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An electric oil pump (EOP) must be used to supply oil for actuators in the hybrid continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the launch state of vehicle. To develop this EOP, the current CVT‐based hybrid schemes and the use of EOP on traditional automatic transmissions are analysed. Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) type is chosen as the power source of the developed EOP for its advantages of high efficiency and long‐life cycle. The PMSM EOP motor is designed and simulated by ANSYS EM. Based on the parameters of the simulation results, the sensor‐less speed controller of the EOP is designed. Then, the model of the EOP and its load CVT hydraulic system are established by Simulink and AMEsim, respectively, for joint simulation. The simulation results show that the EOP can respond to the speed command request quickly, and when the load of the hydraulic system changes it also can keep the speed stable. Finally, based on the developed prototype of EOP and hybrid CVT, the correctness of the developed EOP and its sensorless speed controller are verified by bench test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The standard strategy for treating lupus nephritis comprises glucocorticoids together with either intravenous cyclophosphamide or oral mycophenolate mofetil, but the low remission rate is still a challenge in practice. This study was aimed to seek higher remission rate of lupus nephritis using a combined strategy.Method: A 24-week trial was conducted in 17 rheumatology or nephrology centers in China. A total of 191 lupus nephritis patients were randomized to follow a combined immunosuppressive treatment (CIST) with intravenous cyclophosphamide, an oral immunosuppressive agent, namely mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine or leflunomide, and hydroxychloroquine (n = 95), or receive intravenous cyclophosphamide alone (n = 96) for 24 weeks. Glucocorticoid was given to both groups. The primary end point was a complete remission with a most stringent standard as proteinuria < 150 mg per 24 h, normal urinary sediment, serum albumin, and renal function at 24 weeks. The secondary end point was treatment failure at 24 weeks.Results: At week 24, both the rate of complete remission (39.5%) and total response (87.2%) was higher in the combined group, compared with CYC group (20.8% and 68.8%, p < 0.05). The cumulative probability of complete remission was also higher in the combined group (p = 0.013). In addition, the combined treatment was superior to routine CYC with less treatment failure (12.8% vs.31.2%, p < 0.001). No difference was found between the incidences of severe adverse events in the two arms: 3.2% (3/95 combined group) vs.4.2% (4/96 CYC group).Conclusion: Treatment with a combined immunosuppressive agent is superior to routine CYC only therapy in lupus nephritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electric oil pump (EOP) for the hydraulic system of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) based hybrid electric vehicle is developed by considering the arrangement of structures and the realization of an electric drive mode (EDM). The basic parameters required for the EOP motor are obtained by analyzing the flow rate and pressure of CVT. Then, the EOP motor is designed and developed. Current–pressure characteristics of different solenoid valves are measured and analyzed for designing the CVT speed ratio controller. The speed ratio controller, pressure controller, and EOP control strategy are analyzed in detail with the use of EOP as the power source of the hydraulic system only. The performances of the speed ratio controller and the EOP control strategy are verified on a test bench. Experimental results show that the steady-state error of the speed ratio controller is minimal, and the response time of speed ratio from 0.7 to 1.4 can be shortened approximately 0.49 s to 1.40 s by increasing the EOP speed from 1000 to 2500 r/min. The actual EOP speed can also be adjusted by the demand of system flow to save the maximum amount of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on physical function and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in China. Method: A cross‐section survey was conducted in 21 general hospitals in China. Eight hundred and seven patients were recruited. Data on demographics, clinical data, physical function (Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, HAQ‐DI) and HRQoL (Study Short Form 36 Health Survey, SF‐36) were collected on site. Results: In our cohort, physical function was impaired in 77.6% of patients (HAQ‐DI >0). The median (interquartile range, IQR) of HAQ‐DI was 0.750 (0.125, 1.500). Rated by HAQ‐DI 0‐1, >1‐2, and >2‐3, percentage of patients with mild, moderate and severe disability was 61.0%, 25.4%, and 13.6%, respectively. Older age, long disease duration, presence of extra‐articular manifestations, tender joint count (TJC), overall status (assessed by patient Global Visual Analogue Scale [G‐VAS] and physician G‐VAS) and lacking disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs were identified as predictive factors for worse physical function (P < .05). The composite scores of SF‐36 in the observed patients were: physical component summary 40.4 (IQR 27.4, 60.3), and mental component summary 49.0 (IQR 33.6, 70.9). Impaired physical health may be predicted by low income, presence of extra‐articular manifestations, TJC, patient G‐VAS and high HAQ‐DI. Predictors for suboptimal mental health were low income, physical labor, married status, increased swollen joint count (SJC), physician G‐VAS and high HAQ‐DI. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis has profound effects on physical function and HRQoL in Chinese patients. Patients with identified predictive factors for poor outcome should be closely monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the multiple values of F-FDG PET/CT in detecting malignant tumors, evaluating myopathy, and determining interstitial lung disease in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). We retrospectively analyzed the data of 38 patients who were examined by F-FDG PET/CT and eventually diagnosed as IIM. We also collected the data of another 22 cases with negative PET/CT as the control. Pulmonary HRCT images were acquired simultaneously with regular F-FDG PET/CT imaging for each patient. Image analysis included the presence of malignant lesions, muscular FDG uptake, and interstitial lung disease and its imaging features. IIM was classified into polymyositis (PM), classic dermatomyositis (CDM), and clinical amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM). All suspected malignant lesions were confirmed by histopathological examination. Interstitial lung disease was diagnosed by HRCT. Rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) was determined according to clinical follow-ups. The significance of F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of malignancy, observation of activity of myopathy, and determination of interstitial lung disease in IIM patients was explored based on the final clinical diagnosis. In the 38 patients with IIM, 3 cases were classified as PM, 18 as CDM, and 17 as CADM. PET/CT correctly detected 7 cases (18.4%) of malignant tumors, and all of which were found in CDM and PM patients. The muscular FDG uptake in IIM patients was higher than the control population, and it was higher in patients with myopathy (including PM and CDM) than in patients with CADM. The muscular FDG uptake in IIM patients was correlated with elevated serum creatine kinase level ( r = 0.332, P = 0.042) and impaired muscle strength ( r = −0.605, P < 0.001). Interstitial lung disease was detected by HRCT in 30 patients (78.9%), and 7 of them were eventually confirmed as RP-ILD, according to the clinical outcome. The FDG uptake in lung lesions of RP-ILD patients was higher than those with chronic interstitial lung diseases, even though no significant difference was found between the CT features of RP-ILD and chronic interstitial lung disease. When SUV ≥ 2.4 was employed as the threshold for RP-ILD prediction, the diagnostic efficiency was yield with a sensitivity of 100.0% (7/7), specificity of 87.0% (20/23), and accuracy of 90.0% (27/30), respectively. For IIM patients, F-FDG PET/CT has multiple values in identifying malignancies, observing the status of inflammatory myopathy, detecting interstitial lung disease, and predicting the occurrence of RP-ILD. Therefore, it is recommended to use PET/CT in the clinical course of diagnosis and management of IIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five covalently bonded polyoxometalate (POM)-porphyrin hybrids were synthesized by reacting the Wells–Dawson type polyoxometalate [N(C4H9)4]5H4P2W15V3O62 with five tris-functionalized porphyrins containing different numbers of tris groups at different peripheral positions. These hybrids were thoroughly characterized using elemental analysis, NMR (1H, 31P, and 51V), mass spectrometry (ESI-MS, MALID-TOF-MS), FT-IR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies. The results proved that different quantities (one, two, and three) of the vanadium-capped Wells–Dawson type metal–oxide cluster P2W15V3O629− can be grafted onto a porphyrin moiety via covalent bonding with different orientations, depending on the number and position of peripheral functional groups on the