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With the development of the economy, many regions have experienced a slowdown in economic growth. In order to promote the development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the country has also begun to introduce various policies to encourage the development of the EV industry. In this context, many local governments have begun to introduce policies and measures related to the development of the EV industry, such as increasing land use for the development of the EV industry and increasing support for the new energy automobile industry. These policy measures have played a positive role in promoting the development of the EV industry, but there are also some problems. For example, when many local governments introduce policies to support the development of the new energy automobile industry, their support for the EV industry is not significant. This article studied the collaborative optimization of the EV industry chain in response to issues such as insufficient technical strength, imbalanced supply-demand relationship, and insufficient downstream service chain capabilities in the EV industry chain. This article analyzed the composition of the EV industry chain and established an EV industry chain model to address these issues. This article used collaborative optimization algorithms to analyze the production volume of EVs in the EV industry chain, as well as the comprehensive efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency values of upstream, midstream, and downstream. Through experimental analysis, it was found that the comprehensive efficiency value of the upstream of the EV industry chain after using the collaborative optimization algorithm was 0.0792 higher than before. The research results of this article have provided reference significance for the analysis of collaborative optimization algorithms in other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, iron-based sulfides, including iron sulfide minerals and biological iron sulfide clusters, have attracted widespread interest, owing to their excellent biocompatibility and multi-functionality in biomedical applications. As such, controlled synthesized iron sulfide nanomaterials with elaborate designs, enhanced functionality and unique electronic structures show numerous advantages. Furthermore, iron sulfide clusters produced through biological metabolism are thought to possess magnetic properties and play a crucial role in balancing the concentration of iron in cells, thereby affecting ferroptosis processes. The electrons in the Fenton reaction constantly transfer between Fe2+ and Fe3+, participating in the production and reaction process of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This mechanism is considered to confer advantages in various biomedical fields such as the antibacterial field, tumor treatment, biosensing and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we aim to systematically introduce recent advances in common iron-based sulfides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the improvement of people's living standard, the fast-increase demand for agricultural products with high quality is endless. Therefore, developing accurate and rapid detection methods for agricultural products quality analyses is of great importance and strongly required. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology, as a rapid and non-destructive method, has earned wide concern. In this review, the applications of HSI for agricultural products quality analyses have been proposed to prove the feasibility of this technology for disease detection, grading, classification, detection of chemical attributes and other aspects. The application status of HSI in quality analyses for each category of agricultural products was summarized in several different aspects, including the quality properties, the used pattern, the modeling methods and the detection accuracy. Finally, based on the above summary, the advantages and disadvantages of HSI have been discussed and some viewpoints on current research situation and research directions of future have also been given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-precision rotor position information is usually needed in permanent-magnet synchronous motors, which are critical to high-performance motor control based on vector algorithm. Therefore, inductosyn is the best choice for the permanent-magnet synchronous motor position sensor. Capacitive potential is an important component of the ineffective potential in the inductosyn angle measuring system. When the effective potential of the inductosyn approaches zero, the proportion of capacitive potential in the output potential will be greatly amplified. As a result, the zero-position accuracy will be seriously affected. Error potential and effective potential always exist at the same time, so it is difficult to measure and study quantitatively. In this paper, the capacitance network model of inductosyn was established and the analytical calculation method was proposed. The factors affecting the capacitive potential and the suppression strategy were studied through the combination of theoretical analysis and the finite element method. In addition, the error separation method of capacitive potential was also proposed in this paper, which realized the accurate measurement of this part of error. The accuracy of the theoretical calculation and finite element analysis was verified by the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of novel catalysts for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates under mild conditions remains a challenge. Herein, we designed the strategy of immobilizing DBU-based ionic liquid on mesoporous SBA-15 (DBU@SBA-15), due to the cooperative effect between silanol and bromide anion, DBU@SBA-15 exhibits high CO2 catalytic performance under solvent-free and metal-free and additive-free conditions. Typically, the yield of chloropropene carbonate was close to 100% from the reaction of epichlorohydrin and CO2 within 12 h at 80 °C and 2 MPa. Notably, the product yield could achieve 64.8% even at ambient pressure, and DBU@SBA-15 was recycled four times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Additionally, DFT studies revealed that the nucleophilic effect and the strong hydrogen bond together promote the ring-opening of epoxides, which was consistent with the possible reaction mechanism proposed based on experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The chelation of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ti4+ and Fe3+ enhances the deprotonation of catechol. • The •OH-mediated degradation of catechol and its metal complexes was studied. • The reactivity of metal complexes towards •OH is higher than that of H 2 Cat. • At pH 7, the acceleration effect follows the order of Ti4+ ≈ Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Fe3+. • The •OH-based AOPs could decrease the toxicity during degrading catechol. Catechol pollutants (CATPs) serving as chelating agents could coordinate with many metal ions to form various CATPs-metal complexes. Little information is available on the effects of complexation of metal ions on CATPs degradation. This work presents a systematical study of •OH-mediated degradation of catechol and catechol-metal complexes over the whole pH range in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Results show that the pH-dependent complexation of metal ions (Zn2+, Cu2+, Ti4+ and Fe3+) promotes the deprotonation of catechol under neutral and even acidic conditions. The radical adduct formation (RAF) reactions are both thermodynamically and kinetically favorable for all dissociation and complexation species, and OH/ O− group-containing C positions are more vulnerable to •OH attack. The kinetic results show that the complexation of the four metal ions offers a wide pH range of effectiveness for catechol degradation. At pH 7, the apparent rate constant (k app) values for different systems follow the order of catechol+Ti4+ ≈ catechol+Zn2+ > catechol+Cu2+ > catechol+Fe3+ > catechol. The mechanistic and kinetic results would greatly improve our understanding of the degradation of CATPs-metal and other organics-metal complexes in AOPs. The toxicity assessment indicates that the •OH-based AOPs have the ability for decreasing the toxicity and increasing the biodegradability during the processes of catechol degradation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-mixed