise ratio of 2 being employed. Applying the inversion approach and workflow to a field data set acquired over a shale reservoir, reliable attenuation factors and weaknesses that match well log curves are obtained, which are preserved as indicators for identifying potential hydrocarbon-bearing cracked reservoirs. Article Highlights: A new parameterized PP-wave reflection coefficient and anisotropic anelastic impedance are derived in terms of attenuation factor and weaknesses A two-stage inversion workflow of employing frequency components of seismic data to estimate attenuation factor and weaknesses combining Newton method and Bayesian Markov chain MonteCarlo algorithm Reliably estimated attenuation factor and weakness that match well log curves appear to be indicators or identification of potential cracked reservoirs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing development of unconventional reservoirs around the world, there is an increasing need to enhance the level of geological characterization. Obviously, since the well loggings are one of the most important data to obtain a fine-scale reservoir model, obtaining well loggings with sufficiently high vertical resolution has always been an important issue and challenge. Therefore, due to its low cost and less time-consuming, employing an advanced signal processing technique to enhance the vertical resolution of loggings has always been a research hotspot in the relevant literature. However, non-homogeneity of the target reservoir is not taken into account in the traditional methods such as vertical resolution matching and spline function interpolation. Furthermore, for state-of-the-art methods that employ different versions of shallow or deep machine learning models, how to adequately exploit the multi-scale shape and temporal information in the employed loggings has been a very challenging problem. To address the above problems, by combining the fractal theory with the long short-term memory network technique, a novel multi-view and multi-scale logging resolution enhancing method was proposed in this paper to make full use of the self-shape-similarity and temporal correlation information in the logging data. Experimental results show that, compared with bi-cubic linear interpolation, sparse representation, super-resolution convolutional neural network and random forest, more promising supper-resolution results can be obtained using the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the widespread adoption of multi-complementary low carbon power generation technologies is a fundamental strategy for attaining carbon neutrality within the electricity sector. In the context of electricity market reform, this study develops an agent-based modeling framework integrated simulation with optimization. The model uses agent-based simulation to analyze annual market dynamics and low-carbon technology diffusion, with a two-stage optimization for energy storage and spot market simulation. The research findings indicate: (1) For different power generation technologies, the spot market can establish differentiated average prices, making the market price of carbon-captured coal power higher than that of conventional coal power, which are advantageous in reducing the subsidies required to promote the diffusion of carbon capture technology. (2) Expanding the spot market scale and implementing differentiated capacity compensation mechanisms both promote carbon capture technology diffusion. Nevertheless, with the marginal clearing mechanism, thermal power holds a average price advantage than renewable energy. Failing to control the growth of thermal power capacity will result in increased carbon emissions. (3) After 2030, energy storage's role in balancing supply and demand grows. Storage capacity should align with renewable energy scale and the regional characteristics of wind and solar resources to prevent overbuilding and stranded assets. [Display omitted] • An agent-based modeling framework integrated simulation with optimization was built. • Explored the impact of electricity spot market on the diffusion of low-carbon technologies. • Spot market establishes diverse electricity prices for various power generation technologies. • Inhibiting coal capacity expansion is more crucial than promoting low-carbon technology. • Energy storage capacity should align with regional characteristics and the transition stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design strategy for eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEA) is still in need of further exploration. This paper explores a new design approach using data computation, combining the simple mixing enthalpy method with a computed phase diagram approach based on a high-entropy alloy database. By calculating the thermodynamic empirical parameters of existing FCC/BCC-type eutectic alloy systems, the proportion range of alloy elements for eutectic design was narrowed. Ultimately, by analyzing the solidification path through the Scheil model, six eutectic compositions were obtained for the Co-Cr-Ni-Ti-V-Al alloy system that satisfy theoretical concepts. Microscopic characterization revealed that the actual alloy's microstructure has only minor differences from the theoretically calculated results, with the main phase compositions of the alloys being FCC and BCC phases, aside from minor metal precipitates and third phases. However, significant differences were observed in the microstructures and mechanical properties of the six alloys. The research results demonstrate that this new design theory shortens the EHEA design cycle, enhances design accuracy and provides guidance for the eutectic design of target alloy systems. • A design methodology has been established through the integration of data analysis and CALPHAD calculations. • The designed casting alloys exhibit a unique heterogeneous phase structure and acicular precipitates. • CoCr 