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China's economy has transtioned into the “new normal”, which demands higher standards for energy utilization efficiency. Meanwhile, the spatial distribution of China's energy consumption and economic development exhibits a significant imbalance, complicating efforts to achieve Pareto optimization of regional energy allocation efficiency. Addressing this issue, this study explores the heterogeneity of the factors influencing energy consumption in China from the dual perspectives of economic “new normal” and geographic space, using an exponential decomposition model. The results of the study show that: (1) the inhibitory effect of the energy intensity effect on the growth of regional energy consumption is differentiated, with stronger inhibitory effects in Guangdong, Jiangsu and other provinces, and weaker inhibitory effects in Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces. Living standard effect on the regional energy consumption growth of the promotion of the effect also has differences, Jiangsu, Shandong and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is stronger, while Hainan, Qinghai, and other provinces of the promotion of the effect is weaker. (2) Population size effect on regional energy consumption growth is not consistent in the direction of the role of Guangdong, Zhejiang, and other provinces have a promotional effect and the role of the effect of the stronger, on the contrary, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Gansu has an inhibitory effect. (3) In the late stage of the economic “new normal”, the effects of energy intensity effect, living standard effect and population size effect on the growth of energy consumption in the four regions show a weakening trend, and this weakening trend is more obvious in the northeast region. This study expands theoretical research on factors affecting energy consumption and offers practical guidance for China's government to coordinate regional energy allocation under the economic “new normal” and geographical considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a high-energy-consuming sector, China's light sector should have received more attention for its carbon emissions (CO2e). However, the literature on energy-related CO2e in China's light sector is limited at present. This paper aims to assess the impact of China's light sector on CO2e. This paper applies the energy consumption technique, input-output analysis technique, and structural decomposition model to analyze China's light sector energy-related CO2e and emission reduction from the input-output perspective. The results show that the energy structure effect, energy intensity effect, and input structure effect are the main restraining factors for the growth of the light sector energy-related CO2e, which are caused by the expansion of the energy utilization structure on the supply side of the light sector. The final demand effect is the factor promoting the growth of the light sector energy-related CO2e. It reveals that the final demand products in the light sector still have high environmental degradation features. Policymakers should actively enhance and rationally adjust the demand for the light sector in numerous industries to avoid the resource waste caused by the excessive expansion of the light sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brittle–ductile transition temperature (BDTT) and fracture toughness are useful indicators of the brittleness of reactor pressure vessel materials. However, current methods to analyze these parameters are expensive and time-consuming; moreover, the relevant mechanism is not very clear. Thus, in this study, a body-centered cubic crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) based on the densities of dislocation and irradiation defects, which are full- and partial-absorption dislocation loops, was numerically implemented on A508-3 steel. Irradiation embrittlement was investigated in the CPFEM framework. The cleavage failure model for a representative volume element was proposed to calculate the BDTT, the results of which agreed well with experimental results in the literature for both unirradiated and irradiated samples. The risk for brittle failure is higher for irradiated samples at constant temperature. Furthermore, the proposed model combined with the Beremin cleavage fracture local approach, could estimate the fracture toughness of A508-3 steel at different temperatures before and after irradiation. The results obtained were consistent with reported experimental data, indicating that irradiation exacerbates the embrittlement. This work is beneficial to the calculation and evaluation of irradiation effect of RPV steel, providing reference for the research of reactor life extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Breeding biology stands as the paramount component within avian life history. In this study, for the first time, we provided detailed information on the breeding biology of the Indian Blue Robin (Larvivora brunnea), a little-known forest understory bird, for which the breeding biology has been largely unknown. We conducted our fieldwork in northwestern Yunnan, China, in May of 2021. Both parent birds were observed to participate in the breeding process, but the female participated in incubation only. This study highlights how a small single-parent bird adapts its incubation behavior, as well as how parent birds coordinate their breeding to adjust to the cold and unpredictable environmental conditions in high-altitude regions. Breeding biology lies at the core of life history research on birds, and it provides important information for avian conservation. We discovered one nest of the Indian Blue Robin (Larvivora brunnea) on 28 May 2021, at the Laojun mountains in Lijiang, northwestern Yunnan, China. Field observation was combined with the use of a GoPro camera for video shooting to quantitatively study the incubation and brooding behavior. We also conducted measurements of the eggs and nestlings on site and inspected the nesting materials used. A bowl-shaped nest with four eggs was located at 2830 m in the evergreen deciduous broad-leaved forest. All eggs were successfully incubated and two nestlings fledged on 22 June 2021, resulting in a total breeding success of 50%. Only the female bird incubated the eggs and brooded the nestlings. The incubation period was at least 13 days and the nestling period was 13 days. As incubation progressed, the incubation bout duration decreased. During the incubation period, the nesting time of the female bird shows a declining trend as incubation progresses. Both parents participated in feeding the nestling, and the frequency of parental supply increased with the maturity of the nestling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After China's economy entered a “new normal,” their economic development model shifted from an energy‐intensive to an energy‐saving, given that China's electricity and heating industry accounts for about half of the country's energy consumption and carbon emissions. Based on the sample data from 2005 to 2020, this paper adopts the energy consumption method and the extended index decomposition model to explore carbon emissions of the electricity and heating industry in the early and late period of the economic new normal. The results show that: (1) carbon emissions from the electricity and heating industry showed a growing direction in the economic new normal period. However, compared with the early period of economic new normal, the increasing speed of carbon emissions from the electricity and heating industry slowed down significantly in the late period. This point also directly reflects that the extensive development mode of energy utilization has been alleviated after the electricity and heating industry entered the economic new normal. (2) Compared with the early period, the energy structure effect on the emission reduction was enhanced after entering the economic new normal. Meanwhile, the investment efficiency effect has changed from promoting to inhibiting. (3) Compared with the early period, the promotion impact of the investment scale effect on carbon emissions in the electricity and heating industry has no significant change after entering the economic new normal. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the emission reduction impact of the energy intensity effect is weak. This paper not only provides empirical evidence for evaluating the emission reduction effects of the Chinese electricity and heating industry before and after the economic new normal but also shares policy insights for precise emission reduction in the electricity and heating industry in the later stage of the economic new normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global fixed-time sliding mode control strategy is designed for the manipulator to achieve global fixed-time trajectory tracking in response to the uncertainty of the system model, the external disturbances, and the saturation of the manipulator actuator. First, aiming at the lumped disturbance caused by system model uncertainty and external disturbance, the adaptive fixed-time sliding mode disturbance observer (AFSMDO) was introduced to eliminate the negative effects of disturbance. The observer parameters can adaptively change with disturbances by designing the adaptive law, improving the accuracy of disturbance estimation. Secondly, the fixed-time sliding surface was introduced to avoid singularity, and the nonsingular fixed-time sliding mode control (NFSMC) design was put in place to ensure the global convergence of the manipulator system. Finally, the fixed time saturation compensator (FTSC) was created for NFSMC to prevent the negative impact of actuator saturation on the manipulator system, effectively reducing system chatter and improving the response speed of the closed-loop system. The fixed-time stability theory and Lyapunov method were exploited to offer a thorough and rigorous theoretical analysis and stability demonstration for the overall control system. Simulation experiments verify that the designed control scheme has excellent control effects and strong practicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates relationship between the zonal oscillation of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) and the South Asia High (SAH). As the WPSH extends westward, in upper-troposphere the SAH shows conspicuous eastward extension in 10–25-day period, while weak zonal movement in 25–50-day period. In 10–25-day period, the zonal oscillation of the SAH lags the movement of the WPSH by about one day. It is closely related with a westward moving anomalous high from the south of the Japan to the continent. Further analysis shows that the WPSH-related precipitation plays the significant role in the variation of this anomalous high. Accompanied with the westward extension of the WPSH, in lower-troposphere an anomalous anticyclonic circulation occupies the western Pacific. It enhances the moisture transportation to the east side of the SAH, causing above-normal precipitation here. With the enhancement of the precipitation, the anomalous diabatic heating induces divergence anomaly in upper-troposphere, and further stimulates anomalous high by the horizontal divergence effect, leading to the eastward extension of the SAH. In 25–50-day period, due to the weaker convective anomaly, the WPSH is unable to extend farther westward. As the result, less moisture is transported and the anomalous moisture convergence is restricted to the north of Yangtze River, and so is the precipitation. At the east side of the SAH it is dominated by the anomalous cooling, unfavorable for the stimulation of the anomalous high, and thus, the zonal oscillation of the SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and chemotherapy has been clinically confirmed to be beneficial as the first-line treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. This study aimed to assess the effect of nivolumab + docetaxel versus nivolumab monotherapy in patients with NSCLC after the failure of platinum doublet chemotherapy. Materials and methods: The efficacy and toxicity of nivolumab + docetaxel combination therapy versus nivolumab monotherapy were compared in this retrospective study. Primary endpoint of the study was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Results: Between November 2017 and December 2019, 77 patients were included in this study, with 58 patients in the nivolumab group and 19 in the nivolumab + docetaxel group. The median follow-up was 18 months, and the PFS was 8 months for patients receiving nivolumab + docetaxel and 2 months for those receiving nivolumab alone (p = 0.001), respectively. Nivolumab + docetaxel showed superior OS compared with nivolumab, with the median OS unreached versus 7 months (p = 0.011). Among patients without EGFR/ALK variation, compared to nivolumab monotherapy, nivolumab + docetaxel showed better PFS (p = 0.04) and OS (p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) between the two groups (p = 0.253). Conclusions: The combination of nivolumab and docetaxel demonstrated a meaningful improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival compared to nivolumab monotherapy, in patients with NSCLC after the failure of platinum doublet chemotherapy, irrespective of EGFR/ALK variation status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A one-component polymerizable benzophenone derivative (NVBP) was designed and synthesized to achieve low migration and high photoactivity. • NVBP has excellent double bond conversion for acrylic monomers. • NVBP has good photoinitiation performance under LED light at 365 nm/405 nm. • The migration stability of NVBP was better than that of BP in the photocured fims. With the increase frequency of food safety incidents caused by migrating photoinitiators over the past few years, as well as people's growing awareness of safety and environmental protection, the development of low-migration UV-LED photoinitiators has become increasingly crucial. A photoinitiator 3-vinyl-4-dimethylaminobenzophenone (NVBP) with both hydrogen donor and polymerizable double bond group was prepared and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. A systematic study of the photopolymerization kinetics of NVBP was explored by the Real-Time Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer. The results showed a good initiation efficiency of acrylate monomers under 365 nm/405 nm light source with double bond conversion up to 94.6 % and 79.7 %. In addition, NVBP has low mobility, which is important to facilitate photoinitiator applications. This work proves that NVBP is an excellent UV-LED photoinitiator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed a micro‑meso-macro framework for RPV steel. • Predicted ART for RPV steel over 40 and 60 years. • Demonstrated correlation between irradiation and DBTT. • Evaluated yield stress changes under varied temperatures and irradiation dose. • Applied CPFEM for nano-indentation simulation. Irradiation can induce microscopic defects in reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel, resulting in macroscopic hardening and embrittlement. This paper proposes a micro‑meso-macroscale calculation framework for the mechanical properties of irradiated RPV steel based on experimental and numerical investigations. The mean size and number density of Fe-ion-irradiation-induced dislocation loops were measured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These parameters were described by a power-function relationship with the irradiation dose at various temperatures and were used as input parameters for the crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM). Nano-indentation tests of A508-Ⅲ steel under different irradiation conditions were successfully simulated. In addition, microstructural characterization and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed the phenomenon of dislocation pinning and the sweeping of irradiation defects during dislocation migration, implying that the dislocation-loop interactions could be responsible for the formation of dislocation channels and curved dislocation lines. Furthermore, increase in yield stress and the ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) at various temperatures were investigated. Results indicated that yield stress, DBTT, and the degree of irradiation hardening and embrittlement increased with the irradiation dose and decreased with irradiation temperature. Finally, the adjusted reference temperature (ART), a significant design parameter for nuclear reactors, was calculated and evaluated using the multiscale framework. The framework can serve as a reference text for extending the life of nuclear reactors. