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Thiophene sulfide is difficult to be removed by hydrodesulfurization. In this study, ZnCl2-waste paper fiber activated carbon was used as adsorbent to remove thiophene sulfide from simulated oil by hydrothermal modification. Under the optimum condition of ammonia modification, the adsorption capacity of modified adsorbent to BT is 14.8 mg S/g, 2.98 times that of unmodified. BET, FTIR and Boehm analysis showed that the mesopore volume of ammonia modified adsorbent increased by 96.62% and the mesopore ratio increased from 12.58% to 43.40%, which was conducive to improving the adsorption rate. After modification, the basic groups on the surface of the adsorbent increased by 44.3 times, and –NH3+, –OH and –NH2 enhanced the electron attraction and hydrogen bonding force between the adsorbent and BT molecule. Adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and adsorption thermodynamics show that the adsorption process is spontaneous, entropic and exothermic. The pseudo-second-order kinetic rate constant increases with the increase of adsorption temperature, indicating that the increase of temperature is beneficial to accelerate the adsorption rate. The adsorption desulfurization process follows the mechanism of single and multilayer adsorption mixing. The results of this study can help to reveal more clearly that biobased activated carbon can be modified to adsorb thiophene sulfide. Ammonia modified adsorbents enhance the adsorption capacity for benzothiophene [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient utilization of biomass is one of the important ways to alleviate energy shortage. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose was used as the source of bio-oil, and Fe/HZSM-5, Ni/HZSM-5 and Mo/HZSM-5 catalysts were used to adjust the composition of bio-oil and upgrade heavy oil under hydrothermal conditions, so as to understand the influence of bio-oil generated by different catalysts on the upgrading of heavy oil. The characteristics of heavy oil before and after upgrading were analyzed by using elemental analysis, infrared spectrum and molecular weight. The composition of bio-oil was analyzed by GC/MS before, during and after entering the hydrothermal system of heavy oil. The results show that Fe-oil and Mo-oil contain more methoxy compounds and tetrahydronaphthalene, which are more conducive to the upgrading of heavy oil, and have strong desulfurization and hydrogenation effect, but have no obvious effect on nitrogen compounds. [Display omitted] • Different catalysts adjusted the composition of bio-oil. • Bio-oil can upgrading heavy oil under hydrothermal conditions. • The best Mo-heavy oil has a viscosity reduction rate of 73.5%. • Methoxy compounds and tetralin in bio-oil have hydrogen supply. • The aromaticity of resin increased and the content of fused aromatic ring decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Fe, Ni, and Mo active components loaded with HZSM-5 on the composition of hydrothermal liquefaction bio-oil from microcrystalline cellulose were investigated. All three supported catalysts resulted in the cyclization of microcrystalline cellulose into aromatic compounds. Additionally, Fe/HZSM-5 underwent oxidation, producing ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids, which accounted for 44.5% of the total composition of bio-oil. On the other hand, Ni/HZSM-5 and Mo/ZHSM-5 caused ring-opening of microcrystalline cellulose, leading to the production of alcohols and hydrocarbons, constituting 23.05% and 36.46% of the total composition, respectively. These findings indicate that the catalysts not only facilitated the ring-opening of polycyclic rings in microcrystalline cellulose but also underwent reactions with the hydroxyl groups present. To further understand the impact of these catalysts on hydroxyl groups similar to microcrystalline cellulose, glycerol was used as a model compound for liquefaction. The results revealed that 40.72% of Fe/HZSM-5 bio-oils consisted of cyclic ketones, while Ni/HZSM-5 predominantly produced straight-chain alkanes, straight-chain lipids, and straight-chain carboxylic acids. In contrast, Mo/HZSM-5 primarily yielded six-membered cyclic carboxylic acids, accounting for 72.48% of the composition. [Display omitted] • The composition of bio-oil was adjusted by loading different metal active components. • Fe/HZSM-5 is mainly used to oxidize hydroxyl groups on microcrystalline cellulose to form ketones, aldehydes and carboxylic acids. • Ni/HZSM-5 and Mo/HZSM-5 are mainly ring-opening of microcrystalline cellulose to supply hydrogen to form hydrocarbons and alcohols. • Glycerol was used as the model compound. Fe/HZSM-5 and Mo/HZSM-5 oxidized and cyclized hydroxyl groups, and Ni/HZSM-5 mainly oxidized the hydroxyl group. • The HHV of bio-oil(Fe/HZSM-5), bio-oil(Ni/HZSM-5) and bio-oil(Mo/HZSM-5) were 27.70MJ / kg, 31.44MJ / kg and 33.02MJ / kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel nanoparticles was supported on sawdust carbon via a hydrothermal method