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The outbreak and rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have led to one of the most serious public health crises since the beginning of the 21st century. An oral anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug ensitrelvir was developed with satisfactory antiviral effect and was synthesized via different strategies. This Review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the currently reported synthetic strategies for ensitrelvir along with three related key building blocks derivatives from the view of procedure, yield, impurities, safety, and environment. This will provide a novel perspective for further process development and drug discovery.

This study investigates the superplastic deformation of a cold-rolled Ni/Graphene Oxide composite foil, with a particular emphasis on the mechanism that enhances the two-dimensional ultra-thin phase graphene oxide (GO). The findings reveal that intergranular fracture takes place due to a larger plastic strain in the radial direction than in the tangential direction. Furthermore, the reinforcing phase GO tends to become fibrous after rolling, with the fiber direction oriented along the radial direction. The size of matrix grains surrounded by GO does not significantly increase at high temperatures. However, during stretching, the formed voids expand along the matrix and both ends of the GO. The formation and aggregation of voids increases the likelihood of high-temperature tensile fracture of the foil, ultimately resulting in a lower elongation of Ni/GO after rolling when compared to the original foil. The two-dimensional flexible reinforcement phase tends to transform from sheet-like to fibrous. When an external force is applied, it causes the multi-layer stacked GO to appear tense, which is visually observed for the first time.

Blonanserin is a novel oral antischizophrenic drug. Under fasting (n = 50) and fed (n = 60) conditions, this study compared the bioequivalence of the generic blonanserin tablet with the reference blonanserin tablet. In this single‐center, randomized, open‐label, 2‐period, 2‐sequence, crossover study, 110 patients were randomly given a 4‐mg dose of either the test or reference blonanserin tablet with a 14‐day washout period. Blood samples were taken before performing and up to 72 hours following. A validated high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry technique was used to measure the levels of blonanserin in plasma. Safety was evaluated throughout the study. The study found no significant differences in the maximum observed drug concentration in the plasma (Cmax), the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the last sampling time (AUC0‐t), and the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞) between the 2 blonanserin formulations. The 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratio of the test/reference formulations for Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐∞were within the 80%‐125% limit. Food dramatically raised blonanserin exposure, and also significantly prolonged the lag time of absorption. No serious adverse events occurred. These results indicate that the 2 blonanserin formulations were bioequivalent and well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. In clinical treatment, it is necessary to consider the food effect of blonanserin.

Both ozone (O3) and UV/O3treatment processes can effectively remove organic matter in the flocculated membrane filtration concentrate from landfill leachate, but the ozonation byproducts (OBPs) generated in the processes remain unknown. Using electrospray ionization-coupled Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS), this study investigated the molecular characteristics of unknown OBPs and their formation mechanisms during the treatment of flocculated nanofiltration concentrate (FNFC) using the O3and UV/O3processes. The results showed that after being treated by the O3and UV/O3processes, the average value of the oxygen-to-carbon ratio (O/Cavg) in the FNFC organic matter increased substantially from 0.49 to 0.61–0.64 and 0.63–0.71, respectively, with an O3dosage of 13.4–54.4 mg/min. The main OBPs were CHO and CHON compounds, which were mainly produced through oxygenation (+O2/+O3and −H2+O2), oxidative deamination (−NH3+O2), decyclopropyl (−C3H4), and deisopropyl (−C3H6) reactions. The hydroxyl radical (•OH) can intensify these reactions, resulting in an abundance of OBPs with a high oxidation degree and low molecular weight. OBPs at five m/zvalues were fragmented and analyzed with tandem mass spectrometry, and abundant hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and carbonyl groups were tentatively identified, presenting a potential toxicity to aquatic organisms. Due to the high molecular diversity of the OBPs in FNFC, their lower ΔGCoxocompared to natural fulvic acid, and potential toxicity, their impact on the water environment should be given more attention.