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interaction mechanisms between dislocations and irradiation-induced defects revealed. • Atomically-informed evolution formula for dislocations and defects established. • Creation of crystal plasticity model (CPFEM) incorporating MD-derived formula. • Successful simulation of nano-indentation, tension, and compression processes. • Practical implications for predicting irradiated tungsten behavior. Tungsten plays a significant role in the nuclear industry, in which defects are generated upon exposure to irradiation. Irradiation-induced defects, such as dislocation loops and helium bubbles, are key factors in performance degradation, leading to irradiation hardening and embrittlement. The inner interaction between the dislocations and irradiation-induced defects directly determines the safety of the irradiated tungsten. However, the interaction mechanisms and evolutionary formulas remain unclear. In this study, based on systematic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, an interaction mechanism phase map between the dislocation and dislocation loop was built as a function of the dislocation loop size and temperature. An atomically-informed mechanism-based evolution formula for dislocations and dislocation loops due to their interaction was established. Subsequently, a crystal-plasticity finite-element model (CPFEM) that contains the evolution formula obtained by MD is proposed. Based on CPFEM, the nano-indentation, uniaxial tension, and compression processes were simulated. Good agreement was achieved between the simulated and experimental results, further demonstrating the reasonability of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A polymerizable vinyl-modified Benzophenone derivative (VBP) and three macromolecular photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) based on VBP were designed and synthesized to realize low migration together with high photoactivity. • The curing ability of VBP is significantly higher than that of BP for acrylic monomers. • PVBN1-3 prepared by copolymerization between VBP and DMAEMA demonstrated a high quantum yield of free radical generation than BP and good photoinitiating performance. • The migration stability of these photoinitiators in the photocured fims were better than that of BP. Due to the increasing safety concerns caused by migration of photoinitiators, the development of low migration photoinitiators has become a priority in the current stage. As a widely used Type II photoinitiator, benzophenone is known to cause the migration of residual small molecule initiators and co-initiators after photopolymerization, leading to safety issues and severely limiting its applications. In this work, a polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by directly introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators PVBN1-3 were synthesized based on VBP. The characterization was conducted by using spectroscopic techniques, revealing stronger absorption ability in the range of 200–330 nm compared to benzophenone. The initiation efficiency of the acrylic monomer by PVBN1-3 was evaluated by using real-time FT-IR technique. The migration stability of the cured system was investigated through immersion extraction. The results demonstrate that VBP and PVBN1-3 are a series of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent integration of light‐sheet microscopy and tissue‐clearing has facilitated an important alternative to conventional histological imaging approaches. However, the in toto cellular mapping of neural circuits throughout an intact mouse brain remains highly challenging, requiring complicated mechanical stitching, and suffering from anisotropic resolution insufficient for high‐quality reconstruction in 3D. Here, the use of a multiangle‐resolved subvoxel selective plane illumination microscope (Mars‐SPIM) is proposed to achieve high‐throughput imaging of whole mouse brain at isotropic cellular resolution. This light‐sheet imaging technique can computationally improve the spatial resolution over six times under a large field of view, eliminating the use of slow tile stitching. Furthermore, it can recover complete structural information of the sample from images subject to thick‐tissue scattering/attenuation. With Mars‐SPIM, a digital atlas of a cleared whole mouse brain (≈7 mm × 9.5 mm × 5 mm) can readily be obtained with an isotropic resolution of ≈2 µm (1 µm voxel) and a short acquisition time of 30 min. It provides an efficient way to implement system‐level cellular analysis, such as the mapping of different neuron populations and tracing of long‐distance neural projections over the entire brain. Mars‐SPIM is thus well suited for high‐throughput cell‐profiling phenotyping of brain and other mammalian organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocuring 3D printing of hydrogels, with sophisticated, delicate structures and biocompatibility, attracts significant attention by researchers and possesses promising application in the fields of tissue engineering and flexible devices. After years of development, photocuring 3D printing technologies and hydrogel inks make great progress. Herein, the techniques of photocuring 3D printing of hydrogels, including direct ink writing (DIW), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), volumetric additive manufacturing (VAM), and two photon polymerization (TPP) are reviewed. Further, the raw materials for hydrogel inks (photocurable polymers, monomers, photoinitiators, and additives) and applications in tissue engineering and flexible devices are also reviewed. At last, the current challenges and future perspectives of photocuring 3D printing of hydrogels are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This real‐world study assessed the efficacy and toxicity of anlotinib as salvage treatment in Chinese patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: The medical records of 81 patients with advanced NSCLC who had failed at least two lines of chemotherapy were retrospectively collected. All patients were administered anlotinib treatment until disease progression or intolerance as a result of adverse events. Survival curves were created using the Kaplan–Meier method. The log‐rank test was used for univariate analysis of progression‐free survival (PFS) between groups. Cox regression was used to estimate the statistically significant factors based on univariate analysis. Results: The median PFS was five months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5–6.5). The objective response rate (ORR) was 7% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 84%. The following subgroups of patients had longer PFS (P < 0.05): squamous cell carcinoma, no brain or liver metastases, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0–1, and no previous VEGF‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. The results of Cox regression indicated that an ECOG PS of 0–1 (hazard ratio 0.152, 95% CI 0.057–0.403; P = 0.00) and patients without brain metastases (hazard ratio 0.421, 95% CI 0.195–0.911; P = 0.028) had longer PFS following anlotinib treatment. Conclusion: Anlotinib, which is well tolerated, plays a significant role in the salvage treatment of advanced NSCLC. Patients with advanced NSCLC with an ECOG PS of 0–1 and no brain metastases