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The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (MAPKKK‐MAPKK‐MAPK) plays a critical role in biotic and abiotic stress responses and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. A previous study has shown that the ABA‐activated MKK1‐MPK1 cascade is essential in regulating ABA response and stress tolerance in rice. However, the specific MAPKKK upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade in ABA signalling remains unknown. Here, we identified that MAPKKK28, a previously uncharacterized member of the rice MEKK family, is involved in regulating ABA responses, including seed germination, root growth, stomatal closure, and the tolerance to oxidative stress and osmotic stress. We found that MAPKKK28 directly interacts with and phosphorylates MKK1. Further analysis indicated that the activation of both MKK1 and MPK1 depends on MAPKKK28 in ABA signalling. Genetic analysis revealed that MAPKKK28 functions upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade to positively regulate ABA responses and enhance tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stress. These results not only reveal a new complete MAPK cascade in plants but also uncover its importance in ABA signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer is one of the tumors with the highest prevalence rate among women in the world, and its BRCA1/2 gene is a common mutation site. Talazoparib, as a targeted PARP inhibitor, can effectively control the occurrence and development of breast cancer with BRCA1/2 gene mutation, and play a therapeutic role. Based on the findings from the Phase III EMBRACE trial (NCT01945775 clinical trial), our analysis reveals that the talazoparib group demonstrated a significant extension in progression-free survival, along with improved response markers and patient-reported outcomes when compared to conventional therapies. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of talazoparib for treating advanced breast cancer with germline BRCA1/2 mutations and HER2 negativity, considering the perspectives of health services in China and the United States. The results obtained will serve as a valuable reference for promoting rational drug utilization and enhancing medical resource efficiency. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Talazoparib more scientifically and provide clinicians with chemotherapy options, this paper developed a Markov model based on the EMBRACA clinical trial (clinical Trails.gov No., NCT01945775) to simulate the survival events of breast cancer patients in the Talazoparib group and the standard treatment group. The state transition probability and clinical data of breast cancer patients during treatment were extracted from the phase III EMBRACA clinical trial. The cost data generated during the treatment process comes from local hospital pricing, other references, and expert consultation. This article uses US dollars to calculate the treatment cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Health outcomes are expressed in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). In addition, Outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which robustness was evaluated by deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. This article establishes a Markov model for single-item sensitivity analysis. The results show that the economic benefits of using Talazoparib as a new treatment strategy in both China and the United States are higher than other drugs, and it is cost-effective. Compared to the control group, the incremental cost incurred by the Talazoparib treatment group in China was $2484.48/QALY, with an incremental QALY of 1.5. However, Talazoparib in the United States holds a dominant position, saving costs of $10,223.43 and increasing QALYs by 1.5. The clinical treatment effect of Talazoparib group in BRCA1/2 mutant advanced breast cancer patients is better than that of the standard treatment group, and the progression free survival period is significantly prolonged. From the perspective of medical and health services in China and the United States, the Talazoparib group is more economical than the standard treatment group in treating patients with BRCA1/2 mutant advanced breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although maize is sensitive to zinc (Zn) deficiencies, the responses of maize cultivars to the foliar application of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) may vary significantly. Here, we quantified the responses of grain yields and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) absorption to ZnSO4 using 22 modern maize cultivars. The results revealed that 40.9% of the cultivars were not affected by foliar ZnSO4, whereas only 45.5% of the cultivars responded positively to ZnSO4, which was evidenced by increased grain numbers and shortened bald tip lengths. The impact of Zn fertilizer might be manifested in the dry biomass, from the 8-leaf stage (BBCH 18). For Zn-deficiency resistant cultivars, the foliar application of ZnSO4 enhanced N accumulation by 44.1%, while it reduced P and K absorption by 13.6% and 23.7%, respectively. For Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars, foliar applied ZnSO4 improved the accumulation of N and K by 27.3% and 25.0%, respectively; however, it lowered their utilization efficiency. Hence, determining the optimized application of Zn fertilizer, while avoiding Zn toxicity, should not be based solely on the level of Zn deficiency in the soil, but also, take into consideration the sensitivity of some cultivars to Zn, Furthermore, the supplementation of Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars with N and K is key to maximizing the benefits of Zn fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and a primary cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, despite the great development of diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for liver cancer, the incidence and mortality of liver cancer are still on the rise. As a universal post-transcriptional modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification accomplishes a dynamic and reversible m6A modification process, which is executed by three types of regulators, methyltransferases (called writers), demethylases (called erasers) and m6A-binding proteins (called readers). Many studies have shown that m6A RNA methylation has an important impact on RNA metabolism, whereas its regulation exception is bound up with the occurrence of human malignant tumors. Aberrant methylation of m6A RNA and the expression of related regulatory factors may be of the essence in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer, yet the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this paper, we review the current research situations of m6A methylation in liver cancer. Among the rest, we detail the mechanism by which methyltransferases, demethylases and m6A binding proteins regulate the occurrence and development of liver cancer by modifying mRNA. As well as the potential effect of m6A regulators in hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. New ideas and approaches will be given to the prevention and treatment of liver cancer through the following relevant research results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In long-tailed recognition tasks, the knowledge distillation technology is widely adopted for improving performance of deep neural networks. These methods distill the knowledge from the pretrained teacher model to the student model, which enables higher long-tailed recognition accuracy. However, the dependence on accompanying assistive models complicates the single network's training process in the need for large memory and time costs. In this work, we present Balanced Self-Distillation (BSD) to distill tail knowledge by a single network without the assistive models. Specifically, BSD distills knowledge between different distortions of the same samples to stimulate the representation learning potential of the single network and adopts a balanced class weight for shifting the distillation focus from head-to-tail classes. Comprehensive experimentation across diverse datasets, including CIFAR-10-LT, CIFAR-100-LT and TinyImageNet-LT, consistently outperforms robust baseline methods. Specifically, BSD achieves improvements of 8.13% on CIFAR-100-LT with an imbalance ratio of 100 compared to the baseline (cross entropy). Furthermore, the proposed method enables seamless integration with contemporary techniques like re-sampling, meta-learning, and cost-sensitive learning. It emerges as a versatile tool capable of effectively addressing the challenges of long-tailed scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-fluorobenzoic acid and 5,5′-dimethy-2,2′-bipyridine were used to construct two novel isostructural lanthanide complexes [Ln(2-FBA)3(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)]2 (Ln = Eu(1), Tb(2); 2-FBA = 2-fluorobenzoate; 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethy-2,2′-bipyridine) by conventional solution method. They were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal description based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data revealed that both of the complexes gave the triclinic crystal structure, belonging to the Pī space group. The two complexes were an infinite one-dimensional (1D) chain by hydrogen bonding (C–H...F) interactions to give a 2D supermolecular structure. Additionally, thermal behavior of the complexes was investigated by TG-DSC/FTIR technology in detail. The molar heat capacities of the two complexes in the temperature range of 278.15-423.15 K were determined by a DSC instrument, and their thermodynamic functions (HT-H298.15 K) and (ST-S298.15 K) were calculated. Beyond that, the fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime of the complexes 1 and 2 were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the complex interplay among gasotransmitters is of great significance but remains technically challenging. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a dually responsive BOD‐NH‐SC reporter for probing the dynamic and alternating existence of NO and H2S in living cells. This designed reporter can repeatedly cycle S‐nitrosation and transnitrosation reactions when successively treated with NO and H2S, thus affording the interchange of NIR fluorescence at 645 nm (NO) and NIR II fluorescence at 936 nm (H2S). In light of this unique fluorescence alternation between two colors, we synthesized water‐soluble BOD‐NH‐SC dots to visualize the intracellular dynamics of NO and H2S. These molecular probes thus provide a toolbox to elucidate the interplaying roles of NO and H2S in the complex interaction networks of various signal transduction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the complex interplay among gasotransmitters is of great significance but remains technically challenging. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a dually responsive BOD‐NH‐SC reporter for probing the dynamic and alternating existence of NO and H2S in living cells. This designed reporter can repeatedly cycle S‐nitrosation and transnitrosation reactions when successively treated with NO and H2S, thus affording the interchange of NIR fluorescence at 645 nm (NO) and NIR II fluorescence at 936 nm (H2S). In light of this unique fluorescence alternation between two colors, we synthesized water‐soluble BOD‐NH‐SC dots to visualize the intracellular dynamics of NO and H2S. These molecular probes thus provide a toolbox to elucidate the interplaying roles of NO and H2S in the complex interaction networks of various signal transduction pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is a significant abiotic stress factor affecting plant growth, consequently reducing crop yield. Abscisic acid (ABA), a well-known phytohormone, is crucial in conferring resistance to abiotic stress, thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying ABA biosynthesis is crucial. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), OsABA2, a short-chain dehydrogenase protein, has a pivotal role in modulating ABA biosynthesis and salt tolerance by undergoing phosphorylation at Ser197 through mitogen-activated protein kinase OsMPK1. However, the interaction between OsABA2 and other proteins in regulating ABA biosynthesis remains unclear. We employed OsABA2 as a bait in yeast two-hybrid screening: a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor interacting with OsABA2, named OsbHLH110, was identified. Our results showed that firefly luciferase complementary imaging, pull-down, and co-immunoprecipitation assays validated the interaction between OsbHLH110 and OsABA2, affirming their interaction in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the expression of OsbHLH110 significantly increases in response to salt and ABA treatments. Additionally, OsbHLH110 can directly bind to the G-box element in the OsABA2 promoter. This binding enhances luciferase activity controlled by the OsABA2 promoter, thereby increasing the expression of the OsABA2 gene and content of the OsABA2 protein, resulting in an increase in ABA content. OsABA2 enhanced the interaction between OsbHLH110 and OsABA2 promoter. This collaborative effect enhanced the regulation of ABA biosynthesis. Subsequent genetic analysis demonstrated that OsbHLH110 improved the tolerance of rice to salt stress. • OsbHLH110 interacts with OsABA2 both in vivo and in vitro. • The expression of OsbHLH110 is rapidly induced by salt and ABA treatments. • OsbHLH110 can improve the tolerance of rice to salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel binuclear lanthanide complexes [Tb(2,3-DMOBA)3(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)]2·C2H5OH (1) and [Dy(2,3-DMOBA)3(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)]2·C2H5OH (2) (2,3-DMOBA = 2,3-dimethoxybenzoate, 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimety-2,2′-bipyridine) have been successfully synthesized and structurally validated by single-crystal diffraction. The results of single-crystal analyses indicate the complexes contains one free ethanol molecule, and each center Ln(III) is nine-coordinated, exhibiting a distorted monocapped square anti-prismatic coordination geometry. The two center Ln(III) are bound by four 2,3-DMOBA ligands, two of which are bridging bidentate and the other two are bridging–chelating. The adjacent binuclear complexes can form 1D supramolecular structure by a pair of alternating identical C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions, which further form 2D sheet structures. The thermal behavior of these complexes is investigated by TG-DSC/FTIR. What is more, the heat capacities of the complexes 1–2 are measured by DSC at 259.15–346.15 K, and the result indicates that the heat capacity values of the complexes gradually increased with the increase in temperature. In addition, the thermodynamic functions values (HT − H298.15K) and (ST − S298.15K) of the complexes 1–2 are calculated according to the fitted polynomial equations and the thermodynamic equation. The luminescence property of complex 1 is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIR light responsive nanoplatforms hold great promise for on‐demand drug release in precision cancer medicine. However, currently available systems utilize "always‐on" photothermal transducers that lack target specificity, and thus inaccurately differentiate tumors from normal tissues. Developed here is a theranostic nanoplatform featuring H2S‐mediated in situ production of NIR photothermal agents for imaging‐guided and photocontrolled drug release. The system targets H2S‐rich cancers. This nanoplatform shows H2S‐activatable NIR‐II emission and NIR light controllable release of the drug Camptothecin‐11. Upon administering the system to HCT116 tumor‐bearing mice, the tumor is greatly suppressed with minimal side effects, arising from the synergy of the cancer‐specific and NIR light activated therapy. This theranostic nanoplatform thus sheds light on precision medicine with guidance through NIR‐II imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NIR light responsive nanoplatforms hold great promise for on‐demand drug release in precision cancer medicine. However, currently available systems utilize "always‐on" photothermal transducers that lack target specificity, and thus inaccurately differentiate tumors from normal tissues. Developed here is a theranostic nanoplatform featuring H2S‐mediated in situ production of NIR photothermal agents for imaging‐guided and photocontrolled drug release. The system targets H2S‐rich cancers. This nanoplatform shows H2S‐activatable NIR‐II emission and NIR light controllable release of the drug Camptothecin‐11. Upon administering the system to HCT116 tumor‐bearing mice, the tumor is greatly suppressed with minimal side effects, arising from the synergy of the cancer‐specific and NIR light activated therapy. This theranostic nanoplatform thus sheds light on precision medicine with guidance through NIR‐II imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Fiber materials, especially high-performance microfibers, play an essential role in the development of human society. In particular, advanced bio-based microfiber materials that can replace petroleum resources are receiving increasing attention for better sustainable development. Nanocellulose has excellent physical and chemical properties such as light weight, high strength, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Combined with wet spinning, the most widely used continuous spinning strategy, nanocellulose-based microfibers have become an emerging class of high-performance and high value-added biological fiber materials. This review comprehensively summarizes the design and fabrication strategies of nanocellulose-based microfibers by wet spinning to achieve high-quality, controllable, and predictable performance. The impacts of diverse spinning processes and material compositions on microfiber properties are elaborated. First, we outline diverse wet spinning processes involving conventional wet spinning, dry–jet wet spinning, and microfluidic wet spinning. The process parameters related to fiber structure and performance are mainly discussed. Subsequently, various types of nanocellulose-based microfibers