To achieve carbon neutrality (i.e., net zero carbon emissions) by 2060, China must make significant changes in its socioeconomic systems, including appropriately allocating emissions responsibility. Traditional methods of delineating responsibilities (such as production-based and consumption-based accounting) can lead to double counting when applied simultaneously and therefore difficulty in determining responsibilities of different agents. An alternative approach based on economic welfare gains from environmental externalities has been refined, ensuring that the responsibilities of consumers and producers add up to the total emissions. The application of this approach to 48 countries and 31 Chinese provinces reveals that regions with less elastic supply and demand, such as Hebei in China and Russia, have higher responsibilities. Furthermore, larger externalities associated with unitary product value shift the burden of obligations from producers to consumers. Regions with high levels of wealth and carbon-intensive imports, such as Zhejiang and Guangdong in China, as well as the United States, typically have higher consumer-based accounting (CBA) emissions than production-based accounting (PBA) emissions and, as a result, redistributed responsibilities between PBA and CBA emissions. The new distribution results vary significantly from PBA or CBA emissions, indicating opportunities for more comprehensive and accessible policy goals.

Herein, a B2pin2-mediated radical cascade cyclization/aromatization reaction of enaminone with pyridine is described. This strategy provides a practical way for the construction of valuable functionalized indolizines under metal-, external oxidant-, and base-free conditions, which could be compatible with various kinds of functional groups, such as halogen, π-system, heterocycle, ferrocenyl, etc. A preliminary mechanism investigation indicated that the pyridine-boryl radical formed in situ triggered the reaction to occur.

The cleavage and transformation of alkenyl C(sp2)–N bonds is a significant synthetic challenge. Herein we described an unprecedented nickel-catalyzed reductive borylation of enaminones to synthesize β-ketone boronic esters. Notably, B2pin2played the dual role in this process, and water served as a hydrogen source, which was transferred to target products. The air-stable nickel catalyst was applied to the cleavage of alkenyl C(sp2)–N bonds, concomitant with the reductive process of the alkenyl boronic ester intermediates, on the basis of the mechanism study.

The vision of reaching a carbon peak and achieving carbon neutrality is guiding the low-carbon transition of China’s socioeconomic system. Currently, a research gap remains in the existing literature in terms of studies that systematically identify opportunities to achieve carbon neutrality. To address this gap, this study comprehensively collates and investigates 1105 published research studies regarding carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. In doing so, the principles of development in this area are quantitively analyzed from a space–time perspective. At the same time, this study traces shifts and alterations in research hotspots. This systematic review summarizes the priorities and standpoints of key industries on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Furthermore, with an emphasis on five key management science topics, the scientific concerns and strategic demands for these two carbon emission-reduction goals are clarified. The paper ends with theoretical insights on and practical countermeasures for actions, priority tasks, and policy measures that will enable China to achieve a carbon-neutral future. This study provides a complete picture of the research status on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, as well as the research directions worth investigating in this field, which are crucial to the formulation of carbon peak and carbon neutrality policies.

Acidic sugarcane leaf polysaccharide (ASLP) has a variety of biological activities, but its macromolecular properties make it difficult for the human body to completely absorb or metabolize quickly in the body, and the action time is short. To solve this problem, acidic sugarcane leaf polysaccharide liposomes (ASLPL) were prepared by reverse evaporation method and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, particle size, potential, morphology, rheology and stability. In vitrorelease and digestion tests were used to verify the sustained release effect and stability of ASLPL. The results showed that ASLPL was spherical, with an encapsulation rate of 86.19% ± 0.976%, a particle size of 134.57 ± 2.501 nm, and a zeta potential of −24.49 ± 1.002 mV, which was a pseudoplastic fluid that was more stable to be stored in a neutral environment at 4 °C. The antioxidant, hypolipidemic and antibacterial activities of ASLPL were significantly increased compared with those of ASLP. The in vitrorelease and digestion results showed that ASLPL had obvious sustained release effect and could slow down the digestion of ASLP in vivoand prolong the duration of action. Therefore, the development and utilization of ASLPL can provide a greater development potential for the further application of ASLP in the food and pharmaceutical fields.