2 Ni 3.5 VAl 1.5 Ti exhibits the most superior specific yield strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium alginate (SA) has gained widespread acclaim as a carrier medium for three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting of cells and a diverse array of bioactive substances, attributed to its remarkable biocompatibility and affordability. The conventional approach for fabricating alginate-based tissue engineering constructs entails a post-treatment phase employing a calcium ion solution. However, this method proves ineffectual in addressing the predicament of low precision during the 3D printing procedure and is unable to prevent issues such as non-uniform alginate gelation and substantial distortions. In this study, we introduced borate bioactive glass (BBG) into the SA matrix, capitalizing on the calcium ions released from the degradation of BBG to incite the cross-linking reaction within SA, resulting in the formation of BBG-SA hydrogels. Building upon this fundamental concept, it unveiled that BBG-SA hydrogels greatly enhance the precision of SA in extrusion-based 3D printing and significantly reduce volumetric contraction shrinkage post-printing, while also displaying certain adhesive properties and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, in vitro cellular experiments have unequivocally established the excellent biocompatibility of BBG-SA hydrogel and its capacity to actively stimulate osteogenic differentiation. Consequently, BBG-SA hydrogel emerges as a promising platform for 3D bioprinting, laying the foundation for the development of flexible, biocompatible electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial structure of α / β interfaces significantly impacts the mechanical and kinetic properties of titanium and its alloys. This work employs density functional theory to investigate the coherent α / β interface in Ti, focusing on two stable/metastable interface structures, i.e., the Hollow and Bridge (experimentally observed). The relative stability of these two interface states is highly sensitive to in-plane strain. This study also examines the impact of structural metastability on interface migration behavior during the β → α phase transformation. We observe that the Bridge α / β interface migrates easily; the Hollow interface does not migrate; rather, the ω phase forms at the interface. This work also explores the influence of alloying, specifically with vanadium, on the metastability and energy barrier between the two interface states. We demonstrate manipulating α / β interface migration in titanium through strain and doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) is a kind of economic fish that is widely consumed by human, and its intensive farming technology is making important progress. However, high-density farming may cause the occurrence of diseases in H. otakii. Cinnamaldehyde (CNE) is a new feed additive for aquatic animals and has a positive effect on disease resistance. In the study, dietary CNE was evaluated on the growth performance, digestion, immune response, and lipid metabolism of juvenile H. otakii (6.21 ± 0.19 g). Six experimental diets were formulated containing CNE at levels of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg for 8 weeks. The percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), survival (SR), and feeding rate (FR) were significantly increased by including CNE in fish diets regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased among the groups fed CNE supplemented diets (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed in fish fed 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg CNE compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Fish-fed diets containing 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg CNE had a higher level of crude protein in muscles than the control diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the activities of lipase (LPS) and pepsin (PEP) in the intestinal were markedly increased in juvenile H. otakii-fed dietary CNE (P < 0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter, protein, and lipid was significantly increased with CNE supplement (P < 0.05). The activities of catalase (CAT) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the liver were markedly enhanced by including CNE in juvenile H. otakii diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the liver were markedly enhanced in juvenile H. otakii treated with CNE supplements 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of total protein (TP) in the serum were markedly increased by including CNE in juvenile H. otakii diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). In the CNE200, CNE400, and CNE600 groups, albumin (ALB) levels in the serum were markedly higher compared with that in the control (P < 0.05). In the CNE200 and CNE400 groups, the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum were significantly increased compared with that the control group (P < 0.05). The juvenile H. otakii-fed dietary CNE had lower triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TCHO) levels in the serum than fish-fed CNE-free diets (P < 0.05). The gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) in the liver was significantly increased by including CNE in fish diets regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). However, fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) in the liver were markedly decreased with CNE supplements 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The glucose-6-phosphate1-dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene expression levels in the liver were markedly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). The optimal supplementation level of CNE was shown by curve equation analysis to be 590.90 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward osmosis (FO) as an energy-saving