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Meteorological conditions and source emissions in grassland areas are quite different from those in urban areas, which significantly impacts the spatiotemporal characteristics of black carbon (BC). To obtain the characteristics of BC in the typical grassland environment in China, continuous observations of BC were carried out in Etuoke Banner, a typical grassland environment in Ordos, from September 8 to December 1, 2022. BC in Etuoke Banner in autumn is 22.4–4667.5 ng m−3, and the average concentration is 456.6 ng m−3, accounting for 2.20% of the mass fraction of PM2.5. BCliquid (BC generated from the combustion of liquid fuels) is the main component of BC (accounting for 79.2%); the average concentration is 361.7 ng m−3. The diurnal variations of BC, BCliquid, and BCsolid (BC generated from the combustion of solid fuels) are bimodal, with peaks at 08:00 and 18:00. The first peak is mainly related to traffic sources, cooking sources, and incomplete combustion of carbon‐containing substances; the second peak may be caused by emissions from residential cooking sources under the influence of meteorological conditions unfavorable to diffusion. The diurnal variation of absorption Ångström exponent (AAE) is unimodal, with the peak at 14:00. With the increase in BC mass concentration, AAE and visibility gradually decreased, wind speed first decreased and then increased, P and RH gradually increased, and the contribution of biomass combustion sources to BC decreased. In contrast, the contribution of traffic sources to BC increased. The evolution characteristics of atmospheric pollutants differed with the increase in BC concentration. The potential sources and affecting areas of BC and PM2.5 are mainly concentrated around Etuoke Banner and can affect the North China Plain after 48 h of transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuZn-based catalysts are widely used in CO2 hydrogenation, which may effectively convert CO2 to methanol and alleviate CO2 emission issues. The precise design of a model catalyst with a clear atomic structure is crucial in studying the relationship between structure and catalytic activity. In this work, a one-pot strategy was used to synthesize CuZn@ZSM-5 catalysts with approximately two Cu atoms and one Zn atom per unit cell. Atomic Cu and Zn species are confirmed to be located in the [54.6.102] and [62.104] tilings, respectively, by using magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR), synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction (SXRD) and high-signal-to-noise-ratio annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (High SNR ADF-STEM). Catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol was used as a model reaction to investigate the activity of the catalyst with confined active species. Compared to the Cu@ZSM-5, Zn@ZSM-5 and their mixture, the CuZn@ZSM-5 catalyst with a close Cu–Zn distance of 4.5 Å achieves a comparable methanol space–time yield (STY) of 92.0 mgmethanol·gcatal−1·h−1 at 533 K and 4 MPa with high stability. This method is able to confine one to three metal atoms in the zeolite channel and avoid migration and agglomeration of the atoms during the reaction, which maintains the stability of the catalyst and provides an efficient way for adjustment of the type and number of metal atoms along with the distances between them in zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the associations between a history of recurrent miscarriage (RM) and adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy that progressed beyond 24 weeks. Retrospective cohort study. A large tertiary maternity hospital. All women who booked for antenatal care and delivery between January 2014 and August 2021 were recorded. The study was limited to women with a singleton pregnancy, and to avoid intraperson correlation, we selected the first record of delivery from each mother in the study, leaving 108,792 deliveries for analysis. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared among 1994 women (1.83%) with a history of ≥2 miscarriages (RM), 11,477 women (10.55%) with a history of 1 miscarriage, and 95,321 women (87.62%) with no history of miscarriage, respectively. Women with a history of ≥2 miscarriages or RM. Obstetric complications included gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia (subclassified as preterm and term preeclampsia), placenta previa, placenta accreta, and fetal distress. Perinatal outcomes included emergency cesarean section, elective cesarean section, induction, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, stillbirth, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, neonatal asphyxia, neonatal sex, congenital; malformation, low birth weight, and neonatal death. After adjusting for relevant confounders, there was an increased risk of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy for women with a history of RM, specifically for placental dysfunction disorders: preterm preeclampsia (risk ratio [RR] = 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–2.32), preterm birth (RR = 1.34; 95% CI, 1.15–1.54)], and abnormal placentation, that is placenta previa (RR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.36–2.28), and placenta accreta (RR = 4.19; 95% CI, 2.75–6.13). Significant associations existed between a history of RM and the occurrence of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes including placental dysfunction disorders and abnormal placentation. These findings may contribute to the early detection and appropriate intervention for placenta-associated diseases in women with a history of RM, with the goal of avoiding or reducing the associated detrimental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advantages of negative electron affinity energy, high thermal conductivity and extreme chemical inertness, diamond thin films have attracted much attention as field emission materials. This paper re-viewed the classification of diamond films, introduced the negative electron affinity properties of hydrogenated diamond films, analyzed the factors affecting the field emission characteristics of diamond films, issued the optimization direction of field emission characteristics, and summarized the performance of field emission cathode obtained by diamond films combined with other materials reported in the literature. It is of great significance to analyze and improve field emission performance of diamond thin film devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective*To investigate the risk factors and related preventive measures of intractable postpartum hemorrhage which leads to emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Methods*The clinical data of 110 934 pregnant women treated in the International Peace Maternal & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2014 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the treated time, pregnant women in the 2015-2017 year-period (n=48 984) and 2018-2020 year-period (n=45 262) were selected as the research objects to analyze the incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Besides, a total of 108 pregnant women with intractable postpartum hemorrhage were selected as the research objects. The patients were divided into the uterine-removed group (n=22) and the uterine-preserved group (n=86) according to whether they had hysterectomy. The clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression model, and the risk factors of emergency peripartum hysterectomy were explored. Results*Compared with the 2015-2017 year-period, the incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy decreased in the 2018-2020 year-period (P=0.039). Meanwhile, compared with the uterine-preserved group, the pregnant women in the uterine-removed group were older, with more than 2 pregnancies, monocyesis, pregnancy complications (placenta previa, placenta implantation, scarred uterus, etc.), amniotic fluid embolism and greater postpartum hemorrhage (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the patients' age and the volume of postpartum hemorrhage were independent risk factors for emergency peripartum hysterectomy caused by intractable postpartum hemorrhage (P<0.05). Conclusion*The older the patients with intractable postpartum hemorrhage, the greater volume of postpartum hemorrhage, which is easy to lead to emergency peripartum hysterectomy. Clinical monitoring and intervention should be carried out as soon as possible to reduce the patients' incidence of emergency peripartum hysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective*To explore the high-risk factors and provide guidance for the prevention of postnatal thromboembolism. Methods·Based on a retrospective case-control design, a total of 45 262 electronic cases of women giving birth in the International Peace Maternal & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2018 to 2020 were excavated. The case group was 60 parturients diagnosed with postpartum venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, while the control group was 45 202 parturients who were normal. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to find the risk factors of postpartum thrombosis. Results*The incidence of postpartum venous thrombosis was 130/100 000 and pulmonary embolism was 46/100 000. The incidence of postpartum thrombotic disease showed a trend of increasing year by year (P<0.05). The left lower extremity was the main site of postpartum thrombosis. In this study, the average age of the mothers at delivery was 33.52±4.79 years old in the case group and 31.35±4.01 years old in the control group. The proportion of preterm birth in the case group was 2.05 times that of the control group, and the proportion of pre-pregnancy overweight and obese was 1.94 times that of the control group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the elder age (aOR=1.10, 95%CI 1.04-1.17), the smaller the gestational age (aOR=0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.99), less than a bachelor's degree (aOR=2.24, 95%CI 1.20-4.18), elective caesarean (aOR=6.68, 95% CI 2.56-17.41), emergency caesarean (aOR=14.40, 95%CI 5.37-38.63) and pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity (aOR=1.91, 95%CI 1.04-3.49) all increased the risk of postpartum thrombosis. Conclusion*Maternal age, education level, gestational age, overweight and cesarean section were independent risk factors for postpartum thrombosis. The most prominent risk factor was emergency cesarean section. The occurrence of postpartum venous thrombosis was associated with a variety of risk factors and can lead to maternal death. Clinicians need to assess the risk of thrombosis in time, and take preventive measures as soon as possible for women with high risk factors to reduce the risk of postpartum thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a challenge to prepare closed-cell auxetic foam by a simple method without destroying the properties of the foam. In this paper, auxetic foams were prepared directly from ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) resin in one step by annealing immediately after sc-CO 2 foaming. The effects of annealing time and foaming temperature on the cell structure and Poisson's ratio were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Poisson's ratio testing. The reasons for the formation of EVA foams with negative Poisson's ratio were analyzed by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that annealing treatment maintained the high movement ability of molecular chains and provided sufficient time for the molecular chains to relax, so that the stress generated by the foaming process can relax quickly and reach a new stable state, thus weakening the elastic shrinking of EVA foam. Under the action of the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cell formed by the different diffusion rates of air and CO 2 , the cell concaves inward to produce a reentrant structure, and then the foam shape is fixed with the continuous improvement of crystallization. The obtained EVA auxetic foam has excellent resilience. Finally, it is proved that the method has good universality for the preparation of auxetic foams with most elastomers, so this study has important implications for the preparation of closed-cell elastomer polymer auxetic foams. [Display omitted] • A simple one-pot strategy for preparing closed-cell auxetic foam from EVA in the absence of water was demonstrated. • The formation mechanism of auxetic foam is proved to the relaxation of molecular chain stress during annealing. • The obtained EVA auxetic foam has excellent resilience. • The method has good universality for the preparation of auxetic foams with most elastomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high and ultrafast response of hydrogen gas sensors is very critical during H 2 transportation and storage. For detecting the ultra-low ppm level H 2 , a new Pt functionalized Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 (FMO) nanoflower gas sensor (Pt/Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 briefed as Pt/FMO) was fabricated in this work by a simple solvothermal method and calcination process. The Pt/FMO gas sensor shows excellent H 2 sensing performances, which can be attributed to the high catalytic activity of Pt and the large surface area of 3D FMO. The optimal operating temperature of Pt/FMO was investigated and determined at 300 °C. The response/recovery time of Pt/FMO was only 16/38 s, which displayed excellent stability and ultrafast response/recovery time toward ultra-low ppm level H 2 (10 ppm) at 300 °C, respectively. The enhancement mechanism was also studied and discussed. This newly developed gas sensor may have great application potential in the rapid detection of low-concentration hydrogen gas. • Pt functionalized Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 nanoflower gas sensor was fabricated by a solvothermal method and calcination process. • The Pt/Fe 2 (MoO 4) 3 displays ultrafast response and excellent stability toward ultra-low ppm level H 2. • The enhancement mechanism was also discussed by the adsorption/desorption model and barrier model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the limitations of experimental studies on thermophysical properties of cryogenic phase change materials (PCMs), a highly accurate approach to predict the solid‐liquid equilibrium (SLE) of PCMs is proposed, in which the method of referenced state by a hypothetic path is used in the fugacity of PCMs in the solid phase and the Soave‐Redlich‐Kwong (SRK)‐UNIFAC model is applied in the liquid phase. Based on this method, the thermophysical properties of cryogenic composite PCMs including eutectic composition, eutectic temperature, and eutectic enthalpy are predicted with a minor deviation. Taking the liquid natural gas (LNG) air separation unit as an example, the established simulating method with high accuracy to predict the thermophysical properties of the PCMs is adopted for material selection and design for a cold storage unit in this project with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and simulation of a high conversion efficiency betavoltaic battery composed of multiple, alternately stacked layers of silicon p-n junction converters and 63Ni isotope sources. Self-absorption of β particles within sources of different thicknesses and β particle energy deposition in the converters are investigated via Monte Carlo simulation. Optimizing the source thickness and doping concentration in the converter significantly improves the conversion efficiency and maximum output power of the proposed battery in comparison to one with a simple two-layer structure but same volume and source activity. The proposed battery can achieve an overall conversion efficiency of 3.3% and output power of 17.48 nW/mm2 from 5.05 mCi of 63Ni. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The changes of temperature and SRI can be sensed by m -FBG, and the liquid level change is precisely monitored by MI. • By the aid of SRI-related compensation, simultaneous measurement is achieved with high discrimination and high precision. • The dynamic field tests are conducted, and the limits of detection are ∼ 0.15 mm, 0.42 °C and 9 × 10-4 RIU, respectively. In this paper, a novel dual-wavelength fiber laser sensor is proposed and completed by the parallel configuration of modified fiber Bragg grating and modal interferometer. The stable lasing emissions are realized and the comprehensive tests are performed in terms of level, refractive index and temperature of liquid. By the demodulation of joint wavelength and intensity matrix, high-discriminative simultaneous measurement is achieved, and the obtained sensitivities are 19.88 pm/°C, 159.32 dB/RIU and 568 pm/mm, respectively, with the errors below 2.52 %. Additionally, the dynamic field tests are performed, and the limits of detection of 0.15 mm, 0.42°C and 9 × 10-4 RIU are experimentally verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(lactic acid)/polyoxymethylene (PLA/POM) blends were prepared through melt compounding in an attempt to improve the heat resistance of PLA. The effects of POM on the immiscibility, dynamic and quasi-static mechanical properties, rheological properties, and heat resistance were examined in detail with various techniques. PLA was found to be immiscible with POM, evidenced by both phase-separated morphology and two