are presented, including all-nanocellulose microfibers, natural composite microfibers, synthetic composite microfibers, and functional additive-containing microfibers. Finally, the application potential and present challenges of nanocellulose-based microfibers in the field of functional composites are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sprinkler skipping model is developed and implemented into FireFOAM. The model considers spray impingement and water accumulation on the sprinkler thermal link. A sub-grid spray impingement model is developed assuming a simplified link geometry, i.e., a sphere. Both the impinged cold water and the water evaporative cooling reduce the sprinkler thermal response. The model is calibrated with the plunge tunnel tests in the presence of water mist sprays and validated against a large-scale fire suppression test using Class 2 commodity. The skipping model improves the sprinkler activation prediction. With the skipping model, the second sprinkler activation is delayed, and the activation time is close to the test. The predicted number of activations and the activation pattern also show good agreement with the measurement, which improves the prediction of the fire suppression performance. The model is applied using different rack array heights (7.6, 10.7 and 13.7 m) under a 15.24 m high ceiling at two injection pressures. The model predicts that the highest array at the low injection pressure has several sprinklers skipped, which causes the failure of fire suppression. • This paper presents a sprinkler activation model with spray cooling. • The model considers water accumulation on the thermal link. • This model is suitable for both low and high spray density scenarios. • The model improves the sprinkler activation prediction and suppression performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. The centre Ln3+ ions are nine-coordinated with a distorted monocapped square antiprismatic coordination geometry. The binuclear molecules are linked to form 1D, 2D supramolecular structures through the same C–H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions. The thermal decomposition processes of complexes 1 and 2 are investigated by TG-DSC/FTIR technology and the FTIR spectra of the escaped gas also are measured. The molar heat capacity values of complexes 1 and 2 indicates that that no phase transition occurs in this range in temperature range from 295.15 to 410.15 K, and the heat capacity values of the complexes increases gradually with the increase of temperature. The luminescence studies reveal that complex 1 with Eu3+ ion shows a strong red luminescence behavior, and the Eu3+ ion in complex 1 do not occupies a site with an inversion center. The luminescence lifetime and fluorescent quantum yield of complex 1 are calculated to be 1.442 ms and 18.96%. • The crystal structures of two lanthanide binuclear complexes were obtained. • The 1D, 2D supramolecular structures through the same C–H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions were assembled. • The thermal decomposition processes and TG‐FTIR spectroscopy was investigated. • The molar heat capacities and thermodynamic functions were calculated. • The luminescence spectrum of two complexes, lifetime and fluorescent quantum yield of the complex 1 were studied. By using conventional solution method, two novel binuclear lanthanide complexes, [Eu(2,6-DMBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)] 2 (1), and [Sm(2,6-DMBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)] 2 (2) (2,6-DMBA = 2,6-dimethylbenzoate, 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethy-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized at room temperature. The two complexes are characterized by element analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and powder X-ray diffraction. The single-crystal analyses results indicate they are isomorphous in the monoclinic space group of P2(1)c. The binuclear complexes 1 and 2 are linked to form 1D, 2D supramolecular structures through the same C–H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions. The thermal decomposition process of these complexes is investigated by TG-DSC/FTIR technology and the FTIR spectra of the escaped gas also are measured. In addition within a temperature range from 295.15 K to 410.15 K, heat capacities of the title complexes are measured by a DSC instrument, which indicates that no phase transition occurs in this range, and the heat capacity values of the complexes gradually increases with rising temperature. Not only that, the thermodynamic functions values (H T -H 298.15K) and (S T -S 298.15K) of the complexes 1 and 2 are calculated according to the fitted polynomial equations and the thermodynamic equation. The luminescent behaviour of complex 1 is investigated in the solid state. The complex 1 with Eu3+ ion shows strong red luminescence behaviour, and the luminescence lifetime and fluorescent quantum yield are calculated to be 1.442 ms and 18.96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of 3,4-dimethylbenzoic acid (3,4-DMHBA) and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy) with rare earth nitrate under the room-temperature conditions results in two novel complex formulated as [Ho(3,4-DMBA)3(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)(H2O)] (1) and [La(3,4-DMBA)3(3,4-DMHBA)(5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)]2(2), respectively. The structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two complexes are all characterized with elemental analysis and PXRD. Interestingly enough, because of the lanthanide contraction phenomena, the complex 1 is a mononuclear molecule with the coordination number of eight, but the complex 2 is a binuclear molecule with the coordination number of nine. The thermal decomposition mechanism for two complexes was discussed by TG-DTG technology. In addition, the three-dimensional infrared accumulation spectra of the evolved gas during the thermal decomposition for title complexes were investigated via the simultaneous TG/DSC-FTIR techniques. Beyond that, the heat capacities of complexes were measured by DSC. And the smoothed value of heat capacities and thermodynamic functions (HT-H298.15) and (ST-S298.15) were calculated according to the fitted polynomial and thermodynamic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trivalent rare earth compounds [Ln(3-MOBA)3(terpy)(H2O)]2 (Ln = Tb (1), Eu (2); 3-MOBA = 3-methoxybenzoate, terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) were obtained in solid state, and the structure of 1 was determined by X-ray diffraction. The analysis of characterization was performed by elemental analysis, IR spectra, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry coupled to infrared spectrometer (TG/DSC-FTIR). Besides that the luminescent properties and antibacterial activities were discussed. The crystal structure of 1 revealed that the asymmetric units were further stitched together to form 1D chain along the x-axis direction through the offset face-to-face π···π weak stacking interactions. Luminescence investigation revealed that compounds exhibited strong green and red emissions and the fluorescence quantum yield of two compounds were measured. What's more, the Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromaticity diagrams were presented. The antibacterial activity studies show that two compounds had good antibacterial actions on E. coli, S. aureus and no antibacterial activities on C. albicans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Preparation of small size core-shell polymer nanoparticles has significant applications in photonic crystal materials and drug delivery systems. Although core-shell nanoparticles could be easily prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization, their size was generally larger than that of seeds, which limited their further applications in some areas. In this work, a new method was utilized to prepare small size core-shell polymer nanoparticles. In detail, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) ionic microgels (encoded as PNI microgels) with controllable diameter were firstly prepared and then used as seeds in seeded emulsion polymerization of styrene. After polymerization, core-shell nanoparticles which were smaller in size than that of seeds were obtained. In order to reveal this abnormal phenomenon, the inner structure, components, element distribution, thermo-sensitivity and deformability of the obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, DSC, EDS, DLS and AFM. It was found that the core composed of polystyrene and the shell composed of PNI microgels in the core-shell nanoparticles. The detailed formation process was then studied systematically. It was found that polystyrene nanoparticles formed within PNI microgels and peeled off from the seeds when they were large enough. Considering the weak ionic interaction of PNI microgels, mechanism for this phenomenon was proposed. Factors, such as initiator type, microgel type, cross-linking degree and stirring speed, also had significant effects on the formation of core-shell nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) is