followed by calcination and used as a catalyst for heavy crude oil upgrading experiment. The performance of catalyst on catalytic pyrolysis of heavy crude oil was studied by laboratory experiments. The experimental results showed that under the reaction conditions of 350 °C, 30 min and 0.1 wt% catalyst, the viscosity reduction ratio of heavy crude oil was 74.50%, the viscosity can be reduced from 16,000 mPa·s (50 °C) to 4080 mPa·s, and the net efficiency of catalyst was 14.37%. Analysis results suggested that the viscosity reduction of heavy crude oil was caused by the destruction of structure of resin in the process of the catalytic pyrolysis reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A transition metal oxide catalyst of copper oxide nanoparticles was synthesized by a conventional non-hydrothermal method. It was studied as a catalyst in thermocatalytic upgrading and viscosity reduction of heavy oil in the laboratory. The experimental results showed that the viscosity of heavy oil may be reduced by 85.75% with 0.2 wt% catalyst at 350 °C for 40 min. With determinations of analyzation, it was found that under the thermocatalytic action of copper oxide nanoparticles, the presence of hydrogen-donor in the reaction could further improve the chemical constitution of resin and asphaltene in heavy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr3+ contained sulfuric acid aqueous solution and β-PbO2/Ti anode were prepared for electrochemical oxidation-distillation desulfurization of straight-run gasoline. Strong oxidant (Cr2O72−) was formed and reacted with organic sulfides. The oxidized sulfides were removed by distillation. Under optimal operating conditions, the desulfurization rate of gasoline reached to 99.16%.β-PbO2/Ti electrode were characterized by XRD and SEM. Model oil was analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS and the possible desulfurization mechanism was proposed. The recycling experiments of the electrolyte showed its excellent stability, but the concentration of H+ in electrolyte should be monitored, since the water will be consumed in electrolysis process, and the over-high H+ concentration is not good for the formation of Cr2O72−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, choosing the mixed solution of MnSO4solution and H2SO4as electrolyte, with the progressing of electrolysis reaction, Mn3+was generated as intermediate product, combining with water to produce the oxidation agent MnOOH, which was easy to oxidize the sulfur compounds to generate sulfoxide or sulfone. At the optimal electrochemical oxidation desulfurization conditions, the sulfur content of kerosene decreased from 180 µg/g to 8.87 µg/g and the desulfurization efficiency reached to 95.07%. And the cycle of electrolyte and mechanism of electrochemical oxidation desulfurization has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ prepared hydrophobic CuO nanoparticles, about 84.3 nm in mean diameter, was synthesized and used to catalyze heavy oil low-temperature oxidation (LTO) reaction. Experimental results showed the average oxygen consumption rate with CuO nanoparticles addition increased by 1.4 times, and the residue oxygen content in tail gas in autoclave was decreased from 8.76% to 3.9% compared to the blank experiment (without CuO nanoparticles). In addition, the CuO nanoparticles could facilitate the cleavage reaction during LTO. This study can provide guidelines to improve effectively the safety of air flooding technology in the heavy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Desulfurization performance was evaluated by an adsorption model or real oil (diesel and kerosene) at low temperature using nanocrystalline NiO/AlO-1 adsorbent in static equipment. The properties of the NiO/AlO adsorbent samples were characterized by BET surface areas, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectra, and TG-DTG curves. Desulfurization experimental results indicated that the desulfurization efficiency for kerosene is much higher than that for diesel due to the π-electronic interaction and S-M bonds with NiO/AlO-1 adsorbent. Also, a performance of adsorbent regeneration was kept well for multiple cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), which were prepared by using AlCl 3 and acetamide or urea, show excellent catalytic performance for the olefin alkylation thiophenic sulfur (OATS) in 3-methylthiophene (3-MT) model oil and real gasoline within 40 min at 50 °C. The addition of toluene and benzene increases the conversion of thiophenic compounds and decreases the conversion of olefin. Then the mechanism of OATS with modified catalyst was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A palladium-catalyzed desulfitative arylation reaction of 5-alkoxy-3,4-dibromo-2( 5H)-furanones to provide 5-alkoxy-4-aryl-3-bromo-2(5 H)-furanones is reported. This reaction has a high reaction site selectivity, which can realize arylation at the C4-position. Various sodium arylsulfinates are well tolerated under the mild reaction conditions. The current study