glass transition temperatures of the blends. The heat deflection temperature of PLA was nearly doubled, increasing from 65 to 133 °C, when the POM content approaches 50%. The tensile modulus exhibited a synergistic effect, as the blend has a greater modulus than neat PLA or POM. Because the PLA in the injection molded test samples was totally amorphous as revealed by the WXRD result, the enhanced HDT and superior mechanical properties were mainly attributed to the unique stacked layer structure of the blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient pressure measurement system applied in an explosion field is usually characterized by non-real-time measurement due to the conflict between quick signal acquisition and limited communication bandwidth. The correct signal acquisition is launched by triggering, but the false triggering often leads to measurement failure due to the fact that the operating status of system cannot be real-time detected in an explosion condition. A distributed wireless measurement system with data extraction technology is proposed in this paper to improve the reliability of transient pressure measurement. A long-time signal acquisition is achieved by mass data storage to eliminate the trigger mode. On the other hand, an effective data segment is extracted by signal identification, which improves the efficiency of data transmission and data processing. A measurement system based on data extraction technology was designed and implemented in an explosion field, and the measurement node was characterized by sampling rate of 1 Msps, data storage of 128 Gb, effective data segment of 512 kW, and Wi-Fi wireless network coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galls are products of the hyperplasia of host plant structures induced by gall-inducing organisms and have been considered as an extended phenotype of the inducers. There is little evidence regarding the effect of host plants on gall morphology. We hypothesised that the morphology and developmental pattern of galls are different because of the different location of their stimulation, even though two kinds of inducers are close relatives. We observed that horned galls and their leaflets of their host plant, Rhus chinensis required a longer rapid growth stage than fusiform galls and Rhus potaninii leaflets. The distribution of trichomes showed positional dependence. Molecular analysis showed that in the fusiform gall, the target genes that regulate the plastochron of leaflets and serration development were hardly expressed, and CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON-2 may be a key gene that regulates the formation of the horns. In summary, horned and fusiform galls showed a developmental pattern similar to those of their host plant leaflets. We suggest that the inducing site is important in the morphology and development of galls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs are accurately identified by the combination of parent ions and characteristic ions measurement using high performance-single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS). • The identification principles of parent ions and characteristic ions of PAHs and nitro-PAHs are not affected by a change in the laser energy and mixing states. • The identification of PAHs and nitro-PAHs using HP-SPAMS is effectively applied in vehicle source samples and ambient atmospheric particles. The real-time detection of the mixing states of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs in ambient particles is of great significance for analyzing the source, aging process, and health effects of PAHs and nitro-PAHs; yet there is still few effective technology to achieve this type of detection. In this study, 11 types of PAH and nitro-PAH standard samples were analyzed using a high performance-single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (HP-SPAMS) in lab studies. The identification principles 'parent ions' and 'mass-to-charge (m / z) = 77' of each compound were obtained in this study. It was found that different laser energies did not affect the identification of the parent ions. The comparative experiments of ambient atmospheric particles, cooking and biomass burning emitted particles with and without the addition of PAHs were conducted and ruled out the interferences from primary and secondary organics on the identification of PAHs. Besides, the reliability of the characteristic ions extraction method was evaluated through the comparative study of similarity algorithm and deep learning algorithm. In addition, the real PAH-containing particles from vehicle exhaust emissions and ambient particles were also analyzed. This study improves the ability of single particle mass spectrometry technology to detect PAHs and nitro-PAHs, and HP-SPAMS was superior to SPAMS for detecting single particles containing PAHs and nitro-PAHs. This study provides support for subsequent ambient observations to identify the characteristic spectrum of single particles containing PAHs and nitro-PAHs. [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new guaiane sesquiterpenoid (1), two known guaiane sesquiterpenoids (2 and 3), and eleven known compounds (4–14), were isolated from Teucrium viscidum. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. The absolute configuration of lipidiol (2) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis with Cu Kα radiation. Compounds 12 and 13 were isolated as natural products for the first time. All compounds were isolated from T. viscidum for the first time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Rosin and dimer fatty acid based epoxies were synthesized by a modified method. [•] CaO as water scavenger in the dehydrohalogenation step of the synthesis. [•] The dimer acid epoxy was complementary to the rosin epoxy in mechanical and thermal properties. [•] The mixed epoxies containing 20–40wt% of dimer acid epoxy exhibited overall high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A micro-sphere based IMI is completed through arc-discharge technique. The appropriate core-offset and micro-sphere diameter are found. High extinction ratio is gained with low period non-uniformity of fringes. • Ultrahigh consistency up to 99.5% is presented in terms of both liquid level and temperature responses. The temperature crosstalk is eliminated by differential method and near-zero temperature cross-sensitivity is obtained in our sensor. • The average liquid level sensitivity reaches 62.6 pm/mm with high linearity in the range of 0–40 mm. The detection limit is 0.156 mm and the measurement error is constrained within ∼1.3%. In this paper, a novel micro-sphere based in-line Michelson interferometer is proposed and completed experimentally through arc-discharge technique. The light field distributions are theoretically investigated to gain optimal core offset and diameter of micro-sphere. Multiple fabricated samples are compared and the comprehensive tests are then performed in terms of liquid level and temperature. The experimental results show that obvious blue shift of fringes is demonstrated with the rise of liquid level and the average sensitivity reaches 62.6 pm/mm with high linearity in the range of 0–40 mm. Moreover, owing to highly-consistent temperature response (∼99.5%), the crosstalk caused by ambient temperature is eliminated by differential method and the measurement error is compressed within 1.33%. Due to the merits of compactness, low cost, ease of fabrication and operation, our sensor is very potential in the liquid-level related engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a novel efficient one-step method for preparation of acrylated soybean oil (ASO) was introduced. ASO was obtained by reacting soybean oil (SO) and acrylic acid (AA) directly under the catalysis of BF3·Et2O. Effects of reaction stoichiometry and reaction time on the conversion of the double bonds of SO were studied. 