a powerful tool for brain imaging, but the spatial resolution of the PET scanners currently used for brain imaging can be further improved to enhance the quantitative accuracy of brain PET imaging. The purpose of this study is to develop an MR-compatible brain PET scanner that can simultaneously achieve a uniform high spatial resolution and high sensitivity by using dual-ended readout depth encoding detectors. Methods: The MR-compatible brain PET scanner, named SIAT bPET, consists of 224 dual-ended readout detectors. Each detector contains a 26 × 26 lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystal array of 1.4 × 1.4 × 20 mm3 crystal size read out by two 10 × 10 silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays from both ends. The scanner has a detector ring diameter of 376.8 mm and an axial field of view (FOV) of 329 mm. The performance of the scanner including spatial resolution, sensitivity, count rate, scatter fraction, and image quality was measured. Imaging studies of phantoms and the brain of a volunteer were performed. The mutual interferences of the PET insert and the uMR790 3 T MRI scanner were measured, and simultaneous PET/MRI imaging of the brain of a volunteer was performed. Results: A spatial resolution of better than 1.5 mm with an average of 1.2 mm within the whole FOV was obtained. A sensitivity of 11.0% was achieved at the center FOV for an energy window of 350–750 keV. Except for the dedicated RF coil, which caused a ~ 30% reduction of the sensitivity of the PET scanner, the MRI sequences running had a negligible effect on the performance of the PET scanner. The reduction of the SNR and homogeneity of the MRI images was less than 2% as the PET scanner was inserted to the MRI scanner and powered-on. High quality PET and MRI images of a human brain were obtained from simultaneous PET/MRI scans. Conclusion: The SIAT bPET scanner achieved a spatial resolution and sensitivity better than all MR-compatible brain PET scanners developed up to date. It can be used either as a standalone brain PET scanner or a PET insert placed inside a commercial whole-body MRI scanner to perform simultaneous PET/MRI imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial infarction (MI) is defined as the irreversible death of heart muscle that occurs secondary to prolonged lack of oxygen supply, which has resulted in millions of death worldwide. This study was conducted with aims of investigating how microRNA-212 (miR-212) and the inhibition of aquaporin-9 (AQP9) through the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a role in the prevention of MI. The relationship between miR-212 and AQP9 was determined with the use of bioinformatics combined with the dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Next, the MI model was established and the cardiomyocytes were transfected with different mimic, inhibitor and siRNAs to investigate the specific activity of miR-212, AQP9 and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in MI. The expression of miR-212, AQP9, PI3K, Akt, VEGF, Bax, and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), along with cell apoptosis were determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot analysis and flow cytometry. Based on the results, AQP9 was verified as the direct target gene of miR-212. MI led to a decrease in miR-212 expression and an increase in AQP9 expression. It was also found that miR-212 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in MI through the inhibition of AQP9 expression. The overexpression of miR-212 or silencing AQP9 decreased cardiomyocytes apoptosis. These findings indicated that the overexpression of miR-212 inhibited AQP9 by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thus decreasing cardiomyocytes apoptosis, promoting vascular regeneration and alleviating ventricular remodeling in rats with MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel lanthanide complexes [Er (3,4‐DMBA)3(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)(H2O)] (1); [Tb2 (3,4‐DMBA)6(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)2(H2O)] (2); [Eu (3,4‐DMBA)3(3,4‐DMHBA)(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)]2 (3) (3,4‐DMHBA = 3,4‐dimethylbenzoic acid, 5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy =5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) were successfully synthesized via conventional solution method at room temperature and structurally characterized by single crystal diffraction. The structures of the complexes 1–3 were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, coordination titration analysis, IR and XRD. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 are very particular: complex 2 has two same central metal ions but each metal ion has different coordination environment; in structure of the complex 3, there are eight carboxylic acid ligands coordinated to the central metal ions, which have rarely been reported previously. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1–3 were investigated by the technology of simultaneous TG/DSC‐FTIR. The heat capacities of the complexes were recorded by means of DSC over the range of from 253.15 K to 345.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters, the smoothed values of heat capacities, enthalpy (HT‐H298.15K) and entropy (ST‐S298.15K) were also calculated. The bacteriostatic activities of the complexes were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. What's more, the luminescence properties of complexes 2 and 3 were discussed, and their fluorescence lifetimes as well as the quantum yield of the Eu (III) were measured. To elucidate the energy transfer process of complexes 2 and 3, the energy levels of the relevant electronic states have been estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five dinuclear trivalent lanthanide complexes, [Ln(3-MOBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)] 2 (Ln = Er(1), Ho(2), Eu(3), Pr(4), Nd(5); 3-MOBA = 3-methoxybenzoate; 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) have been successfully synthesized via conventional solution method at room temperature and structurally characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The molecular structures of complexes 1 – 5 are very novel-innovative. Complexes 1 and 2 were isomorphic, and the complex 1 was obtained with the coordination number of eight to form a distorted square-antiprism coordination geometry, while complexes 3 – 5 were nine-coordinated with a distorted monocapped square antiprismatic coordination geometry, but they can be all assembled into the same 1D, 2D supramolecular structure, which has rarely been reported previously. Over the temperature range of 300–1200 K, the thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1 – 5 were discussed by the technology of TG/DSC-FTIR. The luminescence spectra of complex 3 displayed the characteristic emission of Eu 3+ ion ( 5 D 0  →  7 F 0-4 ), and it’s CIE coordinate was also calculated as (0.647, 0.341). In addition, the luminescence lifetime and intrinsic luminescence quantum yield were also investigated. Beyond that, the magnetic properties of complexes 1 – 2 were studied in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two ternary lanthanide complexes [Ln(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-DIPY)] 2 (Ln = Sm(1), Eu(2); 2-Br-5-MOBA = 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzoate; 5,5′-DM-2,2′-DIPY = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) with 2-bromo-5-methoxybenzoic acid and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine have been synthesized and characterized. The Single-crystal X-ray diffraction date show that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural in the triclinic system, space group P 1 ¯ . Infrared spectra (IR) and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) further confirm that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. The basic structural unit forms a 1D chain through the weak C H⋯Br hydrogen bond interaction along the b-axis, and forms a 2D sheet through the π–π stacking interactions along the a-axis. The 2D sheets are further interconnected by the C H⋯O hydrogen bond interaction to assembled into a 3D supramolecular network along the c-axis. In addition, the simultaneous thermal analysis (TG, DTG and DSC) of the complexes and the FTIR spectra of the escaped gas were measured. The heat capacities of the complexes were determined by DSC in the temperature region of 258.15–393.15 K. Furthermore, the luminescence spectrum of the complexes 1 and 2 and luminescence lifetime of complex 2 were also measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, stabilization capacity of PNIPAM microgels as particulate stabilizer in dispersion polymerization is studied. Softness and particle size of PNIPAM microgels as two key parameters are compared. In detail, the recipes for preparation of PNIPAM microgels with controlled softness and particle size are firstly studied. The softness and particle size of PNIPAM microgels are effectively characterized by DLS, SEM and TEM. After obtaining the desired microgels, they are used as particulate stabilizer in