In the study of hollow nerve guidance conduit (NGC), the dispersion of regenerated axons always confused researchers. To address this problem, filler-containing NGC was prepared, which showed better effect in the application of nerve tissue engineering. In this study, nanofiber sponges with abundant macropores, high porosity, and superior compressive strength were fabricated by electrospinning and freeze-drying. Poly(l-lactic acid-co-ε-caprolactone)/silk fibroin (PLCL/SF) nanofiber sponges were used as filler to prepare three-dimensional nanofiber sponges-containing (NS-containing) NGC. In order to study the effect of fillers for nerve regeneration, hollow NGC was set as control. In vitro cell viability studies indicated that the NS-containing NGC could enhance the proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs) due to the macroporous structure. The results of hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that SCs infiltrated into the nanofiber sponges. Subsequently, the NS-containing NGC was implanted in a rat sciatic nerve defect model to evaluate the effect in vivo. NS-containing NGC group performed better in nerve function recovery than hollow NGC group. In consideration of the walking track and triceps weight analysis, NS-containing NGC was close to the autograft group. In addition, histological and morphological analyses with HE and toluidine blue (TB) staining, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were conducted. Better nerve regeneration was observed on NS-containing NGC group both quantitatively and qualitatively. Furthermore, the results of three indexes’ immuno-histochemistry and two indexes’ immunofluorescence all indicated good nerve regeneration of NS-containing NGC as well, compared with hollow NGC. The results demonstrated NS-containing NGC had great potential in the application of peripheral nerve repair.

The determination of catalytically active sites is crucial for understanding the catalytic mechanism and providing guidelines for the design of more efficient catalysts. However, the complex structure of supported metal nanocatalysts (e.g., support, metal surface, and metal–support interface) still presents a big challenge. In particular, many studies have demonstrated that metal–support interfaces could also act as the primary active sites in catalytic reactions, which is well elucidated in oxide-supported metal nanocatalysts but is rarely reported in carbon-supported metal nanocatalysts. Here, we fill the above gap and demonstrate that metal–sulfur interfaces in sulfur-doped carbon-supported metal nanocatalysts are the primary active sites for several catalytic hydrogenation reactions. A series of metal nanocatalysts with similar sizes but different amounts of metal–sulfur interfaces were first constructed and characterized. Taking Ir for quinoline hydrogenation as an example, it was found that their catalytic activities were proportional to the amount of the Ir–S interface. Further experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested that the adsorption and activation of quinoline occurred on the Ir atoms at the Ir–S interface. Similar phenomena were found in p-chloronitrobenzene hydrogenation over the Pt–S interface and benzoic acid hydrogenation over the Ru–S interface. All of these findings verify the predominant activity of metal–sulfur interfaces for catalytic hydrogenation reactions and contribute to the comprehensive understanding of metal–support interfaces in supported nanocatalysts.

Three impurities of pramipexole dihydrochloride were synthesized, and the possible generation mechanisms and the preparation methods of some impurities were reviewed. The desired configuration at C7 of 3was built by a Mitsunobu reaction.

Tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (T-EV) microRNAs have been investigated as promising biomarkers in clinical diagnosis as well as disease progression monitoring. However, the expression profiles of microRNA in different tissues vary widely, the precise monitoring of microRNA levels in EVs originating from diseased tissues is susceptible to background interference, thus remains a challenge. Conventional assays require extensive processing, such as EV isolation and even sample lysis, which is both slow and laborious, and the cumbersome pretreatment could spoil the downstream analysis. To address this issue, we developed a generalizable strategy for T-EVs-selective activation and therefore specific amplified microRNA imaging. The conditional signal amplification is established by integrating a traditional DNA walker system with endogenously activated motif to achieve sensitized microRNA imaging in T-EVs. The preorganized endogenous activation with additional sensing criteria narrowed the scope against the complex specimens, and the amplified sensing with reduced off-target signals was supposed to be sensitive to monitor the tiny changes of microRNA expression during the disease course, which holds great potential for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with a broad spectrum of histologic manifestations. The rapidly growing prevalence and the complex pathologic mechanisms of NAFLD pose great challenges for treatment development. Despite tremendous efforts devoted to drug development, there are no FDA-approved medicines yet. Here, we present NAFLDkb, a specialized knowledge base and platform for computer-aided drug design against NAFLD. With multiperspective information curated from diverse source materials and public databases, NAFLDkb presents the associations of drug-related entities as individual knowledge graphs. Practical drug discovery tools that facilitate the utilization and expansion of NAFLDkb have also been implemented in the web interface, including chemical structure search, drug-likeness screening, knowledge-based repositioning, and research article annotation. Moreover, case studies of a knowledge graph repositioning model and a generative neural network model are presented herein, where three repositioning drug candidates and 137 novel lead-like compounds were newly established as NAFLD pharmacotherapy options reusing data records and machine learning tools in NAFLDkb, suggesting its clinical reliability and great potential in identifying novel drug-disease associations of NAFLD and generating new insights to accelerate NAFLD drug development. NAFLDkb is freely accessible at https://www.biosino.org/nafldkband will be updated periodically with the latest findings.