1H NMR analysis indicated that the number of acrylate groups could reach 3.09 per triglyceride molecule or the conversion of the double bonds was up to ∼75.7%. Copolymerization of the ASO and styrene was demonstrated, and the flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of the resulting polymers were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits high strength and stiffness. PLA is fully biodegradable and has received great interest. However, the inherent brittleness of PLA largely impedes its wide applications. In this article, the recent progress in PLA toughening using various routes including plasticization, copolymerization, and melt blending with flexible polymers, was reviewed in detail. PLA toughening, particularly modification of impact toughness through melt blending, was emphasized in this review. Reactive blending was shown to be especially effective in achieving high impact strength. The relationship between composition, morphology, and mechanical properties were summarized. Toughening mechanisms were also discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two-photon absorption and photoinduced anistropy of a methyl orange/Au nanoparticles composite system were investigated. Open aperture Z-scan measurements demonstrated that the absorption cross section of methyl orange in an Au colloid solution can increase 42-fold compared to purified that of a methyl orange aqueous solution. Meanwhile, a 2.6-fold enhancement of the photoinduced birefringence of methyl orange in the presence of Au was also observed. The mechanism accounting for the enhancement of two-photon absorption coefficient and photoinduced birefringence was discussed in terms of the localized field effect via surface plasmon resonance of Au nanoparticles, which was further confirmed using the fluorescence spectrum technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was blended as plastic with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). An extra amount of water was added to SPC prior to compounding to ensure that SPC behaved like a plastic during mixing. Because of the extensive crosslinking and agglomeration during compounding and the fact that most water was evaporated after drying the compounds, the SPC phase was not able to flow like a plastic in the subsequent processing. Therefore, the compounds became in-situ formed composites. The effects of SPC content and compatibilizer on the morphological, rheological, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of PBAT/SPC blends were studied. Using maleic anhydride grafted PBAT as compatibilizer resulted in fine domain sizes and good dispersion of SPC and hence improved tensile and dynamic mechanical properties. In the presence of compatiblizer, the formation of percolated SPC network structure was observed at high SPC concentrations, subsequently, resulted in drastic changes in rheological properties, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In contrast to most studies in the literature where soy protein was used as a particulate filler in hydrophobic thermoplastic polymers, in this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was processed as a plastic to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). By adjusting water content in the formulated SPC from low to high prior to compounding, SPC exhibited behaviors ranging from rigid filler to deformable filler to plastic during blending. Detailed phase morphology of the blends was revealed by transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Evidences showed that SPC formed percolated thread structures when additional water was added to SPC prior to compounding. Study of dynamic rheology also confirmed the formation of interconnected network structure. Accordingly, tensile mechanical properties were greatly improved for those blends with percolated SPC thread structures. The molecular weight change of PBAT in blends and influence of processing on soy protein solubility were also examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Semicrystalline polylactide (PLA) exhibits high tensile strength and modulus but very low strain-at-break and toughness. In this study, PLA nanocomposites with nano-sized precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC) and organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) clay were prepared by melt extrusion. Morphologies, tensile mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties, polymer–nanoparticle interactions, and toughening mechanisms of the PLA/NPCC and PLA/MMT nanocomposites were compared. MMT and NPCC showed significantly different effects on the strength, modulus and elongation of the PLA nanocomposites. Different toughening mechanisms were first elucidated for the two types of nanocomposites based on the evidence from both macroscopic and microscopic observations. Under uniaxial tension, large quantities of microvoids were created in both PLA nanocomposites. The microvoids in PLA/NPCC caused massive crazing, while in PLA/MMT they resulted in shear yielding, particularly in the nanocomposite with 2.5wt% MMT. The MMT stacks and platelets were found to be located between the microvoids in the extended specimens and prevented them from collapsing and coalescing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most used polymeric materials worldwide, either as a neat material or as a matrix for composite manufacture employing a molding process. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing is an alternative process that offers the potential for manufacturing value‐added products from PP. However, using neat PP for FDM is challenging because 3D‐printed PP warps and shrinks when cooled, and the mechanical properties of PP are poor. PP‐based composites with different fillers (e.g., glass, carbon, and natural fibers) have shown improved properties using FDM processes. An alternative filler for 3D‐printed PP‐based composites is basalt fiber (BF). The objective of this work was to assess the potential and impacts of BF as a filler for BF‐PP composites using FDM processes. PP was compounded with 15, 25, 35, and 45 wt% BF to produce filaments for 3D printing without adding any compatibilizer. Results of rheology studies, morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties of the 3D printed specimens showed that BF positively impacts Young's modulus (E), thermal stability, and dimensional stability of the composite. All composites, when processed at high shear rates (i.e., above 100 1/s), show approximately similar rheological behavior. E is almost doubled in the composite with 25 wt% BF and increased fourfold in the composite with 35 and 45 wt% BF, compared to neat PP. The Izod impact resistance of the formulations containing 35 and 45 wt% BF is ~70% that of neat PP. BF process easily and adequately reinforces PP composites manufactured via FDM. Neat PP's poor mechanical properties are improved by adding basalt fiber (BF). Up to 45 wt% BF was used to reinforce PP‐based composites. PP‐BF composites are easier to process via DFM compared to neat PP. BF improves PP‐based composite's thermal and dimensional stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Microplastic particles have the potential to induce spontaneous abortion in mice. • Microplastic particles can cause a higher embryo resorption rate in mice. • Microplastic particles can reduce the number and diameter of uterine arterioles. • Microplastic particles can lead to immune disturbance in pregnant mice. Microplastics (MPs), which are emerging as a new type of environmental pollutants, have raised great concerns regarding their threats to human health. A successful pregnancy depends on the sophisticated regulation of the maternal-fetal immune balance, but the risks of polystyrene MP (PS-MP) exposure in early pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, we exposed the C57BL/6-mated BALB/c mice to PS-MP particles and used the flow cytometry to explore threats towards the immune system. Herein, the allogeneic mating murine model showed an elevated embryo resorption rate with a 10 μm PS-MP particle exposure during the peri-implantation period. Both the number and diameter of uterine arterioles decreased, which might reduce the uterine blood supply. Moreover, the percentage of decidual natural killer cells was reduced, whereas the helper T cells in the placenta increased. In addition, the M1/M2 ratio in macrophages reversed significantly to a dominant M2-subtype. Lastly, the cytokine secretion shifted towards an immunosuppressive state. Overall, our results demonstrated that PS-MPs have the potential to cause adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes via immune disturbance, providing new insights into the study of reproductive toxicity of MP particles in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, using a barbed Y-connector as the spinneret, camphoric acid (CSA) doped polyaniline (PANI) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were electrospun into side-by-side bicomponent fibers. Fiber mats obtained from this side-by-side spinneret were compared with those mats electrospun from blended PEO and PANI in terms of fiber morphology, electrical conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and relative resistivity under tensile strain. The influence of different content ratio of insulating PEO (3/4/5 w/v% to solvent) and conductive PANI-CSA (1.5/2.5/3.5 w/v% to solvent) on the abovementioned properties was studied as well. Results showed that this side-by-side spinning was capable of overcoming