dispersion polymerization for preparing polystyrene nanoparticles. The results demonstrate that soft microgels possess better stabilization capacity than hard ones even with smaller particle size. A plausible explanation is proposed in which contact area provided by PNIPAM microgels contributes a lot to the stabilization capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two lanthanide complexes [La(3,4-DMBA)3]n (1) and [Tb(3,4-DMBA)3(DIPY)2]2 (2) (where 3,4-DMBA = 3,4-dimethylbenzoate, DIPY = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and then characterized. The single crystals of complexes 1 and 2 were obtained. Complex 1 adopts a distorted monocapped square antiprismatic molecular geometry, while complex 2 forms a distorted square antiprism. Complex 1 is stitched together by edge sharing through carboxylate ligands to form 1D chains along the b axis. The structure of complex 2 consists of 1D chains along the c axis by two kinds of π···π stacking interactions. Two complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectra. The complex 2 shows typical green luminescence in the solid state. Thermal decomposition mechanisms of complexes were discussed by TG–DTG techniques. In the temperature range from 257.15 to 413.15 K, the molar heat capacities of the complexes were measured by DSC. The smoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions of complexes were calculated on the basis of fitted polynomial and thermodynamic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel Ho(III) complexes, [(Ho(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (terpy)(H 2 O)] ( 1 ), [Ho(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (2,2′-bipy)] 2 ( 2 ) and [Ho(2-Br-5-MOBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)] 2 ( 3 ) (2-Br-5-MOBA = 2-bromine-5-methoxybenzoate, terpy = 2,2:6′,2″-terpyridine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethy-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Although 1 – 3 have the same triclinic crystal system and P 1 ¯ space group, they show three different types of molecule structures. For 1 , it is mononuclear and fake binuclear units constituted by the mononuclear molecules are stitched together via π–π stacking and C–H⋯O hydrogen bonding interactions to form the 1D, 2D supramolecular structure. Complexes 2 and 3 are binuclear structures with the different coordination numbers, which are assembled into 1D, 2D, 3D supramolecular structures by different intermolecular interactions. This is because of the different auxiliary ligands. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1 – 3 were studied by TG analysis and further authenticated by TG/DSC-FTIR techniques, indicating that the difference of the auxiliary ligand affects the thermal stabilities of complexes. The average molar heat capacity values of the complexes gradually increased with an increase of temperature, indicating the complexes have good thermal stability within this range of temperature. In addition, the IR, PXRD, and the antibacterial activities of complexes 1 – 3 were measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the fire growth and suppression models in FireFOAM were validated for rack-storage commodities consisting of two solid fuels, namely corrugated cardboard boxes and hardwood pallets, which are referred to as Class 2 commodity. Validation experiments included two fire-growth and two fire-suppression configurations with different rack-storage array heights (3 and 5 tiers). In the suppression study, standard-response upright ceiling sprinklers (K-factor of 160 lpm/bar 1/2 ) were used. The time-resolved chemical heat release rates obtained from the experiments were used to validate the fire growth model. The observed sprinkler activations and fire-spread patterns were used to validate the suppression model. This study identified that lateral flame spread is primarily enabled by flames impinging on the commodity's bottom surfaces. This study also showed that obstructions, such as wood pallets, can significantly impede convective and radiative heat transfer to the underside of the commodity, reducing the lateral flame spread rate. Fire-suppression modeling revealed that both surface water transport and lateral flame spread rates are important when predicting fire-suppression behavior. Therefore, as the rack-storage array height increases, so does the water transport time, which results in the fire becoming more difficult to control. Likewise, as the lateral spread rate increases, e.g., as occurs in the absence of wood pallets, fire-suppression also becomes more difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel curve modeling method based on an envelope curve template. As the theoretical basis for the envelope template, a family of interpolating curves is generated by repeated interpolation of the given data points. On this basis, a family of one-parameter interpolating cylindrical surfaces is introduced, and then the envelope condition and its envelope surface are given, and the directrix of which serves as the prototype for curve modeling. After analyzing the geometric properties of the directrix of the envelope, the continuity conditions of two adjacent curve segments at the common point are derived. At a technical level, an envelope curve template is constructed, and the expected G 2 or C 2 composite curves can be obtained utilizing the envelope template sweeping over the data points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Translation of the high mechanical properties of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) to macroscopic fibers represents a great challenge due to difficulties in the assembly of CNFs into well-ordered structures. In this study, we report the ultrastrong and flame-retardant microfibers via the microfluidic wet spinning of phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils (PCNFs) with high charge content. The macroscopic stress is effectively transferred to the individual PCNFs and results in a Young's modulus of 29 GPa and a tensile strength of 654 MPa. The as-prepared microfibers retain >85 % strength in the wet hydration state, exceeding most natural or synthetic microfibers. Furthermore, glycerol and egg yolk were introduced to the microfibers for enhancing the modulus (31 GPa), strength (865 MPa) and the strain to failure (10.95 %). In addition, the PCNFs microfibers have good flame retardancy. This study expands the potential applications of nanocellulose microfibers in biomedical and flame-retardant materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of technology and space exploration, studies on long-duration space flights have shown that microgravity induces damage to multiple organs, including the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). However, very little is known about the effects of long-term microgravity on DRG neurons. This study investigated the effects of microgravity on lumbar 5 (L5) DRG neurons in rats using the hindlimb unweighting (HU) model. Male (M) and female (F) Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into M- and F-control (CON) groups and M- and F-HU groups, respectively (n = 10). At the end of HU treatment for 4 weeks, morphological changes were detected. Myelin basic protein (MBP) and degenerated myelin basic protein (dgen-MBP) expressions were analyzed by immunofluorescence and western blot assays. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) protein and mRNA expressions were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT-PCR analysis, respectively. Compared with the corresponding CON groups, the HU groups exhibited slightly loose junctions between DRG neurons, some separated ganglion cells and satellite cells, and lightly stained Nissl bodies that were of smaller size and had a scattered distribution. High levels of dgen-MBP and low MBP expressions were appeared and GDNF expressions were significantly decreased in both HU groups. Changes were more pronounced in the F-HU group than in the M-HU group. In conclusion, HU treatment induced damage of L5 DRG neurons, which was correlated with decreased total MBP protein expression, increased dgen-MBP expression, and reduced GDNF protein and mRNA expression. Importantly, these changes were more severe in F-HU rats compared with M-HU rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a large eddy simulation (LES) study of vertical turbulent wall fires, which aims at bringing fundamental insight into the near-wall flame structure and heat transfer characteristics. The LES simulations are wall-resolved, i.e ., the simulations are performed with sufficient grid resolution to capture the wall gradients and do not require a wall heat transfer model. The wall fires considered herein correspond to a simplified configuration in which gaseous fuel is supplied from an array of vertical porous burners, featuring a series of meter-scale wall flames with different fuel mass flow rates and different fuel types. Four fuels (methane, ethane, ethylene and propylene) are studied with prescribed fuel flow rates. Simulations are performed using an LES solver called FireFOAM. The Wall-Adapting Local Eddy-viscosity (WALE) model is used for turbulence