achieved longer PFS following anlotinib salvage treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: MiR-125b plays an important role in breast cancer. The current study was to explore the expression and function of miR-125b in triple negative breast cancer cells. Materials and methods: The expression of miR-125b in human TNBC samples and cell lines were examined by qRT-PCR. MTT, scratch assays and transwell assays were utilized to observe the proliferation, migration and invasion ability. MiR-125b's target gene and downstream signaling pathways were investigated by Luciferase Reporter Assays, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence assays and western bolt. Results: MiR-125b was highly expressed in human TNBC tissues and cell lines. Inhibiting miR-125b expression suppressed the proliferation, cell migration and invasion. The three-prime untranslated region (3´-UTR) of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mRNA contains miR-125b binding sites, and inhibiting miR-125b expression suppressed the activity of the intracellular Wnt/β-catenin pathways and EMT. Conclusion: Inhibiting miR-125b regulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EMT to suppress the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells. MiR-125b was highly expressed in human TNBC tissues and cell lines. Inhibiting miR-125b expression suppressed the proliferation, cell migration and invasion of MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells by targeting adenomatosis polyposis coli (APC) to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thymoma and thymic carcinoma are rare thymic epithelial tumors. We investigated the efficacy of first‐line gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy versus gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with the anti‐angiogenic drug endostar (GP + E) in advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma. Methods: The records of 45 patients with invasive metastatic thymomas or thymic carcinomas treated with GP as first‐line therapy between August 2008 and July 2017 at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Eighteen patients (75%) in the GP + E group achieved a partial response and six (25%) had stable disease. In GP only group, nine (42.8%) patients achieved a partial response, 11 (52.4%) had stable disease, and one (4.8%) had progressive disease. The GP + E group had a significantly higher overall response rate (75% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.028), and median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 19 and 76 months, respectively. In the GP only group, median PFS and OS were 16 and 29 months, respectively. PFS and OS were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: GP has moderate efficacy and could represent a suitable first‐line therapy for thymic carcinoma and thymoma. Chemotherapy combined with endostar could improve the overall response rate, but did not prolong PFS or OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study used the functional Lactobacillus acidophilus producing α-amylase, protease, phytases and β-mannanase to carry out cooperative fermentation of soybean meal. The effects of the inoculating amount, fermentation temperature, fermentation time and the ratio of water to material on the content of acid-soluble protein were studied by the single factor experiment. On this basis, through Box-Behnken design experiment, the quadratic regression model was established, and the optimal fermentation conditions were the inoculated amount of bacterial liquid of 12.3%, the fermentation time of 78.9 h, the fermentation temperature of 36.8 °C, and the ratio of water to material of 0.9 L/kg. Under these conditions, the crude protein content increased by 15.13%, the acid-soluble protein content increased by 66.91%, hemicellulose content decreased by 24.93%, the free amino acid content was 11.62 times higher before fermentation, the trypsin inhibitor content decreased by 91.68%, the urease activity decreased by 95.67%, the phytic acid content decreased by 83.87%, and the viable bacteria count in fermented soybean meal was 1.37x1010 CFU/g. The study indicates that the composite strain fermentation mode can effectively improve the nutrient composition of soybean meal and remove antinutrient factors, so as to improve the utilization rate of soybean meal and provide a reference for the industrial production of fermented soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops a nonlinear adaptive fuzzy output feedback controller for dynamic positioning (DP) system of ships in the presence of unmeasured states of ships, unknown dynamic model parameters, unknown time varying environment disturbances and input saturation. It is the first time that all the conditions above are simultaneously dealt with in the DP control design. By combining adaptive fuzzy system and auxiliary dynamic system, a control scheme with high-gain observer is developed via vectorial backstepping method. It is proved that the proposed nonlinear adaptive fuzzy output feedback controller can maintain the ship at desired position and heading with arbitrary accuracy, while guaranteeing the uniform ultimate boundedness of all closed loop signals in the DP system. Finally, simulations are carried on a supply ship to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper designs an adaptive fuzzy stabilization controller for the underactuated surface vessel in the presence of unknown time varying environment disturbances and input saturation. By combining adaptive fuzzy system and auxiliary dynamic function, a stabilization control scheme is developed via vectorial backstepping technique and Lyapunov direct method. To begin with, based on the diffeomorphism equivalent transformation, the stabilization problem of underactuated surface vessel can be transformed into the stabilization analysis of two subsystem. Further, the adaptive fuzzy system is employed to approximate the uncertain term induced by the unknown time varying environment disturbances in the control law. In particularly, an auxiliary dynamic function is exploited to deal with the input saturation. It is proved that the proposed adaptive fuzzy output feedback controller can stabilize the vessel to desired equilibrium origin, while guaranteeing the uniform ultimate boundedness of all closed loop signals in the underactuated system. Finally, simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Aplysia ras homology member I/ARHI is known as ovarian cancer suppressor gene and potential inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/STAT3 signaling. Resveratrol suppresses growth and STAT3 activation of ovarian cancer cells, while its influence in ARHI expression remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to elucidate the status of ARHI expression and its relevance with growth suppression and STAT3 inactivation of resveratrol-treated cells. METHODS: ARHI expression patterns of three ovarian cancer cell lines (human CAOV-3, OVCAR-3 and rat NUTU-19) without and with 100 μ M resveratrol treatment were checked by immunocytochemical staining, Western blotting and RT-PCR. The involvement of ARHI in the growth inhibition and STAT3 inactivation of resveratrol-treated OVCAR-3 cells was investigated by transfection of ARHI-specific siRNA. RESULTS: ARHI is expressed in low levels in three ovarian cancer cell lines, which is upregulated upon resveratrol treatment accompanied with growth arrest, extensive apoptosis, increased autophagic activity and inactivated STAT3 signaling. Specific siRNA transfection efficiently knocked down ARHI expression in resveratrol-treated CAOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells and increased the total cell number in limited extents ( P > 0.05) in comparison with that of resveratrol-treated ovarian cancer cells without any transfection or transfected with mock oligonucleotides. ARHI knockdown failed to prevent resveratrol-caused STAT3 inactivation and cell crisis. CONCLUSION: ARHI upregulation is another molecular event