membrane process has attracted much attention in food concentration, water treatment, and desalination. Thin film composite (TFC) membrane is the most popular FO membrane, but it suffers from the internal concentration polarization (ICP), which significantly limits the water flux and FO efficiency. In this report, we demonstrate a novel and high-performing thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane that employs a hydrophilic interlayer composed of imogolite nanotubes (INTs) and polydopamine (PDA). The INTs can be adhered to the porous substrate by the self-polymerization of PDA, and the as-prepared PDA/INTs interlayer displays a nanostructured network with outstanding hydrophilicity. The detailed investigation was conducted to understand the relationship between the structure and property of the PDA/INTs interlayer and the morphology and performance of the TFN membrane. The TFN membrane with the PDA/INTs interlayer performs a thinner and smoother polyamide selective layer. Correspondingly, the TFN membrane shows a water flux of 18.38 L·m−2·h−1, which is 2.18 times of the pristine TFC membrane. Moreover, the TFN membrane has a minimized structural parameter (577 µm), almost a half of that of the pristine one (949 ·m). It reveals that the ICP effect of TFC membrane can be effectively alleviated by using a hydrophilic PDA/INTs interlayer. This TFN membrane with a satisfactory water permeability is promising in terms of future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pincer iron(III) catalyst for the oxidation and chlorination of C(sp3)–H bonds was developed. Oxidation of a diagnostic substrate cis-decalin implies that a long-lived carbon-centred radical is involved. Mechanistic studies suggest that an Fe-oxo species could be responsible for the rate-determining C–H activation step. This report expands the scope of non-heme catalysts for C–H functionalisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MRI brain images are always of low contrast, which makes it difficult to identify to which area the information at the boundary of brain images belongs. This can make the extraction of features at the boundary more challenging, since those features can be misleading as they might mix properties of different brain regions. Hence, to alleviate such a problem, image boundary detection plays a vital role in medical image segmentation, and brain segmentation in particular, as unclear boundaries can worsen brain segmentation results. Yet, given the low quality of brain images, boundary detection in the context of brain image segmentation remains challenging. Despite the research invested to improve boundary detection and brain segmentation, these two problems were addressed independently, i.e., little attention was paid to applying boundary detection to brain segmentation tasks. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a boundary detection-based model for brain image segmentation. To this end, we first design a boundary segmentation network for detecting and segmenting images brain tissues. Then, we design a boundary information module (BIM) to distinguish boundaries from the three different brain tissues. After that, we add a boundary attention gate (BAG) to the encoder output layers of our transformer to capture more informative local details. We evaluate our proposed model on two datasets of brain tissue images, including infant and adult brains. The extensive evaluation experiments of our model show better performance (a Dice Coefficient (DC) accuracy of up to 5.3 % compared to the state-of-the-art models) in detecting and segmenting brain tissue images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the nonlinear system with partially unknown dynamic, the problems of fault estimation and fault-tolerant control are considered. A novel adaptive observer is designed to reconstruct the system state, process fault, sensor fault, and the measurement disturbance, simultaneously. The designed observer can be treated as a dynamic proportional-integral observer, where both the output information and the derivative of the output are used, while the output derivative can be unmeasurable. Utilizing the estimation information obtained by the designed observer, a nonlinear fault-tolerant control technique is proposed to stabilize the system. At the end of this article, three examples are listed to verify the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical CO2 can reduce formation fracture pressure, form more complex fractures in the near-well zone, and replace methane to complete carbon sequestration, which is an important direction for the efficient development of deep shale gas with carbon sequestration. In this paper, based on the scCO2 fracturing field test parameters and the characteristics of common shale calcite filled natural fractures, we simulated the porosity change in shale with three kinds of fractures (no fracture, named NF; axial natural fracture, named AF; and transversal natural fracture, named TF) under scCO2 seepage, and carried out the experimental verification of shale under supercritical CO2 seepage. It was found that: (1) At the same pressure, when the temperature is greater than the critical temperature, the shale porosity of three kinds of fractures gradually increases with the injection of CO2, and the higher the temperature, the more obvious the increase in porosity. (2) At the same temperature and different pressures, the effect of pressure change on the porosity of shale specimens was more obvious than that of temperature. (3) Multi-field coupling experiments of shale under supercritical CO2 seepage revealed that the porosity of all three shale specimens at the same temperature and pressure increased after CO2 injection, and the relative increase in shale porosity measured experimentally was basically consistent with the numerical simulation results. This paper reveals the mechanism of the effect of different temperatures and pressures of scCO2 and different natural fractures on the change in shale porosity, which can be used to optimize the CO2 injection in supercritical CO2 fracturing and carbon sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The xylonate was bioproduced directly from lignocellulosic residues, and the application properties of crude xylonate powder were investigated with a promising potential as a bio-based concrete water reducer. The overall integrated process was evaluated on the view of mass balance and techno-economic analysis using Aspen Plus modeling. 