abrasive waterjet peening (PAWJP) is progressively gaining traction in enhancing metal materials' surface integrity and mechanical behavior. To avoid the disadvantage of PAWJP in the application, a hybrid manufacturing method of pre-mixed abrasive waterjet peening with post-low stress milling (PAWJP-LSM) is proposed and studied experimentally. The principle of PAWJP-LSM was first introduced. Subsequently, the effect of the PAWJP-LSM parameters (i.e., abrasive type, traverse speed, nozzle inlet pressure, and removal amount) on the surface integrity of TC11 titanium alloy and its variation trend were systematically investigated. Results show that the specimen treated with PAWJP using different process parameters formed a PAWJP treatment area with a strengthening depth of 6–275 μm. The minimum surface roughness obtained by PAWJP was 0.727 μm. The maximum surface microhardness significantly increased to approximately 516.3 HV from 402.8 HV, with a maximum micro-hardness rate of 28.2 % and a maximum work hardening depth of 225 μm. The surface compressive residual stress (CRS) induced by PAWJP ranged from −97 to −322 MPa, with a maximum CRS exceeding −890 MPa and a maximum CRS layer thickness of 305 μm. The surface integrity of PAWJP-LSM is further enhanced compared to PAWJP, resulting in a 98.9 % reduction in minimum surface roughness and a 73.7 % reduction compared to the as-received surface roughness. Additionally, PAWJP-LSM exhibited a 98.9 % increase in surface CRS and a 19.4 % increase in maximum CRS. Moreover, the fatigue life was significantly improved by 69.4 %, which was 294.5 % higher than that of the as-received specimen. Nanocrystals with an average size of 27.3 nm were formed in the topmost surface. Overall, the PAWJP-LSM method demonstrated significant potential for engineering applications and exhibited substantial value in the surface treatment of TC11 alloy. This study validated the effectiveness of the proposed PAWJP-LSM method and provided a valuable reference for selecting optimized process parameters. [Display omitted] • A novel hybrid manufacturing method was proposed. • The surface integrity of TC11 titanium alloy was greatly improved. • The optimization of process parameters was conducted. • The fatigue life of TC11 titanium alloy was improved by 294.5 %. • The near-surface grains of TC11 were refined into nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a novel duck-origin goose parvovirus (N-GPV) was reported to cause short beak and dwarfism syndrome in ducks. In this study, we performed complete genome sequencing and analyzed three different duck-derived parvoviruses that infected different breeds of ducks. Phylogenetic trees based on gene sequences indicated that they were classical goose parvovirus (C-GPV), Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV), and N-GPV. Furthermore, potential recombination events were found. These results improve our understanding of the diversity of duck-derived parvoviruses in Anhui province, eastern China, and provide a reference for the prevention of associated diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The lowest activation energy calculated by kinetic parameters is 7.47 kJ/mol. • Effective mass transfer enhancement of cycloaddition reaction was achieved in FBR. • The PO conversion is linearly related to the external mass transfer coefficient. • Internal diffusion limitations are more severe at higher temperatures. • The larger the PO flow rate, the closer the model is to the experimental value. Immobilized ionic liquids (ILs) catalysts are often used in fixed bed reactors (FBR) to continuously catalyze the reaction of CO 2 and propylene oxide (PO). However, the kinetics and mass transfer characteristics of this reaction in FRB are rarely reported. In this work, two methods were used to calculate the apparent kinetics in FBR, and the apparent kinetics and mass transfer limiting performance were correlated based on the Arrhenius equation. Simultaneously, the reactor model with mass transfer coefficient was established to determine the modified empirical relationship of external mass transfer at low Reynolds number, and the continuous reaction process in FBR was predicted by the relationship between the effective factor (η) of internal mass transfer and the Thiele modulus (Φ). Additionally, the FBR reaction model was verified and compared with the actual experimental data. This study provides a valuable reference for further optimization of FBR configuration and reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO 2) has been recognized a renewable C1-level green chemical synthesis feedstock. Achieving 100 % atom utilization is possible through the cycloaddition reaction of CO 2 with epoxides. Ionic liquids are commonly used catalysts for this reaction, but conventional immobilization methods may lead to the loss of active components under severe conditions. Developing a new Ionic Liquid catalytic system offers a promising and eco-friendly approach to efficient CO 2 cycloaddition. In this study, imidazolium ionic liquid was chemically immobilized on graphene oxide (GO) to get a novelty catalyst GO-SmIm Br. The impact of catalyst dosage, temperature, pressure, and reaction time on the reaction performance of CO 2 and propylene oxide was systematically investigated in a batch reaction system, achieving a propylene carbonate yield of up to 90.4 % in the CO 2 cycloaddition reaction. Even after five cycles, the yield only decreased by 9.6 %, showcasing its robust catalytic activity. Further assessment in a fixed-bed reactor at 120 °C for 8 h demonstrated a continuous propylene carbonate yield of 55.6 %, highlighting the potential of GO-SmIm Br for efficient and sustainable CO 2 utilization. • GO-SmIm Br was employed for Efficient propylene carbonate synthesis from CO 2 and PO. • 40.5% grafting rate was achieved, highlighting the effectiveness of SmIm Br on GO. • Optimized conditions led to a 90.4% PC yield in batch reactors. • GO-SmIm Br demonstrates recyclability and robust thermal stability for multiple uses. • Yielded 55.6% PC over 8 h in continuous fixed-bed reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of non-linear models was built to predict rice yield and greenhouse gas emission. • GHG emissions in China's rice fields will increase by 2.1% to 4.9% under different climate change scenarios by 2050. • Climate change may weaken GHG emission reduction efforts through optimal management. Paddy rice cultivation is a vital food source but also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane. Management measures such as improved water management and fertilization are being pursued to sustain rice production while cutting down the emissions. However, climate change may pose further challenges for sustainable rice agriculture by either impacting rice production or GHG emissions. Based on a database consisting of 1216 observations across China, we established machine learning models predicting rice yield and GHG emissions, taking into account climate, soil, and management variables. We tested three machine learning methods including random forest, support vector machine and artificial neural networks. The models were trained on 70% of the dataset with the remaining 30% used to evaluate the model performance. Random forest performed best with R2 of 0.59 to 0.72 and modelling efficiency of 52% to 72%. Farmland management emerged as the most important variable to the model prediction, followed by climate and soil variables. Rice production and GHG emissions were estimated to be 245.36 Tg and 218.95 Tg CO 2 -eq in 2018, respectively. By the year 2050, rice yield was expected to experience a modest decrease ranging from 0.6% to 1.2% due to the combined effects of global change variables, but GHG emissions were projected to increase by 2.1% to 4.9% under different climate change scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways) in China. A large spatial variability in the impact of climate change was observed, and climate change will have the most significant impact in the Northeast agricultural region of China due to the warming effect. Through the analysis of region-specific farmland management scenarios, this study underscores a "Code Red" situation, signifying that future climate change could pose unprecedented risks to the sustainability of rice production in China, despite ongoing management improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicular social networks (VSNs) have emerged as the promising paradigm of vehicular networks that can improve traffic safety, relieve traffic congestion and even provide comprehensive social services by sharing vehicular sensory data. To selectively share the sensory data with other vehicles in the vicinity and reduce the local storage burden of vehicles, the vehicular sensory data are usually outsourced to vehicle cloud server for sharing and searching. However, existing data sharing systems for VSNs can neither provide secure selective one-to-many data sharing and verifiable data retrieval over encrypted data nor ensure that the integrity of retrieved data. In this paper, we propose FTDS, a secure flexible and tampering-resistant data sharing system for VSNs by introducing a novel secure key-aggregate search encryption scheme and a tampering-resistant blockchain technology. With the proposed FTDS system for VSNs, the vehicular sensory data can be selectively shared and retrieved in a fine-grained way. Besides, our system allows vehicle data users to detect any unauthorized manipulation. Then, we present the detailed security analysis to prove that the proposed data sharing system can achieve both selective security and verifiability. We also evaluate its performance and demonstrate that it is efficient and practical for the VSNs scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to reveal the cutting performance and wear mechanisms of Sialon ceramic tools for the high-speed face-milling of GH4099, with the goal of improving this process as well as designing more advanced ceramic cutting tools in the future. At the outset of this study, several single-factor experiments were designed with speed as a variable to gather various data on such tools. Failure patterns and tool life curves were first obtained through cutting tests. Afterwards, the tools were split at their place of wear (middle of notch and 1/2 depth of cut) to prepare for further analysis. Wear morphology and element composition distribution in the depth direction of the corresponding interface were then analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to explore potential diffusion and/or chemical wear. Finally, studies were conducted into the tools' chemical wear under specific cutting conditions, finishing with a theoretical verification based on the thermodynamic principle of chemical reactions. This research discovered that notch wear was the main failure pattern for the high-speed face-milling of GH4099 under the suitable cutting conditions. Overall, the optimal cutting speed was 1000 m/min, with a tool life of about 3 min. Compared with cemented carbide tools, the machining efficiency for Sialon ceramic tools increased by over a factor of 16. The wear mechanisms for such tools demonstrated a mixture effect of abrasive, adhesive, diffusive and chemical wear. Diffusive wear mainly occurred in their flank faces, but did not constitute the main mechanism of notch wear; chemical wear proved to be a key reason for notch wear at higher temperatures. Based on the aforementioned research, this paper concludes with a proposed comprehensive model for notch wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rule of law presents a new path for understanding and handling religious affairs in contemporary China. The field of religious education is no exception and current legislation has to be improved so that China's religious education can be further promoted. This research examines the legislation and legislative regulations governing China's diversified and dynamic religious education, which includes professional religious studies, religious education embedded in ethnic education, missionary religious education, religious education included in general education, and education on religious policies and regulations. It argues that how to understand and implement the principle of separation of education and religion stands out as the core issue, as China requires a more dialectical and pluralistic religious education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We used theoretical methods to discuss reactions of 4-chloroguaiacol with OH onto catalyst. • Carbon-doped BN nanosheet has outstanding adsorption and catalytic performance. • Carbon-doped BN nanosheet may be a promising photocatalyst for organic removal. • The transformation products of 4-chloroguaiacol are still harmful to aquatic environment. Although carbon-doped BN nanosheet (BCN) has been successfully synthesized and used, it has not been reported as a photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, 4-chloroguaiacol (4-CG) was selected as a representative substance to investigate the potential of utilizing BCN as photocatalyst for organic removal by use of computational simulation. The adsorption mechanisms, degradation mechanisms, and kinetics of 4-CG with the presence of different catalysts were determined. The adsorption energy of 4-CG on BCN was 10.71 kcal mol−1, and the Δ G ≠s of initial reactions of 4-CG with OH were also reduced onto the BCN substrate. The band gap of BCN was 1.54 eV. Our computations depicted that the doping of aromatic carbon into BN narrows bandgap, and retains well catalytic performance and adsorption properties. Therefore, BCN nanosheet is a promising photocatalyst for organic pollutants removal. Possible degradation pathways of 4-CG and aquatic toxicity assessment during degradation were also carried out. More toxic products would be formed and the transformation products were still harmful to three trophic levels of aquatic organisms (fish, green algae, and daphnia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first step of SO 4 · - / · OH -initiated reactions on 19 POCs was studied. • Δ G SET ≠ is negatively correlated with electron-donating effect of substituents. • The OH-initiated RAF reactions at site 4/6 and HAA reactions on substituents are favorable. • k total and ecotoxicity were calculated. Phenolic organic contaminants (POCs) in water environment have been usually degraded by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on sulfate radicals (SO 4 · - ) and hydroxyl radicals (OH). In this paper, the first step of SO 4 · - / · OH -initiated oxidation reactions toward 19 POCs were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) in order to explore and compare the reactivity of POCs with two free radicals in the aqueous phase. The oxidation reactions initiated by SO 4 · - / · OH were confirmed that POCs can follow three reaction mechanisms: radical adduct formation (RAF), hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA), and single electron transfer (SET). The rate constants of all primary oxidation reactions were calculated using transition state theory (TST). The results turn out that the stronger the electron donating effects of the substituent on POCs, the better the reactivity of POCs with two free radicals. SET mechanisms are main reaction pathways for SO 4 · - -initiated oxidation reactions. Furthermore, the ecotoxicity assessment shows that most OH adducts have higher toxic on aquatic organisms than corresponding reactants. For all the POCs covering in this work, the order of acute toxicity is p-DP > o-AP > m-AP (p-AP) > MP > CP > NP > m-DP (o-DP) > phenol > YP, while the chronic toxicity is in the order p-DP > o-AP > m-AP (p-AP) > MP > CP > NP > YP > phenol > m-DP (o-DP). Thus, the application of AOPs for the removal of POCs should be taken seriously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The OH-initiated transformation mechanisms, kinetics and ecotoxicity assessment of guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol) in the presence of O 2 /NO x were investigated both in atmosphere and wastewater. The solvent effect lowers the energy barriers of initial OH-addition reactions more than H-abstraction reactions, leading to much higher addition branching ratio (Γ add) of 0.92 in aqueous solution than that of 0.42 in gas-phase. At 298 K, the overall rate constants of the title reactions in atmosphere and wastewater are 5.56 × 10−12 and 1.41 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 with corresponding half-lives of 34.6 h and 0.82 s, respectively. In atmosphere, all the proposed favorable products including nitroguaiacols, methoxybenzoquinone, 2-hydroxyphenyl formate, 2-methoxybenzene-1, 3-diol and dialdehyde could contribute to secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). In wastewater, NO 2 addition reactions lead to higher toxicity of products (nitroguaiacols and 2-methoxybenzene-1, 4-diol) than that of parental guaiacol. However, O 2 /NO addition pathways may generate less harmful products except for methoxybenzoquinone (P3) which is with higher toxicity than guaiacol. Therefore, more attention should be focused on the products formed from OH-initiated reactions of guaiacol both in atmosphere and wastewater. Unlabelled Image • Firstly studied radicals-initiated reactions of MPs in aqueous-phase theoretically • The solvent effect leads to much higher Γ add of 0.92 than 0.42 in gas-phase. • The rate constants and half-life for hydroxylation of guaiacol were calculated. • Favorable products proposed in the atmosphere contribute to SOAs. • Most products are less toxic formed from O 2 /NO addition than NO 2 addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal wear is the major form of wear in cemented carbide tools used for cutting titanium alloys. This paper proposes a thermal wear model that can be applied for a cemented carbide tool and is a function of pressure value, wear rate, and thickness of the heat-affected layer (HAL). As part of this work, a new method of wear rate calibration was developed. First, the tools with an HAL were obtained via a diffusion couple experiment between the cemented carbide tool and the titanium alloy. Subsequently, a micro slurry-jet erosion (MSE) experiment was performed on the diffusion interface of tools to calibrate the wear rate and thickness of the HAL. The results indicated that the wear rate and thickness of the HAL were not significantly affected by the holding time and were significantly dependent on the temperature and pressure. Finally, the model was verified via cutting experiments. The results revealed that the wear model is able to predict the crater wear suitably. This study demonstrated the combined effect of diffusion-adhesion-abrasive wear and provides a reference for the acquisition of wear models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphous alloy composites (AACs) comprising reinforcing crystalline phases exhibit far better mechanical properties than their base amorphous alloy counterparts, and Cu–Zr based alloys consisting of B2 phase particles embedded in an amorphous matrix are well-researched AACs in this respect. Traditionally, the B2 particles in Cu–Zr based AACs may appear to be homogeneously crystalline (without any amorphous phase inside), the glassy matrix homogeneously amorphous, and their interfaces atomically sharp. Yet, such a picture would pose difficulties in understanding how crystallization can happen in the glassy matrix, since the crystallized product is denser than but iso-stoichiometric with the matrix. The present work provides insights into this puzzle, by using electron microscopy, nanoindentation and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the structures and mechanical properties of the crystalline and amorphous phases, and their interfaces in a Cu 62 Zr 34.5 Al 3 Nb 0.5 AAC. Surprisingly, in this AAC, the superficially crystalline particles with tens to hundreds of microns large are found to be heterogeneous at the sub-micron scale, comprising nano-crystallites embedded in a glassy matrix, and the amorphous phase outside also exhibits a gradient in free volume content towards the interface. Smaller particles containing only B2 nano-crystallites are found to be softer than the amorphous matrix, while larger particles are harder than the amorphous phase due to martensitic transformation into the B19' phase. MD simulations indicate that the B2 phase is marginally more stable than the glassy state, and on crystallization the densification leads to free-volume generation in the surrounding glassy matrix as observed experimentally. Mechanics analysis indicates that the strain energy in the glassy matrix associated with free-volume generation scales with the volume of the crystallization, as would be the crystallization energy itself. Hence, crystallization in the AAC leading to a two-phase structure is a spontaneous but kinetically limiting process arising from the net energy difference between the crystallization energy and free-volume energy produced in the glassy matrix. This work provides a detailed understanding of the heterogeneity in the microstructures in Cu–Zr based AACs, to shed light on the crystallization of the iso-stoichiometric B2 phase from the amorphous phase. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A theoretical study for O 3 -initiated degradation of 3-MC and 4-MC was performed. • Six addition pathways are included in the primary ozonation. • The total rate constants of ozonation for 3-MC and 4-MC were calculated. • The order of reactivity with ozone is 3-MC > 4-MC > catechol > methoxybenzene. • By ecotoxicity assessment calculations, major products are proved to be harmless. Abstract Lignin pyrolysis products that generated by biomass burning can conduce to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), especially in municipal environments. 3-Methylcatechol (3-MC) and 4-Methylcatechol (4-MC) were selected as a representative congener of lignin pyrolysis product to investigate its fate both in the atmosphere and in aqueous particles. This work aims to summarize the reaction rules of this kind of compound, evaluate the contribution of such previously unconsidered reactions to the SOA formation from methylcatechols, and to provide a solution for the optimization of the water environment of such pollutants. We performed quantum chemical calculations for the O 3 -initiated oxidative degradation of methylcatechols, including six addition reaction pathways and the further reactions of the Criegee intermediates (generated during the primary reaction) with NO (only in the gas phase), H 2 O and O 2. Using kinetic simulation, the calculated total rate constant (at 298 K and 1 atm) of O 3 -initiated reactions of 3-MC and 4-MC are 7.89 × 10−17 and 1.11 × 10−17 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. For the lignin pyrolysis products in this work and our previous studies, atmospheric lifetime comparison shows that the reactivity of these compounds takes the order 3-methylcatechol > 4-methylcatechol > catechol > methoxybenzene, which is consistent with experimental results. The ecotoxicity assessment shows majority of the toxic intermediates and intermediate products are converted into harmless compounds after ozone addition reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract High temperature, large strain and fast strain rate resulting from the severe plastic deformation will cause local material instability, then physical and chemical reactions such as phase transition, grain redistribution and fracture may occur during this process. This paper presents an in-depth investigation about the material instability and corresponding microstructures during the serrated chip formation of titanium alloy Ti-6.5AL-2Zr-1Mo-1 V by high speed turning. Firstly, intense deformation during high speed cutting was verified. Phase transition under different loading conditions including temperature, strain and strain rate were also explored, followed by the domination of equiaxed α-phase due to suitably localized severe plastic deformation and sufficient cooling. Secondly, criterion for initiation of fracture of material was introduced and applied to chip breaking. Finally, particle redistribution phenomenon was analyzed accordingly and the so-called severe plastic flow was further verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A hybrid manufacturing method called laser shock processing with post-machining (LSPM) was proposed. • Suitable machining parameters superposed laser shock processing can affect distribution of residual stress. • LSPM may significantly improve fatigue life of a machined component. • Grain grew significantly after deep cryogenic treatment, thus made a reduction of fatigue life. • The variation of fatigue striations width reflected the fatigue resistance. Abstract To achieve better fatigue behavior for super alloy GH4169 parts, residual compressive stresses in surface layers were expected by machining or other manufacturing method. Both laser shock processing (LSP) and deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) were thought as residual stress improvement methods, but their influences on fatigue life were still inexplicit and need further investigation. Four groups of standard specimens are manufactured to study their residual stresses distribution and