caused by resveratrol and one of the elements related with resveratrol's anti-ovarian cancer efficacy. Resveratrol may inactivate STAT3 signaling of ovarian cancer cells in ARHI unrelated pattern(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The storage stability of thiol-ene in different systems was investigated. • The reaction mechanism of gelation occurring in thiol-divinylbenzene (DVB) was verified by kinetic and storage experiments, and the competition between thiol generation of sulfhydryl radicals and generation of sulfur anions was elaborated. • The effect of thiol structure on system properties was investigated for thiol-ene systems that with homopolymerization in thiol-ene. Based on a number of advantages, thiol-ene polymerization is of great significance in photopolymerization, especially in emerging industries such as biomedical materials and optoelectronic materials. However, the research is limited by its poor storage stability. Meanwhile the spontaneous reaction mechanism of thiol-ene is unclear. In this study, ene with different structures were explored to determine the storage stability and the mechanism of spontaneous reaction, it was found that structure of ene led to different effects on storage stability. Thiol-divinylbenzene (DVB) was found to be stable both at normal and high temperatures, which was due to the moderate electron cloud density and conjugated structure. Besides, the Spontaneous reaction mechanism of thiol-DVB was explored mainly as free radical-initiated thiol-ene reaction. It is worth mentioning that in addition to good storage stability, thiol-DVB also has excellent photopolymerization efficiency and a higher sulfur content in the network compared to the thiol-acrylate system. It is showed the significant potential and value of the thiol-DVB system for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotation with Chinese milk vetch (MV) as winter green manure in double-rice cropping system is an efficient approach to substitute chemical fertilizer (CF). However, the optimal substitution rate of MV for CF and its long-term effects on crop productivity and soil quality remain unknown. We conducted a 13-year field experiment with different substitution rates of MV for CF (22.5 t ha−1 fresh MV incorporation with 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% of the recommended nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) supply, represented by MV+F 100 , MV+F 80 , MV+F 60 and MV+F 40 , respectively) to investigate its long-term effects on yield sustainability and soil quality in double rice cropping system. Compared with the sole application of CF, the MV+F 100 and MV+F 80 treatments significantly increased the early rice yields by 15.6% and 11.3% and the late rice yields by 9.3% and 6.3%, respectively. Utilization of MV to substitute 0–40% of the N and K in early rice season and 0–20% of the N and K in late rice season significantly increased the soil quality index (SQI). However, further increasing the substitution rate decreased the sustainability yield index (SYI) and SQI. The soil available phosphorus had a stronger effect on the early and late rice grain yield than the other soil physicochemical properties. Meanwhile, rice grain yields significantly increased with increasing SQI, and the apparent N, P and K balances positively affects SQI. The SYIs of early and late rice crops linearly increased with increasing SQIs, while the coefficient of variance in grain yield (CVy) decreased with increasing SQI. Consequently, long-term utilization of MV to substitute 0–40% of the N and K in early rice season and 0–20% of the N and K in late rice season can simultaneously improves yield sustainability and soil quality. • MV can substitute 0–40% and 0–20% of the N and K in early and late rice season, respectively. • Soil quality index (SQI) positively affects grain yield and the sustainability yield index (SYI). • Soil available phosphorus (AP) has the strongest impacts on SQI. • Green manuring to substitute partial chemical fertilizer can simultaneously improve SYI and SQI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic cloning, also known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), is a promising technology which has been expected to rapidly extend the population of elaborately selected breeding boars with superior production performance. Chinese Guike No. 1 pig breed is a novel swine specialized strain incorporated with the pedigree background of Duroc and Chinese Luchuan pig breeds, thus inherits an excellent production performance. The present study was conducted to establish somatic cloning procedures of adult breeding boars from the Chinese Guike No. 1 specialized strain. Ear skin fibroblasts were first isolated from a three-year-old Chinese Guike No. 1 breeding boar, and following that, used as donor cell to produce nuclear transfer embryos. Such cloned embryos showed full in vitro development and with the blastocyst formation rate of 18.4 % (37/201, three independent replicates). Finally, after transferring of 1187 nuclear transfer derived embryos to four surrogate recipients, six live piglets with normal health and development were produced. The overall cloning efficiency was 0.5 % and the clonal provenance of such SCNT derived piglets was confirmed by DNA microsatellite analysis. All of the cloned piglets were clinically healthy and had a normal weight at 1 month of age. Collectively, the first successful cloning of an adult Chinese Guike No. 1 breeding boar may lay the foundation for future improving the pig production industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the recent increase in consumer spending in China, which according to economists and policy makers is necessary for continued economic development. The article discusses long term trends such as demographic and urbanization changes as well as recent developments such as the housing boom after 2000. The Chinese consumption outlook and its macro implications are also discussed.

This study investigates the evolution characteristics and the mechanism, including the convection–circulation interaction and the air–sea interaction, of the subseasonal zonal oscillation of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) in 10–25-day period and 25–50-day period. Accompanied with the westward extension of the WPSH, a suppressed convection propagates northwestward over the western Pacific with an anticyclonic circulation anomaly at its northwest. A warm sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) lags the anomalous convection, showing near-quadrature phase relationship in temporal, and the magnitude of SSTA in 25–50-day period is greater than that in 10–25-day period. Further analysis shows that in both two periods the westward extension of the WPSH is mainly attributed to the convection–circulation interaction. The suppressed convection-induced cooling stimulates the divergence anomaly at the northwest of the suppressed convection, causing anticyclonic anomaly through the horizontal divergence effect. In turn, the anticyclonic anomaly motivates the downward dry advection in planetary boundary layer (PBL) preceding the suppressed convection, and thus favors the propagation of the suppressed convection. Through such interaction processes, the convection and circulation anomalies are combined and propagate together, leading to the zonal oscillation of the WPSH. Moreover, it is also found that the significance of air–sea interaction in two periods is distinct due to different magnitudes of the SSTA. In 10–25-day period, the ocean has no obvious feedback on the atmospheric circulation, while in 25–50-day period, the oceanic anomaly can fully develop and impact on the atmosphere more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit color and taste are important quality characters of cherry tomatoes. The present study analyzed the genes and metabolites in the three cherry tomatoes with different fruit colors (red, green, and yellow) at the maturity stage to characterize