A novel metal-free chemoselective C–H hydroxylation and borylation of N-phenylbenzamides using BBr3is described. The protocol generates the corresponding phenols and arylboronic esters in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions with brilliant chemoselectivity. Additionally, this strategy can be realized in one pot, and several potential bioactive derivatives can be synthesized efficiently. Density functional theory calculations certify that the preferred pathway for this metal-free C–H hydroxylation process is the formation of a five-membered boracycle.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have the advantages of low cost, eco-friendliness, abundant heteroatoms, excellent solubility, and coordinated ability with metal ions. These features make ILs a suitable precursor for fabricating metal single-atom catalysts (SACs). Herein, we prepared various metal single atoms anchored on ultrathin N-doped nanosheets (denoted as Cu1/NC, Fe1/NC, Co1/NC, Ni1/NC, and Pd1/NC) by direct pyrolysis using ILs and g-C3N4nanosheets as templates. Taking benzene oxidation to phenol with H2O2as a model reaction to evaluate their catalytic performance and potential applications, Cu1/NC calcined at 1000°C (denoted as Cu1/NC-1000) exhibits the highest activity with a turnover frequency of about 200 h−1in the first 1 h at 60°C, which is better than that of most metal SACs reported in the literature. High benzene conversion of 82% with high phenol selectivity of 96% and excellent recyclability were achieved using the Cu1/NC-1000 catalyst. This study provides an efficient general strategy for fabricating SACs using ILs for catalytic applications.

Conventional design and optimization of passive compensation network (PCN) for inductive power transfer (IPT) system are based on specific topologies. The demerits of this design method are: i) The topology is mostly chosen by experience; ii) The design parameters are not multi-objective optimal. Aiming at these issues, this paper proposes an optimal PCN design scheme based on evolutionary algorithm (EA) to synchronously optimize the topology and parameters of PCN for IPT system. Firstly, a unified mathematical model of the PCN is presented and derived by transmission matrix. Then, according to the mathematical model, the multi-objective functions (such as output fluctuation and efficiency) as well as the constraints (such as load and coupling coefficient) for the optimal PCN design are established. The EA based multi-objective optimal PCN design algorithm is further constructed. Six optimal results are obtained using the algorithm, and one optimized PCN having minimum output current fluctuation and high-efficiency is chosen to validate the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme in experiment. For the given IPT system with the optimized PCN, the maximum fluctuation of output current is no more than 11%, within 200% of load variation and about 77% of coupling variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTRecently, China has attached great importance to promoting immunization, prompting the media, scholars, and public to focus on its coverage and efficacy. This study aimed to understand the factors influencing parental willingness to have their school-aged children vaccinated with quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIVs). A cross-sectional study through face-to-face interviews was conducted between September and December 2018. Forty-four kindergartens and primary and junior high schools were randomly selected via stratified three-stage cluster sampling. Of 4,430 participants, 24.6% reported having heard of QIV and 24.2% reported having previously received information on QIV. Of these, 42.8% expressed willingness to obtain the QIV for their children. A junior college degree (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.447; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.202–1.742), higher influenza knowledge level (medium level, aOR = 1.150, 95% CI, 1.006–1.314; high level, aOR = 1.332, 95% CI, 1.045–1.697), and previous influenza information (aOR = 2.241; 95% CI, 1.604–3.130) were positively correlated with vaccination willingness. In contrast, no previous QIV-related information (aOR = 0.490; 95% CI, 0.418–0.575), no perceived susceptibility of children to influenza (aOR = 0.576; 95% CI, 0.489–0.680), fear of side effects (aOR = 0.599; 95% CI, 0.488–0.735), concern that vaccines need to be carefully administered (aOR = 0.728; 95% CI, 0.593–0.894), and mistrust of new vaccines (aOR = 0.730; 95% CI, 0.628–0.849) were pivotal barriers hindering parents from having their children vaccinated. This study provides baseline information for future immunization programs and delivery, with the ultimate goal of increasing vaccine uptake and minimizing school-wide influenza outbreaks.