56 g/L of calcium xylonate (XA-Ca) can be obtained within 8 h from acidic corncob hydrolysate (ACH) at a 100 % yield with the whole-cell catalysis of Gluconobacter oxydans. At the addition of 0.2 wt% in the dry concrete content, XA-Ca powder and sodium xylonate powder prepared from pure xylose and ACH could reduce water used in concrete by 15 %, 14 %, 13 %, and 13 %, respectively. XA-Ca from ACH led to a 33% increase in concrete compressive strength and a 24% increase in concrete flexural strength at day 7 compared to the blank group. The techno-economic analysis showed the minimum XA-Ca powder price to be $ 0.806/kg which can be economically feasible. This study provides a practical and economical process prototype for the industrial concrete water reducer application of novel bio-based xylonate produced from lignocellulosic residues. [Display omitted] • Xylonate powder is produced directly from lignocellulosic residues. • Xylonate is tested for concrete water-reducer. • 0.2 wt% of XA-Ca reduces 15% water used for concrete. • Aspen plus models xylonate bioproduction and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Homeobox B9 (HOXB9) has been shown to play a critical role in several tumors. However, the precise biological mechanisms and functions of HOXB9 in osteosarcoma remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that HOXB9 was increased upon glucose starvation. Elevated HOXB9 suppressed osteosarcoma cell death and supported cell growth and migration under glucose starvation. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that HOXB9 directly bound to the promoter of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) and transcriptionally upregulated SPP1 expression which then led cell death decrease and cell growth increase under glucose deprivation environment. Clinically, HOXB9 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma compared with normal tissues and increase of HOXB9 expression was positively associated with the elevation of SPP1 in osteosarcoma. Overall, our study illustrates that HOXB9 contributes to malignancy in osteosarcoma and inhibits cell death through transcriptional upregulating SPP1 under glucose starvation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Layered oxyselenides have been widely investigated as promising thermoelectric materials due to their unique merits such as super‐lattice structural features and intrinsic complexity, which contributes to low thermal conductivity and easily controllable electrical properties. Newly developed Bi2LnO4Cu2Se2 (Ln stands for lanthanide) oxyselenides are found to be potential thermoelectric systems since they have excellent electrical conductivity over 103 S cm−1. In this work, unique energy and time‐saving method combined self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS) with spark plasma sintering (SPS) is adopted to successfully prepare a highly pure Bi2LnO4Cu2Se2 instead of a traditional solid‐state reaction. To explore the most suitable lanthanide for Bi2LnO4Cu2Se2, thermoelectric performance in a wide temperature range (300 to 923 K) of Bi2LnO4Cu2Se2 (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, and Er) is deeply evaluated and studied. Ultimately, with a relatively high electrical conductivity, moderate Seebeck coefficient, and extremely low thermal conductivity, a maximum ZT value of ≈0.27 at 923K is achieved in Bi2DyO4Cu2Se2, which is 4 times larger than that of the ever‐reported Bi2YO4Cu2Se2 and proves a potential thermoelectric system for further investigation. This work may provide some enlightenment and broaden the horizon in finding new thermoelectric materials, especially for complex layered compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, two adult male sperm whales beached off of Yangkou Port in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China. The local government planned to preserve them as specimens, one was entrusted to Dalian Hoffen Biological Co., Ltd., and thus became the first sperm whale to be preserved by plastination. The other sperm whale was preserved in Nantong by the traditional stripping method (The skin was preserved, and then the prosthesis was filled into the skin to preserve the specimens. The material of the prosthesis was polyurethane. The outline of the animal was sculpted by suturing the skin like a bag and filling it with polyurethane). Plastination of such a large marine mammal allowed us to view the mutual adaptations of its internal structure to its specific living environment and daily habits. This sperm whale is the largest specimen in the world and this is the first time a sperm whale has been preserved using the plastination method. The plastination process also provides a method for studying the anatomy of large marine mammals for humans to understand deep‐sea organisms at close contact and visual level. The plastination of this sperm whale promises to be a world class resource holding tremendous scientific, educational, and artistic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Revealing the mechanism of intermolecular interactions in dinitroamine ammonium (ADN)-based liquid propellants and exploring the reasons for their performance changes, multi-perspective interaction analyses of ADN and ADN-water (H2O)-methanol (CH3OH) solutions have been conducted