the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying fruit color and taste. Profiling identified 627 compounds grouped into 37 classes and 25,106 uniquely expressed genes in cherry tomato fruit samples. Significant variations were detected in all three cherry tomatoes. In addition, association analysis depicted that the differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites were mainly associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways, and carotenoid pathway which are likely to be the key metabolites and genes underlying the differences for colors among the cherry tomato fruits. Overall, these findings revealed the basis of mechanisms underlying fruit color and taste development and provided valuable information for the genetic improvement of cherry tomatoes. • Three important metabolic pathways for color and taste in cherry tomato were identified. • The candidate genes underlying fruit color and taste in cherry tomato were detected. • The carotenoid biosynthesis was found in regulation of tomato fruit color. • The regulation model for the differences in color and taste between the cherry tomato was accessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high adhesion polyurethane acrylate (HPUA) was synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and hydrogenated rosin. The chemical structure was characterized by 1 H NMR and FTIR; storage modulus and glass transition temperature ( T g ) were measured with dynamic mechanical analyzer. Real time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR) was used to investigate the effect of different concentrations of photoinitiator on the double bond conversion of HPUA. Real time volume shrinkage and adhesion on glass, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrates were also measured by laser micrometer and universal testing machine. Results showed that this kind of HPUA has a high photopolymerization rate, low volume shrinkage and high adhesion compared with commercial polyurethane acrylate competitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorine-containing polyacrylic acrylate prepolymers, with different molecular weight and fluorine content, were successfully synthesized by solution radical polymerization of acrylate monomer and following esterification. The compatibility of the prepolymers with solvents and acrylate monomers could be improved markedly with introduction of butyl acrylate as co-monomer and decreasing the polymer molecular weight. It could form homogeneous solution in solvents and monomers and transparent cured film combined with commercial photoinitiator and monomer, evidenced with vision, transmittance, dynamic mechanic and graphic analysis. At the same time, this kind of prepolymers could perform rapid photopolymerization and reach about 95% double bond conversion after 90 s ultraviolet irradiation. It also showed unique surface tension as low as 24.9 dyn/cm and lower glass transition temperature ( T g ) with higher fluorine concentration. This kind of novel prepolymer could be widely used in photopolymerization for low surface tension and high optical demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-deflection plate theory and superposition principle, with consideration of temperature variation that is perpendicular to the surface, reveal that a rectangular thin plate (RTP) with one edge clamped, two edges simply supported, and one edge free under temperature disparity can be regarded as a superposition of an RTP with three simply supported edges and one free edge under temperature disparity and an RTP with three simply supported edges and one free edge under bending moment on one edge. First, by supposing the deflection function that has undetermined parameters at the free edge and by adopting the Levy method, the closed solution for an RTP with three simply supported edges and one free edge is obtained. Second, the closed solution for an RTP with three simply supported edges and one free edge is obtained under temperature disparity. Third, with the use of the solution for an RTP with four simply supported edges under bending moment on one edge, the solution for an RTP with three simply supported edges and one free edge under bending moment on one edge is obtained. Finally, the deflection and bending analytical solution for an RTP with one edge clamped, two edges simply supported, and one edge free under temperature disparity is obtained by adopting the superposition principle. The calculation coefficient table for a concrete RTP with one edge clamped, two edges simply supported, and one edge free under temperature disparity is established by using MATLAB. Thus, a theoretical calculation based on a concrete RTP with one edge clamped, two edges simply supported, and one edge free under temperature disparity in an engineering structure is provided for engineering design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the impact of the energy production changes on imports and exports, as well as trade forecasts in the U.S. A review of the trends and condition of energy production, consumption, and net imports in the country in three decades is provided. Overview of the estimates models for export and import growth forecasts, and the effects of the faster growth in domestic energy productions is offered.

Background and aims: Several malignant solid tumors have been reported to have an abnormal expression of the long non-coding RNA CASC15 (lncRNA CASC15). However, the clinicopathologic and prognostic importance of CASC15 in solid tumors are unknown. As a result, we examined the interrelationship between CASC15, overall survival length, and clinicopathological attributes of cancers affecting humans by analyzing various studies and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data related to CASC15 expression. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese WanFang, and Chinese CNKI databases were used to conduct a literature search. Hazard ratios (HRs) and Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated taking 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The results of the current meta-analysis were further validated using TCGA datasets. Results: A total of 12 eligible studies enrolling 767 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Findings of the analysis showed that CASC15 expression had a significant relation to the metastasis of lymph node (OR = 3.30, 95%CI = 1.88–5.81, p < 0.001), distant metastasis (OR = 2.64, 95%CI = 1.24–5.63, p = 0.012), and high TNM/clinical stage (OR = 2.67, 95%CI = 1.34–5.32, p = 0.005). Additionally, we found that a poor outcome for overall survival (OS) was predicted by an elevation in CASC15 expression (HR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.71–2.36, p < 0.001). Further investigation of the TCGA dataset revealed that CASC15 had abnormal expression in many cancers, which at least partially validated the findings of the current meta-analysis. Conclusions: According to the latest meta-analysis and systematic review, high expression levels of CASC15 are associated with poor survival outcomes for solid tumor patients, and the use of CASC15 as a solid tumor prognostic predictor has a solid theoretical foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new non-cross-linked polystyrene supported chiral hydantoin was prepared and it was shown to be a particularly effective chiral auxiliary for asymmetric aldol reactions, affording high yields and excellent diastereoselectivity. Furthermore, the recovery and recycling of the polymer-supported chiral auxiliary have been successfully achieved without an appreciable reduction in the yield or diastereoselectivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article analyzes the relationship between the U.S. export growth and economic growth in different regions of the world using regression models. It provides a dynamic analysis of the association between U.S. export growth and foreign growth. It demonstrates how quantify the expected reduction in U.S. export growth associated to the decline in foreign growth.

