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Halide solid electrolytes (SEs) are attracting strong attention as one of the compelling candidates for the next‐generation of inorganic SEs due to their high ionic conductivity. Nevertheless, unsatisfactory high‐voltage stability restricts the further applications of halide SEs. Herein, the anion‐engineering of F−/O2− is evolved to construct the high‐voltage stable zirconium‐based halide superionic conductors (Li2.5ZrCl5F0.5O0.5, LZCFO). Benefiting from the thermodynamic/kinetic high‐voltage stability of F‐containing SE and the disordered localized structure introduced by O2−, LZCFO displays a practical electrochemical limit of 4.87 V versus Li/Li+ and an ionic conductivity of 1.17 mS cm−1 at 30 °C. With LZCFO and NCM955, the all‐solid‐state lithium battery exhibits a high discharge capacity of 207.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1C and a capacity retention of 81.2% after 500 cycles at 0.5C. The interfacial characterization further demonstrates the formation of the F‐rich cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), which inhibits side reactions between the cathode and the SE and boosts excellent cycling stability. This work affords fresh insights on the engineering of SEs with high‐voltage stability, high ionic conductivity, and stable CEI in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the low solubility of hydrogen isotopes (HIs) in tungsten (W), their concentration can reach up to ∼10 at.% after low-energy plasma irradiation. This is generally attributed to the vacancies that may accommodate excessive HIs. However, the kinetic energy of incident HIs transferred to W is far below the energy threshold to create a Frenkel pair, the underlying mechanism of defect production is still unclear. Here, we investigate the influence of H on the defect production in W using the molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. It is found that the threshold displacement energy (TDE) in bulk W slight decreases with the increasing of H concentration. This is due to the formation of H-vacancy complexes, which prevents the vacancy-interstitial recombination. More importantly, the H effects are significantly magnified in the surface region. On the one hand, the maximum kinetic energy transferred from 400 eV H to W can reach up to ∼21 eV due to the double-hit process, which is two times higher than that predicted by elastic collision model. On the other hand, the momentum transferred to W is completely random, including both the recoil direction upward and downward from the surface. Accordingly, the lowest TDE in W surface is only 15–21 eV at sub-surface layers with the depth of 6.7–11.1 Å, which is lower than the maximum kinetic energy transferred to W. Therefore, the low-energy HIs irradiation can create the defects in W surface directly. Our findings provide deep insight into defect production in W at sub-threshold energy and have wider implications for materials performance under low-energy ions irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method named "pre-oxidation treatment for spontaneous combustion inhibition" was proposed to proactively prevent coal spontaneous combustion. In this method, coal samples are firstly oxidized under room temperature by an oxidizer, which have an oxidizing capacity equivalent to the capability of oxidizing only active functional groups in coal. In this way, functional groups residing in the coal structure with high reactivity will be oxidized and heat will be released at the same time. With a large amount of water protection set up in advance, the heat can be released safely. After the highly active functional groups are oxidized, the reaction products left contain more stable functional groups with low activity, thus reducing the risks of spontaneous combustion. Underpinned by the theory, the method was tested by using different aqueous solutions of oxidants to pre-oxidize various coal samples. Results show that the method of pre-oxidation treatment for spontaneous combustion inhibition can significantly reduce th e risk of coal spontaneous combustion. Among all the tested aqueous solutions of oxidants, the sodium persulfate solution is the most appropriate one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method named "pre-oxidation treatment for spontaneous combustion inhibition" was proposed to proactively prevent coal spontaneous combustion. In this method, coal samples are firstly oxidized under room temperature by an oxidizer, which have an oxidizing capacity equivalent to the capability of oxidizing only active functional groups in coal. In this way, functional groups residing in the coal structure with high reactivity will be oxidized and heat will be released at the same time. With a large amount of water protection set up in advance, the heat can be released safely. After the highly active functional groups are oxidized, the reaction products left contain more stable functional groups with low activity, thus reducing the risks of spontaneous combustion. Underpinned by the theory, the method was tested by using different aqueous solutions of oxidants to pre-oxidize various coal samples. Results show that the method of pre-oxidation treatment for spontaneous combustion inhibition can significantly reduce the risk of coal spontaneous combustion. Among all the tested aqueous solutions