Wastewater often contains humic acid (HA) and inorganic anions together. We studied the oxidation properties of high concentration HA in an ozone system and effects of different mass concentrations of CO32-, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, NO2-and NO3-on the ozonation of HA were investigated. After 30 min, the color number, HA, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon were considerably eliminated, the ozone use decreased significantly and the biodegradability ratio of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)/COD increased from an influent 0.23 to 0.52. Also, the UV-visible spectrum and three-dimensional excitation and emission matrix fluorescence spectrum tests demonstrated that the HA was significantly decomposed into small molecular matters. Also, common inorganic anions had significant influences during the ozonation process. For a 30 min reaction, and water samples with mass concentrations of CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-and NO2-of 0.5–3.0, 5.0–20.0, 5.0–20.0 and 0.1–0.8 g L–1, respectively, the removal rates of HA were reduced by 8.36%–16.40%, 2.95%–8.85%, 0.66%–3.28% and 10.16%–16.06% respectively, compared with water samples without these anions, and the apparent kinetic constants kobswere 13.88–9.51, 14.59–11.31 and 16.67–14.20 min–1; for water samples with SO42-and NO3-mass concentrations of 0.5–2.0 and 2.0–8.0 g L–1, the removal rates of HA increased by 2.30%–10.16% and 2.30%–7.54%, and kobswere 17.71–23.85 and 17.9–21.19 min–1. Ozonation could be inhibited by CO32-, HCO3-, Cl-and NO2-, and the depressions increased as the input increased, however, there is some facilitation when SO42-and NO3-exist, and the degradation could be accelerated as theinput increased.

Abstract

Inorganic persulfate salts were identified as efficient reagents for the oxidative aromatization of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones through the activation of readily available transition metals, such as iron and copper. The feasible protocol conforming to the requirement of green chemistry was utilized in the preparation of the key intermediate (7-(4-chlorobutoxy)quinolin-2(1H)-one 2) of brexpiprazole in 80% isolated yield on a 100 g scale, and different quinolin-2(1H)-one derivatives with various functional groups were demonstrated in 52–89% yields.

Efforts toward route evaluation and process optimization for the preparation of brexpiprazole (1) are described. Starting from commercially available dihydroquinolinone 11, a three-step synthesis route composed of O-alkylation, oxidation, and N-alkylation was selected for industry-oriented process development aiming to reduce side reactions and achieve better impurity profiles. The reaction conditions of the three steps were investigated, and the control strategy for the process-related impurities was established. The optimized process was validated on the kilogram scale and now is viable for commercialization, with the results of not less than 99.90% purity of 1(by HPLC) and not more than 0.05% of persistent impurities 15and 16.

Membrane bioreactor effluent from treating leachate (MBR leachate) is characterized by a high humification degree, and further treatment of refractory organics is required. Refractory organic components in the MBR leachate were identified by using the three-dimensional excitation emission matrix (3D-EEM) coupled with parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis, namely fulvic-like substances (C1, Ex/Em = (245)325 nm/410 nm) and humic-like substances (C2, Ex/Em = (255)365 nm/460 nm). With a higher O3dosage and an increase in H2O2dose, the removal efficiency for C1 and C2 can be enhanced. However, an overdose of H2O2or alkaline conditions exhibited some inhibition of refractory component removal in the O3/H2O2process. The unsaturated structure of the humic substances was destroyed, and the aromaticity degree, hydrophobicity degree, humification degree, molecular mass, and condensation degree of the benzene ring compounds in the MBR leachate were reduced considerably by the O3/H2O2process. Therefore, the biodegradability of the MBR leachate increased considerably to 0.32. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and linear regression were applied and indicated that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) had a significant positive correlation with C1 and C2, and the absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) had a more significant positive correlation with C2. Hence, monitoring and determination of relative C1 and C2 contents can achieve rapid COD prediction in the MBR leachate. This study provides suggestions and guidance for MBR leachate treatment and references for the rapid prediction of refractory organic concentration.