micro structure of their surfaces on fatigue behavior. To avoid LSP's disadvantage in application, a hybrid manufacturing method of laser shock processing with post-machining (LSPM) was proposed. Results shows that fatigue life for specimens increased more than twofold after LSPM, whereas DCT brought reductions in fatigue life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is an important greenhouse gas and is involved in the destruction of ozone layer. However, the underlying mechanisms of the high soil N 2 O emission during the freeze-thaw (FT) period are still unclear. Here, we conducted a mesocosm study with high frequency in situ measurements to explore the responses of soil microbes to the FT cycles and their influences on soil N 2 O emission. We found the high N 2 O emission rate during the FT period was mainly due to the release of substrates, the maintenance of high enzyme activities at the freezing stage, and the fast recovery of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and high microbial activities at the thawing stage. Physical isolation of previously produced N 2 O was an important mechanism for the higher N 2 O flux at the thawing stage. With increasing numbers of the FT cycles, MBN at the thawing stage remained stable and potential dehydrogenase activities at the thawing stage also remained stable after the first eight FT cycles and only declined during the last two cycles, suggesting the sustainability of the biological mechanisms. Our study suggests that although MBN declined, microbial enzymes could maintain high activities at a few degrees Celsius below zero in this temperate forest soil and produce high N 2 O fluxes even at the freezing stage, which were trapped under the ice layer and released at the thawing stage, resulting in high soil N 2 O emission during the FT period. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Soil N 2 O emission was high during the freeze-thaw (FT) period in the temperate forest. • Soil enzyme activities were maintained at high level at the freezing stages during the FT period. • Physical isolation of previously produced N 2 O at the freezing stage was an important mechanism for N 2 O emission. • The biological mechanism could sustain after several numbers of the FT cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A wireless, multichannel system for real-time measurement of the cellular-temperature response to drugs is developed. Methods: The acquisition system applies a high-precision reference resistor and a low real-time measurement current (below or equal to 0.14 mA) to reduce self-heating via the intermittent measurement. Cells of a small volume cell medium are cultured on the surface of the platinum thermal resistor and subsequently measured in the incubator. Results: The resistance resolution of the circuit exhibits 20 mΩ, which corresponds to no more than 0.01 °C. The resistance deviations of each channel are corrected with software compensation. The linearity between the temperature and resistance of the sensors lies above 0.999 in the applied temperature range (30 °C–42 °C). Observations with the scanning electron microscope show that the cells grow well on the sensor surface. The latter is composed of a glass glaze, which is nontoxic for organisms. The cell population temperature measurements under norepinephrine action present an obvious temperature rise, which can be the result of the drug binding to the receptors on cell membrane thus promoting a cationic inflow. Conclusion: The platinum sensor and multichannel acquisition system can be used to determine the temperature changes of cells in their original state. Significance: The wireless, real-time, high-throughput temperature detection method is particularly suitable to evaluate the thermogenic ability of growing cells that interact with other matter or organisms. The proposed method can help to explore thermal changes in cell populations, intercellular connections, and social connections of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To explore mechanical properties of multilayer TiAlSiN coatings deposited on turning tools and their cutting performance against Inconel 718, TiAlSiN coatings with five different multilayer configurations, including single layer TiAlSiN-A (with higher adhesion strength), single layer TiAlSiN-B (with higher hardness), bilayer, four-layer, and eight-layer, were deposited using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The microstructure, chemical composition, hardness, adhesion, toughness and surface roughness of those coatings are measured and the cutting performance against Inconel 718 is analyzed. It is demonstrated that the multilayer structure results in an increase of both toughness and compressive stress of TiAlSiN coatings, and the one with eight-layer configuration shows the highest toughness among the five coatings. The results of the cutting experiment showed that eight layer coatings have maximum life while the TiAlSiN-A has minimum. This improvement of multilayer structure is believed to be due to the increasing toughness, which alleviates the damage caused by the frequent impact of Inconel 718 hard particles during cutting. This study also shows there is a negative correlation between spalling area of flank surface and adhesion of coatings. Highlights • The multilayer structure results in an increase of both toughness and compressive stress of TiAlSiN coatings. • The toughness shows the most direct positive correlation with cutting life during the cutting process of Inconel 718. • It is more effective to improve coating toughness to extend tool life rather than merely increasing coating hardness during cutting the Inconel 718. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Novel strategies utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic fields are being developed to enhance bone tissue engineering efficacy. This article first reviewed cutting-edge research on the osteogenic enhancements via magnetic fields and MNPs. Then the current developments in magnetic strategies to improve the cells, scaffolds and growth factor deliveries were described. The magnetic-cell strategies included cell labeling, targeting, patterning, and gene modifications. MNPs were incorporated to fabricate magnetic composite scaffolds, as well as to construct delivery systems for growth factors, drugs and gene transfections. The novel methods using magnetic nanoparticles and scaffolds with magnetic fields and stem cells increased the osteogenic differentiation, angiogenesis and bone regeneration by 2–3 folds over those of the controls. The mechanisms of magnetic nanoparticles and scaffolds with magnetic fields and stem cells to enhance bone regeneration were identified as involving the activation of signaling pathways including MAPK, integrin, BMP and NF-κB. Potential clinical applications of magnetic nanoparticles and scaffolds with magnetic fields and stem cells include dental, craniofacial and orthopedic treatments with substantially increased bone repair and regeneration efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In metallic glass composites (MGCs), the existence of crystalline phases causes the structures of amorphous matrix to become relatively heterogeneous near the crystalline phase, resulting in the difference of mechanical properties in micro- or nano-scale in amorphous matrix near crystalline/matrix interface. In this study, this difference was characterized by nanoindentation technology, and the pile-up height was quantitatively related to the activation volume of shear transformation zones (STZs). Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the activation behaviors of STZs during nanoindentation process of amorphous matrix. The influences of crystalline phase on deformation behaviors of amorphous matrix near the interface in MGCs were analyzed in details. • For the interface area of MGCs, the hardnesses of interface, crystalline phase and amorphous matrix increase in turn. • The existence of crystalline phase will cause the gradient distribution of free volume away from the interface in amorphous matrix. • The relationship between the pile-up height of nanoindentation in amorphous matrix, the free volume content and the number of STZs is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stimulation of plant growth and biomass accumulation by elevated CO2 may be limited by soil nitrogen (N) availability. However, our understanding of the response of soil N cycling to elevated CO2 and when progressive N limitation occurs remains limited. Here, we used an open top chamber experiment to examine the effects of 10 years of elevated CO2 on ecosystem carbon (C) and N dynamics in a Quercus mongolica (oak) dominated system in northeastern China. Elevated CO2 increased oak biomass, C and N stocks and C/N by 26.4, 26.2, 16.5 and 8.6% respectively, which suggests increased plant N demand. Soil gross N mineralization, re-mineralization of microbial N and nitrification were accelerated likely due to increased photosynthesis (by 34.9%) and microbial biomass (by 24.2%) under elevated CO2. Thus, the supply of soil available N can sustain the tree growth stimulated by elevated CO2, and to date progressive N limitation has not happened. Nevertheless, both the annual increase of oak biomass, C and N stocks and C/N ratio and the seasonal variations of soil available N and microbial N concentrations, and net N transformation rates indicated that gradual N deficiency may be occurring and the CO2 fertilization effect has weakened with increasing treatment duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comprehensive and reasonable mechanisms of Cl-initiated oxidation of ethyl acrylate (EA) have been proposed by computing at the M06-2X/6-311++G(3df, 2p)//M06-2X/6-31+G(d, p) level of theory. The primary reaction includes eight channels: two Cl additions and six H abstractions. Comparing all calculated results, the reactions of Cl addition are easier to occur than those of H abstraction. However, the hydrogen abstraction from the -CH and -CH groups cannot be ignored. Based on the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory, the rate constants are determined employing the MESMER program. The calculated total rate constant (at 298 K and 760 Torr) is 1.80 × 10 cm molecule s and shows negative dependence on temperature in the range of 198-648 K. The rate constants for Cl atoms of methyl acrylate (MA), EA, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and allyl acetate (AAC) are k > k > k > k . The atmospheric lifetime of EA is 154.3 h for Cl-initiated oxidation which is compared with that of the reaction of other oxidants (OH radicals, O molecules, and NO radicals) with EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile wallet, also known as mobile payment, is becoming one of the most frequently used approach to provide payment services under financial regulation via mobile device and may redefine our lifestyle with the rapid popularity of mobile Internet. In this paper, we address the security of the mobile wallet by providing a detailed threat analysis and identifying some unique design requirements in terms of security and privacy protection for mobile wallet. We then provide a novel approach to secure the mobile wallet and protect the privacy of the mobile user by incorporating the digital signature and pseudo-identity techniques. In view of several advantages of cloud computing, the computation task on the client side, which is usually featured with limited computation resources, is outsourced to the untrusted cloud server securely. The performance of our approach is evaluated via both theoretic analysis and experimental simulations. Also, the security analysis demonstrate that our approach can achieve desirable security properties of mobile wallet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The production and consumption of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in soils are largely regulated by biological processes. Increasing atmospheric CO may alter these processes, thereby affecting GHG emissions and their feedbacks to climate. Methods and aims: Here, we used an open top chamber (OTC) experiment to examine the effects of elevated CO for ten years on soil GHG fluxes in a Quercus mongolica dominated system in northeastern China. Results: Our results showed that elevated CO increased soil CO emissions, consistent with increased microbial biomass and the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and actinomycetes. Additionally, elevated CO increased CH uptake due to stimulated growth of methanotrophs. The seasonal mean soil NO flux was not changed by elevated CO, consistent with unchanged ammonia oxidizing bacteria, archaea and denitrifiers, which was probably due to large variations between the individual OTCs and with time. However, seasonal cumulative soil NO emissions increased by 64.7% under elevated CO. Our results also hinted that nitrification by ammonia oxidizing archaea was the major process of soil NO emissions. Conclusions: In our study elevated CO increased soil GHG emissions and the cumulative global warming potential by 27.8%, causing an important positive feedback to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is focused on the machined surfaced integrity of TB6 titanium alloy (Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al) after dry milling with carbide end mills of variable helix, variable pitch as well as conventional geometry. Roughness, residual stress, nanohardness, and microstructure alterations are investigated. The results show that not only the cutting speed and feed but also the geometric structure parameters of milling cutters have influence on the surface roughness and residual stress. Nanohardnesses exhibited inconsistent variation from the machined surface to bulk material. Plastic deformations and defects are detected in the machined surface. The deformation twins impact the anisotropy, the hardening effect, and the plasticity of TB6 titanium alloy machined surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Process and rate of the crater wear development on the rake face of uncoated cemented carbide inserts were investigated when Ti-6Al-4V alloy was turned under dry cutting conditions. Contour maps were outlined to study the relationship between the area of the contour region and its wear depth. An effectively predictive method was proposed to predict wear-related quantities of the crater, including the crater depth, wear area, and wear volume. The predictive method was verified by the experiments with different cutting parameters. The development rate of the crater with the wear depth was acquired by analyzing the relationship between the area of the contour boundary region and its wear depth, and reasons on a sharp increase of the development rate were discussed at the wear depth of ( KT-1) or ( KT-2). The relationship between the area of the contour region and cutting time at a certain wear depth was proposed and could be used to predict the wear-related quantities of the crater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a simple spatial phase shift shearography based on the Michelson interferometer. A novel digital shearography set-up with a large angle of view, which is based on a 4 f system is demonstrated. In the system, the Michelson interferometer is used as a shearing device to generate a shearing distance by tilting a small angle in one of the two mirrors. In fact spherical wave fronts become plane after going through the first lens in 4 f system. Tilting the mirror in the Michelson interferometer also generates spatial carrier frequency. Sinusoid fitting method is applied to evaluate the phase. This system can generate a phase map of shearography by using only a single image. The effects of shearing angle, the choice of algorithm and comparison result are discussed in detail. The theory and the application are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium alloy TB6 is often used to produce key load carrying parts in the aviation and aerospace industries. The superior mechanical properties pose challenges to machining processes, bringing about such problems as rapid tool wear. In this paper, fine-grain WC/Co tools were utilized in dry turning of the TB6 alloy. The wear modes and wear mechanisms of the cutting tools at different cutting speeds were detailed. The analysis showed that the wear on the tool rake face was characterized as crater formation. The principal wear mode observed on the tool flank face appeared to be microchipping near the region of the cutting edge. The adhesion was more pronounced on the rake face than on the flank face. The clusters of WC particles were pulled out from the Co binder along the grain boundaries, which led to adhesive wear and left an intergranular fractured surface. The crater wear was a result of the elements of the cutting tool diffusing into the adhering material, which was carried away by the