makes the arylation of general alkenyl halides possible by the use of cheap and easily available sodium arylsulfinates as aryl sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Himalaya and Hengduan Mountains (HDM) are recognized as two global biodiversity hotspots, harboring the world's richest alpine flora. However, to what extent the distribution of alpine plants here is affected by climate change remains largely unknown. Bergenia (Saxifragaceae) are perennial medicinal herbs mainly distributed in the Himalaya-HDM region. In this study, we used bioclimatic data for current and future climate scenarios to assess the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of three Bergenia (Saxifragaceae) species. Our results revealed that the geographical distribution of the studied Bergenia species is primarily influenced by precipitation and elevation. By 2090, the three Bergenia species are expected to show contrasting range changes. The western Himalayan alpine species Bergenia stracheyi is expected to expand its range with 21.93 and 17.36% under the optimistic (SSP1-2.6) and moderate (SSP2-4.5) climate change scenario, respectively, while its distribution will shrink by 5.26% under the pessimistic scenario (SSP5-8.5). The Himalayan mid-elevation species B. ciliata is expected to expand its range from 142.42 to 157.14%. In contrast, the distribution range of the east Himalaya-HDM alpine species B. purpurascens is expected to shrink with 34.88 to 47.24%, with most of the habitats in the southeast chains of the HDM at lower elevation summits being lost. In addition, all three Bergenia species are projected to shift their ranges to higher elevations in response to temperature increases. Overall, we conclude that alpine plants may be more vulnerable to climate change than their congeners at lower elevations, supporting the "nowhere to go" hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel biomass-based catalyst for catalytic upgrading and viscosity reduction process of heavy oil was prepared. • The mechanism analysis of catalyst on catalytic upgrading of heavy oil was explained in detail. • Non-acidic components in the catalyst could upgrade the chemical structure of heavy compositions. A biomass-based catalyst for catalytic upgrading and viscosity reduction process of heavy oil was prepared. The experimental results showed the viscosity of oil sample reduced from 508800 mPa.s to 22230 mPa.s (50 ℃) with 0.2wt% biomass-based catalyst at 320 ℃ for 30 min, and the viscosity reduction was up to 95.63%. The content of resin was significantly reduced by 10.1% after reaction under the optimal conditions. Furthermore, composition analysis, FT-IR analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis of the biomass-based catalyst were characterized in detail. In addition, FT-IR analysis, elemental analysis and SEM analysis were employed to evaluate the properties of oil sample. Further, influence mechanism of biomass-based catalyst on catalytic upgrading process of heavy oil was expounded through viscosity change, SARA analysis, 1H-NMR analysis, weight average molecular weight and average particle sizes analysis, and the above analysis results revealed that under the catalytic action of organic nickel salt, the presence of non-acidic components in the catalyst could improve the chemical structures of heavy compositions of oil sample. Finally, a possible schematic diagram of catalytic upgrading process was simply depicted in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents chemical equations for the article "A Radical Coupling Reaction of DMSO with Sodium Arylsulfinates in Air : Mild Utilization of DMSO as C1 Resource for the Synthesis of Arylsulfonyl Dibromomethane" by J. Shi and others, published in the journal "RSC Advances" in 2016.

• Influence of catalytic co-pyrolysis of heavy oil and sawdust on heavy oil viscosity. • The viscosity reduction ratio of heavy oil reached to 98% under the optimal reaction conditions. • The significant synergetic eff ;ect on viscosity reduction of heavy oil existed in catalytic co-pyrolysis system. • Pyrolysis products of sawdust were greatly conducive to reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. In order to research the viscosity reduction process of heavy oil by catalytic co-pyrolysis with biomass, the catalytic co-pyrolysis experiments of Liaohe heavy oil and sawdust with calcium naphthenate as catalyst were implemented in this paper. The experimental results showed that the viscosity reduction ratio was up to 98% under the optimum reaction conditions with reaction temperature of 350℃, reaction time of 30 min, sawdust content of 5 wt% and catalyst content of 0.05 wt%. To investigate changes in composition and structure of heavy oil before and after reaction, the oil samples were characterized by elemental analysis (EL), vapor pressure osmometry (VPO), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the catalytic pyrolysis mechanism was researched to explain the catalytic effect of calcium naphthenate on the co-pyrolysis reaction. Besides, the