As a waste of sugarcane, the added value of sugarcane leaves has not been fully utilized, and sugarcane leaf polysaccharide is an important active component of sugarcane leaves. Using new extraction methods to study the structure and biological activity of polysaccharides from sugarcane leaves is of great significance for the development and application of sugarcane leaves. To determine the structural characteristics and biological activities of different acidic sugarcane leaf polysaccharides (ASLPs) extracted by microwave-assisted hot alkali extraction (MALE), three new acidic sugarcane leaf polysaccharides (ASLP-50, ASLP-70 and ASLP-90) were precipitated by ethanol. The structure of ASLPs extracted by MALE contains protein, sulfate and uronic acid. ASLP-50 (195.88 kDa), ASLP-70 (94.62 kDa) and ASLP-90 (16.37 kDa) were acidic polysaccharides composed of mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, arabinose and fucose. The results of XRD and NMR showed that ASLPs were amorphous polysaccharides composed of α-L-Araf-(1→ main chain, and its branching points were composed of Arap and GalpA residues. In addition, ASLPs showed significant antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antibacterial activities in vitro. The research and application of ASLPs provide a reference for the recycling of sugarcane leaves, which is conducive to the development of food, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries.

Repair of cartilage defects is highly challenging in clinical treatment. Tissue engineering provides a promising approach for cartilage regeneration and repair. As a core component of tissue engineering, scaffolds have a crucial influence on cartilage regeneration, especially in immunocompetent large animal and human. Native polymers, such as gelatin and hyaluronic acid, have known as ideal biomimetic scaffold sources for cartilage regeneration. However, how to precisely control their structure, degradation rate, and mechanical properties suitable for cartilage regeneration remains a great challenge. To address these issues, a series of strategies were introduced in the current study to optimize the scaffold fabrication. First, gelatin and hyaluronic acid were prepared into a hydrogel and 3D printing was adopted to ensure precise control in both the outer 3D shape and internal pore structure. Second, methacrylic anhydride and a photoinitiator were introduced into the hydrogel system to make the material photocurable during 3D printing. Finally, lyophilization was used to further enhance mechanical properties and prolong degradation time. According to the current results, by integrating photocuring 3D printing and lyophilization techniques, gelatin and hyaluronic acid were successfully fabricated into human ear- and nose-shaped scaffolds, and both scaffolds achieved shape similarity levels over 90% compared with the original digital models. The scaffolds with 50% infill density achieved proper internal pore structure suitable for cell distribution, adhesion, and proliferation. Besides, lyophilization further enhanced mechanical strength of the 3D-printed hydrogel and slowed its degradation rate matching to cartilage regeneration. Most importantly, the scaffolds combined with chondrocytes successfully regenerated mature cartilage with typical lacunae structure and cartilage-specific extracellular matrixes both in vitroand in the autologous goat model. The current study established novel scaffold-fabricated strategies for native polymers and provided a novel natural 3D scaffold with satisfactory outer shape, pore structure, mechanical strength, degradation rate, and weak immunogenicity for cartilage regeneration.

Impurities A–F were observed, identified, and confirmed during the efinaconazole production process. The possible formation pathways of the mentioned impurities were understood, and thereafter, a controlling strategy was established by locating the proper process parameters with the consideration of efficient cost and less waste as well. This impurity investigation is also essential for quality control of consistently delivering of qualified efinaconazole API.

The semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB) is highly efficient in removing organic matter and ammonia nitrogen, but the effluent of the SAARB (SAARB leachate) contains high concentrations of recalcitrant organics. In this study, zero valent iron and hydrogen peroxide (ZVI/H2O2) coupled with microwave irradiation were used to treat the SAARB leachate. The effects of the initial pH, ZVI dosage, H2O2dosage, microwave (MW) power, and reaction time were systematically investigated. Results showed that under optimum conditions [initial pH of 3.0, (ZVI)0= 0.2 g L−1, (H2O2)0= 7.5 mL L−1, MW power = 450 W and reaction time = 14 min], the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand, substances absorbing ultraviolet light at 254 nm, and reductions of color number were 28.11%, 48.60%, and 81.21%, respectively. In control experiments, the best treatment was achieved in the combined MW-ZVI/H2O2process, which indicated a synergetic treatment effect of MW, ZVI and H2O2. Two fluorescent components were identified by parallel factor analysis as fulvic-like substances and humic-like substances. Both of these substances were greatly degraded in the MW-ZVI/H2O2process, resulting in a sharp reduction of organic matter concentration, molecular weight, and condensation degree, and a significant improvement in the biodegradability of the resulting effluent. Various analyses showed that iron ions could be leached from ZVI, generating iron-based oxides (e.g., FeO, Fe2O3, and FeOOH) in particles of ZVI, which may catalyze the Fenton process. Therefore, in the MW-ZVI/H2O2process, the removal mechanism of fulvic- and humic-like substances included heterogeneous and homogeneous Fenton reactions, and adsorption and precipitation of iron-based oxides, all of which were promoted by MW energy. As a result, the MW-ZVI/H2O2process was highly efficient in treating the SAARB leachate.

The interfacial interaction in supported catalysts is of great significance for heterogeneous catalysis because it can induce charge transfer, regulate electronic structure of active sites, influence reactant adsorption behavior, and eventually affect the catalytic performance. It has been theoretically and experimentally elucidated well in metal/oxide catalysts and oxide/metal inverse catalysts, but is rarely reported in carbon-supported catalysts due to the inertness of traditional carbon materials. Using an example of a graphdiyne-supported cuprous oxide nanocluster catalyst (Cu2O NCs/GDY), we herein demonstrate the strong electronic interaction between them and put forward a new type of electronic oxide–graphdiyne strong interaction, analogous to the concept of electronic oxide/metal strong interactions in oxide/metal inverse catalysts. Such electronic oxide–graphdiyne strong interaction can not only stabilize Cu2O NCs in a low-oxidation state without aggregation and oxidation under ambient conditions but also change their electronic structure, resulting in the optimized adsorption energy for reactants/intermediates and thus leading to improved catalytic activity in the Cu(I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Our study will contribute to the comprehensive understanding of interfacial interactions in supported catalysts.

Sepsis is a critical condition affecting patients worldwide. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome in sepsis contributes to organ dysfunction and mortality. The oXiris is a recently developed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) hemofilter indicated for the adsorption of cytokines from the bloodstream. In our study, in a septic child, CRRT with three filters, including the oXiris hemofilter, resulted in a downregulation of inflammatory biomarkers and a reduction of vasopressors. Herein, we described the first report of such usage in septic children.

Electrospun nanofibers have been used for various biomedical applications. However, electrospinning commonly produces two-dimensional (2D) membranes, which limits the application of nanofibers for the 3D tissue engineering scaffold. In the present study, a porous 3D scaffold (3DS-1) based on electrospun gelatin/PLA nanofibers has been prepared for cartilage tissue regeneration. To further improve the repairing effect of cartilage, a modified scaffold (3DS-2) cross-linked with hyaluronic acid (HA) was also successfully fabricated. The nanofibrous structure, water absorption, and compressive mechanical properties of 3D scaffold were studied. Chondrocytes were cultured on 3D scaffold, and their viability and morphology were examined. 3D scaffolds were also subjected to an in vivo cartilage regeneration study on rabbits using an articular cartilage injury model. The results indicated that 3DS-1 and 3DS-2 exhibited superabsorbent property and excellent cytocompatibility. Both these scaffolds present elastic property in the wet state. An in vivo study showed that 3DS-2 could enhance the repair of cartilage. The present 3D nanofibrous scaffold (3DS-2) would be promising for cartilage tissue engineering application.

Surface coimmobilization modifications of blood-contacting devices with both antithrombogenic moieties and endothelium-inducing biomolecules may create a synergistic effect to improve their performance. However, it is difficult to perform covalent dual-functionalization with both biomolecules on the surface of normally used synthetic polymeric substrates. Herein, we developed and characterized an orthogonally functionalizable polymer, biodegradable elastic poly(ester urethane)urea with disulfide and amino groups (PUSN), which was further fabricated into electropun fibrous scaffolds and surface modified with heparin and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) recruiting peptide (TPS). The modification effects were assessed through platelet adhesion, EPC, and HUVEC proliferation. Results showed the dual modified PUSN scaffolds demonstrated a synergistic effect of reduced platelet deposition and improved EPC proliferation in vitro study, and demonstrated their potential application in small diameter vascular regeneration.