flowing chip, leading to a transgranular dissolution of the WC particles, and the worn surface was smooth. The chemical reaction possibly took place at the tool/adhering material interface, where the newly formed compounds were carried away by the flowing chip. The hard particles that adhered to the back surface of the titanium chip probably abrade the tool surface, causing abrasive wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machining processes of Inconel 718 turbine disk including turning and broaching processes are, respectively, analyzed using the theorem of minimum potential energy. First, in order to provide the initial condition in terms of elastic strain energy for the machining processes, two-dimensional, axial symmetry assumptions are adopted and the simulation of multi-stage forging of disk is conducted and verified by the residual stresses test. Secondly, potential energy (PE) expression for the machining processes is developed. The predicted results of turning and broaching indicate that there exists an optimal value of removed material, and high level of strain energy signifies an unstable state of the structure, which could make the part deform to keep self-equilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • SOC in disturbed grassland was similar to shrubland, while higher than in woodland. • Fine root protection was dominant process for soil C changes, instead of C inputs. • The dominant processes for soil N sequestration were similar to soil C. • The change in TN concentration was weak and lagged compared to that in SOC. • Complex and closed N cycling, and N 2 -fixing plant input caused lagged change in TN. Soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sequestration are important for recovery and sustainability of degraded ecosystems. However, the contributions of different processes to soil C and N sequestration following land-use changes in karst areas remain unclear, hindering our ability to recover degraded ecosystems. Here, we selected three typical land-use types (natural shrubland; woodland: Cornus wilsoniana wanger , Cyclobalanopsis glauca , Eriobotrya japonica, and Zenia insignis plantations; disturbed grassland: prescribed burning grassland, aboveground vegetation removal grassland, and complete vegetation removal grassland) to analyse the relative contribution of leaf and fine root inputs and fine root protection to 10 cm topsoil C and N sequestration after a 12-year land-use change in karst slopes. The results showed that (1) soil C concentration in grassland with aboveground vegetation removal was insignificantly different compared to natural shrubland, while woodland with high-intensity preplanting disturbance decreased soil C concentration; (2) soil C dynamic changes from 2006 to 2017 were not significant in natural shrubland and disturbed grassland due to low C inputs rather than high C turnover, which was indicated by the C and N isotopic signature of plant and soil; (3) structural equation model confirmed that fine root protection was the dominant process for the changes in soil C following land-use changes, instead of aboveground or root C inputs derived from replanting vegetation; and (4) the dominant processes for soil N sequestration were similar to soil C. However, the changes in soil N concentration were weaker and lagged compared to soil C during land-use changes because N cycling was relatively complex and closed, especially with increased N inputs derived from N 2 -fixing plants, which were beneficial to increase soil N sequestration. Altogether, our results indicate that primary soil C and N protection strategy, combined with active N input, may be more advantageous for land restoration in karst areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of machining titanium alloy, the high temperature and intensive stress at the tool/chip interface may activate atomic diffusion, which causes the tool to wear. In this paper, the temperature and stress at the interface were investigated using finite-element simulation. The diffusion behaviour of the Co/Ti interface at the atomic level was studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the cutting speed plays a notably important role in diffusion at the Co/Ti interface. The atomic diffusion across the interface becomes more significant with the increase in cutting speed, and a higher cutting speed corresponds to a thicker diffusion layer. The interfacial region exhibits an amorphous structural order at a high cutting speed; simultaneously, it was easier for the Ti atoms to penetrate into the Co atom side because of the larger interstices among the Co atoms. Turning tests were performed. The element diffusion was analysed based on the Auger electron spectroscopy depth profile. The simulation results were experimentally verified. The microscopic mechanism of the diffusion wear of the tool was revealed. This study contributes to a better understanding of the wear mechanisms of cutting tools in titanium alloy machining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DBU-based ionic liquid was immobilized on GO by chemical grafting method. • GO-[DBU] [Br] showed excellent catalytic activity for the reaction of CO 2 and epoxides under mild conditions. • The catalyst was easy to recover and exhibits good chemical stability after five reuses. • Continuous catalytic CO 2 cycloaddition reaction was investigated in a fixed bed reactor, with the highest yield of 77.3%. Emissions of carbon dioxide can lead to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming and so on. conversion of carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals through catalysis, which is an effective method to successfully curb carbon emissions and prevent the greenhouse effect. Among them, CO 2 chemical synthesis of cyclic carbonate is one of the important way. In this paper, a new type of supported ionic liquid catalyst (GO-[DBU][Br]) was synthesized by one-pot method. Subsequently, the GO-[DBU][Br] was applied to the cycloaddition reaction of CO 2 in batch reaction and fixed bed continuous reaction, respectively. The stability of the catalyst was also explored, the GO-[DBU][Br] was easily separated and reused at least 5 times without significant loss of catalytic activity. The excellent catalytic performance comes from the synergistic effect of ionic liquid cations, halogenated anions, and a large number of oxygen-containing functional groups on the GO surface, a possible reaction mechanism was thus proposed. The study provides a safe, efficient, and industrial-scale continuous reaction system for CO 2 utilization. [Display omitted] Molecular Catalysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on sharp geometry of Ni nanowires, we developed a novel high-gradient magnetic separator that was composed of a nanowires array and a uniform magnetic field. When suspension of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) flowed through it, the relatively large nanoparticles or clusters were removed from the suspension so that the size distribution can be improved. The separation resulted from magnetic force so that extra molecules or solvents were unnecessary to add. The performance was proved by scanned electron microscopy characterization and dynamic light scattering measurement. The improvement in magnetic colloidal dispersivity is important for the biomedical application of MNPs. Our results may also play a role in microfluidic application and nanoparticle-based detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economical and eco-friendly lignocellulose pretreatment technology, and enzymatic sugar production are an urgent demands for fermentation into valuable platform chemicals. In this work, we explored that pretreatment of corn cobs and corn stalks based on scCO 2 at pressure (35–45 MPa), temperature (40 ℃−70 ℃) and moisture content (0 wt% − 85 wt%), time (1–24 h), and in term of pretreatment effect to investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis yield. The pressurized biphasic system of CO 2 -H 2 O generates carbonic acid in situ to promote the hydrolysis of biomass, and the drastic release of enclosed static scCO 2 creates irreversible structural fragmentation for the two raw materials, as supported by various characterization techniques. Additionally, comparing the divergences in sugar yield and pretreatment mechanism between the two raw materials was due to the dominant tissue structure. Whilst trade-off high CO 2 pressure and mild pretreatment