significant synergetic eff ;ect on viscosity reduction of heavy oil in catalytic co-pyrolysis system was demonstrated further. Finally, liquid products of sawdust pyrolysis were found to be beneficial to viscosity reduction of heavy oil. This work had a certain reference value for utilizing renewable biomass energy in viscosity reduction process of heavy oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method tolerates a variety of aryl, hetaryl, and alkyl β-keto acids and furnishes the desired 3-functionalized 3-indolyloxindoles with an all-quaternary stereocenter in high yields and enantioselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel high acid site density carbon-based solid acid catalyst was prepared and first applied in the FCC gasoline alkylation desulfurization. The catalyst was synthesized by a facile approach and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The desulfurization performance of this solid acid catalyst was investigated and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this work we proposed a novel preparation-adsorption desulfurization method for dibenzothiophene over sawdust-derived nickel/activated carbon prepared by 400°C one step carbonization-activation-modified process. The adsorbent was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Boehm titration method, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and N2adsorption-desorption technology. The result show that 30% HNO3aqueous solution and calcination 2 h for the 30%-NiO/AC adsorbent trend to better desulfurization performance with NiO active adsorption sites and surface oxygen-containing functional groups. After high temperature adsorption desulfurization, the sawdust-derived nickel/activated carbon occurred activation and reaming again, both the specific surface and the microspore volume have been great changed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A highly efficient extractive desulfurization system with dicarboxylic acid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as extractants has been developed. A series of dicarboxylic acid-based DESs were synthesized by mixing n-butylpyridinium bromide ([BPY]Br) with different dicarboxylic acids. The extraction desulfurization performance of these DESs was investigated and optimized. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In-situ upgrading can improve the scale of heavy oil development, but the efficiency of in-situ hydrothermal hydrogen supply is limited. In this paper, the combination of algae hydrothermal liquefaction and heavy oil upgrading and viscosity reduction process is proposed. The liquefaction products of hydrothermal liquefaction are used to supply hydrogen to the heavy oil upgrading and viscosity reduction process, thereby enriching the supply path of active hydrogen. The effects of hydrothermal liquefaction temperature of Chlorella and the addition of 5% Fe/HZSM-5 catalyst on the liquefaction rate and product distribution of Chlorella were investigated, and the upgrading and viscosity reduction process of heavy oil with the participation of hydrothermal liquefaction products was discussed. The results show that when the temperature of upgraded heavy oil is 280 °C and 5 wt% of hydrothermal liquefaction products are added and reacted for 24 h can make the viscosity reduction rate of heavy oil reach 84.32%, and 31.2% of resin in heavy oil was converted into aromatic hydrocarbon. Elemental analysis showed that the upgraded heavy oil H/C ratio increased, and GC–MS analysis showed that the distribution of algae hydrothermal liquefaction products could be adjusted by the catalyst, and more aromatics were produced after the addition of the catalyst, which confirmed that the aromatics in hydrothermal liquefaction products had a significant effect on the quality improvement and viscosity reduction of heavy oil. Its molecular weight was also found to be reduced from 853 to 326 in the average molecular weight test (GPC). The efficient carbon sequestration of algae is combined with the demand for carbon dioxide emission reduction in oilfields to realize the recycling of carbon resources. [Display omitted] • The liquefaction products of Chlorella provide hydrogen to upgrade heavy oil. • Fe/HZSM-5 can increase the yield and improve the product distribution. • The H/C ratio of heavy oil increases and the average molecular weight decreases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical structure for the heterocyclic compound furan is presented including information on desulfitative arylation of 5-alkoxy-3,4-dibromo-2(5H)-furanone, sodium arylsulfinates, and paladium catalysis.