the poor spinnability of PANI to produce fibers with PEO carrying PANI on the surface of the bicomponent fibers, which demonstrated higher electrical conductivity than blends. Although the addition of PANI deteriorated mechanical properties for both side-by-side and blended fibers when compared to the pure PEO fibers, the side-by-side fibers showed much better fiber strength and elongation than blends. In addition, the superior ductility and decent relative electrical resistivity of the side-by-side fibers imparted them great potential for flexible sensor applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron selenide (FeSe 2), a p-type narrow band gap (1.0 eV) semiconductor, has been considered as a potential electrode material for electrochemical energy storage owing to its many benefits, including quick electron transfer, excellent electrical conductivity and exceptional theoretical specific capacity. Nevertheless, the volumetric expansion, agglomeration, low ion-diffusion capacity and other inadequacies in the process of discharging and charging. Therefore, FeSe 2 is far short of high initial coulomb efficiency, long-cycle stability, and excellent rate performance. The greatest obstacle to the practical use of energy storage systems is these drawbacks. Herein, the electrospinning and a thermally-induced selenization route are adopted to encapsulate the FeSe 2 hollow nanospheres into the intertwined Se, N co-doped carbon nanofibers (Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs). Density functional theory calculation delivers that Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs nanocomposite presents extremely low bandgap and high density of states at the Femi level, demonstrating significantly increased conductivity. When assembling into the all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitors (ASSSCs), the Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs ASSSCs provide a remarkable specific capacity of 330.2 F g−1 and maintain 92.0% after 5000 cycles at 2 A g−1. Meanwhile, the resistance of charge transfer decreases from 0.73 Ω (FeSe 2) to 0.28 Ω (Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs). Moreover, the Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs ASSSCs deliver 128.6 Wh kg−1 (energy density) at about 800 W kg−1 (power density). Additionally, the Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs anodes also have outstanding reversible capacity (549.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and stability of long-circulation (481.3 mAh g−1 after 100 circles and 480.9 mAh g−1 after 200 circles at 0.1 A g−1) for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The superb property of energy storage can be due to the encapsulated structure that can maintain the integrity of structures for electrodes during electrochemical reactions and the Se, N heteroatoms doped CNFs that can conducive to ions/charges transport and storage. The designed encapsulated structure and synthesis approach have broad application prospects in electrochemical energy storage. [Display omitted] • The hollow FeSe 2 nanospheres are encapsulated in the N,Se co-doped carbon nanofibers. • The encapsulated structure can availably ameliorate the volume effect of FeSe 2 and raise the stability of electrodes. • The Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs electrodes show outstanding electrochemical properties in supercapacitors and sodium-ion batteries. • According to density functional (DFT), the Se, N-FeSe 2 CNFs have narrow band structure and high density of states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deuterium–deuterium (D–D) neutron spectrum diagnostics in tokamaks are a challenging task with current technologies. To address this issue, we designed and tested a fast and compact helium-3 proportional counter with a diameter of 2.5 cm and an effective length of 15 cm and using Kr as a stopping gas. The detector achieved a resolution of 96 keV for 2.406 MeV neutrons with a pulse shaping of 2 µs. Test results indicate that this detector has the potential to form a D–D neutron spectrometer for tokamaks, composed of detector arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mega projects, the stakeholders may be exposed to significant on-site construction risk, especially the owners and insurance companies who take the most responsibility for the risk loss. It is difficult for insurance companies to diversify their risks by undertaking enough similar policies, and participating in on-site risk management has become an important method of active risk control. Based on the principal-agent relationship between the owner, insurance company, and contractor, this paper establishes incentive mechanisms for risk management considering the common agency and exclusive agency models. The results show that an insurance company's involvement in the common agency model creates external effects that can improve the utility of both the owner and the insurance company. The owner is then willing to provide a higher incentive coefficient, and the contractor's nonrisk and risk management efforts increase accordingly. From the owner's perspective, the influence of the participants' characteristics and external uncertainties on the incentive strategy are discussed. The results recommend that it is better for the owners and insurance companies to jointly establish a good cooperative relationship and build the incentive mechanism. The spillover effect has a positive effect on the cooperation between the two parties, while the impact of the uncertainty in risk management output on the cooperative relationship is negative. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge for understanding the on-site risk management considering stakeholders' participation and provides a practical mode for owners and insurance companies to implement active risk management in mega projects, thus achieving better risk governance of mega projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber‐reinforced hollow composites play a vital role in lightweighting modern cars and aircrafts. Fabrication of such hollow composites with seamless internal finish requires sacrificial tooling that can be used under pressure and high temperature. For the very first time, high performance sacrificial tooling that can be used to fabricate fiber‐reinforced hollow composites is produced using photocuring 3D printing technology. This is achieved by developing UV‐curable resins containing highly soluble yet hydrolysable acetal acrylate cross‐linker and hydrophilic 4‐acryloylmorpholine monomer. It is found that the cross‐linker content greatly affects the printing speed. Further, the widely adopted UV post‐curing method is found to have negligible impact on improving the thermal‐mechanical properties of printed structures. After thermal post‐treatment, printed sacrificial tooling exhibits a heat deflection temperature of 112 °C at 0.455 MPa and an average coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 59 ppm °C−1 between 30 and 100 °C. As a result, printed tooling enables fabrication of carbon fiber‐reinforced hollow composites with complex geometry, which shows a tensile strength of 802 MPa and an elastic modulus of 50.2 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Morphological traits for ear leaf are determinant traits influencing plant architecture and drought tolerance in maize. However, the genetic controls of ear leaf architecture traits remain poorly understood under drought stress. Here, we identified 100 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf angle, leaf orientation value, leaf length, leaf width, leaf size and leaf shape value of ear leaf across four populations under drought‐stressed and unstressed conditions, which explained 0.71%–20.62% of phenotypic variation in single watering condition. Forty‐five of the 100 QTLs were identified under water‐stressed conditions, and 29 stable QTLs (sQTLs) were identified under water‐stressed conditions, which could be useful for the genetic improvement of maize drought tolerance via QTL pyramiding. We further integrated 27 independent QTL studies in a meta‐analysis to identify 21 meta‐QTLs (mQTLs). Then, 24 candidate genes controlling leaf architecture traits coincided with 20 corresponding mQTLs. Thus, new/valuable information on quantitative traits has shed some light on the molecular mechanisms responsible for leaf architecture traits affected by watering conditions. Furthermore, alleles for leaf architecture traits provide useful targets for marker‐assisted selection to generate high‐yielding maize varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites based on blends of polylactide (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and 