temperature could achieve high enzyme digestibility compared to the untreated biomass.' [Display omitted] • Pretreated corn ingredients with high pressure CO 2 (35–45 MPa). • Hemicellulose components were effectively removed. • Significantly enhance sugar yield compared to untreated raw materials. • Pretreatment temperature was mild (50 ℃ or 60 ℃) and time was short (1 h or 4 h). • Moisture plays an important role in generating carbonic acid in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundant lignocellulosic biomass used to produce biofuels was considered the most promising alternative to fossil fuels. In view of this, many studies directly use ionic liquids (ILs) to pretreat lignocellulose for subsequent fermentation. Herein, the strong proton acceptor tetrabutyl phosphorus hydroxide (TBPH) aqueous solution was employed to pretreat corn cobs and corn stalks. The effects of pretreatment time (0.5–2 h), temperature (20–80 ℃), TBPH aqueous solution concentration (10–40 wt%) and liquid to solid ratio (4 wt/wt-9 wt/wt) on the components and sugar yield were investigated. For the pretreatment of corn cob and corn stalk, the sugar yield was 90.75% and 80.84%, which were about 4 and 4.6 folds of the raw materials (unpretreated corn cob: 22.5% and unpretreated corn stalk: 17.7%). Characterization results confirmed that the lignin and hemicellulose were significantly removed, and the cellulose crystals remained intact. Before and after pretreatment, the two raw materials changed from the initial dense surface morphology to porous and therefore contributed to enhancing the accessibility of cellulose during enzymatic hydrolysis. Furthermore, the sugar yield could still be maintained above 70% after the TBPH aqueous solution was reused 5 times. These results provide guidance for the conversion of other biomass to sugar and further fermentation to prepare the essential products. [Display omitted] • TBPH aqueous solution was used to pretreat lignocellulose • The pretreated biomass could achieve a maximum sugar yield of 90.75 ± 0.25% • Pretreatment temperature and time were 60–80 °C and 1.0–1.5 h, respectively • TBPH was reused 5 times and the sugar yield remained above 70% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To search for potent anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) agents with multifunctional effects, 12 NO-donating tacrine–flurbiprofen hybrid compounds (2a–l) were synthesized and biologically evaluated. It was found that all the new target compounds showed selective butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory activity in vitro comparable or higher than tacrine and the tacrine–flurbiprofen hybrid compounds 1a–c, and released moderate amount of NO in vitro. The kinetic study suggests that one of the most active and highest BuChE selective compounds 2d may not only compete with the substrate for the same catalytic active site (CAS) but also interact with a second binding site. Furthermore, 2d and 2l exhibited significant vascular relaxation effect, which is beneficial for the treatment of AD. All the results suggest that 2d and 2l might be promising lead compounds for further research. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To search for multifunctional anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) agents with good safety, the previously synthesized tacrine–flurbiprofen hybrids 1a and 1b were modified into tacrine–flurbiprofen–nitrate trihybrids 3a–h. These compounds displayed comparable or higher cholinesterase inhibitory activity relative to the bivalent hybrids. Compound 3a was the most potent, which released moderate NO, exerted blood vessel relaxative activity, and showed significant Aβ inhibitory effects whereas tacrine and flurbiprofen did not exhibit any Aβ inhibitory activity at the same dose. In addition, 3a was active in improving memory impairment in vivo. More importantly, the hepatotoxicity study showed that 3a was much safer than tacrine, suggesting it might be a promising anti-AD agent for further investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The tridimensional morphology and etching kinetics of the etch pit on the C-{0001} plane of sapphire crystal (α-Al2O3) in molten KOH were studied experimentally. It was shown that the etch pit takes on tridimensional morphologies with triangular symmetry same as the symmetric property of the sapphire crystal. Pits like centric and eccentric triangular pyramid as well as hexagonal pyramid were observed, but the latter is less in density. In-depth analyses show the side walls of the etch pits belong to the {1 0 } family, and the triangular pit contains edges full composed by Al3+ ions on the etching surface so it is more stable than the hexagonal pit since its edges on the etching surface contains Al2+ ions. The etch pits developed in a manner of kinematic wave by the step moving with constant speed, which is controlled by the chemical reaction with activation energy of 96.6kJ/mol between Al2O3 and KOH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present the behavior of the thermoelectric response in a nanoscale tungsten-constantan (Cu 58%, Ni 42%) thermocouple (TC). The TC is tip-section typed and fabricated by the stepping method. The thermal electromotive force (emf) showed nearly linear behavior versus temperature over the range from 0 to 100C. For the thermocouples with contact radius below 300 nm, the Seebeck coefficient decreased with the size of thermocouples turning smaller. According to the theory based on the free-electron model, the size-dependence thermal electric response may be ascribed to the change of electronic property in nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoshells currently attract increasing researchinterestsdue to the important role in many subjects. For practical applications,random arrangement of the nanoparticles is often unfavored so thatthe assembly of gold nanoshells is becoming a central issue. We hereproposed to utilize time-variant magnetic field to direct the assemblyof gold nanoshells. It was discovered that the alternating magneticfield can mediate the vortex-like assembly of gold nanoshells. Themechanism was explored and thought to be relative with the electricfield of induction which caused the thermal gradient on the substrateand the electric force. The vortexlike structure as well as the assemblymechanism will play an important role in research and applicationof gold nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we reported the assembly of horseradish peroxidase molecules mediated by the alternating magnetic field. The field can make quasi-one-dimensional assembly conformations. We proved the phenomenon was relative to the magnetic property of HRP molecules. Importantly, the electromagnetic field had little influence on the biological activity of HRP molecules. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Canine bufavirus (CBuV) was first discovered in puppies in Italy in 2016, and subsequent studies have reported its possible relationship with acute enteritis. Currently, there is no specific and quantitative detection method for CBuV. This study examined the conserved NS1 gene and used a pair of specific primers to establish a direct SYBR Green I-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for the detection and quantification of CBuV. In the sensitivity experiment, the detection limit of SYBR Green I-based real-time qPCR was 4.676 × 101 copies/μL and that of conventional PCR (cPCR) was 4.676 × 103 copies/μL. Furthermore, the qPCR method did not detect other viruses in dogs, indicating good specificity. The intra-assay coefficient of variation was 0.07–0.55% and the inter-assay coefficient of variation was 0.03–0.11%, indicating good repeatability. In clinical sample testing, the detection rate of qPCR was 5.0% (6/120), higher than that of cPCR (2.5%, 3/120). In addition, the samples that tested CBuV-positive in this experiment were all from dogs with acute enteritis. In summary, the SYBR Green I-based qPCR method established in this study has good sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility for clinical sample detection and can also assist in future research on CBuV. • The study established a SYBR Green I-based real-time RT-PCR assay for Canine Bufavirus detection. • The assay is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible. • It provides a tool for clinical diagnostics of Canine Bufavirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]