of oxidants, the sodium persulfate solution is the most appropriate one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen-containing intermediates (OCIs) play an important role in low-temperature oxidation of coal. However, since they are in a dynamic intermediate state, it is difficult to test their thermodynamic properties, and their mechanism of action in coal spontaneous combustion(CSC) are not clear. Therefore, this paper proposed a method to measure the thermodynamics of the OCIs. Furthermore, the reasons for the variation laws of the thermodynamics of the OCIs and their mechanisms of action in CSC were investigated from both macro and micro perspectives. According to the experimental results, thermodynamic parameters of the OCIs can be obtained using the proposed method. And the heating rate of OCIs calculated by the mathematical model based on this method is closer to the total rate of coal oxidation before 70 °C, indicating that OCIs play an important role in the starting process of CSC. Besides, the activation energy of OCIs presents different variation characteristics in different stages. The segmentation can be attributed to the stability of OCIs, which is also critical to the prevention and control of CSC. Hence, the risk of CSC can be reduced by improving the stability of OCIs. • A method to quantitatively calculate the thermodynamic parameters of oxygen-containing intermediates (OCIs) was established. • From the point of view of heat, OCIs play an important role in the starting process of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC). • The activation energy of OCIs has obvious segmentation. • The cumulative production and decomposition threshold of peroxide are the key factors affecting CSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) has been used to detect and estimate the parameters of linear frequency-modulated continuous-wave (LFMCW) in low probability of intercept radar waveforms. The FRFT, which is optimal for single linear frequency-modulated (LFM) signals, becomes sub-optimal when applied to LFMCW signals because the observed waveform of this type of signal is composed of concatenated LFM pulses. A new signal processing method, called the periodic FRFT (PFRFT), is proposed for the detection of LFMCW signals. First, the discrete PFRFT is studied and the signal processing gain of this transform for LFMCW signals is analyzed. Second, an adaptive threshold detection and estimation algorithm for LFMCW signals is formulated after analysis of the test statistics of the squared modulus of LFMCW signals when using the probability density function in the presence of Gaussian white noise. It is then proved that PFRFT-based estimation is equivalent to maximum likelihood estimation in the detection and estimation of LFMCW signals. Finally, the results of both the theoretical analysis and verification simulations show that the PFRFT significantly outperforms the FRFT for LFMCW signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new C 2 -symmetric chiral diamides were synthesized from l -tryptophan and used as chiral ligands chelated with Cu(II) in enantioselective Henry reactions. Ligand 4a with CuCl 2 ·2H 2 O (5%) showed effective catalytic efficiency in Henry reaction. High yields (up to 99%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98%) were achieved for both aromatic and aliphatic aldehyde substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of connectivity between air defense units on the kill probability of penetration target is researched from the aspects of communication command and control structure and firepower collaboration. An air defense unit is used as a threat unit to create a threat netting model. A interconnectivity model for the threat units, the reliability of information routing in the network and the connectivity between the threat units. An information fusion model is established for target designation probability and radar detection probability. Based on the joint detection probability of multiple threat units which infers from the principle of radar networking using the networking fire control technology for multiple intercepting and coordinate attack on the penetration target, an final threat netting model is established. Finally, the simulating result in the C + + 6.0 environment proves the validity of the threat netting model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four fractions obtained from chloroform extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) oil by column chromatography were investigated for acaricidal activity against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi larvae in vitro. Octadecanoic acid-tetrahydrofuran-3,4-diyl ester was isolated from an active fraction of the chloroform extract and its toxicity against S. scabiei larvae was tested in vitro. A complementary log–log model was used to analyse the toxicity data. Activity was found in the third fraction, with 100% corrected mortality after 4.5h of exposure at a concentration of 200mgml−1. This fraction was repeatedly re-crystallised in acetone to yield a white amorphous powder, identified as octadecanoic acid-tetrahydrofuran-3,4-diyl ester, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.1mgml−1 at 24h post-treatment. The median lethal time (LT50) for this compound was 15.3h at a concentration of 7.5mgml−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This communication improved Li et al. 