via theoretical methods. The band structure, density of states (DOS), surface electrostatic potential (ESP), Hirshfeld surface, reduced density gradient (RDG), AIM topological analysis, and detonation performance were studied and the results showed that both the ADN and ADN-H2O-CH3OH solutions had hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. By introducing the small molecules H2O and CH3OH, the detonation performance of the ADN-H2O-CH3OH solution slightly decreased, but its sensitivity also decreased. Overall, the comprehensive performance of the ADN-H2O-CH3OH solution has improved, and the application range has expanded. These results are helpful for obtaining a deeper understanding of ADN-based liquid propellants at the atomic level and contribute to the development of new liquid propellants. Methods: The ADN and ADN-H2O-CH3OH solutions were constructed by Amorphous cell module and optimized via GGA with PBE methods in the Dmol3 module of the Materials Studio, and their electronic properties were calculated. Hirshfeld surfaces were generated with CrystalExplorer 3.0. A topological analysis of a variety of molecular clusters was performed via QTAIM. The QTAIM and RDG analyses in this work were generated by Multiwfn 3.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are increasing concerns on heavy metals in animal derived foods. We analyzed the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb in 1066 fresh meat samples including pork, beef, mutton, chicken and duck from Zhejiang province, southeast China. The average levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb were 0.018, 0.002, 0.061, 0.801, 0.0038, 0.055, and 0.029 mg/kg wet weight respectively. There are significant positive correlations among Cd, Hg and Pb (P < 0.05) and negative correlations for Cu–Pb or Cu–Cd (P < 0.05). The exposure assessment showed that the health risk to humans by consuming these meat products was relatively low. However, regular monitoring of heavy metals in meat products is still recommended considering their intensive industrial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resonant behavior in a moonpool of a floating circular solar pond, with an entrapped two-layer fluid, is studied. The problem is solved by applying a domain-decomposition method using eigenfunction matching. The surface- and internal-wave elevations and the hydrodynamic coefficients of a typical floating solar pond under forced heave or surge motion are computed. The effects of density stratification on surface-wave elevation, added mass, and damping coefficients are analyzed. A collection of resonance frequencies of surface and internal waves is examined, together with the corresponding variations of modal shapes. For heave resonance, the surface and internal waves are characterized by axisymmetric sloshing modes, as opposed to antisymmetric sloshing modes under surge resonances. A frozen-mode approximation method that treats the moonpool fluid as a density-stratified solid is developed to estimate piston-mode frequencies. Non-dimensional resonance frequencies corresponding to antisymmetric and axisymmetric sloshing modes are estimated based on the standing-wave approximation and reciprocity relations between surface and internal wavenumbers. Satisfactory agreement between the estimated resonance frequencies and those computed by eigenfunction matching method is achieved. It is found that the first resonance of the internal wave, rather than higher-order resonances, is more likely to affect the surface-wave behavior, whereas resonances of the surface-wave modes have significant effects on the internal waves. Parametric analyses are performed to study the effects of geometry configurations of the pond. It is found that the resonance frequencies of internal waves under forced heave or surge motion decrease with an increasing density ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrothermally reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O, pimelic acid (H2Pim) mixed with two N-containing ligands of 1,2-bis(2-methyl-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (1,2-mbix) or 1,3-bis(2-methyl-imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (1,3-mbix) gave rise to two new Cd(II) MOFs, [Cd(Pim)(1,2-mbix)] (1) and [Cd(Pim)(1,3-mbix)]·H2O (2). Both MOFs were structurally characterized by IR and UV–Vis spectra, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses. MOF 1 shows a fourfold interpenetrating dia network. Differently, MOF 2 shows a 2D → 3D interdigitated architecture base on the 63hcb layer when 1,2-mbix was replaced by 1,3-mbix. The luminescent properties of 1 and 2 have been investigated. Furthermore, the luminescent quenching experiments suggest both MOFs exhibit good selectivity and sensitivity to detect Fe3+ and Cr2O72− in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new congruent-melting lead barium borate, Ba2.5Pb1.5B12O22, was synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction under atmospheric pressure. It crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group Cmc21 with a unit cell of a = 19.051(8) Å, b = 10.726(3) Å, c = 8.612(3) Å, and Z = 4. It features a new functional building block (FBB), [B12O26]16−, that is made up of five [B3O8]7− and one [BO3]3− connected by sharing vertex O atoms. It is derived by introducing Pb into Ba2B6O11, which leads to a structural transformation from a centrosymmetric to a noncentrosymmetric space group. Its second harmonic generation response (SHG) is approximately 0.9 times that of KDP at the fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm and is also phase-matchable. It has a wide transparent region with a UV cutoff edge of about 250 nm according to the reflectance spectra and high thermal stability, which illustrates that it is a potential candidate for ultraviolet nonlinear optical materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]