porphyrin. Interestingly, remarkable fluorescence quenching (60% in 3Py-P@1POM, 75% in trans-2PyP@2POM, 80% in cis-2PyP@2POM, 85% in cis-2PhP@2POM, and 55% in 1Py-P@3POM, as compared to the fluorescence intensity of their corresponding porphyrin precursor) was observed under excitation (λexc = 328 nm), indicating electron transfer from the porphyrin moiety to the POM moiety through covalent linkage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this manuscript, a pyridyl containing porphyrin, C46H36N8O4 (denoted as Tris@NTPP) and its derived polyoxometalate-porphyrin hybrid, [C4H9)4N]3[C41H26N7NHCO(NH)C(OCH2)3MnMo6 O18(OCH2)3C(NH)CONHN7 H26C41] (denoted as NTPP@POM) in which two pyridyl containing porphyrin moieties hanged onto one Anderson polyoxometalate, have been successfully synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Fluorescence quenching was observed in NTPP@POM as compared with its precursor Tris@NTPP inferring the transfer of electron/energy from porphyrin moiety to POM moiety. NTPP@POM showed notably enhanced nonlinear absorption (β = 2.32 × 10–5 esu) than Tris@NTPP (β = 0.73 × 10–5 esu). These NLO responses were associated with fluorescence decay mechanism which oriented the singlet excited(*S) states and triplet excited(*T) states of Tris@NTPP and NTPP@POM. Life time decay studies revealed that NTPP@POM (τ2 = 5.32 ns) were stayed for shorter time in excited triplet state than Tris@NTPP (τ2 = 10 ns), implying shorter life time led towards higher NLO responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pyridine derivative 6,7-dihydropyrido(2,3-d)pyridazine-5,8-dione (H2PDH) and oxalic acid (H2ox) are reacted with dysprosium oxide to develop a new 2-D dysprosium–organic complex [Dy(PDH)(ox)0.5(H2O)2]. The single-crystal structure reveals that acylamino oxygens and coordinated waters develop a 3-D supramolecular network, which is composed of 2-D layers, and each 2-D layer is formed by 1-D Dy–H2O–ox chains linked by tridentate PDH2−ligands. The complex exhibits metal-centered luminescence with yellowish blue emission. The energy transfer mechanism and photoluminescence are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Composite films derived from the water-soluble Keplerate-type polyoxometalate (NH4)42[Mo132O372(CH3COO)30(H2O)72]·ca. 300H2O·ca. 10CH3COONH4 (denoted (NH4)42{Mo132}) and chloroform-soluble tetraphenylporphyrin perchlorate [H2TPP](ClO4)2 are successfully fabricated by a layer-by-layer self-assembly method and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The structure of the {Mo132} and [H2TPP]2+ in the films remain intact in light of the results of UV-vis spectroscopy and XPS. UV-vis spectra measurements reveal that the amounts of deposition of {Mo132} and [H2TPP]2+ remain constant in every adsorption cycle in the composite films assembly process. Nonlinear optical properties of the composite films have been investigated by using the Z-scan technique at a wavelength of 532 nm and pulse width of 7 ns. The results show that the composite films have notable nonlinear saturated absorption and self-defocusing effects. The combination of {Mo132} with [H2TPP]2+ can result in composite films with remarkably enhanced optical nonlinearities. The interfacial charge transfer induced by laser from porphyrin to POM in the films is thought to play a key role in the enhancement of NLO response. The third-order NLO susceptibility χ(3) of the composite films increases with the increase of film thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The third-order nonlinear optical properties of a Keplerate-type polyoxometalate (NH)[(BuN][MoO(HO)(CHCOO)]⋅ ca.7NHCHCOO⋅ ca.173HO (denoted BuN-{Mo}) in solution and in films of poly(methylmethacrylate) (denoted PMMA) matrix have been studied by the Z-scan method at 532 nm with a pulse duration of 20 ps. Experimental results show that both the solution and the solid films of BuN-{Mo} have nonlinear self-defocusing effects and notable nonlinear reverse saturable absorption. Embedding BuN-{Mo} as inclusion into PMMA host significantly improves the nonlinear absorption coefficient β, while it reduces the nonlinear refractive coefficient as a result of the higher concentration of BuN-{Mo} in PMMA matrix than in solution. The magnitude of β for solid-state BuN-{Mo} in films increases with the increasing amount of incorporated BuN-{Mo}, while the third-order nonlinear refractive index n decreases. Experimental results prove the high stability of BuN-{Mo} in PMMA films in inorganic acidic and basic solutions. These studies indicate that BuN-{Mo} in thin solid films of PMMA are potential candidates for fabricating nonlinear optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A tetraprotonated triethylenetetramine molecule is bonded with three water tetramers via H-bonds and vice versa. [•] A new 2D H-bonded supramolecular framework is formed with hexagon pores. [•] Two symmetry-operation related standing and lying style POMs present as template. [•] The standing and lying style POMs are wrapped between the layers, resulting in a 3D entity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ferrous molybdenum(V) phosphate, [Hdeta][HO]{Na[FeMoO(OH)(HPO)(PO)]}·6HO 1 (deta = diethylenetriamine) has been prepared under hydrothermal condition and thoroughly characterized by IR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, elemental analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder XRD and TG-DTA. The structural analysis reveals that isolated V-shaped water trimers and protonated diethylenetriamine molecules coexist in the crystal lattice of 1 and form an unprecedented 1-D strip-like arrangement via hydrogen bonding interactions. The strip-like arrangement further interacts through intermolecular non-covalent interactions with its surroundings, viz., the new 1-D inorganic anionic chain constructed by the versatile Fe[MoPO] building blocks which is covalently connected with NaO octahedra, and finally results in a supramolecular entity that is favourable in terms of packing efficiency and system energy minimization. The electrochemical properties of the compound 1 is also investigated by voltammetric method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce and consider a new system of generalized mixed quasi-variational inclusions with -monotone mappings. We prove the convergence of a new iterative algorithm for this system of generalized mixed quasi-variational inclusions. Our results can be viewed as a refinement and improvement of the previously known results in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the first time, a 2D water sheet that contains both cyclic water hexamers around Al3+ in boat and chair conformations and cyclic water tetramers was crystallographically observed in an Anderson-type supramolecular complex, [Al(H2O)6][Al(OH)6Mo6O18]·10H2O 1, in which the element type of both the counter cation and the heteroatom of the polyanion are the same, that is Aluminum. The counter cation Al3+ is coordinated by six water molecules forming a nearly ideal octahedron. The octahedron is then hydrogen-bonded to its surrounding lattice water molecules producing a novel Al3+-containing 1D water chain composed of both boat- and chair-like water hexamers. More interestingly and importantly, the water chains further on join together through a parallelogram composed of four water molecules to yield a unique 2D water sheet. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The hardware and software designed in the traditional supply chain system lack cooperation in the transmission process, have low efficiency, and lead to a large amount of information distortion.In response to this problem, this paper proposes an intelligent supply chain information system based on the Internet of Things technology. The research focuses on the hardware and software of the system. The hardware part consists of the embedded processor CS89712, Flash7861 memory, Ethernet, touch screen, and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The software system is based on asymmetric information theory design and is divided into signal acquisition, input signal detection, interference signal processing, and power signal output. The experimental results show that it is compared with the traditional supply chain information system. The designed system seamlessly integrates the hardware and software components to achieve maximum information supply in the shortest amount of time. The power supply capacity is four times that of the traditional system, and the node coverage is high. When the number of data nodes is 120, the traditional supply chain system is basically unable to supply, but the supply accuracy of the intelligent supply chain is still as high as 48%. The research in this paper has certain guiding significance for intelligent technology development, supply chain system design, and enterprise information exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorptive denitrogenation and desulfurization are of great importance owing to their mild operating conditions, no requirement of hydrogen, and high quality of the gasoline distillate. Herein, we report the facile one-pot synthesis of CYCU-3@Al2O3 composites via the reaction of 4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid as a ligand and γ-Al2O3 beads as a support. The synthesized composites were fully characterized using various analytical instruments and applied as an adsorbent for the removal of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds (SCCs and NCCs) from a model oil. The CYCU-3@Al2O3 composite with 12.7% loading of CYCU-3 was observed to be very efficient adsorbent not only for SCCs with the adsorption capacity being 360.2 mg (1.95 mmol) dibenzothiophene per gram of MOF, 163.2 mg (1.22 mmol) benzothiophene per gram of MOF, 134 mg (1.59 mmol) thiophene per gram of MOF, but also for NCCs with the adsorption capacity being 288 mg (3.64 mmol) pyridine per gram of MOF, 315 mg (2.44 mmol) quinoline per gram of MOF, 340 mg (1.89 mmol) acridine per gram of MOF, 175 mg (1.49 mmol) indole per gram of MOF. Furthermore, about 98–99% of the desulfurization and denitrogenation capacities were recovered after the regeneration of the composites. The main factors responsible for the excellent adsorption performance of the adsorbent include its high surface area and porosity, specific pore size and presence of bridged hydroxide groups and aromatic rings in the organic ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, Ni-4PyC was selected as the material for the separation of hydrogen isotopes H2/D2, and the mechanism of hydrogen isotope H2/D2 separation was investigated by molecular simulation. The results showed that the adsorption selectivity of Ni-4PyC for D2/H2 increased from 1.26 to 1.46 when the temperature was decreased from 77 K to 20 K, indicating that Ni-4PyC effected chemical affinity quantum sieving on D2/H2. Also, the diffusion rates of H2/D2 were different at different temperatures. At 20 K, the kinetic selectivity of D2/H2 reached 1.30, indicating that Ni-4PyC had a kinetic quantum sieving effect on D2/H2 at low temperatures. However, when the temperature was higher than 30 K, the diffusion rate of H2 was faster than that of D2, and when the temperature was 77 K, Ni-4PyC exhibited the kinetic sieving effect with a kinetic selectivity of 1.59 for H2/D2. Due to the chemical affinity quantum sieving and kinetic sieving effects of Ni-4PyC on H2/D2, the adsorption capacity of Ni-4PyC for D2 was better than that for H2 and the diffusion rate of H2 was faster than that of D2 at 77 K. Therefore, Ni-4PyC was expected to achieve the separation of H2/D2. In order to verify the accuracy of the theoretical calculation results, an Ni-4PyC@γ-Al2O3 composite material was synthesized by a liquid phase epitaxy method and was used to separate H2/D2 at 77 K in a 0.6 m × 2 mm chromatographic column. Under optimal separation conditions, the resolution R reached 1.84 with a separation time t = 7.47 min. In addition, Ni-4PyC@γ-Al2O3 showed excellent separation performances for different ratios of H2/D2 mixtures. The stationary phase was repeatable and reproducible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ag NPs@HKUST-1 composites have been successfully prepared with different loading amounts of silver nanoparticles in HKUST-1 featuring a three-dimensional system of channels constructed by benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate and dimeric cupric units by a simple one-pot hydrothermal method, and characterized by various microscopy and spectroscopy analysis techniques. The average particle size of Ag NPs increased with the increase of the loading amount of Ag NPs. The experimental results showed that the degradation of sulfur mustard (HD) under ambient conditions followed pseudo-first order reaction kinetics. Additionally, the optimized Ag NPs@HKUST-1 (wherein Ag is l6.67 wt%) exhibited the highest degradation efficacy with an equilibrium rate constant and half-life for HD of 0.0450 min −1 and 15.34 min, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those for pure HKUST-1 with an equilibrium rate constant and half-life for HD of 0.0168 min -1 and 41.29 min, under the same experimental conditions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis on the product of 2-chloroethylethyl sulfide (2-CEES) degraded by Ag NPs@HKUST-1 showed that 2-hydroxyethyl ethyl sulfide (2-HEES) is the sole product, indicating that the remarkable enhancement of the degradation of HD must be due to the Ag NPs, which can promote hydrolysis of the chemical war agent in the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, new all-inorganic transparent composite films with the formula (Zn2Al-LDH/{Mo132-Ac})n have been fabricated by a layer-by-layer method using the exfoliated Zn2Al-LDH monolayer nanosheets and Keplerate-type macroanion {Mo132-Ac}. They were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, SEM, AFM, and XPS techniques. The Z-scan measurements, which were conducted under laser irradiation at a wavelength of 532 nm, a pulse width of 6 ns, a repetition rate of 10 Hz, and the light intensity at a focus E0 of 10 μJ, revealed that all the films had notable saturated absorption and self-defocusing effect with a large third-order optical nonlinear susceptibility χ(3). With an increase in the number of layers (i.e., n) corresponding to the increase in the thickness of the films, the third-order nonlinear absorption β and refractive effects of the films were improved (i.e., the χ(3) value was up to 1.99 × 10−11 esu when n = 24); this implied that the NLO responses could be modified by fine-tuning the thickness of the composite films to meet the demands of different devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Six new 3D lanthanide‐based organic frameworks with the formula of [Ln2(1,4‐BDC)2(ox)(H2O)4]⋅2H2O (Ln=Tb 1, Dy 2, Gd 3) and [Ln2(1,4‐BDC)2(ox)(H2O)2] (Ln=Ho 4, Er 5, Yb 6; 1,4‐H2BDC=1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate; H2ox=oxalate acid) were synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV–vis spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction, and TG‐DTA method, wherein compounds 1 and 4 were structurally characterized. Compounds 1–3 had been found to be isostructural and crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system with space group of P21/c possessing quasi‐square 1D channels wherein lattice water molecules were encapsulated, while the isostructural compounds 4–6 crystallized in triclinic system with P‐1 space group, while their triangular 1D channels are too small to encapsulate any solvent molecules. The significant lanthanide contraction effect is evident from the observed resulting structures of compounds 1–6 which were synthesized under the same reaction conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited characteristic emissions of Tb(III) and Dy(III) ions and the luminescent lifetime of compound 1 was found to be 0.54 ms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al-NDC@GO composites were hydrothermally prepared via a single step in situ synthesis through the reaction of 1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2NDC), Al(NO3)3·9H2O in H2O with graphene oxide (GO), and characterized well using various analytical techniques. The experimental results showed that Al-NDC@GO with optimal GO loading exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for the liquid phase adsorption of pyridine, quinoline and indole in oil in the order of quinoline (670 mg quinoline per g) > pyridine (533 mg pyridine per g) > indole (487 mg indole per g), high adsorptive selectivity in the presence of naphthalene and benzene, and satisfactory recyclability. The mechanism behind this excellent adsorption of NCCs is thought to be due to the high surface area, porosity, and the presence of unsaturated metal sites and excessive oxygen groups on exfoliated layers of GO sheets, especially those that are not involved in bonding with Al-NDC moieties, because all these factors may be involved in the interaction of the composites and the nitrogen-containing compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of porous γ-Al2O3 particles acting as both a sacrificial template and an aluminum source with 1,4-naphthalene diacid (H2NDC) resulted in the formation of γ-AlOOH@Al(OH)(1,4-NDC) composites, in which ZIF-67 was then loaded by the in situ crystallization method, leading to the formation of γ-AlOOH@Al(OH)(1,4-NDC)@ZIF-67 composites. The deliberately designed composite was used to separate H2/D2 at 77 K in a 1 m chromatographic column. The results demonstrated that the optimized composite can achieve the effective separation of H2/D2 in gas chromatography due to the additive effects of kinetic sieving and chemical affinity quantum sieving of Al(OH)(1,4-NDC) and ZIF-67. By optimizing chromatographic separation conditions, the resolution R reached 2.02 with the separation time t = 7.72 min. The composite also showed satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MOF Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 was selected as the hydrogen isotope separation material in this paper and the separation mechanism of this material was investigated by molecular simulation. Theoretical calculations proved that Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 had chemical affinity quantum sieving (CAQS) effect and kinetic quantum sieving (KQS) effect. Because the adsorption capacity of D2 in Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 was larger than H2 and the diffusion rate was smaller than H2 at 77 K, Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5 could realize the separation of hydrogen and deuterium in gas chromatography. Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5@γ‐Al2O3 composite was prepared by liquid phase epitaxy method as gas chromatographic packings (column type: 0.6 m×2.0 mm I.D.) to investigate the separation performance of H2/D2 at 77 K. Under the optimal chromatographic conditions, the retention time of H2 and D2 were 1.95 and 3.48 min respectively and the resolution (R) was 2.12, indicating that the separation of H2 and D2 could be realized efficiently and quickly by using Ni(bdc)(ted)0.5@γ‐Al2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite films with the general formula (POM/CuTAPc)n derived from water-soluble Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs = H5PMo10V2O40, H4SiW12O40, H3PMo12O40 and H3PW12O40) and water-insoluble 4,9,16,23-copper tetraaminophthalocyanine (denoted CuTAPc) are successfully fabricated by a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique and systematically characterized. The structure of the polyoxometalate anions in the multilayers is kept intact; the deposition amounts of POM and CuTAPc remain constant in every adsorption cycle of the composite film assembly process. The nonlinear optical properties of the composite films were studied by a Z-scan technique at a wavelength of 532 nm and a pulse width of 7 ns. The results not only show that the composite films exhibit notable optical nonlinear self-defocusing behavior and a saturated absorption effect with the nonlinear optical absorption co-efficient β, refractive index n2, and third-order NLO susceptibility χ(3) of the films increasing with the increase in number of layers of the films, but also reveal importantly that the discrepancy of LUMO levels between CuTAPc and POMs is proportional to their third-order NLO response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence emphasizes the functional impacts of host microbiome on the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there are limited mechanistic insights into the contribution of microbial biomolecules especially microbial peptides toward modulating immune homeostasis. Here, by mining the metagenomics data of tonsillar microbiome, a deficiency of the encoding genes of lantibiotic peptides salivaricins in RA patients is identified, which shows strong correlation with circulating immune cells. Evidence is provided that the salivaricins exert immunomodulatory effects in inhibiting T follicular helper (Tfh) cell differentiation and interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) production. Mechanically, salivaricins directly bind to and induce conformational changes of IL‐6 and IL‐21 receptors, thereby inhibiting the bindings of IL‐6 and IL‐21 to their receptors and suppressing the downstream signaling pathway. Finally, salivaricin administration exerts both prophylactic and therapeutic effects against experimental arthritis in a murine model of RA. Together, these results provide a mechanism link of microbial peptides‐mediated immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this observational cohort study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the IL-6-receptor inhibitor tocilizumab (TCZ) in Behçet's syndrome (BS) with refractory arterial involvement. Methods Ten patients admitted to the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Peking University People's Hospital between January 2014 and December 2019 were enrolled. The enrolled patients met the BS international criteria and exhibited severe arterial impairments. Refractory arterio-BS was diagnosed based on objective vascular symptoms unexplainable by other known illnesses, and resistance to traditional immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids after 12 weeks. Patients received 8 mg/kg TCZ infusions every 4 weeks for ≥24 weeks, with simultaneous continuation of immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids. Clinical and imaging data were assessed before and after TCZ treatment. Results The enrolled patients were men aged 44.3 (10.5) years; the median disease duration was 186.5 (45.7) months, and the average age of arterial impairment onset was 38.7 (12.9) years. The following trends were observed: improvement and maintenance of symptoms after the 26.8 (7.2)-month follow-up, n  = 9; complete remission, n  = 6; partial response, n  = 3; immunosuppressant dose reduction, n  = 4; radiologic improvement of arterial lesions, n  = 4; and TCZ discontinuation owing to enlarged abdominal aortic aneurysm relapse, n  = 1. The average daily glucocorticoid dose reduced from 54.5 (20.6) to 8.3 (3.6) mg/d (P  < 0.001), while the median ESR and CRP values reduced from 50 (2–82) mm/h and 32.9 (2.1–62.3) mg/dl to 4 (1–10) mm/h and 2.9 (0.2–12.1) mg/dl, respectively (P  < 0.001). No TCZ-associated side effects were noted. Conclusion TCZ proved to be safe and effective for refractory arterial lesions in BS, with a steroid- and immunosuppressant-sparing benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE.The study collected clinical and laboratory data from 148 SLE patients under the age of 55, between January 2021 and June 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model was utilized to identify potentially relevant features. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through a receiver-operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).A total of 148 SLE patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, of whom 53 patients (35.81%) met the definition of premature atherosclerosis. Hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, azathioprine use, duration of glucocorticoid, and age of patients were included in the multivariable regression. The nomogram, based on the non-overfitting multivariable model, was internally validated and demonstrated sufficient clinical utility for assessing the risk of premature atherosclerosis (area under curve: 0.867).The comprehensive nomogram constructed in this study serves as a useful and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients. It is helpful for clinicians to early identify SLE patients with premature atherosclerosis and facilitates the implementation of more effective preventive measures.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Method: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE.The study collected clinical and laboratory data from 148 SLE patients under the age of 55, between January 2021 and June 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model was utilized to identify potentially relevant features. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through a receiver-operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).A total of 148 SLE patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, of whom 53 patients (35.81%) met the definition of premature atherosclerosis. Hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, azathioprine use, duration of glucocorticoid, and age of patients were included in the multivariable regression. The nomogram, based on the non-overfitting multivariable model, was internally validated and demonstrated sufficient clinical utility for assessing the risk of premature atherosclerosis (area under curve: 0.867).The comprehensive nomogram constructed in this study serves as a useful and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients. It is helpful for clinicians to early identify SLE patients with premature atherosclerosis and facilitates the implementation of more effective preventive measures.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Results: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE.The study collected clinical and laboratory data from 148 SLE patients under the age of 55, between January 2021 and June 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model was utilized to identify potentially relevant features. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through a receiver-operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).A total of 148 SLE patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, of whom 53 patients (35.81%) met the definition of premature atherosclerosis. Hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, azathioprine use, duration of glucocorticoid, and age of patients were included in the multivariable regression. The nomogram, based on the non-overfitting multivariable model, was internally validated and demonstrated sufficient clinical utility for assessing the risk of premature atherosclerosis (area under curve: 0.867).The comprehensive nomogram constructed in this study serves as a useful and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients. It is helpful for clinicians to early identify SLE patients with premature atherosclerosis and facilitates the implementation of more effective preventive measures.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Conclusions: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with a significant risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, especially in the development of premature atherosclerosis. Specific prediction models for premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients are still limited. The objective of this study was to establish a predictive model for premature atherosclerosis in SLE.The study collected clinical and laboratory data from 148 SLE patients under the age of 55, between January 2021 and June 2023. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression model was utilized to identify potentially relevant features. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed using multivariable logistic analysis. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through a receiver-operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).A total of 148 SLE patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, of whom 53 patients (35.81%) met the definition of premature atherosclerosis. Hypertension, antiphospholipid syndrome, azathioprine use, duration of glucocorticoid, and age of patients were included in the multivariable regression. The nomogram, based on the non-overfitting multivariable model, was internally validated and demonstrated sufficient clinical utility for assessing the risk of premature atherosclerosis (area under curve: 0.867).The comprehensive nomogram constructed in this study serves as a useful and convenient tool for evaluating the risk of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients. It is helpful for clinicians to early identify SLE patients with premature atherosclerosis and facilitates the implementation of more effective preventive measures.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision.Key Points• SLE patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing premature atherosclerosis compared to the general population, and this risk persists even in cases with low disease activity. Traditional models used to evaluate and predict premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients often underestimate the risk.• This study establishes a comprehensive and visually orientated predictive model of premature atherosclerosis in SLE patients, based on clinical characteristics.• The scoring system allows for convenient and effective prediction of individual incidence of premature atherosclerosis, and could provide valuable information for identification and making further intervention decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, three zinc porphyrins bearing carboxyl, amino or hydroxyl groups on the porphyrin ring, namely, 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) zinc porphyrin (ZnTCPP), 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl) zinc porphyrin (ZnTHPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-aminophenyl) zinc porphyrin (ZnTAPP), reacted with the doughnut-like molybdenum crown cluster [(MoO3)176(H2O)63(CH3OH)17H16]16− (denoted as {Mo176}), resulting in the formation of three porphyrin–polyoxometalate hybrids (denoted as hybrids 1–3), respectively, with the ratio of {Mo176} to the porphyrin molecules in each compound being 1 : 3. Compared with the corresponding parent porphyrins, the fluorescence quenching efficiency of hybrid 1, hybrid 2 and hybrid 3 was found to be 51%, 58% and 66%, respectively, indicating electron/energy transfer occurring from the porphyrin moiety to the POM moiety. Z-Scan experimental results showed that the three porphyrins and hybrids 1–3 exhibited nonlinear reverse saturated absorption and self-defocusing properties. The molecular second hyperpolarizability (γ) values of hybrids 1–3 (7.38 × 10−27, 7.26 × 10−27 and 4.26 × 10−27 (esu)) are higher than those of the corresponding porphyrins (1.18 × 10−27, 1.34 × 10−27 and 1.36 × 10−27 (esu)), indicating that the doughnut-like molybdenum crown cluster in the hybrids 1–3 improved the third-order optical nonlinearities of the accommodated H-aggregate of the zinc porphyrin molecules, wherein the optical nonlinearities of the porphyrin with the electron-withdrawing functional group of –COOH (γ = 7.38 × 10−27 for hybrid 1vs. γ = 1.18 × 10−27 for ZnTCPP) were enhanced the most. In addition, studies on the optical limiting properties of hybrid 1 and hybrid 2 showed that the nonlinear attenuation factor (NAF) of both hybrid 1 and hybrid 2 was larger than that of their corresponding porphyrins (NAF = 5.65 for hybrid 1vs. 1.82 for ZnTCPP) and the limiting threshold of hybrid 1 and hybrid 2 can reach 0.3 J cm−2 and 0.32 J cm−2, which proved that hybrids 1 and 2 are potential optical limiting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) image features in different types of systemic vasculitis and explore its classification and diagnostic significance for systemic vasculitis. Methods: Clinical and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging data of 71 consecutive patients (34 males, 37 females, mean age 53.4 ± 20.5 years) who were examined at Peking University People's Hospital and diagnosed with active systemic vasculitis were analyzed retrospectively, and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features of different types of systemic vasculitis were analyzed in patients with positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings. Results: The proportions of large-, medium-, small-, and variable-vessel vasculitis were 36.6%, 15.5%, 29.6%, and 18.3%, respectively, and 93.0% of patients had positive findings on PET/CT, of which 63.6% had vascular involvement and 53.0% had extravascular involvement. Different types of vasculitis had different lesion sites, distribution patterns, and morphological changes. Large-vessel vasculitis mainly affected the aorta and its branches to the head and neck. Takayasu arteritis showed segmental involvement of the vascular and morphological changes of the vessel wall. Giant cell arteritis manifested as diffuse vascular involvement, which usually involved the temporal artery and the abdominal aorta and its branches. Medium-vessel vasculitis polyarteritis nodosa manifested as diffuse vascular involvement of both lower extremities. Small-vessel vasculitis anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis manifested as granulomatous inflammation of extravascular regions. Variable-vessel vasculitis Behcet's disease involved both blood vessels and extravascular regions. Conclusion: Different types of systemic vasculitis show characteristic manifestations in 18F-FDG PET/CT images, which may be useful for the diagnosis and classification of systemic vasculitis. Key points: • Determining an early diagnosis of systemic vasculitis may be challenging. • Different types of systemic vasculitis show characteristic manifestations in 18F-FDG PET/CT images. • 18F-FDG PET/CT may be useful for the diagnosis and classification of systemic vasculitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the significance of Fluorine-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in diagnosing connective tissue diseases (CTDs) in fever of unknown origin (FUO) or inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) patients. Methods: Clinical and image data of 242 consecutive FUO/IUO patients who underwent PET/CT examination and eventually diagnosed CTDs were retrospectively analyzed, including distribution of diseases, clinical characteristics, and PET/CT imaging findings. The role of FDG PET/CT in differential diagnosis of CTDs was evaluated through clinical questionnaire survey. Results: Patients diagnosed as CTDs accounted for 48.1% of FUO/IUO patients. Among them, adult-onset Still's disease was most frequently diagnosed. Other common diseases included systemic vasculitis, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, systemic lupus erythematosus, and polymyalgia rheumatica. On FDG PET/CT examination, 97.9% of the patients had positive findings. Inflammatory lesions were detected in 66.5% and non-specific abnormal uptakes were found in 31.4%. Detected lesions distributed consistently with corresponding susceptible organs and tissues in various diseases. Clinical questionnaire results shown that FDG PET/CT excluded malignant tumors, focal infections, or other typical CTDs in 45.5% of the patients; indicated important diagnostic clues or appropriate biopsy sites in 20.6% of patients; and directly suggested the diagnosis of a CTD in 33.1% of patients. Conclusion: FDG PET/CT could reveal inflammatory lesions in organs and tissues that reflect the clinical characteristics in different CTDs, thus providing an objective evidence for differential diagnosis, classification, and treatment decision of these diseases. Key Points • FDG PET/CT is a useful tool for differential diagnosing connective tissue diseases among patients with fever of unknown origin/inflammatory of unknown origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new series of four isostructural mononuclear lanthanide complexes Ln(HPDH)3(H2O)3·H2O (Ln = Sm(iii) 1, Eu(iii) 2, Tb(iii) 3 and Dy(iii) 4; H2PDH = 6,7-dihydropyrido(2,3-d)pyridazine-5,8-dione) has been prepared and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, XRD and TG-DTA methods. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of both complexes 1 and 3 revealed that the mononuclear discrete complexes form 3-D supramolecular networks via hydrogen bonds and offset stacking (–H…π) interactions. The photoluminescence study of the title complexes revealed the photoluminescent potential of the antenna ligand (H2PDH) toward the concerned lanthanide cations. The luminescence based sensing ability of the partially dehydrated complex Tb(HPDH)3(H2O)33a towards small solvent molecules, along with its reusability, has been studied. Isopropyl alcohol was found to be an excellent sensitizer, while tetrahydrofuran was a highly quenching solvent with a first order behavior towards the photoluminescence intensity. The photoluminescence intensity was found to decrease with the increase of the dielectric constant and normalized Dimroth–Reichardt ET parameter values for protic solvents, while reverse behavior was observed for dipolar aprotic solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the link between Apo-E, brain white matter, and suicide in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to investigate the potential neuroimmune mechanisms of Apo-E that may lead to suicide. Thirty-nine patients with MDD (22 patients with suicidality) and 57 age, gender, and education-matched healthy controls participated in this study, provided plasma Apo-E samples, and underwent diffusion tensor imaging scans. Plasma Apo-E levels and white matter microstructure were analyzed among the MDD with suicidality, MDD without suicidality, and HC groups using analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) with threshold-free cluster enhancement correction. Mediation analysis investigated the relationship between Apo-E, brain white matter, and suicidality in MDD. The MDD with suicidality subgroup had higher depressive and suicide scores, longer disease course, and lower plasma Apo-E levels than MDD without suicidality. TBSS revealed that the MDD non-suicide subgroup showed significantly increased mean diffusivity in the left corticospinal tract and body of the left corpus callosum, as well as increased axial diffusivity in the left anterior corona radiata and the right posterior thalamic radiation compared to the suicidal MDD group. The main finding was that the increased MD of the left corticospinal tract contributed to the elevated suicide score, with Apo-E mediating the effect. Preliminary result that Apo-E’s mediating role between the left corticospinal tract and the suicide factor suggests the neuroimmune mechanism of suicide in MDD. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03790085). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new coordination polymers, [Zn(p-CH3C6H5SO3)2(bpp)2] n (1) and [Cu2(SCN)2(NO3)2(bpp)4] n (2) (bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 and 2 exhibit 2-D layer networks composed of alternate left-handed and right-handed bpp-containing helical chains by sharing Zn(II) in 1 and Cu(II) in 2. Compound 1 exhibits a 2-D undulated double-helical network, while 2 shows a two-fold interpenetrated 2-D double-helical network. p-Toluene sulfonates select Zn2+ rather than Cu2+ to coordinate, while both SCN− and select Cu2+ rather than Zn2+, indicating that the specific organic ligand shows preference/selectivity when different types of metal ions are concurrently present. As a consequence, anionic ligands of different structures impose remarkable influence on the structures of the resultant compounds. Compound 1 shows a broad peak at 415 nm in its emission spectrum, indicating an efficient energy transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four europium(iii) complexes of 3-D open frameworks [Eu2(NNO)4(ox)(H2O)2]n(1), [Eu2(INO)2(ox)2(H2O)2]n(2), {[Eu2(INO)2(suc)2]·2.99H2O}n(3) and {[Eu2(suc)3(H2O)2]·H2O}n(4) (HNNO = nicotinic acid N-oxide, H2ox = oxalic acid, HINO = isonicotinic acid, H2suc = succinic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, TG/DTA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Each of the four complexes has 1-D channels, and in 3and 4these are filled with solvent water molecules, making them bigger than in 1and 2, where no lattice water molecules can reside. The formation of the four 3-D europium(iii) frameworks of different molecular and crystal structures reflects the influence of the ligands’ coordination modes, the length of the acyclic binary carboxylates, the ligand conformation as well as the molar ratio of reactants. At room temperature, all the complexes in the solid state exhibit typical red luminescence from Eu3+ions, indicating effective energy transfer from the ligand to Eu3+ion; however, their luminescence intensities are clearly different. The luminescence of 3is the most intense due to the absence of coordinated water, while the complexes 1, 2and 4exhibit weaker luminescence due to oscillation of coordinated water molecules, which partially quenches their luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four europium(iii) complexes of 3-D open frameworks [Eu2(NNO)4(ox)(H2O)2]n(1), [Eu2(INO)2(ox)2(H2O)2]n(2), {[Eu2(INO)2(suc)2]·2.99H2O}n(3) and {[Eu2(suc)3(H2O)2]·H2O}n(4) (HNNO = nicotinic acid N-oxide, H2ox = oxalic acid, HINO = isonicotinic acid, H2suc = succinic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, TG/DTA and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Each of the four complexes has 1-D channels, and in 3and 4these are filled with solvent water molecules, making them bigger than in 1and 2, where no lattice water molecules can reside. The formation of the four 3-D europium(iii) frameworks of different molecular and crystal structures reflects the influence of the ligands’ coordination modes, the length of the acyclic binary carboxylates, the ligand conformation as well as the molar ratio of reactants. At room temperature, all the complexes in the solid state exhibit typical red luminescence from Eu3誉, indicating effective energy transfer from the ligand to Eu3誉; however, their luminescence intensities are clearly different. The luminescence of 3is the most intense due to the absence of coordinated water, while the complexes 1, 2and 4exhibit weaker luminescence due to oscillation of coordinated water molecules, which partially quenches their luminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction of an aqueous solution of sodium molybdate with l-tyrosine in the presence of reducing agent results in the formation of a new compound of the formula of Na8Co3[MoVI 126 MoV 28O462H14(H2O)46(HOC6H4CH2CH()COO−)12]·ca. 200H2O. The compound contains nanosized ring-shaped clusters with tyrosine ligands possessing different types of functional groups (one –CO2, one and one –ArOH) coordinated through the carboxylate groups at the active sites of the inner cavity. Importantly, the result demonstrates that not only active sites/areas of the cluster surface under a specified condition can be directly monitored and detected but also novel type surfaces within the cavity of a nano-structured ring-shaped cluster can be generated simultaneously. The nonlinear optical properties of the new cluster are studied using the well-known Z-scan technique at a wavelength of 532nm with laser pulse duration of 18ps. The results show that the new cluster exhibits interesting self-focusing nonlinear optical response with the real and imaginary parts of the third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ (3) being 1.069×10−13(esu) and 2.529×10−15(esu), respectively, which may find application in material science. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An unprecedented H-bonded 2-D arrangement consisting of water dimers, V-shaped water trimers and protonated diethylenetriamine (deta) molecules is crystallographically characterized for the first time in the host crystal lattice of a new reduced molybdenum(V) phosphates which is prepared under hydrothermal condition and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis, TG–DTA, cyclic voltammetry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The harmonious assembly of the small dimer and trimer water clusters and deta molecules is significant in stabilizing and influencing the arrangement of their surroundings which herein refers to the 1-D inorganic anion chains constructed by the versatile building blocks of the formula [Mo6P4O31] covalently connected with NaO6 octahedra, giving rise to a 3-D arrays via complex hydrogen bonding interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two isostructural dinuclear lanthanide(III)/Schiff-base complexes [{Ce1.5Eu0.5(clapi)}2]·2CH3CN (1) and [{La1.5Eu0.5(clapi)}2]·2CH3CN (2) {H3clapi = 2-(5-chloride-2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-chloride-2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine} have been prepared by template procedure and characterized by elemental analyses, ICP, IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Lanthanide ions Ce(III) and Eu(III) in 1, and La(III) and Eu(III) in 2 are disordered with occupancies 0.75 for Ce and 0.25 for Eu in 1; 0.75 for La and 0.25 for Eu in 2. In the compounds, each lanthanide is coordinated to four N and four O atoms from two clapi3- ligands, forming a distorted square antiprism. Two phenol oxygen atoms from the middle arms of the two heptadentate μ2-bridging ligands connect the two Ce(Eu) atoms in 1, and La(Eu) in 2. The solution of the two complexes in CH2Cl2 exhibits red fluorescence from Eu3+ ions at 77 K, very weak at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZIF-67@NH 2 –SiO 2 composites were prepared by loading the metal-organic frameworks ZIF-67 on amino modified SiO 2 gel particles (NH 2 –SiO 2 , 80–100 mesh) through layer-by-layer self-assembly method. Systematic investigation on the effects of ZIF-67 loading amounts on NH 2 –SiO 2 packed stainless steel chromatographic column (specification 1.0 m×2.0 mm I.D.), the flow rate of He as carrier gas and the injection amount of mixed gas (H 2 /D 2) on the hydrogen isotope H 2 /D 2 separation performance at liquid nitrogen temperature, unraveled the optimal conditions for H 2 /D 2 isotope separation. The results showed that the optimal stationary phase materials under the optimized conditions can effectively separate H 2 and D 2 with separation resolution R = 1.52 and the separation time t = 10.15 min. The superior performance of the ZIF-67 is tentatively thought to be due to kinetic quantum sieving (pore size 3.3 Å) effect and chemical affinity sieving effect of Co ion in ZIF-67. [Display omitted] • ZIF-67 is grown on amino modified SiO 2 using layer-by-layer self-assembly method. • The obtained optimal ZIF-67@NH 