modeling. The Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) model is used for combustion modeling. The thermal radiation model uses the discrete ordinate method with the simplifying assumption of an optically-thin medium characterized by a fixed radiant fraction. In the fuel blowing region, grid convergence is achieved using a 3 mm computational grid; while in the downstream flame preheating region, a 1.5 mm near-wall grid spacing is required to fully resolve the wall convective heat transfer. The change in grid requirement is due to the presence or absence of fuel blowing which affects the thickness of the wall viscous sub-layer. The simulations are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experimental data in the turbulent flame region; in particular: the radiative heat flux increases with elevation and with the fuel mass loss rate, while the convective heat flux remains approximately constant with elevation and decreases with the fuel mass loss rate. The present wall-resolved simulations are considered a first step on the route to developing accurate wall models needed for engineering simulations of wall fires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structures of complexes [Tb(3-Br-4-MBA)phen]( 1), [Ho(3-Br-4-MBA)(phen)HO]( 2) and [Er(3-Br-4-MBA)(phen)HO]( 3) (3-Br-4-MBA=3-bromine-4-methylbenzoate, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. All obtained products were examined and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, IR, UV and XRD techniques. The thermogravimetric analysis of 1 to 3 was studied, indicating that the decomposition processes of 2 and 3 are different from 1. The mass loss of the first step for 2 and 3 is attributed to the HO molecules. The three-dimensional IR accumulation spectra of gaseous of 1 to 3 were also recorded. Complex 1 emits strong and bright green fluorescence under UV light at the room temperature. The bacteriostatic activities of the three complexes against bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and fungus (Candida albicans) were tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Five new lanthanide complexes were synthesized by two different experimental methods: two mononuclear complexes and three binuclear complexes. Their chemical formula is: [Gd(2-Cl-4-FBA) 3 (terpy)H 2 O]1.5H 2 O(1); [Dy(2-Cl-4-FBA) 3 (terpy)H 2 O]·0.5H 2 O(2)) (2-Cl-4-FBA = 2-chloro- 4-fluorobenzoate,terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine); [Ln(3,4-DFBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)(H 2 O)] 2 (Ln = Pr(3),Er(4);[Ln(3,4-DFBA) 3 (5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy)] 2 (Ln = Ho(5)) (3,4-DFBA = 3, 4-difluorobenzoate,5,5′-DM-2,2′-bipy = 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine). A series of characterization and properties of the complexes were studied, such as elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence properties and so on. The coordination number of complexes 1–2 is 9, showing a muffin geometry. The results show that complex 1–5 crystallized in the triclinic system and space group P ī. Complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural except for the number of free water molecules. Complexes 3–5 are binuclear molecules with different structures. Although the structures of the five complexes are different, they all form one and two-dimensional supramolecular structures along a chain and a plane. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1–5 was studied by synchronous thermal analyzer infrared spectroscopy (TG/DSC-FTIR). The results show that the coordination water, neutral ligand and acidic ligand are lost in turn when the complex undergoes thermal decomposition. And the three-dimensional infrared images of gas escaping during the thermogravimetric process were analyzed. In addition, the solid state fluorescence spectra of complex 2 was measured and the results showed that the characteristic fluorescence of Dy(III) ion was emitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compared with other methods, this method can detect complex moving targets adaptively by using optical phase-locked loop at the receiver of coherent LIDAR. Because optical phase-locked loop located at the receiver can compensate translation adaptively, this method is suitable for the moving target with uniform speed or variable speed. • This method significantly reduces the influence of target translation on vibration information extraction through the carrier tracking mode of optical phase-locked loop. And phase frequency detector is used as the phase detector in the optical phase-locked loop, which ensures that the loop gain is not affected by the target reflectivity and maintains the stability of the loop bandwidth. At present, laser vibration measurement technology is widely used based on the micro-Doppler effect. Micro-Doppler information contains a specific target feature, which provides an effective method for target recognition. Complex translation of the target is not conducive to detecting and collecting of the beat signal and increases the difficulty of extracting vibration information. In this paper, we propose to utilize an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL) operating in the carrier tracking mode at the receiver of coherent LIDAR, which can adaptively compensate the variable Doppler frequency shift (DFS) caused by the complex translational to obtain a detectable beat signal with the stable carrier frequency. On this basis, the micro-Doppler information can be accurately obtained from the variable DFS. A laboratory experiment for vibration targets with our OPLL method has been conducted, and it revealed that our approach worked well to extract the micro-Doppler information, thus the complex vibration contains two vibration frequencies of 100 Hz and 300 Hz, with amplitudes of 48.1 μ m and 44.3 μ m , respectively. This micro-motion information extraction method has universal applicability in recognizing the complex moving target, such as space debris recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Four new complexes [Ln(3-Br-5-IBA)3phen]2 were synthesized and characterized. [•] The non-isothermal kinetics of the first stage for the complexes was studied. [•] The heat capacities of the complexes were measured by differential scanning calorimeter. [•] The antimicrobial activities for these complexes were tested. [•] The fluorescence properties of the complexes 2 and 3 were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weld profiles, weld width, weld positions, and mechanical property changes in the weld and heat-affected zones (HAZ) are the most important parameters that influence the potential formability of the welded tube. To investigate the effect of weld characteristics on the forming behaviors of the welded tube, finite element models which consider the geometric profile and mechanical properties of the weld and HAZ are employed. The results show that (1) the mechanical constitutive relation of the weld region determined by the microhardness empirical formula obviously decreases the tangent strain, thickness strain, and cross-sectional deformation ΔD in the weld and HAZ as compared with that determined by the improved rule of mixtures, which is contrary to the hoop strain, and the predicted results determined by the improved rule of mixtures are much closer to the experimental ones; (2) different weld and HAZ widths determined by the microhardness profile and metallographic section have a little effect on the tangent strain, thickness strain, and ΔD distribution; (3) the implementation of weld profile and material properties decreases the wall variation of the weld region as the weld line locates on the outside and inside. On the contrary, both the weld profile and weld material properties increase the maximum ΔD. The sectorial weld profile has a stronger effect on the wall variation and maximum ΔD than the hourglass profile; and (4) the same weld and HAZ volume have a stronger effect on wall thinning and Δ D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three new Ln(Ⅲ) complexes were synthesized and structures were characterized. • Mononuclear and binuclear were assembled into supramolecular structures. • X-ray crystal structure and the infrared spectrum. • Dy3+ and Tb3+ complexes show luminescence of the trivalent lanthanides. • The thermal decomposition mechanism was investigated by TG-DSC/FTIR. Three new lanthanide complexes were synthesized by conventional solution synthesis at room temperature with the formula of [Ln(2-FBA) 2 (terpy)(NO 3)(H 2 O)]·(terpy)·H 2 O(Ln=Dy(1)), [Ln(2-FBA) 3 terpy] 2 ·2(2-FHBA)·2H 2 O(Ln=Pr(2),Tb(3)), (2-FBA=2-fuorobenzoate, terpy=2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine). The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray single crystal diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The coordination number of complexes 1–3 is 9, showing a muffin geometry. Complex 1 is mononuclear, crystallized in the monoclinic system and space group P2 1 /c. Complexes 2 and 3 are binuclear molecules of isomorphous, and their adjacent structural units form 1D chain and 2D sheets structure through C-H···F hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. In addition, the solid state fluorescence spectra of complexes 1 and 3 were measured. The test shows that complex 3 emits strong green light. The thermal decomposition mechanism of the complexes was studied by synchronous thermal analyzer infrared spectroscopy TG-DSC/FTIR and the 3D stacked plots of the escape gases were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Smoke and water spray interaction in a tunnel fire is investigated using FireFOAM. • Validation work shows good agreement between FireFOAM predictions and measurements. • Thermal and chemical stratification is quantitatively evaluated. • Smoke blocking performance of water sprays is quantified based on the mass flow rate. This study presents a large eddy simulation (LES) of smoke blocking by water sprays in tunnel fires to investigate the effect of water sprays on the characteristics of the smoke flow. This study uses an LES solver – FireFOAM. In addition, fire experiments using a 1/10 scale model tunnel with two water spray nozzles are conducted to validate the LES results. The length of the model tunnel is 12 m, the height and width are 0.5 m, respectively, and the heat release rate of the fire is 7.38 kW (2.33 MW in full scale). Each spray nozzle operates at a pressure of 0.3 MPa, and the volume median diameter of spray droplets is 226 μm. First, a grid sensitivity analysis on the gas temperatures under free-burn conditions is performed. A 1.25 cm uniform mesh is chosen in the tunnel domain for all subsequent simulations. Then, FireFOAM predictions are validated against experimental data on the distribution of water spray mass flux under conditions without the fire and the gas temperatures measured under conditions with and without the water sprays. The water spray mass flux and gas temperatures predicted by FireFOAM show good agreement with the measurements. Next, the characteristics of the smoke flow are investigated in the presence of the water sprays. It is found that the water sprays block part of the smoke flowing under the ceiling and force it to descend to the ground. The descended smoke flows back in the lower part of the fire zone, and a vitiated air layer is formed. The vitiated air layer is composed of the smoke flowing back and fresh air drawn from the portal. On the other hand, some smoke leaks through the water spray zone and flows along the ceiling on the portal side. It is also found that the spray cooling delays the propagation of the leaked smoke toward the tunnel portal. Furthermore, it is quantitatively shown that the buoyant flow stratification destroyed by the water sprays becomes thermally and chemically stabilized again on the portal side, for the specific case under this study. Last, the smoke blocking performance is quantified based on the mass flow rates of the smoke flowing under the ceiling in the fire zone and the smoke flowing back toward the fire. A comparison of the smoke blocking rates between the predictions (time dependent: 40–50%) and measurements (steady: 39.4%) shows good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalization of chain terminals of hyperbranched polymer can be both beneficial and challenging due to the large number of terminals originating from the hyperbranched architecture. Direct terminal functionalization is even more difficult for hyperbranched polyolefin via coordination polymerization due to the compatibility of the catalytic system and some terminal functionalization reagents. To overcome this issue, herein we report the synthesis of hyperbranched polyolefins via ring-opening metathesis polymerization from a substituted cyclooctene monomer with bi-functional acyclic olefin as chain-transfer agent via one-pot process. We envision that this work will provide a new route for the synthesis of functional hyperbranched polyolefin materials. The synthesis of terminal functionalized hyperbranched polyolefin via ROMP with a branched monomer and chain-transfer agents (repeating units of the hyperbranched olefin are placed between brackets). [Display omitted] • Synthesis of hyperbranched polyolefins via ROMP with various types of chain terminals. • One-pot synthetic method with ROMP and cross-metathesis reaction performing together. • Functional hyperbranched polyolefin materials with high degree of branching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An optical phase-locked loop is used at the coherent LIDAR receiver for phase synchronization. • The variable and large Doppler frequency shift can be adaptively compensated by an optical phase-locked loop. • The coherent LIDAR can detect the high-speed target and the variable speed target. Coherent LIDAR is a potential and effective technology to detect and identify space debris. However, for the high-speed space debris, the large Doppler frequency shift (DFS) generated by high-speed relative motion challenges the bandwidth of the photoelectric detection system and increases the difficulty of data sampling and processing. In this paper, we propose an effective method to compensate this large DFS adaptively by using an optical phase-locked loop (OPLL), and thus the relative velocity between the target and LIDAR platform can be obtained. A laboratory experiment for moving targets with our OPLL method has been conducted, and it revealed that our method worked well to compensate for 64 MHz frequency difference, thus the relative velocity is about 26 m/s based on the compensated DFS. And the beat frequency is always locked to the reference frequency, while the DFS generated by variable speed motion is compensated adaptively. The proposed compensation method could improve the performance of coherent LIDAR significantly, especially when detecting high-speed target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new 2D complexes namely [Ln(2-Cl-4-FBA) 3 (terpy)H 2 O] (Ln=Er(1),Ho(2)); [Eu(2-Cl-4-FBA) 3 (terpy)H 2 O]·1.5H 2 O(3); [Tb(2-Cl-4-FBA) 3 (terpy)H 2 O]·2H 2 O (4); (2-Cl-4-FBA=2-chloro-4-fluorobenzoate,terpy=2,2':6′,2 ″-terpyridine) were synthesized at normal temperature. The structures of complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The results show that the two complexes 1-2 are isomorphous and complexes 3-4 are isostructural. Four complexes are both assembled into the 1D and 2D supramolecular structures through the C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bond interactions. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1-4 was investigated by the technology TG/DSC-FTIR. FTIR spectra were obtained by analyzing the evolved gases in the thermal decomposition process of complexes 1-4. In addition, the differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure the average molar melting values of the complexes 1-2 in the temperature range of 259.15-343.15K by a specific heat comparison method, and the thermodynamic function values were obtained by calculation. The fluorescence tests of complexes 3 and 4 show that both of them have certain luminescent properties. Four new 2D complexes were synthesized at normal temperature. Four complexes are both assembled into the 1D, 2D supramolecular structures through the C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bond interactions. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1-4 were investigated by the technology TG/DSC-FTIR. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that complexes giving the final products rare earth oxide. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry was used to measure the average molar melting values of the two complexes in the temperature range of 259.15-343.15K by specific heat comparison method, and the thermodynamic function values were obtained by calculation. The fluorescence tests of complexes 3 and 4 show that both of them have certain luminescent properties. [Display omitted] • Four new isostructural lanthanide complexes had been synthesized and characterized. • Mononuclear structures were assembled into 1D, 2D supramolecular structures. • Thermal behavior of the complexes was investigated by the TG/DSC-FTIR methods. • The heat capacities of complexes 1-2 were measured and the parameters were calculated. • Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes exhibited red and green luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-polymerization in which different polymerization mechanisms are performed together serves as an essential synthetic methodology for the construction of polymers with specific architectures, constitutions, and properties. Compared to single mechanism polymerization, the scope of multi-polymerization is significantly broadened by both the available synthetic methods and the synthesized polymeric materials. In this mini-review, multi-polymerizations are categorized into three major types based on the logical relationship between different mechanisms: sequential/tandem polymerization, orthogonal/concurrent polymerization, and hybrid polymerization. Each type of multi-polymerization is briefly introduced and summarized. This mini-review also discussed the importance of mutual influence in multi-polymerization and the potential research interests