Abstract: A two-component tissue adhesive based on biocompatible and bio-degradable polymers (oxidized urethane dextran (Dex-U-AD) and gelatin) was prepared and photocrosslinked under the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The adhesive could adhere to surface of gelatin, which simulated the human tissue steadily. The structures of above Dex-U-AD were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR spectroscopy and XRD. The adhesion property of result products was evaluated by lap-shear test. The maximum adhesion strength could reach to 4.16±0.72MPa which was significantly higher than that of fibrin glue. The photopolymerization process of Dex-U-AD/gelatin was monitored by real time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR). It took less than 5min to complete the curing process. The cytotoxicity of Dex-U-AD/gelatin also was evaluated which indicated that Dex-U-AD/gelatin gels were nontoxic to L929 cell. The relationship between all the above-mentioned properties and degree of oxidization of Dex-U-AD was assessed. The obtained products have the potential to serve as tissue adhesive in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Green manure plays a key role in reducing chemical fertilizer applications and increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. The effects of chemical fertilizer substitution by Chinese milk vetch (MV) on the distribution and composition of organic carbon fractions in macroaggregates and microaggregates and SOC stability mechanism were investigated in paddy soils in southern China. Methods: A 10-year (2008–2018) field experiment was conducted, including no fertilizer (CK), 100% NPK fertilizer (F100), MV with different percentages of chemical fertilizer (MV + F100, MV + F80, MV + F60 and MV + F40). The soil was separated into distinct organic carbon fractions using aggregate density fractionation and SOC chemical structure was analyzed by fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance. Results: Chemical fertilizer substitution by MV increased SOC contents in the bulk soil by 9.1% (MV + F80), 5.8% (MV + F60), 17.9% (MV + F40) compared to F100. Organic carbon fraction mainly existed in mineral associated organic carbon (mSOC), accounting for 70.3–83.7% and 69.4–84.0% of the relative mass of macroaggregates and microaggregates, respectively. Compared to F100, aromatic C increased by 11.6% and 29.1% under MV + F60 within mSOC in macroaggregates and microaggregates. Within the mSOC in macroaggregates, compared to CK, MV + F80 and MV + F60 promoted the proportion of alkyl C by 9.6% and 6.7%, and decreased the content of O-alkyl C by 14.1% and 11.0%, respectively, which correspondingly increased alkyl C/O-alkyl C ratio. Conclusions: Substitution of chemical fertilizer by MV (especially MV + F80 and MV + F60) improved the stability of SOC via increasing recalcitrant structure in mSOC, and was conducive to the sequestration of SOC in paddy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an extremely lethal malignancy without reliable treatment. BRAFV600E point mutation is common in ATCs, which leads to MAPK signaling activation and is regarded as a therapeutic target. Resveratrol inhibits ATC cell growth, while its impact on BRAF-MAPK signaling remains unknown. This study aims to address this issue by elucidating the statuses of BRAF-MAPK and STAT3 signaling activities in resveratrol-treated THJ-11T, THJ-16T, and THJ-21T ATC cells and Nthyori 3-1 thyroid epithelial cells. RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing revealed MKRN1-BRAF fusion mutation in THJ-16T, BRAF V600E point mutation in THJ-21T, and wild-type BRAF genes in THJ-11T and Nthyori 3-1 cells. Western blotting and immunocytochemical staining showed elevated pBRAF, pMEK, and pERK levels in THJ-16T and THJ-21T, but not in THJ-11T or Nthyori 3-1 cells. Calcein/PI, EdU, and TUNEL assays showed that compared with docetaxel and doxorubicin and MAPK-targeting dabrafenib and trametinib, resveratrol exerted more powerful inhibitory effects on mutant BRAF-harboring THJ-16T and THJ-21T cells, accompanied by reduced levels of MAPK pathway-associated proteins and pSTAT3. Trametinib- and dabrafenib-enhanced STAT3 activation was efficiently suppressed by resveratrol. In conclusion, resveratrol acts as dual BRAF-MAPK and STAT3 signaling inhibitor and a promising agent against ATCs with BRAF mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The production of dye intermediates made from naphthalene compounds such as 6-nitro-1-diazo-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid (6-nitro-1,2,4-Acid) caused a major environmental concern, mainly due to their nature of being highly toxic concentrated organics. In this work, an enhanced Fenton process integrating the multi-staged Fenton reaction with inner circulation was practiced in a pilot scale. This creative design exhibited a particular advantage in treating the wastewater with high amount of organic substances. Experiments showed a higher COD removal efficiency (93%) and oxidation efficiency (62%) when two-staged Fenton reaction with inner circulation (flow-to-influent ratio of 5) was applied, whereas only 40.9% of COD reduction was obtained when using the single-staged Fenton without any circulation. It was demonstrated experimentally that the wastewater color went through a fast change via different stages of the reaction. The main intermediates generated along the two-staged reaction have been identified as aromatic and aliphatic acids, but their concentrations demonstrated regular changes in each stage, indicating an enhanced oxidation effect of staged Fenton process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article examines the active and passive labor market policies used in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries in 2011. The analysis finds that job-search assistance that fits unemployed workers with employers and training programs that suit unemployed workers with in-demand skills. The findings suggest that the U.S. could benefit from more job-search assistance and training programs.

In this work, a strategy for chemical synthesis of ascorbic acid functionalized polyacrylates (PAAA) was accomplished in a two-step process, first a reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization on a benzyl-protected ascorbyl acrylate monomer, followed by a deprotection (debenzylation) reaction. The polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and gel permeation chromatograph. The polymerization ability of redox pair including PAAA and H2O2 were conducted through the measurement of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) conversion against time via real-time FT-NIR. It was found that PAAA in the presence of H2O2, independent on itself chain length, exhibited much faster polymerization than small molecule ascorbic acid (smAA) as reductant at identical condition. Interestingly, when the concentration of ascorbate repeating unit was over some critical value, the polymerization kinetics of HEA could be tunable by simply adjusting the initial molar ratio of reductant to oxidant and environmental pH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two different types of hydrogel containing azo group were designed and prepared via UV and visible light initiating photopolymerization technology respectively. The obtained two hydrogel showed different swelling properties and control release behaviors with Ribavirin as model drugs. Upon additional irradiation, they exhibited different photo response characters, which may be due to the different isomer states of azo group under different light irradiations and the interior morphology of hydrogel investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 6-Benzoyl-1,3-benzodioxolane (BBDO), a hydrogen abstraction type photoinitiator for free radical polymerization, was synthesized and characterized. Its capability to act as an initiator for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), styrene (St) and multifunctional monomers in the presence of air was examined. Relative photopolymerization efficiencies of BBDO, benzophenone (BP), and their combination with an amine synergist such as ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDAB) are compared. UV–vis, FT-IR, 13C NMR and polymerization studies revealed that the postulated mechanism is based on the intermolecular reaction. In contrast to BP-based photoinitiators, BBDO does not require an additional hydrogen donor for initiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the kinetics and mechanical properties of dimethacrylate monomer based on cycloaliphatic epoxide for dental restorative composite. Methods: Dimethacrylate based on cycloaliphatic epoxide (EPCDMA) was copolymeirzed with TEGDMA by varying the curing conditions: monomer composition and light intensity. A real-time near FTIR technique was employed to monitor the double bond conversion and the rate of polymerization. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed on a dynamic mechanical analyzer, and volume shrinkage of the cured samples was determined by pycnometric method. Results: The results of kinetics showed that, two peaks of maximum rate of polymerization (R p max) occurred when the amount of TEGDMA was more than 30wt%. Increasing the amount of TEGDMA, the final double bond conversion and polymerization shrinkage both increased, while the glass transition temperature (T g) decreased. All EPCDMA/TEGDMA mixtures had slightly higher storage modulus at body temperature (37°C). When compared with Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70/30), the EPCDMA/TEGDMA (70/30) system assumed similar reactivity and volume shrinkage but higher T g. Significance: EPCDMA had comparable mechanical properties to those of Bis-GMA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The primary objective of this study was to synthesize and characterize ethylene glycol 3-diethylamino-propionate methacrylate (EGDPM) as a polymerizable coinitiator to replace the commercial amine coinitiator. The 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]-propane (Bis-GMA) and triethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (TEGDMA) resin mixture was polymerized by camphorquinone/EGDPM initiator system under visible light irradiation. The mechanical properties, water sorption and solubility of cured samples were also evaluated. Methods: EGDPM was synthesized via Michael-Addition reaction and characterized using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Photopolymerization kinetics of the dental resin mixtures were monitored by real-time IR (RTIR). The mechanical properties of cured samples were recorded by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). And the water sorption and solubility of cured samples were detected according to ISO 4049. Results: Both the double bond conversion and the rate of polymerization of the resin mixtures increased as increasing the concentration of EGDPM but were lower than that of ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB) and 2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate (DMEM) as a coinitiator at some concentration. When it served as diluent, the final double bond conversion was comparable to that of EDMAB, and the rate of polymerization was higher than that of DMEM. The modulus and T g of the cured samples were very close. Water sorption and solubility of the samples were almost the same except that of EGDPM as diluent. Conclusions: EGDPM was synthesized by Michael-Addition reaction. It could be used as a potential coinitiator but not suitable as diluent for dental composite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study investigated whether morphine can promote regeneration and synaptic reconstruction of the terminals of injured primary afferent fibers in lamina II of the spinal cord in rats following sciatic nerve injury. Fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase (FRAP)-positive terminals in lamina II of the L4 spinal segment after sciatic nerve injury were assessed after treatment with vehicle, morphine, and naloxone plus morphine. Under the electron microscope, types I and II complex terminals of unmyelinated afferent fibers from the dorsal root, simple terminals of interneuronal axons, and terminals of descending axons at lamina II of the L4 spinal segment were documented in the different groups after injury. FRAP-positive terminals in lamina II were depleted after sciatic nerve injury in the vehicle group. Treatment with morphine increased the numbers of FRAP-positive terminals, and this was prevented by naloxone. The present study demonstrates that morphine may promote the regeneration and synaptic reconstruction of the terminals of injured primary unmyelinated afferent fibers in lamina II of spinal cord, by a process mediated by μ-opioid receptors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The common diluent and coinitiator for current dental resin composite were triethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB), respectively. In this study, a polymerisable coinitiator N,N-dimethyl-N′,N′-di[2-(methylacryloyl)-ethoxycarbnylethyl] propyldiamine (DMPDA) was synthesized via Michael-Addition reaction. A mixture of 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxy propoxy)phenyl]-propane (Bis-GMA)/TEGDMA/camphorquinone (CQ) (75%:25%:0.5% w/w/w) with different coinitiators (i.e. DMPDA, EDMAB or 2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate (DMEM)) and concentrations were photopolymerized. The kinetics was monitored by real time infrared spectroscopy (RT-IR) and the mechanical properties were measured by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The results indicated that both the double bond conversion and the rate of polymerization of the resin mixtures increased as increasing the concentration of the DMPDA but were lower than that of EDMAB and DMEM at the same concentration. The modulus and T g of the cured samples were very close. Water sorption and solubility of the samples were almost the same. It was potential to be used as a coinitiator for dental composite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Free radical polymerization kinetics are influenced by many factors including solvent concentration during polymerization, monomer structure, and comonomer composition. This study isolates the effects of the balance between primary cyclization and crosslinking on the polymerization kinetics. Isomeric crosslinking agents, 1,2-cyclohexanediol dimethacrylate (1,2-CHDDMA), 1,3-cyclohexanediol dimethacrylate (1,3-CHDDMA), and 1,4-cyclohexanediol dimethacrylate (1,4-CHDDMA), were utilized for the study because they have differing cyclization rates due to the conformation of the two methacrylate groups in the monomer, but they are otherwise similar. In copolymerizations of 1, 2, 5, and 10% crosslinking agents with 2-methoxyethyl methacrylate (MEMA), the 1,4-CHDDMA samples were always found to have an earlier onset of autoacceleration than 1,2-CHHDMA samples. 1,3-CHDDMA copolymerized with MEMA had a polymerization rate between the 1,2-CHDDMA and 1,4-CHDDMA, as expected. Mechanical property data showed that copolymer samples made with the 1,4-CHDDMA crosslinking agent exhibited a lower Mc and higher Tg than the analogous 1,2-CHDDMA copolymers. It is concluded that reduced mobility from greater crosslinking than cyclization causes the earlier onset of autoacceleration in the 1,4-CHDDMA copolymers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

N,N′-dimethyl,-N,N′-di(methacryloxy ethyl)-1,6-hexanediamine (NDMH) was synthesized for the purpose of replacing both triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and the non-polymerizable amine which is added as a coinitiator in dental resin mixtures. 2,2-bis[4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl] propane (bis-GMA), camphorquinone (CQ) and ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDAB) were used as monomer, photoinitiator and coinitiator, respectively, in these model dental resin systems. Mixtures of bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/EDAB and bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/NDMH were found to reach final conversions of about 45%, slightly higher than bis-GMA/NDMH/CQ (40%) under comparable visible light irradiation conditions. In addition, samples cured to these conversions were tested with dynamic mechanical analysis. The bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/EDAB, bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/NDMH and bis-GMA/NDMH/CQ mixtures were found to have approximately the same glass transition temperature and modulus. Finally, the water sorption and solubility of bis-GMA/NDMH/CQ were higher than those of the bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/EDAB, and bis-GMA/TEGDMA/CQ/NDMH. However, the values were still within the range of the ISO 9000''s standards. These results suggest that NDMH is a viable alternative to conventional photocuring dental resins, serving both as a diluent and coinitiator, since there are no large differences in physical and mechanical properties when using NDMH to replace the amine coinitiator and TEGDMA diluent. The key advantage to this system is that the dimethacrylate NDMH can copolymerize with bis-GMA and TEGDMA, limiting the amount of extractable amine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]