2 –SiO 2 composite is used as stationary phase material. • The composite is loaded into a 1-m chromatographic column (2.0 mm I.D.). • H 2 /D 2 can be effectively/efficiently separated under liquid N 2 temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, combination of porphyrin and polyoxometalates in various interaction modes proved to be the basis of opening new avenues in the field of optical materials. Herein, two new looped covalently bonded Anderson-type polyoxometalate-porphyrin hybrids, having molecular formulae as [(C 4 H 9) 4 N] 6 [{C 42 H 26 N 6 (CO) 2 (NH) 2 C 2 (OCH 2) 6 (MnMo 6 O 18) 2 {(OCH 2) 6 C 2 (NH) 2 (CO) 2 N 6 H 26 C 42 }]⋅2CH 3 CN (denoted Di-NTPP@Di-POM), [(C 4 H 9) 4 N] 6 [{C 44 H 28 N 4 (CO) 2 (NH) 2 C 2 (OCH 2) 6 }(MnMo 6 O 18) 2 {(OCH 2) 6 C 2 (NH) 2 (CO) 2 N 4 H 28 C 44 }] (denoted Di-TPP@Di-POM), were synthesized by the reaction of [N(C 4 H 9) 4 ] 4 [α-Mo 8 O 26 ], Mn(OAc) 3 ∙2H 2 O with two porphyrins 4,4'-(10,15-di(pyridin-4-yl)porphyrin-5,20-diyl)bis(N -(1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-yl)benzamide) (denoted DiTris@NTPP) and 4,4'-(10,15-diphenylporphyrin-5,20-diyl)bis(N -(1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-yl)benzamide) (denoted DiTris@TPP), respectively. The hybrids were clearly characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, 2D-NOESY NMR, FT-IR, UV–visible, fluorescence) techniques, elemental analyses and electron spray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. Prominently, remarkable enhancement of the non-linearity of the hybrid Di-TPP@Di-POM (consisting of two POM moieties and two phenyl-containing porphyrin moieties) over its corresponding porphyrin precursor was observed under laser irradiation indicating that integration of electron-accepting POM moiety and electron-donating Di-TPP moiety can significantly enhance the NLO response of the porphyrins, while Di-NTPP@Di-POM (consisting of two POM moieties and two pyridyl-containing porphyrin moieties) has larger molecular second hyperpolarizability than DiTris@NTPP, the contribution per porphyrin moiety and POM moiety in Di-NTPP@Di-POM is slightly smaller than that in DiTris@NTPP due to the offset effect in a certain degree because both the POM moieties and the pyridyl groups have electron-withdrawing characters. It is also found that the HOMO-LUMO gap (E g) values of the hybrids that were obtained according to the absorption edges of UV–vis. spectra decreased in an order of E g(DiTris@TPP) > E g(DiTris@NTPP) > E g(Di-TPP@Di-POM) > E g(Di-NTPP@Di-POM) , whilst, the molecular second hyperpolarizability γ increased as follows γ (DiTris@TPP) ˂ γ (DiTris@NTPP) ˂ γ (Di-TPP@Di-POM) ˂ γ (Di-NTPP@Di-POM). Meantime, it is also found that fluorescence intensity was decreased by 90%, 85% for the hybrids Di-NTPP@Di-POM, Di-TPP@Di-POM, respectively, as compared to their porphyrin precursor molecules DiTris@NTPP and DiTris@TPP, respectively, due to energy and/or charge transfer from porphyrin moieties to Anderson type polyoxometalate moieties. Two new looped POM-porphyrin hybrids composed of two Anderson-type POM moieties and two porphyrin moieties are synthesized and characterized. Remarkable enhancement in the optical non-linearity in view of the contribution per porphyrin moiety and POM moiety in the hybrid containing two phenyl-containing porphyrin moieties over its corresponding porphyrin precursor was observed under laser irradiation, while this is not the case for the hybrid containing two pyridyl-containing porphyrin moieties. Image 1 • New looped covalently POM-porphyrin compounds are synthesized and characterized. • Electron-withdrawing moiety and electron-donating moiety are present in the hybrids. • The hybrid shows greater NLO response compared with its precursor porphyrin. • Fluorescence is found to be greatly quenched after formation of the hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence has implicated dietary factors as important risks for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, but analyses of the effects of red meat consumption on RA have yielded diverging results. The aim of this study was to explore the association between red meat and RA in a large-scale, cross-sectional study. From June to December 2016, a total of 733 patients were investigated, from which 707 participants were included in the analysis. These patients were divided into two groups according to their consumption of red meat (< 100 g/day; ≥ 100 g/day). The intake of red meat was assessed via physician-administered questionnaire. Generalized linear models were used to analyze relationships between the red meat intake and RA, adjusting for potential confounders including demographic, clinical, laboratory, and other dietary factors. Compared with low-intake red meat RA patients, high-intake red meat patients had an earlier onset age (p = 0.02) and had higher BMI (p = 0.003). The age at disease onset for the high-intake patients was 6.46 years earlier than for low-intake patients, after adjustment for demographic and other possible confounders (β = − 6.46, 95% CI − 9.77, − 3.15; p = 0.0001). Further, stratified analyses showed that this inverse association of red meat intake with RA onset age was especially evident in smokers and overweight patients (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2). In conclusion, high-intake red meat is associated with early onset of RA, especially in smokers or overweight patients. The findings indicate that eating less red meat could be a recommendation given to patients at risk for RA development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Rhombic dodecahedral Keggin type (NH4)3PW12O40 microcrystals selected as a protype were fabricated on plane glass substrates by using a horizontal deposition method and characterized. It was found that experimental parameters such as concentration of microcrystals in a solvent and character (polarity, volatility) of the solvent affected significantly the quality of the resulting films. The adopted approach allowed the microcrystals to be assembled into single-crystal-like 2D and/or 3D structure with preferential [110] orientation under optimal conditions. Compared with those films produced by other methods reported in the literature, the resulting films fabricated under optimal conditions are superior in view of the easy-to-fabrication, thickness controllability, and remarkable preferential orientation, which are vital for device fabrication in nano-, micro- and macro-scale. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A hierarchical multiporous ternary composite HPW@HKUST-1/γ-Al2O3 (HPW = phosphotungstic acid) is prepared, in which the nanosized HPW@HKUST-1 is formed on both the external and internal surface of mesoporous γ-Al2O3 beads due to the confinement effect of internal pores/channels of the γ-Al2O3 beads. The composite not only possesses excellent adsorptive desulfurization capacity (e.g. 65.3 mg S/g MOF for dibenzothiophene; the adsorption capacities decreased in the order of dibenzothiophene > benzothiophene > 3-methylthiophene > 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene) superior to HKUST-1/γ-Al2O3 beads due to the significant role of the favorable acid-base interaction between acidic HPW and slightly basic sulfur-containing compounds, but also exhibits super acid catalytic activity for hydrolysis of ethyl acetate (325.6 mmol molacid−1 min−1) and for synthesis of ethyl acetate (75.4 mol molacid−1 min−1) and n-butyl acetate (13.2 mol molacid−1 min−1) with selectivity of 100%, due to high dispersion and free access of the HPW in the composite which features high surface area and more easily accessible active sites of HPW and HKUST-1. Besides, the composite features remarkable mechanical strength, chemical/thermal stability, being friendly to the environment, and low cost, can easily be regenerated and reused many times for both acid catalysis reactions and adsorptive desulfurization without observable HPW leaching or material dissolution/decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ε-[Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]7+, which shares similarity with the phosphotriesterase active site ZnII–OH–ZnII, was specially chosen to interact with the cluster α-PMo10V2O405− to form a new three-dimensional intercluster, which crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/m with Z = 2, for the decontamination of chemical warfare agents. The experimental results showed that 50 mg of the compound decontaminated 96.4% (within 120 min) and 99.5% (within 40 min) of sulfur mustard (HD) (4 μL) and soman (GD) (4 μL), respectively, in ambient conditions. The decontamination processes followed first-order reaction kinetics with a rate constant and half-life of 0.01234 min−1 and 56.15 min for HD and 0.1198 min−1 and 5.78 min for GD, respectively. It was concluded that the α-PMo10V2O405− moiety was responsible for the catalytic oxidation of HD into non-toxic sulfoxide, while the ε-[Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)12]7+ moiety was responsible for the catalytic hydrolysis of HD and GD into nontoxic hydrolysates. Besides, the compound showed notable efficacy for the decontamination of HD on guinea pig skin and of GD on Kunming mouse skin, indicating high potential for use in human skin protection and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of tea consumption on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been studied in recent years, but