The fabrication of high quality and low cost microlenses on a glass substrate using a simple, rapid, and precise direct microplotting technique is shown in this paper. The fabrication method is based on the use of a microplotter system, which is significantly different from the existing inkjet, roll-to-roll printing, and reactive ion etching technology and could work with higher viscosity materials. By optimizing the parameters of voltage, dispense time, and concentration of the polymer solution, high quality microlenses with a diameter of 20 μm could be obtained. The geometrical and optical characteristics of the microlenses are analyzed by measurement of the surface profile and the imaging properties in the near-field and far-field zones as well as the diffraction pattern. We think that the fabricated microlenses could be attractive for enhancing the light extraction efficiency of light emitting diodes.

In this paper, a new optimisation method based on chaotic differential evolution (CDE) algorithm for solving resource-constraint project scheduling problem (RCPSP) is proposed. By using improved logistic chaotic map and penalty function, the objective function can be solved more perfectly. Project scheduling problem library (PSPLIB) has been taken into account so as to test the effect of novel hybrid method. Simulation results and comparisons show that the chaotic differential evolution algorithm is competitive and stable in performance with other optimisation approaches presented in literatures.

In this paper, a new optimisation method based on chaotic particle swarm optimisation (CPSO) algorithm for solving multi-mode resource-constraint project scheduling problem (MRCPSP) under uncertainty is proposed. Fuzzy set theory is used to represent the uncertainties of activity duration. A searching technique using CPSO algorithm is adopted to search for the minimum of fuzzy project completion time. A case with uncertain activity duration is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The result indicates that CPSO algorithm can assist project managers in selecting a schedule with the least possibility of being late in an uncertain scheduling environment.

Abstract: Abandoned roadways of coal mines are suitable for compressed air energy storage after proper treatment with grouting reinforcement and concrete lining. According to the theoretical analysis, the rock mass and concrete lining will experience cyclic tensile stress in the air injection-withdrawal process which is unfavorable to the long-term stability of the roadway. At present, few researches have focused on mechanical properties of rock under cyclic tensile stress. Therefore, cyclic tests were conducted for sandstones under different maximum tensile stresses and different cyclic frequencies, respectively. The test results showed that there was little damage in the sandstone until the maximum tensile stress was over the threshold which was about 75% of the average tensile strength of the sandstone. Besides, the rock was damaged more easily under lower cyclic frequency. Based on the testing results, a viscoelastic-plastic model for sandstone was constructed under cyclic tensile stress. The model parameters were fitted by optimization analysis method and used to predict mechanical behaviors of the sandstone. The results showed that the response of the rock could be well obtained by the proposed model. Article highlights:

Lower cyclic frequency of tensile stress makes sandstone sample more favorable to be broken.

The sample tested under low cyclic frequency of tensile stress will generate time-depending tensile strain inside.

The time-depending tensile strain evolution properties of the sample under different testing conditions can be uncovered by a model constructed by different basic mechanical elements and a self-defined element.

Velocimetry, heat transfer, and pressure drop experiments are reported for laminar/transitional air flow in a channel containing rectangular transverse ribs located along one channel wall. The geometry is intended to represent an array of low profile electronic packages. At fixed pumping power per unit channel volume, the heat transfer rate per unit volume is independent of rib-to-rib spacing and increases with decreasing wall-to-wall spacing. The fully developed, rib-average heat transfer coefficient is found to be linearly related to the maximum streamwise rms turbulence measured above the rib-tops. Linear correlations, in terms of a descriptor of the rms streamwise turbulence, are shown to unify heat transfer/pressure drop data for channels containing either two-or three-dimensional protrusions.

Heat transfer experiments are reported on the thermal performance of longitudinal fin heat sinks attached to an electronic package which is part of a regular array of packages undergoing forced convection air cooling. The effect of coolant bypass on the performance of the heat sink is assessed and performance correlations for reduced heat transfer due to this effect are developed. These correlations are used to develop design guidelines for optimal performance.