's scheme based on homomorphic image encryption scheme for sharing secret images. This scheme enhances the capability of the receiver to verify the correctness of the encrypted images without sacrificing the computation overhead. Once some encrypted image block(s) of the encrypted image was distinguished to be garbled (dirty), the receiver could reject the image directly rather than asserting the garbage only after decrypting the whole image. The result shows that this scheme can process the image rapidly, reduce the calculating overhead and improve the speed of verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the CO 2 /CO ratio was found to be unaffected by the ventilation flow rate, it is an excellent tool to evaluate the state of coal spontaneous combustion. However, the existing studies generally regard coal-oxygen reaction as a total package reaction, which leads to the mutual interference of CO 2 /CO produced by pure oxidation, pyrolysis and physical desorption. Besides, the reasons for the change of CO 2 /CO ratio are not clear. Therefore, a method was designed to obtain the gas production characteristics of pure oxidation pathway. At the same time, the relationship between the change of active groups and CO 2 /CO during pure oxidation was investigated by means of in-situ FTIR and model compounds. The experimental results show that at lower temperatures, the CO 2 produced in coal mainly comes from physical desorption and pyrolysis, which will interfere with the change of CO 2 /CO. The new method can eliminate the influences of them. It is also concluded that the ratio of CO 2 /CO produced by pure oxidation pathway exhibits obvious segmentation. With the increase of temperature, it can be divided into four stages, gradual participation of different active groups in coal is the main reason for the segmentation and determines the initial temperature range in each stage. The CO 2 /CO ratio and equilibrium value are mainly affected by the hydroxyl content in coal. The accuracy of coal spontaneous combustion can be improved based on the segmentation of CO 2 /CO production by pure oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To make full use of skin friction of soils around pile, this paper presents a novel pile composed of ribbed plates, an expanded body with double frustum, and a pile body, named as the pressure-cast-in-situ pile with spray-expanded frustum. A multifunction auger drill is used to form the expanded body by spraying cement slurry rotationally at a given depth, pouring superfluid concrete, and vibrating and squeezing pile body. The ribbed plates are completed by spraying cement slurry fixedly with a hollow drill pipe. Due to the improvement of skin friction of the expanded pile body, the novel pile will get a large bearing capacity. Moreover, due to the squeezing effect of superfluid concrete during the pile construction, the soils around pile can be compacted, which also leads to an obvious increase in bearing capacity of the novel pile. The application of the proposed technique of the novel pile is verified by using static loading tests on three novel piles and one traditional cast-in-situ pile. Comparisons of the four test piles demonstrate that the ultimate bearing capacity of the novel pile increases by more than 45% under the condition of the same concrete consumption per unit volume. For practical purposes, the pressure-cast-in-situ pile with spray-expanded frustum is worthy of promotion due to the advantages of high bearing capacity and significant economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the new type of Pressure-cast-in-situ pile with spray-expanded frustum (PPSF) developed by the authors is composed of pile body, ribbed plate, and expanded body with double frustum. The PPSF has the advantages of high bearing capacity, small settlement, high construction speed, and significant economic and environmental benefits. To evaluate the ultimate bearing capacity of PPSF, a calculation method is proposed considering the special shape of PPSF. The ultimate bearing capacity of PPSF is considered as the sum of three parts, e.g., the ultimate bearing capacity of expanded body with double frustum, the ultimate skin friction of pile body, and the ultimate end resistance of pile base. The failure mode of the soil around the expanded body with double frustum is described based on the Meyerhof's bearing capacity theory. The calculation formula for the ultimate bearing capacity of the expanded body with double frustum is established using the sliding block balance method. The rationality of the calculation method is verified by three cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Copper(II)-Containing C2-Symmetric Bistetracarboline Amides in Enantioselective Henry Reactions" by L. Liu and colleagues is presented.

Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic hepatitis (AH), a worldwide public health issue with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we identified apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) as a biomarker and potential therapeutic target for AH. APOA4 expression was detected by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, Immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR in AH. Bioinformatics Methods (protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to show down-stream gene and pathways of APOA4 in AH. AML-12 cells were used to evaluate the biological function of APOA4 using an ELISA kit (AST, ALT, and IL-1β) and flow cytometry (ROS activity). Both in vivo and in vitro, APOA4 expression was significantly elevated in the AH model induced by alcohol (ETOH). AML-12 cell damage was specifically repaired by APOA4 deficiency, while AST, ALT, and IL-1β activity that was increased by ETOH (200 µmol, 12 h) were suppressed. APOA4 inhibition increased intracellular ROS induced by ETOH, which was detected by flow cytometry. Functional and PPI network analyses showed Fcgamma receptor (FCGR) and platelet activation signaling were potential downstream pathways. We identified CIDEC as a downstream gene of APOA4. The CIDEC AUC values for the ROC curves were 0.861. At the same time, APOA4 silencing downregulated the expression of CIDEC, whereas the knockdown of CIDEC did not influence the expression of APOA4 in AML-12 cells. Collectively, APOA4 regulates CIDEC expression and immune cell infiltration and may hold great potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for AH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daphmacrimines A–K (1 – 11) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq. Their structures and stereochemistries were determined by extensive techniques, including HRESIMS, NMR, ECD, IR, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Daphmacrimines A–D (1 – 4) are unprecedented Daphniphyllum alkaloids with a 2-oxazolidinone ring. Daphmacrimine I (9) contains a nitrile group, which is relatively rare in naturally occurring alkaloids. The abilities of daphmacrimines A–D and daphmacrimines G–K to enhance lysosomal biogenesis were evaluated through LysoTracker Red staining. Daphmacrimine K (11) can induce lysosomal biogenesis and promote autophagic flux. Eleven previously undescribed Daphniphyllum alkaloids daphmacrimines A–K (1 – 11), were isolated from the leaves and stems of Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq. Daphmacrimines A–D (1 – 4) were unprecedented Daphniphyllum alkaloids with a 2-oxazolidinone ring. Daphmacrimine I (9) contains a nitrile group which is relatively rare in naturally occurring alkaloids. Furthermore, the abilities of daphmacrimines A–D (1 – 4) and daphmacrimines G–K (7 – 11) to enhance lysosomal biogenesis were evaluated through LysoTracker Red staining. Daphmacrimine K (11) could induce lysosomal biogenesis and promote autophagic flux. [Display omitted] • Eleven undescribed Daphniphyllum alkaloids were isolated from the leaves and stems of Daphniphyllum macropodum Miq. • Daphmacrimines A–D (1 – 4) were unprecedented Daphniphyllum alkaloids with a 2-oxazolidinone ring. • Daphmacrimine I (9) contains a nitrile group which is relatively rare in naturally occurring alkaloids. • Daphmacrimine K (11) could induce lysosomal biogenesis and promote autophagic flux. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The traditional Chinese medicine Scutellariae radix is often used in combination with antibiotics, such as florfenicol, in Chinese veterinary medicine. Baicalin (5, 6, 7-trihydroxyflavone-7-β-D-glucuronide) is the main active constituent of S. radix. The effects of baicalin on the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol are not known. Thus, we have studied the effects of baicalin on florfenicol pharmacokinetics and the mRNA expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes/efflux transporters in rats. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were given baicalin (50 mg/kg BW or 100 mg/kg BW) or 0.9% sodium chloride solution by intragastric administration for 7 days. They were then fed florfenicol by intragastric administration (25 mg/kg BW) on the 8th day. Blood samples were collected at various times, and the plasma concentrations of florfenicol were estimated with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. The mRNA expression levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP3A1, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A), multidrug resistance 1, and ATP-binding cassette C2 (ABCC2) in the liver and jejunum were analyzed with a real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: The area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity, mean residence time from zero to infinity, elimination half-life, and peak concentration of florfenicol were significantly increased and the apparent volume of distribution fraction of the dose absorbed and plasma clearance fraction of the dose absorbed were significantly decreased by baicalin; the mRNA expression levels of CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP3A1, UGT1A1, and ABCC2 were down-regulated by baicalin. Conclusion: Baicalin affected the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in rats, increased the plasma concentration and residence time of florfenicol, probably by decreasing the mRNA expression levels of CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP3A1, UGT1A1, and ABCC2 in the liver and jejunum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV) develop severe complications from prehepatic portal hypertension, such as recurrent variceal bleeding and thrombocytopenia. In this study, we reported the results of 30 children with symptomatic CTPV that were treated by a Rex shunt. The effectiveness of this surgical approach was evaluated. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 30 children aged between 3 and 18 years with CTPV, who underwent a Rex shunt between 2008 and 2015. All children were evaluated based on symptoms, complete blood count, portal system color-flow Doppler ultrasound or computed tomography angiography portography and gastroscopy for gastroesophageal varices pre- and postoperatively. Children were also evaluated during follow-up. Intraoperative evaluations included liver biopsy, portography and portal pressure. Results: Twenty-one patients demonstrated intermittent bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, 3 patients showed hypersplenism with varying degrees of leucopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia, and in 6 patients both bleeding and hypersplenism were observed. Rex was successful in 28 patients (93.3%). The portal pressure immediately decreased significantly after placing of the shunt ( P < 0.01). During the clinical follow-up period within 2-82 months, transaminase levels were maintained in the normal range. Blood flow velocity and diameter of the left portal vein significantly increased after surgery ( P < 0.01). In addition, leukocyte and platelet counts increased postoperatively and anemia improved significantly ( P < 0.01). Gastroscopy results indicated that the degree of gastroesophageal varices significantly alleviated postoperatively within 3 months and 1 year ( P < 0.01). In 2 patients who demonstrated nodular cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis, success of the Rex shunt was not achieved after operation. We found that for Rex effectiveness hepatic pathology and patient age were major determinants. Conclusion: Rex shunt is an effective approach for the treatment of children suffering from CTPV at an early stage that do not show additional liver lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the similarity theory, a reduced-scale model is proposed to study the voltage distribution characteristics in ultrahighvoltage direct current converter transformer windings under the impulse voltage. Through comparing the distribution characteristics of electric field intensity and magnetic flux intensity of the scale model with that of the original model, the effectiveness of the reduced-scale method is verified. Furthermore, the actual production design is also considered in the model. The matrices of the inductance, capacitance, and resistance parameters for the reduced-scale model are obtained by finite element method. Then, the multi-conductor transmission line model is set up to study the propagation process of impulse voltage along the windings of the converter transformer. The voltage distribution curve is obtained under a standard lighting impulse voltage and the turn-to-turn fault is taken into consideration as well. The simulation results are the basis for the following experimental study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: New axially N-oxide amides derived from l-tryptophan were prepared and used as organocatalysts in enantioselective allylation of aromatic aldehydes with allyltrichlorosilanes. The corresponding addition adducts homoallylic chiral alcohols obtained high enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) when 1 mol % of catalyst was used. The unexpected result is the addition product's absolute configuration is R when (R)-chiral amides was used, in contrast, it was (S) when (R)-chiral methyl ester were used in allylation. It exhibited that the N atoms of amides take part in the transition state procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Failure and finite element analyses were performed on shrouded fan blade. • Failure mechanism is multiple source damage under high contact stress mode. • High stress concentration and imperfections at edge of contact surface cause cracks. • Shroud-cutting model with a 3D displacement harmony boundary was established. • Increasing initial tightness and pre-deformation reduces contact stress. In this study, a failure analysis and design optimization of a shrouded blade in a transonic fan were performed. A visible crack was observed on the pressure side of the shroud, and its origin was located using scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the initial crack originated from the pressure-side contact surface edge, and several small cracks were observed in the source region. To determine the reasons for the failure, a shroud-cutting model with a three-dimensional displacement harmony boundary was established. The crack propagation process was simulated, and the stress intensity factor values along the crack front were calculated. Subsequently, a nonlinear static strength analysis was performed, which indicated that stress concentration at the crack origin led to crack initiation. Design optimization considering the pre-deformation angle, friction factor, and initial tightness was performed to determine the figure of merit of the design. The wear pattern of the refined shrouded fan blade demonstrated that the optimized design was effective, with a satisfactory contact state after the engine test. The proposed optimization method is cost-effective and can be used in practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel axially chiral N,N′-dioxide catalysts are screened for the enantioselective allylation of aromatic aldehydes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]