Diesel with S content 624.4 µg/g was directly used, and a constant current of 500 mA was proposed in this work. Emulsification as an enhancement method was used to enhance the interphase mass transfer. After emulsifying electrochemical oxidation–extraction, the sulfur content of diesel decreased to 8.1 µg/g and the desulfurization efficiency reached 98.71 %. On comparingwith the non-emulsifying electrochemical oxidation–extraction, it has a highly efficient deep desulfurization. The analysis also found that the effect of emulsion and non-emulsion extraction desulfurization process on electrochemical oxidation has great difference under the same operating conditions, and parameters such as the order, reaction rate and activation energy of the two kinds of oxidation desulfurization reaction were studied. The results showed the oxidative desulfurization reaction is the first reaction. When the temperature reachedT2, the oxidation rate constant of the emulsion/non-emulsion system was 0.0199 min−1and 0.0179 min−1, respectively. When the temperature reachedT1, the oxidation rate constant of the emulsion/non-emulsion system was 0.0375 min−1and 0.0346 min−1, respectively. According to Arrhenius' law, the apparent activation energy of sulfur compounds in the raw oil isEa(emulsion) = 6.9783 kJ/mol andEa(non-emulsion) = 9.1826 kJ/mol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-assisted steam flooding is a new promoting technique for enhanced oil recovery compared to the other traditional thermal recovery methods. In this study, five experiments, including one steam flooding experiment, three combined steam–air flooding experiments, and one combined steam–N2flooding experiment were studied, under the conditions of 180 °C and back-pressure valve of 8 MPa, with sand-packed model. The volume fraction of mixed gas in these four combined steam–air (or N2) flooding experiments were 80% steam+20% air, 60% steam+40% air, 40% steam+60% air, and 60% steam+40% N2, respectively. The experimental results showed that air-assisted steam flooding could enhance the oil displacement efficiency when the volume fraction of air and steam was in a certain number, and the optimal condition is 60% steam+40% air. Furthermore, water cut curves and saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) analysis results also demonstrate that the low-temperature oxidation reaction in air-assisted steam flooding process advantageous to profile control of generating high viscosity “PLUG” to seal high-permeability channel in reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical oxidation−distillation method with constant current 500 mA was proposed to reduce the sulfur content in gasoline in this work. After electrochemical oxidation−distillation, the sulfur content of gasoline decreased from 514.65 to 10.20 μg/g. On the basis of these experimental results, an oxidation mechanism of electrochemical oxidative desulfurization for gasoline was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rare-earth ions and ligands can bind together, and once they are binded, the original features of rareearth ions and ligands will be modified largely. In the view of the problem that domestic and aboard research situation of hydrazone and their rare earth complexes, this paper introduces the methods of hydrothermal synthesis. Five rare earth nitrates with the p-methoxy acetophenone 4-chloro benzoylhydrazone are designed and synthesized. The result shows by elemental analysis, UV, IR, X-ray power diffraction and other physico-chemical tools, the structure of the composition of the series of binary complexes are [ Re (C16H15N2O2Cl)2]·2H2O(Re = La, Ce, Sm, Nd, Eu). Each rare earth ions has similar atomic orbitals and coordination environment. According to the above characterizations, we suggest the complex structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theextraction of benzene from heptane by the solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), propylene carbonate, and complexsolvent (DMF + propylene carbonate) were researched. The liquid–liquidequilibrium (LLE) data were experimentally obtained for the ternarysystems heptane + benzene + DMF and heptane + benzene + propylenecarbonate at 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure and for the quaternarysystems heptane + benzene + DMF + propylene carbonate at (303.2, 313.2,and 323.2) K and atmospheric pressure. The nonrandom two-liquid (NRTL)and universal quasichemical activity coefficient (UNIQUAC) modelswere used to correlate the LLE data satisfactorily, and the selectivityand distribution coefficients of benzene were calculated. Due to itshigh selectivity and suitable distribution coefficient, DMF + propylenecarbonate can be used as a potential extracting solvent to separatebenzene from heptane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to: (i) evaluate the outcome of patients with Harrington class III lesions who were treated according to Harrington classification; (ii) propose a modified surgical classification for Harrington class III lesions; and (iii) assess the efficiency of the proposed modified classification. Methods: This study composes two phases. During phase 1 (2006 to 2011), the clinical data of 16 patients with Harrington class III lesions who were treated by intralesional excision followed by reconstruction of antegrade/retrograde Steinmann pins/screws with cemented total hip arthroplasty (Harrington/modified Harrington procedure) were retrospectively reviewed and further analyzed synthetically to design a modified surgical classification system. In phase 2 (2013 to 2019), 62 patients with Harrington class III lesions were classified and surgically treated according to our modified classification. Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) 93 scoring system. The outcome of local control was described using 2‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Owing to the limited sample size, we considered P < 0.1 as significant. Results: In phase 1, the mean surgical time was 273.1 (180 to 390) min and the mean intraoperative hemorrhage was 2425.0 (400.0 to 8000.0) mL, respectively. The mean follow‐up time was 18.5 (2 to 54) months. Recurrence was found in 4 patients and the 2‐year RFS rate was 62.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31.6% to 93.2%). The mean postoperative MSTS93 score was 56.5% (20% to 90%). Based on the periacetabular bone destruction, we categorized the lesions into two subgroups: with the bone destruction distal to or around the inferior border of the sacroiliac joint (IIIa) and the bone destruction extended proximal to inferior border of the sacroiliac joint (IIIb). Six patients with IIIb lesions had significant prolonged surgical time (313.3 vs 249.0 min, P = 0.022), massive intraoperative hemorrhage (3533.3 vs 1760.0 mL, P = 0.093), poor functional outcome (46.7% vs 62.3%, P = 0.093), and unfavorable local control (31.3% vs 80.0%, P = 0.037) compared to the 10 patients with IIIa lesions. We then modified the surgical strategy for two subgroup of class III lesions: Harrington/modified Harrington procedure for IIIa lesions and en bloc resection followed by modular hemipelvic endoprosthesis replacement for IIIb lesions. Using the proposed modified surgical classification, 62 patients in the phase 2 study demonstrated improved surgical time (245.3 min, P = 0.086), intraoperative hemorrhage (1466.0 mL, P = 0.092), postoperative MSTS 93 scores (65.3%, P = 0.067), and 2‐year RFS rate (91.3%, P = 0.002) during a mean follow‐up time of 19.9 (1 to 60) months compared to those in the phase 1 study. Conclusion: The Harrington surgical classification is insufficient for class III lesions. We proposed modification of the classification for Harrington class III lesions by adding two subgroups and corresponding surgical strategies according to the involvement of bone destruction. Our proposed modified classification showed significant improvement in functional outcome and local control, along with acceptable surgical complexity in surgical management for Harrington class III lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of distinct insulating and metallic phases within the same manganite sample, i.e., phase separation scenario, provides an excellent platform for tailoring the complex electronic and magnetic properties of strongly correlated materials. Here, based on an electric-double-layer transistor configuration, we demonstrate the dynamic control of two entirely different phases—canted G-type antiferromagnetic metal and C-type antiferromagnetic charge/orbital ordered insulator phase—in electron-doped system Ca1−xCexMnO3 (x = 0.05). The reversible metal-to-insulator transition, enhanced colossal magnetoresistance (∼ 27 000% for Vg = 3.0 V), and giant memory effect have been observed, which can be attributed to an electronic phase separation scenario manipulated by a tiny doping-level-variation of less than 0.02 electrons per formula unit. In addition, the controllable multi-resistance states by the combined application of magnetic and electrostatic fields may serve as an indicator to probe the dynamic multiphase competition of strongly correlated oxides. These results offer crucial information to understand the physical nature of phase separation phenomena in manganite systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroelectric thin films have been systematically investigated via scanning probe microscopy in recent years. Research indicates that the surface potential is the combined result of injected and polarization charges. The relationships between surface potentials and the two types of charges are usually investigated via scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM). Typically, SKPM investigations indicate that the surface charge distribution is dominated by injected charges trapped during poling using a conductive AFM tip rather than by polarization charges. The presence of injected charges leads to controversy concerning the origins of resistive switching behavior. In this study, relaxation of injected charges was observed during an optimized thermal treatment. This caused polarization charges to dominate over injected charges. Different electroresistance switching characterizations were observed via conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) of injected and polarization charge-dominated films. Our research extends the methods of distinguishing whether electroresistance switching behavior is driven by charge trapping/detrapping or ferroelectric