no clear conclusion has been drawn as a result of small sample size of the studies or the fact that only in vitro studies have been performed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the possible association of tea consumption with RA through a large-scale, real-world study. Methods: A total of 733 RA patients were investigated from June to December, 2016. The disease activity of RA was assessed according to disease activity score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The amount and types of tea consumption were recorded by on-site self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the correlation between tea consumption and disease activity, adjusting for demographics, clinical and laboratory factors. Results: There was an inverse association between tea consumption and disease activity in RA patients (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.94). Compared with non-tea drinkers, a higher-intake of tea (>750 mL/day) was associated with lower disease activity of RA (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19–0.79), but not low-intake (≤750 mL/day; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.42–1.63). A significant dose-response association was found between the amount of tea consumption and disease activity (p for trend <0.01). Further hierarchical regression analysis showed that such inverse associations were mainly present in female patients (p = 0.004), non-smokers (p = 0.01) or elders (≥60 years; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Tea consumption is associated with decreased disease activity of RA, suggesting the potential beneficial effect of tea in the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desulfurization of oragnosulfur-containing fuels signify a great importance in improving the quality of fuel and is also beneficial to the environment. In this work, we report two new composites, namely, MOF-5@γ-Al2O3 and IRMOF-3@γ-Al2O3, synthesized by loading iso-structural MOF-5 and amino bearing IRMOR-3 onto the γ-Al2O3 beads (the loading amount of MOF-5 and IRMOF-3 are 13.4 wt% and 16.3 wt%, respectively). The composites are fully characterized by IR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, BET and XRF. These iso-structural MOFs and their composites exhibit substantially high adsorptive desulfurization capacities for benzothiophene (BT), 3-methylthiophene (3-MT), dibenzothiophene (DBT), and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT). The adsorption capacities of amino bearing IR-MOF-3 and IRMOF-3@γ-Al2O3 are significantly greater than those of MOF-5 and MOF-5@γ-Al2O3, e.g., the adsorption capacities for DBT of IRMOF-3@γ-Al2O3, IRMOF-3, MOF-5@γ-Al2O3 and MOF-5 are 54.9, 45.1, 31.4 and 24.1 mg S g−1 MOFs, respectively, under optimal conditions (time 60 min, temperature 30 °C, MOFs@γ-Al2O3/Moil = 1/40). The adsorption results revealed the predominant role of hydrogen bonding between the Lewis basic S atoms of the organo sulfurs and –NH2 groups in IR-MOF-3 and also the π–π interactions that works well in MOF-5. The enhancement in the desulfurization capability of MOFs@γ-Al2O3versus the corresponding pristine MOFs shall be attributed to the advantage of the confinement effect of the γ-Al2O3 pores that results in larger specific surface area, much more exposed active sites, and shorter diffusion channels of the MOFs. The kinetics and thermodynamic parameters indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic, and the increase in entropy is the primary driving force for the desulfurization. In addition, it is found that the composites possess good reusability and can be regenerated by simple washing due to enhanced mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single wall carbon nanotube substituted ionic liquids were synthesized successfully by esterification reaction of the carboxylated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with hydroxyl ammonium ionic liquids (ILs) of the formula CH3N(CH2CH2OH)2(CnH2n+1)Br (n = 4, 8, 12), which subsequently reacted with molybdophosphoric acid (PMo12) to form three new ternary composite materials (SWNTs-ILCn-PMo12) (n = 4, 8, 12). The composites modified glass carbon electrodes were used to study electrochemical properties systematically through cyclic voltammetry method. The results showed that electronic conductivity of SWNTs moiety and ionic conductivity of ILs moiety in the composite materials played important roles in the electrochemistry and electrocatalysis. The length of alkyl carbon chain of the ionic liquids in the composite materials was also found to influence the electrochemical properties. The experimental results also showed that all the composites modified electrode can catalytically reduce and detect IO3−, BrO3− and NO2− with very high efficiency (low detection limit, short response time and wide linear range). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attachment of MOF-5 particles on the surface of carboxymethylated non-woven chitosan cloth (denoted MOF-5@chitosan) was achieved by a layer-by-layer technique in an alternating bath of Zn(OAc)2·2H2O and terephthalic acid solutions. Afterwards, silver nanoparticles were formed/loaded within the resulting MOF-5@chitosan by irradiating at 350 nm wavelength the composite immersed in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate of different concentrations, leading to the formation of ternary composites (denoted Ag@MOF-5@chitosan) which were thoroughly characterized by various techniques. Decontamination of HD over the composites was systematically studied and the results showed that decontamination efficacy increased with the increase of silver amount. The decontamination rate constant and half-life of HD were found to be 0.011 min−1 and 63.0 min over the optimal composite, respectively. Remarkably, attachment of the silver nanoparticles and MOF-5 on the chitosan cloth surface did not interfere with chitosan's original hemostatic capability that was confirmed through the arterial hemostasis of rats. It is expected that the multifunctional composite material can find practical applications in the fields of hemostasis, sterilization and chemical war agent decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A multiporous Al(OH)(1,4-NDC)@γ-AlOOH composite has been successfully prepared. • It showed excellent desulfurization and denitrogenation in model and real FCC oil. • 97.4% (NCCs) and 58.3% (SCCs) were removed from real FCC oil at ambient conditions. • The mechanism has been well explained considering all key factors. • Excellent chemical and mechanical stability ensured the successful recyclability process. Abstract We report here for the first time an in situ green synthetic approach for the formation of a multiporous (mesoporous) composite, Al(OH)(1,4-NDC)@γ-AlOOH, via a direct hydrothermal reaction between 1,4-H 2 NDC (1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid) and millimeter-sized porous γ-Al 2 O 3 beads. This composite material has been well characterized using various analytical techniques. It has been used for the stationary solid phase adsorption of sulfur-containing (SCCs) and nitrogen-containing compounds (NCCs) from both a model oil and a real fluid cracking (FCC) oil. The adsorption capacities decreased in the order of benzothiophene > dibenzothiophene > 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene > thiophene for the SCCs and pyridine > quinoline > indole > acridine for the NCCs. The composite material exhibited chemical stability, mechanical strength and recyclability for both the model oil and the real FCC oil. It is an active heterogeneous adsorbent for heterocyclic SCCs and NCCs with a high selectivity for aromatics. By using 2 g of this material, 97.4% (C i = 77 ppmw N) and 58.3% (C i = 350 ppmw S) for NCCs and SCCs, respectively, were removed from 20 g of real FCC oil in 2 h at ambient conditions. The main factors accountable for this excellent adsorption are the multiporous structure of the material with its enhanced surface area and porosity, its unique structural interactions, specific pore size and the presence of unsaturated Lewis acid metal (Al) sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To reduce the power loss of a pump in continuously variable transmission (CVT), a new hydraulic scheme is proposed. This new scheme adjusts the effective displacement of the pump by using lubrication pressure and controls the pressure of primary and secondary cylinders through the smart mode. The power matching model of the new hydraulic scheme is established. The models of hydraulic system, vehicle and transmission control unit are built. A closed loop is formed to place the software in loop simulation through Silver virtual integration platform. The simulation results show that the new hydraulic scheme can match the power demand well. In NEDC, the hydraulic efficiency of the new hydraulic scheme can increase by 24.7% and 23.6% compared with those in the quantitative and single pumps, respectively, the fuel consumption of the new hydraulic scheme can reduce 3% and 4.1% compared with those in the single and quantitative pumps. Finally, the new hydraulic scheme is verified through the bench test, which reveals that the variable pump of the new hydraulic scheme can considerably reduce the torque loss of the pump, the smart mode can improve the transmission efficiency of CVT by up to a maximum rate of 3.17%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]