4 wt% organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite 10A) were prepared via melt compounding. To investigate the influence of NBR acrylonitrile (ACN) content on the dispersion state and localization of nanoclay and micromorphology of the blends, three different NBRs with low (19%), medium (33%) and high (51%) ACN content were employed. Nanocomposites with low ACN NBR exhibited higher dispersion of clay nanolayers within the PLA matrix, whereas increase in ACN content gave rise to the localization of silicate platelets within the interface of two phases which was consistent well with the enhanced interfacial interaction between PLA and NBR phases that was evidenced by surface tension and melt rheology analysis. The size of dispersed NBR droplets decreased by the incorporation of organoclay into the composition of all PLA/NBR blends irrespective of the ACN content. However, the reduction in NBR droplet size by the nanoclay layers showed to be more pronounced for the nanocomposites based on high ACN rubber phase as a result of higher localization of nanoclay platelets within the interface of the PLA and NBR. All nanocomposites exhibited significant increase in elongation at break than simple blend counterparts, implying intensification of PLA and NBR interface by nanoclay incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an essential part of artificial intelligence, a knowledge graph describes the real-world entities, concepts and their various semantic relationships in a structured way and has been gradually popularized in a variety practical scenarios. The majority of existing knowledge graphs mainly concentrate on organizing and managing textual knowledge in a structured representation, while paying little attention to the multimodal resources (e.g., pictures and videos), which can serve as the foundation for the machine perception of a real-world data scenario. To this end, in this survey, we comprehensively review the related advances of multimodal knowledge graphs, covering multimodal knowledge graph construction, completion and typical applications. For construction, we outline the methods of named entity recognition, relation extraction and event extraction. For completion, we discuss the multimodal knowledge graph representation learning and entity linking. Finally, the mainstream applications of multimodal knowledge graphs in miscellaneous domains are summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought significantly affects the architectural development of maize inflorescence, which leads to massive losses in grain yield. However, the genetic mechanism for traits involved in inflorescence architecture in different watering environments, remains poorly understood in maize. In this study, 19 QTLs for tassel primary branch number (TBN) and ear number per plant (EN) were detected in 2 F populations under both well-watered and water-stressed environments by single environment mapping with composite interval mapping (CIM); 11/19 QTLs were detected under water-stressed environments. Moreover, 21 QTLs were identified in the 2 F populations by joint analysis of all environments with a mixed linear model based on composite interval mapping (MCIM), 11 QTLs were involved in QTL × environment interactions, seven epistatic interactions were identified with additive by additive/dominance effects. Remarkably, 12 stable QTLs (sQTLs) were simultaneously detected by single environment mapping with CIM and joint analysis through MCIM, which were concentrated in ten bins across the chromosomes: 1.05_1.07, 1.08_1.10, 2.01_2.04, 3.01, 4.06, 4.09, 5.06_5.07, 6.05, 7.00, and 7.04 regions. Twenty meta-QTLs (mQTLs) were detected across 19 populations under 51 watering environments using a meta-analysis, and 34 candidate genes were predicted in corresponding mQTLs regions to be involved in the regulation of inflorescence development and drought resistance. Therefore, these results provide valuable information for finding quantitative trait genes and to reveal the genetic mechanisms responsible for TBN and EN under different watering environments. Furthermore, alleles for TBN and EN provide useful targets for marker-assisted selection to generate high-yielding maize varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A soy protein (SP)-poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) superabsorbent hydrogel was synthesized from soy protein isolate and potassium acrylate. Alkali-treated SP was turned into macromonomer through the functionalization of its primary amine groups using methacrylic anhydride. The SP-PAA hydrogel was formed by free radical copolymerization of the SP macromonomer and potassium acrylate monomer. It was demonstrated that the SP macromonomer acted as a macro-crosslinker and no additional crosslinker was needed. The whole synthesis was conducted in a one-pot process. The chemical structure and degree of functionalization of the SP macromonomer were characterized by 1 H NMR spectroscopy and UV–vis spectrophotometry, respectively. The SP to acrylic acid weight ratio at the preparation of the hydrogel was 1/3 and the SP content in the final product was 11–19%. As a result of the functionalization of SP, compressive gel strength was significantly improved, gel content was increased and extractable SP was reduced. Free swelling in distilled water was reduced for SP macromonomer gels due to increased crosslink density. The SP-PAA hydrogels displayed a stable swelling performance in buffer solutions with pH ranging from 6 to 11.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is a major environmental factor that affects metabolic pathways and stimulates the production of secondary metabolites in potato. However, adaptive changes in potato metabolic pathways and physiological functions triggered by light are partly explained by gene expression changes. Regulation of secondary metabolic pathways in potato has been extensively studied at transcriptional level, but little is known about the mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation by miRNAs. To identify light-responsive miRNAs/mRNAs and construct putative metabolism pathways regulated by the miRNA-mRNA pairs, an integrated omics (sRNAome and transcriptome) analysis was performed to potato under light stimulus. A total of 31 and 48 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed in the leaves and tubers, respectively. Among the DEGs, 1353 genes in the leaves and 1841 genes in the tubers were upregulated, while 1595 genes in the leaves and 897 genes in the tubers were downregulated by light. Mapman enrichment analyses showed that genes related to MVA pathway, alkaloids-like, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids metabolism were significantly upregulated, while genes associated with major CHO metabolism were repressed in the leaves and tubers. Integrated miRNA and mRNA profiles revealed that light-responsive miRNAs are important regulators in alkaloids metabolism, UMP salvage, lipid biosynthesis, and cellulose catabolism. Moreover, several miRNAs may participate in glycoalkaloids metabolism via JA signaling pathway, UDP-glucose biosynthesis and hydroxylation reaction. This study provides a global view of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in potato response to light, our results suggest that miRNAs might play important roles in secondary metabolic pathways, especially in glycoalkaloid biosynthesis. The findings will enlighten us on the genetic regulation of secondary metabolite pathways and pave the way for future application of genetically engineered potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are indispensable in a variety of applications, because of their high specific strength. CFRPs are generally constructed by carbon fibers as reinforcements and crosslinked polymers as binders. Due to the irreversible nature of the crosslinked polymers, CFRPs are neither repairable nor recyclable. Once the material is damaged or out of service, landfill or incineration is the typical way to deal with the waste. These methods take no advantages of the residue value of the waste and add burdens to the environment. To reduce waste and cost, it is desirable to develop effective recycling technologies to reserve the residue value of carbon fiber and polymer matrix. In the past decade, chemical recycling by cleaving the covalent bonds in a solvent has been considered as an ideal path for the recycling of CFRP wastes, because it has the potential to recover both valuable CFs and polymer matrix. In this review, the discussion is focused on the progress in the chemical recycling of CFRP. The primary matrix resin of CFRP discussed in this review is epoxy resin which is the most widely