polarization. This provides an effective approach to classifying the origins of electroresistance switching in ferroelectric thin films by combining piezoelectric force microscopy, SKPM, and C-AFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Limb salvage in pediatric patients remains a challenge. We describe a staged strategy. The procedure includes: (i) tumor removal and non‐hinged static endoprosthesis reconstruction; (ii) leg length discrepancy (LLD) correction by shoe lift or distraction osteogenesis; and (iii) maturity reconstruction by regular endoprosthesis. The aim of the study was to investigate the results of non‐hinged static megaprosthesis reconstruction and staged LLD correction in the treatment of malignant tumors in the distal femur in children. Methods: Non‐hinged megaprostheses were implanted in 12 pediatric patients with osteosarcoma in the distal femur. The prosthesis consists of a femoral component with constrained condylar knee (CCK) design, and a tibial component with a small‐diameter press‐fit stem and derotation fins. A posterior stabilizing polyethylene component is fixed on the tibial component. The cases were prospectively followed up with focus on the growth rate of adjacent uninvolved bone in the salvaged limb, joint stability, knee stability, function outcome, length discrepancy, and surgery‐related complications. Results: There were five girls and seven boys included in the study, with an average age at the time of primary surgery of 10.0 years (range, 8–12 years). All the tumors were located in the distal femur. The average follow up was 76.3 months (range, 24–139 months). The Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) ligament was used in two patients to enhance the soft tissue reattachment and reconstruct medial collateral ligament (MCL). Ten patients were alive at the final follow‐up and two had died of lung metastases. Expected LLD was 6.7 cm (range, 3.0–13.2 cm) at initial surgery. At the final follow‐up, nine patients reached skeletal maturity and the actual LLD at the femur was 5.3 cm (range, 3.0–10.1 cm), excluding 1 cm correction at initial surgery by endoprosthesis. The proximal tibia physis showed an average of 86.7% (range, 56.5%–100%) growth of the contralateral side. The mean reduction in tibial length was 1.2 cm (range, 0.5–4.7 cm). Six patients received distraction osteogenesis at a mean length of 5.4 cm (range, 3.0–9.1 cm). Range of knee movement was between 85° and 125°, with an average of 102.5°. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score of patients alive was 80.6 (range, 60–90). Conclusion: Non‐hinged static megaprosthesis followed by LLD correction with shoe lift or staged distraction osteogenesis appears to be an alternative option to treat children with malignant bone tumors around the knee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an emerging phenomenon in oxide heterostructures, the ferroelectric control of electronic transport is attracting considerable research attention. However, the effect of ferroelectric polarization on resistive switching (RS) remains controversial. In this study, to determine the effects of ferroelectric polarization on memory characteristics, ferroelectric and non-ferroelectric BaTiO3 (BTO) films were fabricated using different oxygen partial pressures (Po2) during film growth. A correlated electron oxide, SmNiO3 (SNO), was selected as the bottom electrode. Based on piezoelectric force microscopy, ferroelectricity was verified in the BTO films prepared at Po2 ≥ 3 Pa, whereas the films fabricated at lower Po2 did not exhibit ferroelectricity. Remarkable RS with an ON/OFF ratio of 104% was clearly observed in heterostructures containing ferroelectric BTO, while RS was negligible in structures with non-ferroelectric BTO. The strong ferroelectricity dependence of RS behavior on the BTO/SNO heterostructures was attributed to the ferroelectric control of device transport between bulk-limited current in the low-resistance state and interface-limited conductance in the high-resistance state, which results from the modulation of the potential barrier at the BTO/SNO interface. The findings provide strong evidence for the dominant effect of ferroelectric polarization of BTO on the transport properties of BTO/SNO heterostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To introduce a new classification of Enneking type IV pelvic tumors involving the sacrum and a corresponding system of standardized surgical approaches and procedures for resection of such tumors, and to investigate the feasibility and therapeutic effect of the new system. Methods Data on 59 patients treated between February 2003 and February 2013 by standardized surgical approaches and procedures were retrospectively reviewed. The study subjects comprised 28 male and 31 female patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 36 years (range, 2-72 years). There are four subtypes in the new classification: (i) subtype IVa, neoplasms invading the ipsilateral sacral wing; (ii) subtype IVb, neoplasms invading the ipsilateral sacral foramina; (iii) subtype IVc, neoplasms invading the contralateral sacral foramina; and (iv) subtype IVd, neoplasms invading the whole of the sacrum. Standardized surgical approaches and procedures were devised for en-bloc resection for each subtype with adequate margins. Results Adequate margins were achieved in 43/59 patients (72.9%). The mean operation time was 5.0 h and the mean intraoperative blood loss 2157 mL. At the final follow-up, 27/53 patients (50.9%) who had been followed up were alive and in complete remission. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society 93 score was 17.4 (58%) of a possible 30 points. The mean functional score for patients who had undergone a pelvic zone II resection was 15.2, compared with 19.0 for those with an intact pelvic zone II. Conclusions The proposed standardized protocols should help orthopaedic surgeons to achieve adequate margins, manage risk, achieve better oncologic and functional outcomes, and minimize perioperative complications when treating massive pelvic tumors involving the sacrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ruddlesden-Popper (RP)-type strontium iridate (SrIrO 3 and Sr 2 IrO 4 ) epitaxial thin films are selectively grown from a single Sr 2 IrO 4 target using pulsed laser deposition. The stabilization of the SrIrO 3 and Sr 2 IrO 4 phase is sensitive to oxygen partial pressure (P O2 ). Low laser fluence tends to expand the growth window of pure Sr 2 IrO 4 films. The lower P O2 (≤2.6 Pa) is preferred for preparing Sr 2 IrO 4 films, while the SrIrO 3 phase forms at higher P O2 (≥6.5 Pa). The growth diagram for SrIrO 3 and Sr 2 IrO 4 films has been summarized, providing a powerful guideline for fabricating the epitaxial films of single RP-type strontium iridate phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex oxide heterointerfaces, which play host to an incredible variety of interface physical phenomena, are of great current interest in introducing new functionalities to systems. Here, coherent super-tetragonal BiFeO3/LaAlO3 and rhombohedral BiFeO3/LaAlO3 heterointerfaces are investigated by using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging and annular bright-field (ABF) imaging in a spherical aberration (Cs) corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), and first-principles calculations. The complicated ferroelectric polarization pinning and relaxation that occurs at both interfaces is revealed with atomic resolution, with a dramatic change in structure of BiFeO3, from cubic to super-tetragonal-like. The results enable a detailed explanation to be given of how non-bulk phase structures are stabilized in thin films of this material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to compare the weight reduction effects of acupuncture for obese women with or without perimenopausal syndrome. We observed 60 women with either simple obesity or perimenopausal obesity (obesity complicated with perimenopausal syndrome) treated by five acupuncture treatments given in the first week of three successive four-week treatment courses, and obesity indexes including body weight, body mass index, obesity degree and waist/hip ratio were evaluated. Versus baseline, the obesity indexes decreased at the end of each treatment course in women with simple obesity (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), while women with perimenopausal obesity showed no decrease at the end of the first course of treatment, and these indexes decreased at the end of the second and the third courses of treatment (p < 0.05). There was no difference when comparing obesity indexes recorded at the end of three courses of treatment and at the end of three-month follow-up between women with simple obesity and those with perimenopausal obesity. The results suggest that acupuncture reduced body weight in the obese women, and the weight loss occurred earlier in the treatment process for simple obesity than perimenopausal obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method evaluating the bulk damage resistance of DKDP crystals is presented. • Crystal homogeneity has distinct impacts on density and size of pinpoints. • Distinct energy deposition mechanisms govern the process of bulk damage. DKDP nonlinear crystals in ICF drivers are susceptible to laser-induced bulk damage, therefore it is significant important to characterize bulk damage in order to prevent, reduce, and/or manage bulk damage. This work presents a method evaluating the bulk damage resistance of DKDP crystals, directly providing pinpoints density, size distribution, and three-dimensional (3D) distribution of pinpoints. This technique can be used for characterizing the crystal inhomogeneity, and the result demonstrates that crystal inhomogeneity have a strong and negligible impact on pinpoints density and the size distribution of pinpoints respectively, suggesting two distinct energy deposition mechanisms governing the damage initiation and the growth of the pinpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]