in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel core/sheath glycosylated polyphosphazene nanofibrous membrane for use in protein recognition is fabricated via coaxial electrospinning process with alkyl polyphosphazene as the sheath and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as the core, followed by introduction of saccharide residues to the surface of the polyphosphazene nanofibrous membrane using alkyne-azide 'click' chemistry. A glucose/protein binding assay effectively demonstrates that this nanofibrous membrane can selectively recognize Con A while showing almost no binding with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Furthermore, the affinity capability of proteins (BSA and Con A) for the glycosylated polyphosphazene surface is investigated quantitatively using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of binuclear lanthanidecompounds of general formula [Ln(2,4-DClBA)3phen]2(Ln(III) = Nd (1), Sm (2), Dy (3), Yb (4); 2,4-DClBA = 2,4-dichlorobenzoate; phen =1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elementalanalysis, molar conductance, infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectra,thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.On the basis of X-ray crystallography, compounds 2–4belong to the triclinic crystal system, PI̅ space group. In compound 2, the Sm3+ion adopted a distorted monocapped square-antiprism coordinationgeometry. Compounds 3and 4are isomorphouswhose central ions (Dy3+and Yb3+) formed adistorted square-antiprism geometry. The heat capacities of compounds 1–4are measured using DSC technologyand fitted to a polynomial equation by the least-squares method. Thesmoothed molar heat capacities and thermodynamic function data ofcompounds 1–4relative to the referencetemperature 298.15 K are then calculated. Meanwhile, these compoundsexhibit in good antifungal activity against C. albicans, good antibacterial activity against S. aureus, and better antibacterial activity against E. coli. The fluorescence spectra of the samarium and dysprosium compoundsbehave as characteristic transitions of Sm(III) and Dy(III) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the reason of defects and the basic mechanics involved in the welded tube numerical control bending process, it is important to study the effects of the weld and processing parameters on the strain distributions of the tube. The grid method that combines with vision-based surface strain measurement system GMASystem is used to research the strain distributions of the bent tube experimentally. The results show that the weld has a limited effect on the strain evolution as the weld is not located in the region of locally highest strains. As the weld line locates on the outside, the maximum tangent and thickness strain decrease by 0.94 and 8.78 %, while the maximum hoop strain increases by 22.15 % as compared with that the weld line locates on the middle. As the weld line locates on the outside and inside, the thickness strain decreases obviously in the weld region. The variation of thickness strain is little with smaller mandrel extension length, and the maximum thickness strain increases by 21.38 % as the extension length changes from 6 to 10 mm. The thickness strain decreases with larger push assistant level. The maximum thickness strain increases with larger bending angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The synthesis and structure determination of five novel lanthanide complexes {[Ln(3,5-DmeoxBA)3(phen)]2 (Ln=Pr(1) Nd (2), Sm (3), Eu (4), and Ho (5); 3,5-DmeoxBA = 3,5-Dimethoxybenzoate; phen=1,10-phenanthroline)} are reported. In the isomorphous complexes 1 to 5, two Ln3+ ions are connected together by four bridging 3,5-DmeoxBA ligands. Each Ln3+ ion is octa-coordinated, yielding a distorted square-antiprism comformation. The thermal properties of the title complexes were investigated by simultaneous TG/DSC-FTIR techniques. The activation energy E values of the first decomposition stage for complexes 1 to 5 were calculated by integral iso-conversional non-linear (NL-INT) and Starink methods. Heat capacities of the five complexes were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). And the values of the experimental heat capacities were fitted to a polynomial equation with the least-squares method. Furthermore, based on the fitted polynomial and thermodynamic equations, the smoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions (HT–H298.15K), (ST–S298.15K), and (GT–G298.15K) were calculated. The fluorescent property of complex 4 was also studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Four lanthanide complexes with a general formula [Ln(3,5-Dipr-2-OHBA)3(phen)]2 (Ln=La(1), Nd(2), Eu(3) and Tb(4); 3,5-Dipr-2-OHBA=3,5-diisopropylsalicylate; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry techniques with Fourier transform infrared (TG/DSC–FTIR) technology. The luminescent properties of the complexes 3 and 4 were studied. The thermal decomposition processes of the title compounds were studied using the TG/DSC–FTIR coupling techniques. Heat capacities of the complexes were measured by DSC. And the values of the experimental heat capacities were fitted to a polynomial equation with the least-squares method. Based on the fitted polynomial and thermodynamic equations, the smoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions (H T − H 298.15K), (S T − S 298.15K), and (G T − G 298.15K) were calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two novel complexes ([Ln(3,5-Dipr-2-OHBA)3(phen)]2(Ln = Dy(1), Yb(2); 3,5-Dipr-2-OHBA = 3,5-diisopropylsalicylicacid; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)) were synthesized and characterizedby elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR spectra, singlecrystal X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric differential scanningcalorimetry/Fourier transform infrared (TG/DSC-FTIR) technology. Thefluorescent property of complex 1 was also studied. The two binuclearcomplexes are isostructural. Each Ln3誉 is octa-coordinated,yielding a trigondodecahedron conformation. The thermal propertiesof the title complexes were investigated by simultaneous TG/DSC-FTIRtechniques. The kinetic parameters of the first decomposition stagefor the complexes were calculated by the integral isoconversionalnonlinear method (NL-INT method), Starink method, Kissinger’smethod, and Ozawa–Doyle’s method. The thermodynamicparameters (ΔH≠, ΔG≠, and ΔS≠) at the peak temperatures of the DTG curves were alsocalculated. Heat capacities of the two complexes were measured byDSC. The values of the experimental heat capacities were fitted toa polynomial equation with the least-squares method. Besides, thesmoothed heat capacities and thermodynamic functions (HT– H298.15K),(ST– S298.15K), and (GT– G298.15K) were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a versatile approach to synthesize glycosylated polyphosphazenes with controllable density of glycosyl groups. These glycopolymers have been synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution of poly(dichlorophosphazene) with propargylamine and subsequent 'thiol-yne' click reaction between poly[di(propargylamine)phosphazene] and 2,3,4,6-tetra- O-acetyl-1-thio-β- D-glucopyranose (SH-GlcAc4). The polymers were characterized with FTIR and 1H NMR. We found that the high steric hindrance of SH-GlcAc4 plays a key role in the overall reaction process, and ∼55% of the alkyne groups participate in the 'thiol-yne' click reaction. About 8% of the alkyne groups convert to alkene groups at the end of click reaction. The substitution of alkyne/alkane mixture was conducted to reduce the alkyne density in the side groups of polyphosphazenes and minimize the influences of this steric effect. Mixed-substituent polyphosphazene was synthesized with 2:3 ratio of alkyne and alkane. In this case, almost no alkyne group remains after the 'thiol-yne' click reaction, and thus the glycosylated polyphosphazene is able to form into micelles through self-assembly process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three lanthanide complexes with a general formula [Ln(2,3-DClBA)3phen]2 (Ln(III)=Eu(1), Tb(2), Ho(3); 2,3-DClBA=2,3-dichlorobenzoate; phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, infrared and ultraviolet spectra and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The luminescent properties of the complexes 1 and 2 were studied. The thermal behaviors of the complexes were also discussed by thermogravimetric (TG), differential thermogravimetric (DTG) and infrared spectra (IR) techniques. The heat capacities of the complexes were measured from 259.15 to 493.02K by means of Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The dependence of heat capacity on the reduce temperature x (x =[T −(T max + T min)/2]/[(T max − T min)/2]) was fitted to a polynomial equation with the least squares method for each complex. Furthermore, based on the fitted polynomial, the smoothed heat capacities and the derived thermodynamic functions (H T − H 298.15K), (S T − S 298.15K) and (G T − G 298.15K) in the measured temperature range were obtained with an interval of 10K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]