used polymer matrix. In addition, the challenges and outlook are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of how institutional entrepreneurs working on megaprojects successfully enact change in regard to logic practices remains an unsolved problem in megaproject management literature. Building on an in-depth case study of a megaproject in China, we examine how institutional entrepreneurs manage in order to transform a conventional construction logic into a new logic of “mechanization, autoassembling, and factory construction” in steel bridge industry. We present a model of institutional work conducted by entrepreneurs for institutional entrepreneurship in the megaproject platform. Based on this case, we highlight the significance of institutional compatibility and institutional governmentality in implementing the new logic practices. This article contributes to the literature by examining the different forms of institutional work conducted by entrepreneurs with the aim of driving the institutional changes, and exploring the relationship between megaproject management and institutional entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the demand for PLA increases, post-consumer disposal strategies must be carefully considered. While we would love to embrace a bioplastic future, we also need to tread carefully. Though PLA is widely claimed to be biodegradable, full degradation often requires conditions not typically found in landfills or industrial composting. Therefore, it will negatively impact the environment if treated carelessly. In this work, we report a simple PLA upcycling path to turn existing PLA wastes into new 3D printable materials within 48 hours. The ester bonds of PLA can be cleaved efficiently via aminolysis. The obtained monomeric compound was derivatized with methacrylic anhydride, which introduces double bonds and thus a cross-linkable monomer is obtained. In combination with a comonomer and initiator, a photocurable resin is produced. The resin can be fed into any commercially available photocuring 3D printer. The 3D printed parts derived from PLA wastes exhibit impressive performances with a tensile strength of 58.6 MPa, Young's modulus of 2.8 GPa, and glass transition at ∼180 °C. Our work demonstrates a new route to active upcycling of PLA while minimizing the need for disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, multiple approaches were attempted to improve the performance of PECVD SiO2/ Si3N4 double-layer electrets on glass, including different electrode structures, as well as various corona charging conditions. Both chargeability and charge stability of the PECVD SiO2/ Si3N4 double-layer electret at high temperature and high humidity were investigated. It is proven that samples with both lower and back electrodes has simpler process but exhibits similar chargeability and charge stability to those having lower electrode contact with ground directly by welding lead. High charging temperature can increase chargeability but has no effect on charge stability melioration. Long-term observation implies that if the electrets have to work outside properly, heat treatment will be necessary, although hermetic packaging is the best option. PECVD SiO2/ Si3N4 double-layer electrets can endure high temperature lower than 250°C and shows good charge stability under high humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The progressive collapse behavior of ECC building structure with the complete replacement of normal concrete by ECC is studied. • The bridging performance of ECC in frame structure is analyzed quantitatively in terms of global behavior and local response. • The effectiveness of ECC on improving the progressive collapse performance is proved in strength, ductility, and energy abortion et al., especially in the elastic stage. This paper experimentally investigates the progressive collapse performance of planar frame structure with engineered cementitious composites (ECC) under middle column removal scenario. One normal concrete specimen and two ECC specimens were used for experiments. Quasi-static vertical loading was imposed onto the middle column, and structural response was analyzed for the specimens with different concrete and reinforcement ratio. Furthermore, the impact of ECC on the behavior of planar frame structure to resist progressive collapse was evaluated. Experimental results indicated that ECC specimens exhibited multi-cracking behavior with limited crack width, and their progressive collapse performance including ductility, horizontal reaction, bending moment and rotation capacity of plastic hinge can be improved significantly in three stages of resisting mechanisms. The resistance force and energy absorption can be reinforced over several times in elastic stages while the reinforcing effects can not continue in compressive arch stage and catenary stage. The ultimate resistance in catenary stage is largely determined by the reinforcement ratio. Finally, the ECC is proved to be highly effective in reinforcing progressive collapse resistance, which provides a basic insight into the application of ECC building structure in engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The moving components and servo control systems of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools spent a substantial energy but received less attention regarding energy saving. This article presents a novel energy saving methodology of feed system using a data-model hybrid driven design optimization approach for the integrated design of moving component structural geometry and control system. Surrogate models are built based on the design of experimental data to avoid time-consuming finite element analysis. The energy consumption mechanism model is constructed via energy flow analysis method. The data-model hybrid modeling method realizes the collaborative optimization of the machine tool feed system structure and controller, while simultaneously accelerating the optimization process. A multi-objective trade-off model with energy consumption and deformation is established. Three different multi-objective optimization approaches are taken to drive the developed multi-objective optimization model. The control performance of the feed system is demonstrated through simulation analysis. Results indicate that the optimized scheme can reduce energy consumption by over 10% and maximum deformation of the tool holder by over 14%. Note to Practitioners—This article is motivated by the problem that a significant energy consumption occurs when the CNC machine tool feed system continuously drives the moving components to move, accelerate or decelerate. The previous studies to cope with this problem broadly are to separately analyze energy-saving characteristics of the structure or control system of the CNC machine tool feed system. This article suggests a novel data-model hybrid approach for energy saving of machine tool feed system, which simultaneously integrates design of moving component structural geometry and servo control system. In this article, we mathematically derive an energy consumption mechanism model of the CNC machine tool feed system. By using surrogate assisted method, a multi-objective trade-off model with energy consumption and deformation is established. Simulation experiments indicate that this approach is feasible and can significantly reduce the energy consumption of CNC machine tool feed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Limb ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a clinical syndrome associated with severe damages to skeletal muscles and other fatal outcomes. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response play vital roles in the development of limb I/R injury. Existing evidence further indicates that Dl-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. However, whether NBP can protect skeletal muscles from limb I/R injury and the mechanism in mediating the action of NBP treatment still remain to be investigated, which are the focuses of the current study. Methods. The model of limb I/R injury was established and H&E staining was adopted to assess the pathological changes in skeletal muscles following limb I/R injury. Additionally, the W/D ratio of muscle tissue was also measured. ELISA and biochemical tests were carried out to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in mouse models of limb I/R injury. Moreover, the levels of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were also determined using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Results. It was established that NBP treatment alleviated I/R-induced pathological changes in muscular tissue of mice, accompanied by lower W/D ratio of skeletal muscular tissue. Meanwhile, the limb I/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in skeletal muscles of mice were also inhibited by NBP. Mechanistic study indicated that the alleviatory effect of NBP was ascribed to inactivation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Conclusions. Our findings highlighted the potential of NBP as a novel strategy for limb I/R-driven muscle tissue damages by suppressing inflammatory response and oxidative stress via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at assessing the sintilimab-based regimens' safety and efficacy for advanced esophageal cancer (EC) treatment in the real world. Cases of advanced EC treated with sintilimab-based regimens in the Anyang Tumor Hospital between 1 January 2020 and 1 August 2021 were retrospectively examined. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Among the 50 included patients, the median PFS was 11.3 months (95% CI: 5.0-17.6 months), and the 1-year PFS rate was 49.2%. The median OS was not reached, and the 1-year OS rate was 67.1%. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and progressive disease (PD) were seen in 14% (n = 7), 46% (n = 23), 32% (n = 16), and 8% (n = 4) of the 50 patients, respectively. Therefore, the ORR and DCR were 60% (30/50) and 92% (46/50), respectively. The CR rate of patients with radiotherapy was higher than that without radiotherapy (25% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.031). The 1-year OS rate was higher in patients with radiotherapy than in patients without radiotherapy (85.9% vs. 53.2%, P = 0.020). The most observed AEs included anemia, decrease in white blood cell count, nausea/vomiting, and hypoproteinemia. Sintilimab-based regimens achieved good disease control and tolerance for treating advanced EC in the real world. Combined radiotherapy can improve the efficacy and deserves further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel phosphorus-nitrogen flame retardant (DOPO-BA) was synthesized from the condensation reaction of benzaldehyde, aniline and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO). The structure of DOPO-BA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), 1 H NMR, 31 P NMR, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DOPO-BA was used as a flame retardant in the preparation of rosin-based rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs). The effects of DOPO-BA addition on the mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of RPUF were investigated. The morphology of DOPO-BA filled RPUFs was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that DOPO-BA rendered RPUF good physical, thermal stability and flame-retardant properties. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of RPUF containing 20 wt% DOPO-BA increased to 28.1% from 20.1% of the RPUF without DOPO-BA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-crosslinking compound with epoxy groups and anhydride groups (GEMA) was successfully synthesized from tung oil fatty acid by reacting with maleic anhydride via the Diels–Alder reaction. GEMA has very good storage stability and could be cured with trace amounts of tertiary amine. This advantage avoided the nonuniformity, bubbles and insolubility during the mixing procedure of the epoxy resins and curing agents. Compared to commercial Bisphenol A epoxy resins, GEMA has relatively lower mechanical properties and thermal properties. However, in view of its renewable properties, GEMA is still a very promising bio-based epoxy which may replace bisphenol A epoxy resins in some applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid, a promising bio-based plastic, could still pose pollution challenges if it is not properly disposed of. Rather than letting it degrade, a facile chemical upcycled method was employed to convert PLA wastes into engineering-grade photocurable 3D printing resin. The freshly formulated resin exhibits unprecedented tensile strength and thermal properties capable of high-performance applications. [Display omitted] • A practical method for turning discarded PLA into a value-added precursor, N-LEA. • Direct N-LEA functionalization yields high-performance 3D printable resin. • Unmatched resin surpasses all engineering resins in tensile and thermal performance. • Demonstrate the ready-to-use, ultra-performance products through MSLA 3D printing. In additive manufacturing/3D printing, the limitation no longer lies in people's imagination but in the materials that one can print with. While the additive manufacturing process can virtually create any geometry, available applications are often limited by factors like parts' mechanical strength, glass transition temperature, and heat deflection temperature. These factors are especially critical for polymer-based printing. Here we introduce a simple formulation derived from the aminolysis of polylactic acid (PLA) plastic waste, namely the N -lactoyl ethanolamine (N-LEA). The N-LEA is next reacted with excess methacrylic anhydride, forming a photo-crosslinkable resin for MSLA 3D printing. The resulting 3D printed part has a set of impressive properties that is unrivaled amongst engineering grade 3D printing resins on the market and research literature. The 3D printed part has an ultrahigh tensile strength of 131.7 MPa, glass transition at ∼190 °C, and heat deflection temperature at 162.6 °C. This work demonstrates a true upcycling approach for turning PLA waste into a value-added product in a simple and efficient manner while also expanding the high-performance material portfolio available for photocuring additive manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hard x-ray spectrometer based on a φ25 × 25 mm2 LaBr3 scintillator has been developed to measure the runaway electron bremsstrahlung. Simulation results by GEANT4 show that x rays with an energy of 15 MeV can be effectively detected. In order to tolerate a high count rate, a self-made fast shaping amplifier is used to process the detector output into a fast bipolar pulse. The tested energy resolution, which was 3.4% for Cs-137 662 keV gamma rays, shows that the shaping amplifier does not significantly degrade the energy resolution. The results of the HL-2A discharge show that the maximum count rate can reach 2 MHz, and the time resolution of the spectrometer can reach the millisecond level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lac insect Kerria lacca (Hemiptera, Kerriidae) is widely used to produce lac in tropical and subtropical areas. This species is genomically understudied and there is no information present on single-nucleotide polymorphisms and insertions and deletions of lac insects. This study involves distribution and characterization of molecular markers in K. lacca. Nucleotide substitution frequency and transition to transversion ratio were highest at the late adult stage. The maximum numbers of SNPs and InDels were distributed on chromosome 8 and 1, respectively. Most variants at low frequencies were detected in InDels compared to SNPs. Gene function analysis showed several gene variations, and candidate SNPs that were involved in lac synthesis. This work paves the way to determining further mechanisms involved in increased lac production. Kerria lacca (Kerr) is an important lac insect extensively used in industrial products in the form of resin, wax and dye. The scarce knowledge on molecular markers for K. lacca is a barrier in elucidating genetic information. Our study identified a total of 16,921 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 6231 insertions and deletions (InDels)—of which, intergenic variation accounted for 41.22% and 56.30%, and exonic variation accounted for 39.10% and 17.46%, of SNPs and InDels, respectively. Observation of SNPs suggested that nucleotide substitution frequency and transition to transversion (Ts/Tv) ratio were highest at the late adult stage, 3.97, compared to at the other stages, with a genome-wide Ts/Tv ratio of 2.95. The maximum number of SNPs, 2853 (16.86%), was identified in chromosome 8, while the lowest, 1126 (6.65%), was identified in chromosome 7. The maximum and minimum numbers of InDels were located on chromosome 1 and 7, with 834 (13.38%) and 519 (8.33%), respectively. Annotation showed that highest numbers of exonic and intergenic SNPs were present at the late adult stage, whereas the maximum number of InDels was found at the larval stage. On the basis of gene function, 47 gene variations were screened and 23 candidate genes were identified in associations with lac production. Concluding work will enhance knowledge on molecular markers to facilitate an increase in lac production in K. lacca as well as other lac insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]